Action Alert: Harry Reid Plans Final Vote before Christmas

Dear Chamber Friend,

 As you know, Senator Harry Reid for weeks has been working behind closed doors negotiating and trying to secure 60 votes so that they can pass a bill before Christmas.  Keep in mind no one other than an handful of Members of Congress have even seen or read the new bill and they will be voting this week. 

 

Last night, the Senate forced another key vote on health care legislation in the dead of night – on a 383 page amendment that few were allowed to see or further amend.

 

The only things known about this bill, as stated in the Washington Post are:  "It will not cover everyone. It will not control costs. It will worsen the budget outlook. It will lead to higher taxes. It will disrupt how, or whether, companies provide insurance for their workers."

 

With the final vote expected on Christmas Eve constituents need to weigh in now.

 

As Senator Olympia Snowe said:

"Ultimately, there is absolutely no reason to be hurtling headlong to a Christmas deadline on monumental legislation affecting every American… When 51 percent of the American people in a recent survey have said they do not approve of what we are doing, they understand what Congress does not -- and that is, that time is not our enemy, it is our friend. 

 

We deserve better than midnight votes and secret agreements — Tell Congress to start over now!

 

Tell Congress that America deserves better.

 

Attached are the talking points on the Reid's manager's amendment. We know you've already been calling your Senators, but we strongly encourage you to do so again and again over this week.  Tell them NO to these artificial deadlines and the unworkable process that has resulted in this deeply flawed legislation. 

 

And as always, to learn more about the issue, and to communicate directly with your Member of Congress, please go to our health care toolkit at:  http://www.uschamber.com/chambers/healthcare

 

Thank you in advance for your continued efforts, and we'll do our best to keep you update as things develop. 

 

John

 

John M. Gonzales

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Regional Manager | Congressional & Public Affairs

Southwest/South Central Region 

222 W. Las Colinas Blvd., #1560 | Irving, TX 75039

Telephone:  (972) 387-1099 x 4252 | Fax:  (972) 404-9130

Mobile:  (214) 535-5567

OKC Chamber ePOINT! (12-17-09)

View on a mobile phone December 2009 www.okcchamber.com

IN THIS ISSUE

Oklahoma City Votes YES for MAPS On December 8th, voters of Oklahoma City approved the MAPS proposal by a 54 percent margin. More than 75,000 people, an unprecedented number for an Oklahoma City municipal election, went to the ballot box to continue Oklahoma City's momentum. The latest MAPS initiative will enhance our quality of life and bring more jobs to Oklahoma City with a world-class destination park, state-of-the-art convention center, modern transit, improvements to the Oklahoma River and State Fair Park, miles of new trails and sidewalks and senior aquatic centers. The YES for MAPS coalition received overwhelming support and contributions from a diverse group of coalition members and volunteers. This historic victory was a complete team effort and would not have been possible without member companies communicating with their employees and friends about the importance of MAPS to Oklahoma City. The Chamber would like to thank everyone associated with the outcome.

Annual Meeting: Jan 7 State of the City: Jan. 13 Sunset Reception: Jan. 19 Legislative Breakfast: Jan. 20 Register for 2010 Best Places to Work in Oklahoma Competition The POINT! and The ePOINT! Online

Annual Meeting: Jan 7

Invite your employees and clients to our Annual Meeting, Thursday, Jan. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., to celebrate Oklahoma City and the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. This year's featured speaker is Rich Karlgaard, publisher of Forbes. This annual event will be held at the Cox Convention Center, 1 Myriads Garden, and will feature a lively 2009 year-in-review from Chamber Chairman David Thompson. Corporate table sponsor cost is $1,000 for ten seats. Chamber members are $75 and $100 for non-members. Register today. Back to Top

State of the City: Jan. 13

Don't miss your chance to hear Mayor Mick Cornett give his "State of the City" Wednesday, Jan. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Cox Convention Center Arena, 1 Corporate tables cost is $1,000 for ten seats. Chamber members are $75 and $100 for non-members. Click here to learn more. Back to Top

Sunset Reception: Jan. 19

Drop by our Sunset Reception where casual business networking has never been so easy! Tuesday, Jan. 19, from 4 to 6 p.m., Science Museum Oklahoma, 2100 NE 52nd St., will open its doors to Chamber members and the public for a relaxing and fun after hours. Enjoy complimentary food and drinks. Admission is free and RSVP is not required. Back to Top

Legislative Breakfast: Jan. 20

Legislative Breakfast gives you the opportunity to meet area legislators and have a voice on the issues impacting the business community. Wednesday, Jan. 20, at the Oklahoma City Marriott Hotel, 3233 NW Expressway from 7:30 -9 a.m., hear a panel discussion between Republican and Democratic State Senate and State House leadership. Chamber members cost is $40, and $50 for non-members. Register today. Back to Top

Register for 2010 Best Places to Work in Oklahoma Competition

The deadline for OKC Business's fifth- annual Best Places to Work award is quickly approaching (Jan. 8). To rank the companies, Best Companies Group will send surveys to your managers and employees. The Top 30 Best Places to Work in Oklahoma will be announced in May at an awards gala and will be featured in OKCBiz's Best Places to Work magazine. All companies who sign up will receive an Employee Feedback Report which details the results of their survey. For more information or to register. Back to Top

The POINT! and The ePOINT! Online

Did you miss a past issue of The POINT! or The ePOINT! newsletter? Both are available on the Chamber's Web site. Check out The POINT! and The ePOINT! to catch up on Chamber news. Back to Top

CONTACT US

Download a full PDF version of The POINT! monthly print newsletter. View past issues of The ePoint! newsletter. The ePOINT! is a news service of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, you can unsubscribe. Contact us: Greater Oklahoma City Chamber The POINT! 123 Park Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73102 405-297-8900 thepoint@okcchamber.com www.okcchamber.com Back to Top

Are you a winner? Winner's must claim their prize by 5:00 p.m. this Friday. http://ping.fm/FEcPN

Coburn WSJ op-ed on rationing in Reid bill (12-17-09)

In Case You Missed It …

 

Dr. Coburn's op-ed in today's WSJ

 

The Health Bill Is Scary

Government guidelines would likely have forbidden the test I used to discover Sheila's cancer.

 

By TOM COBURN

I recently suggested that seniors will die sooner if Congress actually implements the Medicare cuts in the health-care bill put forward by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. My colleagues who defend the bill—none of whom have practiced medicine—predictably dismissed my concern as a scare tactic. They are wrong. Every American, not just seniors, should know that the rationing provisions in the Reid bill will not only reduce their quality of life, but their life spans as well.

My 25 years as a practicing physician have shown me what happens when government attempts to practice medicine: Doctors respond to government coercion instead of patient cues, and patients die prematurely. Even if the public option is eliminated from the bill, these onerous rationing provisions will remain intact.

For instance, the Reid bill (in sections 3403 and 2021) explicitly empowers Medicare to deny treatment based on cost. An Independent Medicare Advisory Board created by the bill—composed of permanent, unelected and, therefore, unaccountable members—will greatly expand the rationing practices that already occur in the program. Medicare, for example, has limited cancer patients' access to Epogen, a costly but vital drug that stimulates red blood cell production. It has limited the use of virtual, and safer, colonoscopies due to cost concerns. And Medicare refuses medical claims at twice the rate of the largest private insurers.

Section 6301 of the Reid bill creates new comparative effectiveness research (CER) programs. CER panels have been used as rationing commissions in other countries such as the U.K., where 15,000 cancer patients die prematurely every year according to the National Cancer Intelligence Network. CER panels here could effectively dictate coverage options and ration care for plans that participate in the state insurance exchanges created by the bill.

