The 100 Gal

When Wiley Post became the first to explore high-altitude, long-distance flight and Will Rogers became known as the “patron saint of aviation,” little did we know that Oklahoma would become known as the “Aerospace State.” Yes, energy is number one, but aerospace is the state’s second-largest industry, generating $44 billion in economic activity and 120,000 jobs.

Eva Schloss, the stepsister of Anne Frank and survivor of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, will be in Oklahoma City on Thursday, Nov. 21, for an exclusive presentation on “Learning from the PAST, Living the PRESENT and Looking to the FUTURE.”

Oklahoma City continues to rise as one of the best cities in the nation. According to a recent study by WalletHub, Oklahoma City ranked No. 2 overall on the “Best Large Cities to Start A Business” list.

Alongside “America’s Favorite Fisherman” personality Jimmy Houston, of Cookson, Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell launched Oklahoma Fishing Trail, an initiative to showcase Oklahoma’s fishing opportunities and increase tourism.

From a traditional industry in disruption to a slowing economy in a South American country, a panel of agency owners discussed challenges facing businesses at the PROI Worldwide international conference in Quebec City. In the scenarios presented, indicators were present when appropriate actions could have been taken early on, before the challenge grew into something that significantly impacted the company.

Since The Oklahoma 100 launched as the first franchise market four years ago, the number of 100 Companies markets has significantly grown to 21, including an international market in Dubai. Many of us gathered for the first member conference at The Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach, Florida.

One of Fortune magazine’s “50 Greatest Leaders in the World,” Mick Cornett joined Jones PR in April as executive counsel. As the longest-serving Oklahoma City mayor and the first to win four elections, Cornett spurred record-setting growth and helped secure NBA’s Thunder team.

Families celebrate Easter in many ways. Dyeing eggs, filling bright-colored baskets with chocolate bunnies, hiding eggs for the entertaining egg hunt and posing with the Easter Bunny.

The prestigious World Economic Forum selected Oklahoma’s Nathaniel Harding into its Young Global Leaders (YGL) program. Only 127 were selected worldwide for the 2019 class.

In the past year, the Oklahoma Governor’s International Team welcomed visits from the British Ambassador, U.S. Trade and Development Director, Consul Generals from 10 nations and international journalists for the first time in 25 years.

In this video interview, new Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell reflects on his first moments in office and his priorities, as well as being appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt as secretary of tourism and branding. As an entrepreneur who built a global manufacturing company with his wife, Lisa, from their garage, Lt. Gov. Pinnell plans to bring his business principles to state government by using modernization to make government more customer-centered.

From drinks and eats, to education and roads, let’s see what piqued the interest of The Oklahoma 100’s readers in 2018.

Congratulations to The Oklahoma 100 editorial team for snagging its first national award. The prestigious PR Daily, a national news site based in Chicago, selected this content marketing platform as the Best Electronic Publication in the country.

In the spirit of inspiring altruism, WalletHub ranked the most charitable states, comparing them across 14 key indicators, from volunteer rates, to share of income donated, to share of sheltered homeless. Oklahoma ranked #10 overall but as high as #5 in volunteering and service.

At the 2018 Inc. 5000 Conference, Life is Good co-founder Bert Jacobs shared how a simple question inspired the $100 million company. Every evening at dinner, his mother asked: “Tell me something good that happened today.” Her focus on goodness sustained Bert, as well as his brother and fellow co-founder John, through a challenging home life.

A total of 65 boys and girls from across Oklahoma were granted their first hunt on Oct. 19-21, courtesy of the Oklahoma Youth Hunting Program (OYHP). From the west, to the northeast, to the southeast of the state, all hunters converged Sunday in Cushing at Buffalo Rock Golf & Gun to celebrate OYHP’s 500th hunter. The award was won by Tulsa native Logan Tibbett. James Barwick, a commissioner for District 5 of the Oklahoma Wildlife Commission, drew the name, awarding Logan a special, lifetime hunting license.

In the newly released book “The Next American City,” author and four-term Mayor Mick Cornett argues that midsized cities, such as Oklahoma City, Indianapolis, Charleston and Des Moines, produce outsized accomplishments.

There was plenty of good news to share with the U.S. House Small Business Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access, from Oklahoma’s low unemployment dropping to 3.7%, to OKC hitting a 10-year employment high and average weekly wages rising 1% in first quarter 2018.

The free Wildlife Expo at Lazy E Arena in Guthrie this Saturday and Sunday brings fun for every family member, from newcomers to sports enthusiasts. Try archery or bowfishing, ride an ATV, clean a fish, sample camp cooking, build a birdhouse, pedal a mountain bike adventure, shoot a shotgun or weave a basket to take home.

Eight years ago, Feeding Oklahoma Drive took shape as part of Gov. Mary Fallin’s inaugural celebration. The final effort launches Oct. 1, benefiting the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women will induct five leaders into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame on Sept. 27. Each honoree inspires women to lead and make a difference in their profession or community.

The U.S. Postal Service recently issued WW1 Forever stamps commemorating the 100^th anniversary of four million American families sending sons and daughters to serve in the Great War. Yes, women; WW1 was the first time women joined the U.S. armed forces.

Since 1954, the world’s most coveted marketing Lion Awards have been announced at Cannes International Festival of Creativity in France. Oklahoma’s Jones PR won a Gold Lion for its National Down Syndrome Society work, as part of Saatchi & Saatchi in New York.

When foreign countries have stable economies and governments, it’s good business for Oklahoma. More than 401,000 jobs, or 18%, are supported by trade, and $5 billion worth of Oklahoma goods were exported in 2016.

On June 26, Oklahomans will vote on SQ788, which would prevent companies from operating a safe workplace free of drugs. This framework would also allow a special class of employees to use a federal illegal drug without fear of significant penalties.

Through the power of PROI Worldwide, Oklahoma companies can access the best and most-respected professionals in over 100 cities in 50 counties across five continents. Edmond-based Armstrong International Cultural Foundation needed a public relations firm in Jerusalem for the world premiere of “Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered.”

Heisman Trophy winners, a country superstar, NFL pros, Orange Bowl officials, more than 100 former players and 1,200 friends saluted former OU Head Coach Bob Stoops. Even OSU Head Coach Mike Gundy sent humorous well-wishes via video.

Oklahoma hosted 14 diplomats from 10 countries who visited the state seeking economic development opportunities in Oklahoma. Dignitaries attending the two-day Consul Summit came from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Ireland, Mexico, South Korea and Switzerland.

As a Moore alumna, kudos to the generous, anonymous donor who promised a $250,000 match to improve Moore Schools’ safety and security. The community is rallying to raise the match so 25,000 students and 2,500 staff members will be safe across three high schools, six junior high and 25 elementary schools.

Progress is made when former governors of different parties agree to share their views on current events. When they agree on issues, it is a home run.

As you can see, The Oklahoma 100 received an update this month. The new website is now complete with more bells and whistles to really entice the on-the-go reader within you.

Who wins political races with nearly 80% of the vote? Mayor-elect David Holt. He proved that a candidate can unite people from across all political spectrums, demographics and all geographic regions for a common goal of moving a city forward.