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  • August 19, 2019 11:38 AM | Ché Loessberg (Administrator)

    OVF September Pitch Presenters

    Wristworld

    What better way to design a toy-line than let kids be the creators?  That’s the idea behind Wristworld, the first product of a new company called Real Tech. Real Tech is a spinoff of Loveworks Leadership, an organization teaching leadership and entrepreneurialism to middle school students.  Real Tech gives middle school students hands-on experience with coding, design and marketing while collaborating with industry professionals to create real products, sold in the real marketplace.

    40% of the sale from each Wristworld product goes back into the program, supporting additional leadership and entrepreneurialism opportunities for more students.  You’ve never seen a product quite like this…because there’s never been a company quite like this. 

  • August 19, 2019 11:28 AM | Ché Loessberg (Administrator)

    Written by Lori Williams

    Loveworks Leadership Guides Middle School Students to Launch Companies 

    Although Michael Hirsch is a seven-time Ironman triathlete, he nearly lost a recent uphill battle. The athlete, who is also the Director of Loveworks Leadership, couldn’t swim, bike, or run his way to New York City. But ten young entrepreneurs in his leadership program needed to get to the International Toy Fair. Not to buy the latest gadget, but to market a product known as Wristworld.  

    These may be the youngest entrepreneurs you’ve ever met. (Yes, they will speak at the September 11 luncheon!) Ranging in age from nine to fifteen years old, these students developed the technology for an augmented reality (AR) wristband and wanted to demonstrate its capabilities at the largest toy fair in the world. But fair officials denied admission to anyone under 18.  

    “For months, the kids petitioned the officials,” recalls Michael Hirsch. “Finally, within a week of the fair opening, a loophole was discovered.” 

    “The kids became the youngest innovators to present at the Toy Fair. Not only that, but representatives from companies like Hasbro and Mattel were very impressed with our students as well as the practical way they utilized AR technology.” 

    Did Hirsch, who started Loveworks Leadership in 2011, expect to see two spinoff companies take shape even as his students realize their potential? “To be completely honest, no!” says Hirsch. “My wife and I say all the time, ‘We can’t believe we’re in the technology business!’” 

    Real Tech is the name of the business; its first product is Wristworld. Real Tech offers middle school students hands-on experience in coding, design and marketing with the goal of creating technology innovations for the marketplace.  

    But before Real Tech, there was Real Kitchen. Of it, Michael has this comment, “My wife and I laugh when we say, ‘We’re in the salsa business.’” But he knows it’s true when he walks into local Crest and Homeland stores and picks up a container of Real Kitchen fresh salsa. Real salsa made by real middle school students in the Loveworks Leadership program.  

    Although Hirsch and his team didn’t set out to launch two spinoff companies in the space of eight years, it is no surprise that Loveworks Leadership principles ignite such entrepreneurial potential in young people. That’s because experiential learning opportunities are at the heart of the Loveworks organization. 

    Through these experiences, middle school students in the Norman area where the organization is headquartered can discover potential, shape stories, affirm ideas and pursue action. They can also learn how to face those uphill battles.  

    “Even when the students heard they couldn’t attend the toy fair, they didn’t give up,” says Hirsch. “There was an obstacle in their way. Overcoming that obstacle will help prepare them for what they face as they move forward.”  

    Moving forward is definitely on the Loveworks schedule. Students in the Norman area who are in the 6th through 8th grade can apply online for the after school leadership program. This fall will also see the launch of Wristworld just in time for the holiday season. (Check the website for sale information.) “None of this would be possible without the selfless business professionals who help us,” says Michael Hirsch. “My wife and I scratch our heads all the time and ask, ‘How do they find the time to give to our organization?’” 

    “Without the volunteer mentors, these students’ stories would not be written.” 

  • August 19, 2019 11:25 AM | Ché Loessberg (Administrator)

     

    Member Highlight: Sarah Dickson, Edmond Economic Development Authority

    Sarah Dickson, APR, is the communications director for the Edmond Economic Development Authority (EEDA). The EEDA exists to offer resources that stimulate the growth of Edmond’s economy by creating and maintaining an optimum environment for both new and existing businesses, offering services that facilitate the growth and expansion of those businesses and generating opportunities to increase the sales tax base of the city of Edmond. Sarah has been with the EEDA for 10 years, serving in multiple communications roles. She is responsible for producing workforce, economic and statistical reports; compiling demographic reports; and managing all communications, including website and social media updates, news releases, annual publication, advertisements and e-newsletters. Sarah is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (OU/EDI), during which she was a Derieth Sutton Legacy Scholarship recipient. She is also a graduate of Leadership Edmond Class XXV and has completed the Francis Tuttle Technology Center Leadership Development Academy. Sarah is an active member of the Public Relations Society of America and recently earned the professional distinction of Accredited in Public Relations, demonstrating broad knowledge, experience and professional judgement in the field. Sarah is also active in the Greater Oklahoma City Partnership, a 10-county regional economic development marketing organization, and is a long-time Edmond Mobile Meals volunteer. Sarah has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma. 

  • August 02, 2019 11:04 AM | Ché Loessberg (Administrator)

    We are eager to begin the 2019-202 session. 

    Oklahoma Venture Forum is a membership-based business organization dedicated to fostering new and existing small business ventures in Oklahoma. Membership in the Oklahoma Venture Forum is essential for any business, organization, group or individual involved in economic development on a local, state or national level.   

    Memberships have helped us accomplish so much. 

    • This year we will be able to once again provide sponsorship of important community events, and contests that share our goals of fostering new and existing business ventures and the entrepreneurial spirit in Oklahoma. 

    • We have developed a new media marketing presence that includes short video interviews, podcasts and other products used to promote, Main Speakers, Pitch Presenters and member growth. 

    • This year we will host main speakers and pitch presentations with topics including Early Development - Teen Founders, The Importance of an Exit, and Managing Multiple Funding Sources. 

    Join Oklahoma business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs for networking, new business opportunities and informative stories of success from all over our great state. Monthly OVF Power Lunches are a great way to meet and learn from each other all while fostering a better business future for Oklahoma. This is the best hour per month anyone can spend in pursuit of opportunity and connection with like-minded professionals.   

    Each OVF Power Lunch offers a combination of peer-to-peer conversation, Pitch Presentations of viable business scenarios (not just potential) and Success Story presentations full of real-world specifics that inform and engage all attending.  

    Along with our monthly Power Lunches, OVF members receive the added value of attending private events, access to the member directory on our website, receiving curated business information via our email newsletter, member spotlights, our podcast/video series and social media mentions along with sponsorship and marketing opportunities.  
    Your highest potential ROI is membership in OVF. 

    Please consider how much more you could do for OVF by becoming a member. 

    If you have any questions about membership options or the renewal process I hope that you will reach out to me, I am always happy to help. 

    Membership Levels & Benefits
  • July 10, 2019 10:49 AM | Ché Loessberg (Administrator)


    Here are some great events you won't want to miss.  

    ________________________________________

    Host Organization: Moore Norman Technology Center

    Event title: Feedback is another F word          

    Event type: Leadership series

    Event date & time: July 18 11:30-1

    Link to registration: https://www.mntc.edu/classes/business-financial-services/featuredbusinessandfinance/growandgo

    ________________________________________

    Event title: Jekyll and Hyde. What’s your leadership personality?

    Event type: Leadership Series

    Event date & time: August 15 11:30-1

    Link to registration: https://www.mntc.edu/classes/business-financial-services/featuredbusinessandfinance/growandgo

    ________________________________________

    Host Organization: Oklahoma Venture Forum

    Location: The Garage & Lounge at 800 

    Event title:  Member Kick-off Event

    Event type:  Membership Mingle

    Event date & time:  August 21st, 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm

    Link to registration: Attend

    ________________________________________

    Host Organization: Moore Norman Technology Center

    Event title:  Leading at the Speed of Trust

    Event type:  Lunch & Learn

    Event date & time:  22 Aug  = 1130A -130P

    Link to registration: https://enrollment.mntc.edu/short-term-classes/lunch-learn-franklin-coveys-leading-speed-trust

    OVF member discount code if available:

    ________________________________________

    Host Organization: Oklahoma Venture Forum

    Event title: OVF Power Lunch "Early Development - Teen Founders"

