January 2011

A Monthly Publication by the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce

Development AuthorityChamber of CommerceP. O. Box 1585410 West MainArdmore, Oklahoma 73402

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit #104

Ardmore, OK

In Business For Business

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FIRST NATIONAL BANKAND TRUST COMPANY OF ARDMORE

Ardmore. Lone Grove. Marietta. Ringling. Airpark. Sulphur. Velma

Community People You Knowwww.1nb.comFDIC

The Ardmore Report is a monthly publication of the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce, 410 W. Main, Ardmore, OK 73401. Annual subscription rate is $12 and is included in membership dues. Send change of address to PO Box 1585, Ardmore, OK 73402 or phone (580) 223-7765.

WHAT’S INSIDE

Spotlight On Business .................. 2

Community Champion ................. 2

AYP ................................................. 2

Flanders Is Operating ................... 3

Chamber Introduces OfficersAnd Board Of Directors ............... 3

Education Trust Summit ............... 4

SOBIC ............................................ 4

Economic Indicators ..................... 5

Thank An Ambassador ................. 6

Ribbon Cuttings ............................ 6

Business After Hours .................... 7

Dash for Cash ................................ 7

Upcoming Events ......................... 7

Fourteen Ardmore area businesses have been recognized as 2010 Oklahoma Certified Healthy Business Award Winners. The Oklahoma Certified Healthy Business Program is sponsored by the Oklahoma Academy for State Goals, the Oklahoma Turning Point Council, the State Chamber of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

The Program began in 2003 recognizing those businesses (both profit and non-profit) that are working to improve Oklahoma’s health status by providing health and wellness opportunities for their employees. The program also supports broader efforts aimed at improving Oklahoma’s health status, such as the Strong and Healthy Oklahoma Initiative.

The Ardmore 2020 Health Improvement Plan (HIP) began encouraging area businesses to submit their applications last summer. HIP committee members in conjunction with the Carter County Health Department and the Chamber hosted a luncheon in October where participants were provided the information to complete the application and offered the opportunity to submit their applications online at the meeting. Certification requirements vary by size of workplace, but in general, they include providing employee health screenings, workplace health education, opportunities for physical exercise activities, management support for healthy workplace environments and sharing wellness activities within their respective communities. Starting with the 2006 program, all businesses applying for certification were required to have a a tobacco-free policy.

Ardmore businesses recognized are listed below. Not-for-Profit Businesses: Merit Award Winners Certified Award WinnersCity of Ardmore Arbuckle Life Solutions, IncGloria Ainsworth Child Care & Learning Center Ardmore Chamber of CommerceThe Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. Ardmore Institute of HealthCarter County Health Department Community Children’s Shelter and Family Service Center, Inc. Mercy Memorial Health Center

Profit Businesses:

Merit Award Winners Certified Award WinnersThe Bramlett Agency Best Buy DC 77 Dollar General Distribution Center Hewitt Mineral Group Shiloh Morning Inn

The Chamber of Commerce, in its attempt to become the healthiest community in America, continues to encourage and support activities that promote the health of our employees and area citizens.

For more information on Oklahoma Certified Healthy Business and the Ardmore 2020 HIP Initiative contact Lesley Linney at 223-7765.

NEW MEMBERSThe following companies are new members of the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce:

Gloria Ainsworth Day Care Center & Learning Center, Ardmart Grocery & Deli, Eastside Café, Dr. S. Chaparala MD, PLLC, Butler Adjusting Services & Assoc., LLC

