The 100 Gal

The growth of Oklahoma’s business economy has started off strong in 2018.

Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb welcomed Insperity to the state at a very memorable CEO reception. At the event, National and local Insperity executives announced its expansion to Oklahoma, followed by nationally renowned Russ Capper, host of BusinessMakers USA, who conducted a live interview with Robin Smith, founder of the successful WeGoLook.

Insperity is a full-service Human Resource firm focusing on small businesses, the backbone of the Oklahoma economy. With annual revenues of $3 billion and more than 60 offices, Insperity is a great addition to our economy.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

I have known Kirk Humphreys since the 1990s when he opened the first MAPS project – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. As mayor of Oklahoma City, he “finished MAPS right” and led the MAPS for Kids effort to transform our schools. I admire Kirk for these accomplishments, but mostly for showing what true leadership looks like.

When he makes a mistake, as he did recently, he quickly admits it and takes responsibility. Everyone makes mistakes, but it takes true character to own up to them and learn. He has sought understanding and, in doing so, has shown our community what leadership looks like.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Inc. magazine unveiled its 36^th annual list of America’s fastest-growing private companies based on three-year sales percentage growth.

The list includes 28 Oklahoma companies, including two Tulsa companies that made the top 500 – Oklahoma LED and Casino Cash Trac.

“The Inc. 5000 is the most persuasive evidence that the American Dream is still alive,” Inc. President and Editor-in-Chief Eric Schurenberg said. “Determination, risk-taking and vision were the keys to their success.”

The average three-year revenue growth is 481 percent, and the minimum 2016 revenue to qualify is $2 million. View the full list.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Last week Norman political and economic development leaders announced a major new entertainment and mixed-use development at University North Park, which is expected to generate $15 million in new taxes annually.

Located east of I-35 between Tecumseh and Rock Creek Roads, it is planned to include entertainment options, restaurants, hotels, an expo center and housing, all wrapping around a new sports arena that OU plans to use for future men’s and women’s basketball games.

Big kudos to OU Foundation President Guy Patton, Norman Mayor Lynne Miller and OU Athletic Director Joe Castiglione for this exciting vision. Boomer Sooner!

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

One thing Oklahoma companies know how to do well is help Americans in time of need. Hurricane Harvey’s impact on Texas prompted help from neighboring Oklahoma, with several companies stepping up.

More than 80 OG&E crew members traveled to help restore power, and PSO sent 300 utility workers to assist with repairs. While Oklahoma’s Red Cross and Salvation Army chapters have sent volunteers, Oklahoma is headquarters to Feed the Children — FTC Donate — which is providing disaster relief supplies to families.

There are many national companies helping hurricane victims that have already pledged to help those affected by the storm.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

President Donald Trump recently hosted a discussion with Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon and Ivanka Trump.

As one of 100 business owners to attend, I learned McMahon aims to re-image the Small Business Association so it’s more than America’s best-kept secret. Her highest priorities are lowering taxes for LLCs, S corporations and sole entrepreneurs paying the highest rates, plus mentorships and counseling to help visionaries execute their American dream.

Ivanka Trump prioritizes expanding apprenticeships with portable credentials across state lines, teaming industries with career tech colleges and empowering working families with affordable child care and family leave policies.

— Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

This question is no longer sufficient for employers to ask potential new hires. The misuse of prescription painkillers and synthetic opioids is well known, and its impact is devastating some companies to the level that The Journal Record hosted a panel discussion for the business community.

The most recent study from Castlight Health reported opioid abuse is costing employers about $18 billion per year in lost productivity and medical expenses. On average, 4-5% of employees who received an opioid prescription showed signs of abuse.

The best prescription is for businesses and health leaders to collaborate and remedy this epidemic.

— Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Many business owners dread the summer slump. Instead, look at this opportunity to set up for a strong year-end finish, staff training and team-building fun.

Now that it’s mid-year, review the financials to ensure the company’s on track to meet year-end goals. Invest in your company by sending staff to professional conferences to learn new ideas to implement during these slow days.

Remember to have fun. Together, celebrate one of the national awareness days, such as Tequila Day on July 24 or Watermelon Day on August 3. Find more ideas at Days of the Year 2017.

— Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

An Oklahoma company makes another national innovator list. PatientLink Enterprises was selected by healthcare IT executives, policy makers and industry innovators as one of the “11 Leading Innovators” leading the digital disruption of healthcare.

Health Data Management magazine editors profiled these leaders as visionaries that are seeking better ways to use technology to improve patient care.

Founder Debi Willis has pioneered the exchange of data between patients, their physicians and research. “Our newest product, MyLinks, puts a personalized electronic medical record in the hands of every patient … multiplying the impact of electronic information and sharing — a game changer!” said Willis.

— Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Gary Brooks, the developer of the 1931 First National Center, invited the public for tours before closing doors for three years to begin a $230 million makeover into a mix of housing, hotel, retail and garage.

The skyscraper’s showstoppers are the iconic Great Banking Hall that is like a palace with its ornate, three-story space surrounded by 16 columns 35 feet tall and travertine marble floors from Italy; and a bank vault with massive steel doors for protection from bank robberies, common during the 1930s.

“The history of First National Center is as important as its future,” said Brooks.

— Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

All organizations need an audience. Whether you’re selling products or services, or are a nonprofit or religious group, without people, you have no audience.

Live streaming is an excellent way to engage your audience with your unfiltered message. The anticipation generates buzz that excites people. Research finds live video generates 10 times as many comments as on-demand video. Cisco reports mobile video is expected to grow 62% by 2020.

