ONE OF A KIND

People, attractions and dining showcase city’s

unique flair

COLORFULINSPIRATION

Art scene casts a lasting impression

Fun in the SunFirst-rate outdoor activites bring

sportsmen and families to the area

2014 | SPONSORED BY GREATER MUSKOGEE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MUSKOGEE livability.com/muskogee

OKLAHOMA

Tourism Information:310 W. Broadway Muskogee, OK 74401(918) 682-2401www.muskogeechamber.org

Economic Development Information:P.O. Box 2819 Muskogee, OK 74402(918) 682-7887www.muskogeedevelopment.org

Muskogee is …

Livin’ Right. Bein’ Free.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

VISITMUSKOGEE.COM

Home of a castle, a submarine and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame

Home to the International Port of Muskogee

One of the state’s largest manufacturing cities

Retail Development Information:310 W. Broadway Muskogee, OK 74401(918) 682-2401www.muskogeechamber.org

The regional retail hub

One of the top 10 most affordable cities

Oklahoma’s capital for motorcycle tourism

Tourism Information:310 W. Broadway Muskogee, OK 74401(918) 682-2401www.muskogeechamber.org

Economic Development Information:P.O. Box 2819 Muskogee, OK 74402(918) 682-7887www.muskogeedevelopment.org

Muskogee is …

Livin’ Right. Bein’ Free.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

VISITMUSKOGEE.COM

Home of a castle, a submarine and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame

Home to the International Port of Muskogee

One of the state’s largest manufacturing cities

Tourism Information:310 W. Broadway Muskogee, OK 74401(918) 682-2401www.muskogeechamber.org

Economic Development Information:P.O. Box 2819 Muskogee, OK 74402(918) 682-7887www.muskogeedevelopment.org

Muskogee is …

Livin’ Right. Bein’ Free.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

VISITMUSKOGEE.COM

Home of a castle, a submarine and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame

Home to the International Port of Muskogee

One of the state’s largest manufacturing cities

2 MUSKOG EE

L IvABIL IT Y.COM/MUSKOG EE 3 2 MUSKOG EE

CONTENTS

Things to Do12 Attractions One of a Kind People, attractions and dining showcase city’s unique flair

16 Activities Fun in the Sun First-rate outdoor activities bring sportsmen and families to the area

20 Local Favor Take a Bite Diverse local flavor entices food lovers

22 Arts & Culture Colorful Inspiration Art scene casts a lasting impression

24 Sports & Recreation Going Places Residents can play at several recreation facilitiesOn The Cover River Country Water Park Photo by Michael Conti

12

9 Welcome to Muskogee An introduction to the community

MUSKOGEEOKLAHOMA

2014 EDITION VOLUME 9

http://www.connorsstate.edu.md

CONTENTS

Living 28 Community Leaders Agents of Change City’s leaders taking AIM at improving Muskogee’s quality of life

32 Education Schools of Thought Muskogee schools begin early to train ready and willing workforce

35 Health Doctor’s Orders Residents have access to many medical locations

37 Community Profile

Business40 Business Overview Made Here Muskogee: A regional center for manufacturing

42 Working Here Home Grown Entrepreneurs find success in their own backyard

47 Chamber Letter Keeping It Real

48 Economic Profile

All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

28

Greg Gaither Financial Advisor

600 Emporia, Suite D Muskogee, OK 74401 918-687-4786

Angie Cantrell Sr BOA

600 Emporia, Suite D Muskogee, OK 74401 918-687-4786

Carolyn Daniel BOA

600 Emporia, Suite D Muskogee, OK 74401 918-687-4786

YOU CAN TAKE IT

WITH YOU

One Of a Kind

People, attractions and

dining showcase city’s unique flair

COLORfUL

inSPiRaTiOnArt scene casts a

lasting impression

Fun in the Sunfirst-rate outdoor activites bring

sportsmen and families to the area

2014 | SPOnSORed by GReaTeR MUSKOGee aRea ChaMbeR Of COMMeRCe

muskogee livability.com/muskogee

oklahoma

Read the digital edition on your tablet or phone.

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Music

TAKE A TOURSee who’s inducted in the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.livability.com/muskogee/ok/attractions

Muskogee residents proudly showcase their heritage. See more historical attractions at livability.com/muskogee/ok/attractions.

LOvE MUSKOGEE?Share the digital version of this magazine, or grab a widget and post it on your site or blog.livability.com/muskogee/ok/magazine

History

MORE ON MUSKOGEE Go to the links below for more articles and photos about Muskogee’s business climate, recreation, food, schools, health care, culture and more.

TOP EMPLOYERS livability.com/muskogee/ ok/business

DEMOGRAPHICS livability.com/muskogee/ ok/facts

SCHOOLS livability.com/muskogee/ ok/schools

HEALTHCARE livability.com/muskogee/ ok/health

NEIGHBORHOODS livability.com/muskogee/ ok/living

ATTRACTIONS livability.com/muskogee/ ok/attractions

FOOD livability.com/muskogee/ ok/food

Index

DON’T MISS A THINGSee Muskogee and more great images from around the area.livability.com/muskogee/ok/photos-videos

Photos

facebook/livability livability.com @livability

Livability.com/muskogee is a part of Livability.com, a collection of America’s best places to live & visit

ONLINE | livability.com/muskogee

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Five Civilized Tribes MuseuM 1101 Honor Heights Dr. Muskogee, ok 74401 918-683-1701 • www.5tribes.org

open yeAr rounD: Mon.-Fri.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. sat: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

2014 events:

• student Art show

• Art under the oaks Art show and Festival

• Five tribes story Conference (Winner of oHC project of the year 2013)

• Masters Art show

Three rivers MuseuM 220 elgin • Muskogee, ok 74401 918-686-6624 www.3riversmuseum.com www.facebook.com/3riversmuseum open: Wed.-sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

ThoMas-ForeMan hisToriC hoMe 1419 W. okmulgee Muskogee, ok 74401 918-682-6938 www.thomas-foremanhistorichome.com www.facebook.com/ thomas-Foreman-Historic-Home

open: Fri-sat.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

L IvABIL IT Y.COM/MUSKOG EE 9

AT A GLANCE

A crossroads of culture, commerce and lifestyles, Muskogee evokes a sense of pride in residents. Viewed by many as a burly, bootstrapping place, this town brought together cowboys and Indians, outlaws and lawmen, even hippies and manly men. Okie Nation is a place where it’s hip to be real, and there’s no better place to be real than Muskogee.

REAL FUNThe city’s festivals reflect

residents’ fun-loving nature. Events like the Soul Food Cook-Off, Bare Bones Film Festival and Cardboard Boat Regatta unify the town in the pursuit of a good time. Parks, lakes, and golf courses provide opportunities for adventures, while theaters, casinos and restaurants create a sophisticated and entertaining atmosphere. Attractions such as the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and the USS Batfish submarine honor the past.

REAL BUSINESSMuskogee businesses command

access to major markets throughout North America. Located near three highways, Interstate 40 and three major rivers, Muskogee is strategically placed for trade. An educated and motivated workforce provides well-trained employees to a variety of companies. More than 220,000 people live within a 30-minute drive of the city, and local businesses report that 60 percent of sales are made to people who live outside the city limits.

REAL ORIGINALMuskogee’s historic homes

and buildings remain treasured pieces of the past, yet they hold modern restaurants and stores. In Muskogee, Native American traditions are celebrated, individualism is applauded and creativity is cherished.

