REI Oklahoma President and CEO, Scott Dewald has announced the reaffirmation of the organization’s Senior Management Team. The Senior Management Team will continue to consist of Kenny Simpson, Executive Vice-President; Sherry Harlin, Business Development Director; Debbie Partin, Business Lending Director and Lori Hill, Administrative Services Director. “REI Oklahoma is extremely fortunate to have an excellent Senior Management Team,” said Dewald. “The depth of experience and knowledge this team delivers is incredible and it is imperative we continue to draw on their expertise.” Simpson has over 35 years of finance experience, including 23 years with REI Oklahoma. He serves on the … Continue reading →

REI Oklahoma has been granted Oklahoma Certified Healthy Business status, and given a Certificate of Merit. This award is a result of REI Oklahoma’s commitment to employee health and wellness. Established as a program to support the goals of the Shape Your Future campaign, the Oklahoma Certified Healthy Business program recognizes businesses that make a positive impact on the health of their employees. Lori Stern, REI Oklahoma Human Resources Specialist, has spearheaded the initiative since its inception. In much the same way that REI Oklahoma fosters a healthy economy within the state, multiple programs have been implemented to promote wellness … Continue reading →

REI Oklahoma announced that Dr. Barbara Rackley, REI Women’s Business Center Program Manager, has been chosen to serve on the board of directors of the Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC). The AWBC is a national not for profit 501(c)(3) organization representing women business owners through a network of women’s business centers. Dr. Rackley has been with REI Women’s Business Center (REI WBC) since it opened in 2001, assisting clients who are looking to start or expand their business. Currently, REI WBC has helped more than 20,000 entrepreneurs by providing quality training, business counseling, and technical assistance. “The AWBC is … Continue reading →

REI New Markets Investment, LLC promotes the revitalization of distressed communities by utilizing the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) as a tool to increase direct investment in Oklahoma communities, create jobs, strengthen the economy and improve the lives of families. The NMTC was enacted to encourage private investment for injection of capital into low-income rural and urban communities. A report issued by the New Markets Tax Credit Coalition details how the NMTC program has spurred private investment in these communities. Between 2003 and 2010, NMTC investments have created more than 8,400 jobs in economically distressed communities in Oklahoma. The investments … Continue reading →

REI Oklahoma (REI) announces Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice-President Scott Dewald as its new President and CEO, effective April 1, 2013. “We are pleased to have Mr. Dewald on board as the new leader of this organization,” said Board Chair Karen James. Incoming Board Chair Martin VanMeter said “Scott brings extensive knowledge and experience in working with businesses and stakeholders as a part of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association for the last 17 years. Mr. Dewald fills a critically important role for our organization, and his longstanding statewide relationships made him the ideal candidate for this position. He is a pragmatic, … Continue reading →

Terry Nelson, former OSU County Extension Director, will be heading up the economic development efforts in northwest Oklahoma as marketing rep. Nelson will be responsible for providing access to REI Oklahoma services, including business lending programs, to entrepreneurs in the northwest part of the state. “We look forward to working with Terry in his new position,” said Kenny Simpson, REI Oklahoma Interim President & CEO. “His experience with OSU and background in agriculture will be a great benefit to him as he relates to the challenges faced by rural businesses and communities.” A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Nelson served … Continue reading →

Colby Oller, Durant, says he doesn’t remember a time when he did not want to be an entrepreneur.  He took a few detours over the years, but he never gave up on his vision and dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur operating a business that would positively impact lives.  That dream came true.  Oller is owner and operator of CrossFit Durant,  a unique fitness program suitable for all ages, located at 2912 Enterprise Blvd., Suite A 2, Durant. Oller made a wise decision when he chose to check out all of the local resources available to him and he found … Continue reading →

Kentucky native Dianne Civis has been around gardens, produce and canning since she was four years old and still enjoys it.  Today she is utilizing the commercial kitchen of REI Oklahoma to process her organic produce including jalapenos, okra, onions, green beans, squash, wild plumb jelly and a more. On one of her visits to the commercial kitchen, Dianne was processing more than 2,000 lbs. of okra and producing 1,200 pints of it for Peach Crest Farms in Stratford, Oklahoma.  You will find also Dianne’s produce at the Atoka Farmers Market, Savannah Fruit Stand and at a store in Eufaula. … Continue reading →

The partnership of REI Oklahoma, a statewide economic development firm, and Central National Bank, Enid, helped launch a new child learning center in Fairview.  Adventure Time Learning Center opened its doors in January 2012 and has reached enrollment capacity of 45 children. When business owners Mindi Clement and Samantha Wallace needed financial assistance to purchase real estate and renovate a building, Central National Bank and REI Oklahoma combined their lending programs. “I don’t know what we would have done without REI Oklahoma and Central National Bank,” Mindi Clement said.  “Not only did they provide the financing, but they provided good … Continue reading →

Broken Bow, Oklahoma is now home to Riley’s, a gravel and dirt driveway repair business after entrepreneur Harold Riley met with Steve Dollarhide at Kiamichi Technology Center for assistance and Dollarhide suggested Riley contact REI Oklahoma. REI Oklahoma utilized their lending programs to provide funding for equipment, machinery, working capital and other business essentials. “We are always pleased to help entrepreneurs achieve their dreams of becoming a small business owner,” Susan Bates, REI Sr. Loan Officer said.  “And, it’s especially rewarding when we can partner with local banks, Kiamichi Tech Centers and people like Steve Dollarhide who have a real … Continue reading →