Countdown to Evening of Accolades
NOMINEES FOR BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Business of the Year is presented to a business with more than 25 employees with an established history in the area that has achieved or accomplished substantial business-oriented goals or objectives, or has made significant contributions to community-oriented projects through its voluntary efforts.
Results may show: Growth in employee numbers, Increase in sales and/or unit volume; Innovation of product or service offered; Response to adversity; Contribution of personal time and resources to the community.
COLE PAINE CARLIN INSURANCE
For more than 120 years Cole, Paine & Carlin has helped customers in Central Oklahoma with commercial, personal and life/health insurance. They've earned a 92% retention rate because of great customer service and an outstanding staff.
Their staff has invested over 690 years in insurance, more than half with CPC. As an organization, they are committed to serving the community. In the last three years they have held food drives, collected Coats for Warmth, toys for the Salvation Army, and participate annually in the OKC Litter Blitz.
CPC supports continuing education and working with the state insurance association, IIAO/Big I. Through the years they have supported the IIAO/Big I with nine Presidents, three State NationalDirectors and one IIABA Board Member.
"We are proud to be an Independent Agency supporting an industry that has a significant impact on Oklahoma’s economy. We provide protection to our insureds; offer salaries and careers to our team while supporting all facets of the industry,"
Mark Carlin, CPC President
METROPOLITAN LIBRARY SYSTEM
Established in 1965, the Metropolitan Library System (MLS) is a cornerstone of education,community engagement, and public service. With 19 branches in Oklahoma County it is a hub for lifelong learning, digital access, cultural enrichment, and community connection. Rooted in its mission to improve lives through literacy and education, MLS provides innovative programs and services that reflect the evolving needs of its communities.
In the past year they've circulated 9.7 million items, provided more than 10.9 million wi-fi sessions, and engage with over 17,000 children in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which provides free books for children under five to foster a lifelong love of reading.
They also offer innovative programs that support interests in gardening and the arts, as well as collaborations with organizations like the Oklahoma City Housing Authority, Goodwill, the YMCA and more.
The five northwest metro libraries: Bethany, Belle Isle, Northwest, The Village, and Warr Acres libraries have regularly welcomed the Northwest OKC Chamber as a meeting location for Community Coffees over the last two years. Several Branch Managers have also participated in the Leadership Northwest Program.
NERVE RENEWAL
In 2020 Nerve Renewal CEO Tim Bales founded the business as a way to make a meaningful impact on patient lives. By providing Oklahomans specialized care and an innovative solution to the growing problems of chronic pain and medication issues, Nerve Renewal opened its first clinic in 2021. In 2024 they achieved remarkable growth, expanding from four clinics to ten across the state and doubling the size of their workforce. This growth reflects their commitment to roviding high-quailty care and meeting the rising demand for their specialized neuropathy treatment.
Nerve Renewal supports several non-profits and education-oriented organizations that serve seniors in the state of Oklahoma. In 2024, we have supported VillagesOKC, Oklahoma Senior Games, Senior Living Truth, Senior Life Services, and Healthy Living OKC & Norman. All these organizations work to educate and empower our amazing community of seniors in Oklahoma.
“Our mission is to help Oklahomans renew their quality of life while reducing their need for pain medication through innovative nerve pain treatments that provide safe and effective relief.”
Tim Bales, Nerve Renewal Founder and CEO
SPEECH PATHWAY
Starting simply in an office attic in 2010, Speech Pathway now has a growing team of 48 employees who will provide a variety of speech and language therapies to help children from birth to adolescence and their families. Founders Emily and Kent Hathaway and their team have served over 4000 families and are projected to provide an additional 40,000 visits in 2025.
Having a son on the autism spectrum, it's important to them that the business is "owned and operated by families like yours, for families like ours." With that, they regularly offer special events for their patients and families that provide new connections and fun experiences in new environments. They love empowering parents and helping break through the often isolating world of developmental disabilites, while also creating more acceptance and understanding of these challenges for the outside world.
Speech Pathway supports a wide variety of organizations that provide services and resources to pediatric patients, and they've received numerous awards from professional organizations for service, advocacy and business excellence.
"It's important to us to work with projects that increase communication and decrease frustration throughout our community. We're excited for the future and grateful to be a part of it, both with the direct services we provide, and by giving our time, talent, and treasure to other organizations with the same mission,'
Emily Hathaway, Speech Pathway Founder/Clinical Director
NOMINEES FOR OUTSTANDING NEW MEMBER
The Oustanding New Member is presented to a business who joined the chamber between August 1, 2023 and July 31, 2024 who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the Chamber and or the community through their leadership and voluntary participation in chamber events and programs.
EMMA ELLE'S ITALIAN KITCHEN
In 2022 Cameron Wilson brought his varied business background to start an ambitious new venture in his hometown, Emma Elle's Italian Kitchen. A locally owned, upscale-casual Italian restaurant, Emma Elle's serves Neapolitan inspired pizza, delicious pasta entrees, salads, and desserts.
Conveniently located at the intersection of the Kilpatrick Turnpike and NW 39th Expressway in West Oklahoma City, Wilson and his team are working to make connections throughout the community, with local customers and fans across Central Oklahoma. Emma Elle's was a presenting restaurant at Taste of Northwest 2024.
"The restaurant industry is all about relationships. I am a big fan of small business owners and entrepreneurs. They are my kind of people,"
Cameron Wilson, Emma Elle's Founder/Owner/Operator
OKLAHOMA ER & HOSPITAL
Oklahoma ER & Hospital is Oklahoma's first micro-hospital, offering comprehensive, 24/7 healthcare services to the community. As a fully licensed hospital, they specialize in emergency room care, inpatient services, and outpatient imaging.
Since opening in 2019, Oklahoma ER & Hospital has been an active and engaged part of the Oklahoma City community. They proudly support local initiatives, including partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, schools, chambers, and first responders; working to strengthen and uplift our community.
"Since joining the NWOKC Chamber in early 2024, we've participated in networking events, hosted a community coffee, and are currently enrolled in their leadership program. These activities have allowed us to build deeper connections with local businesses and collaborate on future opportunities to serve and support our community."
Makailyn Dillon, Oklahoma ER & Hospital Director of Marketing
NIMBLE/IMAGE & GRAND LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
With a life-long interest in photography, in 2008 Jason Pierce founded Grand Life Photography specializing in school portraits, sports photography, senior pictures, and outdoor lifestyle shoots. He and his team love helping people celebrate life's milestones.
In 2020 he added Nimble/Image, focusing on commercial photography and videography, including real estate, corporate headshots, architectural shoots, social media reels, and high-end video production. They also provide customized art installations for businesses all over the metro. With Nimble/Image they love helping local businesses enhance their branding and marketing efforts.
"We’re proud to support our OKC community with quick turnaround times, top-notch quality, and a personal touch. We've had the privilege of photographing several Chamber events, and looking ahead, we aim to deepen our involvement by supporting more chamber initiatives, collaborating with local businesses, and continuing to provide high-quality photography and videography that highlights the great work happening in our community."
Jason Pierce, Nimble/Image & Grand Life Photography CEO
WALK THE WALK
When he started his own business in 2024, Roy Walker knew joining the NWOKC Chamber was the right thing to do to help him grow his business. Walk the Walk, LLC provides printing and marketing mail services for clients of all sizes and projects of all sizes - everything from business cards to large signs to magazines and catalogs. Walker also helps businesses find a specific target market to promote their products through USPS Direct Mail. As the USPS Specialist for the DPM Group (Mercury Press & Classic Printing). Walker has connected the Chamber with several partners to work with to enhance Chamber branding and printing.
"Having been in the mailing industry for 30 years and know the shortcuts and ways for clients to save postage on their mailings. I provide services to clients nationwide but focus on the Metropolitan Oklahoma City and surrounding communities. I am a part of many organizations, but the NWOKC Chamber is important to me, so I plan on making sure to be involved in 2025,"
Roy Walker, Walk the Walk LLC Founder
NOMINEES FOR LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
Leadership in Action is presented to an individual who is a graduate of Leadership Northwest (or Leadership Bethany) for their service working in a volunteer leadership capacity with a local non-profit organization in our community.
