eating and farmto-table cuisine. James Shrader of Palace Cafe utilizes produce from the Cherry Street farmers market, but also prepares dishes with some Northern California influences. Tim Richards of Doc’s Wine and Food is a 30-year veteran of the Tulsa restaurant scene. In OKC, Kurt Fleischfresser of Vast has twice attended the prestigious James Beard House in New York as part of a regional chefs program. Jonathon Stranger of En Croute takes the comforting food and atmosphere of European eateries and gives them an Oklahoma twist. Jason Campbell of Mary Eddy’s Kitchen x Lounge uses a rotisserie, smoker or wood-burning hearth to showcase beef from the OKC stockyards.
CEO The chief executive officer sets the tone and direction for an organization. In Tulsa, Jake Henry Jr. of the Saint Francis Health System preaches strategic planning, especially when it comes to expansion. Terry Spencer of ONEOK, Inc., has led the company to notable profits throughout 2017 and part of 2018. Paula Marshall of The Bama Companies has expanded the group’s reach throughout the food-service industry. Phil Albert of Pelco Structural has pushed the Claremore company’s client base all the way to American Samoa. Robert A. Funk, the CEO of Express Employment Professionals from 1983 until April 2018, is also a reader favorite. Bill Cameron of American Fidelity Assurance Co. follows the paths set by his grandfather and father, who began the firm together in 1960, and David Green of Hobby Lobby began the precursor of the business empire by making picture frames out of his home.
Company to Work For A good employer recognizes and rewards valuable workers. Cherokee Nation Businesses, based in Catoosa, is the economic engine for the largest tribe in the United States. Tulsa’s ONEOK, Inc., has 38,000 miles of integrated pipelines for natural gas and natural gas liquids. Williams Companies is
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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JULY 2018
one of the leading energy infrastructure firms in the country. Manhattan Construction Company has some high-profile buildings to its credit, including the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. Saint Francis Health System, with more than 9,500 workers and 1,000 physicians, is the largest private employer in Tulsa County. The Chickasaw Nation, based in Ada, is diverse in its multifold businesses throughout 13 Oklahoma counties. In OKC, Cox Communications emphasizes diversity and inclusion. American Fidelity Assurance Co. has more than a million customers using its specialized insurance products.
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the speaker, not those nearby, can hear. The Blue Whale of Catoosa has provided the photographic backdrop for millions of Route 66 fans. The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is somber in its history and architecture, but uplifting in its message of hope and perseverance. The Devon Energy Center offers a quarter-mile walk around and a free elevator ride to the top of the 50-story building. Atop the 100-foot-tall Wheeler Ferris Wheel is a majestic view of downtown OKC.
Local Park Public green spaces are the mark of great cities. In Tulsa, Gathering Place highlights earthly beauty along the Arkansas River within an urban setting and is set to open Sept. 8. Guthrie Green in the Tulsa Arts District is a notable performance venue … and great place to lunch, have a movie night or try a workout class. Since 1929, Woodward Park has offered solace in nature with thousands of flowers and trees.
Live music thrives in Oklahoma, home to many top-shelf performers. Hanson – Tulsa brothers Zac, Taylor and Isaac – are in the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. The Fabulous Mid Life Crisis Band covers many classic rock songs at venues in and around WILLIAM LYLE – THE SUMMIT CLUB, BEST CHEF (TULSA) Tulsa. Branjae Music, the PHOTO BY JOSH NEW brand name of Broken Arrow High alumna Branjae Jackson, performed at this year’s South by Southwest music festival. In OKC, The Flaming Lips have rocked out since 1983. In its 20th year of performing, Superfreak has played many venues … from backyards to large arenas. Kyle Dillingham and Horseshoe Road, specialists in bluegrass and western swing, perform original and cover tunes.
Local Icon/ Landmark Tourists and locals flock every year to visit notable places in Oklahoma. In Tulsa, the Golden Driller, at 75 feet, is the sixthtallest statue in the country. The Center of the Universe, on the old Boston Avenue viaduct in Tulsa, produces an echo that only