The week started off with the second annual Business & Industry Appreciation Golf Tournament. The Golf Tournament was an opportunity for local businesses to network and learn more about each other in an informal setting. The Ada Jobs Foundation also held a membership appreciation cookout during the week.
Business and Industry Night Out was the week’s crowning achievement. This red carpet event highlighted the achievements of Ada area businesses over the past year(s). The Ada Jobs Foundation accepted nominations for a variety of awards that were presented at the event. During the nominations process countless intriguing facts about Ada’s businesses emerged.
For example, did you know that Holcim one of Ada’s oldest businesses, established in 1907, built Wintersmith Lake and helped with the acquisition of Byrd’s Mill Spring thus insuring a water supply for the area for years to come. Holcim in partnership with their subsidiary Geocycle is one of the “greenest” companies in Ada. Holcim and its employees are committed to reducing their carbon footprints and have planted trees in the community and even sponsored a local environmental group, Opt 4 Green. Geocycle is responsible for saving over 15 million tires from landfills in Oklahoma since 2005. Each year, Geocycle reduces the amount of coal used by Holcim in Ada by 24 thousand tons.
General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI) and Tornado Alley Turbo Inc. (TATI) are two local companies, who through their design and manufacturing of cutting edge aviation products, have put Ada on the general aviation map. GAMI manufactures airplane fuel injectors that allow for leaner engine operation, which reduces fuel consumption. Because of GAMI’s products 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide wasn’t produced by airplanes in the past 15 years. TATI manufactures turbo-normalizing systems for several different models of airplanes. In 2006, they developed an aftermarket system for the Cirrus SR22, the world’s best selling airplane. Cirrus recognized the superiority and innovative design of their system and now offers it as a factory installed option. Almost 75% of all Cirrus customers are opting for the TATI system. These are just a few of the stories about local businesses that amazed attendees at the event.
Senator Susan Paddack was the Master of Ceremonies for the event and helped to present the awards. The awards, now referred to as the Globies, are similar to the Oscars for businesses in Ada.
Award categories were: New Business, Entrepreneurship, Innovations, Environmental, Ambassador, Small, Medium, and Large Employer of the Year, and Economic Development Leader of the Year.
Bolitho Ventures, Inc., which operates Home & Investment Properties Real Estate Guide, Ada Hub Magazine, and the Ada Hub Store, won New Business of the Year. The Entrepreneurship Award went to Freelance Consulting Services, LLC doing business as ProDepot. ProDepot operates ProDepot.com which is an internet marketing place for professionals to offer their service. Tornado Alley Turbo, Inc. won the Innovations Award for creating new and innovated products for the aviation industry. The Environmental Award was presented to Holcim in conjunction with their subsidiary Geocycle. Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. was awarded the Ambassador award, which recognizes a business that works to promote Ada as a potential business location.
The Employer of the Year Awards recognize the Small(50 or fewer employee), Medium (51-200 employees) and the Large(201+ employees) for their achievements in promoting employee growth and development. GLOBE Manufacturing was awarded Small Employer of the Year. The award for Medium Employer of the Year went to Holcim, while the Chickasaw Nation was named the Large Employer of the Year.
Dexter Pruitt of Pruitt Company of Ada and Pruitt Care was named the Economic Development Leader of the Year for his lifelong commitment to Ada’s economic development.
Overall, Business and Industry Appreciation Week was a major success. Plans are already underway for next year’s Appreciation Week. Nominations for next year’s awards will be accepted starting in January. For more information on Business & Industry Appreciation Week, visit www.adaworks.org/appreciation.