The 100 Gal

Business and politics intersect each September when the Oklahoma State Chamber hosts a Washington, D.C. Fly-In. This year, 250 participated to learn from government and business leaders in our nation’s capital.

The group was briefed on business regulations, energy, trade, healthcare, Supreme Court, education and upcoming elections by speakers from POLITICO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Petroleum Institute, Gallup Education, The Federalist Society, and all members of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation, who provided astute insights on the current political, economic and regulatory environment.

Some of the sponsors included Acorn Growth Companies, BlueCross BlueShield of Oklahoma and IBC Bank.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

From Oklahoma’s highest elevation of 4,973 feet at Black Mesa State Park to the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands, Oklahoma’s panhandle is beautiful and vast.

Sandwiched between these Rocky Mountain foothills and a federally protected Great Plains region, where herds of pronghorn antelope roam, is a ranch my mother once called home. She and her parents survived one of the nation’s worst natural disasters, the horrific Dust Bowl, on this ranch where tons of out-of-place soft sand are still present.

Within these high plains live resilient Oklahomans who call this region of our state “God’s Country.”

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Once the dust settles from the British voting to exit the European Union, the situation will create lots of opportunities for Oklahoma companies and travelers.

Now that British leaders will make decisions for their citizens and companies instead of EU bureaucrats in Brussels, it will be easier and faster for Oklahoma companies to conduct business with the Brits. As one of Oklahoma’s largest trading partners, the UK is open for business again.

The dropping pound exchange rate also benefits Oklahoma travelers with more affordable hotels and restaurants. Hop on a plane and visit UK while the country is on sale.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, Jones PR

Traditional methods of B2B sales teams bringing solutions to prospects has changed. With easier, faster access to data and Googling solutions to a challenge, companies today have the resources to find a solution.

Brent Adamson of CEB, a best practice insight company, published The End of Solution Sales in Harvard Business Review, which identifies three strategies to build a radical sales approach: avoid the trap of established demand; target mobilizers, not advocates; and coach customers on how to buy.

This roadmap on how to adapt and be primed for change can ultimately make the difference in securing a customer’s business.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

The sixth largest global public relations holding group, PROI Worldwide, asked Jones PR to make three presentations at its Annual Global Summit in Atlanta attended by agency executives from 40 countries.

The presentations covered our work for National Down Syndrome Society that won a national campaign award; launch of The Oklahoma 100; and our approach to global markets.

While honored to be asked to present before a distinguished international audience, the big surprise came when many attendees said they were impressed by the great ideas from a small Oklahoma agency. More proof that small companies can run with big boys!

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

The vision for developing Oklahoma City’s downtown began in 1962 when Dean McGee hosted a trip to Copenhagen for five business and city leaders inspired by Tivoli Gardens. In 1988, the Myriad Gardens opened and is the anchor for Downtown’s continuing redevelopment.

This thread of leadership among business and city leaders was passed on to the next generation. On June 1 at the Skirvin Hilton, Downtown Oklahoma City hosts the Dean A. McGee Awards to celebrate three leaders – Klay Kimker, Francy Palmer and Mickey Clagg — whose visions transformed dilapidated downtown areas into vibrant public spaces.

Call 235-3500 for information.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Oklahoma City and Tulsa made Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 25 Cities to Launch a Business” (Entrepreneur Top Cities). As a startup entrepreneur 15 years ago, I will share a couple of my best tips for building a startup into a large Oklahoma-based company.

First, don’t focus on the money but on your product or service. Distractions are everywhere. Stop. Regain focus on why the community or industry is better because of your product or service.

Second, find a mentor. For me, one of the most satisfying parts of Jones PR is getting to work with clients in growing their businesses.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

A national advocacy campaign for National Down Syndrome Society resulting in the passage of the Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act won Honorable Mention in the nation’s most coveted public relations award competition.

Last month, PRWeek recognized Jones PR’s work on behalf of NDSS in the Nonprofit Campaign of the Year category at the award ceremony on Wall Street.

This is the first time an Oklahoma agency has ever made PRWeek’s finalist list and won Honorable Mention in any category. It is a testament that Oklahoma talent ranks among the best and brightest in the country!

After all the buzz the last couple of weeks, The Oklahoma 100 has arrived!

Watch your email the first and third Thursday of every month for intriguing Oklahoma stories told in only 100 words or a 100-second video. We’ll also feature national stories of interest to Oklahomans. The Oklahoma 100 will provide quick and concise, yet thorough views of the people, events, activities and news shaping Oklahoma. Topics range from arts, entertainment, history and restaurants to business news, management, energy, healthcare and real estate.

Who knew so much news could be told in 100-word increments? Now it can!

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR