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Community Development Division May 2006
Congratulations
OWHAC Awards College
graduates! Scholarships
Each year the Oklahoma Weatherization
and Housing Advisory Council
(OWHAC) offers competitive
In This Issue:
educational scholarships to high school
Building Community........... seniors. Students were required to submit
2-7 an essay on the importance of affordable
housing for low-income people.
The scholarship contest memorializes Ted
Grants Awarded.................
Allen and David Walker, two Housing
5-7 and Urban Development employees who
lost their lives in the bombing of the
Energy Page......................... Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma
City in 1995. Attending the scholarship presentation are (left to right): Commerce associate
8
Rhonda Harding-Hill; Patricia Robinson, mother of Tynisha Anderson;
This year, a dozen students submitted Tynisha, scholarship recipient and Rhonda’s niece; Pam Hall, president of
essays. A review committee then OWHAC; Commerce associate Steve Walker; former Commerce associate
Funding Opportunities...... evaluated all the essays (with authors’ Janet Walker; Kayla Wallace, scholarship recipient; and Kayla’s parents,
9, 15 names removed). Among those selected Jennifer and Jeff Wallace. Jeff heads the State Data Center at Commerce.
Not pictured is scholarship recipient Eric Walker, son of Steve (no relation
to receive awards were three students to Janet Walker).
related to Commerce associates: $100 to
Growing Businesses..........
Eric Walker, son of Steve Walker in Administrative Services; $100 to Tynisha Anderson, niece of
11, 12
Rhonda Harding-Hill in Community Development; and $500 to Kayla Wallace, daughter of Jeff
Wallace in Research and Economic Analysis.
Workforce Connection..... The Oklahoma Weatherization and Housing Advisory
13, 14 Council presented the three recipients with checks
during a recognition event held at the Commerce
Department in late March.
Fighting Poverty..................
12, 13, 15 All three will attend universities in Oklahoma.
Walker will attend Oklahoma State University;
Anderson will attend Oklahoma City University; and
Upcoming Events................ Wallace will attend Southern Nazarene University.
15 Pam Hall, president of OWHAC (center), presented We congratulate the honorees – along with
scholarship checks to Kayla Wallace (left) and Tynisha
Anderson.
graduating seniors throughout Oklahoma – and wish
them all the best in their educational pursuits.
Transforming oklahoma one CommuniTy aT a Time Page 2
But I’ve Been to Oklahoma...
A Call to Action
by C.G. Herndon
Oklahoma, the from such notable movies as The Mummy and Zorro, as well
native frontier. as TV shows like Toonsylvania and Teenage Mutant Turtles.
These are the
To say he’s somewhat accomplished in his field is like
voyages of
saying William Shatner kinda overacts.
the car ship
Okiewagen. Not surprisingly, one of Kevin’s hobbies is collecting
For my eighth action figures. He has 7,000 of them so far. They used to
Christmas, bring inquisitive visitors to his art studio in Pauls Valley.
Santa brought During one visit, he jokingly mentioned to a friend
a Star Trek that he was the
utility belt unofficial tourist
(with phaser, communicator, and that doodad that attraction for Pauls
detected life on strange planets), the bridge of the USS Valley.
Enterprise (including Captain’s Chair and teleporter), and
Be careful what
the accompanying crew (except Lt. Uruha and Yeoman
you say. From that
Rand — they were girls; I was eight).
comment came the
I spent hours fighting Klingons and Tribbles, jumping to idea for an action
warp 9 and body slamming Scottie. (I was also a wrestling figure museum.
fan). I also spent hours explaining to my sister that these Opening that museum soon became an integral part of
were not Barbie dolls, but indeed action figures and the city’s planning process called VISION 2010.
therefore quite masculine.
Five years after the idea first surfaced, following plenty of
This month I loaded up the Okiewagen and headed to research and planning, tons of volunteer hours, a hotel-
Pauls Valley, home of friendly folks, catfish noodling, and motel tax, and donations from private individuals and
the world’s first Toy and Action Figure Museum. companies, the Toy and Action Figure Museum (www.
actionfiguremuseum.com) has become a reality.
A major preaching point of community development is “play
to your strengths.” In Oklahoma that can mean anything On October 15, 2005, it opened for business. By the
from Native American and Western heritage to outdoor end of the year, just 2 ½ months later, more than 4,500
recreation and visitors from 24 states had walked through the museum’s
natural resources downtown Pauls Valley doors. Those visitors also
to interesting and frequented other establishments in downtown, making the
unique people. museum a catalyst for downtown business.
Pauls Valley is Along with a menagerie of displays in the action figure
using the strength museum, visitors find something unusual in museums of
of one of its own, a this sort, places for the kids to play – play with G.I. Joe
local artist named and Barbie, play with Legos, and even play and dress up
Kevin Stark who as their favorite comic book heroes. It is a great experience
has been working for kids of all ages (though, I personally found the outfits
in the art field to be a bit small). When you visit the museum, you’re not
most of his life. You may even have some of his pieces in just visiting Pauls Valley, you’re stopping by Gotham City,
your home. His body of work includes portraits, logos, Metropolis, and Springfield.
comic books, children’s book illustrations, and action figures
A Call To Action
continued on page 14
Page 3
Community Development Progress Showcased at Capitol
March 14th heralded the third annual Community Development Day at the Capi-
tol, a chance for both communities and community development organizations to
showcase their programs and services to elected officials.
