vision - business, industry and health

Business, Industry & Health

March 30, 2012

Norman 2012 VISION 3

By Jerri Culpepper Special for the Transcript

Norman and surrounding towns likeNoble and Purcell are no strangers to theoil and natural gas industry. Since the ear-ly days, the industry has been part of thebedrock of the Cleveland County land-scape.

In 2010, producers in Cleveland Coun-ty pumped out 343,041 barrels of oil and 1.3trillion cubic feet of natural gas. The coun-ty ranks 38th in the state in oil productionand 54th in natural gas production. Thatproduction is helping Oklahoma meetAmerica’s energy needs.

Since 1993, the hard-working and inno-vative men and women of Oklahoma’s oiland natural gas industry have funded oneof the nation’s finest and most respectedcommunity outreach programs.

The Oklahoma Energy ResourcesBoard was created nearly two decades agowith a mission to use the strength of Okla-homa’s greatest industry to improve thelives of all Oklahomans through educationand environmental restoration.

Through the OERB, Oklahoma’s oil andnatural gas industry has proven itself to bea good steward of the environment. Now 19years strong, we celebrate having cleanedup nearly 12,000 abandoned well sites at nocost to landowners.

The oil and natural gas producers androyalty owners who fund the OERB havenow contributed more than $70 milliontowards restoration efforts. In ClevelandCounty alone, the OERB has restored 95sites and spent nearly a half million dollarson environmental restoration efforts here.

With a long-standing tradition of educa-tion excellence in Oklahoma, the OERBprovides one-of-a-kind science and energytools for Oklahoma teachers and students.

Curricula, well site safety, college schol-arships and technical training are just a fewof the programs that help the OERB edu-cate young Oklahomans about the oil andnatural gas industry, the science behind itand its importance to our state and nation.

The OERB provides in-depth sciencecurricula free-of-charge to teachers. TheOERB’s curricula reach students fromkindergarten through high school and arefull of fun, hands-on lessons that introducestudents to basic concepts about well sitesafety, rock formations and the types of

products made from petroleum. These cur-ricula have been instrumental in educatingmore than one and a half million studentsacross the state.

At the OERB, we know teachers are keyin our children’s development. That is whywe support them with development andsupplies. Last year the OERB provided edu-cators with $450,000 in classroom suppliesto use while teaching the OERB curriculain the classroom.

Dottie Morris teaches at All SaintsCatholic School and says the OERB’s assis-tance comes at a critical time for educators.

“Schools are sometimes criticized for notdeveloping the science and math skills stu-dents need for today’s technology,” saidMorris. “But the OERB has stepped up anddeveloped and funded the necessary cur-riculum, so thanks very much to theOERB.”

Teresa Lansford agrees. She teaches atKennedy Elementary and truly appreciatesthe OERB’s continued support.

“The OERB cares about teachers andstudents. I have seen how meaningful thehands on curriculum is to students,” saidLansford.

These teachers are just a few of the 471teachers from schools served by the Nor-man Transcript who have been trained toteach and use the OERB curricula in theirclassroom.

The OERB also funds thousands of stu-dent field trips to museums around thestate with oil and natural gas exhibits –including the Sam Noble Museum of Nat-ural History in Norman. Last year, theOERB committed $350,000 to that effort.Many teachers say it is the only field triptheir students will ever take due to a lack ofmoney.

Many ask why the OERB dedicates somuch time and nearly one-quarter of itsbudget to student education. Well, we hopesome of the one and a half million minds wehave educated will, one day, find them-selves on a career path toward the oil andnatural gas industry.

Right now, our industry is aging. Not intechnology or resources, but in people. Theaverage age of a worker in the oil and nat-ural gas industry is in the mid-50s. That iswhy the OERB created a college scholar-ship program to encourage young peopleto study petroleum related majors at Okla-homa State University, the University of

Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa. TheOERB is proud to support 62 outstandingscholars at OU. We have awarded nearly $2million in college scholarships since 2006.

The OERB also developed a technicalcertification program at two of the state’stop Career Tech schools where dedicatedstudents can achieve a certification that getsthem working in this powerful industry.

After all, it is an industry that powers theeconomy of our state. It provides 300,000jobs both directly and indirectly, pays near-ly one billion dollars annually in gross pro-duction taxes and provides $51 billion ingoods and services - one-third of the state’sgross product.

Before the OERB began its work in 1993,minimal public awareness of the vital con-tributions of the oil and natural gas indus-try existed. Today, attitudes are changingas communities continue to understand theimportance of this cornerstone industry.

As our student education programs growand we near that 12,000th restoration, ourmission is stronger than ever. We are grate-ful to the producers and royalty owners

who are committed to the program for giv-ing us such an amazing story to tell aboutthe thriving industry that continues advanc-ing our state and empowering our nation.This is a paid advertorial by OERB.

Advancing and empowering Oklahoma for nearly two decades

Photo Provided

Above: OERB Master Teachers conduct a distillation experiment from the COREEnergy Science curriculum using cherry cola during an OERB teacher workshop. Below: Students at Ralph Downs Elementary in Oklahoma City show off theircopies of the OERB’s latest children’s book Boomer Burrow.

4 Norman 2012 VISION

For economic developers,the “doughnut theory”has nothing to do with

baking. Unless, of course, adoughnut store is the prize.

Developers have longrecognized that stores andoffices tend to cluster inoutlying areas and the middleoften gets overlooked. Whenpublic and private investment

in a community’souter circle takesprecedence, thecity’s core suffers.

Fortunately, forNorman, the cityremains vibrantthroughout. Wehave no doughnuthole. Don’t believe it.Take a day’s drive

through historic downtownsin other communities. Blocksof storefronts are mostlyabandoned in areas wherecommerce flourished just 20years earlier.

In the mid-1990s, a consul-tant hired to promote down-town Norman said the lack oftraffic was a hindrance toretail stores and restaurantsdowntown. To prove hispoint, he stretched out in themiddle of Main Street waitingon cars.

Today, the problem down-town is not lack of traffic. It’soften too much traffic at peaktimes. City officials andmerchant groups arewrestling with where to parkeveryone. A new public lot onGray Street fills up eachmorning. County officials are

looking at building some kindof parking structure south ornorth of the courthouse.

Restaurants, bars andcoffee houses transformdowntown after shops close.Two more eateries will opensoon. The Financial Centerreopened with a large stateagency as its major tenant.Niche retailers pop upweekly. They want to try andmake it in the city’s core areawhere others have pursueddreams for more than acentury.

The downtown revivalcomes less than a decadeafter a public-private reinvest-ment replaced water lines andsidewalks. New streetscapesmade the area more pedestri-an friendly. The 100 to 300blocks of East Main weretransformed.

Soon, that effort could beduplicated in the 100 to 300blocks of West Main street. Agrant application is pendingbefore the Oklahoma Depart-ment of Transportation. It wasanticipated last year but —like hundreds of projects —was put on hold pendingapproval of the federaltransportation funding bill.

Now that the federal fundshave been released, we lookfor an announcement and apush westward on MainStreet. It’ll be inconvenient forproperty owners, tenants andmotorists for a few months.But history shows the invest-ment will pay dividends downthe road.

Fortunately, Norman stillmissing the doughnut hole

Andy RiegerExecutiveEditor

Next up: Faith, Community & Education

First American Bank and Trust . . . . . . . . . . . .24-25

Animal Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Bob Moore Nissan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-23

Dr. Robert Wells, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Fitness One . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7

Goodwill Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Honor roll of advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29-31

Norman Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Norman Regional Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13

Norman Surgical Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Oklahoma Energy Resource Board . . . . . . . . .2-3

Primrose Funeral Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18-19

Sitel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Spaulding Chiropractic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-17

Sysco Food Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-21

ADVERTISER INDEX

HEALTHOklahoma’s health ranking is 48th in the nation.Smoking and obesity not only take a toll on individ-ual health, they tax the economy as well. Oklahomaemployers lose close to $2 billion annually in lostproductivity and absenteeism from these two issuesalone. The upside is that the state and communitiesare fighting back. PAGE 5

BUSINESSSince October 2006, 52 businesses have set up shopin University North Park. While a handful havedeparted, more are on the way. Although a slowedeconomy has affected development, the number ofbusinesses that have established themselves in UniversityNorth Park and the increase to the city’s tax base havebeen beneficial. PAGE 10

INDUSTRYNorman is known for academics and research, but itssupply of, and demand for, skilled laborers also is strong.Companies of all sizes hire, train and depend on Norman-area plumbers, welders, electricians, computer expertsand various technicians. PAGE 26

INDEX

� Norman Regional Heathplex photo provided byNorman Regional Hospital.

� FitnessOne, Sysco and Primrose Funeral Homephotos by Kyle Phillipls / The Norman Transcript.

ON THE COVER


By Joy HamptonTranscript Staff Writer

Oklahoma may be in the top 10 insports, but it is ranked in the bottom 10in health — 48th in 2011 — accordingto America’s Health Rankings producedby the United Health Foundation.