Businesses are concluding that live streaming helps their bottom line, due to reaching broader and more engaged audiences. This trend isn’t slowing down, only rising in popularity. Lights! Camera! Action!

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Another fabulous celebration orchestrated by OK Events Lee Allan Smith brought together five Oklahoma governors to celebrate the State Capitol’s 100^th birthday. The gala, which was held at the Oklahoma History Center with a magnificent backdrop of the Capitol, helped raise money for art to be installed in the renovated Capitol.

Joining the governors were two Miss Americas, Jane Jayroe Gamble and Lauren Nelson; “America’s Songwriter” Jimmy Webb, and rising star Olivia Kay. Former Gov. David Boren was unable to attend due to recovering from heart surgery. Festivities concluded with a firework show and a rousing rendition of “Oklahoma.”

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Businesses must adapt their marketing models to stay relevant in reaching their audiences with the right messages. At PROI Worldwide’s Global Summit in Sydney, Dr. Georg Kolb of Munich discussed three triggers:

Networking in the new model is connecting people by data. One-to-one communications remain essential, but now through technology. Second, analytics provide the tool for relevancy of audience and messaging.

Third is content marketing. Businesses must touch consumers at every channel through integration and storytelling. Jones PR represented Oklahoma at the Summit, and PROI Worldwide is ranked the sixth-largest global independent network by The Holmes Report.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Access to big data is becoming increasingly available due to more connected technologies, and critical to businesses to stay a step ahead to survive.

Based on the success our agency is having with using data for our clients to drive decisions, I was invited to speak at an international conference on Data, Analytics and Performance Measurement, and will be joined onstage with experts from LexisNexis, London, Sydney, Paris and Singapore.

It is always an honor for Oklahoma to be recognized as a leader in any industry, and in the data technology area, it is a profound statement on Oklahoma’s workforce.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

It is an honor when your industry’s national association asks you to review university programs to certify they are on par with how the profession is evolving. Public Relations Society of America has a Certification in Education for Public Relations program for studies in public relations at universities worldwide.

The program was established in 1989 and as of today, 42 schools are certified, and they must recertify every six years. If offered the opportunity, I encourage business leaders to spend time with faculty and students who will fill your shoes someday. You will be invigorated and hopeful for your industry.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

On the first Monday of every February, Oklahomans wait with bated breath to hear from the governor on how the state is doing. Well, maybe not all Oklahomans, but certainly those in business, government and politics.

In her State of the State Address, one of Gov. Mary Fallin’s recommendations was to eliminate the corporate income tax, which will reduce red tape for small businesses and boost economic development. If passed, no longer will the Legislature have to pick winners and losers with specific tax credits.

Check out her tax restructuring plan to properly fund education, public safety, health and infrastructure.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Oklahoma has made it through a couple of dicey years. Several indicators give hope to Oklahomans for an optimistic 2017.

1. Energy Prices Rising. A year ago, barrel prices hovered at $37, and today at $55, which will increase jobs and household incomes.

2. Teacher Pay Raise. Sen. David Holt will introduce a $10,000 teacher pay raise bill and Gov. Mary Fallin has pledged to discuss the best course of action with leaders.

3. Infrastructure Growth. Oklahoma Turnpike Authority will break ground on two new turnpikes and make safety improvements on four.

2017 is already bringing growth and prosperity!

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Have you ever noticed that leadership books typically have the same structure? Define your vision, find your own style and implement a personal leadership plan. A long-time colleague recently recommended three books that really stand out among the crowd of leadership books.

Tom Hoog, a leader in national politics and former President/CEO of Hill and Knowlton/USA, recommended the following books: James O’Toole’s “Leading Change, The Argument for Values-Based Leadership;” Daniel Goleman’s “Primal Leadership, Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence;” and Rabbi Harold Kushner’s “Living a Life That Matters.”

I can hardly wait to read all three.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

On Election Day, Jones PR will not open until 10:00 am. Election Day is an important day for all Americans to exercise a right that many in the world are not so privileged to practice.

By removing an excuse or a perceived barrier to voting, we are giving paid time off to all employees in Oklahoma City and Tulsa so they will have three hours to vote when polls open at 7:00AM.

It’s a small investment in the future of our country and our state, and I encourage other companies to establish a similar policy. Let’s all vote!

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

International business is a strategic growth area for Oklahoma companies. Recognized for our superior products and exemplary service, Oklahoma companies enjoy boundless opportunities to export worldwide.

Oklahoma Governor’s International Team recently held its Consular Summit attended by representatives from Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, Japan, Panama, Republic of Korea, Spain and the United Kingdom. They met with Oklahoma Business Roundtable leaders, officials from Departments of Agriculture and Commerce, State Regents for Higher Education, OCAST and i2E.

The Team is dedicated to advancing Oklahoma in the global economy through business development and made it clear that Oklahoma is open for international business.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Imagine virtually soaring over Washington, DC, seeing the many scriptural references across our nation’s capital.

The “Flyboard Tour of the Bible in D.C.” is just one of the technologies coming to the new Museum of the Bible. Scheduled to open in fall 2017, the 430,000-square-foot museum is three blocks south of the Capitol and will house the greatest Biblical artifacts ever found.

This world-class museum will welcome guests with magnificent 40-ft tall bronze doors and offer an immersive, unparalleled experience with the history, narrative and impact of the Bible on industries and cultures worldwide.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR