Development center to open in OKC
Atlanta-based technology outsourcing firm Rural Sourcing said Thursday it will open a development center in Oklahoma City.
The center is expected to create 150 software development jobs. Company officials said the center will create a more than $7 million investment in the first year into the community.
The new center will be in the Rock Island Plow building, which was chosen for its strategic downtown location and its historical significance. The building was built in 1909 by the Rock Island Railroad Corp. of Chicago and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
“We chose Oklahoma City because it has a rich and diverse talent pool, supportive city leadership, and a tech scene where we can become a catalyst for growth,” Rural Sourcing CEO Monty Hamilton said. “The city also has an abundance of local schools and universities that are willing to partner with us on their software development curriculum so that we can grow the overall technology workforce and further strengthen our position in the marketplace.”
Ellis is among 10 new appointees to the agriculture department’s National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education and Economics Advisory Board. Each will serve a three-year term.
Ellis, officials said, will represent national conservation or natural resource groups, as outlined in the Agricultural Act of 2014.
At the Noble Research Institute, Ellis’ work advocates and promotes benefits of agricultural production focused on stewardship.
“Our success hinges on forming collaborative relationships with other like-minded organizations throughout the agriculture sector to further address challenges that face regional and national agriculture,” Ellis said. “It’s an honor to be selected to represent national conservation and natural resource groups and to continue our national efforts to keep working lands productive and intact for years to come.”
Agencies support child development training
The Community Action Development Corporation (CADC), based in Frederick, and Southwest Community Action Group, based in Altus, have teamed up with Western Oklahoma State College (WOSC) to offer job seekers a way to earn certifications and full-time wages at the same time.
The program will allow apprentices to receive two years of on-the-job training as teaching assistants within Headstart programs. At the same time, those apprentices will attend WOSC in Altus to complete 18 hours of college credit and receive their Child Development Assistant (CDA) Certification.
Both community action agencies will cover the cost for apprentices to attend WOSC and receive CDA certification. Both agencies also have committed to continuing to support apprentices’ education should they decide to continue on past certification to obtain an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in education. WOSC hours gained through the CDA certification are transferrable.
“We are committed to expanding and diversifying apprenticeship throughout our state,” said Jenna Morey, state director of apprenticeship and work-based learning. “Apprenticeship can be a game-changer for Oklahoma employers and for the careers of apprentices and we are excited to see more apprenticeship opportunities take root in southwest Oklahoma.”
Bank7 Corp. names new director
William Buergler has been named a director at Oklahoma City-based Bank7 Corp.
Buergler is a licensed certified public accountant and has more than two decades of accounting and tax experience. He also is senior vice president and chief accounting officer at Chesapeake Energy Corp.
Before joining Chesapeake, Buergler worked for two public accounting firms: Ernst & Young LLP, where he served as a partner from 2009 to 2014 and as a senior manager from 2002 to 2008; and Arthur Andersen LLP, where he served from 1996 to 2002. Buergler has B.S. and M.S. degrees in accounting from Oklahoma State University.
“We are fortunate to have a person of William’s financial background and expertise join us as we continue to grow our company,” Bank7 CEO Thomas L. Travis said.
Two OU Law alumni to be recognized
The University of Oklahoma College of Law will honor two of its alumni, Richard K. Books and Richard A. Grimes, with the Eugene Kuntz Award at the Oklahoma Oil and Gas Reception on Nov. 1, college officials said Thursday.
The award is designed to recognize Books and Grimes’ contributions to the energy industry and to oil and gas law in particular.
“Both are graduates of the OU Law class of 1977, and ever since then, they have worked diligently to advance oil and gas law in Oklahoma,” said OU Law Dean Joseph Harroz Jr. “Their accomplishments and contributions to the legal field render them incredibly deserving of an honor worthy of one of their former law professors and mentors — the great Eugene Kuntz.”
The Eugene Kuntz Award is named for former OU Law dean and oil and gas professor Eugene Kuntz. The award is presented annually in conjunction with the Eugene Kuntz Conference on Natural Resources Law and Policy, the largest conference in the country focusing on oil and gas law.