Report

What’s Inside

February 2008

In Business, For Business

A Monthly Publication by the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce

Presenting Sponsor

Business Spotlight

Chamber Ambassadors

Building an Effective Network

Business After Hours

Economic Indicators Economic Indicators

10 Reasons You Need a Logo

Chamber Website Statistics

Amethyst Research

Upcoming Events

Member News

ATA

Tips for Business

State Chamber Legislation

Oklahoma Prosperity Project SOBIC

Legislative Luncheon New Members

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LAKE MURRAY RESORT GROUNDBREAKING Groundbreaking ceremonies were held Wednesday, January 16, 2008 for the new Lake Murray Resort.

Phase I is the construction of a new Luxury Hotel. The new hotel will feature 150 guest rooms with approximately 15, 000 square feet of meeting space. The new complex will also include a fine dining restaurant, lakeside bar and café, boat docks, swimming pool, fitness facility and many other amenities for family-oriented events. All facilities and amenities at Lake Murray will reflect the original “CCC” (Civilian Conservation Corp) character of native stone and wood.

The historic groundbreaking event represents a unique public/private partnership that results in the State of Oklahoma retaining ownership of the land, and a luxury resort facility being developed and operated by a private enterprise. Included in the groundbreaking ceremony were Lt. Governor Jari Askins, members of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission, area state legislators and Ardmore City officials. “This partnership is very exciting for Ardmore and Oklahoma’s Tourism Department,” Lt. Gov. Jari Askins said. "With all the development and expansion Ardmore is experiencing, the addition of this first-class resort will enhance Ardmore's tourism appeal and also create a tremendous amenity for our state park." “As Oklahoma’s first State Park, Lake Murray will always hold a special distinction,” Tourism Director Hardy Watkins said. “It is fitting that the area includes a resort property to compliment the Park’s natural beauty and to meet the competitive demands of today’s market place.” Senator Johnnie Crutchfield of Ardmore commented that the creation of a destination resort would provide more visitors the opportunity to discover the “hidden jewel” of Southern Oklahoma and the economic impact of tourism has the potential to be a driving factor in the area’s continued growth and success. Representative Greg Piatt echoed these sentiments when he stated, “I am excited about the future of Southern Oklahoma and know that the development of the resort will be a catalyst for continued economic devel-opment and success.” story continues on page 7

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The Oklahoma Prosperity ProjectOne of the great privileges of being an American citizen is the opportunity to vote for the candidate of your choice on Election Day.Voting couldn't be more important. The Legislators we elect make decisions that impact the ability of Oklahoma’s companies to succeed and grow. This affects all of us – our jobs, our economy, and our families’ future.

Oklahoma's 2008 election season begins with the Presidential Primary on February 5th and ends with the General Election November 4th.The Prosperity Project website is a great election resource to help you:Register to vote. Be informed – Learn about the candidates running in your district or for President, and where they stand on economic issues that matter.

The Prosperity Project is a nonpartisan, election education service. It does not endorse candidates and does not tell you how to vote. That important decision is up to you.

Make up your own mind - and VOTE! www.okprosperity.com

ARDMORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE2008 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

KEY ISSUES

HIGHER EDUCATION - ARDMORE BRANCH UNIVERSITY - Transitioning the Ardmore Higher Education Center to a branch of a University is the highest priority for the Chamber.

COMMON EDUCATION - Enhance academic achievement by incorporating higher standards- Extend the school year to the regional average- Forgive student loans for math and science teachers who teach in Oklahoma for the first five years after earning a teacher’s certificate. - Implement career awareness and career pathways programs - Promote character building instruction

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - The Chamber’s proposal to create an Enterprise Fund. The Fund would provide investments for research and a “closing fund” to attract special, large and high-impact projects. - The Quality Investment Act was passed to provide incentives to encourage Oklahoma industries to invest in modernization and expansion. - Quality Jobs Act adjustments have been made over the years. While strongly supporting the concept, the Chamber understands some tightening of require-ments may be necessary. RESEARCH- Increase, or maintain, funding for the Oklahoma Center for Assistance for Science and Industry with additional emphasis on Bio-Technology. - Further enhance funding for Bioenergy Research and the advancement of the Biofuels Industry- The Oklahoma Council for the Advancement of Science and Technology has proven to be an effective investment. For every dollar directed to OCAST by the Legislature, $17 in funding has been generated in support of research and new technology commercialization.

