As a follow-up to the firefighter tax proposition, the Ada Jobs Foundation Board of Directors voted unanimously to lead the development of a countywide taskforce that would review the capital needs and develop a multi-faceted plan to address these needs.

The Ada Jobs Foundation Board was optimistic that this taskforce will bring city and county entities together to achieve the common goal of improving the quality of life and economic vitality of Pontotoc County. The taskforce would assess the capital needs in the entire county, including fire protection, water access, and roads and bridges.

Ada Jobs Foundation President & CEO, Michael Southard, stated, “County organizations and businesses did not feel that the firefighter tax was the best method to address the fire protection needs of Pontotoc County, because it did nothing to address the other capital needs in Pontotoc County. I am optimistic that this taskforce will be able to assess and prioritize needs, determine funding sources, and ultimately address the needs of all of Pontotoc County.”

The Ada Jobs Foundation Board of Directors indicated that the taskforce should include representatives from: Ada Area Chamber of Commerce, Ada Industrial Development Corporation, City of Ada, Pontotoc County, Area Businesses, Rural Water Districts, Pontotoc County Firefighters Association, Chickasaw Nation, East Central University, Pontotoc Technology Center, Public Schools, and all the municipalities in Pontotoc County. The vote should motivate these organizations to work together and to all “pull on the rope in the same direction” to achieve the common goals of all the citizens in Pontotoc County. During the board meeting, Southard indicated, “Now is the time for the leaders in Pontotoc County to come together and set aside personalities and past issues, so that WE all can work together to improve the economic viability of our county through capital improvement projects.”

Ada Jobs Foundation staff has already gained support from the Mayor of the City of Ada and the Chairman of the Pontotoc County Commissioners for the development of this taskforce, and plan to begin contacting the other entities in the coming weeks. The Ada Area Chamber of Commerce also indicated interest in participating. Yancy Spivey, Chairman, stated, “The Ada Area Chamber of Commerce is proud of the tireless efforts of rural volunteer fire departments. We believe a joint effort of citizens and community organizations would be very beneficial and effective to assist volunteer firefighters in their urgent needs. The AACOC would welcome the opportunity to assist in a joint task force addressing strategy and implementation of an action plan to address all the capital needs in Pontotoc County. ”

Educators said eighth grade is the perfect time to get students thinking about their future and today the Ada Jobs Foundation invited over 400 Pontotoc County eight graders to explore their options.

The county's very first Career Discovery Day was held at East Central University in Ada.

Eighth graders from all seven public schools in the county attended.

Representatives from 17 different careers fields, ranging from business to dentistry to construction, where there to share their experience.

Students were able to learn about three of their four top careers choices.

Oklahoma State Senator Susan Paddack said, "I woke up at 2 this morning just so excited about the possibilities of today. When you see the children ask great questions, you can see those wheels turning you can see they are thinking about their future and they way you get to a successful future is to plan for it."

Senator Paddack said she hopes to make Career Discovery Day an annual field trip for Pontotoc County 8th graders.

On Wednesday a career fair was held at East Central University in Ada.  It was for all 8th graders across Pontotoc County.

From engineering to fire fighting, students learned about a number of careers they were interested in and what courses you need to pursue that profession.

Oklahoma State Senator Susan Paddack helped head the event.  "We put together speakers that were designated based on the student's interest, so that each of the students is getting to hear the top three of their top career choices." said Paddack

Senator Paddack says this is the first time they've held an event like this, and they hope to make it an annual event.

The Ada Jobs Foundation is excited to host Career Discovery Day –My Future, My Career, My Responsibilityfor all eighth grade students in Pontotoc County. This will be the first year for this program, which will expose students to jobs in the area and to the skills required.

The idea for the program was sparked by a visit to the state capitol. Mike Southard, President & CEO of the Ada Jobs Foundation, was visiting Senator Susan Paddack, when they asked the two high schools students shadowing her what their future career plans were. Their answers illustrated a disconnect between awareness of available jobs, training required for these jobs, and how theycould utilize existing programs to receive this training.