H H H HACCREDITED®

United States Chamber of Commerce

Ardmore Businesses Honored WitH “oklAHomA Certified HeAltHy Business” AWArds

1/17/11ADA Board Meeting 3:00 pm

Ardmore Chamber of Commerce410 West Main

1/17/11Business After Hours -

Kickoff 5:00 pmArdmore Convention Center

2401 N. Rockford Road

1/19/11Chamber Board Meeting 4:00 pmArdmore Chamber of Commerce

410 West Main

1/20/11Personnel Roundtable 11:30

Southern Oklahoma Technology Center

2610 Sam Noble Pkwy

1/27/11ATA Board Meeting 8:00 am

Ardmore Chamber of Commerce410 West Main

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BUSINESS

AFTER HOURS

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONThe Ardmore Chamber of Commerce partnership’s Breathe the Music Festival was selected as the 2010 Oklahoma Turning Point Community Champion. Using music as the venue, this creative initiative was successful in convening the community at-large, faith-based organizations, local musicians, business owners, and local and state policymakers-to raise awareness about the adverse effects of tobacco use on the state’s economy, while highlighting the benefits of being tobacco-free and smoke-free. The Ardmore Chamber of Commerce was recognized as a 2010 Oklahoma Turning Point Champion at the 13th Annual Turning Point /Fit Kids Conference held Thursday, December 9, 2010 at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma. Mita Bates, Vice President attended to receive the award she commented “This is a great tribute to the partnership between the Ardmore Health Initiative (HIP) and the Carter County Tobacco Use Prevention Council for the third “Healthy Quarter”.

Turning Point is a public-private collaboration designed to improve the health of Oklahomans through public health partnerships in communities

throughout the state. The Oklahoma Turning Point Council has adopted restoring local rights as one of its key legislative agenda items for 2011.Oklahoma is one of only two states in the nation that prohibits communities from adopting any ordinance on tobacco that is stronger than state law. “Currently, communities cannot respond to local needs to develop tobacco prevention ordinances that would improve and protect the health of citizens, compete for new businesses and new residents, and create a healthier workforce,” says State Health Commissioner Dr.Terry Cline. “Restoring local rights on tobacco prevention policies would allow community leaders to develop local ordinances that best fit their community’s health needs.”

UPCOMING

EVENTS on

businessspotlight

The Ardmore young professionAls conTinue To mAke posiTive conTribuTions To The Ardmore AreA.– by Allen Bynum AYP, Chair

The AYP Christmas Party was held at Cafe Alley this year and was a huge success. We were able meet many new members and reconnect with other familiar faces. A whole car load of toys were gathered for Toys for Tots. A little can go a long way to put a smile on a childs face! As this article goes to print, we are wrapping up another successful coat drive. A very special thank you goes out to all the volunteers and those who took a moment to share the warmth this winter. We continue to see this effort rewarding every year and are proud to be able

to help those in need. On December 14th, our group met at the First Presbyterian Church to wrap gifts for Will Rogers Elementary. This yearly event helped put at least one gift in the hands of every student at the school, to many of whom this may be their only gift. This program began when Lori Hoke, a teacher at the school, saw a real need as many of the students did not receive a Christmas gift. She has taken it upon herself to raise the money from the community and purchase the gifts each year. Again, this year we gladly volunteered as bell ringers for the Salvation Army at both Walmart entrances. Taking an hour each, we were able to help contribute to the wonderful things the local chapter does to help those in need. As we look toward the new year, we are excited to bring a new opportunity to our membership and prospective members. The Leadership series will bring professional development seminars and guest speakers to Ardmore which will benefit our members and local employers by fostering young professionals.

BUSINESS

AFTER HOURS

The January Business After Hours is the kickoff event for the year, and features booths for Chamber members to showcase their businesses.

Business After Hours is a fun, relaxed atmosphere to network with fellow businesses and other organizations in our area.

Mark your calendars, bring plenty of business cards and get ready to enjoy the 2011 Business After Hours Kickoff Event.

The sponsors for Kickoff of BAH:

Presenting Sponsor –Ardmore Chamber of Commerce

Gold Sponsor –Premium Beers of Oklahoma, LLC

Silver Sponsors –KKAJ/KTRX/GTO/KVSO MTC Federal Credit Union Prism Electric, Inc. Southwest Sales

Booth Sponsors – CableONEModesto Signs, Inc.Staples, IncToyota of Ardmore

Downtowner Executive Lounge

DONATE YOUR USEDCELL PHONE!

Jolly Old St. Nick bring you a hot new cell phone?