Muskogee, OKA QUICK, COMPREHENSIvE OvERvIEW OF WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

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MUSKOGEECOUNTY

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce

310 West Broadway Muskogee, OK 74401 Phone: (918) 682-2401 Fax: (918) 682-2403

www.visitmuskogee.com

LOCATIONMuskogee is in northeastern Oklahoma, about 50 miles southeast of Tulsa and 50 miles west of the Oklahoma-Arkansas state line.

POPULATION

38,981

ANNUAL RAINFALL

43”

DISTANCES TO THREE MAJOR CITIES NEARBY

Oklahoma City, Ok., 140 miles Little Rock, Ark., 227 miles Dallas, Tx., 234 miles

TIME ZONECentral

National Average: 30”

Bare Bones Film Festival named one of

the Top 10 Film Festivals by Livability.com

ACCOLADE

Muskogee

History

SEE TRIBAL ART

Explore Native American culture at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, which focuses on preserving the art, history and culture of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole tribes.

Motorcycling

HIT THE ROAD

Get on your motorcycle and ride throughout the biker-friendly Muskogee region. Need a map? Pick up a Motorcycle Ride Guide that details five scenic trips in eastern Oklahoma totaling more than 700 miles at the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce.

Water Park

TAKE THE PLUNGE

Haul the family to River Country Water Park, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day with attractions like an inner tube river, Crawdad Corner for younger children and the Whoop’n Holler Hollow with two large, thrilling water slides.

Theater

CATCH A SHOW

Mosey into downtown Muskogee for a film festival, live concert or play at the Roxy Theater. The building first opened in 1946 and retains an old-Hollywood feel with art deco glass and tile. The exterior features a 1940s neon sign.

THINGS TO DOMuskogee’s must-do attractions, activities and dining

Fish at Three ForksGrab your fishing pole and reel in a catch at Three Forks Harbor & Marina. The River Center, a 10,000- square-foot multipurpose venue hosts an array of community and private events, including fishing tournaments.

10 MUSKOG EE

Festival

EAT WITH HENRY VIII

Go back in time to all things medieval at the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival. The event occurs every weekend in May at the Castle of Muskogee, with activities such as a Queen’s tea, Scottish party and King’s Feast with Henry VIII.

Outdoor Activities

FIND SOME CARDBOARD

Head to the pier at Three Forks Harbor to compete in the River Rumba Regatta, a cardboard boat race occurring over two days in late August. A Friday night party is followed by all the racing on Saturday morning.

Racing

START YOUR ENGINES

Get in on the intense racing action at Outlaw Motor Sports, where stock car events are staged Saturday nights from April to October. Racing divisions at the 3/8-mile dirt oval include street stocks, modifieds and super stocks.

THINGS TO DO

Volleyball

GET FILTHY

Wear very casual clothing if you choose to participate in the raucous Mudstock, a mud volleyball tournament held in Muskogee each summer. Volleyball teams compete in 2 feet of soft, sticky mud to raise money for charities.

Break a LegMake plans to attend performances at the Muskogee Little Theatre, whose troupe has presented plays since 1980. Each season begins in July and includes three to seven plays, plus a Young Actors Studio and Kids Summer Camp.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN HASLER PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN HASLER

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PEOPLE, ATTRACTIONS AND DINING, SHOWCASE CITY’S UNIQUE FLAIR

People who visit Muskogee often try to take a little piece of it home with them. From unique attractions to one-of-a-kind dining, Muskogee’s charms can’t be found anywhere else.

THINGS TO DO

OneKindof a

12 MUSKOG EE

BASS REEVES LEGACY TROUPEFor starters, everyone here

is justifiably proud of the city’s heritage. So much so, that one group works regularly to keep Muskogee’s history very much a part of its present. The Bass Reeves Legacy Troupe tells the story of Bass Reeves, the first African-American U.S. deputy marshal who lived and worked west of the Mississippi, and eventually served in the city’s police department until his death in 1910. The troupe also highlights other trailblazing locals, such as Alice Robertson, Oklahoma’s first U.S. Congresswoman, says troupe member Jonita Mullins.

“It fulfills a passion of mine,

which is sharing Oklahoma’s great history,” Mullins says. “We enjoy telling these stories, so that more people can learn about who these people were, and how many of them came to be world renown.”

USS BATFISHMuskogee is proud to honor its

servicemen and women at War Memorial Park, and there you’ll find a submarine? Yes, the park’s home to the USS Batfish, launched in 1943 and holder of multiple awards and citations, as well as more memorabilia and history in the nearby museum and 8 acres of parkland.

“It does surprise people that it’s

“It does surprise people that it’s here, and it’s not a little one. It’s 300 feet long, and we offer self-guided tours through the submarine itself, as well as through our museum and the grounds.”

RICK DENNIS, PARK MANAGER OF THE BATFISH

A Walk Through Another TimeActors such as Jonita Mullins from the Bass Reeves Legacy Troupe perform stories highlighting local icons including Bass Reeves and Alice Robertson.

L IvABIL IT Y.COM/MUSKOG EE 13 12 MUSKOG EE

several recipes that claim to be “almost” it. But they’re not, because the ingredients have been a closely held secret for more than 40 years, says Darren Kilpatrick, owner.

“It was an accident,” he says. “They were trying to make a new salad dressing and were testing it on chips. They didn’t like it for salads, but it was great on chips, so that’s how it was born.”

As for efforts to copy the sauce, Kilpatrick says “let ‘em try.”

“Everybody thinks they have the recipe, but they really don’t,” he says. “It’s very unique, and there are items in there you can’t get out of the grocery store. You can kind of match it, but you can’t get true to what it really is.”

That pretty much sums up Muskogee: You can copy it, but you can’t duplicate it.

by Joe Morris by staff photographer

Michael Conti

SNAPSHOT

Paul’s Diner serves its famous

trashcan scrambles with gravy.

here, and it’s not a little one,” says Park Manager Rick Dennis of the Batfish. “It’s 300 feet long, and we offer self-guided tours through the submarine itself, as well as through our museum and the grounds.”

ONE-OF-A-KIND DININGThen there’s Muskogee’s

restaurant scene, which quickly demonstrates why this is a very good place to be hungry.

Take Paul’s Diner, where you’ll find the famous trashcan scrambles: bacon, sausage, hash browns, eggs, cheese, gravy and more, all scrambled together for a taste that brings people back again and again. If that doesn’t fill you up, stroll on over to Chet’s, where the addictive hot dogs and fixings have remained unchanged since the 1950s.

Have room for more? Then don’t miss the white sauce at Hamlin’s El Toro. It’s so good that a Google search turns up

Muskogee was named one of 12 Distinctive

Destinations for 2011 by the National Trust for

Historic Preservation

ACCOLADE

Honor Those Who Helped Keep Our Country SafeThe War Memorial Park and Museum in Muskogee honors the past by paying tribute to servicemen and women who served in World War II. The 300-foot USS Batfish is the park’s main attraction, and visitors can take self-guided tours through the submarine and grounds. The park also features a museum that showcases other WWII submarines, memorabilia, photographs and artifacts. visitors can also walk through a series of bronze stands honoring more than 3,500 sailors and 52 submarines that were lost during the war.

LIVING

Hit the StreetsMotorcycle enthusiasts and the Muskogee Chamber work to make the city a top destination for motorcycle tourism. Travelers can pick up the Ride Guide, which details the best places to ride.

16 MUSKOG EE

FIRST-RATE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES BRING SPORTSMEN AND FAMILIES TO THE AREA

Green hills. Lakes. Winding roads. For Max Boydstun, they’re what make Muskogee a motorcycle heaven. But don’t worry. We’re not talking Marlon Brando and his

wild bunch roaring into town intent on mayhem. We’re talking tourism and fun.