Now, Dr. Terry Cline, the state’sCommissioner of Health and theOklahoma Secretary of Heath andHuman Services said the Sooner state isfighting back with a blueprint forimprovement.

The Oklahoma Health ImprovementPlan was requested by the OklahomaLegislature and sets a path of wellnessfor the state. Some priority areas of focusinclude tobacco use prevention, chil-dren’s health, and obesity reduction.

HEALTH

Kyle Phillips

Norman Regional Hospital is at the forefront of health care in Cleveland County.

State, communities tackleOklahoma’s health ranking

The 2011 State of the State Healthreport found the following negativefindings in Cleveland County:

• Obesity in adults increased 21percent

• Physical inactivity in adultsincreased 19 percent

• Prevalence of diabetes amongadults increased 72 percent

• 10 percent fewer children com-pleted primary immunizations

BY THE NUMBERS: HEALTH TRENDS

• See HEALTH, Page 8


If you’re tired of missing out on excitingopportunities to go hiking, rock climbing orparticipate in other activities or sports withyour friends because you’re out of shape,or if you’re concerned that high blood pres-sure, diabetes or other serious health issuesare looking in your future if you don’timprove your lifestyle, there’s a gym intown that wants to help.

If you’re already a fitness buff, but yourgym isn’t open hours that are convenient to

you, or if you’reafraid of making alongtime commit-ment before youare sure the placeis right for you,there’s a gym intown that canmeet those con-cerns, too.

Happily, theyare one and thesame: FitnessOne, in Norman.

The ownersand staff of Fit-ness One in Nor-man understandall those concerns— really! — andstand ready andwilling to showyou around thefacilities and dis-cuss how they canhelp you meet

your fitness goals. Fitness One welcomesanyone at any fitness level and has the toolsto get you in the best shape of your life.

Owners Chase and Cassie Bridgforthexplain some of the factors that set theirgym apart from most other gyms.

“We offer 24-hour access, fantastic groupfitness classes and have top-of-the-lineequipment,” Cassie said. “We are locallyowned and operated but able to bring thebest in equipment from many differentbrands all together in one location.”

Because “one size doesn’t fit all,” FitnessOne strives to offer a wide range of fitnessoptions. For instance, some people enjoyexercising solo, while others discover thathaving a family member or friend as a part-ner adds a fun factor to the equation as wellas helps keep them motivated. Many mem-bers find they work harder and achieve bet-

ter results in the friendly atmosphere of thegroup fitness classes offered free to allmembers.

For the variety seekers, Fitness Oneorganizes rock-climbing events, boot campsand wellness talks for members. Spinning,Zumba, TRX, yoga and Pilates classes alsoare offered.

“We’re constantly improving our pro-grams, adding new equipment, and findingways to stay on the cutting edge of the fit-ness industry,” she added.

One of the main messages Chase wouldlike to express is that fitness is an evolvingconcept. “Our gym takes a well-roundedapproach to a healthy lifestyle. The idea offitness has changed so much from what itmeant in the past. Fitness is no longerdefined by how big your biceps are or howmuch weight you can push,” he said. “Wepromote the idea of well-rounded, func-tional fitness that impacts a person’s every-day life by making them feel better whilegoing about their everyday tasks.

“We strive to be so much more than justa place to use equipment,” Cassie added.“We encourage our members to get

involved with group fitness, take bootcamps, meet with a trainer - when a mem-ber can get involved in the community andaccountability of exercising with friends, heor she achieves much better results andthey enjoy their time spent exercising.Working out should be enjoyable andrewarding.”

To that end, the Fitness One staff is spe-cially trained to focus on their members.

“We try to make every person feel wel-come, and are genuinely concerned withtheir success while they’re here,” Cassiesaid. “We offer a free personal training ses-sion to members when they sign up to getthem acquainted with what our facilityoffers and involved in the gym so that theyinstantly become part of the communityrather than an outsider starting fromscratch.”

The couple is justifiably proud of theirmany success stories.

“We have several members who havelost 80, 90, 100 pounds. One who stands outis a male in his 50s who worked with a per-sonal trainer twice a week for six weeks,”they recalled. “He lost an incredible 10 per-

cent body fat in that short time by workingout and eating healthy! No crazy crashdiets, fat burning supplements, or gim-micks.”

A blessed historyMany residents have wondered what

brought Fitness One to Norman. After running track for four years at OU,

Chase went into business with two lifelongfamily friends to open Fitness One in Nor-man. Chase graduated from OU with adegree in business with an emphasis onentrepreneurship. Cassie earned her OUdegree in advertising. It was a fortunatepairing – one that equipped them to be aneffective team in running a business.

The couple consider themselves blessedto have found their niche in life.

“The best part is the people,” Cassie says.“You see so many amazing transformations,not only physically, but also mentally. Youcan see the changes in a person’s confi-dence and their pride at achieving theirgoals. Norman is full of so many great peo-ple, and we are fortunate to meet and get toknow them through our business. We’repositive we have the best job around.”

Fitness One right for you?Convinced yet? Are you pumped up,

ready to begin your personal fitness adven-ture? If so, the staff at Fitness One invitesyou to drop in and learn what this uniquegym has to offer you. For those just start-ing their fitness regimen, the staff is avail-able to help set realistic goals and deter-mine how those goals can best be achieved.A great jumpstart is to work with one oftheir nationally certified personal trainers,who can guide, motivate and teach youwhile you are starting out.

Cassie stresses that the initial few weeksare the most important time in developingthe habits that will get you to your goals.Once you begin to see the results and feelthe changes in your everyday life, it is mucheasier to stay the course.

For more information about Fitness Onecall 701-4004, or drop in for a tour at 230136th Ave NW. More information as well asa current group fitness schedule is alsoavailable online atwww.fitnessoneclubs.com.This is a paid advertorial by Fitness One.

Fitness One Perksat a Glance:• 24-hour access withmembership card• Free aerobics classesincluded with membership• Classes offered as earlyas 6 a.m., as late as 7 p.m.• Month-to-month; nocontract• Clean facility and friendlystaff• Cardio section withintegrated TVs and cable• 24-hour cycling movietheater• 24-hour women’s onlysection• Rock-climbing wall withauto belays• State-of-the artselectorized, plate-loadedand strength equipment• Nationally certifiedpersonal trainers• Full tanning salon• Full smoothie bar

Fitness One offers great hours and top-notch equipment

Transcript Photo by Kyle Phillips

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8 Norman 2012 VISION HEALTH

Numerous communities have adoptedClean Indoor Air and Youth Accessordinances that mirror the state laws andare clearly ready to take responsiblemeasures to increase the health andeconomic development within theircommunities. By changing the social normaround smoking, Oklahoma is changingthe environment that youth grow up in,creating healthier, smoke-free environ-ments, according to Leslea Bennett-Webb,director of communications, OklahomaState Department of Health.

Some key factors include:• Since 1992, Oklahoma’s infant

mortality rate has been consistentlyhigher than the national average.

• Oklahoma had the largest rise inobesity rates between 1995 to 2010 and isprojected to have the highest obesity ratein the country by 2018.

• Led the nation for deaths due toheart disease.

• Oklahoma’s prevalence for smoking

is 23.7 percent.Smoking is costly in both health and

monetary terms. Statistics show thatsmoking-caused monetary costs inOklahoma include $1.6 billion annually inhealth care costs directly caused bysmoking, said Bennett-Webb. Of thosecosts $218 million is covered by the stateMedicaid program. The state and federaltax burden from smoking-caused govern-mental expenditures is $550 per house-hold while the cost of smoking-causedloss of productivity in Oklahoma isestimated at $1.73 billion.

Obesity is costly. Oklahoma spends$853 Million on obesity-related diseaseseach year and Oklahoma employers losebillions of dollars annually in lost produc-tivity and absenteeism among unhealthyworkers, said Bennett-Webb.

The Certified Healthy Oklahomaprogram is providing an avenue forbusinesses, restaurants, communities,schools, college campuses and careertechnology centers to be acknowledgedfor their efforts to help Oklahomans eatbetter, move more and be tobacco free,said Bennett-Webb.

Health• From Page 5

Norman 2012 VISION 9BUSINESS

By Stephanie Brickman For the Transcript

If the Norman Convention and VisitorsBureau’s Executive Director StephenKoranda had to pick a soundtrack tothematically underscore the organization’s2011 year, likely the first song would be “Ch-Ch-Changes.”

From the June microburst storm thatripped the roof from the NCVB’s DowntownNorman site to a new website to personnelchanges, just about everything changed in2011.

“We are nothing if not able to change thepath to go the same direction which is toattract visitors, conventions, conferencesand sporting events to Norman,” Korandasaid. “We may be doing all of it from adifferent location and with different peoplebut the measurables show that transientguest tax receipts are up, the occupancy athotels and beds and breakfasts jumped andper person expenditure of visitorsincreased.”

In late August, the CVB moved from its

Downtown location to an office suite insidethe United Way Plaza building, 2424Springer Drive, near the intersection ofLindsey Street and 24th Ave. SW.

