Pryor and Mayes County Receive Work Ready Certification

NOVEMBER 2008 The Oklahoma Department of Commerce recognized Pryor and IN THIS ISSUE: Mayes County on October 1 as a “Certified Work Ready Com- WORKFORCE munity” during a ceremony at the CONNECTION MidAmerica Expo Center. pages 1-2, 13 Oklahoma’s Secretary of Commerce, Natalie Shirley, praised the combined ef- ACHIEVEMENTS & forts of the city and county to receive the work ready certification. HONORS “The key to economic development in Oklahoma is workforce recruitment, train- pages 1-2, 10 ing, and certification,” Shirley said. “The Work Ready Community certification is a tool that will strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers in Oklahoma.” BUSINESS FOCUS Launched by the Governor’s Council for Workforce & Economic Development, page 3 Certified Work Ready Communities quantify a communities’ skilled workforce to existing employers and HOW TO: TIPS & businesses considering RESOURCES Oklahoma for a new loca- pages 3, 8, 11-12 tion. The program is one of the first of its kind in the FUNDING NEWS country. pages 5, 9, 11, 15 Norma Noble, Oklahoma’s Deputy Secretary of Com- BEEN TO OKLAHOMA merce for Workforce Devel- pages 6-7 opment, said every state in the nation is competing to ACHIEVEMENTS & attract industry and grow HONORS existing businesses. photo: Tim Milligan pages 1, 4-5, 9, 13 “What it takes to compete Gathered to celebrate the Work Ready certification of Pryor/Mayes effectively is a skilled and UPCOMING EVENTS & County are (L to R): Norma Noble, Deputy Secretary of Commerce for available workforce,” Noble Workforce Development; Mayes County Commissioner Alva Martin; IMPORTANT DATES said. “Communities which John Hawkins, Mayes County Project for Prosperity; David Chaussard, pages 5, 7, 14-15 Outgoing WIB Chair & Administrator of Claremore Regional Hospital; Sue earn work ready certifica- Wilcox, Northeast Technology Centers; St. Sen. Sean Burrage; Barbara tion automatically gain a Hawkins, Pryor Area Chamber of Commerce; Terry Walters, Northeast competitive advantage over Technology Centers; and St. Rep. Ben Sherrer. Not pictured: Marsha Cunningham, manager of Pryor’s Workforce Oklahoma Center non-certified communities.”

Work Ready Communities continued on page 2 Transforming Oklahoma One Community At A Time Page 2 Work Ready Communities continued from page 1

Earlier this summer, Pryor/Mayes County and Chickasha/Grady County became the first areas in the nation to gain Certified Work Ready status.

About Certified Work Ready Communities Oklahoma’s Certified Work Ready Communities is an innovative program that encourages communities to put workforce at the front of their economic development agenda. It builds on the success of Oklahoma’s Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) program, which assesses and certifies individual workers’ skill sets and abilities. Work Ready Communities elevates the certification to a geographical area. A certified “community” can be indi- vidual communities or counties, groups of contiguous cities and counties, or a regional partnership. However the community defines itself, certain criteria must be met. Certification is reviewed annually. To be certified work ready, the community must meet the following requirements: • 3 percent of its incumbent or existing workforce must have a gold, silver, or bronze CRC; • 25 percent of its workforce not currently employed but looking for work must have a CRC; • The school system must have a high school graduation rate of at least 82 percent or 82 percent of its current high school seniors must have a CRC. Find out how your community can become an Oklahoma Certified Work Ready Community. Visit www.OKcommerce.gov/workready or contact Jeane Burruss at [email protected] or 405-815-5256.

Workforce Oklahoma 2008 Outstanding Alumni This is the eighth article in a series celebrating the successes of Oklahomans who have benefitted from Workforce Oklahoma, which has evolved from being a jobs training program into a system of partners providing seamless integrated services responsive to the needs of both job seekers and employers. Tulsa Workforce Investment Area (covering Creek, Osage, Pawnee, & Tulsa Counties)

James Jones James Jones was a student at Webster High School in Tulsa when he started looking for a part-time job. A local community center referred him to the WIA Youth program of the Tulsa Workforce Board – part of the Workforce Oklahoma system. Through Workforce Oklahoma, James learned about the importance of personal responsibility. James Jones “They taught me this,” he explains, “by helping me get a job and helping me to pursue more educa- tion.” With encouragement from his Workforce Oklahoma career counselor, James graduated from high school. He is currently enrolled at Langston University where he is studying Early Childhood Education. With encouragement from the Tulsa Workforce Board and the Workforce Oklahoma system, James has expanded his goals. Beyond just looking for a job, he is preparing himself for long-term success in the labor force. All Oklahomans will benefit from his increased knowledge, skills, and productivity. To locate the Workforce Oklahoma office nearest you, visit www.workforceok.org. To learn more about Workforce Development efforts in Oklahoma, visit www.OKcommerce.gov/workforce. Page 3 Community Developer Two New Tools To Understand Your Area

Track Business Activity The Edward Lowe Foundation has created an online resource that tracks business activity in communities across the United States. The site provides a breakdown of business establishments along with the jobs they generate at state, metropolitan statistical area (MSA), and county levels. This is only one element of the site. Others will be added over the next few months. Check it out at www.YourEconomy.org. For additional information, contact T.J. Becker at the Edward Lowe Foundation at [email protected] or 269-445-4257.

