10/5/2007 - Celebrating Oklahoma! Says “Happy Birthday, Oklahoma” and “Happy Holidays” With Special Collectors Edition

7/31/2007 - Historic Centennial Photography Book Presented to Governor Henry

6/7/2007 - Historic Centennial Photography Book to Be "Made in Oklahoma"

11/22/2006 - Historic Centennial Photography Book Offers Holiday Discounts and Sponsorship Listings

11/2/2006 - Centennial Photography Book Offers Free Oklahoma E-Postcards

Celebrating Oklahoma! Says “Happy Birthday, Oklahoma” and “Happy Holidays”
With Special Collectors Edition
October 5, 2007

Enid, OK—The Oklahoma Centennial Photographic Survey (OCPS) created quite a stir with the recent publication of its Celebrating Oklahoma! coffee table book. The over-sized, 288-page volume boasts hundreds of spectacular photos of Oklahoma’s land, people, economy and communities, all captured during a 20-month journey across the state by Mike Klemme, the Official Photographer of the Oklahoma Centennial. Also included are a host of fun and surprising Oklahoma facts and the personal memories of nearly 50 famous Oklahomans.

In just a few short weeks, thousands of Oklahomans have purchased Celebrating Oklahoma! online (www.celebratingoklahoma.com) and at more than 100 participating retail locations. The book—an official project of the Oklahoma Centennial—was also recently unveiled to rave reviews at Oklahoma’s first-ever exhibit at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in Orlando, Fla.

With Oklahoma’s 100th birthday and the holiday gift-giving season just around the corner, OCPS is now aiming to open even more eyes to the beauty and vitality of our state—this time with a premium quality Celebrating Oklahoma! Collectors Edition.

 “We’re tremendously grateful that so many Oklahomans are enjoying and sharing our consumer book,” said Mike Klemme. “And we’re equally excited about the Collectors Edition. This volume will serve the special interests of collectors seeking a high-end, signature product, as well as individuals and organizations looking for an extraordinary holiday gift.”

The Collectors Edition scores high on the three characteristics that define highly-sought-after collectibles:

• A Truly Premium Product. Inside, each page of the Collectors Edition is a true work of art, with breathtaking photographs and well-crafted commentary that will excite, educate and inspire. Outside, the book is just as just as spectacular. A dark, rich, premium-quality leather cover embossed with the seal of the Oklahoma Centennial creates a luxurious first impression. A custom-fitted, sturdy leather slipcase (also exquisitely embossed) adds even more beauty and durability. This uncompromising combination of fine materials and old world craftsmanship ensures that the Collectors Edition will look as good on Oklahoma’s 150th birthday as it does today. Each book is also a true one-of-a-kind—personally signed and individually numbered by Mike Klemme.
  
  
• Limited Availability. With a mere 1,000 copies currently in print and the publisher’s guarantee that no more than 2,500 will ever be produced, the Collectors Edition represents a truly rare collectible. Whether purchased for investment purposes, sentimental reasons or as a never-to-be-forgotten gift, purchasers can be sure that their Collectors Edition will never fall prey to a flooded marketplace. To further ensure the scarcity of this special volume, the Collectors Edition cannot be purchased through normal retail outlets, but only on the Project’s Web site at www.celebratingoklahoma.com.
  
  
• An Exceptional Value. The Collectors Edition is a great value at its regular retail price of $399.95. However, in recognition of Oklahoma’s 100th birthday celebration and the upcoming holiday season, the publishers have announced a special “Celebration Price” of $349.95—that’s a savings of $50.00. Please note: The Celebration Price is available only through October 31, 2007 and will not be extended.

In making this announcement, Mike Klemme remarked, “The Collectors Edition is an amazingly versatile book. For the savvy collector, it’s a wonderful investment. Forward-thinking businesses will see the book as a powerful and creative way to say thanks to their best customers. And individuals who purchase the Collectors Edition will have a true treasure their families can enjoy for generations to come.”

Whether the message is “Happy Birthday, Oklahoma!” or “Happy Holidays,” the Celebrating Oklahoma! Collectors Editionis the perfect choice during this special time
of year!

The Oklahoma Centennial Photographic Survey was formed by the Oklahoma Centennial Commission to create a comprehensive photographic record of our state in its 100th year. To purchase the consumer edition or Collectors Edition of Celebrating Oklahoma!, see www.celebratingoklahoma.com. For more information, contact Margaret Wright at 1.800.338.1656 or mwright@celebratingoklahoma.com.

Historic Centennial Photography Book Presented to Governor Henry
July 31, 2007

Enid, OK—Oklahoma’s Centennial celebration has taken a great leap forward with the publication of the long-awaited Celebrating Oklahoma! coffee table book. The historic 288-page volume uses spectacular photography, interesting facts and the perspectives of nearly 50 famous Oklahomans to celebrate the character, grace and style that define Oklahoma in its 100th year.

