AJF July 2016 Newsletter

July 2016

Wind Farm Coming to Johnston County

Western Oklahoma Wind Farm (source: dolese.com)

A wind farm is being planned near the Johnston-Murray County line. Virginia based Apex Clean Energy is the company heading up local development known as the Diamond Spring project. Apex has already entered into an agreement to lease 12,000 acres privately owned by the Bergen Ranch, but is looking to double that total. Apex hopes to have at least some of the planned 264 turbines operational and generating power some time in 2017.

The project will financially benefit the county through the additional valuation and tax revenues the wind farm is expected to generate.

July Results in Jobs and Investment

Upon recommendation by the Ada Jobs Foundation, the Ada City Council dedicated economic development funding to two projects that will result in jobs and investment for the community.

Lovera Grocery
At the beginning of the month, the Ada City Council, using proposition 2 funds to promote economic development, dedicated funding to aid a local manufacturer and improve the facilities at Pontotoc Technology Center.
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East Central Water institute
The East Central University Water Institute is an economic driver for the community adding jobs and investment, and is a step to develop a "water cluster" built around natural resources, university and EPA research, economic development, and private sector innovation. The water cluster will involved the areas of drilling, testing, researching, and policy that could become a state and regional hub for water issues.

Much Accomplished by Outgoing AJF Board Members!

Board Chair Transitions from Lucas Clark to Kenny Howard


Board Chair Lucas Clark and AJF President Michael Southard thank Lavonda Jones and Chad Lancaster for their service to the board.

With the new fiscal year, the Ada Jobs Foundation welcomed new members to the AJF Board of Directors while others were thanked for their service as they rotated off of the Board.

"It has been a pleasure wo rking with Lavonda Jones, Chris Anoatubby, and Chad Lancaster." said Michael Southard, CEO of the Ada Jobs Foundation, "Through the board's leadership, Ada has experienced four consecutive record highs in retail sales tax collections. In addition there areseveral projects we hope to announce in the near future that are a result of board initiatives and their direction"


AJF President Michael Southard and outgoing Board Chair Lucas Clark present incoming Board Chair Kenny Howard with gavel.

The Ada Jobs Foundation accomplished much during the three year tenure of the outgoing board members, including the creation of over 350 new jobs, the investment of over $180M in private capital, the establishment of Ada's retail incentive program, the creation of a target industry study, overseeing a community visioning process, and the implementation of a community economic development plan.

Aubrey Proctor Wins June #myAda Contest

Congratulations to the June #myAda photo/video contest winner, Aubrey Proctor.

Aubrey says, "Having lived in bigger cities, there's something so beautiful about having a smaller community of people to support, get to know and create with. I'm a small business owner and believe we're all in this together. Take time to get out, go to the farmers market, eat at a local cafe, shop our unique stores, and be apart of this rad community of awesome people. And when you do, document it and #myada because you could win $50...win win."

"We're excited there is so much participation from the community to share images," stated Michael Southard, President of the Ada Jobs Foundation, "Ada grows entrepreneurs and we appreciate how this month's winner depicted entrepreneurship starting at a young age."

The contest continues in July and August and is 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.

internAda Meet and Great

internAda participants gathered on July 7 to meet one another and enjoy live music, food trucks, and more at East End Eats.


Interns gather for Meet and Greet Social

internAda is a community wide summer internship program organized by the Ada Jobs Foundation (AJF) for college students and is designed to help meet the needs of area employers by attracting workforce in degree programs not available locally.

For more information about the internAda program contact Sandra Stevenson at [email protected]