Additionally, the Reid bill depends on the recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in no fewer than 14 places. This task force was responsible for advising women under 50 to not undergo annual mammograms. The administration claims the task force recommendations do not carry the force of law, but the Reid bill itself contradicts them in section 2713. The bill explicitly states, on page 17, that health insurance plans "shall provide coverage for" services approved by the task force. This chilling provision represents the government stepping between doctors and patients. When the government asserts the power to provide care, it also asserts the power to deny care.

If the bill expands Medicaid eligibility to 133% of the poverty level, that too will lead to rationing. Because Washington bureaucrats have created a system that underpays doctors, 40% of doctors already restrict access to Medicaid patients, and therefore ration care.

Medicaid demonstrates, tragically in some cases, that access to a government program does not guarantee access to health care. In Maryland, 17,000 Medicaid patients are currently on a waiting list for medical services, and as many as 250 may have died while awaiting care, according to state auditors. Kansas, the home state of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, faces a Medicaid backlog of more than 15,000 applicants.

Other unintended consequences of the Reid bill could wreak havoc on patients' lives. What happens, for instance, when savvy consumers commanded to buy insurance realize the penalty is the de facto premium? It won't take long for younger, healthier Americans to realize it's cheaper to pay a $750 tax for coverage instead of, say, $5,000 in annual premiums when coverage can't be denied if you get sick.

OMB Budget Director Peter Orzsag's belief that mandatory health insurance will become a "cultural norm" is bureaucratic naivete that will produce skyrocketing premiums and reduced care for everyone. My state's own insurance commissioner, a Democrat, recently confirmed this concern to me in a letter noting that "the result will be higher insurance rates due to a higher percentage of insured being higher risk/expense individuals."

But the most fundamental flaw of the Reid bill is best captured by the story of one my patients I'll call Sheila. When Sheila came to me at the age of 33 with a lump in her breast, traditional tests like a mammogram under the standard of care indicated she had a cyst and nothing more. Because I knew her medical history, I wasn't convinced. I aspirated the cyst and discovered she had a highly malignant form of breast cancer. Sheila fought a heroic battle against breast cancer and enjoyed 12 good years with her family before succumbing to the disease.

If I had been practicing under the Reid bill, the government would have likely told me I couldn't have done the test that discovered Sheila's cancer because it wasn't approved under CER. Under the Reid bill, Sheila may have lived another year instead of 12, and her daughters would have missed a decade with their mom.

The bottom line is that under the Reid bill the majority of America's patients might be fine. But some will be like Sheila—patients whose lives hang in the balance and require the care of a doctor who understands the science and art of medicine, and can make decisions without government interference.

The American people are opposing this bill in greater numbers every day because the facts of the bill—not any tactic—are cause for serious concern.

Dr. Coburn, a physician, is a Republican senator from Oklahoma.

 

 

John Hart

Communications Director

U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, M.D.

Russell Senate Office Building 172

(202) 224-5754

(202) 679-1029 (cell)

john_hart@coburn.senate.gov

OTRD Tourism Travelwire 12/08/09

 

 

 

17 Countries to Compete in the 2009 FEI World Reining Masters
Oklahoma City, OK – December 1, 2009 – The National Reining Horse Association will once again host the $100,000 added 2009 FEI World Reining Masters Final during the 2009 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show in Oklahoma City on December 3. The competition brings 20 riders from 17 countries to Oklahoma City along with many international visitors. Set to return are Austrian rider Rudi Kronsteiner and Rosanne Sternberg's Smart Spook, 2007 and 2008 open and restricted division champions.

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2651

 

 

National Horsemen's Association 2010 Playday Finals Held in Lawton Oklahoma
Lawton OK, December 1, 2009 – The Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce announces the 2010 Grand National Horsemen's Association Playday Finals are scheduled July 24-31 at the Comanche County Fairgrounds. "Lawton was selected as the 2010 Playday Finals site over several other cities and is the first time to be held in Lawton," stated Kim Staser, Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce Tourism Director. "We are delighted to attract this caliber of event to Lawton."

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2652

 

 

Enjoy Yukon's Illuminated Christmas in the Park
Yukon's Christmas in the Park, 2200 S. Holly, is a magical wonderland of yuletide visual entertainment beginning Saturday, Nov. 21 through Thursday, Dec. 31 from 6 to 11 p.m. nightly. The drive through series of over four million twinkling lights and 185 one of a kind displays artistically cover three interconnecting parks covering over 100 acres. The public is invited to drive their personal vehicles through the parks to enjoy the lighted tour. Tour buses are also welcome. Horse drawn wagon rides are also available, as well as a ride on the Santa Express train…

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2653

 

 

Embassy Suites Norman Partners with Toys for Tots
Embassy Suites Norman Hotel and Conference Center is joining with Toys for Tots, a mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. They are collecting new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed as Christmas gifts to needy children in the local community. The Toys for Tots program wishes to play an active role in the development of one of our nation's most valuable natural resources – our children; to unite all members of the local community in a common cause during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2654

 

 

Update on Tulsa Zoo's New Giraffe Additions
TULSA, OK, December 2, 2009— The Tulsa Zoo's newest giraffe additions are settling in, with Amira adjusting well to her new exhibit and zoo guests, and Amali, despite her neck injury, remaining stable and interacting normally with her new herd mates. As part of the zoo's best practices, a report regarding Amali's status was voluntarily submitted to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The AZA Accreditation Commission has determined that its Accreditation Standards for animal transport were met and that it will be taking no further action at this time.

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2655

 

 

Newkirk Heritage Center Prepares for Children's Christmas Shop
Elves Delores Prelesnick and Janice Shinn decorate a Christmas tree in the Newkirk Heritage Cenr in preparation of the Children's Christmas Shop. Christmas elves are busy decorating the Newkirk Heritage Center, wrapping boxes, collecting gifts, and preparing for this year's Children's Christmas Shop to be held on Saturday, December 12 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Newkirk Heritage Center, 116 N. Main, Newkirk. For more information, call 580-362-2377. All items in the shop are $10 and under and in even dollar increments.

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2656

 

 

Duncan's Winter Wonderland- Events through December 12, 2009
Cameron University-Duncan Holiday Tree Lighting will be held on December 10 at 6:00 p.m. at Cameron University – Duncan. Festivities include holiday food and fellowship, lighting of the holiday tree, horse-drawn carriage rides and musical performances by the Cameron University Chamber Singers. In the event of inclement weather conditions, the lighting will be held December 11 at 6:00 p.m. For more information contact Jonna Brown at 580-581-5455 or visit http://www.cameron.edu

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2657

 

 

Upside Down at the Toy & Action Figure Museum
At 1pm on Tuesday December 29 and Wednesday December 30, well known Oklahoma artist Dana Helms will show visitors to the Toy & Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley how their imagination can be invigorated by turning the world upside down – and it is included with admission. Surrounded by some of the most exciting examples of imagination ever collected, and watched over by superheroes like Batman, Superman and Luke Skywalker, the Upside-Down Artist will do just that, show how to draw upside-down.

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2658

 

 

Festivals & Events Association giving Cash-Back
Broken Arrow Convention & Visitors Bureau will host the Festivals & Events Association of Oklahoma's Annual Conference in 2010. The event is set to take place March 28th-30th at the Clarion Hotel & Convention Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. The conference schedule includes two days of sessions and round-table discussions of a variety of industry topics including creating partnerships with your neighbors, children's events, web sites, funding, marketing and entertainment. FEAO is offering a chance to receive cash back rewards for early registrants…

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2670

 

 

OKC's Adventure District Dec.-Jan. Event Calendar
Deck the Zoo will take place December 1-24 at the Oklahoma City Zoo. If you bring an edible wildlife ornament to the Zoo, you will receive admission for only $1. These tasty treats will garnish some of the Zoo's pine and oak trees for the native animals that frequent the Zoo. One discount per person. Not valid with any other discount or promotion. Winning 101 will take place December 9 at Remington Park Racing Casino. Learn the ins and outs of handicapping horse racing with Marilyn Toney in a laid-back, fun and interesting Winning 101 session…

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2659

 

 

Holiday Open House Scheduled At Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Superintendent Bruce Noble would like to invite the public to a Holiday Open House in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The Open House will be held at the Platt District Ranger Station, on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Ranger Station is located in the former park headquarters building, approximately one-half mile south of the 4-way stop on Highway 177.