The event highlighted more than a dozen public and private organizations dedi-
cated to growing rural Oklahoma. These
organizations set up booths to better
educate communities, legislators, and
legislative staff on the positive impact
the groups are having on communities,
as well as economic development efforts
Tracey Cox and Alice Johnson are always ready to talk across the state.
about the Oklahoma Main Street Program.
“This event is important because it
demonstrates the positive impact these various organizations are having on the
state’s future,” said Vaughn Clark, Community Development Director at Com-
merce. “Strengthening these communities — from infrastructure to a better trained Representing all three program teams within Commerce’s
workforce — is vital for bringing good jobs to these smaller cities. Over the past few Community Development Division are Kathy McLaughlin
(Citizen Empowerment), Scott Myers (Community Infra-
years, we have significantly increased our programs designed to lift up our rural com- structure), and Corey Herndon (Community Outreach).
munities. Community Development Day is an opportunity to update the legislators
and state elected officials on our progress.”
Site Ready Program Now Offers a Visual Advantage
The new Oklahoma site certification program, Site Ready, is GIS-viewable to the public. For those who are not familiar, GIS
(Geographic Information System) offers a set of tools for visualizing, exploring, querying, editing, and analyzing information
linked to geographic locations. This allows the user to display
the data as maps, tables, and charts. Rural Communities Respond
The Site Ready sites have been geocoded, a process of linking to Disaster
an address to a geographic location on the map, which allows The most recent issue of the Housing Assistance
the viewers to get greater detail of the site and its surround- Council’s Rural Voices focuses on revitalization strategies
ings. The Site Ready program also offers the option to display a for communities affected by disasters of all types.
report containing data for each site or building. To visit the GIS
webpage, go to www.OKcommerce.gov/siteready. Among the communities profiled is Logan County,
West Virginia, the site of a major flood in 1972. Beverly
Divers-White, of the Foundation for the Mid-South,
also discusses how Delta communities are responding to
the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.
View After the Disaster: Rural Communities
Respond, at www.ruralhome.org/manager/uploads/
VoicesWinter2005-2006.pdf.
Transforming oklahoma one CommuniTy aT a Time Page 4
Grants Presented to Communities in Southwestern Oklahoma
In February, state legislators from southwestern Oklahoma presented more
than $1,475,000 in Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grants, $245,800 in
Community Development Block Grant-Rural Economic Action Plan (CDBG-
REAP) grants, and $218,311 in Community Expansion of Nutrition Assistance
(CENA) grants. Southwestern Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA)
in Burns Flat hosted the ceremonies.
Legislators in attendance for the presentations were Representative David
Braddock of Altus; Representative James Covey of Custer City; Representative
Purcy Walker of Elk City, Representative Ryan McMullen of Burns Flat; and
The Town of Dill City received $20,250 of CDBG-REAP
Senator Gilmer Capps of Snyder.
funds to purchase a fire truck. Pictured from left to right are:
The Oklahoma Legislature created REAP in 1996. Senators and representatives
Senator Gilmer Capps; Elaine Van Vranken and Jimmy
Linn, Town of Dill City; Representative Ryan McMullen; from southwestern Oklahoma have been strong supporters of the program
and Scott Myers, Oklahoma Department of Commerce. and have commended its benefits to small rural communities. The Legislature
appropriates funds for use by regional councils of governments (COGs), such as
SWODA, to fund county and municipal projects benefiting communities of 7,000 or less.
CENA funds activities and provides money for home-delivered meals, meals at senior citizen centers and community
centers, new equipment, and structural enhancements. Commerce develops policy and procedures for this statewide
program and provides technical assistance. Area Agencies on Aging administer programs locally.
Commerce and COGs partnered to develop CDBG-REAP to leverage federal CDBG funds and state REAP funds dollar
for dollar on each eligible project.
For more information about the CDBG program, visit www.OKcommerce.gov/funding or contact Scott Myers at Scott_
Myers@OKcommerce.gov, 800-879-6552, or 405-815-5356.
Three Southern Initiatives Honored with Sustainable
Communities Award
The National Association of Counties recently announced the 10 Collaborative Governance:
winners of its 2005 Center for Sustainable Communities Awards.
Included among those honored were three initiatives in the South,
Key Principles and Best
including: 1) Jackson County, Missouri’s Royal and Red…With Practices
a Touch of Green initiative; 2) Cumberland County, North A new report from the Alliance for Regional Stewardship
Carolina’s base realignment and closure process; and 3) Arlington seeks to answer the key question, “What is collaborative
County, Virginia’s Rosslyn-Ballston Metro Corridor. governance?”
The top four among these 10 will win cash prizes — $10,000 The report sets out key principles that distinguish
to the platinum winner and $5,000 to each of the others. collaborative governance from more traditional practices,
For a list of all 10 awardees, go to www.naco.org/Template. ranging from grassroots initiatives to top-down
cfm?Section=New_Technical_Assistance&template=/ government. It also offers a number of best practice
ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=19409. examples, including Birmingham’s Regional Growth
While you’re on NACo’s website, explore all the great Alliance and St. Louis’ Metropolitan Forum.
resources, such as Cost Saving Programs for Counties, Grants Download Regional Stewardship and Collaborative
Clearinghouse, Public Awareness Campaigns, and Training and Governance at www.regionlink.org/index.
