Published: March 11, 2008 12:21 pm      

SODA celebrates 50th anniversary

Ardmore — The Southern Oklahoma Development Organization (SODA) recently celebrated its Fifty Year Anniversary at a party held at the Ardmore Convention Center.

Over 150 former and current employees, board members, elected officials, and friends gathered to reminesce about the past and look to the future.

Emcee, State Representative Terry Hyman, and SODA Executive Director Wes Bowman, helped detail SODA’s original commision as Consevator of Lake of the Arbuckles to its present role as a Regional Council of Government and Planning District to help officials and citizens in ten counties, sixty-two cities and towns, 123 Rural Fire Departments, and 90 Senior Centers secure grants and other funds for a multitude of services including nutrition, infrastructure, medical needs, housing, fire and police protection..

State Senator Johnnie Crutchfield presented a Proclamation from the Oklahoma State Senate honoring SODA and thanked the employees and Board of Directors for all they do.

State Senator Jay Paul Gumm presented the keynote address highlighting many of SODA’s achievements and speaking directly for the need for all organizations to work together for the betterment of all.

A Board of Directors meeting was held before the anniversary party during which officers were elected to serve during 2008. Barbara Young of Ada was re-elected to a second term as Board President. Also re-elected to second terms were Gilbert Young, Atoka, Vice-President, and Jim Dunagan, Durant, Vice-President.