Published: June 20, 2009 11:18 pm         

FYI for 6/21/09

Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce awarded 3-star accreditation



The United States Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce with 3-star accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures and positive impact on the community.

“Accreditation recognizes chambers for their high standards of practice, full accountability to members, and steadfast commitment to community,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “We applaud these organizations for advancing these principles of free enterprise.”

U.S. Chamber Accreditation recognizes an organization for its quality programs and for being a catalyst for positive action in their community. Only 4 percent of the 6,936 chambers in the United States are accredited. To achieve accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology. This extensive self-review can take from three to six months to complete. This is the fourth time for the Enid Chamber to be awarded the 5-year accreditation.

“The accreditation process provides an opportunity to review our organization's programs and to look for ways to maximize our positive impact on the community,” said Jon Blankenship, Enid chamber president and CEO. “Accreditation is an important recognition for the Enid Chamber's board, volunteers, and staff. It reflects our commitment to advance community development and quality of life initiatives. We will continue to focus on priority areas such as improving our school facilities, downtown enhancement, retail development, and government affairs.”







Daher now serving as Carter’s medical director



Dr. Nadim Daher has accepted the position as medical director for Carter HealthCare & Hospice, 2324 W. Garriott. He will oversee Carter’s patient care meetings.

Daher graduated from Lebanese University School of Medicine in 2001. He then went on for more training at the University of Oklahoma. He specializes in internal medicine and pulmonology. His office is located at 401 E. Oklahoma.

He and his wife, Reine, live in Enid and are expecting their first baby in July.







Local accountants honored



Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants recently honored its 30-, 40- and 50-year members at the organization’s annual members meeting June 12 in Tulsa. Two Enid CPAs were among those honored.

Ronald L. Shreve, a staff accountant with Johnny W. Curran, and Dale J. Tagge, a partner at BKD, LLP, were recognized for 30 years of OSCPA membership and dedication to the organization and to the accounting profession. They received certificates of appreciation and gold lapel pins.

With more than 6,600 members in public practice, industry, government and education, the OSCPA is Oklahoma’s only statewide professional association of CPAs. Since 1918, the organization has continued to provide professional education, conduct quality reviews and promote and maintain high standards of integrity and competence within the accounting profession. Go online to www.oscpa.com.







Mitchell attends forestry seminar



Jim Mitchell, owner of Professional Tree Care, LLC, recently attended the Oklahoma Urban and Community Forestry Council’s seminar “Your Trees — After the Storm! Remove? Repair? Replace?” Topics covered were Oklahoma’s forest assessment, proven tree varieties to consider, root and soil restoration and the art of science of cabling and bracing.

Professional Tree Care, LLC, has been serving Enid and the surrounding areas for 32 years. Mitchell has a degree in forestry from Oklahoma State University and is a certified arborist. He is a member of International Society of Arboriculture, Tree Care Industry Association and Oklahoma Arborist Association. Call 233-1689.







Manning inducted into ‘Topper Club’



Ronald Manning, Enid Farmers insurance agent, has been inducted into the Farmers’ “Topper Club” and invited to attend the 2009 annual meeting of Farmers’ top sales producers. Manning is being recognized by Farmers for outstanding sales achievements during 2008.

The Topper Club convention will give Manning an opportunity to meet with other top Farmers agents and district managers to discuss local, state and national trends and activities affecting the insurance business in their communities. Manning’s agency is located at 1006 W. Willow.

Farmers Group Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zurich Financial Services, an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Farmers is the nation’s third-largest personal lines property and casualty insurance group.







Strickland completes diver instructor training



Ron Strickland, instructor and owner of North West Oklahoma Scuba, recently completed several instructor training and education courses through Divers Alert Network (DAN). Courses completed include oxygen first aid for scuba injuries and aquatic emergencies, automated external defibrillators for scuba diving and aquatic emergencies, basic life support for dive professionals, remote emergency medical oxygen, on-site neurological assessment for divers and diving emergency management. DAN is a non-profit medical and research organization dedicated to the safety and health of recreational scuba divers and is supported by the largest association of recreational divers in the world.

North West Oklahoma Scuba, 424 S. Grand, is able to meet customers’ scuba diving needs from instruction, air fills, gear and product sales and gear maintenance to scuba travel ventures. Strickland, who teaches all of his own classes, also is certified to instruct many courses including advanced diver, nitrox diver, search and rescue diver, the emergency response diver programs and oxygen provider as well as beginning diver courses. Call 278-4022.







Headley joins Wymer Brownlee



Wymer Brownlee Tax and Financial Management has hired Melissa Headley as an associate accounting adviser. Headley brings six years of accounting and tax experience to the firm. She received a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University in family studies and human services with an emphasis in financial planning.  

Wymer Brownlee Tax and Financial Management provide comprehensive tax and wealth management services that include financial advice regarding taxes, investments, insurance, estate planning, retirement, small business solutions and general financial matters. Call 237-0060.







McCartney named Northcutt Employee of the Month for May



Eddie McCartney has been named Employee of the Month for May at Northcutt Chevy-Buick-Toyota, 3201 W. Garriott.

McCartney has been with the Northcut service department for four years. His knowledge, experience and work ethic are attributes to the company, officials said.

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FYI recognizes businesses that have been honored as well as employees who have received training in their field or been awarded for their service. To submit FYI for consideration, e-mail ruthannr@enid news.com no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday. We reserve the right to edit.