In July 1999, 19 manufacturers from a five-county area formed the Central Oklahoma Manufacturers' Association. Since that time our membership has grown to 238. Association dues are $50/calendar year (Jan-Dec). The meetings are held every other month (Jan/Mar/May/Jul/Sep/Nov). In each of the months except November, the Association's Board of Directors invites service providers to make presentations on topics of interest to the membership. In May of every other year, the Association hosts the Manufacturer/Vendor Forum where providers of services can touch base with a variety of manufacturers to promote their services. In November of each year, we host a Legislative Forum. In past years, more than a dozen State legislators have accepted our invitation to attend to share their thoughts with and field questions from the membership.
There are seven excellent business reasons for joining or renewing your membership in the Central Oklahoma Manufacturers' Association:
- Impact - At our Legislative Forum meeting last November, the manufacturers brought to the attention of local legislators, several issues currently affecting the profitability of manufacturers, i.e. tort reform. workers' compensation. etc. With 238 members and employees totaling well over 10,000, the Association has become a significant voice with the State Legislature, in shaping future legislation governing the manufacturing community.
- Training - A consortium of several metro-area technology centers will be offering a package of training credits for employees of member companies located within their district. Oklahoma City Community College will continue to make available a I 0% discount on all of their AutoCAD and Six Sigma classes.
- Health Insurance - Members of the Association, with two or more full-time employees, are now eligible to participate in the Oklahoma Manufacturers Health Plan, underwritten by BlueCross & BlueShield of Oklahoma. The potential savings to your company could be substantial. Membership in the Association is required.
- Chamber Membership - The South OKC Chamber of Commerce will reduce their membership dues to manufacturers who join in 2006 by $50, the amount of Association dues.
- Employment Law - The law firm of Lee & Wells. P.C. has agreed to provide legal representation for both "'nonlitigation" and "litigation" matters, each at substantially reduced hourly rates to member companies.
- Marketing - The firm of Talbot Services Corp, is offering complete website assistance at reduced prices to member companies.
- Networking - Time is set aside at the beginning and end of each meeting for manufacturers to exchange information with each other.
These options can be yours by joining or renewing your membership in the Association. For additional information, call Bob Carter @ 405-682-7543 or e-mail him at bcarter@occc.edu.
For more information or to make comments:
Bob Carter
Telephone: (405) 682-7543
Fax: (405) 682-7846
7777 South May Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73159