You are currently viewing Wagoner Economic Development Grants Delivered

Wagoner Economic Development Grants Delivered

MAY 7TH 2018:

The future of Brighter Futures got a little brighter on Friday, May 4, with a $500 check from the Wagoner Economic Development Authority (WEDA).

This is the spring grant season for the WEDA and there’s another program in the winter. Brighter Futures was one of three Wagoner businesses or organizations that applied and won these funds.

Brighter Futures was not the only recipient. The Wagoner Arts Alliance received $500 and business Fitness Reloaded got $1,000.

The WEDG will hand out $2,000 twice a year. A group, business or organization can apply for the winter grant by November 30 through the Wagoner Main Street webpage or by calling 918-577-1772.

Brighter Futures plans to use its funds for computers and maybe a security system for the old Lincoln school where they are housed.

“Praise, God,” said John Jones, who is one of the directors with Dr. Suzanne Salichs. “Thank you, not just to the Wagoner Main Street, but the entire community for its support.”

The next stop was to present $500 to the Arts Alliance to surprise Polly Moore and Annita Wilson.

The Arts Alliance plans to use its funds for the upcoming Summer Art Camp for Kids. It begins the last week of May and the first week in June.

Moore and Wilson said budding artists could go online and download forms for the camp.

The last stop was the 1940 building where Oklahoma Natural Gas used to reside back in the day. Now, Fitness Reloaded is located there creating a different kind of energy on North Main for owner Jana Ketcher.

Ketcher plans to use the $1,000 to finish the flooring in the front of the building and for lighting upgrades.

Ketcher opened the fitness place on March 23 and turned an old structure into a usable one. She plans to add a fitness trainer, athletic wear for sale and a small hair styling facility on site as well.

WEDA review committee members on hand for the presentations were Wagoner Main Street President Sharon Thoele, Main Street Director Samantha Call and Main Street Vice President Monica Medley.

Others on the committee include Charity Muehlenweg with the The City of Wagoner Economic Development Authority, Wagoner City Planner Taylor Tannehill, Janice Turney and Main Street Treasurer Christine Beene.