Planning for a program that would address this disconnect began the following week, with the original intent to focus on high school students. However after SenatorPaddack attended a conference, she learned that eighth grade is the pinnacle year to address student’s future goals and plans.

The inaugural event will be held on January 18, 2012 at East Central University. Students will get information about three specific career areas that they selected based on a career assessment that all the students completed earlier in the year. Representatives from 17 different career clusters will be presenting about the jobs available in that field and training requirements to obtain those positions. The speakers will also be videotaped, so these segments can be used for continued learning opportunities.

Plans are underway to make this an annual event for eighth graders and to providecareer follow-up and guidance as the students progress through high school. All the education institutes in the county, including college, vocational, and county school districts have been involved in the process. This will be thefirst ever countywide career expo for eighth grade students in the country, and has already received interest from other communities and programs.

While results from the program will not be visible until several years into the future, the goal is to create a better-educated workforce for tomorrow. By growing our own workforce, we can help insure the economic stability of theregion and address workforce shortages.

As part of the program, the parents of eighth grade students are encouraged toattend the Parent Information Meeting on Wednesday, January 18, 2012, 5:30-6:30 pm, at the Seminar Center at Pontotoc Technology Center. This meeting will cover high school graduation requirements, potential job opportunities for students after high school graduation, Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship program, and a review of the Career Expo. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend, and area businesses have sponsored a variety of door prizes to be given away atthis event.

For more information, please contact the Ada Jobs Foundation at 580 235-0070orinfo@adaworks.org.

The Ada Jobs Foundation is excited to announce that PEI Worldwide is expanding their operations into the Ada area. PEI Worldwide plans to manufacture Thura-Block and the components necessary to produce Thura-Block at their Ada Facility. 

Thura-Block is a composite insulating building block, that is used in home and building construction. Thura-Block is a LEED qualifying “green” product that is lightweight and highly insulating. It is also highly resistant to high winds, hurricanes, and flooding.

“As a national leader in wind energy and natural gas production a company like PEI Worldwide shows that Oklahoma is an progressive energy state,” said Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce and Tourism Dave Lopez. “Because both energy and energy efficiency are center pointes to our state’s economy, PEI Worldwide will be right at home in Oklahoma.”

PEI will house their operations in the former Remington building in the Ada Industrial Park. Remington closed their operations at the facility in 2005, and the building has remained vacant since then.  Through partnerships with the Ada Jobs Foundation the City of Ada was able to purchase the Remington property with Proposition 2 Funds.  Michael Southard, President and CEO of the Ada Jobs Foundation, indicated that having an existing building available was vital in securing this project. He stated,

“PEI was seeking an existing building to rent or purchase. If Prop Two Funds had not been used to buy the building earlier in the year, we would not have been able to announce this project that will create a significant number of jobs for our community.”

PEI will invest over $6 million in manufacturing equipment into the Ada facility and should begin operations during the first quarter of 2012. PEI plans to employ up to 75 employees in its first year, growing up to 275 employees in year three.  PEI plans to partner with East Central University’s Veterans Workforce Investment Program to hire program graduates. PEI Worldwide President Gifford Ludwigsen is a supporter of hiring veterans and plans to employ as many as possible at the Ada facility. He stated, “Our servicemen and women sacrificed to protect our country, and it’s only right that when they return from deployment we greet them not only with respect and gratitude, but provide them with training and jobs, so that they can continue to serve our nation in other ways.”

State and local Prop 2 incentives were vital in securing this project, which could inject over $60 million in new payroll into the area over the next 5 years. Ada successfully competed against other communities in the state and region for this project. Employees are expected to earn an average hourly wage in excess of $15 an hour and have access to employer health insurance benefits as well.  Mayor Dick Scalf stated, “He is pleased to announce that PEI will bring hundreds of “green jobs” to our community. Ada prides itself on being good environmental stewards and PEI is another example of that. Being green doesn’t always equate to higher costs.”