    Event type:  Success Speaker & Pitch Presentation

    Event date & time:  September 11th, 11:30 am-1:00 pm

    Link to registration:  Attend

    ________________________________________


    Host Organization: Moore Norman Technology Center

    Event title:  4 Essential Roles of Leadership

    Event type:  Workshop

    Event date & time:  20 Sep = 830A -400P

    Link to registration:  https://enrollment.mntc.edu/short-term-classes/franklin-coveys-leading-speed-trust-workshop

    ________________________________________

    Host Organization: Oklahoma Venture Forum

    Event title: OVF After Hours at the BBB of Central Oklahoma

    Event type:  Networking, Speaker & Tour 

    Event date & time:  September 26th, 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm

    Link to registration:  Attend

    ________________________________________

    Host Organization: Oklahoma Venture Forum

    Event title: OVF Power Lunch "The Exit Strategy"

    Event type:  Success Speaker & Pitch Presentation

    Event date & time:  October 9th, 11:30 am-1:00 pm

    Link to registration:  Attend

    ________________________________________



    Host Organization: Moore Norman Technology Center

    Event title:  5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity

    Event type:  Lunch & Learn

    Event date & time:  7 Nov  = 1130A -130P

    Link to registration: https://enrollment.mntc.edu/short-term-classes/lunch-learn-franklin-coveys-5-choices-extraordinary-productivity

    ________________________________________

    Host Organization:   Moore Norman Technology Center (South Penn Campus)

    Event title:  Franklin Covey’s 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity: One Day Essentials

    Event type:  Workshop

    Event date & time:  Friday November 15, 2019               830A – 400P

    Link to registration:  https://enrollment.mntc.edu/short-term-classes/franklin-coveys-5-choices-extraordinary-productive-one-day-essentials

    _____________________________________

    If you have questions about events?

    Please use the link included in each event. 

    Do you have questions about OVF membership?

    Please reach out to me, I am always happy to help.

    Have an event, class, or workshop to Share?

    If you would like to share events, classes or workshops with OVF members please click the Add Me button below and let us know you have something to share.  (Please do not share events, classes or workshops with us until you have received the response email with our preferred submission format)



  • June 21, 2019 1:12 PM | Ché Loessberg (Administrator)


    Incoming Board of Directors for 2019-2020 will extend from
    August 1
    st, 2019 to May 31st, 2020

    OKLAHOMA CITY (June 21, 2019) – Oklahoma Venture Forum announces incoming Board of Directors for the 2019-2020 term. This term will extend from August 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020.

    The Oklahoma Venture Forum is a non-profit organization formed in 1987 to encourage economic development in Oklahoma.  The organization provides opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, and others to exchange ideas and experiences to grow new and existing small businesses.

    The Board of Directors include business professionals from diverse fields in the Oklahoma community. These individuals are:

    • Ryan Butts, Chestnut Street Advisors
    • Ryan Cargill, i2E, Inc.
    • Steve Davis, Insperity
    • Henry Dumas, Moore Norman Technology Center
    • Cindy Friedemann, Metro Technology Centers
    • Maureen Hammond, Norman Economic Development Coalition
    • Jennifer Hankins, Tulsa Regional Chamber
    • Kitt Letcher, BBB Central OK
    • Andrew Pollock, OU Office of Technology Development
    • Michael Schade, Dunlap Codding, P. C.
    • Jim Stengle, OG&E
    • Tom Vaught, Victory Commercial Real Estate
    • Aaron Webster, Cameron Ventures
    • Daniel Will, OSU Research Foundation
    • Richard Wright, Hogan Taylor

    Monthly OVF meetings are a great way to meet and learn from each other all while fostering a better business future for Oklahoma. This is the best hour per month anyone can spend in pursuit of opportunity and connection with like-minded professionals,” explains Kyle Golding, Chairman of Oklahoma Venture Forum.