ENVIRONMENT - A comprehensive water plan should be completed before changes are made in Oklahoma water law

LAWSUIT REFORM - The 2004 “reform” bill did not reach far enough. Reform passed in the 2007 Session was vetoed by the Governor. The Chamber urges the Governor and Legislature to pass meaningful judicial reform that protects the rights of individuals while discouraging frivolous lawsuits.

TRANSPORTATION FUNDING, PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION- Protect and increase funding for Oklahoma’s roads and bridges. - Relocate the ODOT Maintenance Facility at I-35 & US 70. - North America Super Coalition (NASCO) – Support efforts of NASO to improve the safety, security and mobility of national transportation systems.- Support the widening of U.S. 70 east to Arkansas and an alternate route west to Lawton.- Ardmore Loop: Actively work to obtain funding for a transportation loop around Ardmore:

INDUSTRY INCENTIVES – WORKER RECRUITMENT - Reasonable and competitive incentives need to be in place in order for Oklahoma to be competitive—in attracting new industry for modernization and expansion. An equal, or perhaps even greater, priority should be placed on recruiting workers to Oklahoma.

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The ABC’s of Immigration Compliance Highlight February SOBIC Luncheon

The Southern Oklahoma Business and Industry Council (SOBIC) Luncheon will meet at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, February 6, 2008, in the Seminar Center located on the campus of the Southern Oklahoma Technology Center. Bill Wells, a Labor Litigation Attorney of the Wells Law Firm, OKC, will be the main speaker at the luncheon.

As an attorney, Bill works with business and industry throughout the state offering advice on current human resource and labor law. At the February SOBIC meeting Bill will provide a summary of the current status of immigration law at the federal level, the e-verify system and Oklahoma House Bill 1804.

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 2008 SOBIC Sponsors are:

Gold Sponsors - Barry Ross Century 21

Silver Sponsors - Atlas Roofing, DOT Foods, V.E. Enterprise, Inc

Participating Sponsors - The Benham Companies

With several local and national elections right around the corner the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce along with Presenting Sponsor: The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Gold Sponsors: CableOne and Valero and Silver Sponsors: Oklahoma Natural Gas, MTC Federal Credit Union and AT&T, have organized several Legislative Luncheons in an effort to provide relevant informa-tion about issues that affect area businesses and community life. Local State Legislators will be on hand to speak about current local and state issues that affect Oklahoman’s. This is the perfect chance for you to meet with those legislators and ask questions that effect your life. These legislative forums address issues such as: local and state ballot issues, proposed tax reform bill, economic development, safety and security issues, and international business. This event also includes a facilitated question and answer segment, which provides the opportunity for attendees to address the featured speaker directly about the issues that our region faces.

Please mark your calendars to attend the 2008 Legislative Luncheon series that kicks off February 29, 2008. The luncheons are held every other Friday of the month February through May from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Ardmore Convention Center, 2401 N. Rockford Road. Reservations can be made online at www.ardmore.org, or by calling the Chamber office at 223-7765. Deadline for RSVP’s is by noon on Wednesday preceding the luncheon. No reservation is needed if a lunch is not being requested.

Luncheon Dates:February 29th March 14thMarch 28thApril 11thApril 25thMay 9th

Legislative Luncheons

New Members

The following companies are new members of the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce.

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, OK73402 or phone (580) 223-7765.

Dunn’s Tank Servie - Whataburger Inc. - Trinity Baptist Church - Telco Supply CompanyChickasaw Long Distance - Chickasaw Telecommunications - Nurses Home Care

Simple Curiosities - Tower Climbers Intergrated LLC

AmbassadorsChamberbusiness

spotlight

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Marty Auten Sheila Bell

Tisha BeltAngela Bradsher Debbie Brewer DeeAnn Chatham Jamie Crane Nick Danker Brian Douglas

tobi Ervin

Kelly Murphy-Fryer Jeremy HamPam Harn

Bob Humphrey Tatum Lee Janet Logan Jerry Landrum Shane Long

Monte Meier Bill Parker

Ryan Parker

Win Patton

Vance Porter

Toni Price

Vicki Quinby Al Schneider Gene Scrugham, Jr.

Dianne Shepard Randy Simmons Kim Smith

Jody Westervelt

Jason WinbornTeresa Woehst

Ardmore Convention CenterFirst National Bank & TrustIMTECAngela Bradsher, CPAPickens, IT, Title & Closing Co.AflacSunshine IndustriesB & N Carpet CleaningHarvey-Douglas Funeral HomeUnited Way of South Central OklahomaAdvanced Care Medical EquipmentCable OneHarn Custom Siding & WindowsShiloh Morning InnThe Mortgage TeamLake Murray ResortDobson Realty GroupEngineering Services & TestingMazzio’s Italian EateryNew York Life InsuranceParker Family Vision CenterSouthern Oklahoma Radio - KKAJCentury 21-Clark & ReedFirst National Bank & Trust CoLandmark BankEdward JonesRay’s Hallmark Gifts & Office SuppliesOasis StaffingOG & EExpress Personnel Services Southern Oklahoma RadioAT&TSo. Ok. Blood Institute

Ruth Young Travel Service

Established 1949312 E Street NW

Ardmore, OK 73401580-223-0888

rtravelservice@sbcglobal.net

Ruth Young Travel Service, 312 E Street NW, was established in 1949 by Ruth Young. In 1991, Kay Laske, Belinda Morris and Beverly Wellnitz purchased the business after working at the agency for many years, continuing the tradition of exceptional service.

As your local travel experts we are committed to helping you find the perfect trip, everytime. We specialize in tours, cruises and honeymoons. As a member of the American Society of Travel Agents, Cruise Line Interna-tional Association and Vacation.com we are able to secure your best vaca-tion value. We listen carefully to what you want from your vacation and can save you money with early booking discounts, special fares, accommoda-tion details and travel advisories. In addition we offer support before, during and after your trip.

Call or come by and see travel specialist Belinda Morris, Kay Laske, Sandra Pruitt, Becky Walker, Vera Adams, Lauren Robbins or Earl Jenkins to help you plan your next trip. Collectively the agency offers over 75 years of travel experience.

Remember…without a travel agent you are on your own!

Business After Hours

Upcoming

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SpringHill Suites Marriott 2501 Centinnial Drive

Building An Effective Referral Network

For many small-business owners, the thought of attending a networking event is enough to make them cringe. After all, many are overworked, and don’t enjoy spending their small amount of free time in a crowded room of people; making small talk with complete strangers; attempting to sell products or services to disinterested prospects; and often having little to show for their time invested.

Instead of networking with potential clients, consider networking with other businesses that can help you succeed. When you network with other businesses, you are looking for ways to meet new clients through the other company’s referrals and to create strategic alliances thus increasing your business’s perceived capabilities.

If the idea of networking with other business sounds more appealing than chasing down clients all the time, consider the following guidelines to make your networking endeav-ors a success.

1. Know ThyselfBefore you attempt to network, you first need to know your business and what makes it unique. Why would someone choose you over your competitors? What do you do or offer that no one else can match? The idea is to precisely pinpoint why another business would want to partner with you and refer their clients to you. Be specific. Simply saying you offer “great customer service” is not unique. However, offering a lifetime guarantee or same-day delivery may be key factors that set you apart.

2. Be Clear About Your WantsYou need to know your goals and objectives before you contact another business. What do you hope business can do for you? What kind of referral are you looking for? A bunch of referrals that do not meet your company’s target client profile is useless. So if you’re looking for referrals who are dog owners, live on the north side of town and earn over $50.000 per year, state that. By doing so, you can better team up with other companies that can give you that specific type of referral.

3. Network Face to FaceNow that youre clear on who you are and what you want, its time to make some contacts. You can do this by going to Chamber events, forming a mastermind group with other businesses or joining a referral or network club. When you initially meet new business owners, be sure to have your thirty second elevator speech memorized. This short speech should cover who you are, who you help, what you do, and how you do it-all thirty seconds or les. Also, when you network, make sure you do it face-to-face, not through emails or phone calls.

