Ditch Witch works with tech center

Arvest Bank now offers mortgage app

Arvest Bank has released an updated online mortgage platform and a mobile app to give mortgage customers the ability to act quickly in a real estate market marked by low inventory and heightened competition among buyers, the banking company said Wednesday.

Through the Arvest Home4Me mobile app, loan applicants can submit the necessary documents for prequalification in the first few screens of the app. The app populates the data into the system for a loan officer to review. Arvest also uses an online mortgage platform developed by Ellie Mae that allows borrowers to research rates and types of loans and to submit an application electronically.

“It’s important that these self-serve conveniences are available for those who want that option,” said Chris Cooper, Oklahoma Citybase mortgage manager for Arvest. “At the same time though, some customers may still want to tap into the expertise our local mortgage experts can offer. What we’ve really tried to do is create a hybrid approach that allows the consumer to choose what works best for their unique situation.”

Perry-based Ditch Witch has partnered with Meridian Technology Center for a new training initiative designed to help the company fill 45 newly created positions.

The program was funded in part through the Training for Industry program. The initiative is designed to help fill jobs in five manufacturing areas: material handling, machining, welding, painting and assembly.

Meridian Technology Center’s Business and Industry Services team worked with Ditch Witch to develop the customized program. During the nine-week program, those in training were hired on as full-time employees and received a salary and benefits. The primary requirements for getting hired were a steady work history and a desire to work in manufacturing.

The academy’s curriculum includes training in manufacturing fundamentals, welding and other technical skills, safety, computer skills, teamwork and communication skills. The students who completed the program received their OSHA 10, forklift, CPR/FirstAid and National Career Readiness certifications as part of the program.

Financial planner adds to skills

Michael Dunham, president of Oklahoma Citybased Capstone Financial Group Inc., has completed the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor professional designation program, the company said Wednesday.

The certification program is designed to prepare financial professionals for the changing demands of retirement planning. Dunham also is a certified financial planner, a certified pension consultant and a qualified plan financial consultant.

“I believe in going beyond the basic continuing education requirements for financial planners," he said. "This type of program keeps me current and fills in gaps in my understanding of financial planning strategies.”

LSB Industries reports net loss

LSB Industries Inc. on Wednesday reported a third-quarter net loss of $26.1 million, or $1.22 a share, compared to a loss of $17.1 million, or 91 cents a share, in the year-ago quarter.

Net sales increased to $79.8 million, up from $74.1 million in the third quarter of 2017. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was $8.7 million, up from $3.5 million in the year-ago period.

“We generated improved results relative to last year in our seasonally weakest third quarter,” LSB CEO Daniel Greenwell said. “Net sales and adjusted EBITDA increased as a result of stronger pricing across our agricultural and industrial products." Livestock report from the Oklahoma City Stockyards: Receipts: Slaughter Cows: Slaughter Bulls: