Author Archives: gurustu

Dr. Cynthia S. (Cindy) Ross, President, Cameron University, Lawton, OK has joined the Board of Directors of Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc. (REI). As President of Cameron University, Dr. Ross is responsible for the executive administration, management and operations of the University and bears the primary responsibility for setting priorities and making decisions about the allocation of resources. Dr. Ross received her bachelor, masters, and doctoral degrees from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. To enhance community economic development, under Dr. Ross’ leadership the Center for Emerging Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies was developed and constructed. This economic development initiative includes a business … Continue reading →

Rural Americans make up about 20 – 25 percent of the nation’s population but only nine percent of the nation’s physicians practice in rural areas, according to the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality. Durant is putting those statistics to the test because it has excellent diversified health care services and because of expansions like the one currently underway at the Sturch Family Clinic on 1727 Chuckwa, near the Medical Center of Southeastern Oklahoma. The 4,290 sq. ft. expansion project is being accomplished through utilization of the SBA 504 lending program administered by Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc. (REI) … Continue reading →

More than 20 years ago, husband-and-wife team Russell and Robbie Allison purchased a moon bounce that they rented out and operated on the weekends for birthday parties. That was the beginning of ventures that now include Andy Alligator’s Fun Park in Norman, Oklahoma, and a sister company which provides corporate event planning services throughout the South Central United States. The Allison’s business financing needs for Andy Alligator’s were met by utilizing the SBA 504 lending program and through the partnership of First Bank & Trust, Norman, OK and Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc. (REI). Loan proceeds were used for purchase … Continue reading →

Brent Kisling, former State Director, USDA Rural Development, will be heading up the efforts of Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc., and (REI) to provide economic development services to the people in northwestern Oklahoma. “We look forward to having Brent serve the deserving entrepreneurs in this quadrant of the state,” said Tom Seth Smith, President & CEO. “Brent has been an REI partner for a long time and is very familiar with our services including our lending and home buyer assistance programs.” Kisling brings a lot of experience to REI. A graduate of Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science … Continue reading →

The familiar click of a key in the door has taken on new meaning for 112 Oklahoma families. They aren’t just opening any door. They are opening the door to their very own home. These families realized their dream of homeownership through creative partnerships and the Affordable Housing Program (AHP) of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank). The program is targeted to serve low and moderate income families. BancFirst , an FHLBank member, made application for grant funds through the AHP and collaborated with Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc., (REI) and USDA Rural Development. REI offers the Employer-Assisted Housing (EAH) … Continue reading →

Founded over 20 years ago, the New Product and Process Fair has been challenging the creativity of young and old alike and this year’s Fair in Stillwater was no exception. Fair founder and former Congressman Wes Watkins says the annual event is designed to inspire people to envision new products and processes which are the seeds of economic prosperity. This year’s Grand Prize Winners were first place – Cookie Centracco, Oklahoma City ($1,500); second place – Jose Ucero, Del City ($1,000) third place – Susan and Karen Weckler, Glencoe ($500). Centracco’s “Neat Nick Saucer” is a must have for dining … Continue reading →

Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc. (REI) has released its year-end report on activities and impact during 2008. “We are very pleased to announce that the financial impact from our services in 2008 was over $300 million and over 6,000 people were served,” said Tom Seth Smith, President & CEO. “This is even more significant in consideration of today’s struggling economy and a lot of the credit for our success goes to our network of partners helping us carry out our programs statewide.” The financial impact of all REI services totaled $341,936,914 for the year and 6,867 clients were assisted through … Continue reading →

Like most entrepreneurs, Jack and Sheri Nicholson needed capital to establish their business, Big C Machine, Inc., a full service machine shop. They visited with their local banker who referred them to Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc. (REI), a non-profit economic development firm that has been assisting Oklahoma businesses for over 25 years. Big C Machine, Inc. , located in Chattanooga, OK, is the only tool shop in the area with computer numerical control (CNC)capabilities. Chattanooga, OK is centrally located between Lawton and Wichita Falls, TX, placing the business in an ideal market position to serve southwest Oklahoma and North … Continue reading →

The Women’s Business Center (WBC) of Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc. (REI) has taken some of its training on the road including a trip to the Dallas Market Center, the largest wholesale resource in the world encompassing four buildings totaling more than five million square feet. Over 400,000 people visit the Dallas Market each year including more than 200,000 buyers from all 50 states and 84 countries. Forty-five people participated in the Dallas Market (DMC) bus trip which started in Sulphur, OK and included a stop in Ardmore, OK before heading down to Dallas. Time on the bus wasn’t wasted. … Continue reading →

Freedom, OK, population 271, needed the services of a convenience store that was open seven days a week with extended hours of operation. That need was met when Darrell C. Myers received financial assistance to purchase an existing business with the help of REI and First American Bank, Woodward, OK. REI and First American Bank partnered in the SBA 504 and SBA (7) lending programs to provide the financial assistance Myers needed to purchase Camp Houston Country Store. The business is located on State Highway 50 and U.S. 64, a main passage way serving Woods County. It’s a welcomed sight … Continue reading →