4. Follow UpAs with any networking endeavor, follow-up is extremely important. Chances are someone won’t remember you after one brief meeting. You’ll need to remind the person of your business and re-state what you said you could do. Also realize that sometimes following up with someone doesn’t involve business talk at all. You may need to conduct some social meeting for breakfast or lunch, and just talk as people not as business contacts. That kind of personal touch will greatly enhance the relationship.

The SpringHill Suites by Marriott will be hosting this months Business After Hours on the 18th at 5:00pm.

The SpringHill Suites is the newest all-suites property in Ardmore, offering an experience that is a breath of fresh air and a list of amenities that make it easy to call this hotel “your home away from home.”

The SpringHill staff will be available to conduct a full tour of their spacious suites, the comfortable breakfast area and many other features that enhance their guests’ experience.

A special menu has been selected for the evening and Southwest Sales will be sponsoring drinks for the event.

So mark your calendar for the SpringHill Business After Hours.

With over 180 participants, the Ardmore Convention Center was the site for the January Business After Hours. The Chamber hosted the kick-off event and included booths with several area business providing informa-tion on their products/services to the attendees.

Four local caterers were on hand to share their special cuisines with networkers. The evening showcased everything from Mardi Gras themed booths to new Toyota vehicles!

The Convention Center provided a demonstration of their new custom lighting displays giving every event the ability to create a special atmosphere.

The next BAH will be February 18, 2007 at The Spring Hill Suites. Remember to loosen your tie and be a part of the best after hours networking event available!

5. Give As Well As GetNo relationship can be one-sided and successful. You have to give referrals to those you’ve built alliances with as well as get referrals. If you’re always on the getting end and never giving, the other business owners will perceive you as greedy and as misus-ing the relationships. So be sure you’re constantly giving referrals and never getting them, you need to re-consider the relationship and whether it is truly beneficial to you. Finally, when you do get a referral from someone, whether the referral pans out or not, be sure to thank the referring party for the opportunity.

6. Network to WinWhile networking with an individual client may give you some quick rewards, networking with other businesses and creating referral sources will give you long-term results. Think about it…you can only prospect so many clients at a time. But if you have alliances with ten other businesses, you’ve just expanded your potential client outreach by ten times. At the same time, you can likely devote less money to advertising because you have the power of word of mouth (the very best form of advertising) working for you. So begin thinking about the kind of businesses that can help you, as well as those you can help. Network with the owner or decision maker, build the relationship and then watch your business grow.

November Economic Indicators

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December Economic Indicators

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Economic Indicators Show Mixed Results for 2007

Chamber Website Statistics

2008 Executive CommitteeJessica Pfau, Chairman Ardmore VillageNathan Verner, Chairman Elect IMTECPam Plesher, Treasurer Main Street CoffeeShane Long, Membership Services Engineering Services & TestingJay Johnson, Governmental Affairs Mercy Memorial Health CenterKeith King, Past Chairman / Education First National Bank and Trust Co.

Board of DirectorsKim Benedict Daily ArdmoreiteKevin Butler American National BankDr. Ruth Ann Carr Ardmore City SchoolsTom Dunlap Ardmore Oil and Gas Professionals Gene Fryar OG & EDarcy Jordan Valero - Ardmore RefineryChuck Jones Oklahoma Natural GasLetha Khaladj Khaladj-Ayers Team Re/Max Master Associates, Inc.Jerry Landrum Dobson Realty GroupDr. Bill Parsons Mercy Memorial Health CenterT.J. Riley The Bramlett AgencyBarbara Simon Barklee CollectionTrey Whatley V.E. Enterprises, Inc.

10 Reasons Small Businesses Need a Logo

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7. To endear your company name to your clients. A difficult-to-pronounce or hard-to-remember company name makes it challenging for clients. When potential clients need your services, they may not recall a tricky name. But if you reinforce the name with interesting, compelling graph-ics, they are more likely to remember you, pick up the phone, and hire you.

8. To explain an unusual line of business. If your business is nontraditional or in a hard-to-explain industry, a logo can help to clarify exactly what it is that you do.

