Biz Buzz

Leaders on the Rise. The State Chamber of Commerce received some new leadership last week the announcement of Fred Morgan as the new president and CEO. Morgan is succeeding Richard Rush, who will be retiring at the end of March. Previously, Morgan, who is a small businessman and attorney, served as general counselor and senior policy advisor to the Oklahoma State Senate Leadership. (Check out The Capitolist on page 8 for the impact on Morgan's leaving.)

"Fred will make an exceptional leader for this organization," said Phil Kennedy, chairman of the State Chamber of Oklahoma. "He has a long history of supporting business in Oklahoma and has great insight into the needs of businesses throughout Oklahoma. His leadership skills will lead our organization to a new level of excellence." Morgan begins his transition into his new position by working with Rush and legislative staff as the session begins.

Honors Galore. World-renown cake artist and Food Network judge Kerry Vincent has certainly been making the media rounds. The Tulsa transplant was selected as the cover girl for the first issue of Cake Central magazine, which hits stands this March. Vincent gives a glimpse into her personal life and background in the issue. One of her own cake designs was selected for inclusion in the March issue of BRIDES magazine, which will be celebrating America's Most Beautiful Cakes. In addition, for her contributions to the dessert world with the Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show and her innovative sugar techniques, she was selected by Dessert Professional as their first Cake Artist Hall of Fame inductee. Well done, Kerry.

Go FETCH. The pet care industry recently received a boost of good news as FETCH! Pet Care announced plans to open a new location in Tulsa. The franchise offers professionally trained pet sitters for all sorts of pet owners, from dogs to iguanas. They can be hired for a day-to-day basis, on weekends or during a busy holiday.

"We are thrilled to expand our proven FETCH! Pet Care concept throughout Oklahoma and specifically in the Tulsa area," said Paul Mann, CEO and Founder of FETCH! Pet Care. "New franchisees can look forward to a built-in customer base and a concept that is immune to the ups and downs of the economy with the pet care industry consistently growing every year."

Reporter

Leading the Way. Leadership Oklahoma, a statewide leadership program in its 23rd year, is now accepting applications for the 2010-2011 class of Leadership Oklahoma.

The organization accepts a class of 52 members each year. Criteria for selection includes demonstrated leadership on the part of applicants in their communities and state.

The program is designed to be a series of issue-oriented forums and experiences, which are based on the belief that knowledge is a key element and prime motivator of leadership. It consists of an orientation session, a mandatory two-day retreat and eight monthly two-day sessions. Classes are held in various locations across the state that best relate to the issues being discussed.

"Leadership Oklahoma and its graduates are making a positive difference in Oklahoma," said Bill Burgess, Jr, chairman of the organization. "By learning about the issues that impact our state socially, economically and environmentally, class members are motivated to fulfill our mission of creating a dynamic network of leaders whose increased awareness and commitment to service will energize Oklahomans to shape their state's future."

More than 1,200 leaders have participated in the program and remain active in contributing to Oklahoma's strength and vitality.

"I learned more about Oklahoma during Leadership Oklahoma's nine month program than I learned in the 16 previous years as a resident," said Roy Page, LOK graduate and CEO of Third Degree Advertising. "We often refer to Oklahoma as the 'Great' State of Oklahoma. As a result of my experience, I now have a true understanding of what is meant by 'Great,' and a host of life-long professional and personal relationships that will last me a lifetime. I am more excited about the future of Oklahoma and my personal role in playing a part of our state's future. Leadership Oklahoma is one of the highlights of my career."

Applications can be downloaded from the Leadership Oklahoma website at leadershipoklahoma.com.

Completed applications must be received in the Leadership Oklahoma office by 5pm on April 1.

Another Opportunity. Food Pyramid will be partnering with American Red Cross to accept donations for Haiti relief through the end of February. Customers who wish to participate may have $1, $3 or $5 added to their total at checkout. All Food Pyramid stores will be participating in this program.

"We are happy to provide our customers a way to help our world neighbors," Erick Taylor, CEO of Food Pyramid states.

The money raised from this program will be given to American Red Cross International Response Fund, specifically designated for Haiti. This fund provides immediate relief to the victims of the Haiti earthquake through various supplies, food and water, portable hospitals, water purifying systems and other support to help those in need.

Food Pyramid is an employee-owned company, operating 48 grocery stores in Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma under the banners of Price Cutter, Food Pyramid, Ramey, Smitty's, Country Mart, Save-A-Lot and Ponca City Discount Foods.

For more information, please visit FoodPyramidOnline.com.

Stay Green. The Tulsa Master Recyclers Association will host its second annual Greening Your Special Event workshop on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, from 9am-1pm at Tulsa City Hall located at One Technology Center, 175 E. Second Street. Lunch is provided.

The half-day workshop will feature tips and testimonials from local businesses and organizations to help event planners and non-profits make their events more environmentally friendly.

"Tulsa has so many events and we want to help organizers become more knowledgeable about easy steps they can take to make their events environmentally friendly," said Diana Askins, chairman, Tulsa Master Recyclers Association.

The Greening Your Special Event workshop will provide tips on everything from how to recycle to collateral materials, food options and even venue techniques.

For information about the workshop or to register to attend contact kristen.mccormick@therecyclingevolution.com. Cost is $25 per person to attend payable by cash or check at the event. Check-in begins at 8:30am.