As a Norman Chamber member you have the opportunity to participate in this year’s Shop Norman – Saturday Market. Shop Norman – Saturday Market will be held Saturday, June 9 from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in conjunction with the Norman Farmer’s Market at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds.

Booth rental is $100, along with a $25 gift donation or gift certificate to the event. Your booth includes an 8′ table and two chairs. Displays must be set up by 9:00 a.m. Saturday, June 9, and remain in place until 1:00 p.m. You may set up June 8 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., and everything must be removed by 2:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon.

Limited space available! Norman Chamber retailers and restaurants that can sell product at the event will be given first preference.

Find the contract on the home page of the Norman Chamber website. To register for this event simply:

• Review the Terms and Conditions of the Norman Chamber of Commerce
• Complete and sign the enclosed contract by May 18
• Mail the contract and check to the Chamber.

Space is limited so please make your reservations soon! Contact Erica Millar at 321-7260 or erica@normanchamber.com for more information.

Norman area merchants are invited to participate in efforts to aid the April 13 tornado victims by participating in SHOP UP A STORM on Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19. Local merchants are encouraged to provide special offerings to customers during these two days and donate a portion of their sales to these two organizations. Contributions will benefit the United Way of Norman. UW Norman will split donations among the American Red Cross and other agencies providing storm support.

“The Norman community has supported us for 33 years, and this is a way that we can help to give back to those who are in such need after the tornado.” said Kathy Merkel Cox of Christmas Expressions. “This grassroot effort by Norman merchants will help those directly affected by the storm on April13. We will offer 15% off for our customers on their purchases and we will contibute 10% of our sales those two days to the United Way of Norman and American Red Cross- Heart of Oklahoma Chapter. Our vendors are also donating wonderful door prizes and giveaways for our customers.”

We invite all other Norman merchants to participate in SHOP UP A STORM on Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19. Please email Lisa Allen at lisa@normanchamber.com to list your offering for the customers. All information must be received by May 15.

A report released by HealthGrades, the nation’s most trusted, independent source of physician information and hospital quality ratings, named Norman Regional Health System number one in Oklahoma and top 5% in the nation for Overall Orthopedic Services.

“These rankings are a reflection of Norman Regional’s dedicated physicians, nurses, therapists, clinical professionals and support staff,” said NRHS President and CEO David Whitaker. “Our Health System understands that as baby boomers age it’s more important than ever to provide top quality orthopedic services. We stand ready to provide that quality care, and these national and state rankings prove it.”

Quality achievements by Norman Regional Health System:

•         Ranked Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Overall Orthopedic Services in 2012
•         Ranked Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Joint Replacement for 3 Years in a Row (2010-2012)
•         Ranked #1 in OK for Overall Orthopedic Services in 2012
•         Ranked #3 in OK for Joint Replacement in 2012
•         Ranked #7 in OK for Spine Surgery in 2012
•         Ranked Among the Top 10 in OK for Overall Orthopedic Services for 5 Years in a Row (2008-2012)
•         Ranked Among the Top 5 in OK for Joint Replacement for 3 Years in a Row (2010-2012)
•         Ranked Among the Top 10 in OK for Spine Surgery in 2012
•         Five-Star Rated for Overall Orthopedic Services for 3 Years in a Row (2010-2012)
•         Five-Star Rated for Joint Replacement for 3 Years in a Row (2010-2012)
•         Five-Star Rated for Spine Surgery in 2012
•         Five-Star Rated for Total Knee Replacement for 3 Years in a Row (2010-2012)
•         Five-Star Rated for Total Hip Replacement for 3 Years in a Row (2010-2012)
•         Five-Star Rated for Hip Fracture Treatment for 5 Years in a Row (2008-2012)
•         Five-Star Rated for Back and Neck Surgery (except Spinal Fusion) in 2012

Choosing a hospital can be a life or death decision. HealthGrades report found that patients treated at 5-star rated hospitals experience a lower risk of death and lower risk of complications compared to 1-star rated hospitals.
“Patients today have a wide array options when it comes to choosing a healthcare provider,” said Kerry Hicks, HealthGrades chief executive officer. “At HealthGrades, we are proud to have led the way for empowering patient choice based on objective clinical outcomes and access to actionable quality measures. We commend Norman Regional Health System for its superior quality and support of consumerism and transparency in the Norman, Okla. area.”

Key findings of the HealthGrades 2011 Healthcare Consumerism and Hospital Quality in America report include:

•         If all Medicare patients from 2008 through 2010 had been treated at 5-star hospitals, 240,040 lives could have potentially been saved.
•         Patients had, on average, a 73% lower risk of dying in a 5-star rated hospital compared to a 1-star rated hospital, and a 54% lower risk of dying in a 5-star rated hospital compared to the national average.
•         Patients, on average, were 63% less likely to experience in-hospital complications than patients at 1-star programs, and had a 43% lower chance of developing an in-hospital complication than the national average.

About Norman Regional Health System
Norman Regional Health System is a multi-campus system that serves healthcare needs throughout south central Oklahoma. Our acute-care facility on the Porter Avenue Campus is licensed for 324 beds and offers a full range of services. Moore Medical Center, a 45-bed facility, provides general medical and surgical needs, physical therapy, obstetrical services, 24-hour emergency services and close-to-home diagnostic imaging to the Moore community. The new HealthPlex campus at Interstate 35 and Tecumseh Road, licensed for 136 beds, features Cardiovascular Services, Spine and Orthopedic Surgery, and Women’s and Children’s Services.

Norman Regional Health System also provides outpatient diagnostic centers, medical transport services, physician services, centers of excellence, durable medical equipment supplies, a primary care network, community wellness service and employer health services. We have grown to employ more than 2,700 people and have 356 physicians credentialed on the Medical Staff.

About HealthGrades
HealthGrades is America’s most trusted, independent source of physician information and hospital quality outcomes. HealthGrades online properties are the nation’s leading destination for physician search and empower more than 170 million consumers annually to make informed healthcare decisions.

The Norman Chamber of Commerce is pleased to bring to Norman Commuters a panel discussion on the growth and future projects at OU and a University athletics update by our special guests Daniel Pullin, VP of Strategic Research and Economic Development and Charlie Taylor, Assistant Athletics Director of Marketing.

The second luncheon of the 35 South Project, presented by Fowler Honda will be held on Wednesday, June 6th at Noon, Bricktown Brewery, 2nd floor event space. Lunch will be sponsored by First American Bank. Registration will begin at 11:45 am and the luncheon will start at Noon.

Individual lunches will be sold for $10. RSVP to Robin Allen by Wednesday, May 30 at 321-7260 or robin@normanchamber.com.

Sponsorship Opportunities
35 South Project
Quarterly meeting of Norman professionals working in Oklahoma City. Meetings will be held in OKC with pertinent speakers.
Date: Scheduled quarterly
Projected Attendance: 75-100
Contact: John Woods, (405)321-7260, john@normanchamber.com

Lunch sponsor at $500– One (1) Lunch Sponsorship is available.
Benefits for Presenting Sponsor –
•    Name on signage at the event
•    Company recognized from the podium at the event
•    Company recognized in press release, Chamber eJournal and Chamber website

On Tuesday, June 19 the Chamber will hold a Legislative Wrap-up luncheon at J.D. McCarty Center, 2002 E. Robinson St. Oklahoma State Treasurer, the honorable Ken Miller,  will provide an overview and wrap of the 2012 Legislative session.

Individual seating can be purchased for $15. Registration will begin at 11:30 am and the luncheon will start at Noon. Sponsorship opportunities are available on the Chamber website. RSVP to Robin Allen by Tuesday, June 12 at 321-7260 or robin@normanchamber.com.

Legislative lunch Sponsor Opportunities
Presenting sponsor at $1000 – One (1) Presenting Sponsorship is available
Benefits for Presenting Sponsor –

•    Listed as Presenting Sponsor
•    Company CEO or top representative to address attendees from podium during event
•    One (1) reserved table of eight with preferred seating at event
•    At least one elected official will be seated at your table
•    Company featured in promotional materials developed by the Chamber for the program, including the Chamber’s eJournal and website

Platinum sponsor at $500 – Four (4) Platinum Sponsorships are available
Benefits for Platinum Sponsor –

•    VIP reception with legislators
•    One (1) reserved table of eight with preferred seating at event
•    At least one elected official will be seated at your table
•    Company featured in promotional materials developed by the Chamber for the program, including the Chamber’s eJournal and website

Gold sponsor at $250 – Multiple Gold Sponsorships are available
Benefits for Gold Sponsor –

•    Half-table reserved for four
•    Company featured in promotional materials developed by the Chamber for the program, including the Chamber’s eJournal and website

Do you love warm, tropical vacations? Do you like a little extra cash in your pocket? Do you love the Norman Chamber of Commerce? Then we want you to help with the inaugural Norman Chamber Total Resource Campaign!

The Norman Total Resource Campaign (TRC) is an organized approach during which Chamber members and teams help sell event sponsorships and advertising and recruit new members. This effort allows businesses to plan their annual marketing budget and allows the Chamber to reach more members through these efforts.

You will earn cash rewards based on total sales.  Plus you will have an opportunity to earn a trip for you and a guest at a tropical vacation destination where you can network with other Chamber members and key community leaders, relax and have a great time!

You will be fully trained to sell the Chamber’s many activities and events including new Chamber memberships, Sponsoring Chamber Programs and Events and Approved Mutually Beneficial Trades. Mark your calendars now to attend a training session on June 14 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. or June 18 from 11:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Limited Spots Available – YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS OUT!!!!  Interested?  Call or email Lisa at 321-7260 or lisa@normanchamber.com for more information.

https://stfpr.wufoo.com/forms/join-the-oklahoma-main-street-fairness-coalition/

By Joy Hampton The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — A nationwide search that brought numerous applications into the city of Norman’s Human Resource Department has ended with the hiring of an Oklahoman.

Terry Floyd, the community services director for the city of El Reno, has accepted the newly created position of development coordinator for Norman.