9. To differentiate you from your competition. A well-designed logo can have many subtle meanings and can begin to tell the story of how you do business.

10. To comply with expectations. In some industries, a logo is just expected. In the creative services industry especially, having a logo is an industry standard.

These benefits could boost your business and your confidence, so consider developing a logo to sell your business.

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Banner

Experts urge small business owners to "brand" their businesses with a logo. However, they rarely explain the reasons behind this advice. Read more about Developing Your Company's Logo. Below are some of some of the benefits of a professionally designed logo and identity system:

1. To look "bigger" and "established." Home-printed business cards or cards printed with Microsoft clipart scream "small-time vendor" to your potential clients — and that is how they will want to compensate you.

2. To attract more clients. Some clients look for a well-defined company, and "look and feel" may be one of their criteria for making a purchasing decision.

3. To brand yourself. If you are a consultant, you need a logo in order to build an image and a brand that is greater than your individual identity.

4. To convey that you are reputable. A logo and professionally-printed materials show that you are committed to both your business and to your clients.

5. To be more memorable. Forty percent of people remember what they see than what they hear or read. So to have graphics associated with your business, and to keep those graphics consistent, makes you more likely to be at the forefront of potential clients' minds when they need your goods or services.

6. To explain your company name. If your company name contains a little-known word or an acronym, the logo can give visual clues to its meaning.

Economic indicators for 2007 show an increase for the overall Ardmore business environment. According to figures released by the Oklahoma Tax Commission, retail sales, annual retail sales represent a 4.2% increase from 2006.

In residential real estate, The Southern Oklahoma Board of Realtors, report a 6.9% decrease in the number of home sales 2007 (389 home sales) compared to 2006 (418 home sales). The City of Ardmore reports a decrease in the number of building permits issued through December 2007 (452 in 2007 com-pared to 614 in 2006). The value of building permits decreased from $50.9 million in 2006 to $46.8 million in 2007. This represents an 8% decrease in the value of building permits.

Average Monthly Hits on Banner and Logo Ads on the Chamber Website

March

Upcoming Events

AMETHYST RESEARCH CONTINUES TO PROSPER IN ARDMORE

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February

2/8 Chamber Awards Banquet6:30 pm Convention Center, 2401 N. Rockford

2/15 AYPO “Crash The Party” Noon Convention Center, 2401 N. Rockford

2/18 ADA Board Meeting3:00 pm Chamber of Commerce, 410 W. Main

2/18 Business After Hours5:00 pm SpringHill Suites, 2501 Centnnial Dr.

2/20 SCORE 10:00 am Chamber of Commerce, 410 W. Main

2/20 Chamber Board Meeting4:00 pm Chamber of Commerce, 410 W. Main

2/28 ATA Board Meeting8:00 am Chamber of Commerce, 410 W. Main

2/29 Legislative Luncheon 11:30pm Convention Center, 2401 N. Rockford

3/14 Legislative Luncheon11:30 pm Convention Center, 2401 N. Rockford

3/17 ADA Board Meeting3:00 pm Chamber of Commerce, 410 W. Main

3/17 Business After Hours5:00 pm Sweet!, 109 E. Main St.

3/19 Chamber Board Meeting4:00 pm Chamber of Commerce, 410 W. Main

3/27 ATA Board Meeting8:00 am Chamber of Commerce, 410 W. Main

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Amethyst Research Inc. develops an advanced process that improve the performance of infrared “night vision” detectors while simultaneously reducing the cost of their production. The company began operations in Ardmore 2006. They have grown from 2 employees to seven employees with an annual budget of $835,000. Amethyst, located at the Ardmore Technology Trans-fer Center – a technology based business incubator developed by the ADA, has received $1,060,000 in new contracts since the beginning of the year. They have additional research contracts pending at a value of $4,600,000.

Dr. Terry Golding (Amethyst Research Inc.) explains the commer-cial benefits of their company’s process. “This clears the way for a change in the infrared focal plane array industry and the imag-ing applications it serves. This could dramatically improve the lives and effectiveness of a broad range of users, such as soldiers and fire fighters.”

