Gilmer J. Capps, Lawton, is one of 31 individuals from across the state that graduated from the Oklahoma Citizens Academy. This is a program of the Oklahoma Community Institute. In its seventh year, the Citizens Academy seeks to increase the number of local leaders that are making a positive impact on the development of their communities.
Capps serves Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc. (REI) as field representative marketing the organization’s financing and business development services in southwestern Oklahoma. His responsibilities include visits with lenders, working with entrepreneurs and economic development partners. In addition he makes presentations to community leaders and civic groups and is actively involved with the local community.
According to Brenda Hood, Chair of the Citizens Academy, the program is designed to prepare citizens to accept a leadership role in their community. During the six sessions, participants learned the basics of community and economic development, while developing team building skills that can be replicated in their local communities.
The Oklahoma Citizens Academy is sponsored by the Oklahoma Community Institute. A major contributor to the program is Oklahoma Natural Gas and OG&E.
Visit www.ruralenterprises.com for a complete overview of services and office locations.