After moving from Downtown, Korandasaid that the disadvantage to leaving thehistoric district is that there are no longerthree places within walking distance thatoffer sweet-potato fries. However, ice creamfrom Braum’s is a block away.

“We made some tradeoffs,” he said.Between the green directional wayfinders

on Lindsey Street and 24th Ave. SW andnew signs at the building, leading visitors tothe offices has been a training process.

“It has taken a while to get the word outthat we have moved, but we are seeing moreand more foot traffic the longer we are onSpringer Drive,” Koranda said.

To take advantage of the convenientlocation for interstate travelers, the NCVBalso is advertising on a billboard betweenPurcell and Norman and has applied foradditional directional signage off Interstate 35through the Oklahoma Department ofTransportation directing visitors to the easy-to-

find building that actually faces the heavilytraveled thoroughfare.

“There’s been discussion since the CVBstarted (in the early ’90s) about whether weshould be Downtown or near the interstate,”Koranda said. “The storm damage and needto relocate is providing an opportunity togauge the effectiveness of where manybelieve we should be.”

Into the new space, the CVB alsowelcomed new staffers in 2011. LongtimeNorman hospitality professional Susan Bashjoined the organization as a sales manager inAugust while former Norman Transcriptstaffer Stefanie Brickman hit the groundrunning as communications manager inSeptember.

“We are poised for tremendous growthas a result of all the changes that took placein 2011,” Koranda said. “2012 will be a bigyear for us.”

A newly designed VisitNorman.comdebuted in May 2011. The results of the sitebeing built for search-engine optimizationare evident in the fact that traffic hasdoubled.

Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau at new address

Provided photo

Norman Convention andVisitors Bureau’s ExecutiveDirector Stephen Koranda


BUSINESS

Kyle Phillips / The Norman Transcript

Since its inception in 2006, 52 businesses have made their mar on Norman’s University North Park, and more are on the way.


Fifty-two businesses have openedin Norman’s University North ParkTIF District since Target landedthere in October 2006.

Of those, only five were trans-plants from other areas of Norman.An additional four stores opened buthave closed or relocated.

The newest additions to the TIFdistrict iclude Discount Tire, 2900Mount Williams Drive; VallianceBank, 1501 24th Ave. NW, andMathis Brothers Lady Americana,1200 24th Ave. NW.

And more are on the way. Thoughdetails have not been finalized yet,Crest Foods submitted a plat inFebruary to the Norman PlanningCommission which approved it, butthe plat has not been scheduled tocome before the Norman CityCouncil yet.

The UNP TIF started with a list oftransportation improvements thatwould need to be built in response todevelopment in that area. Thoseprojects would address the addition-al traffic generated by the develope-ment of the University North Park.

“There were very specific projectsidentified,” Public Works DirectorShawn O’Leary said.

These transportation improve-ments were bult simultaneously withthe development of the UniversityNorth Park.

“The main thing we’ve accom-plished has been traffic and roadimprovements,” City Attorney JeffBryant said.

The Legacy Park and the VillageCenter have not been developed yet,but it has long been understood thatthose would be among the lastpieces to fall into place in the UNP,Bryant said.

While a slowed economy hasaffected development, the number ofbusinesses that have come toUniversity North Park and theincrease to the city’s tax base at acrucial time have been beneficial.

“In the University North Parkthere was nothing — it wasn’t on thetax rolls,” Bryant said.

He said it was more efficient to putup the infrastructure concurrentwith the development. In a TIFdistrict, an anticipated revenuestream that will grow with thedevelopment is identified and banks

are asked to fund the project. In thecase of UNP the University ofOklahoma Foundadion providedadditional security to back the loan,Bryant said, and the first finacinglender was the OU Foundation.

Bryant has worked on thenegotiations with the developer andcity staff attorney Katherine Walkerhas tracked details regarding theUNP TIF. The city’s finance depart-ment has been responsible fortracking the TIF diverted ad valoremand sales taxes and a special citizen’sTIF Oversight Committee ischarged with overseeing theimplementation of the project plan.The TIF Architectural Review Boardapproves the aesthetic designsproposed by businesses that build inthe TIF district.

Legacy Park will contain a pondsurrounded by restaurants. TheLegacy Park Drive has not beenconstructed yet, but will be builtsimultaneous with Crest Foods.

“We’ve got the money, we’reworking on the design,” CapitalProjects Engineer John Clink said.

The Legacy Park Drive is expect-

TIF districts stimulate economic development

• See TIF, Page 11

University North ParkInfrastructure improvements proposed in conjunction with

University North Park TIF • 24th Avenue NW at Robinson Street: widening and new

traffic signals and striping — completed• Robinson at East Interstate 35 Drive widening, traffic signal,

nothrbound reconstruciton and interstate ramps, drainage,sidewalks and utilities — designed and bid, will break ground inApril

• Robinson Street and West Interstate 35 Drive andCrossroads Boulevard widening, southbound service road andtraffic signal — will start design this year; contstruction a coupleof years out

• Tecumseh Road at Flood Avenue and 24th Avenue NWwidening and left-turn, traffic signals and add lanes — someimprovements completed, more coming

• Tecumseh Road at East Interstate 35 Drive widening, trafficsignal and northbound ramp — some improvements completed,more coming

• Tecumseh at West Interstate 35 Drive widening, traffic signaland striping — some improvements completed, more coming

• Interstate 35 Franotage Rod from Robinson west andconnecting back to 24th — partially complete

• 24th Avenue Intersection Improvements including fivemedian opeenings, left turn bays signals — three-quarterscompleted; Legacy Drive in planning stages will develop withCrest Foods

Note: Tecumseh improvements were done with ACOGadministered federal and state funds and contributions bydevelopers and Norman Regional Health System.


ed to be bid in late summer andshould be a 90 day constructionproject.

“Crest is the one driving the needfor this intersection,” O’Leary said.

The addition of the Legacy Parkintersection also will provide easieraccess to merchants such as Petcothat fall midway along the develop-ment between Target on the southand Academy on the north.

The completion of the frontageroad further north where it willeventually tie back in with 24thAvenue is also on the horizon,O’Leary and Clink said.

North of the retail developmentand north of Rock Creek Road theTIF district includes an area forindustry. Land owned by theNorman Economic DevelpmentCoalition backs up to the airport.

A business there can have ahangar on the UNP side of theland.

There is the potential for industri-al development all the way toTecumseh Road, O’Leary said.

The UNP allowed for citycontroled design.

“Basically, we had a clean pallet,”Clink said. “We were able to look atthe whole system and plan itpropertly. We just don’t get that

opportunity very often.”Planning for a “clean pallet” is

very different than trying to retrofitan area for improvements later, hesaid.

“All of the parties involved hadthe same vision,” O’Leary said. “Ithink it has turned out very well andit’s not even halfway developed.”

A cultural center to help anchorthe Village Center — the mostupscale portion of the UNP will beanother boon for residents andcould be a draw for tourists as well.So far ideas for that cultural centerinclude a weather museum, anaquatic center or a gymnasticsmuseum.

TIF: A cultural center is on the UNP horizon

BUSINESS


The Campus Corner TIF helped upgrade infrastruc-ture such as sewers, pavement repairs, and light polesalong with adding aesthetic appeal including sidwalkenhancements, trees, bike racks, benches and trashcans. The new street scape of the Corner has beenpopular with businesses and patons alike.

“Campus Corner was very well received,” said PublicWorks Director Shawn O’Leary.

In addition to increasing the aesthetic appeal, a lot ofissues associated with Americans with Disabilities Actmandates were addressed with improved ramps,sidewalks and signal modifications to make it safer forpeople with disabilities to traverse the area.

“We made it more accessible,” O’Leary said.The Campus Corner Merchants Association worked

as a liaison between Corner businesses and the city.With the wish list from businesses, the city was able tocreate a budget and prioritize projects. One thing that didnot happen as a result of the TIF was merchants wantedpower lines under ground. That improvement proved tocost prohibitive, Captial Projects Engineer John Clinksaid.

City staff designed the improvements and bid out theprojects where were completed in three packages overthe course of three years, Clink said.

That TIF project has come to an end now and all salestax currently is going to the city again with none beingdiverted to the TIF but there is a balance of about$100,000 in the Campus Corner TIF account, O’Learysaid.

Discussions continue on how that money can legallybe used.

Campus Corner merchants would like to put thatmoney into a parking garage to help alleviate parkingproblems, but a garage would be a $5 million project,O’Leary said.

Still, there could be other means to help alleviateparking and those are being explored.

Campus CornerTIF comes to endwith $100K balance

Joy Hampton / For The Transcript

Public Works Director Shawn O’Leary and Capital Projects Engineer John Clink look over the master planfor University North Park development

• From Page 10

What is a TIFTax Increment Financing (TIF) is a tool available to local governments

in Oklahoma to assist economic development within an area known asa TIF District. TIF is used for redevelopment and community improve-ment projects throughout the United States for more than half a centu-ry. TIF has also become an often-used financing mechanism for munic-ipalities.

