ARDMORE ORGANIZATION RECEIVES OCI AWARD
March 26, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ARDMORE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ORGANIZATION RECEIVES AWARD
The Oklahoma Community Institute (OCI) presented the Ardmore Young Professionals Organization (AYPO) with the Outstanding Community Improvement Initiative Award at OCI's 10th Annual Conversations on Community Renewal Conference Tuesday, March 24.
AYPO was established for local professional men and women to exchange ideas, interact socially, and share common interests in order to position themselves as leaders in Ardmore for the betterment of the community. AYPO provides young professionals in Ardmore with an opportunity to establish and strengthen their business network, broaden their base of organizations and social activities, and volunteer in social, cultural, educational and community service capacities.
In addition, AYPO members said the organization strives to provide an opportunity for Ardmore area newcomers to easily adapt and become involved in the community, provide a forum for young professionals to obtain information, and develop the network and leadership skills to better serve their family, profession and community.
AYPO is the result of an initiative started by the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce. When AYPO was formed, the group formed three committees: Service, Community, and Social. The organization is involved in several community service activities and programs including Veterans Home Visits, Adopt-a-Spot, Prom Dress Drive, Coat Drive, School Supply Drive, Voter Registration and a Family Day at the Water Park. In addition to these activities, AYPO assisted the Edmond Chamber of Commerce in establishing a young professional's organization.
OCI's Outstanding Community Improvement Initiative Award is designed to acknowledge, reward, and share the great things that are happening in Oklahoma communities. Selection is based on the degree to which the project, program or activity has had a positive impact in the community, demonstrates the spirit of partnership, collaboration, and innovative ideas, and lends itself as a model in other communities.
AYPO was one of two recipients of this award; Jenk's Art on Main also received recognition for its community involvement.
The Outstanding Community Improvement Initiative Award is sponsored by the Oklahoma Community Institute. The Oklahoma Community Institute is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that has been helping build leaders and their Oklahoma communities since 1995. OCI specializes in community-wide strategic planning, the Citizens Academy leadership program and the annual Conversations on Community Renewal Conference
For more information about OCI's leadership awards, annual conference or other programs, please contact Amy Draper at adraper@ocionline.org or (405)208-8882.
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