Limited View Limits Potential By aggregating regional strategies in an accessible form on the Internet, the Know Your Region Project is working to break down the barrier of geographically-limited views of data. Spearheaded by U.S. Economic Development Administration partnered with Western Carolina University’s Institute for the Economy and the Future, the Know Your Region project offers concrete and insightful tools to development special- ists on how to understand and apply the concept of regionalism. The Institute (WCU) worked with the University of Illinois’ Regional Economics Applications Laboratory and The Coun- cil for Community and Economic Research (formerly ACCRA) to develop a curriculum that enables practitioners to understand and apply core concepts of regionalism and clustering to the strategic planning process. During this second year of the project, the Institute is focused on delivering the Know Your Region curriculum and dis- seminating additional resources for development practitioners across the nation. To find out more, visit http://KnowYourRegion.wcu.edu.

BLS Redesigns Website Great Source of Economic Data

If you haven’t visited the website of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently (or ever), then go and check out the changes they have made. They completely redesigned their website – www.bls.gov. New features include an RSS feed for the Latest Numbers reports (Consumer Price Index, Unemployment Rate, etc.) from BLS, an upgraded site search engine and expanded A-Z index, and resources by audience category (consumers, investors, etc.). Most BLS website addresses have not changed and for those that have changed there are re-direct pages to get you where you want to go in the website. To help users get around the new site, the BLS has a New Features link at www.bls.gov/bls/redesign2008.htm. From here users can view a PowerPoint slideshow or download a PDF file highlighting the recent changes to the site. Transforming Oklahoma One Community At A Time Page 4

GROW Conference to Focus on Advancing Oklahoma’s Biomass and Biofuels Industries

Third Annual Oklahoma Biofuels Conference to take place November 12-13 As Oklahoma continues to research and develop its alternative fuel sources and production, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry is hosting the third annual GROW Oklahoma Biofuels Conference, November 12-13 in Oklahoma City at the Skirvin Hotel conference center. Through the efforts of the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center and other public and private research and investment, Oklahoma has emerged as a national leader in the development and deployment of biofuels, including the next generation cellulosic ethanol, which promises to be one more key piece in the puzzle to help solve our nation’s transportation fuel crisis. The Oklahoma Bioenergy Center recently planted 1,000 acres of switchgrass in a research plot in the Oklahoma panhandle; this represents the world’s largest single plot dedicated specifically to cellulosic fuel research. The 2008 Oklahoma Biofuels Conference will cover topics that include: • New and proposed initiatives and funding for bioenergy research including the 2008 Farm Bill • Oklahoma Bioenergy Center Demonstration Fields Update • 2nd generation feedstocks for Oklahoma • Discussion on food v. fuel debate • Biorefinery construction – new players, plans and progress • Biofuel impacts for end users • Carbon control policies that may offer income potential for producers photo courtesy of the Noble Foundation • Energy sustainability • Advances in feedstock conversion technology With its tightly focused agenda, this conference is intended to appeal to a broad range of attendees including: biofuel produc- ers, marketers and retailers; end users, including public and private fleet managers; research institutions; farmers, ranchers and agribusiness executives; private equity firms, venture capitalists, lenders and financial institutions; government regulators and representatives; entrepreneurs and anyone with an interest in this new and rapidly expanding Oklahoma energy industry. GROW Conference Registration is $60. For more information, a complete list of speakers or registration, visit www.GrowOK.com or call 1-800-203-5494. The Oklahoma Biofuels Conference is presented by the Office of the Secre- tary of Energy, State of Oklahoma, in collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture; the Office of the Secre- tary of Environment, State of Oklahoma; and the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center.

Correction In the photograph on page 9 of the October issue of Community Developer, State Senator Richard Lerblance is incorrectly identified as State Representative R. C. Pruett at the Grand Opening of Tiger Truck in Poteau. Page 5 Community Developer

State Partners with Locals to Help Chemical Company Expand Uses CDBG-EDIF to Fund Rail Spur; 15 New Jobs Coming The Oklahoma Department of Commerce recently awarded $100,000 to Rogers County in northeastern Oklahoma to help a locally-grown chemical company expand near Catoosa. Using a Community Development Block Grant for Economic Development Infrastructure Financing (CDBG-EDIF), the county will make railway spur improvements to support Advanced Research Chemicals, Inc. (ARC; website: www.fluoridearc.com). The rail spur improvements will facilitate the receipt of bulk supplies of raw material and allow ARC to send larger ship- ments to existing and future customers. The company is investing about $4,000,000 in the expansion and the Tulsa Port of Catoosa is providing additional project funding. In turn, the company will hire 15 more people, making at least eight jobs available to low and moderate income persons over the next 24 months. From its modest beginnings in 1987 as a 3,000-sq.-ft. chemical research facility, ARC has grown from two employees to more than 60 employees with over 160,000 sq. ft. of production area. The company is now one of the premier specialty fluorine chemical companies in the world.