A donation of your “old” one can give a Domestic Violence victim the gift of

a new beginning and a brighter New Year.

Help those living with abuse in our community know they are never alone. Happy New Year from Cell Phones for Life.

24 N Washington St • Ardmore, OK 73401 • 580-226-5652

ANB - Another Ardmore Success StoryIn May of 1983, American National Bank opened its doors as a new, locally owned and operated bank based out of Ardmore. This was at a time when bank failures were the norm and even the idea of opening a new bank was unheard of and even maybe consid-ered to be a venture predestined for failure. Today, American National Bank is still a locally owned and operated community bank and is the fastest growing community bank in our area. ANB has grown in as-sets to over $276 million with eight locations. These include Ardmore, Lone Grove, Wilson, Comanche including a 7-day a week branch located inside Home-land in Ardmore and our Texas division which includes Keller and Saginaw. Outgrowing the main bank location, ANB purchased a building on Broadway in Ardmore and opened the ANB Operations Center to allow for continued growth.

To be the best, not necessarily the biggest, has always been a top priority for American National Bank. What is ANB’s definition of the best? You’ve heard it said by many that the customer comes first. Being the best includes many different aspects at ANB. Not only does the customer come first, what is best for the customer is truly a priority. Community involvement and supporting the local communities they serve is just who they are.

What makes American National Bank different? Why has ANB continued to grow with a level of success unsurpassed in our area? Stop by or call any ANB location and experience the difference. A live person answers the telephone, friendly faces greet you when you walk in the door, and the comfortable and inviting atmosphere is evident immediately. ANB is the bank that genuinely cares about their customers, communi-ties, neighbors and friends. As products and services go, ANB was one of the first in the nation to offer a “No Penalty” Certificate of Deposit. Technology wise, most of the “bells and whistles” available today are available to ANB customers including mobile bank-ing. From the annual “Neighbors helping Neigh-bors” Food Drive, the Southern Oklahoma Children’s Parade, Festival of Lights, March of Dimes, Relay for Life, American Heart Association, United Way, ANB area high school scholarships, continued support of our area schools, involvement in civic and other community associations and countless other ways you will see ANB represented well and in full support of all these great causes, organizations and communities.

On December 17, 2010, BauerFinancial an indepen-dent financial rating service awarded ANB again with another 5-Star (highest) rating for strength and stabil-ity. ANB is rated as one of the safest in the country. In many ways, American National Bank is truly another Ardmore success story!

Nancy Haymes $250

Sue Baker $250

Brenda Stewart $500

Joe B. Owen $ 1500

Winners

Taloa Alexander CableONEJanee Auten IMTEC, a 3M CompanyMarty Auten Ardmore Convention CenterTem Barrett Barrett Mortgage Inc.Sheila Bell First National Bank & TrustFaye Bollen A-1 Mini StorageDebbie Brewer Stewart TitleMargaret Clark-Brown Ross Group Real EstateDeeAnn Chatham MMHC FoundationDavid Dittrich Office ConceptsBrian Douglas Harvey-Douglas Funeral HomeKatrina Esteph American General Financial Servicestobi Ervin United Way of South Central OklahomaPam Harn Ross Group Real EstateKelly Murphy Advanced Care- Fryer Medical EquipmentSandy Lee Express Employment ProfessionalsJanet Logan Lake Murray ResortJerry Landrum Dobson Realty GroupKaren McDonald La Quinta Inn & Suites CentralMonte Meier Mazzio’s Italian Eatery Bill Parker New York Life InsuranceWin Patton Southern Oklahoma Radio - KKAJAl Schneider Edward JonesGene Scrugham, Jr. Ray’s Hallmark Gifts & Office SuppliesDianne Shepard Oasis StaffingKim Smith Flanders of OklahomaNicole Tinnell OPM Inc

