Gooden Group

New Team Member

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:03:00 GMT

We're excited to have Ben Ehrlich join the Gooden Group/PR! Ben will lead our video production operations. We are thrilled to have him!

Doodle4Google

Fri, 25 May 2012 17:21:00 GMT

Congratulations to Janessa, Oklahoma's finalist for the Doodle4Google contest. For more information, and to vote for Janessa, visit:

Doodle4Google.com

OSU Cowgirls meet Kevin Durant

Fri, 25 May 2012 17:15:00 GMT

On April 25, 2012 the OSU cowgirls received the Devon Community Hero Award. In addition to being honored during an OKC Thunder game, the Cowgirls were treated to a pre-game tour and a chance to meet Thunder superstar Kevin Durant.

We're Hiring!

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:35:00 GMT

Digital Media Specialist

Gooden Group\Public Relations is seeking an eager, highly-motivated team player with a strong work ethic to be our next Digital Media Specialist and help our incredible clients succeed.

As a Digital Media Specialist, your primary responsibilities will consist of using our video photography and editing capabilities to help us tell incredible stories to support our clients’ innovative and channeled communication strategies. Professional experience with digital shooting and editing on a highly-creative level is preferred. The candidate will also need to demonstrate an active knowledge of social media applications in emerging technology platforms as well as the ability to communicate clear ideas on the execution of social media strategies for the advancement of our clients. Anticipating the future and making it happen is a must. We are a strategic public relations firm, and as such, all of our associates must be able to communicate with a wide variety of exciting businesses and organizations on a professional level in presentation and appearance.

Responsibilities/Skills:

Well-versed in prosumer video camera and equipment
Keen eye for storytelling
Knowledge of Mac OS X
Fluent in Final Cut Pro and Photoshop
Experience using Apple Motion or After Effects a plus
Knowledgeable in various media types and audio and video formats
Familiar with basic Web skills, HTML and social media
Skilled in still photography, including editing and lighting
Graphic design skills a plus
Self-motivated and efficient when working with minimal supervision
Basic interviewing/people skills
Proactively recommend video ideas and integration into PR plans
Willing to work flexible hours in accordance with project demands
Must be able to meet deadlines, work well under pressure and service multiple clients at one time

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, video, public relations or related field preferred
Experience in communications, design, Internet and social media tools
Excellent oral and written communication skills
2-5 years of experience in video production preferred
Proficient in video and web formats, usability and platforms
Must exhibit genuine enthusiasm for the following: the OKC Thunder, people, and pizza

Learn more about Gooden Group/Public Relations at www.goodengroup.com

To apply, send cover letter, resume and samples or a link to your portfolio to Valerie at vgooden@goodengroup.com

Chickasaw Nation introduces online network

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:49:00 GMT

Chickasaw Nation introduces online network

We have always known Oklahoma to possess a rich and diverse cultural heritage. In one of the darker times in American history, our state was a refuge to many people who were forced from their native lands. One such group was the Chickasaw Nation, which was removed to Indian Territory in the 1830s. Despite this incredible hardship, the Chickasaw people remained steadfast in their desire to conserve their culture and history.

Jump forward 180 years to present day. In an era where high-definition TVs and the Internet have become commonplace, the sentiments held by their forebears still resonate with the current generation of Chickasaw leaders. The desire to present, preserve and promote their tribe’s unique cultural heritage drove the Chickasaw Nation to partner with Ackerman McQueen to create Chickisaw.tv, a high-definition video network available to people worldwide via the Internet. The network has nine channels and contains a library of more than 1,200 videos. In a recent article in The Oklahoman, Bill Anoatubby, governor of the Chickasaw Nation, said of Chickasaw.tv : “It's an outlet to show our people the many ways in which our culture is still thriving. Actually, we're creating new chapters in our history and our story and is being written every day.”

As you can imagine, developing Chickasaw.tv was not an easy undertaking. However, according to The Oklahoman, the network has already reached an audience in all 50 states and 50 countries worldwide since its launch earlier this year! To read this article, please visit: http://www.newsok.com/article/3583914

We would encourage all Oklahomans, interested persons nationwide and internationally to visit Chickasaw.tv . The network offers an eye-opening look into the rich cultural heritage possessed by the Chickasaws, as well a model example of the direction in which Internet television is heading.

www.Chickasaw.tv

Advanced Academics Expands in Downtown OKC

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 21:57:00 GMT

Oklahoma has received high praise lately concerning the business-friendly environment we have here in the state. Just two months ago, Oklahoma City ranked second on Business Journals’ list of most conducive places for the creation and development of small business. A model example of this would be Advanced Academics, which is headquartered in Bricktown. However, Advanced Academics might not be considered a “small” business anymore as their online instructional platform is used in over 30 states.