About CDBG-EDIF The CDBG-EDIF program helps eligible cities, towns, and counties with the financing of infrastructure improvements for business expansions and start-ups. The purpose of the program is to stimulate long-term job creation and investment. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce manages the federally funded CDBG-EDIF program in the state as part of its continuing commitment to promote job creation and to diversify the state’s economic base. To learn more about CDBG-EDIF or to request an application, visit www.OKcommerce.gov/cdbg or call 800-879- 6552. Or contact Karen Adair at [email protected] or 405-815-5363.

Additional Certified CDBG Administrator Examination Announced

An additional training and examination to become a certified Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Administrator has been scheduled for January 6 and 7, 2009, at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, 900 N. Stiles Ave. in Oklahoma City. Certification is required to administer CDBG projects for municipalities and counties on a contractual fee basis. Commerce’s Community Development division usually administers the examination only once a year, but had several requests for another opportunity for certification. “Our customers spoke and we listened,” said Gary Wesselhoft of the Community Development division. “Depending on the level of interest, we may offer another opportunity sometime next summer as well.” People who wish to be certified or recertified as a CDBG Administrator must register by with Gary at either 405-815-5336 or [email protected]. Please provide your name, mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address. Because of space limitation, only the first 20 registrants may attend the training, so register as soon as possible! Registrants will be sent a study guide and manual. Review and preparatory sessions will be held at Commerce from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on January 6 and from 8:30 a.m. to Noon on January 7. The examination will begin at 1:00 p.m. on the 7th. Attendance at the review sessions is not required. There is no charge for either the training or the examination. Transforming Oklahoma One Community At A Time Page 6

But I’ve Been to Oklahoma ... Friday Night Lite by C.G. Herndon

Both my boys are playing football this year. And, as young men will do (and since somebody gave them the impression I know something about football), they turn to dad for guidance and advice. Above the normal “fire off low,” “hit ’em hard,” and “keep those feet moving,” there is one point I emphasize: although you are rivals on the field, once the game is over, so is the battle – shake hands and part as friends. photo: Jody Bare Like many Oklahomans, I love my My oldest (#57) downfield blocking. football. And like many football fans, my team are the heroes; they’re the guys wearing the white hats and fighting for all that is good and right in the world while the opponents…well…aren’t. It’s a lot of fun to root for the home team, but once the last whistle blows and the stadium lights are doused, our opponents transform back into our neighbors. The Bible tells us to love our neighbors and to love our enemies, but be careful not to confuse one for the other. Another reason to love our neighbors is the common interests we share. Bettering the community, strengthening the local economy, and improving the quality of life in Oklahoma are important to all of us. One activity that better prepares us for those challenges is participating in conferences and meetings. Those types of events provide information and education on various community and economic development topics and an oppor- tunity to network with and get to know (and learn to like) the people that, on the football field, we love to hate. These gatherings offer a great opportunity to swap notes, ideas, and experiences with people facing the same challenges and expectations as the rest of us. You may even run across somebody that’s already done what you are hoping to do and, as the old saying goes, there’s no reason to reinvent the wheel. “I find that the connections made or renewed are invaluable,” said Dana Shadid, recently retired director of the Oklahoma Community Institute when I asked for her thoughts. “Your network is crucial in whatever work you do, so adding people to that through a conference is a key benefit to your participation.” Getting to know communities and citizens is a great benefit of the conferences and so is networking with service providers. Picking the brains of people who work on projects day in and day out can provide valuable knowledge, insight, and resources that save time, money, and effort. There are a lot of resources out there that can be hard to find without the help of those “in the know.” Networking is invaluable, but the obvious benefit of attending conferences and trainings is the knowledge and news gained from presenters. Besides first-hand information from experts in the field, conferences are a good place to discover the latest news on important topics and get some real world examples and best practice hints. There are also opportunities to ask questions of people that know the answers and to get immediate feedback. While it can be a struggle to squeeze money out of the budget for conference registration, travel, and lodging, it can also be a wise investment. There are certain things a book, website, or phone call just can’t provide. Con- tacts that will help now and in the future, best practice knowledge, and an awareness of possible road blocks and resources are invaluable at a time when every dollar counts and time is tight. Page 7 Community Developer

And you never know, once you’ve had a chance to rub shoulders with your neighbors, you might even save a few bucks by carpool- ing to the next big event. I’m proud to say both my boys are fine contributors to their foot- ball teams. They play hard, have fun, and exhibit uncompromising sportsmanship. And as the days grow shorter and fall turns into winter, football season draws to a close. But don’t despair, sports fans – basketball season is just around the corner. If you know of an event or story you’d like highlighted in the Commu- nity Developer, e-mail me at [email protected] or give me a call at 405-815-5201. I’m always looking for a reason to get out of the office and into Oklahoma.

photo: Jody Bare

My middle child (#70) rolling off a block against an unnaturally huge opponent.

Upcoming Conferences, Seminars, and 9/52%$/).&).% /+,!(/-!
Workshops

Nov. 14 Entrepreneurship for Communities and Businesses 3!6%4(%$!4% /+,!(/-!#/--5.)49!.$ Nov. 19 Exporting 101: Export Shipping and Documentation Workshop %#/./-)#$%6%,/0-%.4#/.&%2%.#% $%#%-"%2   /+# 3(%2!4/.(/4%, Nov. 20 Community Networking for Entrepreneurship

Dec. 10 Census Workshops

Dec. 10-12 Community and Economic Development Conference

March 2009 OCI’s Conversations on Community Renewal Conference

Check page 15 for more information about these events. Transforming Oklahoma One Community At A Time Page 8

THE ENERGY PAGE www.OKcommerce.gov/energy

Water-Saving Tips

Moving, storing, treating and heating water uses energy. Follow these tips to better manage your water and associ- ated energy consumption. 1. Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden, or for cleaning. 2. Verify that your home is leak free. Many homes have hidden water leaks. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak. 3. Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping at a rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons per year. This adds to the cost of water and sewer utilities, or can strain your septic system. 4. Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the toilet bowl within 30 minutes. Check the toilet for worn out, corroded or bent parts. Most replacement parts are inexpensive, readily available, and easily installed. (Flush as soon as test is done, since food coloring may stain tank.) 5. If the toilet handle frequently sticks in the flush position letting water run constantly, replace or adjust it. 6. Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water and use this to water plants. The same technique can be used when washing dishes or vegetables in the sink. 7. In the shower, turn water on to get wet; turn off to lather up; then turn back on to rinse off. Repeat when washing your hair. 8. Install a toilet dam or displacement device such as a bag or bottle to cut down on the amount of water needed for each flush. Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts. 9. Insulate your water pipes. You’ll get hot water faster and avoid wasting water while it heats up. 10. Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Don’t let the tap run while you are waiting for cool water to flow. These water tips come from www.watersavingtips.org/saving.html. Visit their website for more water saving tips.

Renewable Energy Training Report Released

IREC, Interstate Renewable Energy Council, has released Renewable Energy Training: Best Practices and Recommendation Guidelines. The report “contains recommended training guidelines, training criteria, assessment tools, task analyses, credentialing programs, and other related resources for renewable energy training programs.” The report also contains articles on solar water heating and wind electric systems training programs. For the news release and to download the report, visit http://tinyurl.com/4okeyz. Page 9 Community Developer Deep Fork Providing Energy Assessments for Electric Co-op Customers

Deep Fork Community Action Founda- “They all think there is a catch.” To help tion for the consumer,” he explained. tion is contracting with East Central familiarize customers to the new pro- Deep Fork currently has one employee Electric Cooperative to provide free gram, Deep Fork set up a booth at the working half-time doing the energy as- energy assessments for customers in co-op’s annual meeting. sessments. Schuman expects to hire eight counties. additional energy assessors when the East Central provides a kit for each number of assessments increases. The “We go in and inspect the home to home. It contains a hot water heater co-op has about 25,000 customers. see if there are places where the hom- blanket, foam pipe wrap, a low flow eowner can save energy,” explained Jeff shower head, two tubes of caulk, two The Deep Fork energy assessor col- Schuman, executive director at Deep Fork. packages of rope caulk, a package of lects detailed information on major ap- foam gaskets for electric wall outlets pliances including the name, brand and Schuman sees the program as a good and four compact fluorescent light model of the air conditioner, refrigera- fit for the Okmulgee-based Deep Fork. bulbs. The kit is valued at $150. tor, stove and water heater. The co-op “It’s well within our mission to do this. then prepares a detailed report for the We may find weatherization clients. We The agency staff member typically customer. may find elderly people in need of other spends 3 to 3-1/2 hours at a home. A services.” meter is hooked up to the refrigerator to “East Central will do a written workup measure electricity used. Air infiltration for the customer with recommenda- In the first two weeks, agency staff per- is checked with a blower door test. The tions,” said Schuman. As the program formed eight assessments. Schuman assessor installs the water heater blan- grows, there are benefits for all three expects the numbers to climb as more ket, pipe wrap and a low flow shower parties. The homeowners will reduce customers learn about the program. head. The other material is left with the energy costs; the co-op will have less “The biggest problem is convincing customer to install. demand; and Deep Fork may identify East Central customers that we are do- clients for other agency services. “We show them how to caulk and ing this without charge,” Schuman said. where they need to caulk. It’s an educa- Deep Fork CAA may be contacted at [email protected] or 918-756-2826. Commerce Awards Grants to Small Cities Four cities in Oklahoma can look forward to improved community services as a result of receiving Small Cities grants. The cities will receive funding from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for Small Cities administered by Com- merce for projects including improvements to a park as well as several wastewater and drainage systems. Award amounts range from $100,065 to $126,843. The projects funded will benefit more than 30,600 state residents. Each year, Commerce uses funding provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make available various funding set-asides through the CDBG program. To be eligible for the Small Cities set-aside, a commu- 2008 CDBG 'Small Cities' Grants Awarded nity must meet two criteria: the community must have Recipient Amount Beneficiaries Project / Purpose a 2000 census population between 15,000 and 50,000 Bartlesville $105,886 4,332 Renovations to the city park and the city cannot be designated by HUD as an Entitle- Drainage & wastewater system Chickasha $122,186 228 ment Community (a community which gets CDBG fund- improvements ing directly from HUD). If a community opts to participate Del City $100,065 133 Wastewater system improvements in this set-aside, the community cannot compete for other CDBG funds that year, except for the Economic Ponca City $126,843 25,919 Wastewater system improvements Development Infrastructure Financing program. Total $454,980 30,612 To learn more about the CDBG program, visit www.OKcommerce.gov/CDBG or contact Karen Adair at [email protected], 800-879-6552, or 405-815-5363. Transforming Oklahoma One Community At A Time Page 10

Welcome Citizens Academy Class VI! by Jodi Lewis, Executive Director

The Oklahoma Community Institute would like to recognize the following individuals accepted into Class VI of the Oklahoma Citizens Academy: Ada – Ann Miller; Alva – Kathleen Earnest and Charlotte Hadwiger; Atoka – Shaunda Webb; Barnsdall – Eddy Red Eagle; Broken Arrow – Terri Cleveland; Clinton – Dennis Caler; Del City – Brian Renz; Edmond – Stacy McNeiland; Enid – Stephanie Wnetrzak; Grove – Kelly Rice; Hobart – Willard Brown and Trapper Heglin; Hugo – Harolynn Wofford; Kingfisher – Angela Ulsaker; Oklahoma City – Alba Weaver, Amy Draper, Anita Arnold, Ja- mie Smith, and Sue Thurston; Pawnee – Ricky Edwards; Tulsa – Chris Carr; Vian – Heath Eubanks; Weatherford – Tiffini Lyda. The opening retreat takes place this month in Ponca City on November 5 and 6. The participants will engage in activities and exercises titled, Who Moved my Cheese?, Fatal Flaws of Leadership, Wreckers or Builders?, and First, Break all the Rules. Through these exercises and others, the participants will practice team-building techniques to be used within their communities and will assess their own unique leadership style and how it relates to others. “The Oklahoma Citizens Academy is a hands-on learning experience designed to empower and equip the everyday citizen to initiate and enact positive change within their own community,” said Jeff Johnson, Citizens Academy chair- man. “Whether dealing with issues such as economic prosperity, quality of life, or countless other challenges facing many of today’s Oklahoma communities, our goal as an Academy is to educate motivated citizens by teaching them how to identify the strengths and weaknesses existing within their communities, introduce them to a vast assortment of resources that will assist them with creating positive change, and model proven strategies for bringing this posi- tive change to fruition.” To learn more about how you or someone from your community can participate in next year’s class, or how your community can host a Citizens Academy session, contact Stephanie Ronck at [email protected] or call 405-208-8883.

Communities Push Recycling with Informative Website

Several communities in Wisconsin have launched a new website called “Recycle More Wisconsin” to – you guessed it – help people become better recyclers and recycle more. The idea is to inform residents about what can be recycled and to reduce the amount of waste going into landfills. Other benefits include saving energy, conserving resources, preventing pollution, and creating jobs. A survey conducted in Wisconsin indicated there were barriers that kept people from recycling more, so the website was created to share more community-specific information about what can be recycled and where to take hazardous waste. Plastic bottles, aluminum cans, glass and newspapers are regularly recycled, but mixed paper such as junk mail frequently is not, ac- cording to the survey. The survey also found that people younger than 35 are less likely to recycle. Check out the site at www.recyclemorewisconsin.org. Page 11

