In 2000, Matt Dixon decided to pack up his family and move back to his native Okeene, where there was a wheat flour mill, to start Mountain Country Foods.

When videographer Jack Quirk moved to Hennessey in 1980, he had no idea that 40 years later he’d still be there, so rooted into the community.

In 2007, three friends in this northwestern Oklahoma community were looking for a common space to welcome others into the craft they loved, and they found it in Scrapbook 101.

It was considered radical when K.V. Williams and partner Larry Hammer opened their first Jiffy Trip convenience store in Cherokee in 1972.

For 10 years, Doug and Kristin daSilva have operated Red Rock Firearms in Enid on the premise of promoting the sport of shooting, gun safety and a strong belief in the second amendment.

Anyone associated with Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU) the past four decades knows the Case sisters.

In Fairview, when you go to the bank to deposit a check, to the gas station to fill your tank or to the coffee shop down the street to buy your daily cup of Joe, everybody knows your name.

While the COVID-19 pandemic forced significant changes in everyday life, and forced closure of some small businesses, select eateries in the area weathered the crisis by offering new and different services, and doubling down on diners’ favorites.

While other businesses have made visible progress in The District, Enid’s up-and-coming retail corridor, development plans still are on hold for a new movie theater and trampoline park — largely because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keston Cook studied a lot of different aspects of airport management during his time at Oklahoma State University, but few young airport managers could anticipate taking the helm of a busy regional airport, with an active role in supporting military flight operations, at the height of a global pandemic.

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Vance Air Force Base continued its record of being the most productive pilot training base in the Air Force in 2020, and it is moving forward by implementing new training processes and major upgrades to base infrastructure.

The Strate Business Center — located behind Autry Technical Center — is a place where business dreams can come true.

Main Street Enid again has a bevy of regular events lined up for 2021, but this year its leaders want Enid to know it’s not just the “party-planning nonprofit.”

The history of Tyson Foods in Enid goes all the way back to 1946 with Pierre Foods was founded in Cincinnati, and later in 1973, Advance Foods was founded in Enid. The companies merged in 2010 to form AdvancePierre Foods, and in 2017, Tyson acquired the company in a $4.2 billion deal.

Enid Regional Development Alliance is setting new goals for 2021 after helping businesses throughout the tumultuous year that was 2020.

While many companies outsource overseas, PT — formerly known as Parrish Manufacturing Group — is proud to be a fourth-generation family owned company based in Enid.

“During these uncertain times, we can be thankful for our nonprofits and the generous donors who support them. Recognize how blessed you/we truly are and please remember to help those who are living from paycheck to paycheck or who are on the streets or in a shelter.” — Dan Schiedel, CEO of United Way of Enid and Northwest Oklahoma.

Amid all of the unknowns created by the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, YWCA Enid continues its mission of helping women in times of crisis.

One might think Keith Schwandt has his hands full as regional community president and executive vice president of InterBank, but he doesn’t stop there. Schwandt also is chairman of the board of directors for Integris Bass Baptist Hospital Foundation, a board of trustees member for Cherokee Strip Community Foundation, a board of directors member for Loaves & Fishes of Northwest Oklahoma and a member of Enid Rotary Club.

"It’s fun creating projects that improve our community. We want more and more of our young people to stay in the community." — Kyle Williams

Among other achievements, Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Grant has spent more than 400 hours volunteering with the Enid Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP).

Since opening in 2007, Park Avenue Thrift has donated more than $2.8 million to causes and charities in Enid.

“I never regretted because I knew Enid was a place where a person could contribute to the community and make a difference. My impression of Enid was a lot of people who were interested in making a difference. My passion remained for 45 years.” — Mike Ruby

 “It’s about being the hands and feet of Jesus. This job enables me to do that. And it’s a high honor just to serve people who are in need.” — Christy Baker

JWL is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with an 89-year history of helping to meet the needs of children and families in the Enid area.

Hope Outreach now boasts five separate services: thrift store, homeless day shelter, community care ministry, parenting classes and transitional housing for men coming out of incarceration or addiction treatment.

❝This is unchartered territory. I’m 69 years old and I’ve been through five oil and gas depressions, but I’ve never been in this territory before. This is a double whammy no one has seen before. Nobody can make money at $25 a barrel.❞ — Mike Cantrell, chairman of Postwood Oil in Ada

The facility west of Enid, near the U.S. 412 and Oklahoma 132 South intersection, can hold up to 10,000 cattle. Last year it hosted auctions for 46,000 head. Projections for 2020, even with the COVID-19 pandemic, are forecast at 50,000 head.

“We hope such a buyer would retain our employees for its operations. In the event that is not the case, we will assist with job searches, unemployment registration, and other benefits.” — Vince Trotta, president of GEFCO

“You like to see some positives, but it’s just bleak right now. That’s the overreaching attitude of the whole country. There are a lot of things that are up in the air and uncertain." — Trent Milacek, northwest area ag economics specialist for the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

“Going outside and looking at the gardens is the best way to deal with cabin fever. Looking at the flowers and plants, it will stimulate all of our senses and make you feel better.” — Master Gardener Kathryn Redding