Bikers enjoy touring the 122-acre Honor Heights Park to enjoy Muskogee’s natural beauty and landscapes.

Fun in theSun

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MOTORCYCLING“Some people still have that

image of motorcyclists, but it’s as far from the truth as you can get,” Boydstun, a self-identified “blues singer, diamond dealer and Oklahoma banker,” says about the motorcycle buffs who have made Muskogee a top destination.

“These are people with disposable incomes, who like to travel and like the freedom of a motorcycle. It’s one of the last romantic ways to travel.”

Boydstun and the Muskogee chamber have led the way in supporting motorcycle tourism, even preparing an award-winning Ride Guide that details 750 miles of great motorcycling routes over twisty, beautiful roads motorcyclists love.

ATV RACINGAnother wheel sport, extreme

dirt track racing, is also building

a following. Combining elements of Grand Prix racing with dirt bike and ATV racing vehicles that reach speeds of 80 to 90 miles an hour on a dirt track full of turns and jumps.

In May 2013, Muskogee hosted the American Motorcyclist Association ATV Extreme Dirt Track National Championship Series at Hatbox Field, where 250 to 300 racers from around the country competed before more than 1,000 spectators.

“Riders came from Washington State, Florida, the Carolinas, Virginia, you name it,” says Dan Chepkauskus, a race supporter whose son and daughter both compete. “There are only eight of these events in the country, so this is a big plus for Muskogee.”

FISHINGDrawing big crowds and

big-name anglers are the Muskogee area’s five lakes and three rivers where fishermen can find

largemouth bass, spotted and white bass, crappie, and catfish. Bass, particularly, have helped boost Muskogee’s national reputation as a fishing spot. The city’s Three Forks Harbor has been the site of the prestigious Bassmaster Elite and Open Series national fishing tournaments, which in 2010 brought crowds of more than 5,000 people a day to the harbor.

“People come here before the tournament to pre-fish and during the tournament to see their favorite anglers,” says Treasure McKenzie of the Muskogee chamber. “We love these events – they give our local citizens a chance to get involved in something on a national level.”

MEETINGS AND REUNIONSMuskogee’s emergence as a

place to have fun has boosted the city’s convention and reunion business, McKenzie says. To compete with larger cities, the

High-speed EntertainmentRapidly gaining popularity, extreme dirt bike racing combines dirt bikes and Grand Prix style, with bikes going up to 90 miles per hour. In 2013, Muskogee hosted AMA’s ATV Extreme Dirt Track National Championship Series.

18 MUSKOG EE

chamber has honed its target market – clubs, organizations and nonprofits – and focuses on smaller meetings, weddings and reunions. Creativity is key.

“We offer welcome speeches by our mayor, personal tours of the community, goodie bags, honorary Okie from Muskogee plaques, welcoming messages on marquees,” says McKenzie, recalling a Mysterious Women of Muskogee ghost tour for the Soroptimists and a Jimmy Buffett-themed convention of city managers, with invitations printed on flip-flops. “We may not be Orlando, but we can do specialized things that will make them remember us for years.” McKenzie says.

by Laura Hill by staff photographer

Michael Conti

The city’s waterways attract anglers from all over the country. Three Forks Harbor has hosted the Bassmaster Elite and Open Series national fishing tournaments.

Pack Up and Enjoy the OutdoorsThe Muskogee area is a hotbed for fishing and water recreation. Greenleaf Lake is one of the area’s five lakes, stocked with fish such as bass and sunfish. Also on site, the Greenleaf State Park offers plenty of places to set up camp and relax, including 14 cabins.

Learn more about recreation in Muskogee at livability.com/muskogee/ok/activities.

L IvABIL IT Y.COM/MUSKOG EE 19 18 MUSKOG EE

Desserts

FRESHLY MADE SWEETS

Dessert Girl’s Bakery and Cafe features a full-service coffee bar, serves lunch, and sells cheesecakes, cupcakes, eight-layer chocolate cake, square cakes for everyday, cookies (even stuffed cookies!), pies and breads. Janet Brown’s Sweet-n-Sassy Cafe and Bakery specializes in desserts, specialty and custom-decorated cakes, as well as cupcakes. Lunch fare includes soups, salads, sandwiches and baked potatoes, served Tuesday through Saturday. The Bite Market and Café offers lunch and dessert in the heart of downtown Muskogee. The menu choices include flat bread plates, soups, quiche, gourmet sandwiches and for dessert there’s pie, hello dollies, pineapple cake and much more.

Local Favorites

HOMESTYLE COOKING

At Club Lunch enjoy homestyle cooking off the menu, in the daily blue plate, from the lunch special, or at the hot steam table. Paul’s Diner could be called a “mood diner.” In the mood for spaghetti? Goulash? Stew? Chili? Paul’s has it. The restaurant even serves breakfast anytime. The Amish Country Store and Fudge Factory offers Amish artisan breads, cheeses, pies, jams and jellies, and more than 40 kinds of fudge. For 60 years, Chet’s hot dog joints – Chet’s Dairy Freeze and Chet’s East – have had Okies coming back for their famous chili dogs.

Take a BiteDIvERSE LOCAL FLAvOR ENTICES FOOD LOvERS

Restaurants in Muskogee showcase diverse menus, comfortable atmospheres and award-winning foods, all with great service and a smile.

THINGS TO DO: LOCAL FLAVOR

Have a Side of HarmonyNamed “Best Place for Lunch” by The Muskogee Phoenix and praised in Southern Living magazine, Harmony House’s menu lists dishes like sour cream enchiladas and a tuna crunch sandwich.

The Harmony House has been part of Muskogee for 20 years.  It’s very down- to-earth home cooking, and everything is made from scratch. This is a gem in Muskogee, and I hope it continues its tradition for 20 more years.

CHEFERY M., YELP.COM REVIEWER

Learn more about Muskogee’s great eats at livability.com/muskogee/ok/food.

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Proudly

Serving the

Greater Muskogee

Area

Since 1979

www.herringshaw.com

Casual Fine Dining

BARBECUE, STEAKS AND SEAFOOD

Maxwell’s Restaurant features casual fine dining with a view of the greens and Muskogee Golf and Country Club, the oldest country club in Oklahoma. The club is private, but Maxwell’s is open to the public. Runts Bar-B-Q and Grill serves up classic barbecue and homemade sides. Three varieties of catfish plus steak and shrimp plates set Runts’ menu apart from other barbecue joints. Miss Addie’s Cafe and Pub has been a popular Muskogee eatery for almost 20 years. Pairing casual elegance with fine dining, Miss Addie’s entrees include seafood, chicken, steak and pasta.

By Cyndie Todd

Make It a Date NightGino’s Italian Ristorante and Pizzeria is known for its homemade Italian bread and a variety of pastas, chicken, veal and seafood dishes. Chicken and sausage with bell peppers, ham, black olives, in a white wine cream sauce with a touch of marinara, all served over spaghetti is their specialty.

L IvABIL IT Y.COM/MUSKOG EE 21 20 MUSKOG EE

Music

MUSICAL ROOTS

Before captivating a nationwide audience with their soulful harmonies on NBC’s The Voice, the country duo of brothers Zach and Colton Swon sharpened their skills playing festivals, charity events and even birthday parties in Muskogee. The Swon Brothers, who grew up in Muskogee, started performing as a duo when Zach was 12 and Colton was 9. They say one of their best gigs was playing a sold-out show at the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame & Museum.

