Become a "Whole" New Person in Oklahoma City

THE NEWS
    Hundreds of organic and locally grown products have come to Oklahoma City, and they're here to stay.  Whole Foods is now open, and the employees have seen nothing but busy days in their grocery store.

THE IMPACT
     This new grocery store brings with it not only healthy foods, but hopeful changes for the area and the state.  Whole Foods brings jobs, health awareness, options, and an economic edge to Oklahoma.  "I've seen customers come from hours away just to buy products from Whole Foods," says John Gallaspy, a supervisor at the store in Oklahoma City. 

THE CONTEXT
     Whole Foods is one of few businesses in this country that is expanding during America's economic crisis.  Interestingly, "one of the reasons Whole Foods opened in Oklahoma City is the one in Tulsa was just too busy.  We're the largest organic retailer in the United States," says Gallaspy.  He says that this one is always busy too.  "People are willing to pay for quality food."

THE HUMAN DIMENSION
     Before Oct. 12, the only Whole Foods store in Oklahoma was in Tulsa.  Suan Grant  has been selling her award-winning pepper jelly at the Whole Foods in Tulsa since 2009.  Now, she can sell her pepper jelly a little closer to home.  "I'm very happy Whole Foods opened in Oklahoma City...now I don't have to drive as far to sell my jelly!  I really think this will help my business," says Grant.  

WHAT'S NEXT
     Oklahoma City's new grocery store is expecting this expanding business to stick around.  Gallaspy says, "having Whole Foods in a central location may even help our state's obesity problems."  The future is looking bright and healthy for Oklahoma!
   

 

Midterm Slideshow

THE NEWS
     Kris Partin is an OU graduate that owns a small business—in her garage. Fusion Flowers is a “blooming” business in Norman. She has been working on her business for a little over a year, perfecting the art of arranging flowers. Partin has also completed a class hosted by Teleflora to advance her skills.


THE IMPACT
     She serves the Norman community as well as the surrounding area. Partin is happy to give and make herself available to her customers. She is very accommodating; and her main goal is to see that the customer is fully satisfied with her work. Partin provides quality flower arrangements for everyone’s budget in this economy.


THE CONTEXT
     Partin started her business in July 2010 and has been busy making arrangements ever since. She earned her degree in landscape architecture at OU, and is proud to serve the OU community. Partin delivers flowers on campus, as well as to fraternity and sorority houses. She also delivers to Oklahoma City, Noble, and Moore.


THE HUMAN DIMENSION
     Shari Dowd, a regular customer, says “I have been coming to Kris for my flower arrangements for almost a year now.” She chooses to take her business to Partin because of the personal attention and the attention to detail on the final product. Partin has many regular customers, and encourages new customers that are interested in her work.


WHAT’S NEXT
     Partin’s work has been displayed at several different events, including an art gallery showing at the Firehouse Museum in Norman. Her arrangements can be found at various events happening in Norman. Customers can contact Kris by calling her at (405) 701-8817 or by email at krp.partin@cox.net. Her hours can be found at her website: www.fusionflowers.net. 


 [SLIDESHOW: Amy Slanchik, 2:00]