“We had 53 applicants for the position,” City Manager Steve Lewis said. “On a job of this nature, you begin with a good pool of candidates, but we were able to narrow it down to four finalists who had the opportunity to meet with city staff and stakeholders. I think we were able to put the candidates through their paces. In the end, I think we’ve ended up with an outstanding candidate.”

The position was created in response to requests by the Norman Chamber of Commerce and the business community. Floyd will coordinate development activities for Norman, as well as interface with business leaders, builders and new and expanding businesses.

Full article (Norman Transcript)

The Norman Chamber of Commerce held the first 35 South Project meeting on February 29.

“We had an outstanding 35 South Project event with our Norman to OKC commuters,” said John Woods, President and CEO.  “Over 70 individuals came to hear about their community and they left excited and intrigued with everything that is happening.  I have great hope for the future of this endeavor as the Chamber energizes and utilizes these great residents.”

Several Norman businesses helped support the 35 South Project kickoff event: Fowler Honda; Hal Smith Restaurant Group; Native Roots Market; O’Asian Fusion; and Old School Bagel sponsored door prizes and Fowler Honda was the presenting sponsor of the first event.

The first event highlighted several new developments scheduled for Norman in the coming months. In University Northpark several new businesses are coming soon including a Crest, Mathis Brothers, Starbucks, Chipolte, Valliance Bank and several others. Along Main Street Das Boot will open in the downtown area; Sauced and 108 Meridian Grill are already open and Local, a new concept restaurant is set to open soon at the corner of 24th NW and Main Street.

Norman Regional Hospital is building a new heart plaza to be located just south of the HealthPlex. Several developments are happening along I-35 as well including a Chuy’s, the first in Oklahoma; Andy Alligator’s Water Park, scheduled to be open in time for summer break; and Bob Moore Cadillac is relocating just north of Indian Hills Road.
Shawn O’Leary, City of Norman Public Works Director also gave an update on several transportation projects coming up and spent time highlighting the I-35 expansion and bridge construction scheduled to start next month.

The Chamber will schedule quarterly meetings of the 35 South Project and is still looking for anyone who lives in Norman and commutes to the OKC area to become involved with the project. Future meetings are in the works and will cover a variety of topics of interest to our commuter community.

“There are many who travel to the OKC area for work every day but call Norman home,” said Woods. “They are committed to the goals of the Chamber, they want a community they can continue to raise their family in, but often they are disconnected from the day to day activities and issues of our city.”

If you are an OKC area commuter or know one, please email your contact information to John Woods at john@normanchamber.com.

Green Sticker Program Re-Launch
The Greenovation Committee, in an effort promote “greening” your business, and to educate you on how to green your business, is re-launching the Green Sticker Program.

The concept behind this program is enhancement of your company’s efforts become “Green” and thus protecting our environment and growing your profits.

Being green is good for your bottom line.  Customers reward businesses who are making an effort to establish green practices in their daily operations.  This recognition program will help you market and promote your efforts.  By participating, you should recognize savings on many of your expenses, and grow your revenue.  So it’s good from the top to the bottom (line)!

The Green Sticker is to be placed on any door or window and is designed to complement your Norman Chamber Member sticker.  There are six Greenovation categories: Solid Waste Reduction, Eco-Friendly Products, Eco-Friendly Transportation, Energy Use Reduction, Water Conservation and Recycling & Supply Reuse.

A task force of Committee members will meet periodically to determine which businesses qualify to be awarded a green sticker. The Business Directory on the Chamber website will show the progress of members’ accomplishments in the coming months.

Show the Norman community that you care about the environment by participating in this program!!

An information sheet on the Greenovation Committee page provides you with a few examples of how you can take steps to green your business within each category. For more information, contact Kyla McMoran at 321-7260 or by email at kyla@normanchamber.com.

Annual Greenovation Awards
It’s time once again to submit your application for the Annual Greenovation Awards presented at the Chamber’s Annual Banquet, Thursday, April 26 at Embassy Suites.

Awards are given to a large and small business in the areas of Conservation, Recycling and Transportation. Applications are available on the Greenovation Committee page.

Applications are due on Friday, March 30 by 5 p.m. For more information, contact Kyla McMoran at 321-7260 or by email at kyla@normanchamber.com.

Previous winners include: BancFirst; CART; City of Norman; Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma; Hitachi Computer Products (America), Inc.; Johnson Controls; Liquecolor; Marc Heitz Chevrolet; Native Roots Market; NCED Conference Center; Norman Public Library of the Pioneer Library System; Norman Regional Health System; and Republic Bank & Trust.

Online Green Directory
Do you provide a product or service that is considered “green?” The Greenovation Committee would like to add a benefit to Chamber members and community members alike. By collecting this key group of businesses in one place, members will be able to reference all things “green” in their home or business.

If you provide any service or sell products that you consider “green” simply send an email to Kyla McMoran listing the products or services you feel belong on this list. The Greenovation Committee will review submissions each month.

Green Directory members will be given the classification “Green” via the Chamber database and a special highlighted listing in the online directory.

For more information, contact Kyla McMoran at 321-7260 or by email at kyla@normanchamber.com.