Colorful InspirationART SCENE CASTS A LASTING IMPRESSION

Walk through the doors of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame & Museum, and you’re face to face with some of Muskogee’s favorite sons and daughters and some of the city’s favorite art.

THINGS TO DO: ARTS & CULTURE

SNAPSHOT

In 2013, Muskogee natives the Swon Brothers began touring after placing third on NBC’s The Voice.

Parties and Events

FOOD AND WINE

In April, the Rotary Club hosts a wine, beer and food tasting Party in the Park at the Papilion. The popular party raised money for the club’s water-well drilling project in Tanzania in 2012 and 2103. Can’t wait for spring? The Shriners’ annual Wine Tasting Festival at the Bedouin Shrine Center in February offers a chance to taste local wines from more than a dozen wineries, and food, music and fashion shows, all to benefit the Shrine Hospital Fund.

“It’s absolutely wonderful, and we’re hoping we can have more murals like it downtown.”

TREASURE MCKENZIE, MUSKOGEE CHAMBER

Local Artists Fit Right InArtist Lance Hunter makes his own impact on the Muskogee art scene with a 12-foot-tall mural on the wall of the Gaddy Drug store. The work depicts a young waitress holding a tray with Coca-Cola, the Gaddy name and Quality You Can Trust.

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Hall of Fame

REMEMBERING ROGER DAVIS

Roger Davis, a much-loved Muskogee artist, passed away in April 2013, but he left an indelible mark on the city’s art scene with his oil portraits, still lifes and landscapes, and especially his popular portraits of Hall of Fame inductees, including such luminaries as Kristin Chenoweth and Hoyt Axton.

“Roger’s paintings have a huge impact on people who came to the Hall of Fame,” says Ron Boren, museum curator. “His artwork stands out so beautifully here, and people love it.”

By Laura HillDon’t Miss the Lights at Honor Heights ParkWhen it comes to culture, Honor Heights Park is central, hosting everything from wine festivals and holiday light shows to flower trails and a new butterfly house. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day each year, the Garden of Lights turns the 122-acre park into a glittering fantasyland of more than 1 million lights of various colors. And in summer, visitors and residents alike flock to free Symphony in the Park performances.

Explore more of Muskogee’s cultural scene at livability.com/muskogee/ok/attractions.

22 MUSKOG EE

317 W. Okmulgee Muskogee, OK 74401 (918) 682-1119 www.interstateproperties.com

For AllYour RealEstate NeedsRESIDENTIALCOMMERCIALAt Interstate Properties,

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City Parks

PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS

Muskogee’s 18 public parks, and the nearby Greenleaf and Lake Eufaula state parks, give residents year-round recreational opportunties. The most visited city park in Muskogee is Honor Heights Park, a regional draw whose 122 acres include five lakes and ponds, tennis courts, a splash pad, trails, and The Papilion (a butterfly house). Spaulding Park, with a lake, tennis courts, walking trail, picnic areas, basketball courts and fishing dock, is also popular.

Indoor Recreation

SWIM & FITNESS CENTER

The facility includes a weight room, aerobics studio and indoor six-lane, 25-meter swimming pool. Classes offered at Muskogee Swim & Fitness Center include high-intensity body sculpting, yoga and zero-impact aquatic resistance training.

Going PlacesRESIDENTS CAN PLAY AT SEvERAL RECREATION FACILITIES

Numerous recreational activities and attractions like a water park, walking trails, tennis facilities and a swim/fitness center give Muskogee residents plenty of ways to play and stay active.

THINGS TO DO: SPORTS & RECREATION

“We offer memberships but also feature programs for non-members, such as open swimming on the weekends. The center can also be booked for party rentals and corporate functions.”

BROOKE HALL, MUSKOGEE SWIM &

FITNESS CENTER MANAGER

Walk Through Beautiful Gardens at Honor Heights ParkFloral gardens and water features create a delightful place to walk and explore native plants. visit the new butterfly house to see colorful, flittering butterflies that often land on outstretched arms.

Learn more about recreation in Muskogee at livability.com/muskogee/ok/activities.

24 MUSKOG EE

Tennis

TENNIS FACILITIES

If tennis is your racket, public courts are available for free at Honor Heights Park, Rotary Park and Spaulding Park. Courts are fenced and can be used from dawn to dusk.

By Kevin Litwin

Take the Kids to the River Country Family Water Park at Love-Hatbox Sports ComplexBetween Memorial Day and Labor Day, River Country Family Water Park opens its pools, slides, playgrounds, volleyball court and inner tube river to anyone looking to cool off at the complex. The water park has become an area attraction ideal for families with children. Smaller kids can splash around and explore at Crawdad Corner and Tugboat Beach.

Trails

RUNNING AND WALKING

Muskogee features more than 8 miles of walking trails, with trail names such as Audubon, Civitan, Henry Bresser Nature, Spaulding and Centennial. The popular asphalt Centennial Trail has two sections – one 3.1-mile loop around Love-Hatbox Sports Complex, and a 2-mile portion connecting Love-Hatbox to downtown Muskogee at the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and Three Rivers Museum.

24 MUSKOG EE 918-684-6302 • info@muskogeeparks.org • www.muskogeeparks.com

LIVINGSchools, health care and neighborhoods in Muskogee

26 MUSKOG EE

Check out a collection of photos that highlights Muskogee’s top spots and major attractions at livability.com/muskogee/ok/ photos-video.

Batter Up!The Love-Hatbox Sports Complex hosts sports leagues and tournaments for baseball, softball, football and soccer. visitors can also walk the 3.1-mile Cenntennial Trail or enjoy the Outdoor Skate Park.

26 MUSKOG EE L IvABIL IT Y.COM/MUSKOG EE 27

THE MAYORBob Coburn was elected mayor of Muskogee in February 2012, but

he has been an advocate for the city since re-establishing residence in his hometown back in 1983.

Some 30 years after his return, Coburn is seeing a citizenry that is enthusiastic about transforming Muskogee. He especially noticed it during a series of community meetings held in 2012 to create the Action in Muskogee (AIM) initiative. More than 350 people came to multiple meetings.

“I’ve never seen that kind of community involvement in the last 30 years I’ve been back, so there’s an obvious desire for change among our citizenry,” says Coburn, who is particularly passionate about the prospects for development here.

“There is an excitement about retail and restaurant development in Muskogee,” he says. “We need to do things to create sales in our community, because the more successful we are in creating retail sales, the more successful we are in recruiting more restaurants.”

Led by a passionate mayor and other movers and shakers in the community, Muskogee residents are taking action as never before to make their city

a better place to live. Here’s a look at four community leaders who are making a difference.

CITY LEADERS TAKING AIM ATIMPROVING MUSKOGEE’S QUALITY OF LIFE

CHANGE

LIVING

Mayor Bob Coburn works to unite the community and bring in new business.

Agents of

28 MUSKOG EE

CHANGESchedule a Shopping DayStroll down Muskogee’s sidewalks to visit local boutiques and grab a bite to eat. Local officials and residents work together to attract new business while maintaining a small-town vibe.Agents of

L IvABIL IT Y.COM/MUSKOG EE 29 28 MUSKOG EE

THE COACHLisa Wade knows the numbers

all too well when it comes to health and fitness in Muskogee. As founder and president of Empower Change, a consulting company that helps a variety of companies and organizations, she has her finger on the pulse of the community. Wade, a communications and public relations expert, founded the business in 2004. She’s a strong community activist who aims to enhance the quality of life in Muskogee.

“We’re working to raise awareness and bring opportunities for people to choose healthier lifestyles,” Wade says.

She points to a health and wellness initiative she is helping to steer and its three guiding principles: eating better, moving more and becoming tobacco-free. The city is adding more bike lanes and walking tracks, and residents can also take part in community gardens.

“We’re encouraging people to be more active, and we’re trying to improve access to healthier eating,” Wade says.

THE COLLEGE PRESIDENTThe foundation for improving

Muskogee as a whole comes through the AIM initiative, and heading that

“We’re working to raise awareness and bring opportunities for people to choose healthier lifestyles.”

LISA WADE RAASH, PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER OF

EMPOWER CHANGE

up is Dr. Tim Faltyn, president of Connors State College. He is optimistic that AIM is exactly what the city has been aiming for in the last several years.

Through a series of meetings, “we figured out what the priorities are in our community and what we want to accomplish and, ultimately, what we want to be known for,” Faltyn says. “Out of that came eight initiatives.”

Those initiatives include educational excellence, safe and secure community, strong economy, community pride, clean and beautiful community, great place to live and visit, health and wellness, and community infrastructure.

Similar efforts have been previously discussed, but nothing really got past the talking stage.

“It has been exciting,” Faltyn says. “There are a lot of people involved, and they come from all walks of life.”

THE NONPROFIT LEADERAs executive director of the

Nonprofit Resource Center, Kim Lynch leads a staff of dedicated individuals committed to making Muskogee a better place through a variety of initiatives.

Its mission is to provide services, training and resources to help nonprofits meet

community needs.According to the Resource

Center’s vision statement, “We envision a strong, cohesive nonprofit community composed of successful organizations that have the financial, professional and human resources to improve the community by successfully meeting their mission-driven goals.”

by John McBryde by staff photographer

Michael Conti

The MayorBob Coburn was elected mayor of Muskogee in February 2012, but

he has been an advocate for the city since re-establishing residence in

his hometown back in 1983.Some 30 years after his return, Coburn is seeing a citizenry that

is enthusiastic about transforming Muskogee. He especially noticed

it during a series of community meetings held in 2012 to create the

Action in Muskogee (AIM) initiative. More than 350 people came to

multiple meetings.“I’ve never seen that kind of community involvement in the last 30

years I’ve been back, so there’s an obvious desire for change among

our citizenry,” says Coburn, who is particularly passionate about the

prospects for development here.“There is an excitement about retail and restaurant development

in Muskogee,” he says. “We need to do things to create sales in our

community, because the more successful we are in creating retail

sales, the more successful we are in recruiting more restaurants.”

L ed by a passionate mayor and other movers and shakers in the community, Muskogee residents are taking action as never before to make their city

a better place to live. Here’s a look at four community leaders who are making a difference.

City Leaders taking aiM atiMproving Muskogee’s quaLity of Life

Change

LIVIng

schedule a shopping dayStroll down Muskogee’s sidewalks to visit local boutiques and grab a bite to eat. Local officials and residents work together to attract new business while maintaining a small-town vibe.

Mayor Bob Coburn works to unite the community and bring in new business.

Agents of

L ivabiL it y.coM/MuSkog ee 29

28 MuSkog ee

Read it online or on your tablet and quickly share articles with friends

DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Residents can connect with local farmers at the Muskogee Farmers Market.

30 MUSKOG EE

Have Fun and Get Into ShapeAt the Swim and Fitness Center in Muskogee, those looking for a healthier lifestyle can work out by swimming, taking a spin, body sculpting or yoga class and joining a boot camp.

L IvABIL IT Y.COM/MUSKOG EE 31 30 MUSKOG EE

From a school tailored for 4-year-olds to a college program that helps provide a workforce for the region’s health-care industry, education in Muskogee is innovative, engaging and, most of all, a path to success.

AN EARLY START

With 20 classes and typically a waiting list each year, the Muskogee Public Schools district’s Early Childhood Center has had a significant impact on area public schools since it opened in 1999. It features a structured academic curriculum and activities that promote social and language skills and physical development.

“We accomplish so much with the students that prepares them for kindergarten,” says Malinda Lindsey, the school’s principal.

Students at the center study subjects such as literacy, math and art, but also have time for free play. In addition, they take field trips to places like a pumpkin patch and the zoo, as well as to local parks.

“Although we accomplish a lot of things academically, we wrap everything in the right kind of package for 4-year-olds,” Lindsey says.

Muskogee Public Schools also oversees a high school, junior high, eight elementary schools, a science academy, an arts magnet school and an alternative learning academy.

CHANGING LIVES

To encourage students to stay and work in the region’s thriving health-care industry, Connors State College offers a special

scholarship to the school’s nursing and allied health programs.

The Muskogee Difference Healthcare Scholarship is designed to alleviate the financial burden of undergraduate students while providing the industry a skilled workforce. Students in the MDHS program must commit to work for two years as a health-care professional in the greater Muskogee area, which includes three hospitals, two Native American clinics and other health-care facilities.

“It’s really a pretty amazing program, and we’re very proud of it,” says Dr. Tim Faltyn, president of Connors State. “It’s one of these deals where it’s really changing lives for people, and that’s the bottom line.”

by John McBryde

Schools of ThoughtMUSKOGEE SCHOOLS BEGIN EARLY TO TRAIN A READY AND WILLING WORKFORCE

LIVING: EDUCATION

It’s Never Too Early to Receive a Good EducationPreschool students at the Early Childhood Center study a structured curriculum that supports personal development, both mentally and physically, while encouraging hands-on learning and exploration.

32 MUSKOG EE

Training for the FutureConnors State offers scholarships to students looking to join the growing health-care industry.

32 MUSKOG EE

OTHER COLLEGES

Muskogee residents have more options for higher education, including these schools:

• Northeastern State University

• Indian Capital Technology Center

• Bacone College

34 MUSKOG EE

St. Joseph Catholic School elementary teacher Kelly Watson wanted to help make students and her community more healthy, so she applied for a Muskogee Foundation grant in late 2012 to have an outdoor public fitness area constructed at St. Joseph. Today, a quarter-mile asphalt track is in place at the pre-K through grade 8 school, as well as accompanying playground exercise equipment stations for elementary and middle school students.

“I wanted the exercise facility on our property to be used by our students and teachers, but it is also open to the entire community during non-school hours and throughout the summer,” says Watson, who teaches physical education along with health and

Doctor’s OrdersRESIDENTS HAvE ACCESS TO MANY MEDICAL LOCATIONS

LIVING: HEALTH

wellness classes at St. Joseph. “The playground equipment is located within the track, with easier stations for elementary students and more difficult exercise areas for middle school kids. Besides teaching, I’m also a registered nurse, so I know the importance of getting people moving, especially in these days of obesity in America.”

CARDIAC CLINIC AND VA MEDICAL CENTER

Muskogee has good medical care options for its residents, including the Cardiac Clinic of Muskogee that offers several specialties at three convenient walk-in offices. CCOM has served the region since 1979 and provides services such as family

Challenge AcceptedThe St. Joseph Outdoor Fitness Center gives residents of all ages access to an asphalt track, exercise equipment and playgrounds in hopes of promoting healthy lifestyles and increasing awareness.

medicine, cardiology, oncology, pediatrics, general surgery and sleep disorder testing.

The Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee offers care for more than 44,000 armed services veterans in eastern Oklahoma. Its medical services include surgery, psychiatric care, cardiology, dentistry, oncology, optometry, orthopedics, prosthetics and urology. A women’s department offers gynecology, mammography and menopause support.