Jody Westervelt Southern Oklahoma Radio

Jason Winborn AT&TTeresa Woehst Citizens Bank and Trust CompanyVance Porter Chairman - AmbassadorsBob Humphrey Membership Services Chairman - Ardmore Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBER AMBASSADORS Ardmore Chamber of CommerceWes Stucky, President & CEOMita Bates, Vice President - OperationsNeill Courtney, Director - Membership ServicesAnnilisa Peevy, Administrative & Foundation Assistant

Michelle Flanagan, Admin AssistantLesley Linney, Ardmore 2020 Coordinator

Ardmore Development AuthorityWes Stucky, President & CEOMita Bates, Vice President - OperationsBrien Thorstenberg, Vice-President, Ardmore Development Authority

Lesley Linney, Research & DevelopmentNorma Gee, Airpark Administrative AssistantEddie Merritt, Airpark MaintenanceRick Lewis, Airpark Maintenance

Wes Stucky, President & CEOMita Bates, Vice President - OperationsJanet Bateman, Marketing CoordinatorMarty Auten, Convention Center ManagerAngel Martin, Marketing AssistantCameron Jackson, Maintenance PersonnelMisty Duncan, Operations Assistant

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Chris Bryant, Airpark Manager

The Ardmore Chamber of Commerce Foundation has entered into agreements to construct a new cancer center that will be leased to Mercy Memorial Health Center. The new facility will provide southern Oklahomans high-tech compassionate care close to home.

“We already have cancer care that rivals the big cities, but with a new facility and the latest in technology, we will be able to o�er cancer patients shorter treatment times and greater convenience,” said Mindy Burdick, Mercy Memorial president. “There’s a great deal of comfort in receiving care close to home from people you know. We are a tight-knit community that cares for our neighbors, our church members and our friends.”

The need for a new cancer center has been well documented but funding the facility during Mercy’s current expansion and improvement projects was a challenge. The Ardmore 2020 visioning process identi�ed the cancer center as a priority for the community. Wes Stucky, Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Foundation President said that proved to be the impetus to �nd a way to accomplish the task. “We received excellent cooperation with local banks and together, were able to structure a deal that was feasible for the Foundation and the Hospital.” The lending institutions involved in the project include First National Bank, BancFirst, Citizens Bank and First Bank.

The Chamber Foundation will be the developer of the cancer center, will own it and then lease it to Mercy. The new cancer facility will sit on an acre and a half on Hall Street, just east of the Southern Oklahoma Medical Plaza. The Foundation will own the property but it and the center will become part of Mercy Memorial’s campus. The Center will include both radiation and chemotherapy service and is expected to open by the end of this year.

For southern Oklahomans who have undergone cancer treatment, no one knows better what it means to receive cancer care in your own community. “I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and I was able to receive treatment right here in Ardmore,” said Choc Conway, an Ardmore resident. “My daughter, on the other hand, had skin cancer and her doctor sent her to Midwest City for treatment. She had a full-time job and between �ghting the cancer battle and traveling back and forth to Midwest City �ve times a week for six weeks and working full-time, it was very di�cult. She would have been able to have a much better quality of life if she could have been treated in Ardmore.”

Mercy Memorial’s current cancer center is located on the �rst �oor of the rehabilitation building on the south campus. “It would be too di�cult and too expensive to retro�t an existing building and that’s why it’s critical that we build a new cancer center,” said Joan Lankford, Mercy Memorial’s manager of radiation therapy. “With a new facility we will be able to provide PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans and CT (Computed Tomograpy) scans, giving patients the convenience of getting both at the same time, instead of undergoing two separate scans.” Mercy Memorial was able to secure initial funds to purchase equipment for the cancer center thanks to the generous donation from the Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation (SOMF). “We are pleased to be a partner in the establishment of the cancer center,” said Larry Pulliam, executive director of SOMF. “This project aligns with our granting priority of supporting quality healthcare for residents of southern Oklahoma, and it enhances the capabilities of Mercy Memorial, the premier healthcare provider of the region.

Thanks to area foundations and private donations, the Mercy Memorial Health Center Founda-tion has already raised over $3 million for equipment and furnishings for the center. Anyone interested in donating to Mercy for additional equipment and furnishings for the Center should contact André Moore, Mercy Memorial Foundation Executive Director, at 580-220-6711.