Technical Assistance.
Page 5
Bessie to Improve Wastewater Infrastructure
with CDBG Grant
Wastewater infrastructure and service will improve for 184 residents of the Town of Bessie in the coming months thanks in
part to a Community Development Block Grant. Funds will be used for improvements at the wastewater retention lagoon
for Bessie, which is located between Clinton and Cordell in Washita County.
The $247,000 award comes from the state’s 2005 CDBG-Water and Wastewater Construction funds. At the state level,
the CDBG program is administered by the Commerce Department. At the federal level, it is administered by the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Commerce uses a phased approach to help fund water and wastewater projects. Phase I funds are for the engineering and
permitting aspects of a project. Phase II funds are for the necessary costs of construction, engineering, inspection and
administration to complete the project.
This phased approach ensures the most appropriate technical solutions within available budgets. Additionally, it helps
improve both the timeliness of CDBG expenditures and coordination among other state agencies that deal with permitting
and financing.
For more information on the Community Development Block Grant program, visit www.OKcommerce.gov/funding or
contact Scott Myers at Scott_Myers@OKcommerce.gov, 800-879-6552, or 405-815-5356.
101 Ways You Can Be a Positive Influence on Kids
Research has shown that kids who enjoy regular positive
activity with an adult are less likely to begin using drugs and
alcohol.
Did you know?
• 11.2 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds reported current
use of illicit drugs in 2003.
• In 2003, 30.5 percent of youths reported using an
illicit drug at least once during their lifetime and 21.8
percent reported using an illicit drug within the
past year.
• Substance abuse among youth has been strongly
It doesn’t take much — an hour a week, a couple of hours linked to delinquency.
a month. Whether you can coach a sport, teach a skill, At www.HelpYourCommunity.org, you can play and hear
or simply hang out, the time you spend with kids will public service announcements, discover “Why You Matter,”
influence them and help them make the choice not to use read about people making a difference, hear from youth,
drugs. Make a difference in your community today by learn how to get involved, and find out about anti-drug
making a difference in the lives of kids. coalitions.
Read the list of 101 ways you can help at www. Help kids stay active and you’ll help them stay away from
HelpYourCommunity.org — the award-winning website of drugs.
the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Transforming oklahoma one CommuniTy aT a Time Page 6
Commerce Funds Housing Revitalization Activities
One hundred and thirty Oklahoma families will directly benefit Local Government Award Homes P
from the Housing Revitalization program at the Oklahoma Amount
Department of Commerce, which has awarded $800,000 to five Atoka County $150,000 50 o
local governments. re
Each local government receiving the funding will work with a City of Clinton $150,000 20 o
Community Based Development Organization to help revive re
low-income areas of their communities. Housing Revitalization Johnston County $150,000 20 o
re
activities may include partial home rehabilitation, energy-
Marshall County $150,000 20 o
efficient retrofits, handicap accessibility, correction of health and
re
safety issues, and residential emergency repair.
Woods County $200,000 20 o
The Commerce Department annually makes CDBG funds re
available to eligible incorporated towns, cities and counties. Total $800,000 130
Commerce uses a competitive grant process with an established
set of threshold and rating criteria. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides funding for
the state’s CDBG programs.
For more information on the Community Development Block Grant program for Housing Revitalization projects, visit www.
OKcommerce.gov/funding or contact Scott Myers at Scott_Myers@OKcommerce.gov, 800-879-6552, or 405-815-5356.
Engineering Funds Granted for Water and Sewer Projects
Fourteen towns and cities recently received notice that they counties. Congress funds the CDBG program through the U.S.
will be getting a Community Development Block Grant Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
(CDBG) award for engineering and permitting expenses of
For more information on the Community Development Block
their water and sewer projects, directly benefiting 7,743 low-
Grant program for Water and Wastewater projects, visit www.
and moderate-income people. The $350,859 comes from
OKcommerce.gov/funding or contact Scott Myers at Scott_
the state’s FY 2006 CDBG-Water and Wastewater (Phase I
Myers@OKcommerce.gov, 800-879-6552, or 405-815-5356.
– Engineering) set-aside.
The following towns, cities, and counties will receive grants.
Commerce uses a phased approach to help fund water
and wastewater projects that require more than one year No. Applicant Award Beneficiaries
to complete. Phase I funds are for the engineering and Amount
1 Town of Bokoshe $34,250 450
permitting aspects of a project. Phase II funds are for the 2 Town of Boswell $3,750 703
necessary costs of construction, engineering, inspection, and 3 Town of Canadian $45,691 239
administration to complete the project. 4 Town of Jennings $86,417 373
5 Johnston County for the $20,660 163
This phased approach ensures the most appropriate technical Town of Bromide
6 Town of Manitou $12,401 278
solutions within available budgets. Additionally, it helps
7 Town of Millerton $19,730 359
improve both the timeliness of CDBG expenditures and 8 Town of Oakland $13,802 610
coordination among other state agencies that deal with 9 Town of Pittsburg $12,290 280
permitting and financing. 10 Town of Quinton $18,750 1,071
11 Town of Ralston $16,158 355
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce administers the 12 Town of Ravia $20,154 459
13 Town of Ripley $26,646 415
CDBG program at the state level. Each year, it makes CDBG 14 City of Waurika $20,160 1,988
funds available to eligible incorporated towns, cities and Total $350,859 7,743
Page 7
Glencoe and Maud Receive Grants
Glencoe and Maud recently received notice
they will be getting Community Development Applicant Award Amount Beneficiaries
Block Grant (CDBG) awards for construction Town of Glencoe $250,000 583
of their wastewater projects, directly benefiting City of Maud $246,250 1,136
more than 1,700 low- and moderate-income Total $496,250 1,719
people. The funding comes from the state’s FY
2005 CDBG-Water and Wastewater (Phase II
– Construction) set-aside.