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2660

 

 

Firehouse Art Center's Holiday Gift Gallery Open During 2nd Friday Circuit of Art
NORMAN, OK – The Holiday Gift Gallery will be open during the 2nd Friday Circuit of Art on December11 from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. at the Firehouse Art Center, 444 South Flood Avenue in Norman. Shoppers may also visit the Holiday Gift Gallery throughout the holiday season, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, and 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The Holiday Gift Gallery offers unique items available for purchase, from high-end fine art to more affordable pieces.

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2661

 

 

Branson's "Male Vocalist of the Year" Doug Gabriel coming to The Coleman Theatre in Miami
The Doug Gabriel Show is coming to Miami, OK, December 12 at 7:00pm. The show will be held at the Coleman Theatre. Tickets are $18.00 for adults and $15.00 for seniors (62+). Reservations can be made by calling the Theatre at 918-540-2425 or they will also be available the day of the event at the door. The Doug Gabriel Show is an established show from the Live Music Capital of the World, Branson, Missouri.

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2662

 

 

The Frank Phillips Home Announces Holiday Events
The Christmas season is a special time to visit the Frank Phillips Home. The Home has been decorated in holiday splendor that will delight adults and children alike. Beautiful poinsettia arrangements grace the front foyer. The grand stairway is trimmed with garland. The first floor decorations include festive floral arrangements and Christmas trees in the music room, library, and sunroom.

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2663

 

 

Holiday Jazz Concert Slated for Dec.13 at Depot
NORMAN – Holiday music with a jazz twist will mark the season when The Jazzmen come to the historic Santa Fe Depot Sunday, Dec. 13. The free concert, produced and sponsored by The Performing Arts Studio and Jazz in June, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The group features Kate Dinsmore on vocals, Anthony Nagid on keyboards, Jon Butler on guitar and vocals, David Leach on bass, and Mark Giamario on percussion.

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2664

 

 

Winners of CBS's "Greatest American Dog" Travis Brorsen and Presley Release DVD and Storybook
(Los Angeles, CA) Perry, Oklahoma native and winner of CBS' Greatest American Dog will be releasing 'Adventures with Travis and Presley' next Thursday, December 10, at the town square during the Christmas parade in Perry. He will also have a signing in Stillwater, OK at Hastings on Saturday, December 12th, 2-4pm. Travis and Presley have traveled the country entertaining children while teaching them life lessons.

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2665

 

 

Shawnee Poet Jim Spurr to Read at Depot Dec.13
NORMAN – Long-time Shawnee resident Jim Spurr will be the featured poet at The Performing Arts Studio's Second Sunday Poetry Reading scheduled for 2 p.m. Dec. 13 at the historic Santa Fe Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave. "In the mid-1950s, I was 18 and a paratrooper getting ready to make my first jump. I thought, 'Someday I've got to write about this,'" Spurr said. "Every poem I have ever written ever since has been a failed effort to capture that brief but glorious instant," Spurr said.

 

http://travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2666

 

 

Holiday in the Park Festivities Scheduled throughout December
Holiday in the Park has several activities scheduled for families to enjoy throughout the holiday season. The Holiday in the Park committee has a wonderful holiday season planned in Elmer Thomas Park. Several live performances are scheduled for December. The first event scheduled for December will be December 5th. On this evening, The Red River Ramblin' Dixieland Band of the 77th Army Band from Ft. Sill, OK will perform. They will be providing some authentic Dixieland Jazz in a holiday feel; the likes of which you would hear down in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Music will be from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Performance is free to the public.

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2667

 

 

Midwest City Holiday Lights Spectacular to open on November 20, 2009
MIDWEST CITY, Okla – Midwest City knows how to celebrate Christmas at Holiday Lights Spectacular! Every evening you can expect a warm Midwest City welcome before entering the magnificent scenery that exemplifies the most wonderful time of year. Watch as over one million lights and 90 brilliant displays create an enchanted winter wonderland right in the heart of Joe B. Barnes Regional Park. You will be amused to see our one of a kind Santa fly-fishing in a 15 foot waterfall and fascinated by our majestic 118 foot Christmas tree topped with an 8 foot lighted star.

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2668

 

 

Doubletree Hotel at Warren Place Offers New Year's Eve Galas
Choose one of three special packages Tulsa—Welcome the New Year in style at the Doubletree Hotel at Warren Place, 6110 S. Yale, with three special packages designed to provide an unforgettable 2010 Eve Celebration. According to Larry Martin, Director of Sales and Marketing, all packages include New Year's Eve dinner for two at D'Novo or LXI, champagne toast and dancing at D'Novo, late check-out (1 p.m.) on New Year's Day, complimentary New Year's Day breakfast for two in the Warren Duck Club, complimentary hotel valet parking and transportation to and from D'Novo/LXI.

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2669

 

 

"Expecting" Elephant at Tulsa Zoo
TULSA, OK, December 7, 2009— The Tulsa Zoo announces the pregnancy of 14- year-old Asian elephant, Asha. Asha and her sister, 13-year-old Chandra took up temporary residence at the Tulsa Zoo in June of 2008. The goal was to meet and successfully breed with Tulsa's bull elephant, Sneezy. Four months of hormone monitoring and a recent ultrasound confirmed the pregnancy. She is expected to give birth in spring of 2011 following a 22-month gestation.

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2671

 

 

Artist Martin Holland to Present Painting Demonstration, Norman Singers to Perform Holiday Concert During Second Friday Circuit of Art
NORMAN – Norman artist Martin Holland will demonstrate his painting artistry and technique as part of the December Second Friday Circuit of Art.The demonstration is scheduled for 8-9:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at The Performing Arts Studio, located in the historic Santa Fe Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave. From 7-7:30 p.m., the Norman Singers, the performance chorus of the Norman Community Choral Society, will present a holiday concert.

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2672

 

 

Cherokee Nation Initiates Grant Program for Schools Participating In Historical Field Trips
Support Materials Include The Education Tour Teacher's Guide, Student Activity Workbook and Student Scavenger Hunt Exercise Handout  TULSA, Okla., (December 07, 2009) – Cherokee Nation is providing assistance to Oklahoma schools with a desire to take students on educational tours to cultural and historical sites that are significant to the Cherokee Nation in Spring 2010. Grant applications are now being accepted until all available field trips have been filled. The grant-sponsored tours, available to 3rd through 6th graders, are designed to promote priority academic student skills (P.A.S.S.) in various general subjects while also providing an authentic look into Cherokee heritage.

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2673

 

 

Festival of the Arts Wins Environmental Award
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Arts Council of Oklahoma City won the Award of Environmental Excellence in the Nonprofit More Than $100,000 Budget category at the Keep Oklahoma Beautiful awards banquet Nov. 17. The state-wide award recognized the Go Green Committee's improvement efforts to turn Festival of the Arts, one of the city's largest events, into an eco-friendly activity. "We are overjoyed and honored to accept this award," said Angela Cozby, Festival of the Arts director for the Arts Council of Oklahoma City.