NAME CHANGE

Muskogee Regional Medical Center and Muskogee Community Hospital have combined to form the EASTAR Health System. As a two-hospital, 320-bed full-service health system, EASTAR

L IvABIL IT Y.COM/MUSKOG EE 35 34 MUSKOG EE

Caring People, Caring for Others

EUFAULA 101 Alexander

MUSKOGEE 619 N. Main www.gcbhs.org

At Green Country Behavioral Health we understand the hardships faced by families and individuals. We have served our community for more than 30 years, providing services to adults and children through crisis intervention, outpatient behavioral health and substance abuse programs. We operate a 24-hour crisis phone line and an adult crisis stabilization center.

Our programs are certified, and partially funded, by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. We accept Soonercare, private insurance and various EAP programs, and our services are available regardless of income. Call us at 918.682.8407, or drop in at either of our offices. You will find a friendly atmosphere and a professional, well-trained staff. It’s in our motto: Caring People, Caring for Others.

STAMP OUT BREAST CANCERWITH YOUR FEET.

Every step you take in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® helps raise vital funds for the fight against breast cancer. But don’t let your journey stop there. Take a step toward improving your own health by educating yourself about the disease and getting regular screenings. Step by step, this Race will be won.

Learn more about the Komen Race for the Cure by visiting www.komen.org or calling 1-877 GO KOMEN.

This space is provided as a public service. ©2008 Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

The Doughboy statue at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center greets visitors and honors World War I veterans and Native Americans who lost their lives during the war.

provides a comprehensive range of medical services.

EASTAR main campus, a 329-bed Level III-certified trauma center, maintains a staff who can treat almost any medical condition right here in Muskogee. Services at EASTAR include cardiology, oncology, pediatrics, and diagnostic procedures like MRI, ultrasound, mammography, radiology and exploratory surgeries. The surgical wing features eight advanced operating suites. The EASTAR East campus has 45 beds and was the first hospital in the nation to earn LEED-Gold certification for new construction.

by Kevin Litwin

Learn more about Muskogee’s hospitals and health-care centers at livability.com/muskogee/ok/health.

36 MUSKOG EE

THIS SECTION IS SPONSORED BY

COMMUNITY PROFILE COST OF LIVING

$33,196Median Household Income

$86,000Median Home Price

$543Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment

TRANSPORTATION

Median Travel Time to Work

AGE

TEMPERATURE

January Average Low July Average High

ETHNICITY

17 and Under

18-64

65 and Over

White

Black

Hispanic

Other

16 minutes

Closest Major AirportTulsa International

51 milesJanuary Low National Low July High National High

93.1°

25.2° 31°

76°

15%

60%

56%

16%

(percentages based on the total = 38,981)(percentages based on the total = 38,981

25%

13%

15%

• Security Cameras

• Seven Days a Week Access

• Variety of Sizes

• Computerized Security Gates

• RV and Boat Storage

• Se Habla Español*

RENT and PAY 24/7*

EAST 121 N. Country Club Rd.

Muskogee, OK 74403 (918) 686-8839

WEST 4421 W. Okmulgee

Muskogee, OK 74401 (918) 683-2391

WAGONER 1525 S. Madison Ave. Wagoner, OK 74467

(918) 485-7500

MUSKOGEE* 719 N. 41st E.

Muskogee, OK 74403 (918) 686-6776

www.a-avanti.com

36 MUSKOG EE

Due Diligence: Very Important Before Investing in Commercial Real Estate!

• Consumer protection laws applicable to home purchases

seldom apply to commercial real estate transactions.

The rule that a Buyer must examine, judge Wand test for

himself applies to the purchase of commercial real estate.

• A KEY element to successfully invest in commercial

real estate is performing an adequate Due Diligence

Investigation prior to becoming legally bound to acquire

the property. An adequate Due Diligence Investigation will

assure awareness of all material facts relevant to the

intended use or disposition of the property after closing.

• Conducting an effective Due Diligence Investigation in

a commercial real estate transaction to discover all material

facts and conditions affecting the Property and the

transaction is of critical importance. Unlike owner occupied

residential real estate, when a house can nearly always be

occupied as the purchaser’s home, commercial and

industrial real estate acquired for business use or for

investment is impacted by numerous factors that may limit

its use and value.

• The scope, intensity and focus of any Due Diligence

Investigation of commercial real estate are relevant to the

objectives of the party conducting the investigation.

Working with a knowledgeable Commercial Realtor who

can help with the checklist for property, Buyer, Seller or for

financing a Commercial Property can help the transaction

go smoothly. To sell or for your next purchase contact:

Kamlesh Aggarwal, CCIM

Broker/Owner

Sooner Realty Properties, LLC

(918) 260-5286

kamlesh912@gmail.com

www.SoonerRealtyProperties.com

Contributed by R. Kymn Harp, Robbins, Salomon & Patt, Ltd., Chicago, IL

Paid Advertisement

Specializing in:

Hotel/Motels

Retail

Investment Properties

Offices and Land Development

BUSINESSInfo on Muskogee’s top employers, jobs and success stories

See more photos about what it’s like to live and work in Muskogee at livability.com/muskogee/ok/photos-video.

Travel With EaseThe Davis Field Airport provides businesses easy transportation access. The airport is located on US Highway 64, only five miles south of the downtown district and convenient to Tulsa International Airport.

L IvABIL IT Y.COM/MUSKOG EE 39

Top Industries

PORT OF MUSKOGEE

The Port of Muskogee, a full-service facility that offers easy access to rail, truck and barge transportation, is located along the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, allowing freight to be transported to the Gulf Coast and around the world via the Arkansas and Mississippi rivers. This access to land, rail and water transportation is what makes Muskogee a top choice for manufacturers.

Just ask Dal-Tile officials. The company, America’s leader in ceramic tile manufacturing and distribution, chose Muskogee for this reason in 2003. After the company received 171 acres of land, tiles from all over the world were slated for decorative production. Porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone tiles and slabs are just a few of the products available.

Headquartered in Muskogee, Acme Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation manufactures fans, blowers and ventilation equipment. Its 350,000 square feet of manufacturing facility allows Acme to produce one of the broadest lines of air-moving equipment in the industry.

FOOD, DRINK AND PAPER PRODUCTS

Founded in 1908 by John T. Griffin, Griffin Food Company is best known in Muskogee for

Made Here MUSKOGEE: A REGIONAL CENTER FOR MANUFACTURING

When manufacturing comes to mind, so should Muskogee. This small port town is known for its large manufacturing companies, whose products range from tiles to paper products to tasty treats.

BUSINESS: OVERVIEW

The Port of Muskogee attracts manufacturing companies looking for easy shipping and distribution access throughout the United States.

Read more about Muskogee’s business climate and workforce at livability.com/muskogee/ok/business.

40 MUSKOG EE

its signature breakfast products, Griffin Waffle Syrup and Griffin Strawberry Preserves. The company ships many products to its customers, including syrups, jellies and preserves, mustards, salad dressings, shredded coconut, barbecue sauces, vanilla and peanut butter.

Georgia-Pacific also has a facility in Muskogee, which produces familiar consumer paper products, including Brawny, Mardi Gras, Quilted Northern, Sparkle, Vanity Fair and Angel Soft.

In addition to a variety of products, Muskogee also offers a variety of benefits. With a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office, veterans, their dependents, and their surviving spouses and children have an opportunity to receive disability, education and training, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and life insurance and burial benefits.

By Tiffany Williams

Love Bottling Company One of the area’s top employers, Love Bottling Company is a 135,000-square-foot bottling facility that produces Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper and Love Beverages. Since moving to Muskogee in 1926, Love’s products and services have expanded. The company offers home and office water delivery, cooler rentals, teas, coffee, energy drinks, juices, snacks and more.

