Downtown McAlester will be KRAZY during Rodeo Weekend!

CHAMBER MATTERS
Vol. 2 No. 8
August 2007
McAlester Area Chamber of Commerce
Downtown McAlester will be KRAZY during Rodeo Weekend!
On Saturday, August 18,
Downtown McAlester will be
hopping with activity as The
Chamber, the Downtown
Merchants Association and
the Choctaw Nation bring
you Rodeo Stampede Days.
Krazy Daze will begin at 8:00
am and last throughout the
day. Each merchant will have
great discounts and wonderful
surprises waiting for you in
their stores!
Other festivities will kick off
at 11:00 am with the traditional Prison Rodeo Parade.
This year’s Parade Marshals
will be Choctaw Nation Chief
Gregory Pyle and Choctaw
Nation Councilman Bob Pate.
These gentlemen will also be
followed by Fancy Dancer
Michael Whitecloud.
port scanner, Birmingham’s
music is steeped in stark realism.
Chief Pyle will officially welcome the crowd and kickoff
the afternoon concerts at
noon. Food vendors, inflatables and other activities will
line Choctaw Street from 3rd
to 1st for the entire day.
Birmingham is one of the
best reviewed acts of 2006,
and has been described as
“refreshing,” “rough & tumble,” and “a Texas treasure.”
Nashville singing sensation
Jarrod Birmingham will begin
his performance at 12:30 pm.
This South Texas native is no
manufactured “hat act.” Birmingham is a REAL cowboy. A
former professional bullrider
who has enough pins, plates
and screws in his body to
make it difficult to pass an air-
Plan to stick around all day
because at 2:00 pm Morris
McCann will be taking the
stage! This Clayton, OK
native has come along way
from running telephone lines
in Southern Oklahoma.
McCann’s soulful singing
voice and haunting lyrics adds
true emotion to his songs.
There will be plenty of time
to make it out to the Oklahoma State Prison Rodeo
later that evening to catch all
the tumbles and spills and
inmates and IPRA cowboys
fight for first place and bragging rights.
Tickets are still available for
both Friday and Saturday
night performances and can
be purchased in advance or
at the gate the night of each
event.
The Chamber office will be
open Monday - Thursday
from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, and
Friday from 8:30 am - 3:30
pm. The office will also be
open on Saturday from
SEE RODEO
I
PAGE 3
Jarrod Brimingham
Is Membership Worth It?
Learn how to make your membership work for you.
written by Ross Eaton
Chamber membership in that
narrow and limited way, it’s an
expensive club.
Let’s face it, at some point
every Chamber member asks
themselves the question
“What am I getting out of
being a Chamber member?”
In 1999, I moved to McAlester
and became a State Farm
agent. At that time I joined
the Chamber to get my name
on the membership roster, to
get a sticker for my door, and
because my manager told me I
needed to. When you look at
Early this year at the Chamber’s Annual Banquet, the featured speaker was former
Governor and McAlester
native George Nigh. His message changed the way I look at
Chamber membership. When
a member asks “What is the
Chamber doing for me?” they
should be asking “How can I
help the Chamber help my
community and my business!”
A strong Chamber comes
from strong members who
get involved and make the
community better, and more
attractive to new businesses
and consumers.
With my new found knowledge, I only needed direction.
That’s where the Chamber
Staff of Helen Wheeler, Connie Matthews and Annette
Harwell are experts. They
reviewed my situation and
helped me find involvement
with the Chamber that really
works for me. My goal was to
volunteer for a Chamber
activity that benefits the community (as all Chamber activities do) while maximizing my
own visibility. The best opportunity was to join the Chamber’s Ambassadors Club.
The roll of the Ambassadors is
to serve as the Chamber’s
public representatives in promoting the community, the
Chamber, and Chamber members. We serve as officials at
public events designed to welcome and publicize Chamber
members. A newspaper picture of a Ribbon Cutting or
Open House event is an
excellent way to promote the
community and the new business.
Since Ambassadors host the
event and are also in the
newspaper picture, it’s also
great visibility for each
Ambassador in attendance.
The visibility of getting my picture in the paper for a Ribbon
Cutting or Open house is
great. But networking with
Ambassadors and meeting
new and existing business
owners is priceless.
The Ambassador Club is just
one example of how to get
involved AND how to get
back from your involvement
with the Chamber. So if you
want to get something back
from your membership, contact the Chamber and learn
about involvement opportunities that are right for you and
your business. Maybe I’ll see
you at an upcoming Ribbon
Cutting!
2 CHAMBER MATTERS | AUGUST 12, 2007
2007 Chamber
Leadership
Ann Owens - Vice
President
Eastern Oklahoma State
College Foundation
Mike Kern - Treasurer
Kern Shores & Co.
Evans McBride Immediate Past President
First National Bank &
Trust Co.
Board of Directors
Edward Gray - Old Town
Antique Mall
Kevin Priddle - The
Bank N.A.
Pam Bundy - Bundo
Rentals
Mary Shannon McAlester Public Schools
Kenny Edwards AmericInn Lodge & Suites
H
ear Anniversa
ry
!
Executive Committee
Dr. Steve Smith President
Eastern Oklahoma State
College
0Y
1
y
p
ap
Mills Chiropractic
300 W. Carl Albert Parkway
Is your business celebrating a 10, 15, 20, or 25+
year anniversary? Let us know so we can
celebrate with you!
Call Today to Purchase Your
Tickets for the 67th Annual Oklahoma State
Prison Rodeo!
August 17 - 18, 2007
Box Seats
$17
Reserved
$12
Gen. Adm
$8
To Purchase Tickets Call
423-2550 or go online to www.mcalester.org
FARM BUREAU; 2c; 4"; Black Only; 04574148; GWEN
HUTCHINSON CHAMBER
They have
moved!
Quilting by Vonnie is now at
122 E Choctaw
Let O-EPIC pay
Silk’s Floral Design is under new
ownership and now called
Silk’s Interiors, LLC.
Marilynn’s Boutique is now at
204 E. Choctaw
60%
of your health care premium for qualified employees!
For more information call an O-EPIC agent:
Gwen Hutchison, LUTCF
1715 South Main, McAlester, OK 74501
429-3149
www.insureoklahoma.org
Dawn Green - BancFirst
Ross Eaton - State Farm
Insurance
EASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE COLLEGE; 2c; 2"; Black Only;
04574419; CHAMBER
BISHOP FUNERAL SERVICE; 2c; 2"; Black Only; 04574713; -
McAlester
110 S. 3rd
426-4244
Gayla Major - Arvest Bank
Lyn Roberts - Defense
Ammunition Center
Melinda Nix - Nix Auto
Center
JoeAnn Vermillion
Staff
Helen Wheeler
Executive Director
Connie Matthews
Membership Services
Annette Harwell
Information Specialist
Hartshorne
801 Penn
The Campus for Working Adults
297-2346
1802 E. College Avenue • McAlester Campus
918-426-5272 • www.eosc.edu
STATE FARM INSURANCE; 2c; 2"; Black Only; 04574150; ROSS
EATON CHAMBER
CITGO QUIK LUBE; 2c; 2"; Black Only; 04574417; CHAMBER
24 HOUR PAY-AT-PUMP AND CAR WASH!
GRANDS
$
CARTON. . . . . . .
MARLBORO
$
CARTON. . . . . . .
3550
2400
CARNIVAL
$
CARTON........
2500
QUIK MART
1400 E. Carl Albert • 423-9048
3 CHAMBER MATTERS | AUGUST 12, 2007
RODEO
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
8:00 am - 3:00 pm. Tickets
purchased in advance can be
paid for with Visa, Mastercard, a money order,
cashier’s check or with cash.
Tickets purchased at the
gate must be paid for with
CASH only.
The gates open both Friday
and Saturday night at 6:00
pm and the performance
starts at 8:00pm.
