A Time to Lead

The 2008 Leadership Broken Arrow class has taken on their first-ever class project – purchasing a centennial clock for historic downtown.

When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, magnificent clocks were seen in the public areas of towns and cities across the United States. Now more than a hundred years later, it is Broken Arrow’s chance to be part of the tradition. The 2008 Leadership Broken Arrow class has taken on their first-ever class project – purchasing a centennial clock for historic downtown.

The class is working with the Oklahoma Centennial Street Clock Project, devoted to bringing modernized versions of vintage clocks to the sidewalks, boulevards and neighborhoods of our state. The Leadership class has chosen the motto “A Time to Lead” and hopes to raise enough funds for Broken Arrow to join the communities across Oklahoma that have participated in the project, including Tulsa, Claremore, Vinita, Stillwater, and Sapulpa, among many others.

By actively planning and participating in a class project, Leadership Broken Arrow is utilizing skills learned in the program and taking their leadership to the next level. They brainstormed numerous ideas before deciding on the clock by popular vote.

“We were presented with several options, but the clock just seemed like the perfect project,” said Roger Flippo, project manager elect for the class. “We’ve got a great committee working on this, and the city appears to be very excited and supportive of our efforts.”    

As part of the downtown revitalization plan, the centennial clock will be located at the new Farmers Market at Main and 81st. The virtually maintenance-free clock will be four-faced, midnight black with golden trim and 16 feet in height. It will include daylight savings and power savings failure correction, an optional chime system and an illuminated face. The base design will consist of commemorative bricks.

As with any large project, raising money is an important component. The class is currently in a major fundraising effort, with $50,000 as the ultimate goal. Currently they are conducting a successful letter and email campaign. “We are pleased to announce that the Broken Arrow Convention and Visitors Bureau has already pledged a gift of $5,000,” said Flippo.

In addition to major sponsorships ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, individual sponsorships of $250 are also available and will buy an engraved brick. “We are hoping that the community will rally around this project. Broken Arrow is such a wonderful place to live. Our Leadership class is working very diligently to contribute to the revitalization and beautification of our great city, and we hope that the business community and citizens will help us,” said Flippo.

The class recently held an information booth at a Broken Arrow Business Women’s Association event, and they will be on hand at the Rooster Days Festival May 8 through 11 to provide education about their mission and receive donations. “We’ll be accepting any amount people want to contribute, even if it’s spare coins or a couple of dollars,” said LaTaunya Williams, marketing and public relations committee chair for the project.

Leadership Broken Arrow is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and supported by local government, civic groups and service organizations. The 2008 class consists of a variety of leaders, including bankers, small business owners and a stay-at-home mom.

The program’s goal is to provide emerging and established leaders the opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of their community and enhance their leadership skills. In its eighth year, the class meets monthly from September through May to learn about the area through expert lecturers, motivational guest speakers, group activities, facility tours and hands-on experience. After graduation, they use their knowledge and skills to continue making Broken Arrow a better community.

For more information about the Broken Arrow centennial clock, please contact LaTaunya Williams at (918) 259-2739 or eat0@eau0eav0eaw0. Donations may be sent to the address listed.

For more information, contact

Leadership Broken Arrow Clock Project

123 Main St.

Broken Arrow, OK 74012

(918) 259-2739