Silver+ Saturday – Murray State College & Chickasaw Nation

Silver+ Saturday posts are to spotlight our members who go above and beyond to contribute to the work of the chamber through membership and sponsorships. Silver+ members make an annual investment of $500 or more; below are our Diamond members that pay $2,500+ per year. Thank you for learning more about them below!

“Governor Kevin Stitt has appointed local Tishomingo rancher [and Chamber member] Dr. Gary Greene to the Murray State College Board of Regents. Greene’s appointment has been confirmed by the Oklahoma Senate, and he will begin serving a seven-year term in June 2020. Greene replaces Regent Dr. Scott Wood.

Greene, originally from Beckham County, is the owner of Round Rock Ranch, an Angus and Charolais cow calf operation. A Vietnam veteran, he served in the 32nd Army Air. He completed a degree in Natural Science Education at Southwestern State College. His master’s degree in economics was awarded by the University of Missouri. He earned a doctorate in education/economics from Oklahoma State University.

“Gary Greene has been an incredible supporter of Murray State College for many, many years. He most recently served as the chair of our foundation where he took the lead on a variety of projects,” said MSC President Joy McDaniel.

“We welcome him to the board as a creative thinker and dedicated leader. His experience in education and economic development will be valuable assets to the board, students, faculty, staff and community members,” added McDaniel.

Greene has spent most of his career in higher education while employed at Oklahoma State University, Kansas State University and the University of Oklahoma, from which he retired after 22 years of service. He has published over 40 articles in national and regional research journals. He serves as a board member of the Oklahoma Independent Stock Growers Association.” https://www.mscok.edu/news/governor-stitt-appoints-dr-gary-greene-to-murray-state-college-board-of-regents

Release Date: May 20, 2020 by Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office

Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby today stated that the Chickasaw Nation plans to begin implementing a phased reopening of casinos, other businesses and offices soon. Preparations for reopening are underway, including alterations to facilities and employee testing as well as training employees to follow new safety protocols and procedures. Businesses and offices will reopen once preparations are complete.

All Chickasaw Nation casinos will open gaming floors at 25 percent of capacity. “As we begin implementing our reopening plan, the health and safety of our employees, patrons and community members remain our highest priorities,” said Governor Anoatubby. “Our leadership team has worked diligently to develop a plan that conforms with best practices advised by health professionals to help prevent any resurgence of the virus.”

“We recently began employee testing in preparation for reopening businesses and offices,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “In addition to extensive employee testing and screening, we will implement responsible distancing policies, enhanced cleaning protocols and other measures to protect the health and safety of our employees and clients.” The plan, designed to mitigate the risk of resurgence, is based on the most recent scientific modeling.

“Our leadership team will continue closely monitoring the data and projections as we evaluate and refine our policy, guidelines and procedures,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “We believe it is important to reopen our operations in a manner that protects public health, instills confidence and preserves the opportunity for successful economic development.” In addition to limiting casino gaming floors to 25 percent of capacity, signage and other updates in operations will serve to facilitate responsible distancing.

Security personnel will check the temperature of all patrons entering each facility. Those with a confirmed temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will be asked to return home and seek appropriate medical care. Guests and employees will also be required to wear protective face coverings over their nose and mouth at all times. Gaming facilities will be closed from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. for cleaning and disinfecting.

Chickasaw Nation hotels, the WinStar RV Park, and the WinStar Golf Course will be open to guests with enhanced cleaning protocols and responsible distancing measures. Restaurants and bars will reduce seating capacity to maintain six feet of distance between each seated group of guests. Table games, off-track betting, poker, bingo, entertainment options, convention center and pools will remain closed during phase one of the reopening. Chickasaw Travel Stops (CTS) locations will continue to remain open as a public service.” https://chickasaw.net/News/Press-Releases/Release/Chickasaw-Nation-businesses-and-offices-reopening-53917.aspx