    The incoming 2019-2020 officers include:

    • James Denton, Arledge & Associates PC, OVF Treasurer
    • Gary Derrick, Derrick & Briggs LLP, OVF Secretary
    • Kyle Golding, The Golding Group, OVF Chairman
    • Brad Rickelman, Meridian Technology Center, OVF Immediate Past Chairman
    • Gary Rosenhamer, Insurica, OVF Past President
    • Danny Slusarchuk, Standards IT LLC, OVF Chairman Elect
    • Henry Duman, Moore Norman Technology, OVF Vice Chairman

    The monthly  OVF Power Lunch is a combination of peer-to-peer conversation, Pitch Presentations of viable business scenarios (not just potential) and Success Story presentations full of real-world specifics that inform and engage all attending” says Che’ Loessberg, Executive Director of Oklahoma Venture. “I am excited about the line-up of subjects this session, and we are getting ready to start in September.”

    Become a member with the Oklahoma Venture Forum at www.ovf.org/Join-OVF. Follow us on iTunes, Spreaker and YouTube for Podcast and videos. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram for news and updates!


  • May 22, 2019 11:16 AM | Ché Loessberg (Administrator)

    Here are some great events you won't want to miss.  

    ________________________________________

    Host Organization: The Mine OKC   TODAY!

    Event title: Final Presentations

    Event type: Presentations of 2 social entrepreneurship projects, reception to follow

    Event date & time: May 22, 2019, 5:30pm

    Link to registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mine-okc-final-presentations-tickets-60764867354

    ________________________________________

    Host Organization: Moore Norman Technology Center

    Event title:  4 Essential Roles of Leadership

    Event type:  Lunch & Learn

    Event date & time:  6 June = 1130A -130P

    Link to registration: https://enrollment.mntc.edu/short-term-classes/lunch-learn-franklin-coveys-4-essentials-roles-leadership

    OVF member discount code if available:

    ________________________________________

    Host Organization:   Moore Norman Technology Center (South Penn Campus)

    Event title:  Franklin Covey’s The 4 Essential Roles of Leadership

    Event type:  Workshop

    Event date & time:  Friday June 21, 2019                     830A – 400P

    Link to registration:  https://enrollment.mntc.edu/short-term-classes/franklin-coveys-4-essential-roles-leadership-workshop

    OVF member discount code if available:  

    ________________________________________

    Host Organization: Moore Norman Technology Center

    Event title:  Leading at the Speed of Trust

    Event type:  Lunch & Learn

    Event date & time:  22 Aug  = 1130A -130P

    Link to registration: https://enrollment.mntc.edu/short-term-classes/lunch-learn-franklin-coveys-leading-speed-trust

    OVF member discount code if available:

    ________________________________________

    Host Organization: Moore Norman Technology Center

    Event title:  4 Essential Roles of Leadership

    Event type:  Workshop

    Event date & time:  20 Sep = 830A -400P

    Link to registration:  https://enrollment.mntc.edu/short-term-classes/franklin-coveys-leading-speed-trust-workshop

    OVF member discount code if available

    ________________________________________

    Host Organization: Moore Norman Technology Center

    Event title:  5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity

    Event type:  Lunch & Learn

    Event date & time:  7 Nov  = 1130A -130P

    Link to registration: https://enrollment.mntc.edu/short-term-classes/lunch-learn-franklin-coveys-5-choices-extraordinary-productivity

    OVF member discount code if available

    ________________________________________

    Host Organization:   Moore Norman Technology Center (South Penn Campus)

    Event title:  Franklin Covey’s 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity: One Day Essentials

    Event type:  Workshop

    Event date & time:  Friday November 15, 2019               830A – 400P

    Link to registration:  https://enrollment.mntc.edu/short-term-classes/franklin-coveys-5-choices-extraordinary-productive-one-day-essentials

    OVF member discount code if available:  

    _____________________________________

    If you have questions about events?

    Please use the link included in each event. 

    Do you have questions about OVF membership?

    Please reach out to me, I am always happy to help.

    Have an event, class, or workshop to Share?

