August 2016
It's Our Future! Community dives into Wintersmith Aquatics Center
New Wintersmith Pool is great fun, but stay clear of the gator. #MyAda
  • The "It's Our Future Campaign" passed with an 80% approval rate and nine months after the tax went into place Wintersmith Aquatics Center opened and we're already swimming in the pool.  Th Aquatics Center is one of many quality of life projects funded by the Penny for Your Future tax and this extension.  Other projects as a result of these sorts of investment include a new police and fire station, regional park, improved roads and water lines, all leading to lots of growth and activity!
The brand new Wintersmith Aquatics Center opened its doors to the public on Saturday, August 13 and features two water slides, one drop slide, a three-meter platform dive tower, a one-meter spring board, lap lanes, lazy river, kids area, and is handicapped accessible.
 
Ada Restaurant Sales Up 13%
In typical fashion, Ada's unemployment rate rose in June. The rate increased to 4.8% from May's 4.1% for the Ada Micropolitan Statistical Area. The labor force (18,041) continued to hover above 18,000, as it has done for the last 9 months. The June 2015 rate was 4.8% and the labor force was 17,990. Local data is not seasonally adjusted as is the case with state and federal data, therefore local figures seasonally jump following the holiday season and during the summer. The seasonally adjusted rates in June for the US and for Oklahoma were 4.9% and 4.8% respectfully. Over the last 12 months, the US average unemployment rate has been 5.0%, the Oklahoma average is 4.4% and Ada's average is 3.9%.
 
The August sales tax deposit ($1,228,753) was down from August 2015 by 4.8%. The first six months of 2016 saw a slight increase (1.4%) over the same months in 2015. The increase in sales tax collections equates to an additional $2.7m in purchases. Ada was the only Micropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) market in SE Oklahoma that had an increase in sales tax collections for the period. Ardmore had -3.0%, Durant had -0.3%, and McAlester had -2.1%. Ada also completed the fiscal year in June with the highest increase compared to the previous year with a 1.2%. Ada was followed by Durant with a 1.1% increase, McAle ster grew by 0.2% and Ardmore declined by 1.8%.
 
AJF staff drilled down into the retail sectors. Restaurant sales have increased by 13% over the last three years which is an increase of $7.8M. Hotel and Food Service sector overall was one of the largest growth rates for the City of Ada with an increase of 4.6%.

Michael Southard Celebrates 9 Years with AJF
Southard receiving his CEcD designation from Chairman of IEDC, Jeff Finkle (2016)
Michael Southard joined the Ada Jobs Foundation as the President and CEO in 2007 and during his time with the Foundation has been a part of many positive changes in Ada.

While growing up in a small town, a strong interest in community service was instilled in Michael and he has spent his career working in the public and non-profit sectors with the intent to better people's lives.

Will Hearn, SVP for CBRE, is a site consultant out of Atlanta and stated that communities who invest in themselves will most likely be the future project winners. In reference to this comment, Michael shared, "Ada residents bought in to the community vision for Ada and the City Council is implementing the betterment plan. Over the next 8 years, Ada will see a complete metamorphosis in their environment with new park amenities, inviting streets, new public buildings, engaging public spaces, etc. The community has invested to build a better community and will see a prosperous future. I'm glad to be a part of the Ada community." 

David Dickey Wins July #myAda Contest
C ongratulations to the July #myAda photo/video contest winner, David Dickey with Love Built Shop.

David shared what #myAda means to him, "Ada is a great place to start a business and being a part of the ECU Art  Incubator, we're hoping that we can be a part of the community...It's a small town.  There's a lot of good people here." Love Built Shop is located on Blake Shelton Boulevard and makes signs that are shipped all over the world. 

"This photo really depicts Ada's tag line, "Small Town - Big Opportunity". It not only shows a beautiful sunset looking down Main Street, but also highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of the area." stated Michael Southard, President of the Ada Jobs Foundation, "The Ada Jobs Foundation welcomes the custom sign company to the community and to the Arts District."  


The contest is meant to show community pride and open to people who post photos or videos of activities  around town on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram and tag them  #myAda. Entries must be posted by the first of each month and will  be judged on a variety of subjective factors, including their  creativity and positive attitude toward the community. The best entry  each month will win $50, and images may be used in future promotions.
 

Read More... 
Economic Statistics
Ada Jobs Foundation launches new website. Logon to  GrowAda.com 

GrowAda.com
Do you love #AdaOK?
Tag photos/videos
#myAda to win! 

Quick Links