March 26, 2009                                                                                                                

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                           

PONCA CITY COMMUNITY LEADER RECEIVES AWARD

The Oklahoma Community Institute (OCI) presented Mary Anne Potter of Ponca City with the Award of Excellence for Community Leadership at OCI's 10^th Annual Conversations on Community Renewal Conference Tuesday, March 24.  Potter received this award for her efforts in supporting Ponca City and Oklahoma native military troops stationed overseas. 

In 2006, Potter founded Operation Pioneer Spirit, a community-wide organization that has sent over 3,000 packages to Oklahoma troops serving in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. Due to the success of the program, citizens from communities across the United States have contacted Potter to voice an interest in starting their own Operation Pioneer Spirit programs. 

Volunteers from Ponca City and north-central Oklahoma meet every month at the Pioneer Woman Museum to organize and pack boxes headed to the Middle-East. Each month, Potter organizes dozens of volunteers to visit area businesses and the Red Cross to collect items to be sent.  Approximately 1,500 people have volunteered for this project.  To date, Potter has written approximately 200 letters to area banks and community leaders asking for donations to Operation Pioneer Spirit, and has raised approximately $40,000.

One Oklahoma chaplain wrote, "You may think that a piece of hard candy, a package of peanut butter crackers, or DVD's are not much, but to our soldiers it represents Oklahoma. It came from the best country in the whole world: the United States of America!  It came from the land we love and dream about. The land we are fighting for. The land we are willing to lay our lives on the line for: America!"

In 2007, Potter co-founded Operation School Supply. Students from Tulsa brought new school supplies to their home rooms to be mailed to the schoolchildren of Iraq and Afghanistan. Approximately 2,000 boxes were distributed by Oklahoma troops with assistance of the Iraqi troops.  The majority of the Iraqi children never had brand new school supplies prior to this program.

Potter also began Operation Blankets of Warmth and enlisted area women to crochet lap and full-length blankets to send to soldiers stationed in the mountains in Afghanistan and near the Turkish border, or who are in military hospitals.  Over 700 blankets have been sent to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.

A qualified nominee for the Award of Excellence for Community Leadership award is a living Oklahoman who, in a voluntary capacity, has mobilized people and/or organizations to address community issues, impacted positive change in his or her community, transformed an area of focus and thereby, contributed to the greater good of their community, and "stuck their neck out" on behalf of a community cause they are passionate about.

Potter was one of two recipients of this award; Dr. Rosemary Bellino, M.D. of Lawton also received recognition for her community leadership initiatives and volunteerism.

The Award of Excellence for Community Leadership 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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March 26, 2009                                                                                                            

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                           

LAWTON COMMUNITY LEADER RECEIVES AWARD

The Oklahoma Community Institute (OCI) presented Dr. Rosemary Bellino, M.D. of Lawton with the Award of Excellence for Community Leadership at OCI's 10^th Annual Conversations on Community Renewal Conference Tuesday, March 24.  Dr. Bellino received this award for the beautification initiatives she has lead in Lawton for the past 10 years. 

Dr. Bellino helped re-established the Adopt-A-Street program in Lawton and has enlisted many businesses to join the program.  In addition, Dr. Bellino volunteered and recruited volunteers to help create decorative, landscaped medians in heavy traffic areas in Lawton, and has spearheaded Lawton's participation in the annual "Oklahoma Trash Off", recruiting volunteers to help clean up both Lawton and the state. 

In addition to her service as a community volunteer, Dr. Bellino serves as a Trustee of the Lawton Enhancement Trust Authority (LETA).  In 2006, LETA established the "Eye Candy Awards" to recognize businesses throughout Lawton that display pride in their appearance by keeping the properties' landscaping and buildings maintained.  In 2008, the "Eye Candy Awards" included the first "Dr. Bellino Award" for the most outstanding, well kept business in Lawton.

"Lawtonians have been infected by Dr. Bellino's enthusiastic work and proudly point to her accomplishments," said Lawton Mayor John Purcell.