Web Conferencing Helps Applicants Navigate Federal Grant Process

State and local governments seeking federal grants could be missing an opportunity. Grants.gov is the central access point for finding and applying for grants from all 26 federal grant-making agencies. Most grant seekers in state and lo- cal government likely know that. However, as of this writing, none of them utilize the Web conferencing function offered by Grants.gov, which is designed to make the bureaucracy-laden process more accessible. The site was established as part of President George W. Bush’s fiscal 2002 Management Agenda designed to improve government services. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services assumed control of the site’s management. Federal grant seekers began requesting Grants.gov representatives to speak nationwide at seminars about navigating the complicated site. The staff attended events near Washington, D.C., but regularly traveling across the country wasn’t in the budget. To satisfy the demand for clarity, Grants.gov implemented a WebEx conferencing tool in 2007. Nonprofits and govern- ments, if they accept the invitation, can set up meetings with Michael Pellegrino, management analyst officer of Grants. gov, for guidance in plain language on using the site. “It has a camera so the audience can see me. We walk through a standard presentation, and then we go live into the Web site. The sessions are interactive; we answer any questions the audience may have,” Pellegrino said. “They can submit questions in the chat area. There is also a conference number where they call in. I prefer, for the most part, we answer them verbally. I’ve done a small session with two people. I’ve done [sessions with] upward of 225.” Grants.gov users participate in the Web conferences from their desktops or watch in classroom settings with other grant seekers. The Web conferencing feature isn’t clearly advertised on the site, which could explain the lack of state and local government participation. To schedule a Web conference, click the “Applicant Resources” link on the Grants. gov home page. Then click “Outreach Request Form.” Fill out the form and e-mail it to [email protected]. According to the site, someone from Grants.gov will contact you. Grants.gov has seen a 25 percent increase in grant applications since deploying the WebEx function last year. Pellegri- no said he couldn’t necessarily attribute the increase to the Web conferencing, but it has helped. He has conducted 16 Web conferences so far in 2008. To read the complete article, visit http://tinyurl.com/3owlav. Editor’s Note: This excerpt is from an article by Andy Opsahl, Features Editor, Government Technology (Sep 8, 2008).

Finding Answers on the Internet

You’re familiar with FAQ pages on websites, but wouldn’t it be great if there was an FAQ page for virtually everything? FAQs first appeared in USENET newsgroups and are now common on the web. The Internet FAQ Archives is a great place to find information on almost any subject. Go to www.faqs.org to find thousands of FAQ files you can search by category, newsgroup, author, etc. Readers can submit questions and, if you’re an expert, you can provide answers too. Transforming Oklahoma One Community At A Time Page 12 Q & A on the 2010 Census

In late September, members of the Federal and State Cooperative for Population Estimates (FSCPE) gathered in Washington, D.C., to talk about mathematical minutia, but one event of importance to community developers was a conversation between members of the FSCPE and Dr. Steve Murdock, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau. During the conversation, Murdock talked about the 2010 Census and other Bureau programs directly impacting community devel- opment. Here are some highlights. • Will the Census Bureau allow internet responses during the 2010 Census in order to generate a higher response rate? No. While acknowledging it is technically possible to set up an internet response option for the 2010 Census, Murdock said preparing for internet responses at this late stage would mean spending a lot of money and energy at a time when the Bureau doesn’t have resources to spare. However, he does believe the internet will play an increasing role in other programs in the near future. • Will the Census Bureau use incentives or contests to encourage more people to complete their 2010 Census forms? Again, no. • If resources are tight, why does the Census Bureau plan to fingerprint every 2010 Census worker? Because the Federal Bureau of Investigation recommends it. During the 2000 Census, the FBI could not handle the volume of fingerprinting that would be generated but they assured Murdock this would not be an issue for the 2010 Census. “Besides,” Murdock said, “if something horrible did happen involving a Census worker, I don’t want to be forced to stand in front of the public and explain why we ignored the advice of the nation’s highest ranking public safety agency.” • Does the Census Bureau plan to expand their Population Projections program? Community developers are always anxious to quantify expected population growth, but official population projections are sometimes difficult to find. Murdock indicated the Census Bureau will soon begin revitalizing and expanding their population projection efforts. Incidentally, National population projections through 2050 were released in August, and State level projections through 2030 were released in 2005. • Is the Census Bureau changing their population challenge process? Yes. Population estimates from the Census Bureau are used for many programs (Community Development Block Grant fund allocations, (for example), so communities potentially have a lot at stake when population estimates are announced. When communities think their population estimates are wrong, they can challenge those results and provide various types of documentation in support of their claim. The Census Bureau has been generous in accepting different types of documentation in recent years, but proposed changes to the process will likely appear some time in 2009. If you have any questions about a Census related topic, contact Steve Barker at the State Data Center at [email protected] or 405-815-5182.

Special Youth Involvement Issue of Teaching Tolerance Magazine

The Southern Poverty Law Center’s Fall 2008 issue of Teaching Tolerance focuses on youth involvement and motivation. One article tells about a student who is galvanized by events within his school district and decides to run for the local school board. Another article shows youth engaged in organizations dedicated to community action on local, national, and international levels. Featured essays by Barack Obama and John McCain urge students to become involved in their communities. Also in this issue are thoughtful articles on building positive behavior, bilingual education, and more. Visit www.tolerance.org/teach/magazine/index.jsp to read this issue. Page 13 Community Developer

Summit a Success Education, Economic and Workforce Development Working Together

The 2008 Economic and Workforce Development Summit, held in late October in Oklahoma City, was the premier conference convening state and regional leaders to discuss Oklahoma’s future economic competitiveness. “We are proud to host the Midwest Regional WorkKeys Conference in conjunction with this regional Economic and Workforce Summit,” said Norma Noble, Oklahoma’s Deputy Secretary of Commerce for Workforce Development. “Through national and local experts from the education, economic de- velopment, and business arenas, we have heard about the most promising practices in the country.” More than ___ people took part in the summit. Participants included a cross-section of leaders from Oklahoma as well as sur- rounding states. Conference sessions included speakers from Tennessee, Arkansas, Iowa, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Virginia, New York, and Texas. Richard Stephens, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Administration for The Boeing Company, gave the keynote lun- cheon address on “Integrating Education, Workforce and Economic Development.” Almost half of the breakout sessions focused on skills development, including the Career Readiness Certificate powered by WorkKeys assessments. The summit concluded with a session titled “OK Workforce Solutions for 2009.” The distinguished panel included the following members of the Governor’s Council for Workforce and Economic Development: Steve Hendrickson, Director, State and Local Government Relations, The Boeing Company; Natalie Shirley, Secretary of Com- merce and Tourism, Oklahoma Department of Commerce; Glen Johnson, Chancellor, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Edu- cation; Dr. Phil Berkenbile, State Director, Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education; Howard Hendrick, Cabinet Secretary, Oklahoma Department of Human Services; Sandy Garrett, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Oklahoma Department of Education; and Jon Brock, Executive Director, Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. Reflecting on the summit, Deputy Secretary Norma Noble said, “This conference not only presented plans and challenges, it also identified the roles each of us must play. We learned that sixty percent of all new jobs will require skills possessed by only twenty percent of the current workforce. We heard again that skills assessment and skills upgrade are baseline requirements for a 21st Century workforce.” “In Oklahoma, under the guidance of the Governor’s Council, we have employers, economic developers, educators, workforce board representatives, chambers of commerce, state agency directors and staff all working together to connect business with education, workforce with economic development,” Noble continued. “And we’re producing smart, skilled people ready for jobs at all levels.” “I’m even more confident that Oklahoma’s 2009 plan of work is the right way forward.” That plan calls for continued public/private collaborations to produce skilled workers who can deliver economic growth and keep Oklahoma competitive. To find out more about Oklahoma’s Workforce Development efforts, visit www.OKcommerce.gov/Council or contact Susan Kuzmic at [email protected] or 405-815-5204. Related links: www.OKcommerce.gov/WorkKeys www.GrowOklahoma.com Transforming Oklahoma One Community At A Time Page 14 A Wind Power “REVOLUTION” Comes to Oklahoma

T. Boone Pickens to be Keynote Speaker at the State’s First Wind Energy Conference

Planned for December 2nd and 3rd in Oklahoma City N O

What technology is adding the most new, zero-emissions electricity to America’s power supply I

today? If you answered wind power, give yourself an “A.” T

Wind power is now a mainstream option for electricity generation, and it’s an essential part of U the solution needed for a sustainable, cost-effective domestic power source. L O Could wind power be the next big wave for Oklahoma’s energy industry? Come find out at Oklahoma V REVOLUTION, the Oklahoma Wind Energy Conference, which is scheduled for December Wind Energy E 2nd and 3rd in Oklahoma City at the Cox Business Services Convention Center. Conference R The conference will feature nationally known wind experts, industry exhibits, and timely ses- sions about economic development, infrastructure needs, landowner and legal issues, wildlife considerations and other key topics. Special keynote speakers at the REVOLUTION Oklahoma Wind Energy Conference include wind energy advocate and “Pickens Plan” creator T. Boone Pickens and The Nature Conservancy’s CEO, Mark Tercek. “Wind power has come of age,” said David Fleischaker, Oklahoma Secretary of Energy. “Clean, sustainable and affordable, it’s the poster child for our vision of a new American energy plan. This conference will introduce the nation to Oklahoma’s bountiful wind resource. It’s our announcement that “We’re Open for Business” and anyone interested in Oklahoma’s wind power future is invited to attend.” The conference will appeal to anyone who wants to learn about wind power in Oklahoma, especially: farmers and ranchers who want to hear more about land leasing issues, people involved in the wind turbine manufacturing industry, wind farm developers, community planners and community developers, economic development groups, industry consultants, sustainable energy advocates, conserva- tion and environmental groups, utility companies and co-ops. Discussions will include: • Wind energy economics – local, regional and national • Oklahoma’s future as one of America’s best wind energy resources • Transmission and Distribution – policies, plans and perspectives • Wind Energy and the Environment – ensuring win/win approaches • Wind Power and Agriculture – land use issues • Small Wind Energy Applications – community and locally-owned strategies • Policy and Legislation – what’s happening and what needs to happen. “With Oklahoma poised to become a national leader in the generation of clean, homegrown wind energy, this timely conference provides an opportunity to discuss the full spectrum of issues we face in developing a strong, thriving wind industry,” said J.D. Strong, Oklahoma Secretary of Environment. “From discussions about economic development in rural Oklahoma to exploring solutions for imperiled prairie wildlife, attendees will find this conference an open, informative and highly useful forum.” Registration is $60. For more information, a complete list of speakers or registration, visit www.OKWindRevolution.com or call 1-800-203-5494. The Oklahoma Wind Energy Conference is presented by the Oklahoma Secretaries of Energy and Environment in conjunction with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Page 15 Community Developer Upcoming Events and Important Dates