Source: Oklahoma Department of Commerce

How does TIF work? TIF is a tool to use future gains in taxes to finance the current improvements that will create those gains. When a public project such as a

road or school is carried out, there is an increase in the value of surrounding real estate, and often new investment (new or rehabilitated build-ings, for example). This increased site value and investment creates more taxable property, which increases tax revenues. The increased tax rev-enues are the "tax increment." Tax Increment Financing dedicates that increased revenue to finance debt issued to pay for the project. TIF isdesigned to channel funding toward improvements in distressed or underdeveloped areas where development would not otherwise occur. TIFcreates funding for public projects that may otherwise be unaffordable to local governments.

Source: Oklahoma Department of Commerce



You’ve heard it before. Receiving imme-diate expert medical help is key to surviv-ing a stroke or heart attack, as well as anyother serious illness or injury.

Now, more than ever, Norman Region-al Health System stands poised to offer thatcritical life-saving care, thanks to the addi-tion to their staff of intensivists — special-ly trained physicians who are board-certi-fied in critical medicine. To explain it inlayperson’s terms, intensivists care for thesickest of the sick.

In response to a trend of patients beingadmitted to the hospital in an acutely ill con-dition during the past five years, NormanRegional Health System in 2006 hired itsfirst four intensivists. Another has sincebeen added. All are based in critical careunits, where they are among the firstresponders when a critically ill patient firstarrives at the hospital.

Currently, Norman Regional Health Sys-tem is the only non-teaching hospital in themetropolitan area that provides 365-days-a-year, around-the-clock intensivist care.

“Having intensivists on staff allows forthe standardization of care in our health sys-tem,” explains Dr. Aaron Boyd, one of Nor-man Regional’s intensivists.

David Whitaker, Norman Regional Hos-pital president and chief executive officer,points out another benefit of intensivists: “Itgives the health system the ability to pro-vide interdisciplinary care by a single team,leading to a better outcome for our patientsbeing treated in a critical care situation.”

Greg Terrell, Norman Regional Hospitalchief operating officer, offers a similarassessment: “Given the critically ill statusof these patients, our intensivist programoffers continuous care from highly skilledand experienced physician specialists.”

The intensivist program is only one ofmany new services and programs launchedby the Norman Regional Health System inthe past few years.

Perhaps the biggest change in recent his-tory has been the expansion of facilities. Inaddition to the 324-bed original facility onNorth Porter Avenue, Norman Regionalhas grown into a multi-campus system thatnow serves health care needs throughoutsouth-central Oklahoma. Moore Medical

Center, a 45-bed facility, provides generalmedical and surgical needs, physical ther-apy, obstetrical services, 24-hour emer-gency service and diagnostic imaging tothat community. The beautiful new, state-of-the-art HealthPlex campus at Interstate35 and Tecumseh Road, licensed for 136beds, features cardiovascular services,spine and orthopedic surgery, and women’sand children’s services. And that’s notcounting the system’s physician clinics, out-patient locations and numerous lab drawstations.

Other Norman Regional Health Systemofferings include outpatient diagnostic cen-ters, medical transport services, physicianservices, centers of excellence, durablemedical equipment supplies, a primary carenetwork, a community wellness service,

and employer health services. The system has grown to employ more

than 2,700 people, and has 356 physicianscredentialed on the medical staff.

Many of Norman Regional Health Sys-tem’s services have been recognized by theJoint Commission — a national organiza-tion dedicated to patient safety and quali-ty. Norman Regional is certified by the JointCommission in Disease Specific Care in twoareas, both designated by the hospital ascenters of excellence: the Stroke Centerand the Total Knee and Hip Replacementprogram.

Additionally, Norman Regional’s Dia-betes Center is certified as a Center ofExcellence by the American Diabetes Asso-ciation, which assures that its educationalprograms meet national standards, and the

Norman Regional Hyperbaric and WoundCare Center is certified as a Center of Excel-lence by Diversified Clinical Services for itshigh clinical outcomes.

Check out Norman Regional’s websitenormanregional.com to discover what allthis community-centered hospital systemhas to offer. From a multimedia encyclo-pedia where you can research a disease orsymptom or learn how to prepare for asurgery to a speakers bureau, you’ll be sur-prised at the resources available to you – asa patient, potential patient, or simply some-one seeking information. There’s even a“Community Connections” site, wherereaders can find out how Norman Region-al is serving the community.This is a paid advertorial by NormanRegional Heath System.

Norman Regional Health System provides expert care

Photo Provided

The Norman Regional Heart Plaza is coming soon and will be located at Interstate 35 and Tecumseh Road, next to theHealthPlex hospital. This 40,000 square foot medical building will house physician offices, diagnostic services, a lab area,cardiac rehabilitation and much more. The building is scheduled to open February 2013.


BUSINESSReynolds

Fordcelebrated60 years ofserving the

drivingneeds of

ClevelandCounty

residentson Feb. 2.

Kyle Phillips /

The Norman

Transcript

By James S. TyreeFor the Transcript

Sales at many Norman new car dealerships areshifting into high gear after lean years in the late 2000swhen vehicle sales were stuck in neutral — if not thrownin reverse.

“We’ve seen about a 40 percent increase from 2010 to’11, from 1,400 to 1,500 to almost 2,200 — and that’s justin retail sales,” said Gary Burton, general manager atFerguson Buick GMC.

Furthermore, Burton and managers at other dealer-ships say sales this year at their respective businessesare on pace, so far, to exceed last year’s totals.

Managers credit the rising sales to recovering nationaland local economies, exciting car redesigns, new driver-and passenger-friendly technologies and improving fuelefficiency amidst rising gas prices.

Ben Hayes, new car sales manager at Marc HeitzChevrolet, said the Chevrolet Volt, an electric hybrid carthat can average more than 100 miles per gallon of gas,has been selling well for a niche-type vehicle especiallyamong shoppers who commute 10 or fewer miles eachway to work.

Ford vehicles, meanwhile, offer “eco-boost” twin turboengines in cars, trucks and SUVs that pack more powerwhile requiring less gasoline.

“Four-cylinder engines have six-cylinder power andyou can buy a V6 with V8 power, and they’re more fuelefficient,” said Robert Johnson,” new vehicle director atReynolds Ford. “We tell our rural customers from thefarm who are used to driving pickups with V8 enginesthat now they can have more power in a V6.”

Most U.S. and foreign car companies offer an expand-ing range of flex fuel hybrid cars and trucks that run ongas or ethanol. Vehicles that run on compressed naturalgas, particularly vans and pickups, are also beginning toshow up at Norman dealerships.

Their advatage is obvious — CNG costs less than $2per gallon while gas creeps toward $4 per gallon, whichcould make CNG-powered vehicles become morepopular over time. The negatives, at least for now, is thatCNG vehicles cost thousands more than gasoline-powered vehicles, relatively few models are available andthere are few compressed natural gas pumps.

But improved mileage isn’t the only motivation fornew car, truck and SUV shoppers. Hayes said that MarcHeitz, for instance, ranked 16th last year out of about4,000 Chevy dealerships nationwide in Corvette sales.

Innovations to enhance the driving experience isanother reason for excitement. Johnson of ReynoldsFord, which celebrated its 60th anniversary on Feb. 2,

Dealerships on track to meet or beat 2011 salesAutomax Hyundai of Norman551 N. Interstate DriveNorman, OK, 73069364-2000http://automaxhyundainorman.com

Big Red Sports & Imports 418 N. Interstate Drive Norman, OK 73072 364-4400 www.bigredsports.com

Bob Moore Cadillac Saab of Norman2505 W. Main St. Norman, OK 73069 329-2222 www.bobmoorenorman.com

Bob Moore Nissan 3901 Journey Pkwy. Norman, OK 73072217-7000 www.nissan.bobmoore.com

Ferguson Buick GMC 1015 N. Interstate Drive Norman, OK 73069 321-5820 www.fergusonchallenge.com

Fowler Honda 617 N. Interstate Dr. Norman, OK 73069-6346329-1077 www.fowlerhonda.com

Fowler Toyota/Scion 4050 N. Interstate DriveNorman, OK 73072321-1301 www.fowlertoyota.com

Fowler Volkswagen of Norman 591 N. Interstate Drive Norman, OK 73069 310-4444www.fowlervw.com

Marc Heitz Chevrolet Inc.1221 Ed Noble Pkwy. Norman, OK 73070 321-7021 www.marcheitzchevy.com

Norman Chrysler Jeep Dodge 481 N. Interstate Dr. Norman, OK 73069 321-8228 www.normanchryslerjeepdodge.com

Reynolds Ford, Lincoln & Mazda 821 N. Interstate Drive Norman, OK 73070 321-2411 http://reynoldsautos.com

Norman-area dealerships

• See DEALERSHIPS, Page 15

Norman 2012 VISION 15BUSINESS

said voice-activated navigation systemsare popular among customers “for safetyand the fun of it.”

Burton said even smaller cars, likeBuick’s new compact Verano, can be“loaded with luxuries.”