The City of Ada and PEI Worldwide entered into a Performance Agreement that will provide Prop 2 Incentives if certain employment goals are met each quarter. All the incentives are based on employment numbers and will only be paid after employment numbers for that quarter have been confirmed.

“Wow! What a wonderful project to bring to the Ada area. This is a true win-win-win situation by creating good paying jobs, veteran reintroduction, and producing green building materials. I certainly am looking forward to seeing PEI grow their workforce and product lines,” stated Senator Susan Paddack.

Thura-Block is made of proprietary recycled polystyrene and cement, which PEI plans to source locally. Thura-Block can reduce consumer energy costs by up to 50% when compared with traditional construction methods and construction costs with this product are competitive with traditional wood frame construction costs per square foot. Thura-Block structures can be erected quickly and in all weather conditions unlike concrete and other construction materials.

Representative Todd Thomsen said, “PEI has an opportunity to really put Ada on the map in the construction industry. We always seem to be facing one weather hazard or another and PEI products appear to address some of those concerns. Energy efficient and weather tolerant are words that don’t always go together.”

PEI Worldwide is excited to begin their operations in Ada as the demand for their product is increasing.  As the company grows their operations, there are plans to expand the Ada facility to include additional products the company has developed as well. Community partnerships, leadership, and foresight can be credited for bringing this company and numerous jobs to the Ada area.

Guests at the event will have the opportunity to take part in a guided deer hunt with Governor Fallin. They will also participate in a roundtable discussion that will feature the benefits of doing business in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Southeast also hosts the Lt. Governor's Turkey Hunt in Hugo and their Golf and Striper Event at Lake Texoma each year. They hope to make the Governor's Big Buck Invitational an annual event in Ada. Oklahoma Southeast events have helped to secure numerous projects and create countless jobs in the southeast quadrant of the state.

Mike Southard, President & CEO of the Ada Jobs Foundation, is currently serving as Chairman on Oklahoma Southeast. He stated, "We are excited to host this inaugural event in the Ada area and are looking forward to showcasing the area as the ideal location to do business. We hope the event is successful and becomes an annual event."

Guests range from high-ranking site locators to CEO's of international corporations. They will participate in a variety of activities aside from deer hunting. It's estimated that approximately 150 people from across the state will attend the community dinner on Saturday night.

Sales tax revenue, which funds city services such as fire and police, has remained relatively flat. October revenue increased slightly, 2.2%, from 2010. The calendar year-to-date revenues have only increased by 0.7% from this time last year. As you begin your holiday shopping, remember to shop locally so your sales tax dollars benefit you through improved city services. 

Compared with the rest of the country, Ada's cost of living continues to decrease. Ada's index for the second quarter of 2011 was 88.8, which is a decrease from the first quarter 2011, 90.3. When compared with the other nine Oklahoma communities that participate, Ada is the fourth lowest in the state. Additionally, when compared with all 311 communities that participate nationwide, Ada was in the lowest 11% of communities. 

The low cost of living and available jobs contribute to making the State of Oklahoma and the City of Ada an ideal place to live and work. 

Widely recognized as an industry leader in single-use foodservice products, Solo Cup Company has brought creative solutions to market, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a $1.6 billion international company, headquartered and making products in America.

"Reaching 75 years of success is a major milestone for any company and this is the perfect opportunity to honor the achievements that have built Solo into an industry leader," said Robert M. Korzenski, President and CEO, Solo Cup Company. "Solo's reputation for providing thoughtful solutions to tough challenges stems from the creativity and dedication of employees and customers who push for better alternatives in materials, product benefits, and sustainability."

Solo traces its beginnings to Chicago's south side in 1936, when Leo Hulseman created the "Solo Cup", a simple, conical paper drinking cup designed with improved sanitation and convenience in mind. Today,most Solo products are still made in the United States and have become iconic symbols in American culture.

Solo Cup has operated a facility in Ada since 1970, and currently employs approximately 500 people. This facility manufactures a variety of cups, plates, and souffle's that you use every day.