 

http://www.travelok.com/mediaProf/oklaTravelWire.asp?id=2674

 

 

 

Fwd: Central Oklahoma News - December 2009

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In This Issue Legislative Issues Prioritized ACOG Submits CEDS Application Regional Snow Routes Map Plans for 2010 Census Around the Region Regional Events Our Sites ACOG Newsroom Clean Cities Get Around (Carpool) Get Square (Clean Air) Calendar    December 8 9-1-1 Technical Committee, 9:30 a.m. COUASI Budget Committee, 1:30 p.m. December 10 Intermodal Transportation Technical Committee, 10 a.m. December 16 Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, 10 a.m. December 17 9-1-1 Board of Directors, 1 p.m. Intermodal Transportation Policy Committee, 1:20 p.m. ACOG Board of Directors, 1:45 p.m. Garber-Wellington Policy Committee, 2:30 p.m. December 25 ACOG Offices closed for Christmas Association of Central Oklahoma Governments www.acogok.org 21 E. Main Street, Suite 100 Oklahoma City, OK 73104  Phone: (405) 234-2264 Fax: (405) 234-2200   Association of Central Oklahoma Governments on Facebook     Comments/Questions?  Do you have news or an event that you would like to see in this newsletter? Let us know by replying or emailing us at enews@acogok.org.  ACOG Newsletter: December 2009 Welcome to the e-mail edition of Central Oklahoma Perspective! To see more information like this you may use the links at the bottom to update your profile, subscribe to our other topics, forward to a friend or unsubscribe. We appreciate your interest as we are excited to bring you news in this format.   Legislative Issues Prioritized for 2010 Results from a regional online survey of ACOG member communities have helped the Association develop a prioritized list of federal and state legislative issues of concern to local governments in the region. Annually, the Board prepares documents describing its legislative and regulatory concerns to present to Oklahoma State Legislators and Oklahoma's Congressional Delegation. ACOG member entities that responded to the survey included: Arcadia, Bethany, Calumet, Canadian County, Crescent, Edmond, El Reno, Guthrie, Luther, Midwest City, Mustang, Nichols Hills, Nicoma Park, Norman, Noble, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Spencer, The Village, Tuttle and Yukon. Following are the top federal and state issues, ranked in order of importance to ACOG membership: Federal Priorities: 1(a). Continuation of federal support for community development programs such as CDBG, local workforce development, EDA, fire protection, Enterprise Zones, etc. 1(b). Support continued viability of Tinker Air Force Base. Prohibit unfunded federal mandates; fund efforts to meet regulations (i.e. drinking water, arsenic, storm water, flood control, air quality). Address Highway Trust Fund shortfall and fully appropriate money for transportation (highways and bridges). Preserve local authorities regarding rights-of-way fees and land use controls (including negotiations with telecommunications, cable, railroads, etc. and protection of eminent domain). Support efforts to upgrade 9-1-1 systems nationwide. State Priorities: Encourage state funding support for Central Oklahoma area highways and transit options. Fund municipal water/wastewater infrastructure replacements. Leave local personnel issues to local decision-makers. Increase support for Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP). Review municipal finance structure to enhance local government revenue opportunities. For more information, contact Jane Sutter, ACOG ACOG Submits CEDS Application ACOG has applied to the U.S. Economic Development Administration for consideration to develop a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the four-county ACOG region. CEDS are designed to bring together public and private sectors in the creation of an economic roadmap to diversify and strengthen regional economies. The CEDS should analyze the regional economy and serve as a guide for establishing regional goals and objectives, developing and implementing a regional plan of action, and identifying investment priorities and funding sources. A region must have a current CEDS in order to apply for investment assistance under EDA's Public Works or Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs. If awarded a CEDS planning grant from EDA, ACOG would issue a Request for Proposals from qualified consultants to develop the actual plan. The planning grant is expected to be around $150,000 with an approximate 50 percent cash and in-kind match, and can take up to two years to complete. The other 10 councils of government in the State of Oklahoma serve as Economic Development Districts (EDD) for their regions and have conducted CEDS and other economic development strategies for their member communities. Preparation of a CEDS is a preliminary step for ACOG to seek designation as an EDD.   Regional Snow Routes Map Updated as Winter Approaches City and county leaders from across the greater metropolitan area have updated a regional map that highlights the best route choices for motorists when inclement winter weather strikes. The map showcases the roadways that individual communities consider their highest priorities during snow and ice storms. The management of roadways may include the spreading of abrasives (sanding), anti-icing applications (salt and chemicals) and snow removal and clearance (plowing). Organized by ACOG and focusing on the Oklahoma City Area Regional Transportation Study (OCARTS) area, the snow route identification process involved the interaction of multiple municipal entities and agencies. The impetus for the map and process came from a regional desire to improve public safety and avoid accidents. The map is not absolute. It does not reflect potential shortcomings in mechanization, manpower, remediation supplies or time. For example, snowfall can occur so rapidly, that roadway treatment and clearance may not be able to counter it at an equitable rate. As such, the routes on the map indicate the roadways that municipalities realistically intend to first direct resources. It does not guarantee that the streets will be clear. City and county leaders encourage motorists to observe winter driving rules and to only drive on snow and ice covered roads when necessary. The snow routes presented are the best routes to take if and when drivers are out in a severe winter weather event. For more information on winter driving, and to view and download the map, visit www.acogok.org/snow. Plans for 2010 Census Underway The national inventory of our nation's people is coming soon. Though the Census takes place every 10 years, preparation is seemingly constant. The census is a count of every person living in the United States, including all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. This includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, both citizens and non-citizens. Census questionnaires will be mailed to households in March 2010. Before then, communities and regions are coming together with the development of "complete count" committees. Tribal, state, and local governments work together with partners in the community to form Complete Count Committees (CCC) to promote the 2010 Census in their communities. Community-based organizations also establish CCCs that reach out to their constituents. A Complete Count Committee is a team of community leaders appointed by the highest-elected official to develop and implement a locally-based outreach and awareness campaign for the 2010 Census. This team's primary focus is to promote the 2010 Census in a particular community and to ensure that every resident in that area is counted. Community leaders are most qualified to understand the best way to reach all populations that reside in their area. The team is also best suited to mobilize community resources. Census data helps determine the distribution of $300 billion annually of government funding for critical services. Census data is used to allocate government funding and guides where to build roads, schools, job training centers and more. An incomplete count could mean a community does not receive its fair share of funding. The data process generates thousands of jobs across the country and ultimately determines how many seats each state will have in Congress and impacts redistricting of state and local districts. Citizen and government support of the 2010 Census matters greatly. The new form will ask only a few simple questions that takes a few minutes to answer and can be returned by mail. The Census Bureau is currently hiring hundreds of thousands of people nationwide for temporary census jobs. There are several applications available on the ACOG Web site at www.acogok.org. For more information about becoming a 2010 Census partner, visit www.census.gov/2010census.   Around the Region Cleveland Area Rapid Transit launches new West Norman route. The West Norman Link is Norman's first new city route in more than 16 years. The route provides access to northwest Norman, specifically 36th Avenue Northwest, Tecumseh Road and 24th Avenue Northwest. Featured stops include Norman Regional HealthPlex, Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center, University Northpark, Brookhaven Village and many residential areas along 36th Avenue Northwest. The West Norman Link "links" to the Main Street route, as it is the first CART route not to originate on the OU campus. The concept is in an effort to make new bus routes more frequent and efficient for convenience and ease. For more information, visit: http://cart.ou.edu/index.html State officials are asking Oklahomans if they are ready for the next emergency. The new campaign, called "Red Dirt Ready," features a website loaded with preparedness information. Preparing Oklahomans for the next emergency is the campaign's goal, said Kerry Pettingill, director of Oklahoma's Office of Homeland Security. Pettingill also said that having a family plan in place before the next event happens will help Oklahomans through emergencies and natural disasters. Information on how to develop a plan is posted at www.RedDirtReady.com.   The Oklahoma Department of Commerce has announced the training schedule for Community Development Block Grant administrators. The next training and certification examination is scheduled for March 25-26, 2010. To register, call Gary Wesselhoft at 405-815-5336. Applicants will receive a study guide and manual. ODOC is also providing continuing education for certified administrators with a session scheduled for December 18, 2009. All training is held at ODOC city offices at 900 N. Stiles.   Regional Events   Spend your holiday exploring downtown Oklahoma City. The eighth annual Downtown in December winter celebration is presented by the Downtown OKC Business Improvement District. Only in Downtown Oklahoma City can you experience the thrill of outdoor ice skating, exhilarating snow tubing rides down the southwest's largest manmade slope, water taxi excursions along the winding Bricktown Canal, free museum Sundays, free river cruises, a magically-lit botanical garden and historic avenue, a festive 5K run through the heart of Downtown and plenty of holiday cheer for the entire family! This month-long adventure attracts thousands of revelers to the heart of the City's polar playground. Festivities run through the New Year. Downtown in December is organized by Downtown Oklahoma City Incorporated and sponsored by the Downtown Business Improvement District. Visit www.DowntownInDecember.com for more details.   The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) is a voluntary association of city, town and county governments within the Central Oklahoma area. The ACOG region includes Oklahoma, Cleveland, Canadian and Logan Counties. Originally established in June of 1966, ACOG is one of 11 Councils of Governments in the State of Oklahoma, and one of several hundred planning organizations across the country.

