EDMOND — Governor proclaims ‘Thank a Farmer’ Day
In recognition of the 22 million Americans who work on farms or in farm-related jobs, including the 55,000 beef producers here in Oklahoma, Gov. Brad Henry issued a proclamation declaring Nov. 20 as “Thank Your Farmers and Ranchers” day in Oklahoma.
The proclamation notes that the holiday season is a good time to remember that America’s agricultural sector works to provide consumers with safe, wholesome and affordable foods that nourish bodies and create the centerpieces for our traditional family gatherings and celebrations. In fact, the average U.S. farmer now feeds 144 people a day, in the United States and abroad, compared to 46 people in 1960.
Scott Dvorak, chairman of the Oklahoma Beef Council representing 55,000 beef producers, added that many consumers aren’t aware of where their food comes from, since the average American is now three generations removed from farming as a livelihood.
City of Edmond program accepted for Department of Labor apprenticeship
Edmond’s Public Works Department was recently notified by the Department of Labor that its Public Works Field Services was approved for a Registered Apprenticeship program. Edmond’s program is the first journeyman program in the nation for field services professionals in public works.
Edmond’s journeyman training program includes street, water line and wastewater line maintenance divisions. Employees that complete the program will be certified in all three disciplines.
“The Public Works Field Services Department is proud of taking the lead nationally with this outstanding public employee certification program,” said Public Works Director Herb Blomquist. “We believe the program is a trendsetter for other public works departments around the nation.”
Edmond has 28 Field Services employees enrolled in the program. It is a 4.5-year program, that once completed, will earn the employees the journeyman title and a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship.
Love’s makes Forbes’ 2009 list of largest private companies
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores announced it is one of only two Oklahoma-based companies to land on the 200 Forbes Magazine list of America’s largest private companies. The rankings are based on annual revenues from 2008.
This year’s list ranks Love’s at No. 15, a jump from No. 25 last year. Tulsa-based QuikTrip ranked at No. 45.
“We’re proud to be an Oklahoma company, and to share with QuikTrip the honor of being ranked on this list,” said Tom Love, founder and CEO of Love’s. “We have experienced significant and steady growth since our first Love’s location, and we expect that to continue for years to come,” he said.
Love’s has consistently landed on the Forbes list of largest privately held companies since debuting at No. 446 in 2000.
Founded in 1964 by Tom Love, Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is headquartered in Oklahoma City and remains family owned and operated. With more than 200 locations in more than 30 states, Love’s current growth rate is about 15 stores per year.