The local dealerships themselves arealso generating buzz as several haverenovated and expanded their show-rooms, have recently done so, or arebuilding new facilities altogether.

Bob Moore Nissan and FowlerToyota recently have opened newfacilities in northwest Norman nearInterstate 35 and Tecumseh Road afterMarc Heitz completed its huge eco-friendly showroom off I-35 and LindseyStreet.

On the “Mile of Cars” along InterstateDrive, Fowler Honda has a new look andFerguson Buick GMC is undergoing ayearlong renovation in phases whilestaying open for business.

The modern-looking showrooms offera variety of amenities for car shoppersand for those waiting on repairs.

But bigger and brighter buildings andlots are only the start of a new shopping

experience.Burton said the biggest change in

buying a vehicle now compared with onlya few years ago is the Internet.

Ferguson Buick GMC usually getsmore than 10,000 hits per month, many ofwhich come from potential buyers doingtheir homework on deals and vehicles.

But when it comes time to buy,shoppers “still want to actually see thatcar, get in that car and sit in it to get thefeel of it — and we still have to take careof our customers.”

“The floor traffic today compared to,say, 2005 is nothing, but when someonecomes in, they’re much more likely toknow what they want and they areserious about buying,” he said.

Much has changed at Marc HeitzChevrolet in recent months and years,from its giant windmills, aquariums andamphitheater, to introductions orredesigns of every line of Chevy.

Yet Hayes insists the fundamentalsremain the same for all successful cardealers.

“People are still looking for quality andyou have to earn people’s trust, now morethan ever, with excellent performanceand service,” he said.

• From Page A1

Dealerships

Fowler Toyotarecently openeda new facilityalong “The Mileof Cars” innorthwestNorman nearInterstate 35 andTecumsehRoad.

Kyle Phillips /

The Norman Transcript

Still ahead: MNTC helps train a workforce, 26; OU research campus growing, 28



“Dr. Spaulding’s treatment haschanged the way I look at health andnutrition. It has given me an under-standing of how the body works and oper-ates. It’s not just a great symptom reliev-er; it actually deals with the heart of theproblem.” – Kelly Ross, Norman

“I had been having problems with myback for years. He addressed all my con-cerns, and instantly made me feel at ease.Now I can go throughout my day withoutpay. He is not just a great doctor, but nowa great friend!” – Brandon Jones,D.D.S., Duncan

These glowing testimonials are justa sampling of the many Norman chiro-practic Dr. Matt Spaulding has receivedover the years, including the seven hehas practiced in Norman. Among theconditions for which patients come tohim for treatment: fibromyalgia,headaches/migraines, arthritis and bur-sitis, as well as pain, stiffness and/ornumbness of the back, neck, hip, shoul-der, arms and legs. He can evenaddress carpal tunnel syndrome.

People of any age, from newborn togeriatric, can benefit from chiropractictreatment, he says. For example, in thecase of pre-teens, Spaulding says histreatment can help prevent scoliosis —a sideways curvature of the spine thatoccurs most often during the growthspurt just before puberty. He alsooffers treatments for teens who havesuffered an injury or strain playingsports. And in the case of newborns andolder babies, Spaulding says, he hashad great success alleviating colic andear infections.

Spaulding says he specializes in“diversified,” or “old-fashioned,” chiro-practic medicine — in other words, heplaces an emphasis on time-tested treat-ments and remedies, including mas-sage – though that doesn’t mean hedoesn’t keep up with, and turn to, new-er treatment options when called for.

One of the newer treatments he isemploying to great success in selectpatients is decompression therapy.Spaulding said he has used this FDA-

approved, clinically tested computer-ized treatment on patients sufferingfrom a variety of issues, including painfrom bulging or herniated discs, hip orleg pain, sciatica, neck or arm pain,degeneration and arthritis. Decom-pression therapy, he explains, is a non-surgical means of providing relief forthose suffering from pain to the lowerback and neck. Not only is the treat-ment painless, there are no harmfulside effects, such as people frequentlyexperience from medications (notablypain and muscle relaxers, anti-inflam-matory drugs and steroid injections) orsurgery.

Decompression therapy, otherwiseknown as spinal decompression thera-py, is a spinal disc rehabilitation pro-gram – generally considered very safe– that slowly and gently stretches thearea of the spine while decompressingthe discs. Using this technique instretching the spine allows a vacuumeffect to occur inside the discs. Thistype of pressure can reposition theretraction of the bulging or herniateddisc to the inside of the disc, takingpressure off the nerve root and reliev-ing the patient of pain. Only very smallsteps are taken during each therapysession, which typically take place overa period of four to six weeks. Through-out the cycles of decompression thera-py, water, nutrient-rich fluids and oxy-gen are diffused from the outside of thediscs to the inside, promoting healing.

Whatever the source of a patient’spain or malady, Spaulding explains thatdecompression therapy, as with the oth-er treatments he offers, is aimed atregaining, and maintaining, homeosta-sis in the body. His favorite quote is oneby Thomas Edison that appears to sup-port this approach:

“The doctor of the future will give nomedicine, but will interest his patients inthe care of the human frame, in diet, andin the cause and prevention of disease.”

Want to learn more? For more infor-mation or to schedule a consultation,call (405) 447-WELL (9355). SpauldingFamily Chiropractic is located at 927 N.Flood Ave., Suite 107.This is a paid advertorial by SpauldingChiropractic.

Spaulding Chiropractic ensures a healthy lifestyle

More on Dr. Matt SpauldingA Norman native, Spaulding graduated from Community Christian School in Norman, then went on to

complete his undergraduate prerequisites at the University of Oklahoma before enrolling at the ParkerCollege of Chiropractic in Dallas, where he completed more than 4,600 hours of classroom instruction andwas named to the honor roll. He then returned to Norman to establish his practice, modeling his afterlongtime Norman chiropractors and mentors Dr. J.G. Smith and Dr. Walter Thomas Carroll.

Norman Transcript readers may recall reading about Spaulding last November, when he was featured ina story after competing in his first body-building competition. (He won first in his division: lightweight novice.)In that article, Spaulding discusses his very early introduction to chiropractic medicine – as a 5-year-oldpatient of Dr. Smith following a three-wheeler accident also involving his oldest brother, Dave, and his father.Smith treated both his father, whose shoulder was dislocated in the accident, and Matt, who suffered a backinjury. In sixth grade, Spaulding jammed his neck while playing football, and once again, Smith treated him.His career course took a straight line from there, and at the age of 24, he reached his lifetime goal ofestablishing his own chiropractic office in his hometown.

Photo Provided

Matt Spaulding offers treatments for all ages, promoting that health is importantall ages and it’s never too early to take steps.


By Jerri CulpepperSpecial for the Transcript

Since its founding in 1931 by Odies Prim-rose and George Jansing, proprietors andthe staff of Primrose Funeral Service in Nor-man have striven to provide families andfriends with compassionate care duringwhat can be one of the hardest, stressfultimes in a person’s life.

Over the years, Primrose has grown andevolved in a never-ending quest to serve itsclientele in ways never imagined by itsfounders. From the advent of the WorldWide Web and through the state andnation’s cyclical economic booms andbusts, Primrose has worked to make plan-ning a funeral as painless as humanly pos-sible, with plans to meet any budget.

Today, the proprietors and staff of Prim-rose Funeral Service — which since 1994has been a member of the Dignity Memo-rial network of funeral, cremation andcemetery service providers — additionallyoffering a number of services and programsthat continue to address the needs of sur-vivors after the funeral or memorial service.

One of these programs is LIFT, or LivingInformation For Today. Now in its ninthyear, LIFT – which is sponsored by Prim-rose Funeral Service and Sunset MemorialPark – is a social support program formedto help widows and widowers adjust to theloss of their spouses by giving membersopportunities to socialize with others whoshare similar feelings and experiences.

“LIFT can be considered a first step ingetting back into the social world,” explainsLIFT coordinator Debbie Taylor. “Thegroup dynamics are always changing asnew people join and others find it is timeto take the next step. There are manymembers who have stayed on because ofthe remarkable fellowship they enjoy.” Infact, Taylor added, several marriages andenduring friendships have come aboutthrough involvement in LIFT.

“It truly is a joy to hear the chatter andlaughter of these folks as they once againbegin to enjoy life,” she added.

LIFT programs are designed to sparkinterest and promote discussion. Some pro-grams have a learning focus; travel, identi-ty theft, estate planning and gardening aresome topics in this category. Other pro-grams are designed with entertainment asthe primary goal. Members have been

treated to an Elvis Presley impersonator,“Music Doctor” and live jazz. Yet other pro-grams fuse education with entertainment –cooking demonstrations and flower arrang-ing, for example. Members also enjoy anannual “mystery dinner” and day trips tosuch venues as zoos, museums and theaquarium in Jenks.