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Credit scores, tax basics and other items of interest

Understanding Credit Scores- Tax Basics - Business Planning 101 Opportunities for our clients- Become A Facebook Fan of the UCO SBDC Click here to become a fan of the SBDC and keep up with our news! Or, if you prefer, read our blog. How to Find Us! Where Main Street meets E.K. Gaylord! click here for directions Look for the UCO signage!   We're two blocks from Bricktown! If you are coming downtown, make a day or night of it in Bricktown, or take in other sights and sounds of the downtown area. For information on all things downtown, click here.   Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.  All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the SBA. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabiities will be made, if requested in advance.  Contact Susan Urbach, One Santa Fe Plaza, Oklahoma City (405) 232-1968 who will make the arrangements.   Dear Sandy, We had quite a party on November 20th, didn't we?  We estimated over 130 through the time.  Our thanks to Abuelo's for food, PrimaCafé for coffee and tea, Puzzles Cafe for decorations, Dr. Carol Chiang for music.  We have a few pictures on the Facebook fan page and blog. We have a few items to highlight- Business Planning 101 Understanding Your Credit Score breakfast Tax Basics for New Businesses - new workshop! Website building seminar this week, Wed, December 9- click to register. Marketing seminar this week, December 10 - click to register. Click here to check out some information that we believe would be helpful for some of our clients. The UCO Small Business Development Center gang Susan, Carlos, Larry and Kaye Business Planning 101 Whether you are starting a new business or you are well established, every business needs a business plan. The obvious reason for planning is that you need financing for your business and the bank requires one. But the truth is there are several other reasons why you need to plan! It helps you focus on what is truly important for your business, it gives you a map to follow, and it allows everyone in your business to be united in focus and direction. This is a very hands on seminar and designed for the company that needs a plan, and may feel intimidated by the process. We will go over the basics of business planning, including how to put together financial projections. We encourage you to bring your laptop, because we will begin work on your plan during the seminar. Two hour training, parking in the Santa Fe Garage is included with paid registration. Thursday afternoon, December 10 - 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Location:  UCO SBDC office - One Santa Fe Plaza Cost:  $49 Click here to register.   Tax Basics For New Businesses In this seminar we want to build on what you learned in our Nuts and Bolts seminar.  We will talk about growing your business without incurring large tax problems (Nobody wants to have problems with the IRS!); learning to avoid major pitfalls, understanding the tax ramifications of handling payroll and defining ways to better your bottom line and save for the future.   Wednesday, December 16  1:00 p.m. - 4:00 pm. Fee:  $49 Click here to register. Note:  Up to two people from a company can attend for one fee. Understanding Your Credit Score Breakfast.   No fee! Your credit score is vitally important, especially when you are looking at getting business credit. With the current economic situation, you simply cannot afford to not know how to keep your credit report as clean and your score as high as possible. There have been many changes in laws and it's helpful to know how you may be affected. There is no charge for this seminar due to the sponsorship and speakers of Allegiance Federal Credit Union. Join us for a continental breakfast and a cup of coffee. You will need to pay for parking. Closest parking is the Santa Fe Parking garage directly above our offices. Tuesday,    December 15  8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Location:  SBDC Office Cost:        No charge.  You pay for parking.  Note:  plan on leaving your home just a bit early to allow for traffic issues. Clickhere to register Opportunities for our clients UCO student team seeking tech business for Governor's Cup Competition.  Click here to read about the competition.  Interested in having the team participate with your business?  Email professor Owen Sevier regarding this. Having trouble finding the right employees?  Perhaps you can take advantage of the service JobFit, which can help you better identify candidates that are more suited, and therefore more successful and long term.  Contact Phil Floyd regarding this program. Are you looking to open a restaurant?  Property developer with a revitalization/renovation area seeking a restaurant for 23rd Street Court. This is the last open location in a successful development.  Possibility of negotiations for equity in the company.   Contact Mike Tharasena. Have an opportunity you'd like to share?  Email us.

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OK Entrepreneur's Conference (P12-07-09)

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December-09   Oklahoma Entrepreneur's Conference 2010: Accelerate Your Startup       What: Oklahoma Entrepreneur's Conference 2010: Accelerate Your Startup When: February 23-24, 2010 Where: Embassy Suites Norman              2501 Conference Drive              Norman, Oklahoma 73069 Registration: Click here to register. Registration is required. Experience a taste of start-up culture. Network with others that can help accelerate your idea or start-up. Get the tools to grow your entrepreneurial venture. Community Leaders - Learn how to grow your entrepreneurs. Join us for insights and tools to support start-ups. Network with entrepreneurs and experience business from the ground up. "Without this conference, I would have never known about all the free resources available for entrepreneurs in Oklahoma. And I certainly would not have met them all face to face in one place." --- Dave Rudkin, Entrepreneur and 2009 Attendee           As the lead economic development entity in the state, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce mission is to increase the quantity and quality of jobs in Oklahoma. Visit us online: OKcommerce.gov OKboomerang.com GrowOklahoma.com Follow us on Twitter: @OKcommerce @OKboomerang @OKisWindEnergy

 