A qualified nominee for the Award of Excellence for Community Leadership award is a living Oklahoman who, in a voluntary capacity, has mobilized people and/or organizations to address community issues, impacted positive change in his or her community, transformed an area of focus and thereby, contributed to the greater good of their community, and "stuck their neck out" on behalf of a community cause they are passionate about.

Dr. Bellino was one of two recipients of this award; Mary Anne Potter of Ponca City also received recognition for her community leadership initiatives and volunteerism.

The Award of Excellence for Community Leadership 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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March 26, 2009                                                                                                                 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                       

JENKS ART ON MAIN RECEIVES AWARD

The Oklahoma Community Institute (OCI) presented Jenks' Art on Main project with the Outstanding Community Improvement Initiative Award at OCI's 10^th Annual Conversations on Community Renewal Conference Tuesday, March 24. 

To preserve the image and reputation of Jenks' historic downtown district, community leaders formed an idea to display local art in the windows on vacant storefront spaces. In the fall of 2004, the first Art on Main event was held, and the art show has become an annual tourism attraction and economic rejuvenation for the community, attracting more Oklahoma artists and visitors every year.  Over 120 Oklahoma artists, wineries and musicians participate in the event, which showcases local artisans to the community

Jenks Main Street merchants have expressed that they see their highest retail sales of the year in conjunction with Art on Main.  Julie Kastler, owner of Abbey Road Antiques, said she saw a 40% increase in sales in the month of October due to Art on Main. 

Last year, Art on Main had nearly 8,000 attendees.  Because of the cultural and economic success Jenks experiences from this art show, a grant has been awarded to community each year by the Oklahoma Arts Council to host the event.  This show is also supported by the Jenks Chamber of Commerce's Community Foundation and the City of Jenks.

Community leaders in Jenks said they believe that art and cultural initiatives enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses, and contribute significantly to the social economic vibrancy of the community.

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.

Art on Main was one of two recipients of this award; the Ardmore Young Professionals Organization 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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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 10^th 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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March 11, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                           

OKLAHOMA COMMUNITY INSTITUTE TO HOST 10^th ANNUAL COMMUNITY RENEWAL CONFERENCE IN MIDWEST CITY

The Oklahoma Community Institute (OCI) will host its 10^th Annual Conversations on Community Renewal Conference at the Reed Center in Midwest City Tuesday and Wednesday, March 24 and 25.  The conference will feature sessions and discussions on such community development topics as strategic planning, economic development, health, housing, quality of life and more.

Drew Dugan of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce will speak on the "Greater Grads" program, and keynote speaker Milan Wall of the Heartland Center for Leadership Development in Lincoln, Neb. will speak on the "Six Myths about the Future of Small Towns."

 "This program will provide some of the timeliest and most applicable information found at any conference or training," said Conference Co-Chair Jim Stout, of Oklahoma Natural Gas.  "The focus of the sessions will range from community development and health to keeping our youth and aging infrastructures.  Our partners have helped us ensure that sessions will be worthwhile and beneficial to your community efforts."

OCI's partners and sponsors of the conference include the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, USDA - Rural Development, Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc., ConocoPhillips, OG&E and Oklahoma Natural Gas.

"We are excited about this year's program and the impact it could have on the lives of those who attend," said Conference Co-Chair Randle Lee, of the State Chamber of Oklahoma.  "It is a wonderful time to get new information and ideas, be inspired by success stories and network with other community champions from across the state."

OCI encourages anyone with a stake in his/her community to attend the conference, with special attention to mayors, city council members, chamber of commerce executives, county officials and state employees.  Registration fees are $115 for OCI members and $135 for non-members.  Those interested in attending should visit www.ocionline.org or contact the OCI office at (405) 208-8882 or okcom@ocionline.org to register.

The Conversations on Community Renewal Conference is sponsored by the Oklahoma Community Institute.  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.  A major contributor to the Citizens Academy is Oklahoma Natural Gas.  In addition, the financial support from the Community Institute's other corporate partner, OG&E, has helped make this program a reality.

For more information about the conference or the other programs offered by OCI, please contact Amy Draper at adraper@ocionline.org or (405)208-8882.

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