CHAMBER FOUNDATION & MERCY ANNOUNCE CANCER CENTER

THANK AN AMBASSADOR

flAnders is operAting At full speedThe Flanders Corporation is operating at full production in their manufacturing and distribution facility at the New Horizons Industrial Park (a half mile east of Interstate 35 just south of Highway 70). Flanders announced their decision to locate in Ardmore, January of this year, and began production in April. They anticipated hiring 100 employees in their first year of operation, but have hired approximately 220 at this point. They plan to have 400 employees at full production.

“We are very pleased with our new location in Ardmore,” states Ron Abel, Flanders Director of East Coast Operations. “We have an excellent work force, and the location of Ardmore has allowed our company to consolidate some of our operations to increase our competitive advantage. We have been pleased with the assistance we have received from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Southern Oklahoma Technology Center, the Ardmore Development Authority, and other state and local organizations.”

The Flanders Corporation based in Washington, North Carolina designs, manufactures and markets the highest quality filter, clean room, and containment filtration systems. The Ardmore facility manufactures and distributes air filtration products for both residential and commercial applications.

Brien Thorstenberg, Ardmore Development Authority Vice President, adds that Ardmore is fortunate to have Flanders in our community. “During a year when many communities had multiple business closures, we were able to have a large employer come to Ardmore. It says a lot about Flanders that they have exceeded their estimates on the amount of people they have hired and the amount of investment they have made in this operation. The Ardmore Development Authority is continuing to work with Flanders to strengthen our relationship with the company. We are dedicated to helping Flanders be successful with their Ardmore operation and helping them grow in the future.”

The Chamber Ambassadors held a ribbon cutting for Ardmore Creative Sewing Center located at 320 S Commerce St, Ste 10. Stop in and welcome this unique business to our community.

The Chamber Ambassadors held a ribbon cutting today for Priority Movers. Look at the amazing truck they have to help with all your moving needs!!

GOOGLE’S LITTLE-KNOWN MARKETING SECRET

The Internet giant, Google, has made billions of dollars by creating demand for

all kinds of search engine marketing. So what marketing tactics does Google

use when they want to locate more businesses to use their services? Direct

mail. Yes, you heard that right: direct mail. Even though they are one of the

pioneers of online marketing, Google uses traditional printing and direct

mail advertising to grow their business.

P R I N T I N G

www.PrintArdmore.com

The Ardmore Chamber and Chamber

Ambassadors would like to say a big

“Thank You” to DeeAnn Chatham,

of the Mercy Memorial Foundation

for her service as 2010 Ambassador

Chairman. The 2011 Ambassador

Chair will be Vance Porter of Staples.

ARDMORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INTRODUCES THE 2011 OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Ardmore Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors elected their new leadership at the December Board Meeting.

T.J. Riley will be the Chairman for 2011, Scott Chapman – Vice Chairman/Chairman Elect and Jessica Pfau will serve as Treasurer.Scott Chapman will also serve as the Chairman of the Government Affairs Committee, Kim Benedict as Chairman of the Education Committee and Bob Humphrey will serve as Chairman of the Membership Committee. New Directors elected to serve three year terms beginning in 2011 include Curtis Davidson, First National Bank and Trust of Ardmore; Bill Dolman, Hewitt Minerals; Jessica Pfau, Ardmore Village and Shiloh Morning Inn; T.J. Riley, The Bramlett Agency; David Wall, CableOne; and Mary Kate Wilson, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation. Directors appointed to serve one year terms include Allen Dubea, Valero – Ardmore Refinery and

ARDMORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Wes Stucky,President & CEO

Mita Bates, Vice President - Operations

Annilisa Peevy, Director Member Services

Jamie Beth Smith, Publications and Events Coordinator

Lesley Linney, Ardmore 2020 Coordinator

Bob Humphrey, R & L Enterprises. The new members join existing Chamber Board members: Ruth Ann Carr, Ardmore City Schools; Tom Dunlap, Tripledee Drilling Companies, Inc; Gene Fryar, OG&E; Tracy Morehead, Community Leader; Dave Brenner, Michelin North America- Ardmore Plant; Mindy Burdick, Mercy Memorial Health Center; Kevin Butler, American National Bank; Glen Gee, IMTEC, a 3M Company; Nathan Verner, Brimer, Butler and Verner, CPA, PC and Jason Winborn, AT & T.