CEO to CEO Briefing

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	December 4, 2009 REMINDER: Register TODAY for The State Chamber's Public Affairs Forum! Click Here for Registration Information Input For Water Plan Moving Into Final Stages – The input process for revising the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan (OCWP) is progressing to its final stages.  With the completion of the Planning Workshops in October, staff of the Oklahoma Water Resources Research Institute (OWRRI) began working toward the Town Hall meeting in May.  The Oklahoma Academy is hosting a special Water Town Hall meeting that will be the final public input event of the revision process. Town Hall participants will be selected by the Academy and the Planning Advisory Board of the OWRRI.  Prior to the Town Hall, participants will meet on March 29th for a Strategy Seminar to review each of the 16 strategies that emerged from the Planning Workshops.  The OCWP update is scheduled for completion in 2011. Contact Ronn Cupp. Oklahoma Has Nation's Fifth Worst Bridges – According to the annual Bridge Inventory by Better Roads magazine, Oklahoma has the fifth worst bridges in America.  Of the state's 23,646 bridges of 20 feet or more, 6,904 – 29 percent, are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.  The survey, which has been conducted since 1979, lists Texas, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Ohio and Oklahoma as the top five states with the worst structurally deficient or functionally obsolete bridges. Contact Ronn Cupp. Senator Inhofe Interview Addresses Climate E-Mail Scandal & EPA - Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe was recently interviewed by Kim Strassel of The Wall Street Journal.  In her column, she states that Senator Inhofe believes "Cap-and-Trade" legislation is dead and that the Environmental Protection Agency may have difficulty promulgating regulations on carbon because of leaked climate e-mails regarding the research and data. To read Ms. Strassel's "Potomac Watch" column, click here. Contact Ronn Cupp. U.S. Senate Begins Debate on Health Care Reform – On Monday, November 30th, the U.S. Senate began debate on their version of health care reform.  Several amendments have been offered for consideration and debate on these amendments is anticipated to continue throughout the next couple of weeks.  Majority Leader Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) has indicated a desire to file a "Cloture on Final Passage" motion (which requires 60 votes) on or around December 18th in order to close the consideration of amendments and move the bill to the floor for a full Senate vote. If passed, the bill would then go to a conference committee to be merged with the House version. Contact Matt Robison. EFO To Sponsor Pandemic Seminar For Businesses – The Environmental Federation of Oklahoma (EFO) is joining with the Oklahoma Secretary of Environment and the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security to present a seminar specifically designed to prepare businesses for any emergency that may arise.  The "Environmental Business Planning for Pandemics, Climate Disasters and Terrorism" seminar will be held, December 10th at OSU/Tulsa.  J.D. Strong, Oklahoma Secretary of Environment, and Kerry Pettingill, Director, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, will welcome registrants to kick-off the seminar. EFO is a member of The State Chamber.  Its president, Jim Barnett, chairs The State Chamber's Natural Resources Committee. Registrations are due today, December 4th.   Call Diana Collins at 405-272-9221 to register.  Contact Ronn Cupp. Tort Reform Seminar Scheduled – Effective November 1st, Oklahoma law changed in ways that will fundamentally affect how litigation is waged in the state.  Included in the new law are profound changes that govern the circumstances under which lawsuits may be filed, how much may be awarded in damages, when and how much interest is recoverable, and much more.  Oklahoma tort reform will affect how attorneys protect businesses, as well as how business people manage their attorneys.  State Chamber member McAfee & Taft is hosting two seminars, led by their trial lawyers, that will outline some of the most important points of the new tort reform legislation, including:     • Class Actions     • Professional Negligence Cases     • Pre-Judgment Interest     • Summary Judgment Practice     • Products Liability     • Damages Caps The Tulsa seminar is scheduled for Tuesday, December 8th, from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM at the Doubletree at Warren Place, 6110 S. Yale Avenue.  To register for this seminar, click here.  The Oklahoma City seminar is scheduled for Wednesday, December 16th, from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM at the Waterford Marriott, 6300 Waterford Boulevard.  To register for this seminar, click here.  There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is required. Seating is limited. OKC Thunder NBA Basketball Tickets Available To Our Members - For some remaining games, we have two or four mid court club seats in section 208, row A.  These tickets have been discounted to us for $80 each, originally $126.  Seats may have TV cameras that obstruct some of the view, which is not a problem if you stand up.  Free parking passes are included.  Contact Bud Marshall. EVENTS Summary Tort Reform Seminar - December 8th - Doubletree at Warren Place, Tulsa - REGISTER Public Affairs Forum - December 9th - Marriott Hotel, NW Expressway, Oklahoma City - REGISTER EFO's Pandemic Seminar - December 10th - OSU, Tulsa - Call Diana Collins 405-272-9221 Tort Reform Seminar - December 16th - Waterford Marriott Hotel, Oklahoma City - REGISTER	State Chamber Business Resource Partners Affinity services and products for our members CHAMPION INVESTORS Platinum BlueCross/BlueShield of Oklahoma ConocoPhillips Devon Energy Corporation Gold American Fidelity Assurance Company Chesapeake Energy Corporation OGE Energy Corporation Silver AT&T - Oklahoma The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. Oklahoma Publishing Company Public Service Company of Oklahoma Bronze The Bama Companies, Inc. BancFirst Bank of America Cherokee Nation Chickasaw Nation Georgia-Pacific Corporation INTEGRIS Health Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc. OU Medical Center Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. Scott Rice The Williams Companies, Inc. Granite AAON, Inc. Arby's/US Beef Corporation Assurant, Inc. AVL Systems Design, LLC BIPAC The Boeing Company Case & Associates Properties, Inc. Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma CompCHOICE Crowe & Dunlevy, A Professional Corp. Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. Express Employment Professionals Foundation for Fair Civil Justice Gabbard & Company Holly Refining & Marketing - Tulsa LLC The Journal Record Lafarge Building Materials McElroy Manufacturing, Inc.  Oklahoma City RedHawks Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Oral Roberts University RXMedical, LLC Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. T.D. Williamson, Inc. University of Tulsa UPS The Worx Company Xerox Corporation Advisor Advancia Corporation Andrews Davis CenterPoint Energy Comanche County Memorial Hospital Comanche Home Center Continental Resources, Inc. Énye Media Fleming Building Company, Inc. The Hertz Corporation Johnson & Johnson Johnston Enterprises, Inc. Mathis Brothers Furniture McAfee & Taft National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Oklahoma Osteopathic Association ORS Nasco, Inc. Presenting Matters, LLC Stillwater National Bank Investor 29e, Inc. Alltel Wireless Ameristar Fence Products APSCO, Inc. ARL BioPharma, Inc. Balliet's, LLC Cameron University Canadian State Bank Carlos E. Johnson, PLLC CDBL, Inc. City National Bank & Trust Co. Cole & Reed, P.C. Community Hospital Crawford Investments, LLC The Crosby Group Duncan Industrial Solutions Eaton Corporation El Paso Corporation Emrick's Van and Storage The Flintco Companies, Inc. Fred Jones Companies, Inc. Freymiller, Inc. Genzyme Glass Operating Group, LLC Hitch Enterprises, Inc. Infinite Business Solutions Lawton-Ft. Sill Cavalry Lawton-Ft. Sill Chamber of Commerce Lawton Public Schools Majors Investments MedEncentive, LLC Medtronic, Inc. Merck & Co., Inc. Mills Machine Company, Inc. mobiManage, LLC Moran Oil Enterprises Nadel & Gussman, LLC Neurosurgery Specialists Oklahoma Bankers Association OKC Metropolitan Association of REALTORS Oklahoma Society of CPAs Oklahoma State Fair, Inc. Oklahoma Wesleyan University Perimeter Technology Center, LLC Pioneer Telephone Cooperative, Inc. Presbyterian Health Foundation PSA Consulting Engineers, Inc. Quail Creek Bank, N.A. RAM Energy Resources, Inc. Rattan Consulting, Inc. R.L. Hudson & Company Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc. Saxum|PR Schnake Turnbo Frank|PR Signal Mountain Associates, Inc. Southern Plains Medical Group SpiritBank - Bristow St. John Health System Stanley, Inc. The Stock Exchange Bank Stolhand Heating & Air Storage 'R' Us, LLC Summit Consolidated Group, Inc. Terry Neese Personnel Services Topographic, Inc. Valley National Bank Vortex, Inc. Ward Petroleum Corporation WEBCO Industries, Inc.

