The Moore Chamber of Commerce recently recognized several individuals and businesses for their service to the Moore Chamber and the Moore community at its third annual Salute to Excellence Awards Mixer, held at First United Bank.
The Chamber presented seven awards in recognition and appreciation of the winners’ exceptional support to the Moore Chamber and the overall business community including:
• Legacy Award – Helen TeAta Cole, posthumously
• Citizen of the Year – Dr. Robert Romines, Moore Public Schools
• Large Business of the Year – BancFirst
• Small Business of the Year – Hite Digital Norman
• Team of the Year – Norman Regional Health System
• Trailblazer of the Year – Reagan Novak, RaeLuxe Aesthetics
• Rising Star – Ashontay Owens, The Crimson Melt
The Moore Chamber allocates judges outside of the Moore area to be part of the judges panel to select the winners from the nominations. This year, the judges were from Missouri City, Texas; Chetwynd, Canada; Louisville, Kentucky; and Greenville, Ohio.
“The award winners, and all the nominees, were outstanding this year and we appreciate the outside judges taking the time to make those hard decisions,” said Kim Brown, President/CEO of the Moore Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud to be able to honor the much-deserving, remarkable people in the Moore community year after year.”
LEGACY AWARD
Nominations for the highly acclaimed Legacy Award include Betty Doyle from Doyle-Crow and Associates, Dr. Max Venard from Moore Vision Clinic, and Helen TeAta Cole. The Legacy Award for 2024 was given posthumously to Helen TeAta Cole. Accepting the award was Scott Chance, on behalf of her son, Congressman Tom Cole.
Several in the Moore community may not have gotten the opportunity to meet or get to know Helen Cole. However, if one drives through Moore, they may see her name, and of course, many have heard of her son, Congressman Tom Cole.
Tom Cole once referred to his mother’s parenting as “self-sacrificing and ferociously loyal; a remarkable role model.”
“She believed very profoundly in equality for everybody,” said Tom Cole. “She was probably way ahead of her time with that. She didn’t let anybody impose their standards on her or their limitations. She would say, ‘Just because you think a woman can’t do this, I don’t think that and I’m going to show you that I can.’ She reveled in that, quite frankly. I think she liked being underestimated, and she was.
“She never felt sorry for herself, no matter what happened in her life,” Tom Cole continued. “She dealt with her share of tragedy like we all do, but she didn’t let it get her down. She always came out on the other side stronger.”
Helen TeAta Gale Cole was born half Chickasaw and half Choctaw in Tishomingo, Oklahoma in 1922. She served for more than nine years in the Oklahoma State Senate, where she was the first Native American woman ever elected to Oklahoma’s State Senate and six years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, and was the mayor of Moore, Oklahoma.
She was well known for her fight against drug and alcohol addictions as well as her efforts as a member of the State Ethics Commission to raise the bar of behavior for state officials.
Helen Cole began her political career by running for office in 1976, which was the only time she was ever defeated. In 1978, she ran again, won, and began an 18-year career in public service.
One year after retiring from the Senate, Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating appointed her to co-chair a statewide task force on issues related to drug and alcohol addictions. Later that same year, she was also appointed to the State Ethics Commission by Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Yvonne Kauger.
Her grandfather, Thomas Benjamin Thompson, was the last elected Treasurer of the Chickasaw Nation before statehood. She is also the niece of TeAta, a famed Chickasaw storyteller.
Tom Cole shared what he felt inspired his mother.
“I think of where she came from – not a lot of opportunity and never had a college education,” Tom Cole added. “And yet, she became the mayor of the City of Moore, was a three-time House member, a three-time State Senator, and friend of Presidents of the United States. That tells me you can do anything – against all odds.”
The Legacy Award is a highly distinguished award that recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond over a span of years to serve the community and help others. The award is given to someone who consistently demonstrates success by improving the business and economic climate, and the quality of life for Moore residents. The award is bestowed to an active champion for Moore, a true advocate for positive change and growth in the community.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
This year’s Citizen of the Year is Dr. Robert Romines. Superintendent of Moore Public Schools, Romines is a product of Moore Public Schools and the Moore community. He was born and raised in Moore and comes from a long line of educators. Both his grandmother and grandfather Fugate were Moore educators. His father, Rusty Romines, was a teacher and coach within the district for many years.
Romines began his career as an elementary teacher in 1994, then became a principal in 1998. In 2008, he was promoted to Director of Elementary Education and was appointed as the Assistant Superintendent responsible for Personnel and Elementary Education in 2010.
In 2008, Romines became the Director of Elementary Education and in 2010, was selected as the Assistant Superintendent, responsible for Personnel and Elementary Education. In 2013, Romines became the Superintendent of Moore Public Schools.