Glencoe will use its $250,000 to fund wastewater system improvements. Maud will use its $246,250 to fund improvements to
its wastewater treatment facilities.
Commerce uses a phased approach to help fund water and wastewater projects that require more than one year to complete.
Phase I funds are for the engineering and permitting aspects of a project. Phase II funds are for the necessary costs of
construction, engineering, inspection, and administration to complete the project.
This phased approach ensures the most appropriate technical solutions within available budgets. Additionally, it helps
improve both the timeliness of CDBG expenditures and coordination among other state agencies that deal with permitting
and financing.
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce administers the CDBG program at the state level. Each year, it makes CDBG funds
available to eligible incorporated towns, cities and counties. Congress funds the CDBG program through the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
For more information on the Community Development Block Grant program for Water and Wastewater projects, visit www.
OKcommerce.gov/funding or contact Scott Myers at Scott_Myers@OKcommerce.gov, 800-879-6552, or 405-815-5356.
Get Developer Electronically CDBG Performance
Evaluation Report
Get it early! Available for Review
If you’d like to be notified when new editions
Commerce is preparing the Performance Evaluation
of Community Developer are available for Report (PER) on the Community Development
download, sign up for e-alerts on our website. Block Grant Program (CDBG). The PER details
We’ll send you an e-mail letting you know the use of CDBG funds for each active program year
and is submitted annually to the U.S. Department of
when it’s online and what to expect in each Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
issue. Subscribe today!
The report will be available for public review and
Go to www.OKcommerce.gov/developer. comment May 31-June 13, 2006. If you wish to
review the report, please contact Jack Smid at Jack_
Click “subscribe” in the lower right-hand
Smid@OKcommerce.gov or 1-800-879-6552, x5357.
corner. It’s that easy!
Transforming oklahoma one CommuniTy aT a Time Page 8
THE ENERGY PAGE www.OKcommerce.gov/energy
Central Oklahoma Clean Cities Coalition Wins Award
The Central Oklahoma Clean Cities Coalition was among the Other winners were South Carolina, Ohio, Central Indi-
national winners when the National Ethanol Vehicle Coali- ana, Tucson (AZ) Region, Twin Cities (MN), and Alamo
tion (NEVC) recently awarded eight grants totaling $50,000 Area (TX).
to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Coalitions
In addition to the $35,000 contribution to the seven clean
and Transportation Energy Partnerships.
cities coalitions, NEVC allocated $15,000 to Transportation
NEVC chairman Curtis Donaldson announced the awards at Energy Partnerships to provide assistance to members and
the Clean Cities Project Review held in Washington, D.C., other groups that desire information and assistance in their
in March. efforts to establish local E85 programs.
Seven local Clean Cities coalitions won the awards for acting Find out more about E85 at www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/
at the local level to support the NEVC’s mission to increase e85campaign/e85fuel.html.
education and availability of E85, an alternative fuel com-
E85 is designed for use in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs), which
posed of 85 percent ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and just 15
may fuel with either E85 and/or gasoline interchangeably.
percent petroleum.
Most FFVs are still fueled with gasoline, but the availability
“Yvonne Anderson of the Central Oklahoma Clean Cities of E85 and FFVs is expected to increase significantly in the
Coalition has led the efforts to facilitate the establishment of next few years.
two E85 fueling stations in Oklahoma City,” Donaldson said.
Energy Tips
Transportation accounts for 66 percent of U.S. oil use, mainly in the form of gasoline. Here are a few ways to improve gas
mileage. (See next month’s issue for three more gas-saving tips.)
When you use overdrive gearing, your car’s engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces wear.
Avoid high speeds. Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying $0.10 more per gallon of gas.
Aggressive driving (rapid acceleration and hard braking) wastes gas. It can lower your highway gas mile-
age 33 percent and city mileage 5 percent.
Page 9
Other Funding Opportunities
Listed below are some funding opportunities from outside National Crime Prevention Council Offers Grants for Youth
the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. A current list is Service-Learning Projects
maintained at www.OKcommerce.gov/funding. Deadline: Thursday, June 1, 2006
Funding Opportunities The National Crime Prevention Council will award 100
Target Arts Grants grants of up to $500 through its Teens, Crime, and the Com-
Deadline: Wednesday, May 31, 2006 munity initiative.
A grant from Target makes it affordable for the entire family The grants will support service-learning projects planned and
to participate in different arts and cultural experiences. Pro- implemented by youth who identify needs and create projects
grams that bring the arts to schools or children to the arts are to address or prevent crime, violence, and drug abuse in their
of particular interest. Examples of Arts Grants include school schools and communities. These grants are intended to en-
touring programs, field trips to the theater, or symphony or courage and promote crime prevention, community service,
artist residencies and workshops in schools. Awards of up to and civic responsibility.
