Category Archives: Uncategorized

Cherokee CRC, named “Construction Firm of the Year” during the 2013 Oklahoma Minority Enterprise Development Week hosted by REI Native American Business Centers (REI NABC) has been recognized for their success at the national level.   The company, which provides construction management services, was awarded “Minority Construction Firm of the Year” during the 2013 National Minority Enterprise Development Week, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce MBDA.   Cherokee CRC was nominated for the national award, which is designed to celebrate and recognize outstanding achievements of minority entrepreneurs, by James Ray, MBDA Business Center Project Director with REI NABC.   … Continue reading →

Billy Hamilton, NABRC Program Coordinator with REI Native American Business Centers, recently joined other minority business leaders to discover strategies for helping businesses grow.  The five-day program, entitled Building A High-Performing Minority Business, took place at Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business in Hanover, New Hampshire.  During the program, participants examined three strategies to grow a company – organic growth, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic alliances.   The program included topics such as strategy and implementation, analysis of financial statements and refining the management structure.  Hamilton learned methods to assess business operations for the purpose of streamlining processes and improving … Continue reading →

REI Oklahoma recently completed construction on an eco-friendly complex in Durant. The building is part of a growing “green” movement in construction, and has received LEED® Silver Certification from U.S. Green Building Council Leadership (USGBC).  REI Oklahoma partnered with ECO Potential, Mid-Plains Construction and Kinslow, Keith & Todd in the development of the building.  All were recently recognized for their leadership in the green building movement at an open house event. “REI Oklahoma is pleased to be a part of the green building movement, which is an opportunity to create a healthy work environment in our area, reducing the need … Continue reading →

Lesa Steele, MBDA Business Center Assistant with REI Native American Business Centers, recently joined other minority business leaders to discover strategies for helping businesses grow. The five-day program, entitled Growing the Minority Business to Scale, took place at Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business in Hanover, New Hampshire. During the program, participants examined three strategies to grow a company – organic growth, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic alliances. The program included topics such as business plan refinement, financing, marketing and operations, negotiations, leadership and innovation. Steele learned the foundations of innovation and how to apply them to Oklahoma’s minority-owned businesses. … Continue reading →

REI Oklahoma invites the public to the 5th Annual Cruisin for a Cure Charity Car Show, which will be held on Saturday September 14th to benefit the March of Dimes and Colton’s Main Street Run. The Car Show will be held at the Choctaw Event Center on Hwy 69/75 in Durant, Oklahoma. Automotive enthusiasts are invited to come out and enjoy a day of hot rods, food and music. Show hours are from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, Car Show entry registration is 8am to noon. The first 50 registered cars, trucks and motorcycles receive a commemorative Car Show dash … Continue reading →

Showing her support for minority-owned enterprises within the state of Oklahoma, Governor Mary Fallin signed a proclamation supporting August 26th through 30th, 2013 as “Minority Enterprise Development Week” in Oklahoma. Minority Enterprise Development Week, hosted by REI Native American Business Centers, honors outstanding minority entrepreneurs in Oklahoma.  The week culminates with an annual event that celebrates the contributions made by minority business owners and recognizes advocates throughout Oklahoma.  Award winners are acknowledged for achievements such as construction firm of the year, technology firm of the year, advocate of the year and an innovation award, among others. “This is a wonderful … Continue reading →

Debbie Partin, REI Business Lending Director, has been selected as one of The Journal Record’s “50 Making a Difference” for 2013. The Journal Record Woman of the Year program recognizes Oklahoma’s leading women who epitomize leadership in both their professional endeavors and in the communities where they live. Partin, along with other honorees, will be recognized and the Woman of the Year will be announced at an event on October 3rd in Oklahoma City. Partin has been assisting Oklahoma entrepreneurs with their business lending needs since joining REI Oklahoma in 1992. She is responsible for providing access to needed capital … Continue reading →

Scott Dewald, REI Oklahoma President & CEO, has received the George Nigh Association Executive of the Year Award from the Oklahoma Society of Association Executives (OSAE). The award recognizes Dewald’s excellence in association management as well as his significant contributions to OSAE and the association community. Dewald was honored during a gala to commemorate OSAE’s 50 years of excellence. The award was presented by the association’s founding president, former Governor George Nigh. “Scott epitomizes the ideal of the association executive,” said OSAE Vice President David Finley. “He has demonstrated with foresight and vision how to plan for larger than life … Continue reading →

Diamonds & Dreams is an evening focused on the shining accomplishments of Oklahoma’s outstanding and talented women. The second annual event, presented by REI Oklahoma, will be held at the Tulsa Country Club, Tulsa, OK on June 13, 2013, at 6:00 p.m. The evening will begin with a networking hour, and the opportunity to bid on silent auction items representing the many fine businesses in Oklahoma. Featured dinner guest and speaker is LaDonna Gatlin. LaDonna began her career as a member of the family singing group. She realized early on that success can be measured in different ways. So, she … Continue reading →

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 →