Romines has been a staunch advocate for mental and emotional health. He has led important conversations with students, staff, and his administrative team to develop a districtwide initiative for mental and emotional health. Romines has led through many tragedies, from weather-related, mental/emotional health concerns, and other events that resulted in the loss of student and/or staff members’ lives, throughout his term as Superintendent.
Under Romines’ leadership, the school district has been able to implement many initiatives for the betterment of the district and its students, which include FEMA rated storm shelters on every campus; safety and security measures on every campus; mental health professionals staffed throughout the district; college and career readiness centers in all three high school campuses; and the growing and impactful Moore Love campaign, which brings leadership and philanthropic quantities throughout the district. Currently, he is developing “Building Bridges” in cooperation with the Moore Public School Foundation and Bridges of Norman, which will bring housing to homeless students.
“It is extremely clear the level of passion Romines has for his district,” said Kim Brown, President/CEO of the Moore Chamber. “He owns it, he’s proud of it and he has literally put in sweat and tears to maintain it. Moore is lucky to have him at the helm.”
“I stand on the shoulders of giants,” said Romines as he accepted his award.
The Citizen of the Year award is given to a current or former chamber member, business owner, senior officer, or community leader who has, over the course of his or her career, demonstrated a long-term commitment to the Moore area and its business community. The winner must be a citizen in the Moore area and involved in growing the community through their vision and leadership; demonstrate commitment to voluntary service; and display high ethical and personal integrity.
LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Nominees for the Large Business of the Year were BancFirst, Baker Brothers Electric, First United Bank, and Oklahoma Natural Gas. BancFirst was named this year’s Large Business of the Year.
Starting as Exchange Bank back 1963, BancFirst has been a part of the Moore community for several years. They are vested in the community and proudly serve their clients’ financial needs but also through their volunteer work.
With two locations in Moore, they have been able to provide services to multiple areas of Moore. Their staff are friendly and are visible in the community. Many live locally and have invested their personal time in making the Moore community a better place.
“They strive to meet each customer wherever they may be on their journey,” said Brown. “They work every day to earn the reputation as a financial partner that can be relied on for ethical, honest, and inclusive dealing. Above all else, BancFirst is ‘Loyal’ to its community.”
“I love the BancFirst culture, and all that we can do in our community to serve you,” said Marlene Wood, President, BancFirst Moore, as she accepted BancFirst’s award.
The Large Business of the Year is given to a business that has been in operation for at least five (5) years; is in good standing of the Moore Chamber; is a “for-profit” business with 50 or more employees in the Moore area; shows growth through revenue and creation of jobs; demonstrates innovation in products and services; shows volunteerism of employee base; and demonstrates economic support of the Moore area business community.
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
The long list of nominees for the Small Business of the Year award this year included Michelle’s Destinations, Cavnar Insurance Agency, A New Beginning Florist, Showplace Market, Hite Digital Norman, Seda Real Estate Group at Keller Williams Green Meadow, Nosh by Catering Creations, Clear View Insurance, Light Alive Marketing, Red Star Consulting, and Seda Law Firm. The 2024 Small Business of the Year is Hite Digital Norman.
Dedicated to the education and development of their people and clients, Hite Digital embodies the small business and entrepreneurial spirit. In 2023, Hite Digital launched a FREE local listings platform for Moore, Norman and South OKC area businesses to have access to tools, such as a website and review automations, because they saw a need in the market for business owners who can’t afford traditional marketing budgets.
The entire team is committed to serving the Moore and area business community with good stewardship of resources, education, and a relationship with marketers they can trust.
“We live, work and play in this community are proud to be a small business in this area,” said Amy Singleton, owner of Hite Digital Norman, as she accepted the award. “Our goal is to connect the community.”
The Small Business of the Year is awarded to a business that has been in operation for at least five (5) years; is a member in good standing of the Moore Chamber; is a “for profit” business with fewer than 50 employees in the Moore area; shows growth through revenue and creation of jobs; demonstrates innovation in products and services; shows volunteerism of employee base; and demonstrates economic support of the Moore area business community.
EMPLOYEE/TEAM OF THE YEAR
Nominees for Team of the Year included Moore Norman Technology Center, Aleta Wheelbarger with Moore Monthly, Andy Sherrer with First United Bank, the Moore Police Department’s Community Service Unit, Norman Regional Health System, and South-Central Court Appointed Special Advocates of Oklahoma. This year the Team of the Year award was awarded to Norman Regional Health System.
Norman Regional Health System employs over 3,000 “healers” and has more than 350 credentialed physicians on staff throughout their system. They serve the communities of Cleveland County as well as portions of McClain County.
Norman Regional Health System is passionate about giving back to its community.
“This was evident in Moore as they went into protect and serve mode in 2013 and didn’t let the destruction of their Moore facility impede their service to the community,” said Brown.
From the new Moore Medical Center with the impactful Sanctuary sculpture, the expansion of the HealthPlex on Tecumseh Road in Norman, to the NEW Norman 9 Medical Center, Norman Regional Health System is working tirelessly to reach every aspect of the community’s needs.