 

Last Chance to Register for Luncheon at the Chateau

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Luncheon at the Chateau Where: The Chateau 2310 N Banner Rd El Reno, OK 73036 Driving Directions When: December 10, 2009 at 11:30 AM -to- December 10, 2009 at 01:00 PM Add to my calendar   Fee: $10.00   Dear Sandy,   CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON   PRESENTED BY:   Jim Priest, Speaker Extraordinaire   WHEN:  Thursday, December 10, 2009   TIME:  11:30 p.m.   WHERE:  The Chateau, 2310 N Banner.     DIRECTIONS:    I-40 and Banner Road, go South on Banner Road for approximately ¼ mile on the East side of Banner Road.   The Chateau sits just adjacent to The Palace Event Center (across the street from Banner School).   CATERER:  The Palace Event Center   MENU:  Mash Potini Bar and Dessert Bar   COST:  $10.00 Members $12.00 Non-Members    RESERVATION DEADLINE:  Monday, December 7, 2009   Any reservation made after Monday, December 7, 2009 will be charged $12.00.         Register Now!

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Yukon Chamber Weekly Wednesday -- Chamber makes Channel 9 news http://ping.fm/T5kiq

MWC Home Makeover (12-05-09)

 

 

MWC Home Makeover Calendar and Needs 

 

Call to action!!! 

We are 1 week away from completion of this project!  We still need several thousand dollars to complete this project the way it needs to be done. 

 

Greatest Need

 Money deposited into the Bancfirst MWC Home Makeover account or Lowe's gift cards mailed to 9900 Dawn Dee Rd, OKC, OK  73150.  These can also be dropped at the worksite - 1004 East Lockheed, MWC

 

Help us finish this project the right way!!!  Don't think your $10 is too small.  If everyone gives $10, we can make this dream a reality! 

 

Watch Fox 25 Monday, Nov 30th with Lauren Richardson from 6 - 9 a.m. for live footage!  They will be doing multiple updates later in the week as well! 

 

Monday - Tuesday

Need experienced sheetrock/tape and bed people

 

Wednesday

Need people to paint interior of home  

 

 

 

SUN	MON	TUES	WED	THUR	FRI	SAT
22   9:00AM Con't demolition/ Begin cleanup FOOD: Lunch: Carr Dinner: Sanders	23   5:30AM – 9AM FOX NEWS at house. Framing/ plumbing/ Electric. /Scrape Ceiling/Finish cleanup FOOD: Lunch:  Emmerling Dinner: Sanders/Steucken	24   9:00AM Framing/ Plumbing/ Electrical/ Scrape Ceiling/ Clean-up FOOD:     Lunch: Russell Dinner: Hillhouse	25  9:00AM Plumbing/ Electrical FOOD: Lunch: Chick-Fil-A  Dinner: Emmerling	26 Thanksgiving Day off with Family!  Some families working that day.  Let us know if you can work. 808-0715  FOOD: None	27 9:00 AM Sheet rock/ Tape/bed Texture Walls/ Clean-up FOOD:Lunch: Ted's  Dinner:Sanders	28   9:00AM Sheet rock/ Tape/Bed Texture Walls/ Clean-up FOOD:  Lunch: Jersey Mikes Dinner:Chick-Fil-A
29     9:00AM Sheet rock/ Tape/Bed Texture Walls/ Clean-up  FOOD: Lunch:  Jersey Mike's Dinner: Baxter	30         9:00AM Sheetrock/ tape/ bed /Clean- up FOOD:    Lunch: Humphreys Dinner: Dominos	DEC 1    9:00AM Tape/bed/texture  all walls in  house/Install cabinets/counter kitchen /fixtures   Clean-up FOOD: Richardson	2    9:00AM Painting/ Clean-up FOOD:Richardson	3         9:00AM Flooring people only/limited traffic day FOOD:  Lunch: Bays Dinner: Richardson	4         9:00AM Lighting/finish floor/bathroom tile and backsplash FOOD: Richardson	5        9:00AM Windows/base and case/fill kitchen cabinets/ Decorating/ Dusting,  Sweeping, General cleaning - needs lots of hands - ladies in particular FOOD: Richardson
6 9:00AM Decorating Furniture Move stuff back in/Unpack/ Need  large moving  crew! FOOD:	7 9:00AM Finalize FOOD:	8 REVEAL THE BLESSING!! Early in morning! FOOD:

Note the needs for each day

Bring your own supplies each day for work or cleaning as noted

 

Needs after tomorrow:

 

11/30 - 12/1 - Need skilled people who can do sheetrock and hawk and trowel texturing - clean up also

 

12/2 - Interior Painting - anyone with a brush, basic paint supplies - clean-up as well

 

12/3 - Floors go in - need people who can lay wood flooring only - limited traffic day

 

12/4 - Finish floors/lighting/bathroom tile and backsplash 

 

12/5 - Need large cleaning crews with lots of cleaning supplies, windows installed a.m./landscaping final p.m. - Also need people to help outside with landscaping install - lots to do

 

12/6 MOVE IN - need pick-up trucks, trailers, anyone who can help move things from storage unit and un-pack.  Need ladies and teen girls to help un-pack and decorate.  Need men and teen boys to help move boxes and furniture.  Need lots of food that day.  continue work on landscaping

 

12/7 - Finalize everything, finish cleaning and decorating - finishing touches/food in fridge/pantry

 

12/8 - REVEAL - early morning - details to come

 

If you need directions, information or anything else, contact

 

DeAnn Warfel sdwarfel@sbcglobal. net  808-0715

Laurie Ballweber  ballweber@live. com 819-5551

Michelle Malone themalonesix@ gmail.com 209-4641

 

Go Team!!!!!

 

Note all the fabulous contributors to the cause!  Thank these companies! 

 

Lowe's - significant contributions - kitchen and much more!

FOX 25 - News coverage

H.I.S. Paint - interior and exterior paint

Corporate Suites of Edmond - temporary housing for family

Thermal Windows, Inc - windows

Todd Conaway - lead contractor

Legacy Church - lead contractor and substantial funding

Budget Box and Bag - all packing supplies

Jersey Mike's Subs - food and drinks

Adtech Signs - banners/signage

Lorec Ranch - decor

Paint a Smile - children's rooms decor, furniture and coordination

Rebuilding Together - construction assistance

Storage Plus U-haul - U-haul

American Self-Storage - storage units

Richburg Stone - landscaping stone

Safety Mark - safety supplies for work crews

Champion Roofing - roofing

Guaranteed Construction Services - construction assistance

RW Creations - texture for walls

Myocastle - landscaping supplies

Bellarose Landscaping - landscaping

Total Home Exterior - storm door

Waste Corporation of America - waste containers

B and D Enterprises - construction

Climate Master

Chick-Fil-A - Food

Dominos - Food

Krispy Kreme - Food

Warfel Body Shop - car repair

ACE Transfer and Storage

RW Creations - Wall texture

C & D Fence - Fencing

Full Circle Tree Service - tree/landscaping

 

 

 

__._,_.___

 

.

 

OKC MSA unemployment rate - 2nd lowest in large metro (12-03-09

Oklahoma City MSA unemployment increases slightly to 6.5% in October (was 6.0% in September), but still 2^nd lowest unemployment of any large metro with over 1 million population.

 

Oklahoma County unemployment is 6.7% in October (up from 6.2% in September).

 

State unemployment is currently at 7.1% in October (up from 6.8% in September).

From: Carpenter, John [mailto:John.Carpenter@oesc.state.ok.us]
Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 3:35 PM
Subject: NEWS RELEASE - McCurtain County Claims October's Highest County Unemployment Rate

 

a news release from the
OKLAHOMA EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION

CONTACT:
John Carpenter, Public Information Officer
Phone: (405) 557-5469
Email: john.carpenter@oesc.state.ok.us
http://oesc.ok.gov

FOR RELEASE:  December 2, 2009

 

The Oklahoma Employment Report - Metropolitan statistical area (MSA) and county information supplement for October 2009 is included with this e-mail as an attachment.  It contains Current Employment Statistics (CES) for metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) and sub-state Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS), including county unemployment rates, unemployment rate rankings and the unemployment rate map of Oklahoma.  If you would like to receive this information by fax or want to be removed from the distribution list, please contact me using the information above.