40 MUSKOG EE

ENTREPRENEURS FIND SUCCESSIN THEIR OWN BACKYARD

GrownHome

A diverse mix of locally owned-and-operated endeavors hang their shingles in Muskogee thanks to a close-knit community and a mayor, Bob Coburn, who is working to revitalize the historically rich city.

One stimulating sign of downtown change can be seen in The Erly Rush Coffeehouse. Launched in November 2012 by then 22-year-old native Nicholas Wilks. The intimate café sits in the middle of a cluster of antique shops, including Hattie’s House

Large corporations may choose Muskogee for its ease of transportation or its low cost of living, but local entrepreneurs and small business owners look

to the residents themselves as one secret to their success.

BUSINESS

and Vintage Market, both owned by Wilks’ mother, Sherry Wilks.

“People like that they can walk from one end of the strip to the other and stop by for coffee in the middle,” Wilks says, who will craft anything from a caramel macchiato to a peppermint mocha for his guests.

SHOW IT OFFLike Wilks, who has been

developing his business plan since high school, Muskogee native

Find Your PlaceSmall businesses such as The Erly Rush Coffeehouse feel at home in Muskogee. The cafe offers customized flavors and treats in an intimate setting.

42 MUSKOG EE

42 MUSKOG EE L IvABIL IT Y.COM/MUSKOG EE 43

OKLAHOMA INTERPAKThis manufacturer of machine-assembled chipboard and corrugated pads focuses on divider partitions, primarily for cardboard boxes. The company has been in business since the early 1980s.okinterpak.com

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCHThe congregation supports programs that include a free medical clinic, food pantry and children’s summer camp. Some members have even organized a faith-based motorcycle club.fbcmuskogee.org

ARROWHEAD MALLMore than 60 stores and restaurants, one of the largest aquariums in the state, a movie theater and children’s play area provide residents with plenty of entertainment options.arrowheadmallmuskogee.com

WHITLOCK WISHOUSEBuilt in 1919, this eclectic 5-bedroom bed and breakfast sits atop Horn Hill. It features a koi pond, hot tub, gazebo and swimming pool.918-682-7879

HERRINGSHAW WASTE MANAGEMENTSince the late 1970s, Herringshaw Waste Management has served the Greater Muskogee area with residential curbside service. The company also offers special pickups and metal dumpster rentals.herringshaw.com

Business Spotlight

Check out Muskogee’s top employers at livability.com/muskogee/ok/business/top-employers-muskogee-ok.

Jason Jones got his entrepreneurial start at an early age. After many years honing his business skills, in September 2011, Jones expanded his burgeoning online inflatable rides business, Show It Off, to a larger scale by offering rentals as well as a family entertainment center, which is located inside an old airplane hangar at Love-Hatbox Sports Complex.

“The city wanted to expand Hatbox and helped us with the building, which was a great stepping stone,” Jones says. “The city has been a very supportive partner.”

Show It Off’s entertainment center includes huge inflatable slides and obstacle courses, as well as an arcade room and two party rooms.

“I’ve had lots of people tell

me, ‘we needed something like this!’ Parents are always looking for more stuff to do with their kids,” he says.

PARTY TIMESusannah Stephens also saw

a void that needed filled, and teamed with partners Jim Harris and Darren Kilpatrick to launch Kilharen’s Lodge, an in-demand “party place” and wedding venue on West Fern Mountain Road, not far from the easy-to-spot Castle of Muskogee.

Stephens managed and cooked in restaurants for years before starting the catering company that would evolve into Kilharen’s Lodge. “We got very used to traveling for catering clients,” Stephens says, “but also felt that Muskogee really needed a place for events.”

Jump StartShow it Off offers more than 50 types of inflatable bounce houses, slides and obstacle courses, including water slides, as well as a family entertainment center, which is located inside an old airplane hanger at Love-Hatbox Sports Complex. Owner Jason Jones, a Muskogee native, says the city is a great supporter of his new business.

44 MUSKOG EE

“The city wanted to expand Hatbox and helped us with the building, which was a great stepping stone. The city has been a very supportive partner.”

JASON JONES, OWNER, SHOW IT OFF

Local couples saw Kilharen’s Lodge as an ideal wedding locale due to its rustic charm and ample seating (up to 400 in the main ballroom), which prompted Kilharen’s to expand to include an outdoor wedding garden.

Stephens notes that even during the recession, Kilharen’s Lodge maintained solid bookings thanks to support from Muskogee.

“People always have to eat,

and they’re always going to get married!” she says.

Stephens and other entrepreneurs cite the people of Muskogee as one of its greatest assets.

“I’ve lived in Muskogee all my life,” Jones says. “Show It Off has grown so much in the past year and a half, and that’s due to the people of Muskogee.”

by Heather R. Johnson by staff photographer

Michael Conti

Locally owned Kilharen’s Lodge specializes in weddings and provides ample seating and catering.

L IvABIL IT Y.COM/MUSKOG EE 45 44 MUSKOG EE

We are mobile so text the word ArrowheadMall to 90210 and receive updates on the latest fashion trends, news about the mall, discounts, store sales, mail events, job postings,

“how-to” tips and much more. Get connected to get informed.

MUSKOGEE2014 EDITION VOLUME 9

OKLAHOMAEditor | Mitch KlineContributing Writers | Laura Hill, Heather R. Johnson, John McBryde, Joe Morris, Cyndie Todd, Tiffany WilliamsContent Coordinator | Jessica Walker BoehmStaff Writer | Kevin LitwinProofreading Manager | Raven Petty

Lead Designer | Jackie Ciulla

Senior Graphic Designers | Stacey Allis, Laura Gallagher, Kris Sexton, Jake Shores Graphic Designers | Kacey Passmore, Matt WestCreative Technology Analyst | Becca Ary

Lead Photographer | Michael ContiSenior Photographers | Jeff Adkins, Brian McCordStaff Photographers | Wendy Jo O’Barr, Frank OrdoñezColor Imaging Technician | Alison Hunter

Integrated Media Manager | Matt McWhorterSales Support Project Manager | Sara QuintSales Support Coordinator | Christina MorganSales Graphic Designer | Rachel LoranceAd Production Manager | Katie MiddendorfSenior Graphic Designer | Vikki WilliamsAd Traffic Assistants | Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan

Web Project Manager | David DayDigital Project Manager | Jill RidenourDigital Products Designer | Erica LampleyWeb Developer I | Nels NoseworthyWeb Designer II | Richard StevensWeb Product Manager | John Hood

Chairman | Greg ThurmanPresident/Publisher | Bob SchwartzmanExecutive vice President | Ray LangenSenior v.P./Sales | Todd Potter, Jarek SwekoskySenior v.P./Client Development | Jeff HeefnerSenior v.P./Operations | Casey Hester

v.P./Content Operations | Natasha LorensAudience Development Director | Deanna NelsonCreative Services Director | Christina CardenDistribution Director | Gary SmithPhotography Director | Jeffrey S. OttoWeb Services Director | Allison Davis

Controller | Chris DudleySenior Accountant | Lisa OwensAccounts Payable Coordinator | Maria McFarlandAccounts Receivable Coordinator | Diana Iafrate

IT Director | Daniel Cantrell

Executive Secretary | Kristy GilesHuman Resources Manager | Peggy Blake

Livability Muskogee, Oklahoma is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses.

For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com.

