OPEA

Delegates from Alabama, Arkansas, South Carolina and Tennessee converged on Oklahoma City recently for the annual Southern States Conference.

OPEA board members and staff greeted more than 50 delegates in downtown Oklahoma City for the three-day event.

“It is certainly a pleasure welcoming our out-of-state guests,” said OPEA President Connie Stockton.  “We have a number of items on the agenda we believe will be useful in their own associations.  We’re also looking forward to showing them some good Oklahoma hospitality,” Stockton said.

State Representative Anastasia Pittman was on hand for the Friday morning opening ceremonies, and presented OPEA with a special state proclamation. 

From left: Rep. Anastasia Pittman, OPEA Board President Connie Stockton, Executive Director Sterling Zearley and Deputy Director Scott Barger

Later, State Representative Mike Shelton and former legislator Jim Dunlap spoke on ways to get members active in the legislative process.

  Representative Mike Shelton, left, and Jim Dunlap

Guests were treated to an evening of Oklahoma-style dining and entertainment later at the Governor's Mansion in Oklahoma City, sponsored by the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation.

Dinner was an array of upscale urban barbeque, complete with all the fixin's.  Entertainment was provided by Oklahoma's own legendary country music singer and Grammy Award winner Jody Miller, who performed a medley of her greatest hits including "Queen of the House" and "He's So Fine."

  Blanchard, Oklahoma's-Own Grammy Award Winner Jody Miller, center, performs with daughter Robin Brooks, left and guitarist Jerry Putnam

"This entire evening has been so much fun," said Zoyle Jones, President of the Tennessee State Employees Association.  "Oklahoma has done an outstanding job hosting Southern States, and tonight was great." 

 Jody Miller and TSEA President Zoyle Jones

 
Miller coaxed Jones on stage during her performance and together they did a rousing rendition of "Honey."  Miller also received a standing ovation for her performance of "American Trilogy," which she dedicated to the Southern States group.

 
“It’s been an incredible conference,” said OPEA Executive Director Sterling Zearley.  “We have received a tremendous amount of positive feedback from the delegates, and hope they have enjoyed themselves.”

State officials attending included Representatives Al McAffrey, Anastasia Pittman and Mike Shelton.  State Auditor and Inspector Steve Burrage attended, as well as Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth and Oklahoma Department of Tourism Executive Director Hardy Watkins.

 OPEA Executive Director Sterling Zearley listens as State Auditor and Inspector Steve Burrage shows some hot guitar licks.