T.J. Riley, 2011 Chamber Chairman states, “ I am honored to have the privilege of serving as Chairman and to work with a great group of community leaders who represent the business community and our members.” For over 100 years, the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce has been the catalyst for change. The Chamber advocates for meaningful legislative reform, fighting to keep the highest quality of life and change resulting in improvement in services and programs beneficial to the community as a whole. Additional information on the Chamber programs and services is available at www.ardmore.org.

ARDMORE CONVENTION CENTER/TOURISM

Wes Stucky, President & CEOMita Bates,

Vice President - OperationsJanet Bateman,Marketing DirectorMarty Auten,

Convention Center ManagerAngel Martin,

Marketing AssistantCameron Jackson, Maintenance Personnel

Misty Duncan,Operations Assistant

In Business For Business

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ARDMORE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Wes Stucky,President & CEO

Mita Bates, Vice President - Operations

Brien Thorstenberg, Vice-President, Ardmore Development

Authority

Lesley Linney,Research & Development

Chris Bryant,Airpark Manager

Rick Lewis,Airpark Maintenance

Eddie Merritt,Airpark Maintenance

NOVEMBER 2010 ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Building Permits QuantityThrough November Each Year

ECONOMIC INDICATORS SHOW STRONG GROWTH FOR NOVEMBER

Economic indicators for the month of November showed growth in all categories. According to figures released by the Oklahoma Tax Commission, retail sales for November 2010 show a 2.8% increase ($39.5 million) compared to November 2009 ($36.2 million). The year to date figures have steadily improved the last eight months to an increase for 2010 of 0.4% ($434.9 million) compared to 2009 ($434.3 million).

The City of Ardmore reports an increase in the number of building permits issued through November 2010 at 487 compared to 479 in November 2009. The value of building permits increased substantially from $38.2 million through November 2009 to $45.5 million through November 2010. In residential real estate, The Southern Oklahoma Board of Realtors, report the number of home sales for November 2010 increased from November 2009 (31 home sales in 2010 compared to 26 home sales in 2009).

The latest employment figures from the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission show the October unemployment rate to be 5.4% compared to 6.8% for the State of Oklahoma and 9.6% nationally.

Building Permits ValueThrough November Each Year

($ millions)

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Lance Pehrson, sPeciaL agent, okLahoma city Division of the fBi WiLL aDDress feBruary soBic LuncheonThe Southern Oklahoma Business and Industry Council (SOBIC) Luncheon will meet at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 in the Seminar Center located on the campus of the Southern Oklahoma Technology Center. Lance Pehrson, Special Agent, OKC Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation will be the main speaker at the luncheon.

Special Agent Pehrson will explore some of the most common and malicious threats on the internet. He will also discuss business best practices to protect bank accounts and

data. The Business Spotlight will feature Regina Turrentine, representing the Ardmore Beautification Council. She will give a brief overview of the environmental sustainability of economic development projects.

The purpose of SOBIC is to provide business and industry professionals the opportunity to network while exploring topics of interest crucial to business success. SOBIC is co-hosted by Ardmore Development Authority, Ardmore Chamber of Commerce, Southern Oklahoma Technology Center and the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance. The cost of the luncheon is provided by sponsors.

The 2011 SOBIC Sponsors are: Gold Sponsors – Prism Electric Silver Sponsors – Amethyst Research Inc., Atlas Roofing Corp., MTC Federal Credit Union, Oklahoma Natural Gas

Ardmore educATion summiT scheduled for JAnuAry 21, 2011

The Ardmore Convention Center will be the site for the Ardmore Education Summit to be held on Friday, January 21, 2011. This day- long event, facilitated by Karin Chenoweth of the Education Trust, will offer community leaders the opportunity to hear educators and administrators from across the country share their stories of how they orchestrated school improvement and student academic achievement.