All widows and widowers – regardless ofwhat funeral home or cemetery they haveused in the past – are invited to join LIFTand “enjoy a good meal, interesting con-versation and fellowship,” Taylor said, not-ing that the group meets for lunch thefourth Thursday of each month at the Prim-rose Event Center, 1109 N. Porter Ave.There are no membership fees, and first-time guests enjoy a complimentary lunch.

LIFT proved to be so successful that, twoyears ago, some of its members branchedoff to form another group. The Sewing Cir-cle is a public service-oriented group whosemembers have created lap blankets for theNorman Women’s Shelter, neck coolers forU.S. troops serving overseas, clothing forchildren in Africa and sock monkeys for theCleveland County Christmas Store. Also

open to all widows and widowers, theSewing Circle meets the first Thursday ofeach month at the same location as theLIFT group.

For more information on LIFT and theSewing Circle, to make a reservation orto be placed on the mailing lists, pleasecontact Debbie Taylor or LIFT co-coor-dinator Wanda Hart at 321-6000.

In addition to coordinating funeral andcemetery arrangements, Primrose Funer-al Service offers exclusive benefits thatallow Primrose to stand out from the com-petition:

• An event center that can accommo-date events ranging from an intimate cof-fee social to a family gathering of up to100 people

• A bereavement travel programwhere anyone who is coming to the funer-al services can call and receive potentialsavings of up to $1,100 on airfare, carrental and hotel

• 24-hour Compassion Helpline andaccess to an acclaimed grief-managementlibrary

• A personal planning guide, which

allows users to record their final arrange-ment choices and essential estate andpersonal information.

John W. Davenport, general managerof Primrose Funeral Service and SunsetMemorial Park, invites you to learn aboutall of the programs and services offeredby Primrose Funeral Service by speakingwith one of their representatives byphone (321-6000), in person at Primrose,1109 N. Porter Ave., or by visiting theirwebsite at www.primrosefuneralser-vice.com. You can also check Primroseout on Facebook. There, you can readstaff bios, learn about upcoming eventsand more!

Times may have changed a lot since1931, but Primrose Funeral Service takespride in continuing to evolve with thelocal community, plus the added valuethat comes from being a part of one of thelargest and most trusted networks offuneral, cremation and memorializationservices in the country.This is a paid advertorial by PrimroseFuneral Home.

Primrose Funeral Service offers compassion, respect

Photo Provided

The staff of Primrose Funeral Service strives to provide familes and friends compassionate care and respectful service.



“Good things come fromSysco.”

Indeed, they do. And that’s for-tunate for countless students,patients, diners and othersacross the state and nation, whoare among the millions of peoplewho consume and utilize theirproducts, including fresh, frozen,canned and dry food as well as avariety of paper, janitorial, dis-posable and equipment prod-ucts, which are stocked anddelivered by North America’spremier foodservice distributor.

Heading up Sysco Oklahoma,which services most of Okla-homa and parts of neighboringstates, is 1982 University of Okla-homa accounting alumnus ChrisK. Davis, a 26-year Sysco veter-an.

Since joining the local man-agement team in 2005, Davis hastackled a number of challenges,including a major expansion ofthe facility to better accommo-date its growing customer baseand broaden the products thecompany can offer.

In 2002, an outdated, ineffi-cient facility was replaced with anew one that included more than220,000 square feet of warehouseand office space on 40 acres. In2011, Sysco Oklahoma acquired10 adjacent acres, and the com-pany recently completed its newfacility expansion, which addedmore than 100,000 square feet ofwarehouse space, includingfreezer, cooler and dry areas,bringing the total facility to325,000 square feet.

The new facility includes stor-age areas with multiple temper-ature zones (10 degrees F. below0 and up) to accommodate vari-ous product requirements andtwo large automated productstorage and retrieval systemsthat efficiently process thou-sands of items using an intelli-

gent crane with a series of racks, binsand trays.

“This state-of-the-industry facilityprovides a safe and efficient work envi-ronment for our employees to ensuregreat service to our customers,” Davissaid.

Davis also is proud that the parentcorporation selected Sysco Okahomato be the second pilot company for amulti-year business transformationproject that resulted in a significantupgrade of its information systemsand support processes and streamlin-ing of its operations.

Also during Davis’ watch, SyscoOklahoma — with approximately 300employees — has earned the reputa-tion as having one of the most safe,productive and efficient operations inthe Sysco system, and has been on theforefront of the growing national trendof promoting healthy lifestyles amongits employees. Sysco Oklahoma hasbeen a Certified Health Employers forseveral years, Davis points out.

Davis noted that Sysco Oklahomais a strong supporter of the OklahomaRestaurant Association, and annuallysponsors the ProStart Invitational, aculinary competition held among highschool and technical schools that haveculinary arts programs. ProStart is anationwide program for foodservicecareer training used by dozens of highschools in the state.

Sysco Oklahoma has come a longway since its start in 1990, with thepurchase of the food service businessof Scrivner Foods. Today, Sysco Okla-homa is the primary foodservice sup-plier for the state of Oklahoma, includ-ing its institutions and many schoolsystems. Its clients include large man-agement companies, such as Sodexo,the foodservice operation for the Nor-man Public Schools, among others, aswell as small local chains, large nation-al chains and independent restaurants.It even provides menu, culinary, man-agement and operations consulting toits customers.

Good things truly do come fromSysco.This is a paid advertorial by Sysco Oklahoma.

Sysco Oklahoma provides and encourages a safe environment

Transcript Photo by Kyle Phillips

Sysco Oklahoma provides food throughout the state, including Norman Public Schools andseveral local resturants.



What do you look for in a bank?Some of the more common answers

might include: • Locally owned and operated;• FDIC insured, with a stable history;• Large enough to be competitive, but

small enough to maintain that small-townfeel;

• Convenient locations;• Competitive rates;• Ready access, including a robust Web

presence;• Availability of expanded financial ser-

vices;• Friendly staff;Check all of the above – and more! Okla-

homa owned and operated, First AmericanBank is guided by a commitment to thefinancial strength of families, businessesand organizations, coupled with commu-nity involvement and support. And it is norecent upstart: originally chartered in 1935,this bank has thrived since 1990 under thewatchful eye of the Mayes family, longtimeNorman residents. Today, the bank hasassets totaling more than $300 million, andhas nine locations throughout the state.

And while the bank’s corporate head-quarters are in Norman, it could as easilyrest at any one of its locations, says NeilSchemmer, First American Bank presidentand chief lending officer. “We don’t con-sider the bank as having branches, but asa bank with multiple footprints,” heexplains, adding, “Our customers are verydiverse – ranging from farming and small-business owners in our rural markets tocommercial real estate specialists and busi-ness entrepreneurs in our suburban mar-kets.”

To attract and maintain its customers inthis volatile time in the national bankingindustry, First American Bank offers anattractive assortment of services and fea-tures, including:

• One of the most competitive loanrates in the industry.

• Ready access to accounts through anetwork of banking centers, ATMs, tele-phone, mobile and Internet banking.

• Local involvement of the bank’semployees, who contribute countlesshours and dollars to a range of organiza-tions in the community.

Regarding the last item, Schemmernotes that First American is widely recog-nized — by community and media leadersas well as banking regulators — for itscommitment to serving in a leadership roleto the banking profession.

Always looking toward ways to makebanking even better and more convenientfor its customers, Schemmer said FirstAmerican customers can look forward toimproved electronic banking abilities; theexpansion of other financial services, suchas financial planning and insurance prod-ucts; and a continued expansion of otherproducts and services.

Recently, Schemmer was asked to sharehis perspectives on First American Bank’slending practices compared with nationalpractices, about the loan climate in Okla-homa, and about what sets First Americanapart from other banks with similar mis-sions. Below are the questions and hisresponses.

Q: With the economic climate we’veexperienced the past three and a half years,it seems that banks have been reluctant tolend especially to businesses. Is that stillthe case? And if not, why not?

A: I think that there is a national per-ception that banks have not been willing tolend; however, in Oklahoma, our situationhas been much different. We have beenvery fortunate in Oklahoma in that the

recession didn’t impact us like it did in oth-er parts of the country. Therefore, ourbanks didn’t stop lending; they just weren’tas aggressive as they were prior to the“Great Recession.” But, to answer yourquestions, I don’t know about other banks,but we very much want to lend money andare aggressively seeking out new opportu-nities with existing customers as well asseeking new customers,

Q: Is this a good time to get a commer-cial loan? Why?

A: I think that it is a great time to borrowmoney. Rates are the lowest that they haveever been, and banks are really looking forgood loans. Because there are so manybanks looking for loans, it really is a bor-rower’s market.

Q: How are you seeing businesses useloans to grow or expend these days?

A: For almost anything that you canimagine. We are currently financing a newbuilding for a business that is allowingthem to move to a higher customer trafficarea. We are providing financing for a util-ity construction company that is continu-ing to grow their business. We are doingequipment loans that allow our customerto buy more equipment and replace exist-ing equipment with more efficient equip-ment. Loans are used to do things that theborrowers’ current financial situationwould not allow them to do without our

help.Q: How is having a relationship with a

First American Banker an asset to a busi-ness?