Thank you.

 

John Carpenter, Public Information Officer
Oklahoma Employment Security Commission

 

# # #

NOTES:

        The attached file is in pdf format, and you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open it.  If you need to download the software or an update for your computer, it can be found at http://get.adobe.com/reader/. 

 

<<McCurtainCoClaimsOctHighestUnemplRate.pdf>>

RSVP for Covey this Monday (Posted 12-03-09)

REMINDER: Free Covey Conference Call on Why Collaboration is Critical Now – Monday, December 7th at 11:00 a.m. MST (10a PST / 12p CST / 1p EST) www.SpeedofTrust.com/call. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * PREVIOUS NOTICE BELOW * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * In a survey of executives in Talent Magazine last month, growing trust was again the #1 executive skill required. Survey Results The skills that C-suite executives need most in order to lead their organizations out of the recession are: #1 - Meet with customers and prospects to grow trust and win business (77%) The skills that current executives most need to develop are: #1 - Growing trust among employees and customers (76%) Experts agree that we have entered a "Collaborative Economy," and executives and their teams must master the ability to grow and restore trust with all stakeholders.  As Stephen M. R. Covey puts it:  "Without trust, you may be able to coordinate, you may even be able to cooperate, but to truly collaborate with team members, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders, you must have trust." Trusted and collaborative people are also more likely to get promoted and win the best projects. On December 7th at 11:00 a.m. MST in a private conference call, you can ask Stephen your toughest questions on how to transform your team's success this year by mastering trust and collaboration.  Ask Stephen why our clients report that they are teaching the Speed of Trust to their entire supply chains and customers.  Or, why they say the Speed of Trust also teaches the collaboration skills necessary to eliminate internal silos once and for all.  Register at www.SpeedofTrust.com/call. As Al Carey, CEO of Frito Lay, stated: "We now move through decisions that are normally enormously complex, and we do it at breakneck speed.  When you trust each other, there is no need for extra bureaucracy.  It allows you to reduce layers of management and move directly to decisions quickly. I've been through every training program you could imagine.  The Speed of Trust is the best program I have seen—it's not a training program, it's a process of managing.  And it's the only program that spans all functions.  I think it's a natural way to run an organization." Regardless of your current strategic imperatives, we assert that growing trust and collaboration will accelerate your success.  Ask Stephen your toughest questions and reserve your seat for the call at www.SpeedofTrust.com/call.  Gather your boss and colleagues around the speakerphone on Monday, December 7th at 11:00 a.m. MDT.  Take your trust and collaboration to the next level. Thanks for being an advocate for trust. Greg Greg Link President & Co-founder Global Speed of Trust Practice Strategic Success Starts with Trust

© 2009 Global Speed of Trust Practice – 155 West Canyon Crest Rd., Suite 300

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Dr. Coburn on radio 12-03-09

Dr. Coburn is scheduled to be on Tulsa radio 740AM KRMG tomorrow morning (Thursday, Dec. 3) sometime between 7:40 - 8 a.m.

You can pick this station up in OKC.


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Craig J. Smith
Office of U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, M.D.
(405) 231-4941

Healthy Communities E-Newsletter 12-02-09

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Volume 7, Number 21 | December 2, 2009 Teens, Weight, and Sex | Depression, Obesity, and Alcohol | Partner Abuse | Cancer and Smoking Cessation | Parenting Teens, Weight, and Sex Adolescent Girls' Weight Tied to Risky Sexual Practices According to a new study from the University of Pittsburgh, adolescent girls' race and weight -- both actual and perceptual -- may be predictive of their sexual behaviors, including risky ones like early sexual initiation, multiple partners, and unprotected sex. Read the full article at: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-10/uops-pss102909.php Help parents raise their children with a healthy weight Fitness, Food And A Healthy Weight For Your Child; A Parent's Handbook (EM94046)K This handbook helps families create a lifelong plan for weight management, with accurate information and hands-on features to assess family attitudes about food, balance physical and sedentary activities, and set nutrition and exercise goals. Also available in Spanish! Ask for item no. (EM94067)K. To learn more or to place an online order, go to: http://go.channing-bete.com/wa/promotion?p=1&code=H4042 Return to top Depression, Obesity, and Alcohol Common Public Health Issues Often Linked According to a University of Washington study, three prevalent public health problems -- depression, obesity, and alcohol dependency -- are often interrelated. However, the findings showed significant gender differences. Read the full article at: http://uwnews.org/article.asp?articleID=52110 Educate your community about a common mental health issue About Depression (EM12229)A Helps readers better recognize, understand, and cope with depression in themselves and others. Also available in Spanish! Ask for item no. (EM19711)A. To learn more or to place an online order, go to: http://go.channing-bete.com/wa/promotion?p=1&code=H4042 Return to top Partner Abuse Study Finds Certain Health Problems More Common in Abuse Victims Domestic abuse is a serious problem in and of itself, but a new study finds that it may have other serious health consequences for women who are victims -- consequences that have not been commonly associated with physical, sexual, or psychological violence. Read the full article at: http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/ipvdiagnosis.htm Help stop the cycle of violence with this straightforward resource Partner Abuse -- What You Should Know (EM44214)A This booklet identifies the causes and describes the cycle of partner abuse. It suggests ways to prevent violence between intimates, tells victims where and how to seek aid, and more. Also available in Spanish! Ask for item no. (EM44222)A. To learn more or to place an online order, go to: http://go.channing-bete.com/wa/promotion?p=1&code=H4042 Return to top Cancer and Smoking Cessation Many Health-Care Providers Not Advising Cancer Survivors to Quit Smoking Getting cancer is clearly a wake-up call for smokers, but that doesn't necessarily make quitting smoking any easier. A new study finds that many cancer survivors need more support toward smoking cessation than they're getting -- and that in the past year, more than a quarter of survivors who smoke have not been advised to quit by their health-care provider. Read the full article at: http://www.fccc.edu/news/2009/2009-10-20-survivor-smoke.html Give smokers the support they need to quit with the resources at: http://www.channing-bete.com/public-health/smoking-cessation.html?src=em Return to top Parenting When It Comes to Parenting, Is Honesty the Best Policy? Whether to influence behavior or to make their children happy, many parents lie to their children -- even those parents who most strongly promote the importance of honesty. Researchers from the University of Toronto and the University of California, San Diego, refer to this practice as "parenting by lying." Says researcher Gail Heyman, "When parents are juggling the demands of getting through the day, concerns about possible long-term negative consequences to children's beliefs about honesty are not necessarily at the forefront." Read the full article at: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-09/uoc--lmp092209.php Promote positive parenting with the products at: http://www.channing-bete.com/human-services/parenting-education.html?src=em Return to top To place an easy online order for any of the titles mentioned above, simply follow the links to our products. OTHER ORDERING OPTIONS: Call 1-800-391-2118 Fax 1-800-499-6464 Reply to this e-mail (please include your name, title, business name and address, and phone number) (When calling, faxing, or e-mailing, please use customer no. 11483773 and key code H4042 to help us track your order.) Did you find the Healthy Communities E-Newsletter interesting? Thought provoking? Forward it to your colleagues here! Was this e-newsletter forwarded to you? We hope you enjoyed it. You can subscribe to future editions here. About this e-mail The Healthy Communities E-Newsletter is brought to you by the Channing Bete Company in an effort to keep you informed of current issues and to promote related products. We respect your online time and privacy, and pledge not to abuse this medium. Channing Bete Company will not sell, license, share, transfer, or otherwise disclose your e-mail address to any third party. Go to http://www.channing-bete.com/privacy/ for more information. 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