Oklahoma Scholars Program Continues To Grow Thanks to

CHAMBER MATTERS
Vol. 2 No. 5
May 2007
McAlester Area Chamber of Commerce
Oklahoma Scholars Program
Continues To Grow Thanks to McAlester
Ambassador Club
Chamber
Hosting
Lunch
Focusing on
McAlester
In continuing with The Chamber’s 2007 Program of Work,
the Legislative Affairs Committee will be hosting its third
Legislative Lunch of the season. The focus of this lunch is
McAlester.
Mark Roath,
McAlester City Manager will
be updating the community
on the current affairs in
McAlester and what is on the
horizon.
The McAlester Ambassadors presented McAlester Public Schools a check for the Oklahoma Scholars Program. Pictured from left to right: Tom Lucas,Teresa Durant, David Lerblance,
Bill Nicholson, MPS Superintendent Jim Northcutt, MPS Deputy Superintendent Mary Shannon, Cheri Hopkins, Chris Foris, and Connie Davis-Counts.
The Oklahoma Scholars program is jointly sponsored by
the McAlester Chamber of
Commerce and McAlester
Public Schools.
A national
program that began in Texas,
Scholars encourages high
school students to take a
more rigorous course of study
than is required for graduation, in order to better prepare themselves for college,
career training, employment,
or a military career. Currently
there are 290 ninth, tenth, &
eleventh graders at MHS in
the program.
Students are introduced to the
Scholars program in the spring
of their 8th grade year by
members of the business community in classroom presentations that explain the importance of course selection dur-
ing the high school years.
Competition in a global society and real life budget issues
are discussed with students to
help them make good decisions that will give them
advantages in whatever career
path they choose. Chamber
members Jack Inman, Gary
Boyd, Evans McBride, and Ross
Eaton recently made Scholars
presentations at Puterbaugh
Middle School to all 8th grade
students.
To qualify as an Oklahoma
Scholar, students must maintain a 2.5 grade point average
in the specific Scholars Course
of Study.
As they advance through high
school, students will benefit
from special activities and
incentives provided by the
Chamber and MPS, as a way of
supporting and encouraging
their commitment to strong
academic preparation for the
future. At graduation, they will
wear a special Oklahoma
Scholars medallion, and their
diplomas and transcripts will
identify their completion of
the Scholars Course of Study.
Knowing how important education and wise decision-making is to an individual throughout one's life the McAlester
Ambassador Club, an energetic group of Chamber members, support and encourage
the youth of our community.
Through money raised from
the Haunted Chamber and
Winter Wonderland the
McAlester Ambassador Club
presented McAlester Public
Schools a contribution to the
Oklahoma Scholars Program.
Bill Nicholson, President of the
McAlester Ambassadors Club
said, "The core belief of the
Ambassadors Club is not simply to take from a community
but to give back to the community that has been integral
in our success. We can think
of no better way to give back
to the community than to support the Oklahoma Scholars
Program because this program
after all consists of the future
business/professional leaders."
The Ambassadors genuinely
have a desire to encourage the
businesses and youth of the
McAlester area.
Not only do the Ambassadors
work diligently to support the
SEE SCHOLARS
I
PAGE 2
Roath feels like this is a good
time to inform the community on what is happening at
City Hall. “Things are moving
in a very positive direction.
We are actively working on
the budget for next year.
Once this is in place we will
continue to work on programs that will strengthen
our city.”
Mayor Don Lewis and City
Councilmen have also been
invited to attend. The lunch is
scheduled for May 18, 2007
from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the
Meeting Place.
Like all the Legislative Lunches hosted by The Chamber
this lunch is open to the public. A question and answer
period will follow the program. Executive Director
Helen Wheeler is looking forward to continued dialogue
concerning McAlester. “Our
desire is to have the community acurately informed. We
can facilitate this by getting
our leaders in front of the
people.”
2 CHAMBER MATTERS | MAY 13, 2007
President’s Corner
2007 Chamber
Leadership
Executive Committee
Dr. Steve Smith President
Eastern Oklahoma State
College
Ann Owens - Vice
President
MRHC 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
The McAlester Chamber of
Commerce is in the
process of developing a
program called Leadership
McAlester. The purpose of
the program is to help
develop community leaders
from our local business and
education sectors. For
those who are familiar with
the Tri-County Leadership
program, this will be
replacing that effort. Anyone can apply that may be
interested, but we are also
asking that our Chamber
members look inside your
respective business and see
who you think is an up and
coming leader for both
your company and the
community. It is our hope
that you would then
encourage and support
them in applying for the
class. The schedule for
beginning the program will
be sometime in the fall
with enrollment applications to be mailed out over
the summer. Even though
the format of the program
has not yet been determined, we will be considering meeting one evening
per month over the course
of six to eight months. The
program will be planning to
hold class meetings that
discuss the following in
McAlester: education, local
and county government,
the correctional system,
economic and business
development, civic clubs
and community organizations, McAPP and the
Defense Ammunition Center, as well as various components and curriculum
regarding leadership.We
need to be developing new
leaders in our community
by educating them about
our community. The theory of the program is that
through development and
education we will encourage more individuals to
step forward, build confidence, and get involved.