A: We are more than just your banker.We are your partner in your business. Allour lenders have years of experience andare there to help our customers succeed.We serve as a sounding board for newideas, a consultant to our customers asthey tackle day-to-day issues, a financialanalyst as they review their operatingresults, and a friend when they just needsomeone to talk to.

Q: What are some of the other businessbanking products that First Americanoffers? Are there any that customers seemto find particularly valuable?

A: Our entire suite of business depositproducts are very valuable. Not only dowe offer a number of business depositaccounts, but we provide credit card mer-chant services, remote deposit capture,online banking that includes ACH origina-tion and lock box services.

Q: How would you describe First Amer-ican Bank’s attitude toward small or local-ly owned businesses?

A: We value our relationships with local-ly owned businesses, who represent themajority of our customers. Since we are alocally and family-owned business, we feelthat we have a real connection with busi-nesses that are just like us. We deal withthe same issues and challenges that theydo on a daily basis, which I feels allows usto better relate with those customers.

Q: What is your passion when it comesto banking? In other words, what do youlove about what you do?

A: HELPING PEOPLE! A family friendwho was a banker many years ago told methat the most important part of being abanker is helping people, and to not for-get that. I have not forgotten this, andbecause of this I believe that I have helpedmany people over the years attain theirfinancial dreams.

For more information about what FirstAmerican Bank offers individuals and busi-nesses, visit www.BankFAB.com, or visitone of the bank’s friendly associates byphone at (405) 579-7000.This is a paid advertorial by First AmericanBank

First American Bank improving for customers needs

Photos Provided

First American Bank views themselves as partners, not just bankers. Helping theircustomers succeed.

26 Norman 2012 VISION INDUSTRY

Norman-areaemployers relyheavily onMoore NormanTechnologyCenter toprovide peoplewith their basicskills. Theseemployers thenhire from thispool of skilledworkers.

Kyle Phillips /


By James S. TyreeFor the Transcript

For a city that’s home to the Universityof Oklahoma, the National WeatherCenter and many technology-, financial-and health-related companies, Norman isone heck of a blue-collar town.

Norman is known for academics andresearch, but its supply of, and demandfor, skilled laborers also is strong.Companies of all sizes hire, train anddepend on Norman-area plumbers,welders, electricians, computer expertsand various technicians.

“People tend to think of Norman as awhite-collar town, but in reality we havetremendous blue-collar employment inNorman,” said Don Wood, executivedirector of the Norman EconomicDevelopment Coalition.

Cleveland County reported a 42percent increase in the hiring of specialtytrade contractors when comparing thefirst quarters of 2010 and last year,according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Areport shows 164 trades people hired inthe first quarter of 2011, up from 107hirings in the first three months of 2010.

The average quarterly employment for

that sector in Cleveland County, fromsecond quarter 2010 through first quarter2011, was 2,267 workers.

A number of them work at JohnsonControls (the York plant), which isNorman’s largest private-sector employerat about 1,225 workers, and Hitachi whichemploys nearly 550 people.

But Wood said a number of smaller butgrowing companies also are tapping intothe area’s blue-collar workers.

“There’s always a demand for workersin heat and air ... and always a demand forwelders; we don’t seem to find enough,”he said. “Finding any kind of skilled laboris a challenge for our local employers, sothey rely heavily on Moore NormanTechnology Center to provide peoplewith their basic skills, and then employ-ers hire these skilled workers andprovide additional training.”

Moore Norman Technology Center,with campuses on Franklin Road inNorman and in far southwest OklahomaCity, offer career training programs forboth high school students and adults.

Career fields include but are notlimited to computer and informationtechnology, which includes videoproduction and graphics and web design;

construction sector that includes airconditioning and refrigeration, carpentry,electrical and industrial systems anddrafting; manufacturing area that offersmachining, welding and pre-engineering;programs in automotive collision andservice technologies

“All the trade areas are popular; thereis an opportunity in every area, if youwant to learn,” said Steve Ketchum,Moore Norman’s executive director forlong-term programs. “With our manufac-turing and energy companies in the area,there are just unbelievable jobs right nowand we stay full all the time.”

Ketchum said about 60 percent of itsstudents learning those and other careerfields are high school students who spendpart of their day at Moore Norman; therest are adults.

Moore Norman has about 1,150students in career fields and about 40percent of them are enrolled in tradeprograms.

Health professions, welding, cosmetol-ogy, computer programming andelectrical automated programs aretypically the most popular career fields atMoore Norman, Ketchum said, thoughcomputer-aided design and drafting has

come on strong in recent years.Yet, Ketchums said Moore Norman

graduates in all career fields are beinghired by small businesses, small- tomedium-sized manufacturers throughoutthe Oklahoma City area and beyond andeven Tinker Air Force Base, wherewelders, machinists and automationworkers are crucial.

“We also do some retraining for York;there’s a dedicated facility for York,”Ketchum said. “Most of the adults mayhave mechanical knowledge but herethey are learning specifics.”

Ketchum agreed with Wood in sayingmany companies provide additional, morespecialized training for employees afterthey are hired.

The Norman-area job market providesnumerous opportunities for blue-collarcareer advancement that Ketchum saidare there for the taking.

“If you want to learn and work, that’sthe key,” he said. “You’ll have to becomea lifelong learner to become a technicianin any field because of how thingschange. HVAC is computerized now; theelectrical field is automated. But if youwant to learn, there are excellent opportu-nities.”

MNTC helps maintain a pool of skilled workers for area

Norman 2012 VISION 27INDUSTRY


This year the Norman Chamber of Commerce putforward its first, legislative agenda created by theChamber and approved by its board.

Norman is the third-largest city and ClevelandCounty is the third most populous county in Okla-homa.

“There is no reason why we should not be represent-ed at the state capitol,” Chamber Board of DirectorsChair Sean Rieger said earlier this year.

President and CEO John Woods outlined theChamber’s legislative agenda for the coming session ata special legislative breakfast, promising that theChamber would be “very aggressive” in pursuing theChamber’s goals with lawmakers.

Recently, the Chamber expanded its efforts during atrip to the nation’s capitol in conjunction with represen-tatives from the city of Norman and the University ofOklahoma.

“We greatly appreciate the time we were given withCongressman Cole, Congressman Lankford, SenatorInhofe, and the staffs of the entire Oklahoma congres-sional delegation,” Rieger said.

2012 legislative priorities presented to Congressmenand Senators in D.C. included:

• Support passage of Main Street Fairness Actending unfair tax collection loophole for E-commerce

•Support passage of the Lake ThunderbirdEfficient Use Act of 2011 — HR 3263

• Support Reauthorization of Water ResourceDevelopment Act of 2007

• Support Transportation Reauthorization Bill• Support Research from the University of Okla-

homa

“We look forward to the support of the Congress onthese items and we are thankful for the efforts of theOklahoma Congressional delegation and our represen-tatives in advancing them,” Rieger said. “We continueto monitor and advocate on the Norman Chamber'sstate legislative agenda as well and we appreciate theNorman legislative delegation's efforts that aresupportive of our positions.”

The stated agenda included economic developmentgoals such as protecting tax incentives, especially thehistoric preservation tax credits and a request forfunding for the state’s Quick Action Closing Fund.

Energy issues and taxation are addressed as aretransportation projects, notably the Interstate 35 projectand associated right-of-way issues that could affectNorman businesses.

Water is another issue and the Chamber asks thatstate legislators take care of Oklahoma before sellingwater outside of the state.

“Water is vital to the ability to attract industry, toattract business,” Woods said.

Workers Compensation was addressed with therequest that Oklahoma laws attempt to find a balancebetween protecting workers while ensuring thatOklahoma’s businesses are not unduly burdened bythe rising cost of workers comp insurance on employ-ers. The Chamber also asked lawmakers to fundhigher education and to work to attract and retain themost highly qualified teachers for all schools.

“Having an educated workforce matters when itcomes to attracting business to our state,” Woods said.

Health care is also a hot button item and the Cham-ber is one of many partners who want a state heathcare exchange rather than a federally imposed healthcare system.

Chamber aggressively pursues Norman’s interests

Economic Development• Support tax incentives that

create and maintain jobs andinvestment in Oklahoma.

• Support funding for theOklahoma Quick Action ClosingFund to attract new jobs.

Energy• Maintain the necessary

incentives for the exploration,production and refinement ofOklahoma oil and natural gas,while also supporting policiesthat encourage greaterdevelopment and use of thoseresources.

• Support the developmentof alternative energy resourcesto complement the use of oil andnatural gas.

• Oppose any unnecessarylegislative or regulatoryintrusion into energy industry.

Lawsuit Reform

• Continue to developchanges in Oklahoma’s civiljustice system that will make itmore responsive to the needs ofbusiness.

Taxation• Support tax reform that

grows Oklahoma’s economy andis fair to business.Transportation

• Support the improvementand maintenance of the state’stransportation infrastructure.Water

• Ensure that Oklahomawater laws, policies andregulations meet the needs of

Oklahoma’s citizens and assureadequate water to meet thefuture requirements of businessand industry.Workforce Development

• Support funding forOklahoma’s career technologyand higher education campusesto ensure affordable tuition forour citizens and encourage thegrowth of our jobs and oureconomy.