RONDIA BANKS
Rondia Banks - for her leadership serving on the Bethany Improvement Foundation Board . Rondia is a graduate of Leadership Northwest Class 28. As the Bethany Library Manager she is dedicated to working with many organizations to bring critical services directly to the community. She is nominated for her leadership in serving on the Bethany Improvement Foundation Board, working to enhance the Kids Zone at the annual Route 66 Festival and to develop a Veterans' Plaza in Bethany.
"Engaging in volunteerism allows leaders to connect deeply with their communities,
fostering awareness of local needs and challenges. Collaborative efforts with volunteers and organizations amplify resource sharing, enabling effective service delivery and bridging gaps," Rondia Banks
TRAVIS KOCH
Travis Koch - for his leadership serving on the Deer Creek Schools Foundation Board. Travis is a graduate of Leadership Northwest Class 30. In addition to working at First Bethany Bank & Trust as the Vice President for Credit Administration, Travis is nominated for his leadership on the Deer Creek Schools Foundation Board for the last five years, where he has served as treasurer and secretary.
"Leaders should volunteer in their own community as a way to support and improve the community. In the busyness of life its easy to see how things could be better. Its another thing to step up and be apart of doing something about it," Travis Koch
JACLYNN PYLE
Jaclynn Pyle - for her leadership serving on the Putnam City Schools Foundation Board. Jaclynn is a graduate of Leadership Northwest Class 30. As the Community Relations Manager with Oklahoma Natural Gas, Jaclynn works with a wide array of organizations across many communities in Central Oklahoma. Jaclynn is nominated for her leadership with the Putnam City Schools Foundation Board. In that role she helps raise funds, advocate for the District and make sure the Foundation's programs make a meaningful impact on the students, teachers and the community.
"Leaders should volunteer in our community because it sets a powerful example of civic responsibility and service. Volunteering strengthens the community and encourages collaboration and support for initiatives that drive long-term results," Jaclynn Pyle.
NOMINEES FOR VISION AWARD - OUTSTANDING SMALL BUSINESS
The Vision Award for Outstanding Small Business is presented to a business with fewer than 25 employees that is at least two years old and that has achieved an outstanding pattern of growth, or been innovative in its products or services offered, that demonstrates integrity in its business practices and exhibits an active commitment to the Chamber and the community it serves.
ALLEMAN LAW
In January 2020 Alleman Law was founded as an estate planning and elder law firm. Attorneys Stephanie Alleman and Chantelle Hickman help people through all stages of their lives with estate planning, Power of Attorney documents and Trusts, special needs planning, business formation, guardianship, Medicaid planning, and probates.
As a new business, figuring out how to get the word out and continue to help their clients through the mandatory pandemic quarantine was a challenge, but they persevered and haven't stopped growing. The firm now has 2 support staff and are looking to add additional employees next year.
"We feel like we've created a wonderful client experience for someone getting a plan in place. It's not everyone's favorite topic to discuss, but we take time to get to know our clients so we can best help them,"
Stephanie Alleman, Alleman Law, Attorney and Founder
D&J REALTY BY THE MEFFORD GROUP
Dee and Jerry Mefford got interested in real estate while helping a family member with building and purchasing a home in the summer of 2020. They quickly discovered each of their individual skills made them a perfect partnership for real estate.
They enjoy empowering, educating and protecting their buyers and sellers throughout the process of acquiring or divesting of real estate. They've been very active with the Chamber, with Dee volunteering as an ambassador since joining.
"We find that 90 - 95% of buyers and sellers don't know how the buying and selling process works. When we get to see our clients receive their keys when purchasing their homes, knowing that they may never have been able to do it without the education and work that we provide for them, it is a true blessing to US!!"
Dee Mefford, D&J Realty by the Meffords, Realtor, Partner
ELYSIAN WELLNESS AND AESTHETICS
Elysian Wellness & Aesthetics was founded in 2019 by Dr. Lauri Stucki, Nurse Practitioner, to help people look and feel their best with services including weight loss, hormone balancing, laser treatments, body contouring, skincare, and cosmetic injectables.
Today it's a beautiful boutique clinic employing seven and dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and delivering natural, beautiful results tailored to each individual. One of the many challenges they've overcome was the pandemic shutdown, but they're happy to be on the other side. Lauri is a member of this year's Leadership Northwest Class.
"I’m just proud of everything we’ve accomplished. It’s amazing to look back and see how much we’ve grown and changed and improved and learned to navigate entrepreneurship,"
Dr. Lauri Stucki, Elysian Wellness & Aesthetics Nurse Practitioner and Owner
FORD CHIROPRACTIC AND LIFE CENTER
In 2004 Matt Ford, D.C. took over a Chiropractic Practice from another doctor who was retiring. Working with his wife Chandra, a wellness coach, over the next 20 years they've overcome personal health strugges and the pandemic shutdown to now operate a thriving practice that also employs their two adult daughters and several additional staff.
Both Matt and Chandra have been through the Leadership Northwest Program and Chandra and Caylee have served as Chamber Ambassadors. In 2024 the company moved their membership up to the Growth Developer membership level.
"We strive to provide the best opportunity for our patients to manage stress, restore health and live abundantly. Each patient is provided a personalized treatment plan that might include chiropractic, therapeutic exercises, nutrition and massage. We're pleased to have helped thousands of patients live a healthier life over the last 20 years,"
Dr. Matt Ford, Ford Chiropractic Life Center Chiropractor and Partner
YourIT
YourIT started in 2009 in a 200 sq ft home nursery and a goal of helping Senior Citizens. Founder Chris Moroz quickly discovered other businesses reaching out for help and made a critical pivot. Five years later Your IT was fully focused on working with small businesses to remove the frustrations caused by technology and to help protect data users from cyberattacks.
In serving as a small business' "IT department" they help free up business owners and employees to do what they do best – growing the business – rather than wasting time trying to solve technical problems.
As a member of the Chamber since 2012, Chris has volunteered and led the Business Development Team and was a member of the Leadership Northwest Class of 2018. He's served on the Chamber Board and was the 2024 Chairman.
NOMINEES FOR OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER
DEE MEFFORD
A NWOKC Chamber member since 2022, Dee has been an active volunteer in many capacities. Having served as an Ambassador the last two years, you'll often see her bright, smiling face greeting you at Community Coffees, as well as Taste of Northwest, the Golf Classic and the Membership Blitz.
Dee is a realtor, working with her husband, Jerry with D&J REALTY BY THE MEFFORD GROUP.
QUENTIN SAWATZKY
As a NWOKC Chamber member representing BOTT RADIO NETWORK for the last 15 years, Quentin has volunteered with the chamber in many ways. He has served as a Chamber Ambassador, and as a speaker on marketing at Business Development lunches. Over the last two years has headed up the Chamber's Community Coffee "MC Crew", where people look forward to his encouraging thought for the day, appropriately called "Q-Tips".
NOMINEES FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
The Community Impact Award is presented to a nonprofit organization, church, or school member of the Chamber in recognition of making an outstanding impact on the community over the last year. This is the first time this award will be presented.
BETHANY PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Founded by parents in 1997, the Bethany Public Schools Foundation's mission is encouraging, enriching, and enhancing the student/teacher/staff experience at Bethany Public Schools. A 100% volunteer driven organization, their support is a vital contributor toward the district earning two "National Blue Ribbon School" designations (High School in 2024, Elementary in 2017) as well as "A"s on the State Education Report Card.
The BPS Foundation raises funds to support teachers and students with advanced learning opportunities throughout the year, with their 2024 Impact Auction raising a record-setting $94,000. Proceeds raised go towards:
- $40,000 in Teacher Grants to fund equpment, technology, instruments and other programs with expenses that go beyond taxpayer funds.
- Scholarships for graduating seniors
- Teacher appreciation events and activities to welcome new teachers and show all educators gratitude throughout the year.
- NEW - Five Immersive Teacher Experience Grants of up to $2,000 to attend training experiences related to their subject field
- Growing the BPS Foundation Endowment - planning for the future.
FEED THE CHILDREN
Founded in Oklahoma City in 1979, Feed the Children is committed to ending childhood hunger, both locally and around the world. Through their programs and partnerships, they feed children today while helping their families and communities build resilient futures. As responsible stewards of our resources, FTC is driven to pursue innovative, holistic, and child-focused solutions to the complex challenges of hunger, food insecurity, and poverty.
Over the past year, Feed the Children has made a significant impact in supporting the community right here in Oklahoma County. Through the Feed Initiative, they work to create a measurable and sustainable impact on child hunger in a targeted community. layering multiple program interventions that meet families’ immediate need for food assistance, while also developing and testing new child hunger programs.
Collaborations with local nonprofits in Oklahoma County are part of these core programs delivering results:
Resource Rallies & Backpack-N-Go Events - distributed food, personal care, and school supplies to thousands of families at events throughout the City.
Summer Feed and Read - offers nutritious meals through the summer and combats summer learning loss by providing meals and encouraging reading in partnership with local libraries.
Food and Essential Hubs - launched in 2024 in coordination with OKC Public Schools, this program provides food, essential household and personal care items, school supplies, and books that students and their families can shop for free.
Feed the Children Partner Market. Also new in 2024, local nonprofit partners can come to FTC to stock their community pantries and programs with crucial items such as food, essential personal care products, household goods, and more, ensuring they can make the greatest impact on the families they serve.
All totalled, Feed The Children's 2024 Community Impact was 381,492 meals, working with 81 community partners and distributing an estimated $4.2 million in non-food items (personal care, household supplies, school supplies, books, toys, coats, etc).
PUTNAM CITY SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Created in 1987, the Putnam City Schools Foundation's mission is to enhance and enrich the educational opportunities of students and to show support to staff and faculty in the Putnam City School District.
Through fundraising and grants, they support the following programs and their key impacts within the district:
Penny's Closet - working to make sure that Putnam City students don't lack for things like coats, shoes and socks and warm clothing. Each week volunteers work with teachers and caring adults to quietly identify and provide these essential items. Over the last two years they've assisted more than 500 students.
CareShare connects generous holiday gift adopters with low-income Putnam City students. This year Care Share served 1,090 school age children. This program is popular with local businesses, churches, and individuals, as well as Elementary Principals and PC North leadership students.
Communities and Schools Together (CAST): connects schools with educational, social, emotional and urgent resources to make a meaningful and immediate difference in the lives of students, families, and teachers every day.
The CAST Mentorship program started in 2022 designed to build relationships between the community, students, and families. CAST has earned the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Award in 2022 for Best New Program in the state, and in 2023 it earned the Best New Mentorship Program in the state.
YES! Grants: these grants for teachers throughout the district help to enhances and embraces the educational opportunities and needs of our students. Our YES! Grants program is also supported through wonderful community funders, such as OneGas, for larger-scale grants as well as DonorsChoose which is designed for day-to-day type needs.
NOMINEES FOR AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR
This award is presented based on points earned by volunteering with various Ambassador Assignments.
KELLY EVELEIGH
Since joining the Chamber in 2022, Kelly Eveleigh has been one of the Chamber's most active Ambassadors. While she travels the country in her Sales Role with RED DOOR ESCAPE ROOMS, Kelly makes time to attend Ribbon Cutting Celebrations, Community Coffees, and participating in the Member Blitz. Last year Kelly was recognized as the "Outstanding Volunteer", and was also a member of Leadership Northwest Class 30.
CASEY HELLAND
Casey joined the Ambassador team in 2023 and has been a reliable "get it done" volunteer, taking on new assignments and helping others when needed. As the right-hand assistant to Alicia Rankin at LILYGRASS FLOWERS AND DECOR, Casey has been a part of many Chamber events and is also a graduate of Leadership Northwest.
DR. SHANNON WILDMAN
As a Realtor with NINE NORTH REAL ESTATE, Shannon loves working with clients buying and selling older homes. Shannon has been a Chamber Ambassador since 2023 and never fails to jump in and help others. Shannon volunteers with many Chamber activities and invites new people to visit and get more involved.