Leadership is the key component for the success of
any community or business
and through Leadership
McAlester we hope to
achieve this goal. We will
be sending out applications
soon so please consider
yourself or an employee
for this very important
program. Thank you for
being a Chamber member!
Keeping Our Members Informed
Our bidding process for catering is very simple. The first step we take is to solicit ALL chamber members
in good standing who have notified us that they cater. Once we have received responses from all who are
interested in that particular function we then take those bids to the appropriate committee who discuss
and then vote on the caterer who best fits the needs of the event. We strive to utilize our chamber members whenever possible and we greatly appreciate everything that our members do for our organization.
Please allow us to include you in future opportunities by notifying us of your businesses’ desires. The
Chamber is always looking for a way to promote your business.
Dawn Green - BancFirst
Ross Eaton - State Farm
Insurance
RED HORSE TIRE; 2c; 2"; Black Only; 03520846; CHAMBER
RED HORSE TIRE
Lyn Roberts - Defense
Ammunition Center
JoeAnn Vermillion
Staff
Helen Wheeler
Executive Director
Connie Matthews
Membership Services
Annette Harwell
Information Specialist
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
youth of McAlester through
their efforts. The Oklahoma
Scholar Program also benefits
from continuous donations by
AEP/PSO.
Gayla Major - Arvest Bank
Melinda Nix - Nix Auto
Center
SCHOLARS
426-0526
110 S. 6TH • McAlester
TOLL FREE 1-888-567-TIRE (8473)
BISHOP FUNERAL SERVICE; 2c; 2"; Black Only; 03520842;
CHAMBER
McAlester
110 S. 3rd
426-4244
Hartshorne
801 Penn
297-2346
Graciously accepting the
Ambassadors contribution on
behalf of the Oklahoma Schol-
ars program were Superintendent of schools Jim Northcutt
and Mary Shannon. "The
Chamber Ambassadors, a
group that does so much to
represent McAlester well, are
investing in the youth of this
community be supporting the
Oklahoma Scholars Program.
We are very appreciative of
the gift to this important program."
ROSS EATON; 2c; 2"; Black Only; 03520848; CHAMBER
3 CHAMBER MATTERS | MAY 13, 2007
Membership Benefit
Spotlight:
Opportunities
As a Chamber member you can be involved in your community and
truly benefit from your investment. OPPORTUNITIES for a
Chamber Member mean immeasurable benefits for your business.
1. Members have the opportunity to join Chamber Blue - a benefit
for your employees as well as your business.
2. Members have the opportunity to serve on committees, which
include the Ambassador Club, Rodeo, Business Development and others to enrich our community.
3. Members have the opportunity for a variety of sponsorships such
as but not limited to the Prison Rodeo (biggest tourism event of the
year); Annual Awards Banquets; Legislative lunches, etc.
Kudos To A
Deserving
Man!
Kenny Edwards, manager
of AmericInn Lodge &
Suites, was recently honored at the AmericInn
International convention in
St. Paul, MN. As a result of
feedback from AmericInn
International staff members, which include marketing, quality assurance
and guest services departments Kenny was chosen
as a candidate and was
consequently
awarded
Manager of the Year.
According to the hotel
owners Kenny has made
an impression in his staff
because of his ability, dedication, creativity, problem
solving, employee and
guest relations; generally
what it means to manage a
facility whose business is
hospitality.
New Members
Business Staffing, Inc.
Cathy Perry
1705 N.Washington,
Ste. A
Durant, OK 74701
580-924-9006
Connection Church
Rev. Dustin Turner
221 W. Monroe
423-7228
COX Media
Advertising
Summer Hogshooter
135 N. Muskogee Ave.,
Ste. D
Talequah, OK 74464
918-465-3167
Devon Energy
Production Co.
Monty Bruce
200 W. Hwy 270
Krebs, OK
302-4000
Miller Family Dental
Dr. Brent Miller DDS
201 S. 3rd
423-1321
Sprocket Wireless
Frederick Mayle
1714 E. Carl Albert
Pkwy.
426-7735
Notify Us!!!
KIAMICHI
TECHNOLOGY;
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Black Only;
03520833;
chamWhen You’re
Serious
About
Your
Career…
ber
Have you moved? Has your business changed
in some way? Do you have an event that you
would like to promote? Call our office and we
will make the necessary changes. If it is an
event we will post it on our website!
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.
Since January 1, 2007 our website
averages 97 hits per day!
To visit the Community Event Calendar log
onto www.mcalester.org!
Kiamichi Technology Center:
• Serving High School and Adult Students • All-Day, Half-
EASTERN OK STATE COLLEGE-MCALE; 2c; 2"; Black Only;
04567294; CHAMBER
Day, or Evening Classes
• Fourteen Day-Time Programs • Financial Aide Available
• On-Site Child Development Center • Business & Industry
Training and Assistance
The Campus for Working Adults
1802 E. College Avenue • McAlester Campus
918-426-5272 • www.eosc.edu
301 Kiamichi Drive • McAlester, OK 74501
918 426-0940 • 888 567-6630 (toll free)
www.kiamichi-mcalester.tec.ok.us/
4 CHAMBER MATTERS | MAY 13, 2007
McAlester Ambassador Club
Caring Hands
Healthcare Center
1558 S. Main
426-0900
Caring Hands Healthcare Center excels
in providing compassionate quality care
with a spirit of excellence that is
culturally appropriate and accessible to
all. Accepted are the following: Sliding
fee scale; Medicare; Soonercare;
Medicaid as well as private insurance.
Care for the entire family is offered.
Crowded Closet
24 E. Choctaw
420-5595
The Crowded Closet offers men's,
women's and children's consignment
clothing. Owners Kim Kitchens &
Sherri Magdalena invite you to stop by
frequently as new items arrive daily
including many name brands. Hours are
Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00pm, and
Saturday 10:00 - 4:00pm.
McAlester Paint & Supply
101 S. 2nd St., Suite D
420-5512
McAlester Paint & Supply has made a
colorful splash in downtown McAlester in
the old Million Ford Building. Let their
knowledgeable staff guide you in your paint
selections as well as the equipment you
need to make your project effortless.
McAlester Paint & Supply offers the newest
high-tech color matching equipment along
with a fully automated tinting processor;
Benjamin Moore Paints, Pittsburg Paints,
Anchor Paints, Kilz Primers, Gemini
Lacquers, Crown Thinners and Murco Dry
Wall. Ask about delivery!
5 CHAMBER MATTERS | MAY 13, 2007
Ribbon Cuttings & Goodwill Visits
Whistle Stop Bistro
2700 N. Main
423-8620
Whether you are antiquing, enjoying McAlester
or simply wanting a special place to eat, the
Whistle Stop Bistro has the ambiance for a
quaint meal. The menu is just right and
accomodates all tastes. Don't forget to top off
your delicious meal with a freshly made dessert
or the Lemon Melt-away cookies. Inside Old
Town Antique Mall at 2700 N. Main, Whistle
Stop Bistro is open Tues.-Sat. 11:00 am to 3:00
pm. Call-In orders at 918-423-8620 and shop
while they prepare your meal.
OSU Extension Office
Electric & West St.
423-4120
The OSU Extension Office celebrated the
groundbreaking for a new building located at
Electric Ave. and West St. which will better
serve the community! The Cooperative Extension Service is the largest informal educational
organization in the world impacting many for a
lifetime through the variety of programs
offered by the Cooperative Extension system.
Look for the building to be completed around
county fairtime! In the meantime, contact
them at 918-423-4120 for more information.
PAWS Animal Shelter
Electric & West St.
470-7297
Partners for Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.)
of Pittsburg County celebrated the culmination
of many years of hard work during the ground
breaking ceremony for the first ever county
wide Animal Shelter in Pittsburg County and
the State of Oklahoma. The shelter will be
operated by Pittsburg County and staffed with
both a paid and volunteer staff. Completion of
the shelter is set for late this year.
6 CHAMBER MATTERS | MAY 13, 2007
7 CHAMBER MATTERS | MAY 13, 2007
Ambassadors: A Club
for McAlester
Greetings Chamber members
and other concerned citizens
of the McAlester area. The
Ambassadors have been
around for almost two years
now and we have been
blessed with the opportunity
to attend events at many of
your businesses. In that time
we have enjoyed meeting
some of McAlester's finest
business-people and individuals.
Being an Ambassador is a
labor of love and service. It is
a commitment to attend
functions from Ribbon Cuttings for new Chamber Member's businesses, existing
member's new locations, and
Goodwill Visits to current
Chamber members. Ambassadors also represent the
Chamber at diverse occasions and functions when
called upon. We have one
meeting on the second Thursday of each month at various
Chamber Member locations.
The Ambassador's pay dues
on an annual basis to help
purchase the famous "RED
COATS" that you see them
proudly displaying at countless occasions, as well as funding various activities that we
are involved in. We have had
fundraisers to assist in local
events and to help make contributions to groups or causes that are helpful of our
membership.
and do not know very many
people. What better way to
welcome them to the greatest city in Oklahoma than to
have a group of people attend
an event to show how much
our community appreciates
having their business here.
The growth of McAlester is
encouraged, in part, by the
opportunities provided here,
the sense of community pride
and the hospitable nature
maintained by the majority of
the McAlester area residents.
New businesses open regularly by people who were
born and raised here and our
neighbors that have known
for years. These businesspeople need our support of
their new endeavors as well
as newcomers to this area.
As fellow entrepreneurs and
employees, it helps us keep in
touch with the needs of
other businesses.
The
Ambassadors
are
encouraged every time we
get to go out and meet with
existing Chamber members.
Thank you for letting us serve
your community. We continue to welcome additional participants in our club and we
are honored every day to be
a part of this great city.
See you around!
- The McAlester
Ambassador Club
One of the greatest benefits
EASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE COLLEGE; 2c; 2"; Black Only;
04567292; CHAMBER
to being an Ambassador is the
honor of getting to meet and
build relationships withwww.eosc.edu
the
new business owners in our
area. Many of these business
1301
N.toMain,
Wilburton, OK 74578
owners are
new
the area
Wilburton Campus
Thank you to the businesses who have
reinvested in the McAlester Chamber this month!
Alford, Ivester & Green
At Home In Oklahoma
Home Health
AT&T
Atlantic-Meeco
Atwoods
Bank of Oklahoma
Bargain Journal
BeMac Supply
Boynton & Associates
Camco Promotional
Products
Cellular One
Chaney - Harkins Funeral
Home
Coldwell Banker - Evelyn
Renfro
Comfort Suites
Country Mart
DeFrange Autocrafts
Dolese
Don's Auto Color
Eastern Regional Dept. of
Corrections
Ellen Quinton, Attorney at
Law
Farmers Insurance Group
- Richard Gorman
First National Bank &
Trust Co.
First Realty, Inc.
G & M Contractors
Grumpy Old Man, LLC
Hackler & Hackler Law
Office
Healthsouth Sports
Medicine & Rehabilitation
HiWay Inn
Holiday Lodge
Humphrey Plumbing, Heat
& Air
Janell's House of Beauty
Joel Morgan Insurance
K-Bar
Kern Shores & Co, PC
Kern Shores Financial
Kidz Choice
Kimberly Adams
McAlester Anesthesia &
Pain Management
McAlester Auto Parts
McAlester Diagnostics
Imaging
McAlester MotorSports
McAlester Regional Home
Medical Equip.
McAlester Veterinary
Clinic
Miller & Associates
Miller Office Equipment
O'Daniel Jewelry
Parkway Village
Apartments
Pepsi-Cola Bottling
Company
Perry Surveying, LLC
Peterson Construction
Rene & Roy's Western
Apparel & Rustic
Furnishings
Roy Thomas Plumbing
Salvation Army
Sanford & Sisters
Sears
Side Saddle Catering
Slenke, LLC
Southeast Oklahoma
Cremation
Southwest Real Estate Co.
Speedline Entertainment
State Farm Insurance Clem Santine
State Farm Insurance Ross Eaton
The King's House
Timothy A.Whipps, CPA
Traditions Home Care
Trim Rite Moldings
United Way of SE
Oklahoma
Visions Innovated
Products, Inc.
Ward Oil
Washita Valley Enterprises
Weddle Family Clinic
Wesley United Methodist
Church
Yates Pest Control
OKLAHOMA HEALTHCARE; 2c; 5"; Black Only; 03520835;
CHAMBER
Back row left to right: Lisa Browne, Administrator; Angela Watkins, Office Manager; Debbie Fassino, RN;
Rozella Tadlock, CHHA; Kristin Cook, CQI/LPN; Elizabeth Caldwell, CHHA; Jennifer Draper, LPN; Cathy
Compton, CQI/LPN; Bottom left: Sandy Dingman, RN; Sylvia Thompson, Medicare Biller; Hoetta Smith,
CHHA; Treva Hall, HR Clerk. Not pictured: Ann Benge, CHHA; Ruth McKaughan, CHHA; Carrie Monroe, CHHA.
OKLAHOMA HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS
1-800-285-8091
315 E. WYANDOTTE • McALESTER
8 CHAMBER MATTERS | MAY 13, 2007
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