    If you would like to share events, classes or workshops with OVF members please click the Add Me button below and let us know you have something to share.  (Please do not share events, classes or workshops with us until you have received the response email with our preferred submission format)

    ADD ME

  • April 25, 2019 3:17 PM | Ché Loessberg (Administrator)

    Host Organization:   Moore Norman Technology Center (South Penn Campus)

    Event title:  Franklin Covey’s 6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team

    Event type:  Workshop

    Event date & time:  Tuesday April 30, 2019          830A – 400P

    Link to registration:  https://enrollment.mntc.edu/short-term-classes/6-critical-practices-leading-team

    OVF member discount code if available:  

    __________________________________________________


    Host Organization: DD Audio

    Event title: DD Audio #SpeakerSeries Featuring Allison Candelaria, Owner of Soul Yoga

    Event type: Networking, presentation and Q/A about visionary business tactics and innovative approaches to starting or running a small business, personal brand or passion project.

    Event date & time: Thursday, May 2nd, 2019 Time: 5:30pm - 6:00pm Networking Happy Hour & 6:00pm - 7:00pm Q/A with Allison Candelaria, Owner of Soul Yoga hosted by Kyle Golding, CEO of The Golding Group

    Link to registration: http://bit.ly/DDAudioSpeakerSeries3

    OVF member discount code if available: Free event 

    __________________________________________________

    Host organization:  Oklahoma Venture Forum

    Event title: Chairman's Award for Economic Impact presented by Insperity 

    Event type: Awards Luncheon, Keynote speaker Piyush Patel 

    Event date: Wednesday, May 8th, 11:00 a.m. at Oklahoma History Center

    Link to registration: www.ovf.org/Attend-OVF

    ________________________________________

    Host organization: Startup Grind OKC

    Event title: Fireside chat with Robin Roberson (CEO & Co-Founder of WeGoLook)

    Event type: Informative chat, Q&A, networking, and food

    Event date: Tuesday, May 14th @ 6pm

    Link to registration: https://startupgrind.com/oklahoma-city/

    ________________________________________

    Host Organization:   Moore Norman Technology Center (South Penn Campus)

    Event title:  Franklin Covey’s The 4 Essential Roles of Leadership

    Event type:  Workshop

    Event date & time:  Friday June 21, 2019                     830A – 400P

    Link to registration:  https://enrollment.mntc.edu/short-term-classes/franklin-coveys-4-essential-roles-leadership-workshop

    OVF member discount code if available:  

    ________________________________________

    Host Organization:   Moore Norman Technology Center (South Penn Campus)

    Event title:  Franklin Covey’s Leading at the Speed of Trust

    Event type:  Workshop

    Event date & time:  Friday September 20, 2019                830A – 400P

    Link to registration:  https://enrollment.mntc.edu/short-term-classes/franklin-coveys-leading-speed-trust-workshop

    OVF member discount code if available:  

    ________________________________________

    Host Organization:   Moore Norman Technology Center (South Penn Campus)

    Event title:  Franklin Covey’s 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity: One Day Essentials

    Event type:  Workshop

    Event date & time:  Friday November 15, 2019               830A – 400P

    Link to registration:  https://enrollment.mntc.edu/short-term-classes/franklin-coveys-5-choices-extraordinary-productive-one-day-essentials

    OVF member discount code if available:  

    _____________________________________

    If you have questions about events?

    Please use the link included in each event. 

    Do you have questions about OVF membership?

    Please reach out to me, I am always happy to help.

    Have an event, class, or workshop to Share?

    If you would like to share events, classes or workshops with OVF members please click the Add Me button below and let us know you have something to share.  (Please do not share events, classes or workshops with us until you have received the response email with our preferred submission format)


     


  • April 24, 2019 3:39 PM | Ché Loessberg (Administrator)

    Better Business Bureau® of Central Oklahoma, was founded in 1930 and serves over 50 counties in Oklahoma. Through different programs and methods, your BBB serves as a resource for businesses large and small and has adopted a focus of helping businesses grow.  With more programs and resources launching each year now more than ever is the best time to explore accreditation. For more information, visit oklahomacity.bbb.org.



  • April 24, 2019 3:19 PM | Ché Loessberg (Administrator)


    Don't miss this interview with Piyush Patel. Piyush is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the 2019 Chairman's Award for Economic Impact presented by Insperity, that will be held on May 8th at the Oklahoma History Center. Thank you Kyle Golding of The Golding Group.

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkOG1hAJokkICTuJKfqEWcQ

    https://www.spreaker.com/user/ovfokc/ovf-podcast-ep15-piyush-patel

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