The stakes are high and you
don’t want to miss out on
the biggest event of the year
in McAlester! For more
questions about the Downtown Celebration or the
Prison Rodeo contact the
Chamber at 423-2550.
Thank you to the businesses who have reinvested in the McAlester
Chamber this month!
AmericInn
Angel’s Diner
BancFirst
Best Western Inn of
McAlester
Cathey & Assoc. LLC
Chef Billy’s
Cinema 69
Coldwell Banker – Evelyn
Renfro
Corral West Ranchwear, Inc.
Dun Right fencing
Farmers Insurance Group –
Gorman Agency
First Baptist Church
First National Bank and
Trust, Co.
First Realty, Inc.
Isle of Capri
Jerry Vest Electric
Jubilee Massage
Kiddin’ Around Academy
Loan Plus
Mann’s Flower Shop &
Greenhouses
Marking Products
McAlester Business &
Professional
Women’s Club
McAlester Economic
Development Service
OKLAHOMA HEALTHCARE; 2c; 7"; Black Only; 04574423;
CHAMBER
OKLAHOMA HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS
1-800-285-8091 • 315 E. WYANDOTTE • McALESTER
New
Members
Komar Outlet 2
1321 S. George Nigh
423-6999
Charlotte Impson
Majic Billboards
1635 S. George Nigh
423-9466
Mark Schoggins
Nurses To Go
Home Health
101 S. 2nd Suite C
302-3822
Judy Parnell
Patron Mexican Grill
201 S. Main St.
429-0458
Julio Mendez
McAlester Insurance Agency
McAlester News-Capital
McAlester Veterinary Clinic
MSD Oil & Gas
NAPA Auto Parts
Newfield Exploration MidContinent, Inc.
O’Daniel Jewelry
Oklahoma Mailing Equipment
Pearson’s Christian Daycare
Rene & Roy’s Western Wear
Roberts Concrete Service
Roseanna’s
Sears
Silks Interiors, LLC
Southeastern Psychiatric
Service
Southern Electric of OK
Southern Financial Group
Southwest EMS, Inc.
State Farm Insurance –
Ross Eaton
The Bargain Journal
The Harrison Law Firm
The Yellow Gazebo
Tippit Insurance Agency
Ward Oil Company
Warren Clinic
Western Sizzlin’ Steak House
Zoe’s Apparel
KIAMICHI TECHNOLOGY; 2c; 7"; Black Only; 04574421;
When You’re Serious About Your Career…
CHAMBER
Kiamichi Technology Center Means Business.
Instructors with business and industry
experience teach the knowledge,
skills and attitudes necessary for
successful careers. Students enter
the workforce ready to compete for
high skill wage jobs. If you are ready
for your first career, or a career
change
–
contact
Kiamichi
Technology Center.
Competent, loving
care giving
The reputation of
Oklahoma Healthcare
Solutions within the
medical community is a
reflection of the quality of
care provided to each
client. Attending physicians
and clinical staff
confidently assign clients
under their care into the
competent hands of
Oklahoma Healthcare
Solutions.
Physicians orders and
expectations are carefully
administered to the client
in the comfort of their own
home. Physicians and
clinical staff are regularly
given patient status
reports by the Oklahoma
Healthcare Solutions
licensed personnel.
