McDonald's tests fresh beef in Tulsa

NEW YORK — McDonald's says it is using fresh beef in another burger at seven Tulsa restaurants, the latest test by the chain to swap out frozen beef as it seeks to improve the image of its food.

The company says the new burger, called Archburger, is being tested in seven McDonald's restaurants in Tulsa. McDonald's held similar tests for fresh beef Quarter Pounders for about a year before announcing in March that it would roll it out to most of its 14,000 restaurants by the middle of this year.

McDonald's says the latest test is limited, and is seeking feedback from customers.

At a sixth of a pound, McDonald's says the fresh beef patties used in the Archburger are slightly smaller than those used in the Quarter Pounder.

Workers' Comp agency clarifies roles

The Workers’ Compensation Commission has voted to adopt an updated organizational chart, and change the names of an internal division and a working group.

The first of these improvements is changing the division name of Insurance Services to Permitting Services.

Commission Chairman Mark Liotta said the agency regularly gets calls about obtaining workers' compensation coverage. "The WCC does not issue, regulate or involve ourselves in any way with the purchase or selling of insurance.”

The newly named Permitting Services Division is a regulatory arm of the commission, Liotta said. "Among other regulatory functions, it analyzes applications for individual companies or groups who wish to selfinsure, or offer third-party administration, and either issues or denies permits or certificates," he said.

The commission was created as an administrative agency to replace the former Workers’ Compensation Court.

Additionally, the working group previously known as “Form 3” will now be termed Case Commencement.

"This group processes all forms or initiatives through which a workers’ compensation case is commenced," Liotta said. "Their logical name is Case Commencement, and we have made that change.”

Cattle Raisers to meet in Fort Worth

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association on Tuesday announced details of its annual Cattle Raisers Convention and Expo, to be held March 22-25 at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

The expo is the largest ranching event of the year in the Southwestern United States. It will feature programs and activities of interest to cattle raisers, landowners and the general public, with opportunities for everyone to participate.

“If you own land or livestock in Texas or the Southwest, the Cattle Raisers Convention is an excellent investment of your time,” association President Richard Thorpe said.

This year will feature more than 250 booths offering an array of ranching supplies, services, jewelry, clothing, local food and more. For the first time ever, the Expo will also include an indoor shooting range, where attendees can test a wide selection of firearms.

Industry experts will also be on hand for a variety of information sessions on current issues that have a direct impact on cattle raisers, landowners and consumers. Included in these sessions will be updates on federal and state legislation, NAFTA and international trade, changing consumer preferences, and efforts to reform Texas’ eminent domain laws.

Much more is on the agenda, and registration

is open. Visit www.CattleRaisersConvention.com for more information and to register to attend. Discounts are available for early registrants.

AAON Inc. to give bonuses to employees

TULSA — AAON Inc. said Tuesday that personnel employed by AAON on Jan. 1, excluding officers, will receive a $1,000 bonus in recognition of the new tax reform law.

AAON employs about 2,000 individuals at its Tulsa and Longview, Texas facilities.

CEO Norman H. Asbjornson said the bonuses "commemorate the passing of this historic, economystimulating tax reform law."