Advanced Academics was designed to help students graduate and succeed by creating an online learning environment that helps students realize their full potential and providing school districts with the tools to make it happen. You can learn more about Advanced Academics and their mission by clicking here: http://www.advancedacademics.com/index.html

Recently, Advanced Academics announced they would add approximately 50 employees to their operation and expand their lease over 9,000 feet square feet in the Bunte Candy Factory building in Bricktown. With this additional space the company plans to add an IT build room and a video production facility complete with a green screen and lighting equipment in order to produce their educational videos.

The Oklahoman published an article about Advanced Academics’ expansion. In the article, President and CEO of Advanced Academics Jeff Elliott said, “Parents and students in Oklahoma and across the country are increasingly turning to online education for quality instruction customized to each student's individual learning style, whether they are looking for a comprehensive virtual school or online classes to supplement their local offerings and school districts.”

Going forward, it is companies like Advanced Academics which continue to make a positive difference in the lives of students, as well as a positive difference within the Oklahoma community.

Click here to read the article from The Oklahoman.

Brandon Whitten Institute for Addiction and Recovery Opens at ECU

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 17:15:00 GMT

At a time when our city and state are making tremendous strides, I have never been more proud to say I am an Oklahoman. Even with these great successes, the sobering fact remains that Oklahoma is ranked in the top ten states for illicit use of pain medications, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). While this is a disturbing trend, a couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of witnessing the other side of the coin by attending a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the opening of the Brandon Whitten Institute for Addiction and Recovery at East Central University in Ada.

The Brandon Whitten Institute (BWI) was established by Reggie Whitten, who lost his son Brandon in a motorcycle crash in 2002. Brandon had fought addictions to prescription drugs and alcohol, and as a way to prevent families from having to go through the hardships that his family endured, Reggie decided to be proactive in the fight against addiction by creating the BWI. The BWI's mission is to assist students, community individuals, groups and agencies by providing quality addiction and recovery services through education, collaboration and scholarship. You can find out more about the program by visiting their website: http://www.ecok.edu/bwinstitute/index.htm

The more I sympathize with Reggie and his family, the greater I come to appreciate his devotion to helping people who suffer from this crippling disease. After talking to the staff and touring the facilities, I rest assured that the BWI will succeed. It is not easy to face tragedy in such a head-on manner, but I am confident that the BWI will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow in our great state.

Community Ownership

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 21:14:00 GMT

As a part of the Gooden Group, I am often given the opportunity to work on projects that I know are making a real difference in the community and in the lives of Oklahomans. I was fortunate enough to get an inside look into one of the most impactful nonprofit organizations in our city, the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools. As Executive Director Lori Dickinson took us through their facilities, she showed us one of their prized initiatives, the Teacher’s Warehouse. The Teacher’s Warehouse provides free classroom supplies and teaching materials to OKCPS teachers every month. Businesses and individuals donate gently-used and new items as well as their time to this program throughout the school year and are able to bless classrooms with much-needed support items.

Many of us are truly blessed to be able to give back to those individuals and institutions that helped us along the way. Last month, I was privileged to meet NFL player and former OU Sooner Gerald McCoy. Gerald – a product of Southeast High School – experienced the value of a supportive community and wanted to give back. He hoped that he could inspire the students, in very similar situations that he grew up in, to take advantage of their potential, just like he did. As a product of the Oklahoma City Public School system, Gerald found the perfect partner for his mission in the Foundation. They are now teaming up to give hope to students in our community by encouraging them to broaden their horizons and strive for success.

To kick off their partnership, McCoy could think of no better place to start than his alma mater. At a school-wide assembly one seemingly normal Friday afternoon, Southeast students were shocked when McCoy marched through the gym doors playing snare drum alongside the Oklahoma City Thunder Drummers. A former drum line captain, Gerald blew students away with a solo performance followed by loud cheers from the stands shouting his name. As he spoke to them, I could see his words taking effect. He really resonated with the kids at Southeast. He knew their situation and knew the challenges they would face firsthand. He reminded them that somebody cares, that somebody believes in them and wants them to succeed. As a parting gift, Gerald brought in four new bass drums and a commitment to provide the Southeast Band with new uniforms, something they haven’t had since the 60s.