Norman Regional is an inspiration with their community giving as well as outreach within the system. From the “Little Smiles” program that provides free dental services to children and the “Boo to the Flu” vaccinations every October, to the “Kids are Special People,” which educates elementary students each year on health and wellness, Norman Regional inspires future healers in Cleveland County through continuous educational funding. Norman Regional has also partnered with the Meals on Wheels program and Feed the Children, as well as established an internal Food Pantry to help patients that may have food insecurities. There are even departments that help with the Moore Chamber Foundation’s Fill the Bus each year. Norman Regional’s giving spirit and dedication to their community is endless.
“Our mission is to heal you, your family, your loved one, and to heal a community when the time is upon us,” said Richie Splitt, CEO of Norman Regional Health System, as he accepted the award. “We are happy to stand in that gap between the hurt and the healing.”
The Employee/Team of the Year is awarded to an employee or team at a business that is in good standing with the Moore Chamber; is a full-time employee(s) with accomplishments occurring during the previous calendar year; and demonstrates community involvement and/or makes civic contributions.
TRAILBLAZER OF THE YEAR
Trailblazer of the Year nominees were Dyndi Gibson with McGraw Realtors; Angel Melvin with Light Alive Marketing, Karinda Polk with Perfect Peace Physical Therapy; Reagan Novak with Raeluxe Aesthetics; Roberto Seda with Seda Law Firm PLLC, and Ray Delgado and Blanca Guerrero with Tacologia Fine Tacos. The 2024 Trailblazer of the Year is Reagan Novak of RaeLuxe Aesthetics.
“Starting a small business isn’t easy, especially building one shortly after the pandemic,” said Brown. “However, Novak has taken the world by storm as she continues to build her business with some pretty audacious goals.”
Novak is originally from Moore; she started her career off as an elementary teacher and has become a small business owner, which truly shows the courage of a Moore Lion. Of course, being a Lion is also about making a difference in the community. Novak has done so by taking an active interest in supporting local charities such as Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity and working with school organizations to create partnerships with local businesses to build a better foundation for all.
Novak strives to continue her passion of making others feel beautiful and more confident in their skin, while teaching self-love and self-care to her clients. After a treatment with ReaLuxe, a customer feels more confident in their skin, has a fully recharged spirit, has low levels of stress, and feels ready to take on whatever life throws at them.
“She is making her community feel more relaxed and feel more confident, one facial at a time,” added Brown.
“It has been the best decision of my life to make this career change,” said Novak as she accepted her award.
The Trailblazer of the Year award is given to a local entrepreneur, business, or service provider that has been in operation for three years or less; is a member in good standing of the Moore Chamber; demonstrates involvement in the engagement, development, and growth of entrepreneurship; and makes a positive impact on entrepreneurship or small business activity in the community.
RISING STAR
Nominees for the Rising Star this year were Nick Pokorny with the Cleveland County Republican Party; Humanity Hospice; Ashontay Owens with The Crimson Melt; and Shelly Ramirez with Michelle’s Destinations. The winner of the 2024 Rising Star award was Ashontay Owens with Crimson Melt.
From opening day to now, Owens has hit the ground running in Moore. Opening a restaurant isn’t easy – and opening a unique, somewhat boutique-styled, restaurant creates its own set of challenges. However, the model that Owens and his team have created at The Crimson Melt is one that is synonymous with the mindset of Moore, “paying it forward.” Owens displays this daily – from having a fundraising campaign for pediatric cancer, raising funds for school lunch debt, to forming a 501c3 called “Folds of the Flame Foundation”, which spotlights first responder suicide prevention and supports their families.
Owens is a retired United States Air Force Fire Chief who has a fervent understanding of what it means to “serve the people.” From being a member of the armed forces, a firefighter, and now a restaurant operator, he exudes all the core values of being a hero in his community.
“By actively engaging in these initiatives, Owens and the team at The Crimson Melt have become a catalyst for creating positive change within the community, fostering goodwill, building relationships, and making a lasting impact that extends far beyond the core business of serving gourmet grilled cheese and milkshakes,” said Brown.
“It is one thing to have a dream; it is another to put it into motion,” said Owens as he accepted his award.
The Rising Star award is given to an individual based on his or her service and involvement in the Moore area, an initiative in seeking and fulfilling leadership roles throughout the community, displays professionalism in their field of work, and has a vision and passion to mentor and lead others.
The Moore Chamber thanks all its sponsors for the event including premier sponsor — First United Bank; executive sponsor – Moore Norman Technology Center; advocate sponsor – BancFirst; reception sponsor – Oklahoma Natural Gas; and associate sponsors – Norman Regional Health System, Oklahoma Electric Cooperative/OEC Fiber, The Hairy Paw Inn, and Weaver Clinics.
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