Published: March 15, 2008 10:27 pm         

3-16 business briefs

EDMOND — New gift store opens

Hibiscus Gifts & Collectibles is celebrating its grand opening now through March 22.

The store features brands such as Lampe Berger, Waterford and Vera Wang crystal, Boyds Bears, Annalee dolls, Aromatique decorative fragrance, imported bath and body products, Caldrea luxury home care and Crane & Kate Spade stationery. It also has an artisan chocolate and gourmet food sampling every Saturday.

During the celebration, visitors may register to win prizes such as Waterford, Boyds, a Jim Shore figurine and much more.

Hibiscus is just west of Penn at 2204 N.W. 164th St. The store is open Monday through Saturday and stays open late on Thursday evenings. For more information, call 513-8595.



Chesapeake gift means more Big Brothers and Big Sisters for Oklahoma children

A $500,000 gift from Chesapeake Energy Corporation in Oklahoma City to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma will help provide many more mentors for Oklahoma children. The gift of $100,000 per year for five years will support the organization’s Capacity Building Campaign, which includes volunteer recruitment efforts and expenses associated with making new matches between caring adults and children in need of safe, solid role models.

In addition to the company’s financial support, Chesapeake will work with the Oklahoma City office to recruit 150 Chesapeake employees to serve as Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the largest mentoring organization in the United States. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma served almost 2,400 children last year and the national organization served 242,000 children nationwide.



Dressing for success made easy, thanks to local dressbarn

Making a good first impression is a huge contributing factor to landing a job.

“We know how important a job interview is; that is why we partnered with our local Dress for Success affiliate to help disadvantaged women make that first impression a good one,” said Shannon Saunders, district manager for dressbarn in Oklahoma City.

During Dress for Success’s Send One Suit Week, March 30 through April 5, dressbarn stores across the country will collect clothes from customers and donate them to underprivileged women in the local community seeking career development support through Dress for Success.

Local residents are being asked to donate new or gently used suits and other professional apparel to dressbarn in Oklahoma City or any other dressbarn location during Send One Suit Week, March 30-April 5. Each customer who donates during this week will receive a coupon from dressbarn for 15 percent off their total purchase. For more information, call your local dressbarn store at 302-2032, or visit www.dressbarn.com.

Log on to www.dressforsuccess.org to learn more.



Strong February ratings continue growth

KOCO 5’s growth trend and ratings victories continued in the just-completed February ratings competition.

In early evening news, Eyewitness News 5 at 5 p.m. is again No. 1 in its time period, growing audience year to year and up three straight ratings periods. Eyewitness News 5 at 6 p.m. is again No. 1 in its time period, also growing three straight ratings periods. ABC’s World News with Charles Gibson is No. 1 with growth in four straight ratings periods, up 8 percent year to year.



Restaurant gains 15 years of culinary experience

Red Prime Steak is proud to announce Ryan Murphy has joined Chef Robert Black’s culinary team as the Chef de Cuisine.

“Ryan trained under one of Oklahoma’s best chefs and has worked in the kitchens of several Oklahoma restaurants. His 15 years of experience is a great asset to the Red Prime Steak culinary team,” said Red Prime Steak owner Keith Paul.

A graduate of the Coach House Apprenticeship program, Murphy credits his knowledge of cooking from working at several restaurants in the metro area including The Mantel, Deep Fork Grill and The Metro Wine Bar and Bistro.

Red Prime Steak is on North Broadway in downtown Oklahoma City, open daily at 4:30 p.m. For reservations, call 232-2626.



Agriculture grant, loan deadline is April 1

Grant and loan application deadline for the next Oklahoma Agricultural Enhancement and Diversification program is April 1. State agriculture officials are urging all producers with innovative ideas to apply.

Agricultural diversification grants of up to $5,000 are available as well as interest-free loans in three categories: Cooperative Marketing Loans, Marketing and Utilization Loans, and Basic and Applied Research Loans.

Loans may not be used to purchase land, buildings or equipment. Eligible expenses include feasibility studies, business plans, legal expenses, consultant fees, product development and marketing.

Producers interested in either diversifying their current operations or entering some form of value-added or marketing venture are eligible. Producers or producer groups interested in pursuing forms of value-added enterprises or marketing cooperatives are also urged to apply.

Among other things, OAED loans and grants have been used in the development of a variety of agritourism ventures, biofuel projects and food processing businesses.

Applications are available online from the ODAFF at www.oda.state.ok.us by clicking the “Loans” link. For more information, call Harvey at 522-5563. The mailing address is Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, 2800 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105.



Newest elements therapeutic massage studio opens in Warr Acres

Elements therapeutic massage is now open on Northwest Expressway. Ora and Ron Merhib, two local entrepreneurs, have opened Warr Acres’ first elements therapeutic massage studio at 5501 Northwest Expressway, Ste. 5519.

“I am excited to bring this business to the neighborhood,” Ora said. “The community will truly enjoy elements’ professional massage services for years to come.”

Elements therapeutic massage’s certified massage therapists provide customized massage services at a retail price. Franchising since 2006, elements therapeutic massage is growing rapidly with 32 open studios and several new locations opening each month. Other Oklahoma locations include: 1321 N. Bryant Ave. in Edmond and 3533 W. Memorial Rd. in Oklahoma City.

     

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