Home care … the
loving alternative
Staff:Registered Nurses, Licensed
Practical Nurses,
Certified Home Health Aides,
Physical Therapists, Occupational
Therapists, Speech Therapists
Home Services
• IV therapy, enteral feedings
• Phlebotomy
• Foley catheter care/change
• Nutrition/hydration assessment
• Blood pressure/pulse
assessment
• Respiration assessment
• Diabetic assessment/teaching
• Wound care/dressing changes
• Colostomy care/dressing
changes
• Assess/teach medications
regime
• Disease management
• Strengthening and therapeutic
exercises
• Personal care/hygiene
• Mental health services
• Psychiatric assessment (one-toone)
• Crisis intervention
• Pediatric care*
• High risk pregnancy*
• Referrals to community
services to ensure total client
care
Kiamichi Technology Center:
• Serving High School and Adult Students •
All-Day, Half-Day, or Evening Classes
• Fourteen Day-Time Programs • Financial
Aide Available
• On-Site Child Development Center •
Business & Industry Training and
Assistance
* Services available in limited areas
Central
Client Intake
1-877-469-1000
301 Kiamichi Drive • McAlester, OK 74501
918 426-0940 • 888 567-6630 (toll free)
www.kiamichi-mcalester.tec.ok.us/
4 CHAMBER MATTERS | AUGUST 12, 2007
Ribbon Cuttings & Goodwill Visits
Chique Massage & Salon
207 E. Chickasaw
429-0137
Chique Massage & Salon is the perfect
one stop full-service treat. Call 918429-0137 to schedule your appointment. Let Christie and her staff indulge
you with a massage, pedicure, hair cut,
style or color and finish with a manicure or a new set of sculptured nails.
Ask about the new toxin releasing Ion
Footbath.
Advantage Truck Equipment
1303 N. Main St.
423-8788
Advantage Truck Equipment located at 1303
N. Main sells a wide array of truck accessories
including, wheels, tires, spray in bedliners, car
audio, window tinting & exhaust. Advantage
Truck Equipment has been in business for
eleven (11) years and has recently expanded
their business by 3000 sq. ft. Come by to
accessorize your truck and enjoy the fine
customer service and assistance provided by
their entire staff.
U.S. Cellular/Premier Location
431 S. George Nigh Expwy
423-0006
US Cellulaur / Premier Locations is a Platinum
Certified Agent with US Cellular. This means
that you can't tell the difference between this
store and company owned stores. They have
helped open new markets for US Cellular and
continue to service them in expanding established markets as well. With the knowledge
and training to take care of all cellular needs
US Cellular prides themselves in outstanding
customer service and commitment to making
your experience more relaxing.
5 CHAMBER MATTERS | AUGUST 12, 2007
Starbucks
427 S. George Nigh Expwy
916-1840
Established in 1971, Starbucks strives to be
the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in
the world while maintaining our uncompromising principles as we have grown. As the
CEO Howard Schultz says all the time, "We
are not in the coffee business serving people,
we are in the people business serving coffee."
Thus the company's mission: To provide an
uplifting experience that enriches people's
daily lives. Starbucks is now open and very
excited about becoming an involved part of
the McAlester community.
Komar Outlet 2 Center
1321 S. George Nigh Expwy
423-6999
Located at 1321 S. George Nigh Expwy, Komar
Outlet 2 proudly presents an awesome selection of children's wear sized Preemie through
14. Some of the brands they offer include GAP,
Carters, OshKosh and Mudd. The perfect place
to buy reasonably priced, quality daywear,
sleepwear, outer wear and swimwear for your
children! While you are there check out their
bargain room for ladies sleepwear irregulars.
Open Monday - Saturday 9:30am -5:30pm and
Sunday 1:00pm - 5:00pm.
Nurses To Go Home Health
101 S. 2nd Suite C
302-3822
Nurses To Go Home Health is excited to
announce their relocation from Krebs to 101
S. 2nd Suite C in McAlester. As a Home Health
Agency they offer many services including
skilled nurse certified Home Health Aide, Psychiatric nursing, Physical Therepy, Anodyne
Therapy, wound care and IV Therapy. Their
goal is to assist their patients to live independantly at home as long as possible. If you have
any questions about Home Health or know
someone who might benefit from their services, call for a free evaluation.
6 CHAMBER MATTERS | AUGUST 12, 2007
Chief Gregory E. Pyle
Assistant Chief Gary Batton
Councilman Bob Pate
7 CHAMBER MATTERS | AUGUST 12, 2007
“McAlester Pride” - Business Spotlight of the Month
Mann’s Flower Shop & Greenhouses
Mann’s Garden Center has
been selected as the August
“McAlester Pride” Business
Spotlight of the Month. Businesses selected for this award
must have exhibited dedication
to making our community a
better place to live, show pride
in our community, have a reputation for honesty and integrity and support growth and
economic development in our
business region.
Mann’s Garden Center is
owned by Allen & Ann Mann.
The business is located at
1218 S. George Nigh Expressway in McAlester. They were
recommended for this honor
because of the longevity in our
community and their excellent
customer service.
The earliest records of the
McAlester Mann’s Flower Shop
date back to 1924.The original
greenhouses were located at
D and Madison, right behind
their home. The flower shop,
itself was located at 110 N.
2nd Street. They stayed in this
location from approximately
1924 to 1966. After this time
they built the flower shop at
3rd and Wyandotte and in
1968 built the facility at S.
George Nigh Expressway,
along with the first greenhouse
at that location.
Business grew and Mann’s
soon added on greenhouses to
include 10,000 square feet of
growing space. 45,000 square
feet was all under cover for
seasonal growing of seedlings
and plants. They continued to
grow their business, with a
majority of the greenhouses
dedicated to wholesale growing of plants that were marketed and sold to retail florists all
throughout Oklahoma and
Texas. They currently service
over 130 wholesale accounts
and continue to grow.
Year round wholesale trucks
leave daily delivering seasonally
15,000 Poinsettias, thousands
of Easter Lilies, Azaleas,
Christhanthimums
and
Hydrangeas. There are 40 to
50 different types of perennials
that are grown at this facility.
Orders for tropical plants
arrive from Florida as needed,
as are woody ornamentals
from the Tahlequah area.
In the retail flower shop, which
is now centralized at the
George Nigh Expressway location, there are a variety of
services offered.With all of the
generations of combined horticultural and business experience, you can shop at the gift
shop, have bouquets or flower
and gift arrangements designed
and delivered, or order online
at their website,
www.mannsflowership.com.
Some of the other services
that are offered at Mann’s are
free landscaping advice, indoor
and outdoor plant care. For
the fall season alone, they will
be growing 3,000 garden
mums, pansies, ornamentals,
and Kale.
Not only did the grandparents
start
the
business
in
McAlester, but has been joined
by the fourth generation of
Mann’s to grow the business in
quality and service. There are
not many businesses in this
area that can boast about four
RED HORSE TIRE; 2c; 2"; Black Only; 04574152; CHAMBER
RED HORSE TIRE
generations continuing the
same business in the same
community.
Presently, the fourth-generation of Mann’s is providing
excellent quality and fair value
for a growing repeat-customer
business.
Flower Shop & Greenhouses.
Everyone worked around the
clock to keep all of the greenhouses going, and it worked.
The McAlester Chamber is
proud to recognize this
month’s “McAlester Pride”
Business Spotlight as Mann’s
Flower Shop & Greenhouses!
The winter 2007 ice storm
was a huge job for Mann’s
FARM BUREAU; 2c; 4"; Black Only; 04574146; GWEN
HUTCHINSON CHAMBER
Group
Health
Insurance
for Chamber
Members
426-0526
110 S. 6TH • McAlester
TOLL FREE 1-888-567-TIRE (8473)
We can find
the BEST
companies…
the
BEST
rates…
CONNIE
J DAVIS
INSURANCE;
2c; 2";with
Black
Only;
04574144;
CHAMBER
Call us for your BEST quote!™
Protect your Home… Your Business
…Yourself and Your Family
Connie J. Davis
Insurance
Connie J. Davis-Counts
& Cheri Ellis
Open Mon.-Fri.
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
500 East Wyandotte • McAlester
(Corner of 5th & Wyandotte – Parking on 5 th Street)
918-423-3200
Locally Owned & Operated • Independent Agency
After Hours Appointments Available
“Give Us a Call … We Insure It All…”
Guaranteed Issue • No Riders
Rates Guaranteed Through June 2008
Call our authorized producer
Gwen Hutchison, LUTCH
1715 South Main
McAlester, OK 74501
429-3149
Authorized producer for:
BlueCross Blue Shield
of Oklahoma
* Regiment Marks Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company,
an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
8 CHAMBER MATTERS | AUGUST 12, 2007