$3,000 will be made. For more information, see http://sites.
To be eligible for funding, youth must be participating in a
target.com/site/en/corporate/page.jsp?contentId=PRD03-
Community Works or Youth Safety Corps program or be in a
001818.
youth group or class of six or more members. All participants
Additional Target Store Grants must be between the ages of 11 to 19.
Deadline: Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Visit the National Crime Prevention Council website, http://
Through its Store Grants, Target supports local giving in the www.nationaltcc.org, to download complete program guidelines.
categories of Arts, Reading, and Family Violence Prevention.
Youth Activism
• The program awards Reading grants to schools, Deadline: Open
libraries, and nonprofit organizations, supporting
Funds are available for youth-directed activist projects that fo-
programs such as weekend book clubs, after-school
cus on identifying, crossing and challenging social boundaries
reading programs, and events encouraging family
in schools and communities. Preference is shown for youth
reading time.
leadership (i.e. projects created and carried out by youth
• Family Violence Prevention grants support groups activists, collaborative efforts across social boundaries), (i.e.
working to make individual homes and entire different youth groups or clubs working together), or school-
communities safer, such as child abuse counseling based clubs working with community-based organizations,
programs and shelters. and continuing efforts to identify, cross or challenge social
boundaries. Grants of $500 will be awarded. For full details,
Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with
visit www.tolerance.org/teens/grants.jsp.
501(c)(3) status, schools, or units of government. Most
grants average between $1,000 and $3,000. Funding is Educational Grants from State Farm
limited to the communities in which Target does business. Deadline: Open
Because applications will be reviewed as they are received,
To support K-12 public education, the following types of
applicants are encouraged to apply early.
grants will be considered: 1) Striving for Teacher Excellence,
Applications for Target Store Grants and the complete ap- which will improve teacher quality; 2) Service-Learning pro-
plication procedures are available at local Target stores and grams that integrate core classroom curriculum with service
online at http://target.com. to the community; 3) Systematic Improvement, or those
programs and processes that require longer periods of time
and investment of resources to impact measurable student
Other Funding Opportunities-
continued on page 10
Transforming oklahoma one CommuniTy aT a Time Page 10
Other Funding Opportunities
continued from page 9
achievement; and 4) Operation Respect through the “Don’t The guide, Maximizing Program Services Through Private
Laugh At Me” project, a curriculum-based program that is Sector Partnerships and Relationships: A Guide for Faith- and
designed to establish a climate that reduces the emotional and Community-Based Service Providers, is now available online at
physical cruelty some children inflict upon one another. www.samhsa.gov/FBCI/fbci_pubs.aspx.
For higher education, The State Farm Foundation provides Medicare Enrollment Toolkit
funding to scholarship programs that are administered by
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
the American Indian College Fund, the Hispanic Scholar-
released an updated toolkit that will aid faith-based and com-
ship Fund, and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
munity organizations working with individuals eligible for
Awards of up to $10,000 will be made. For more information,
the Medicare prescription drug benefit.
visit www.statefarm.com/foundati/foundati.htm.
The toolkit, titled A National Conversation — Friends and
Resources
Family First, lays out the five simple steps required to join
New Guide for FBCOs Seeking Private-Sector Funding
a Medicare prescription drug plan. It is available online at
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Sub- http://www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/downloads/national-
stance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration conversation.pdf.
(SAMHSA) has published a new guide for faith-based and
National Mental Health Information Center
community organizations (FBCOs) that details the process by
which they can build private sector partnerships. Find information on mental health resources for children,
adolescents, adults and their families at www.mentalhealth.
samhsa.gov.
Special Edition of Community
Developer Packed with State’s Consolidated
Resources Plan Approved By HUD
Funding resources, development-ready properties, service
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce received
providers, government benefits, best practices for manag-
approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and
ing grants, health care information, contacts, and much
Urban Development (HUD) for funding of the FY
more can be found in the new special edition of the Com-
2006 State of Oklahoma Consolidated Plan.
munity Developer newsletter.
Included in the plan are the Community Develop-
Each year, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce fun-
ment Block Grant program, Emergency Shelter Grant
nels millions of dollars and resources into communities
program, HOME Investment Partnerships program,
across the state resulting in thousands of new jobs, im-
and Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS
proved infrastructure, and initiatives designed to trans-
program. The plan year is April 1, 2006, through
form Oklahoma one community at a time.
March 31, 2007.
The 16-page special edition represents the ultimate re-
The plan can be found at www.OKcommerce.gov/
source guide to these programs and services (online and
communities. Anyone wishing to obtain a printed
offline) offered by the Oklahoma Department of Com-
copy of the State of Oklahoma Consolidated Plan
merce and its state and federal partners.
should e-mail Kirk_Martin@OKcommerce.gov or call
City leaders, community improvement professionals, 800-879-6552, x5151.
economic development organizations, workforce
development personnel, clients — will all find something
of interest and use.
Find it online at www.OKcommerce.gov/developer.
Page 11
BR&E Workshop: Innovative Ideas for Helping
Oklahoma Companies Prosper
Economic and community development professionals from Other speakers, like John Fowler, President and CEO of the
across the state joined the Oklahoma Department of Com- Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, discussed the nuts and bolts
merce and many of its strategic partners in late February for of organizing a business retention and expansion team. First
the first Business Retention & Expansion Workshop: Taking step: find out what your local companies need most. Are they
Care of Business. healthy or are they struggling? Where are they in terms of de-
velopment? What do they need to meet the challenges ahead?
Participants not only heard about new and innovative ways
to ensure that Oklahoma’s existing businesses thrive, but Fowler’s suggested steps for finding answers to those questions
they walked away with a variety of tools, resources, and con- include:
tacts to help them develop or enhance strategic established
• Develop a questionnaire and tracking system;
industry efforts.
• Select and train the team, which should include
Featured speaker Greg King, a leading expert on working
business leaders, economic development professionals,
with established business and industry, focused his discus-
education and training organizations, and local govern-
sions on building strong relationships with local companies
ment officials;
and forming partnerships with other resource providers. King,
Strategic Partners Officer with the Georgia Institute of Tech- • Establish a schedule or timeline;
nology, where he helped form a statewide collaborative initia-
• Make assignments and develop a system of account-
tive focused on delivering resources to existing businesses and
ability;
industry at the local level.
• Make appointments with targeted employers;
According to King, higher education institutions and technolo-
gy centers play a key role in established industry development. • Conduct interviews;
They have a variety of programs and services available for their
area companies that can address all five phases of business • Report the findings back to the employers interviewed,
— concept, formation, growth, maturity and reinvention. and follow up as soon as possible on any specific needs
or issues discovered during the interviews.
Using Georgia Tech as an example, King highlighted several
types of resources, programs, and services businesses need to Other key issues discussed included tips and tools for entering
successfully plan for and navigate through those five phases, the global market, various tax credits available to help business-
including: es expand, and how to use the state-sponsored e-Synchronist
Business Information System to analyze data from your local
• Expansion assistance companies.
• Research, development and technology transfer Workshop presentations may be downloaded at www.okcom-
assistance merce.gov/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=760
&Itemid=606.
• Productivity improvements
• Export assistance
• Workforce development.
Transforming oklahoma one CommuniTy aT a Time Page 12
Hispanic Businesses Launch Statewide Chamber
Hispanic businesses from across Oklahoma recently formed
the first State Hispanic Chamber and appointed its first
chairman.
Minority Business Assistance
According to Pat Fennell, executive director of the Latino
Available
Community Development Agency and member of the new At Commerce, Ken Talley specializes in linking minor-
business organization, the State Hispanic Chamber will offer ity-owned businesses to a variety of helpful services and
a variety of programs and services, including political edu- programs, including:
cation, a medical insurance program, and a Small Business
4Oklahoma Minority Supplier Development
Academy — an eight-month program to help entrepreneurs
Council
create a business plan.
4U.S. Small Business Administration
The new chamber will maintain offices in both Tulsa and
(SBA) programs
Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma City office is under construc-
tion and is expected to be completed this fall. 4Disadvantaged Business Enterprise programs at the
Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the
Xavier Neira, vice president of special products at Rooney
City of Tulsa.
Holdings in Oklahoma City, will serve as the first chairman.
For more information, visit www.OKcommerce.gov/
Check out these Spanish-language publications on the Com-
smallbiz or contact Ken Talley at Ken_Talley@OKcom-
merce website at www.OKcommerce.gov/smallbiz:
merce.gov, 800-879-6552, or 405-815-5218.
4 El Plan de Negocias (Business Plan Guide)
4 Puntos Basicos (Business Basics).
Future Success of U.S. Small & Innovative Policies to Reduce
Medium Manufacturers Examined Poverty
According to the National Association of Manufacturers Asset building policies hold the key to reducing poverty
(NAM), the manufacturing industry produces two-thirds of in America, says a new report sponsored by the Sodexho
America’s exports. Their report, The Future Success of Small and Foundation.
Medium Manufacturers, highlights both the role these com-
panies play in keeping America globally competitive and the Among the programs featured in the report are:
challenges they face. • Kentucky’s state income tax threshold for low-income
In addition to rising energy costs, the rising cost of health care households as well as its policies that promote a seam-
and skill shortages are significant challenges hindering the less system of transitions from adult education to post-
competitiveness of small and medium manufacturers (SMM). secondary education;
The report also highlights successful SMM’s 15 best practices. • Arkansas’ Career Pathways initiative, Workforce Im-
To review the latest NAM report visit www.nam.org/s_nam/ provement Grant Program and Individual Development
bin.asp?CID=202515&DID=236457&DOC=FILE.PDF. Accounts;
• Georgia’s HOPE grants and GoodWorks initiative; and
• Louisiana’s START Savings program.
Download the report, Innovative State Policies to Reduce Pov-
erty and Expand the Middle Class, at www.sodexhousa.com/
press-releases/pr120705.asp.