For more information, contact:Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce310 West Broadway • Muskogee, OK 74401Phone: (918) 682-2401 • Fax: (918) 682-2403 www.muskogeechamber.org

Visit Livability: Muskogee, Oklahoma online at livability.com/muskogee

©Copyright 2013 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

Member The Association of Magazine Media

Member Custom Content Council

Member Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce

46 MUSKOG EE

A new community promotion program has Muskogee getting “real.”

In late 2012, the Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism hired Oklahoma-based Cubic Creative to help upgrade the chamber’s long-standing “Okie from Muskogee” branding slogan with the new slogan: REAL. OKIE.

“We will always be proud to be Okies from Muskogee, but it was time to update the image to make us more current,” says Jim Eaton, former chairman of the Muskogee Chamber. “We believe the two words – Real and Okie – encompass what people of Muskogee are all about today.”

Chamber president/CEO Treasure McKenzie says T-shirts, hats and bumper stickers displaying the REAL. OKIE. slogan are now available to the public. Several billboards in Muskogee are further spreading the message.

“The billboard message gives examples of what it means to be a true Muskogee resident, including the words ‘genuine, strong, character and characters,’” she says. “The words ‘character and characters,’ respectively, describe the character of people in this community and point out that Muskogee has a lot of characters that make up its proud population.”

McKenzie says the slogan was introduced to the chamber membership at a January 2013 banquet. The marketing effort and official introduction to the community went into full swing in June 2013.

“As many of us know, the ‘Okie from Muskogee’ theme derived from Merle Haggard’s same-titled album that was released in the late 1960s, but we found that many young people today don’t know about the song or really don’t think about the message,” she says.

“It was time for a new theme like REAL. OKIE. to be launched, and the chamber is proud to be behind this whole Muskogee community pride effort.”

McKenzie predicts that once the word gets out more, many people from throughout all of Oklahoma – not just Muskogee – will want a REAL. OKIE. T-shirt,

hat or bumper sticker.To get some REAL. OKIE. swag,

visit www.visitmuskogee.com. by Kevin Litwin

Keeping It RealCHAMBER, TOURISM LAUNCH NEW COMMUNITY SLOGAN

BUSINESS: CHAMBER REPORT

Visit Our adVertisersA-Avanti Self Storage www.a-avanti.com

Arrowhead Mall www.arrowheadmallmuskogee.com

Cherokee Nation Entertainment LLC www.cherokeestarrewards.com

City of Muskogee www.cityofmuskogee.com

Connors State College www.connorsstate.edu

Creek Nation Casino Muskogee www.creeknationcasino.com

Dal-Tile www.daltilecareers.com

Eastar Health System www.eastarhealth.com

Edward Jones – L. Greg Gaither https://www.edwardjones.com/en_US/fa/index.html&CIRN=742950

Five Civilized Tribes Museum www.fivetribes.org

Georgia-Pacific www.gp.com

Grace Episcopal Church www.gracemuskogee.org

Greater Muskogee Chamber of Commerce www.muskogeechamber.org

Green Country Behavorial Health Services Inc. www.gcbhs.org

Green Country Surgical Arts www.greencountrysurgicalarts.com

Hampton Inn www.muskogee.hampton.com

Herringshaw Waste Management & Recycling www.herringshaw.com

Indian Capital Technology Center www.ictctech.com

Interstate Properties www.interstateproperties.com

Muskogee Parks & Recreation www.muskogeeparks.com

Muskogee Public Schools www.mpsi20.org

Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame & Museum Inc. www.omhof.com

Port of Muskogee www.muskogeeport.com

Reach Higher Program – Northeastern State University www.nsuok.edu

Sooner Realty Properties www.soonerrealtyproperties.com

The Fuller Agency Inc. www.fulleragency.com

Three Forks Harbor – Port of Muskogee www.threeforksharbor.org

Three Rivers Museum www.3riversmuseum.com

Stay plugged into Muskogee’s business community at livability.com/muskogee/ok/business.

L IvABIL IT Y.COM/MUSKOG EE 47 46 MUSKOG EE

Ad Index 37 A-AVANTISELFSTORAGE

46 ARROWHEADMALL

C4 CHEROKEENATION ENTERTAINMENTLLC

47 CITYOFMUSKOGEE

4,5 CONNORSSTATECOLLEGE

46 CREEKNATION CASINOMUSKOGEE

2 DAL-TILE

34 EASTARHEALTHSYSTEM

6 EDWARDJONES– L.GREGGAITHER

47 FIVECIVILIZEDTRIBESMUSEUM

8 GEORGIA-PACIFIC

45 GRACEEPISCOPALCHURCH

C1A,1 GREATERMUSKOGEE CHAMBEROFCOMMERCE

36 GREENCOUNTRYBEHAVORIAL HEALTHSERVICESINC.

34 GREENCOUNTRY SURGICALARTS

C3 HAMPTONINN

21 HERRINGSHAWWASTE MANAGEMENT&RECYCLING

41 INDIANCAPITAL TECHNOLOGYCENTER

23 INTERSTATEPROPERTIES

Ad Index (cont.) 25 MUSKOGEEPARKS

&RECREATION

2 MUSKOGEEPUBLICSCHOOLS

14-15 OKLAHOMAMUSICHALL

OFFAME&MUSEUMINC.

47 PORTOFMUSKOGEE

33 REACHHIGHERPROGRAM–

NORTHEASTERN

STATEUNIVERSITY

38 SOONERREALTYPROPERTIES

48 THEFULLERAGENCYINC.

C3 THREEFORKSHARBOR–

PORTOFMUSKOGEE

7 THREERIVERSMUSEUM

The fuller AGENCY, Inc.

LesLie scott Realtor

(918) 348-9250

HazLe Pruitt Realtor

(918) 685-2234

Nick FuLLer Owner/Broker

(918) 869-2345

VoNda Haddock Realtor

(918) 869-8643

Selling Muskogee with Integrity, Competence and Reliability Since 1948

www.fulleragency.comPlease visit our website

to search properties.

1001 W. Broadway Muskogee, OK 74401

(918) 687-6394

ECONOMIC PROFILE

HOUSEHOLD INCOME

TOP EMPLOYERS

$200,000+

$30,000-199,999

$29,999 and under

U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center

Georgia Pacific, Dal-Tile, Muskogee Public School District, EASTAR Health System,

Acme Engineering, City of Muskogee, County of Muskogee, OG&E Electric Services, Wal-Mart

EDUCATION LEVEL

High School Graduate

Associate Degree

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

TAXES

4.0%City Sales Tax

1.15%County Sales Tax

4.5%State Sales Tax

9.65%Total Sales Tax

SCORECARD

$764MAnnual Retail Sales

$81MAnnual Hotel and Food Sales

3,191Number of Businesses

TRANSPORTATION

100

0+

50

0-

99

9

20

0-

49

9

Union Pacificwww.up.com

Union Pacificwww.up.com

Davis Field Airport www.cityofmuskogee.com

THIS SECTION IS SPONSORED BY

7,065

8,380

227

73%

11%

7%9%

We Love Having You Here!

3100 Military Blvd.Hwy. 69 & 62 Junction Muskogee, OK 74401

(918) 682-2587 tel(918) 683-0249 fax

www.muskogee.hamptoninn.com

For reservations, call: (800) HAMPTON

• High-speed Internet

• Business center: Computer, fax and copier

• Indoor heated pool, sauna and spa

• Exercise room

• Free local calls

• Complimentary breakfast

• Microwave/refrigerators in all rooms

• Hair dryers in all rooms

• Coffee maker in all rooms

• Iron/ironing board in all rooms

http://www.cherokeestarrewards.com

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