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 →

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 →