The Education Trust promotes high academic achievement for all students at all levels – pre-kindergarten through college. Their goal is to close the gaps in opportunity and achievement that consign far too many young people – especially those from low-income families, Black African Americans, Latinos, or American Indians – to lives on the margins of the American mainstream. Education Trust works with educators, parents, students, policymakers and civic and business leaders in communities across the country, providing practical assistance in their efforts to transform schools and colleges into institutions that serve all students well.

The Ardmore Education Summit is presented by the Cornerstone Education Initiative and the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce. The goal of the Cornerstone Program is to improve student achievement. During the five years of this public-private partnership, funding was used to provide:• Hardware and software for benchmark assessments and provide immediate access to the data. • Recruitment bonuses to attract and retain the best educators in core subject areas. • Summer School.• The AVID program now in grades 6 through 11. • Recognition and rewards to teachers & administrators for excellence in the classroom.

The Summit will allow participants to hear how these schools, using many of these same strategies, have been successful in closing the achievement gaps in their respective schools and communities.

Mita Bates, Vice President of the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce, comments, “The individuals who will share stories of inspiration (and hard work!) have received recognition from the Education Trust as “Dispelling the Myth Award Winners”. This award is given to schools/districts that have seen significant, continuous gains in student achievement, especially in high poverty areas and minority populations.” Ms. Bates continues, “Several members of the Cornerstone Steering Committee recently attended the annual Education Trust Conference and were inspired to bring the information to Ardmore.”

Philip Black, Director of Student Achievement for the Cornerstone Program, notes that the following individuals are scheduled to present at the Summit: Karin Chenoweth-Education Trust will serve as moderator of the event Mary Hayes Smith- Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary in New Orleans Susan Brooks – Lockhart Middle School, Lockhart Texas Denise Garison- Jack Britt High School, Fayetteville, North Carolina Roger Quarles – Caldwell School District Superintendent, Caldwell, Idaho.Presenters for the Summit were selected based on a geographic distribution across the country and their similarities to student populations in our local schools.

The Ardmore Education Summit is scheduled to begin at 7:45 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m. on January 21, 2011. Additional information, including a tentative schedule for the day can be found at www.ardmore.org, or by contacting the Chamber at 223-7765.

Retail Sales November Each Year($ million)

Retail Sales YTD Through November Each year($ million)

Single Family Residential Homes Sold In November Each Year

(Does Not Include Homes Sold by Owner)

Single Family Residential Homes Sold In November Each Year

(Does Not Include Homes Sold by Owner)

2011 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEET.J. Riley, Chairman The Bramlett Agency

Scott Chapman, Chairman ElectBice & Chapman Energy, LLC

Jessica Pfau, TreasurerArdmore Village

Bob Humphrey, Membership Services R & L Enterprises

Scott Chapman, Governmental AffairsBice & Chapman Energy, LLC

Kim Benedict, EducationThe Ardmoreite

BOARD OF DIRECTORSCurtis DavidsonFirst National Bank & Trust of Ardmore

Bill DolmanHewitt Minerals

Jessica PfauArdmore Village & Shiloh Morning Inn

T.J. RileyThe Bramlett Agency

David WallCableOne

Mary Kate WilsonThe Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

Allen DubeaValero – Ardmore Refinery

Bob HumphreyR & L Enterprises

Dr. Ruth Ann CarrArdmore City Schools

Tom DunlapTripledee Drilling Companies, Inc

Gene FryarOG&E

Tracy MoreheadCommunity Leader

Dave BrennerMichelin N. America- Ardmore Plant

Mindy BurdickMercy Memorial Health Center

Kevin ButlerAmerican National Bank

Glen GeeIMTEC, a 3M Company

Nathan VernerBrimer, Butler and Verner, CPA, PC

Jason WinbornAT & T