Date / Time Event / Contact Location Address / City 2008 November 6 6th Annual OK Homebuyer Education Conference Moore-Norman Technology Center SW 134th Ave & S Penn 9 AM - 4:30 PM www.kansascityfed.org/ohea Oklahoma City Veterans Day holiday - Oklahoma Department of November 11 Commerce closed November 12-13 GROW Oklahoma Biofuels Conference Skirvin Hotel 1 Park Ave 2 days www.growOK.com Oklahoma City November 12-13 Technology Ventures Summit Downtown Doubletree Hotel 616 W 7th St 2 days www.ocib.org/tvs/web.nsf/pages/index.html Tulsa November 14 Seminar: Entrepreneurship for Communities and Murray State College One Murray Campus 8:30 AM - 3 PM [email protected] Student Union Building Tishomingo November 16-22 Global Entrepreneurship Week November 19 Exporting 101: Export Shipping and Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce 700 N Greenwood Ave 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Register at www.OKcommerce.gov/Events OSU-Tulsa North Hall, Room 150 Tulsa Northwestern Oklahoma State November 20 Community Networking for Entrepreneurship 709 Oklahoma Blvd University 8:30 AM - 4 PM [email protected] University Ballroom Alva November 20 Last Day to Receive Written Comments on State Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce 900 N Stiles Ave by 5 PM [email protected] Oklahoma City Thanksgiving Day holiday - Oklahoma Department November 27-28 of Commerce closed December 2 Documentation Workshop Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce 900 N Stiles Ave 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM www.OKcommerce.gov/events Oklahoma City December 2-3 Oklahoma Wind Energy Conference Cox Convention Center 1 Myriad Gardens 2 days http://tinyurl.com/5yfmew Oklahoma City December 10 Census Workshops TBA www.OKcommerce.gov/censusregistration Oklahoma City 2008 Community and Economic Development December 10-12 Sheraton Oklahoma City Hotel 1 N Broadway Conference 3 days [email protected] Oklahoma City December 11-12 OKACAA Winter Conference TBA 2 days www.okacaa.org December 17 ESG Application Workshop Metro Tech - Springlake Campus 1900 Springlake Dr 10 AM - Noon Rebekah Zahn, 405-815-5373 Oklahoma City Christmas - Oklahoma Department of Commerce December 25-26 closed 2009 New Year's Day - Oklahoma Department of January 1 Commerce closed January 6-7 CDBG Administrator Certification Examination Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce 900 N Stiles Ave 2 days www.OKcommerce.gov/events Oklahoma City February 27 ESG Application Due Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce 900 N Stiles Ave by 5 PM Rebekah Zahn, 405-815-5373 Oklahoma City March 12 Communities of Excellence Day at the Capitol State Capitol 2300 N Lincoln Blvd 8 AM - Noon Kathy Gain 405-815-5267 4th Floor Rotunda Oklahoma City

For the latest updates, visit www.OKcommerce.gov/events.

OTHER FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES For current listings, visit: www.OKcommerce.gov/funding (prSrt StD) uS poStAGe pD okla. City, oK permit no. 41

return Service requested 900 N. Stiles Avenue PO Box 26980 Oklahoma City, OK 73126-0980

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Contributors: April Murelio Laura Girty Beth Schmidt Lindsey Galloway Corey Herndon Lydia Johnson David Crow Marshall Vogts Kathy Gain Steven Barker Kelli Yadon Steven Hoover Susan Kuzmic SuBSCription inFormAtion Photo Credits: Community Developer newsletter is published monthly by the Community Development Tiim Milligan pg. 1 Jody Bare pgs. 6, 7 Division of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Subscriptions are free.

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