Page 13
Career Ready Program Gaining Poverty Simulation Provides
Momentum New Understanding
Within today’s global economy, finding and keeping a job In February, students entering the social services field gained
requires higher skill levels than ever before. Employers want a greater appreciation of the challenges faced by the poor.
workers with documented skills based on the “real world” of
any workplace — from a welding shop to a hospital. A poverty simulation conducted at Tulsa Community College
(TCC) drew students, faculty, and staff. Participants experi-
The Governor’s Council for Workforce and Economic Devel- enced simulated poverty by attempting to accomplish tasks
opment and many of its partner agencies are currently rolling such as accessing social services, caring for sick children, and
out a system of assessment and certification designed to meet paying rent — while dealing with a financial crisis.
the needs of both employees and employers. This system is
called the Career Ready Program. The faculty at TCC requested the simulation to encourage
discussion among the students entering the social services
To date, the initiative involves the assessment of 17,000 po- field. After going through the simulation and making the
tential and incumbent employees and more than 70 sites for difficult decision that families in poverty must make daily, the
pre-assessment, assessment, and training across the state. students gained a new understanding of the challenges of liv-
ing in poverty. How do you provide food, shelter, and other
Designed by ACT, the company that developed the ACT
necessities when there’s simply not enough money? How do
Assessment college entrance exam, Career Ready measures
you feel about yourself when you can’t provide for your fam-
communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills
ily? Do you begin to view your community differently?
valuable to any occupation — skilled or professional — and
at any level of education. At the end of the simulation, participants shared feelings of
frustration, stress, rejection, and struggle. One participant
When fully implemented, assessment sites will be set
said, “I now realize how children become stressed or scared
up across the state on college campuses, One-Stop sites,
when their parents struggle.” Another student also indicated
CareerTech centers, etc. Individuals’ assessments and scores
the impact the simulation had on her: “It was very eye-open-
will be recorded and housed in a secure database.
ing. I don’t think it could’ve had a bigger impact on me than
These portable skills credentials, which are easily and nation- it did.”
ally recognized, can be used to facilitate job placement, reten-
Certified poverty simulation facilitators from the Oklahoma
tion, and advancement in our mobile society.
Department of Commerce conducted the simulation.
For more information or to find out how your business,
To contact a poverty simulation facilitator or to schedule a
agency, or organization can participate in the Career Ready
poverty simulation, contact Kathy McLaughlin at the Okla-
program, contact Susan Kuzmic at Susan_Kuzmic@OKcom-
homa Department of Commerce at Kathy_McLaughlin@
merce.gov, 800-879-6552, or 405-815-5204.
OKcommerce.gov, 800-879-6552, or 405-815-5339.
Helping Displaced Workers in Oklahoma and North Carolina
The closing of General Motors’ North American plants will affect more than 1,000 workers in Oklahoma City. To assist the
affected workers and their families, the U.S. Department of Labor recently awarded Oklahoma $1 million in National Emer-
gency Grants. These funds will provide career counseling, training, and job search assistance to affected workers.
To learn more, visit www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/opa/OPA2002312.htm.
Communities in western North Carolina faced a situation similar to Oklahoma’s GM layoffs with the closing of Pillowtex in
2003. North Carolina communities used their National Emergency funds along with other resources to successfully retrain and
re-employ workers.
To learn more visit, the Southern Growth Idea Bank at www.southernideabank.org/items.php?id=2540.
Transforming oklahoma one CommuniTy aT a Time Page 14
Helping High School Dropouts It Pays Big to Think Small
Nanotechnology Employment Compensation
to Build Local Workforce and Outlook
The Jobs for the Future The nano job market is heating up, with salaries and num-
Report, Making Good on a ber of jobs rising, according to a survey conducted by Small
Promise, debunks the myth Times magazine.
that high school dropouts
The survey found that the average salary globally in this in-
are uninterested in educa-
dustry is $84,605, with the U.S. average being $97,978. The
tion and examines policies
survey also found that almost 37 percent of the employees
that help these students
have a degree at the level of Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.
earn postsecondary creden-
tials. In Oklahoma, The State Chamber and the Oklahoma Center
for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST)
According to researchers,
are pursuing initiatives promoting the growth and develop-
socioeconomic status, not race, is the biggest determinant
ment of nanotechnology.
of whether a student finishes school. These students are
amazingly persistent. Sixty percent of dropouts earn a high To view the report, visit www.smalltimes.com/document_dis-
school credential by age 25 and 44 percent go on to pursue a play.cfm?document_id=11003.
postsecondary degree.
A new report from the Southern Growth Policies Board, Con-
Despite high postsecondary enrollment rates, only 9 percent of necting the Dots: Creating a Southern Nanotechnology Network,
these students graduate with a two- or four-year degree and less maps the South’s assets in Nanotechnology and provides
than a quarter of students complete a certificate program. recommendations for establishing the South as a leader in the
emerging industry.
As a non-profit research, consulting, and advocacy organiza-
tion, Jobs for the Future (www.jff.org) works to strengthen The report outlines the South’s strengths and weaknesses in
society by creating educational and economic opportunity for nanotechnology in five key areas — human capital, knowl-
those who need it most. edge generation, patents, funding, and commercialization
— and includes data for all of the Southern Growth member
For more information on Making Good on a Promise visit
states, including Oklahoma.
www.jff.org/JFF_KC_Pages.php?WhichLevel=1&lv1_
id=4&lv2_id=0&lv3_id=0&KC_M_ID=287. (There is a To review the executive summary, visit www.southern.org/
one-time, free registration to access this site.) pubs/ConnectDots/ConnectExecSumm.pdf.
A Call To Action
continued from page 2
Sometimes our greatest assets are hidden right under our noses. Those communities that
step out of the mold and find a way to use their unusual strengths are finding themselves
a point of interest for outside visitors. Perhaps you can uncover a unique and interesting
aspect of your community and create, as Capt. James T. Kirk said, “... a dream that
became a reality and spread throughout the stars.”
