FROM THE BUZZ
My personal thoughts, observations and memories. I will try to make this a regular feature on Enid Buzz. Thanks for reading!
January 7, 2015
My Last Trip Around The Sun
What a year! I knew 2014 had been eventful and busy but it wasn't until I began writing this column that I realized exactly what all I had accomplished. Without going into huge amounts of detail these are the highlights of my year as Mr. Buzz.
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Last January started out big as I was honored to be chosen as one of the Vance Honorary Commanders. It was a year full of learning the mission of our airmen and Vance Air Force base. I flew a simulator, went to the top of the air traffic control tower, tried on multiple outfits and took a spin in the pilot's swivel chair. I decided to chronicle my year as an Honorary Commander and will be publishing it this month.
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I served as president of the marketing group, Inspire Greater Enid, bringing speakers to Enid to talk about advertising and marketing. We brought in Big Truck Tacos and opened it up to the entire city. They sold out the entire truck. I ended the year speaking as part of a panel answering questions and giving tips on outsourcing your marketing needs.
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I was selected to serve on the executive committee of the YMCA board as secretary. I volunteered at multiple functions throughout the year including the Father/Daughter Breakfast where I met Miss Enid, Alex Eppler, who went on to become Miss Oklahoma and eventually became a contestant in the Miss America pageant.
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Enid Buzz launched eTalk, a local videocast that interviewed many of Enid's top movers and shakers. I purchased the franchise for CityLinkTV in the Enid area and worked on bringing live streaming to Enid events.
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I opened my first official office downtown in the Creative Arts building and then closed my first official office due to lack of use. Five80 Coffeehouse became our unofficial film studio and office.
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The Enid Buzz mobile app was launched in 2014 and quickly had 5,000 downloads in the first year. I also started a morning radio show in September on KGWA with Allan Clepper called the Morning Buzz.
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EnidAds.com was launched as a place for residents to upload their own classifieds. The Enid Buzz Facebook page reached 15,000 likes and I started tweeting on a daily basis.
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I applied for and was picked to be on the Enid Television Advisory Board, where we helped transition PEGASYS to the Enid Television Network. We helped bring live streaming to Enid and turned over one channel to Enid Public Schools.
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I was interviewed by KFOR's Galen Culver for a segment of "Great State" which aired statewide. I even took the ice bucket challenge and posted the video online.
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The year was full of speeches as well. I spoke to the entire Waller student body at the beginning of the year and spoke to 500 students at Enid High at the end of the year. I was invited to speak at the Enid Kiwanis and the Civitan Club.
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I judged the Make A Wish Burger competition and was also one of three judges that picked the 10 Under 40 for Enid Young Professionals. I also helped video Team Enid in the Fireball Run and worked on promoting the event with the crew from Visit Enid.
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I took my photography to the next level by purchasing two cameras and was the official photographer for several Main Street First Fridays. I took photos at the Enid Event Center for Reba, the PBR, the Harlem Globetrotters and did a video at the Darius Rucker concert with Best Day Studios.
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I met and made videos of Scooby Doo and Shaggy, as well as Goobie the rodeo clown. I also had the privilege to follow and video the Enid High School Foundation grant patrol and the United Way's random acts of kindness day.
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I entered the Northwest Oklahoma Dream Big Competition for $5,000 and came in a very close second. I was able to give my first business "pitch" and launched my first crowd sourcing project on Go Fund Me.
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I worked with the Marshall brothers and Raptor Studios to help promote and raise funds for the Sultana Documentary. With the help of Sean Astin the project met it's Kickstarter goal and will premier in 2015.
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I became an adjunct teacher at Autry Tech and taught classes on Facebook and social media. I also continued to do design work for companies around the globe and designed the 2014 and 2015 Red Dirt BBQ Competition t-shirts.
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One of the most memorable highlights of the year was seeing my daughter ride in the Cherokee Strip Parade as Miss Waller Eaglet.
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As Enid Buzz I was able to cover just about every major event in Enid. I brought residents video, photos and news about almost everything lifestyle related throughout the year. The bigger stories of the year included the downtown hotel announcement, the unveiling of the Sparky statue, the Fireball Run and the transporting of the demethanizer near Enid.
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All in all it was a great year! From the looks of what is happening in 2015 I think this year could be even bigger! Stay tuned and come along for the ride!
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You can not POSSIBLY be 52!
I know! I feel the same way!!