The long-term objective of the business incubator is to create a technology park in Ardmore that will focus on commercial ventures based on scientific research,” states Brien Thorstenberg(ADA Vice President). “This will create more professional jobs in the community. The Ardmore Development Authority is currently discussing plans with Amethyst to build a permanent building in one of our industrial parks.”

Find more about Amethyst at: www.amethystresearch.net

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CONVENTION CENTER COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL YEAR

The Ardmore Convention Center completed another successful year in 2007. Event numbers continue to grow with over 160 events held during the year. The events represent 124 different individuals, groups or associations utilizing the Center. Once again, the events ranged from depositions with 4 – 6 individuals to the Spirit Seekers and Mercy Memorial Women’s Health Forum with hundreds of participants. Revenue generated by Room Rental Income increased over 48% and income derived from Food Service and other amenities also increased.

2008 plans to be successful as well! 71 events are already booked including state conventions including The Oklahoma Association of Pupil Transport, Oklahoma District Attorneys Council and the Oklahoma Historical Society. The Convention Center is the perfect site for weddings, conventions or small meetings, if you’re looking to plan an event contact the Ardmore Convention Center at 226-2862.

Member News

Ardmore Chamber of CommerceWes Stucky, President & CEOMita Bates, Vice President - OperationsTodd Larkin, Events Coordinator/Public Relations Annilisa Peevy, Administrative & Foundation AssistantLisa Cowan, Administrative Assistant

Ardmore Development AuthorityWes Stucky, President & CEOMita Bates, Vice President - OperationsBrien Thorstenberg, Vice-President, Ardmore Development AuthorityElizabeth Crowley, Research & DevelopmentRoy Givens, Industrial Parks ManagerAshley Cox, Adm. Assist. Ardmore AirparkGary Ross, Airpark Maintenance

Ardmore Convention Center/TourismWes Stucky, President & CEOMita Bates, Vice President - OperationsJanet Bateman, Marketing CoordinatorMarty Auten, Convention Center ManagerAngel Martin, Administrative AssistantCameron Jackson, Maintenance Personnel

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Hunter Graphix: Windows, Walls, Doors, Floors and More No matter the location or the message, HUNTER GRAPHIX has a sign for your business. HUNTER GRAPHIX offers signs, banners, labels, decals, custom signs, vehicle graphics, business signs, yard signs, and much more. HUNTER GRAPHIX can help you design and install signs for every possible need. From the yard and exterior of your building to the point of purchase, We will work with you to ensure that your message is not only seen, but that it's effective. We use state-of-the-art, computer-aided sign-making systems and techniques to create high-impact, cost effective signs that get you results. Best of all, we make the whole process simple.

UPS Store: After proudly serving the Ardmore community for 10 years, we have experienced a terrific problem! We've outgrown our present facility at 720 N. Commerce. Follow us over to 1405 4th Ave. NW, 1 block West of Homeland entrance, and let us continue to serve your UPS/Postal and business communications needs with a brand new 3,000 square foot interior with unlimited parking. Look for us to move late March or a day in April!

Whataburger: Family-owned Whataburger Restaurants’ signature orange and white stripes will soon be visible in Ardmore. The new Whataburger restaurant, located at 921 Holliday Dr., across the street from the Michelin tire plant, will open its doors in late-February. Whataburger’s first venture in Ardmore will be open 24 hours a day and will serve all of Whataburger’s signature menu items including: the made-to-order Whataburger as well as the WhataChick’n sandwich, fresh salads and chicken strips. The restaurant will also offer a full breakfast menu, served from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m., featuring honey butter chicken biscuits and taquitos, among many other breakfast items. The new restaurant will bring about 80 new jobs to the area. If you are interested in applying for a position at Whataburger, please call Thomas Thompson at (580) 319-2288.

Lake Murray Resort Groundbreaking cont.

Groundbreaking for a private resort development at Lake Murray was the result of a project initiated by the Ardmore Tourism Authority President and CEO Wes Stucky in 2004. “The resort is an important part of improving the overall appearance and quality of offerings in Southern Oklahoma.” The Ardmore Tourism Authority, a Public Trust of the City of Ardmore executed a land lease with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department in April 2007 and subsequently subleased to Knewt Resorts, LLC. of Dallas Texas for the redevelop-ment of the resort.

