WorkKeys and KeyTrain are programs used to measure skills in potential employees and match them with job profiles of employers. Beth Jones, a certified ACT WorkKeys job profiler and Norman Economic Development Coalition’s director of workforce development, has been working to set up the program with companies, schools and jobseekers. The WorkKeys Assessment Center is located in NEDC’s technology based incubator, eTec, located at 710 Asp. Ave., Suite 700.
Courtesy of The Norman Transcript

Norman Economic Development Coalition, Irving Middle School and the University of Oklahoma have formed a partnership that helps eighth-graders prepare for higher education. According to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Oklahoma GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) awarded a subgrant totaling $10,000 to NEDC. The subgrant will cover programs that provide access to financial aid, mentoring and tutoring services, college campus tours, individualized counseling and academic planning.
Courtesy of The Norman Transcript

Norman-based Merchant Metrix software allows online search engines to index every single page of a company’s Web site, dramatically increasing the likelihood of a match against keywords and phrases entered by consumers. Merchant Metrix has also expanded on a service offered by similar software firms. Merchant Metrix is located in NEDC's technology based incubator, eTec.
Courtesy of The Journal Record

Since Bramlett & Associates Multimedia in Norman was formed in 2002, operating partners Krystyn Bramlett and Leslie Wiggins Christopher have worked with area nonprofit, church and ministry groups as volunteers and providing services at reduced rates. This summer they expanded their nonprofit efforts by forming a nonprofit marketing club to help representatives of nonprofit organization improve marketing and public relations efforts.
Courtesy of The Journal Record

 

Norman Regional Health System recently received the 2008 Certificate of Excellence from the Oklahoma Certified Healthy Business Program. This award is a wonderful way to acknowledge the businesses that are committed to the health and wellness of employees and their families.
Courtesy of The Norman Transcript

After being absent for about a decade, Interurban restaurant is returning to Norman where it began in 1976. When the restaurant opens in March, at 1150 Ed Noble Parkway, it will be on one of the last pieces of available land on a mile-long stretch between Main and Lindsey streets west of I-35 that is filled with restaurants and retail stores.
Courtesy of The Journal Record

 

The Embassy Suites Norman Hotel and Conference Center in the University North Park development at Robinson Street and Interstate 35 has been open for overnight guests and meetings for several weeks. The hotel saved its public grand opening celebration for a special "night of giving", benefiting the United Way of Norman.  The 283-suite hotel and conference center is the centerpiece on the UNP development which was accomplished through a tax-increment financing district established by the Norman City Council.
Courtesy of The Norman Transcript