For decades, Solo's products and innovations have been found everywhere in daily life - from your backyard BBQ, to the local coffee house, even the Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection. You've likely used a Solo product already just today.  So, next time you are in the plates and cup aisle at the grocery store, buy a Solo Cup, it just might have been made in Ada.

The job fair committee is currently accepting business registration forms for businesses in the Ada area that are seeking additional employees. Registration is free, but the deadline to register is August 1st.

You can download a registration form by clicking here. For more information please contact Mari Plumlee at 580 272-0733 or Darrell Walker at 580 436-7294.

Ziegelmeier & Company was awarded the New Business Award. The Zeigelmeier’s have grown their company from an experiment with tastes into a commercial operation that produces vast quantities of pecan butter that is sold in two countries, eight states and is now available in Whole Foods.

The Innovations Award was presented to East Central University for their Arts Incubator facility. East Central’s creative and innovative thinking has allowed for the establishment of several new businesses that not only enhance the arts district but also provide jobs and sales tax revenue to the city.

Jeff Thompson, EDGE Tech Corp, was presented with the Harland C. Stonecipher Entrepreneurship Award. Thompson took an idea and $2,500 at the age of 14 and turned it into a business that is one of the leading in its field. EDGE Tech currently employs over 120 people in Ada.

The Ambassador Award was presented to Valley View Regional Hospital. Valley View was selected because of their efforts to promote the Ada area as a business location. By recruiting new physicians to Ada, Valley View not only helps create new jobs, but also enhances the quality of available healthcare, thus making it more attractive for additional employers to locate here.

The Chickasaw Nation was the recipient of the Environmental Award because of their efforts to promote sustainability and recycling efforts. Their ReUse Center promotes the recycling of household and construction goods.

The Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training was selected as the Small Employer of the Year. Peoples Electric Cooperative was honored as the Medium Employer of the Year. Employees of both these entities had nothing but good things to say about their employers.

Solo Cup Company was recognized as the Large Employer of the Year. They were selected because of their commitment to enhancing employee skills through training and their encouragement of community involvement. Solo Cup works hard to engage their employees both inside and outside of work, so that they have the ideal place to live and work.

Greg Pierce was honored as the Economic Development Leader of the Year. Mr. Pierce was selected to receive this honor because of his dedication to the community. Pierce provides valuable insight, direction, and wisdom, and is always willing to offer his time and expertise. He works diligently on economic development projects and never seeks public recognition for his hard work.

Once again Business & Industry Night Out was a major success. Ada is truly fortunate to have such wonderful businesses and community leaders within our community.

This cost of living index utilized a small cities program available from the Council for Community and Economic Research, which currently conducts a national cost of living index for cities and metropolitan areas across the United States. A cost of living index measures relative price levels for consumer goods and services in participating areas. The average for all participating areas equals 100, and each place’s index is read as a percentage of the average for all places.

For the first quarter of 2011, Ada’s composite cost of living index is 90.3, which means the cost of living is 90.3% of national average. For example a person making $35,000 in Ada would have to earn at least $4,390 more a year to maintain the same standard of living in Denver. Housing would cost approximately 30% more in Denver and healthcare would cost roughly 12% more.

A person earning $50,000 in Ada would have to maintain an annual salary of at least $118,000 in New York, where groceries would cost 74% more, and housing would cost 376% more than in Ada.
When compared to the other 11 communities in Oklahoma that participate in the national survey, Ada ranks roughly in the middle of the group. The composite indexes for these communities range from a low of 85.5 in Muskogee to a high of 99.0 in Lawton.

Ada has some of the lowest costs for Housing, Utilities, and Transportation among cities that participated in Oklahoma. Ada was among the highest costs in Oklahoma communities for Healthcare, Groceries, and Miscellaneous Goods and Services indexes. Overall Ada has a low cost of living and ample job opportunities, which makes our community an ideal place to live and work.

Ada has been fortunate to not have been impacted significantly by the national recession for an extended period of time. This can be attributed to the quality and diversity of the area’s employers. Pontotoc County has more employers with 500 or more employees that any county in the region. Pontotoc County is also fortunate to have the highest percentage in the region, 90.2%, of workers that live and work within the county. This reduces the impact rising gas prices can have on employee attendance. Pontotoc County is one of only 3 counties in the region that has a positive commuting pattern, which means more employees commute into Pontotoc County for employment than commute out.