The opening of the hotel is scheduled for the Fall of 2009. Upon completion of the new hotel facility, the redevelop-ment of the existing historic Lake Murray Lodge will begin and be a part of Phase II, which will include the remodeling of existing cabins, construction of new cabins and construction and creation of a Safari Village. The recon-struction planned will keep the historical significance and character of the old lodge and cabins while upgrading them to a higher standard.

Additional services provided throughout the resort area will include an amphitheater, two new swimming pools, a large playground and new boat docks for guests and day use. Landscaping enhancements will be featured throughout the area and all of the proposed development and renovations will be environmentally responsible.

An international hotel design firm, Leo A. Daly Company, is designing the new facility and project redevelopment.

The project will be owned and operated by Knewt Resorts, LLC and partners. Funding for the project is being arranged by SCS Capital Group, LLC and Today Realty Advisors, Inc.

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Tips for Business

Personnel Roundtable

Keys to Hiring Great Employees Of course every business owner wants to hire the best employees possible. How does one go about finding the best? Take each piece of information including resumes, cover letters, telephone conversations and interviews along with pre-employment testing and references to narrow down the field to the "one".

Utilizing several different recruiting methods is a sure way to increase your odds of finding a diverse group of individuals. The wider and more complete your search, the greater the results. Place powerful advertisements in your local newspaper as well as online job-hunting sites that will attract people from other areas of the country that might be moving to your town. Be specific, prospective employees want to know exactly what tasks they will be responsible for.

Resumes and cover letters will start flowing in the day the ad runs. Much is to be said for someone´s resume and cover letter. Are there misspelled words? Does the cover letter portray an individual with potential for this particular position? You will receive resumes from overqualified individuals as well as under qualified. Take the time to review each one carefully, screening out the ones that are absolute "no´s".

Always prepare for your interview process and allow enough time for each interview. Screen your candidates by telephone prior to the interviews to eliminate those who immediately reveal that they are not right for the job. There are certain expectations on each side, such as salary requirements, if there is overtime involved, etc. There is nothing worse for an applicant than showing up for an interview, only to find out at the end of their interview their pay is much lower than they are willing to accept. There is no sense in wasting anyone´s time — yours included.

The questions you ask in an interview should reflect the most important responsibilities associated with the job. Closely review a candidate´s application and resume for valuable information. Look for inconsistencies, gaps in employment history, or frequent job changes. Ask why an individual left previous jobs. Ask about strengths and weaknesses.

Listen — the less you speak the better. As the candidates speak, prepare your next question. Review the resume for consistency. Ask open-ended questions, smiling and responding where appropriate. Make the interviewee feel at ease. Thank the candidate for the time it took to interview and let them know you will be in touch, no matter what your decision. This is much appreciated. It does not show professionalism when you say you are going to make a decision by the end of the week and you will be in contact, and then do not follow through. Always keep your word.

Obtain at least three references and call them. A person might present themselves very well in an interview and then when references are checked, a whole new scenario appears. Narrow the selection down to three and if needed, call the candidates back for a second interview. You should always go with your initial instinct. Remember, interviews are like dates — people have their guard up, they don´t reveal their true personalities and you have to read them by their facial expressions, body movements and voice tones. Hopefully you did a wonderful job in picking the right person you never truly know someone in such a short amount of time.

Post your current job openings online at jobs.ardmore.org

PERSONNEL ROUNDTABLE PLANNING 2008 MEETING YEAR

The 2008 Personnel Roundtable hosted by the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce, Ardmore Development Authority and the South-ern Oklahoma Technology Center is planning the 2008 meeting calendar. The group of Human Resource associates met on January 31 for Strategic Planning of the 2008 calendar year. This meeting will help the group decide whether to continue with the SHRM Norman teleconference or allow speakers to come and address the group personally.

Personnel Roundtable is an opportunity for local human resource representatives to gather once a month over lunch provided by Rhonda’s catering to address issues that affect their workplace. This event is sponsored by: Gold Sponsor – 1-800-FLOWERS; Silver Sponsors-Hampton Inn, Best Buy, EJIW and Dollar General. For more information on Personnel Roundtable, please contact Elizabeth Crowley at 223-6162.