I no longer play with action figures (unless, of course, I’m invited to join a gathering of
dolls at my daughter’s tea parties) and the Star Trek collection got sold off at a garage sale
many moons ago. But the joy of Galaxy-jumping and zapping hostile aliens still lingers in
youthful memories, much like the entrepreneurial spirit abounds in Pauls Valley.
If you know of an event or story worth highlighting in the Community Developer, write me at Corey_Herndon@
OKcommerce.gov or give me a call at 405-815-5201. I can’t promise to cover everything, but I’ll do my best.
Page 15
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Date / Time Event / Contact Location Address / City
May 2 $mart$tart Conference (and Poverty National Center for Employee 2701 E Imhoff Rd
Simulation) Development
9 AM - Noon Allison Briggs, 405-278-6978 Norman
May 3 - 5 11th Annual Forestry on the Grow Western Hills Guest Ranch
Conference & Expo
Ouachita Mountains RC&D, Inc. 918-423-2479 Wagoner
May 9 Oklahoma Main Street Awards Reception & National Cowboy & Western 1700 NE 63rd St
Dinner Heritage Museum
5 - 8 PM Alice Johnson, 405-815-5171 Oklahoma City
May 14-19 National Indian and Native American Crowne Plaza Hotel 100 E 2nd St
Employment and Training Conference
6 days Larry D. Ketcher, 918-453-5462 Tulsa
June 20 Census Workshops Oklahoma Dept. of Libraries 200 NE 18th St
9 AM - Noon; 1 - 4 PM Jeff_Wallace@odoc.state.ok.us Computer Lab Oklahoma City
July 18 CDBG Public Input Session Francis Tuttle Technology Center 12777 N Rockwell Ave
10 AM - Noon OKcommerce.gov/Communities Main Building, Room 1-1048 Oklahoma City
July 19 CDBG Public Input Session Kiamichi Technology Center 301 Kiamichi Dr
10 AM - Noon OKcommerce.gov/Communities McAlester
July 20 CDBG Public Input Session Tulsa Technology Center 801 E 91st St
(Riverside Campus)
10 AM - Noon OKcommerce.gov/Communities Jenks
July 25 CDBG Public Input Session Southwest Technology Center 711 W Tamarack Rd
10 AM - Noon OKcommerce.gov/Communities Altus
July 27 CDBG Public Input Session High Plains Technology Center 3921 34th St
10 AM - Noon OKcommerce.gov/Communities Woodward
August 10-11 3rd annual Women in Agriculture and Small Clarion Convention Center 735 S Meridian Ave
Business Conference
2 days www.greatplainsrcd.org/wasbw.php Oklahoma City
August 17-19 Oklahoma Municipal League Annual Cox Convention Center 1 Myriad Gardens
Conference and Expo
2 days 800-324-6651 Oklahoma City
September 19 Census Workshops Oklahoma Dept. of Libraries 200 NE 18th St
9 AM - Noon; 1 - 4 PM Jeff_Wallace@odoc.state.ok.us Computer Lab Oklahoma City
If you would like to suggest an event to be included on this calendar, please e-mail Kirk_Martin@OKcommerce.gov.
For updates, visit www.OKcommerce.gov/about and click "Events."
Call for Applications: Assets for Independence Program
The Office of Community Services within the U.S. Department Individual Development Accounts are special savings accounts
of Health and Human Services is now accepting grant applica- where participants’ savings are matched with grant funds enabling
tions of up to $1 million for the Assets for Independence Program quick savings toward their asset goal. Eligible participants are those
(AFI). Applications received by June 15, 2006, will be reviewed with incomes 200 percent or less of the federal poverty guidelines.
and funding selections announced by September 2006. In 2006, a family of four earning $40,000 or less would qualify.
Community-based, faith-based, and other organizations — such Obtain free downloadable step-by-step guidance and sugges-
as state, local and tribal government agencies; community de- tions for project development to help with application guide-
velopment financial institutions; and low-income-serving credit lines. Visit www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding to get your free copy
unions — that assist low-income people to become economically of the AFI Project Builder, federal program announcement, and
self-sufficient are encouraged to apply. Applicants provide clients related forms.
financial education and assistance while they save earned income
For more information or a paper application, contact the AFI Re-
in Individual Savings Accounts (IDAs) for the goal of acquiring
source Center, www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding, email afiprogram@
one of three assets — a first home, post-secondary education, or
acf.hhs.gov, or call 202-401-4626. Include your name, organiza-
small business capital.
tion, mailing address and request.
OKcommer ce.gov
(PRSRT STD)
Community Development Division US POSTAGE PD
900 N. Stiles Ave./P.O. Box 26980 Okla. City, OK
Permit No. 41
Oklahoma City, OK 73126-0980
800-TRY-OKLA (879-6552)
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Community Developer
is a product of the Oklahoma Depart-
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Community Development, Director:
Vaughn Clark
Editor:
Kirk Martin
Layout/Design:
Ruthanne Smith
Editorial Board:
Corey Herndon Marshall Vogts
Kelli Shafer Steve Hoover
Contributors:
April Jones Marshall Vogts
Jack Smid Tim Milligan
Karen Adair
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The Oklahoma Department of Com-
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Company:
Our Mission is to increase the quan-
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