While the population of Ada is around 17,000 and Pontotoc County is 36,400, the April Workforce for the Local Labor Market Area is 34,500. This is a larger workforce than Duncan, Ponca City and Bartlesville which are each considerably larger in population that Ada. The Ada Labor Marketing is nearly the size of Stillwater’s.

The "Business for Today" event is part of an ongoing series of events organized by PPD to draw attention to the value of entrepreneurship and the opportunities for business development as a Pre-Paid Legal Services independent associate.

As part of the "Business for Today" event, President Donohue will commend Chairman Stonecipher for his dedication to entrepreneurship and business development.

"Harland Stonecipher has been a lifelong advocate of both the free enterprise system and the concept of 'equal justice under the law.' Through his entrepreneurial vision he has created a means by which thousands of Americans and Canadians can share that vision as associates with Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.," Donohue said.

In utilizing a direct selling business model to market its legal service plans to families and individuals, Pre-Paid Legal Services has offered an opportunity for individuals to create their own business as Pre-Paid Legal Services independent associates. There are an estimated 400,000 independent associates for the company.

"As a result of the great depression and its aftermath, a growing number of North Americans are out -of-work and in need of an opportunity for the future," Stonecipher said. "This is a pivotal year for Pre-Paid Legal Services and we have undertaken the 'Business for Today' campaign to spread the message of hope to those who will listen," he continued.

The "Business for Today" program at the U.S. Chamber is another important step in carrying the message of opportunity. In addition to remarks by President Donohue, the one-hour event will include brief presentations by Fran Tarkenton, NFL Hall of Fame member and founder of GoSmallBiz.com and an exclusive group of the top performing PPD independent associates, including: Dave Savula, Dawsonville, Georgia; Brian Carruthers, Davidsonville, Maryland; and Darnell Self, Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

PPD launched its "Business for Today" campaign with a special 30-minute broadcast on Fox Business Network on January 1 of this year. This year, Chairman Stonecipher has also participated in a series of special business recruitment events in markets like San Diego, California and Atlanta, Georgia. The "Business for Today" campaign will also be highlighted at PPD's International Convention in Oklahoma City, April 7-9, 2011.

Pre-Paid Legal Services has been a long-term corporate member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Chairman Stonecipher is a past member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

For additional information, visit www.prepaidlegal.com.

The SBA can make economic injury disaster loans available when a physical event causes substantial losses to a number of small businesses in an area, even though the physical damages may not warrant a disaster declaration.

In these situations, the Governor may request an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration by certifying that (5) or more small businesses have sustained substantial economic injury and cannot obtain financial assistance using other means.

The SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. In summary, the EIDL is a four (4) step process:

a. Complete the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program Worksheet and return it to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management.

b. If there are five (5) small businesses in the impacted area that have suffered substantial economic injury as a result of this event, the governor, may request an SBA Economic Injury Disaster for Oklahoma.

c. The SBA then conducts an assessment of the information provided by the Governor.

d. If the SBA determines that at least five (5) qualifying businesses then SBA will declare an SBA Economic injury in those counties and , which would make Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to qualifying business owners.

To better understand this program, I have attached the question and answer section from the SBA website on the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.

If you have questions or need additional information please feel free to contact me or our Human Services Manager, AmBer Somerlott, at 405-521-2481; cell: 405-203-2183; FAX: 405-521-8679; or, e-mail: amber.somerlott@oem.ok.gov

The Worksheets can be returned to our office by e-mail, FAX, or regular mail. Whichever way is used, the deadline for returning the Worksheets to our office is March 18, 2011.

E-mail: amber.somerlott@oem.ok.gov

FAX: 405-521-8679

Mailing address: Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management
ATTN: AmBer Somerlott
P.O. Box 53365
Oklahoma City, OK 73152-3365

FAQs

WORKSHEET