• Allow local communities tosupport educational improve-ment based on local priorities.

• Support development of ahealthy and skilled workforce.

• Support efforts to attractand retain talented teachers.

• Support policies thatencourage new ideas andinnovation in the education field asa way to improve academicachievement.

Workers’ Compensation• Support legislation to

restructure Oklahoma’s workers’compensation laws to create afair and consistent system.

Health Care• Support the creation of a

statewide private-sector driven,web-based health insurancemarketplace network systemincorporating our state’s values,demographics, tax structure andprinciples rather than dependingupon the federal government torequire our state to utilize a one-size-fits-all governmentcreatedstructure which does notdo so.

Norman Chamber of Commerce2012 State Legislative Agenda

Norman’sDowntown

Historic Districtremains

vibrant. Thearea now is on

the NationalRegistry of

HistoricPlaces.

Kyle Phillips /



INDUSTRY

By Caitlin SchudallaTranscript Staff Writer

It’s a 271 acre conglomerate of industry,innovation, and academia representinghundreds of jobs, millions of dollars inresearch funding and innumerableopportunities for all involved.

And it’s only getting bigger.The University of Oklahoma Norman

Research Campus has been a burgeoninghub of mutually beneficial interactionbetween the university, private businesses,and federal agencies for years, with thecampus’s crown jewel, the NationalWeather Center, opening in August 2006.

While this world-class facility hascreated a global leader in weatherresearch and prediction technology, OU’sResearch Campus is about much morethan just weather.

“We’re looking to build a sense ofplace,” said Cameron McCoy, ExecutiveDirector for the Corporate EngagementOffice at OU. “We envision the researchcampus to be an economic hotbed for thestate, as well as a leader in research forprivate and governmental companies.”

This vision is certianly gaining ground,with the addition of the Stephenson LifeSciences Research Center and construc-tion underway for fourth and fifth PartnersPlace buildings, altogether encompassingprivate industry and high-tech researchprojects in robotics, genomic studies,chemistry and biochemistry, to name afew.

“This campus is a place where we havebrought together very different groupswith very different missions for mutualinteraction and synergy. We can growprivate sector jobs, we can do basicuniversity research, and the federalgovernment can use these to aid itsresponsibility to protect lives and proper-ty,” said Dr. Kelvin Droegemeier, vicepresident for research at OU.

Interaction between university andprivate company is not exclusive to theresearch campus, as the Colleges of

Business and Engineering on the maincampus have similar relationships withcorporate entities. What distinguishes theresearch campus’s professional connec-tions is the fact that many of them haveestablished offices right across the streetfrom the university’s labs and classrooms.

As a soon-to-be tenant of the new FourPartner’s Place facility, Director of theuniversity’s Center for the Creation ofEconomic Wealth Valerie Myers can attestto the advantages of this location.

“We’ll be doubling our office space andwe’re very much looking forward to thebetter technology and newer, moreadaptable environment to house our largenumber of student interns. Because ourfocus is creating jobs and commercializingcertain technologies, having the readyaccess to experts and people with doctor-ates will be a great advantage,” Myerssaid.

“Having private companies on campus

is beneficial for both the companies andthe university because research we do isof interest to them, and the close relation-ship enables companies to license andcommercialize technologies we develop.Likewise, their presence on campus giveseducators valuable insight into thetechnology and science needs of tomor-row, giving them innovative ideas aboutwhat to teach in their courses. It alsomeans the students we produce are aworkforce pipeline for these companiesand can build rapport with potentialemployers through the internships theyhave while in school. It’s very much a win-win for everyone,” Droegemeier said.

McCoy agrees, noting the campus’suniquely central location and weatlh ofusable space.

“With our campus, there there is a lot ofgrowth opportunity and access to the main

Interests converge at university• Employees: 1,356

OU - 752Federal - 234Private - approx. 370

• Total Tenants42, including university tenants

• Square Footage750,000 square feet built and operational

(approximate)250,000 square feet in planning stages

(approximate)11 buildings demolished since 200310 buildings constructed since 2003277 acres overall25 acres designated “site ready” by Okla-

homa Chamber of Commerce

• Research FundingOver $15 million in fiscal year 2010, not

including researchers in the National Weath-er Center

• Students EmployedAccurate data is still pending, but based on

case studies of private companies on theresearch campus, student job opportunitiesare thriving. One tenant company, Agio,opened its doors in 2010, creating 40 newsjobs with growth projected, and over half ofthese were filled by OU students. Anothercompany, MSCI (Formerly Risk Metrics) hasapproximately 135 full time employees, with80 to 90 percent of these having been eitherundergraduate or graduate students at OU atone time.

• Average SalaryJobs on the Research Campus pay an aver-

age of nearly double Oklahoma’s medianincome and 1.5 times more than Norman’smedian income which were $41,716 and$36,713 respectively, according to the 2009U.S. Census. Updated information is pending.

• Community ImpactAccording to data provided by the Associ-

ation of University Research Parks, for everyone job created at a university research facil-ity, 2.5 jobs are created in the community. TheNational Weather Center also provides edu-cational opportunities to local k-12 studentsand community members, with roughly10,000 k-12 visitors and 8,000 additional vis-itors to the center annually.

OU research campusenvisioned as player in the global market

Jerry Laizure / Transcript File Photo

Last November, University of Oklahoma President David L. Boren announced a$75 million, 5-year research agreement with the National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration at the Research Campus. Craig McLean, right, in hisrole as acting NOAA assistant administrator, was on hand for the annoucement.

• See RESEARCH, Page 29

BY THE NUMBERS: OU RESEARCH CAMPUS

Norman 2012 VISION 29INDUSTRY

campus, with the added advantage of I-35access and the neighboring golf course.Our campus is really second to none,” hesaid.

A prime example of the researchcampus’s ongoing development is theanticipated addition of the U.S. Depart-ment of the Interior’s offices in the newFour Partner’s Place building, expandinganother of the campus’s unique advan-tages of federal presence.

Like the National Severe StormsLaboratory in the Weather Center, theDept. of Interior’s operations will blendfederal and university employees to fleshout the campus’s research expertise andboost its national presence as a center forregional climate development.

“This addition achieves many goalswhich will help build our research arenain water issues, human health, sustain-ability of wetlands and will complementour enterprises with the WeatherCenter,” Droegemeier said.

According to McCoy, the federalpresence also increases potential forgrants and helps keep OU ahead competi-tively.

“Other universities’ research campuseshave a tendency to develop into businessparks. With the federal presence we havea triple helix effect which is, in manyways, a microcosm of the science/indus-try relationship at large,” McCoy said.

While the research campus’s ongoingdevelopment owes its success andinnovation to these many factors, a majorcomponent of its trajectory of expansionis the forward thinking of its leaders.

Plans for the development of thecampus are still in their nascent stages,but based on the ambitions of plannersand administration, the goal of unifyingmultiple disciplines will continue toblossom and set OU apart from its peers.

“I am personally excited to see how webuild density into the campus and get thenew buildings to relate to each other.We’re focusing our efforts on encourag-ing random encounters and active

interaction between employees andresearchers through more communalspaces like coffee shops, restaurants,workout facilities, etc,” McCoy said.“Right now there’s a lot of parking andopen space separating the buildings andwe recognize a need for a watering holeof sorts.”

According to Droegemeier, an unoffi-cial 20 year plan will integrate aestheticimprovements like fountains, as well asaspects of art and culture throughoutdoor sculptures and even anamphitheater.

“We want to create a place where westudy the world, while also making astatement to the world. We envision adynamic, creative place where we’vebrought together these many entitieswhich integrates the main campus, butsets itself apart. It will feel like aunversity but also like a very transfor-mative place that reflects the workbeing done here. You don’t see stufflike this going on in other places,”Droegemeier said.

• From Page 28

Kyle Phillips / The Norman Transcript

The National Weather Center, part of the OU Research Campus, is the home for many projects to extend the warning time for tornados from fourteen minutes tosixty minutes. This work puts the weather center and the research campus on the global forefront.

Research: OU poised to set itself apart from others RESEARCH CAMPUS INDUSTRIESPrivate industry on the Research Campus

employs 359 people. These industries and thenumber they employ include:Agio Inc.: 37 employeesAtmospheric, Environment Research Inc.:1 Atmospheric and Technology Services LLC:13 Basic Commerce and Industries Inc.: 1 Celciur LLC: 4 Design Intelligence Incorporated LLC: 2 Dow Lohnes PLLC: 3 Enterprise Electronic Corporation / Weath-er Services International: 4 National Lambda Rail: 1 MSCI / RiskMetrics Inc. / ISS: 134 PBS&J: 10 Stanley Inc.: 14 Vieux and Associates: 2 Weather Decision Technologies Inc. - 68employeesWeathernews Americas Inc. - 65 employees

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