I am blessed to witness these inspiring partnerships happening in our city. I know I was inspired by this gift and moved by the optimism he helped instill in those students. Here’s to hoping more in our community rise up and take ownership of their schools and support the efforts of Gerald and the Foundation.

Schools Celebrate MAPS for Kids

Thu, 05 May 2011 16:28:00 GMT

We all know great things are happening for our Oklahoma City Public Schools through the MAPS for Kids initiative. Wouldn’t you love to see the look on those students’ faces as they celebrate their school’s makeover? Each school commemorates their MAPS for Kids renovation and/or addition with either a groundbreaking or grand opening event. Here’s a look at two schools – Southern Hills Elementary and Putnam Heights Elementary – who celebrated their school makeovers this year.

Chicken and Egg - Introducing CNG to the World

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:29:00 GMT

Introducing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to the public is a chicken and egg problem. If it were up to you to switch the nation’s vehicles over to natural gas, would you build the vehicles first, or the stations? Without stations, the vehicles aren’t going anywhere; there is demand but no supply. But if there are CNG stations without people driving CNG vehicles, the stations will sit unused – supply without demand.

This winter, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, in partnership with OnCue Express, Love’s and Hutchinson Oil, is opening 11 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations in cities across Oklahoma. While the stations are primarily used to fuel fleet vehicles, they are open to the public as well, currently pumping at $1.39 per gas gallon equivalent.

This is a huge step for the natural gas vehicle industry in Oklahoma. Chesapeake is aiming to eradicate the supply and demand problem. The stations, strewn across Oklahoma from Elk City to Oklahoma City to Arkoma, will primarily be used by their own fleets, eliminating the problem of demand and ensuring the stations won’t lose money.

But Chesapeake is also opening the stations to the public, with the goal of saturating the market enough so that people will see it’s possible to drive across their entire state with a CNG vehicle and not run out of places to fill up. With this incentive, Chesapeake is breaking the chicken/egg cycle and making it possible for all of us to experience and use CNG in our everyday lives.

And with CNG pumping at $1.39 per gas gallon equivalent when gas is already over $3.00 a gallon, that’s just one more reason to go blue. Clean, Affordable, Abundant, American, CNG Blue.

Check out the video of a couple of the opening events and each station’s “first fill” below.

Social Media Is Here - Use It!

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 20:07:00 GMT

Social media is the future.

Are you tired of hearing that yet?

So am I. But no matter how much it may be overdone, it’s still true. In fact, businesses should be ecstatic over these new technological developments, because any new way of communicating is good for business.

Of course, businesses have varying needs of social media. If you own a local restaurant, a store or have a trade, then by all means, use social media as much as you can to get your name out. The general public needs to know about you and would benefit (as would your business) by your online presence. But if you’re, say, an investment firm or developer, your social presence is less needed. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t even put your toes in the water; it just means you can’t be online every day advertising your specials, because, well, you don’t sell products. However, you still have a story to tell.

Here at the Gooden Group/Public Relations, we’ve slowly begun using social media in our own endeavors. We have a Facebook (shameless plug). We also have a Twitter (another). We post updates and news from our clients on both of those. We encourage our clients to have both as well. Every time we make a video of a product or event, we post it on our YouTube page.

Many companies are getting on board, despite an adherence to traditional business practices or forms of communication. You know – press releases, press releases, and more press releases. They are slowly realizing the potential literally at their fingertips: potential to reach hundreds or thousands more customers than before, potential to keep their customers up-to-date instantly. The world is moving to a more open form of communication, and while we don’t recommend ditching all the customary practices of spreading the word, a gentle mixture of old media and new media serves all purposes and works the best. Send a press release and crank out a Tweet. Make an announcement in a press conference and on Facebook. Even though every business’ online strategy would be different and need varying levels of investment, each can benefit in some way.

So social media is here; we know that, and we know how important that fact is if a business wants to stay relevant. Take that to heart and give your business the extra boost it needs.

Finish Line Tower "Tops Out"

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 22:36:00 GMT

The newest addition to the Boathouse District is the Chesapeake Finish Line Tower, slated to be completed next year. In late November, members of Chesapeake Energy and the Boathouse Foundation celebrated the raising of the last beam by "topping out" the tower with an evergreen holiday tree, a construction tradition. Check out a video of the event below:

For those of you not familiar with the Finish Line Tower, here is a previous video showing details and renderings of the building:

Acclaimed British Artist Brings International Work to City Arts Center

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 19:58:00 GMT

The exhibited works of well-known British artist and Royal Academician Nigel Hall are on display at the City Arts Center, Oklahoma City’s leading contemporary art space. Nigel Hall actually came to Oklahoma from London with the intent of exploring our vast geographic spaces.

“On my travels around America I have managed – by a major oversight – to miss Oklahoma. I am now eager to remedy this omission,” Hall noted. This is his first visit to the U.S. in over a decade.

For more than 40 years, America has held a fascination for Hall. It was the vast open spaces and natural beauty rather than its cityscapes that originally drew him to this country. Spaces that are free from human touch have a particular resonance for this sculptor; he lived in California during his early artistic years to explore the visual concepts of the openness of the Mojave Desert. “This experience of a seemingly empty landscape taught me a lot in terms of space and economy,” he said.

Hall’s exhibit at City Arts Center, located at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, includes two large-scale sculptures, more than 35 drawings and 25 maquettes, models and small sculptures. It is fascinating to see him explain how his eye sees the Mojave Desert, for example, and how his hand translates that visual experience into a work of art.

Royal Academicians are artists and architects who are elected to the Royal Academy of Arts, London, and are considered among the leading names in contemporary British art. Hall is the first international artist to personally exhibit at City Arts Center. His exhibition entitled Nigel Hall: Carbon Handprints will continue until mid-December, and is truly a feast for the eyes.

M-D Building Products Moving Ahead

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 22:39:00 GMT

What started in 1920 as Macklanburg-Duncan is now M-D Building Products, and what began as a small weatherization company is now a much larger one – with branches in Oklahoma City and Georgia, a 90^th anniversary under its belt and ground broken on a completely new facility.

M-D has been an Oklahoma City anchor for almost a century – that’s something to celebrate, and so they did. On Saturday, October 9^th, the company commemorated 90 years by closing down Sante Fe Avenue, erecting giant tents, bringing in three different bands/musical ensembles, grilling hot dogs and hamburgers and opening their entire factory floor as an open house. Family members could tour the factory and see what their mom, dad, brother or sister did for a living. There were games, prizes for the kids, and big, inflatable obstacle courses – entertainment for everyone.

But the day wasn’t just fun and games: it was business, too. M-D Building Products broke ground on its new distribution facility, directly across the street from its current factory. The 80,000 square foot building will augment the company’s existing 450,000 square foot distribution center and extensive product line. M-D already makes a range of residential and commercial weatherproofing products, including door and window weather-stripping, garage door weather-stripping, pipe insulation and a complete line of interior and exterior caulking products – anything and everything a home or business would need to make its building greener and more energy-efficient.

CEO and President Loren Plotkin spoke at the event, as well as representatives from the city, county and state. When Executive Vice-President Larry Sanford unveiled the new distribution center’s plans, all the employees and their families cheered. It was easy to see the pride they felt for their company. I talked to many workers who had been there for 20 or more years and were along for the ride for many more. They spoke with immense pride satisfaction of their time at the company. It was evident that when you’re part of something steadfast yet forward-moving like M-D Building Products, it’s easy to fall in love with it.

Here’s to another 90 years.

Check out the videos below of the groundbreaking ceremony and expansion plans.

Classen Curve Up and Running

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:15:00 GMT

There’s been plenty of buzz and speculation surrounding the highly-anticipated Classen Curve, the newly developed retail and restaurant center in Oklahoma City, and with good reason.

Have you seen this place? Unique architecture, chic restaurants and retail rivaling Fifth Avenue. Anyone familiar with Rand Elliott’s work (i.e. Pop’s, Chesapeake Boathouse, RED Prime Steak) realizes this place screams “Rand”- sharp angles, large windows, open layout. He created the entire complex to look like a trophy case, which is fitting considering the products are worthy of display - Balliets, Uptown Kids, Café 501, RePUBlic Gastropub, Upper Crust, On a Whim, Red Coyote, Metro Shoes, 105 Degrees, and who can forget the soon-to-be Whole Foods.

Walking along the shops at Classen Curve will take you back to a time when window shopping was king and individualized customer service was standard. Chesapeake Energy President Aubrey McClendon, the developer of Classen Curve, envisioned creating a “modern Main Street”. The intimate experience of Classen Curve is exactly what consumers are missing in this superstore society. In talking with some tenants about the design of their stores, I noticed a pattern. They each referred to their stores as art. When you walk into Balliets or even Uptown Kids, you get the sense that these products are not just clothes on hangers, but true works of art. Gary Goldman of Uptown Kids told me that Rand designed the store with that particular concept in mind, framing the products in such a way that it feels more like attending an art gallery than shopping!

So, I suggest you go ahead and skip the art gallery and head on over to Classen Curve and see what all the buzz is about!