In a recent ceremony at the State Capitol, Mike Klemme, the Official Photographer of the Oklahoma Centennial, presented one of the first copies to Governor Brad Henry, who wrote the foreword to the book. Also participating in the ceremony was Blake Wade, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Centennial Commission.

“Celebrating Oklahoma! is much more than a collection of photographs,” explained Klemme, a lifelong resident of Enid and the primary creative force behind the book. “From the beginning, our goal has been to tell the story of Oklahoma’s greatness. Our state is rich with both beauty and opportunity. Celebrating Oklahoma! will inspire Oklahomans to take pride in all that our state is today and all that we can be tomorrow.”

In accepting the book, Governor Henry noted that Celebrating Oklahoma! also will be an important economic development tool for the state. Blake Wade added, “Celebrating Oklahoma! is the glue that brings Oklahoma’s grand celebration together. This book will excite, entertain and educate people for decades to come.”

An official project of the Oklahoma Centennial, Celebrating Oklahoma is the first in a series of products to be produced by the Oklahoma Centennial Photographic Survey. More than 400 stunning photographs beautifully depict Oklahoma’s land, arts, economy, communities, people and leisure pursuits. The photographs were selected from the nearly 20,000 images Klemme captured during a 20-month journey across every county in the state.

James Garner, Troy Aikman, Roy Clark, David Boren, Frank Keating, General Tommy Franks, Bob Stoops, Eddie Sutton, Hanson and Miss America Jennifer Berry are just a few of the famous entertainers, athletes, astronauts and public servants who have added their personal memories and perspectives to Celebrating Oklahoma!

The book can be purchased online at www.celebratingoklahoma.com or by phone at 1.800.338.1656. A rapidly growing list of retailers stocking Celebrating Oklahoma! can also be found on the Web site. The hardcover Special Edition of Celebrating Oklahoma! is priced at $59.95. A Collectors Edition, which adds a leather cover and leather slipcase and is personally signed by the photographer, is also available for $399.95. Volume discounts are available to individuals, businesses and organizations.

Klemme has spent the past 20 years photographing resorts, golf courses, architecture and communities around the world. During his photographic journey, he has traveled more than 4 million miles and explored 2,000 beautiful destinations in nearly 50 countries. Klemme’s photographs have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Cigar Aficionado, The Wall Street Journal, Golf Magazine, Business Week and countless other national and international lifestyle publications.

The Oklahoma Centennial Photographic Survey was formed by the Oklahoma Centennial Commission to create a comprehensive photographic record of our state in its 100th year. For more information, interviews or high-resolution photos, contact Margaret Wright at 1.800.338.1656 or mwright@celebratingoklahoma.com. Additional images and media releases can be found at www.celebratingoklahoma.com.

Historic Centennial Photography Book to Be "Made in Oklahoma"
June 7, 2007

Tulsa, OK – In an age when most large-format coffee table books go overseas for printing, Celebrating Oklahoma!, a soon-to-be-released pictorial tribute to Oklahoma in its Centennial year, is bucking the trend. After researching quality printers located as far away as China and Korea, the publishers have selected Tulsa-based Consolidated Printing Solutions to produce the 22,000 first-run copies of the historic 288-page volume.

Published by the Oklahoma Centennial Photographic Survey (OCPS) and recognized as an official Oklahoma Centennial project, Celebrating Oklahoma! captures the rich spirit of Oklahoma through an inspiring, engaging and emotional photographic collection of the land, people and culture that make our state truly unique.

Mike Klemme, the Official Photographer of the Oklahoma Centennial and the primary creative force behind the book, explained, “Celebrating Oklahoma!  is designed to celebrate the very best that Oklahoma has to offer and to enhance our state’s image across the country and around the world. From the outset, our hope has been to keep as much of the work on the book in state, as well. On the creative side, the team at Tulsa’s Source Publications (www.sourcepub.com) has done a fabulous job with all the research, writing and design work. Today’s announcement means the huge printing project—and the significant financial investment that involves—will remain in Oklahoma as well, rather than going overseas. This is terrific news for Oklahoma.”   

Park Murphy, sales consultant at Consolidated, said, “This is a mammoth project that is great for our company—and great for our state. The full-color job will keep a high-speed printing press running 24 hours a day for 6 1/2 days. That’s 153 continuous hours of press time. In the process, we’ll use 118,000 pounds of paper (or 3 semi-trailers full). Machine-folding the 6.3 million printed pages for binding will take another 228 hours. We’re thrilled to be part of this effort to Celebrate Oklahoma!”

The hardcover Special Edition of Celebrating Oklahoma! is priced at $59.95, and can be pre-ordered on the project’s Web site at www.celebratingoklahoma.com. The Collectors Edition, which adds a leather cover and leather slipcase and is personally signed by the photographer, is a keepsake that will last for generations and also can be purchased on the site for $399.95. Interested purchasers can also order by phone at 1.800.338.1656. Volume discounts are available to individuals, businesses and organizations.

OCPS considered printers in Texas, California, Korea and China before choosing the Oklahoma option.

A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Klemme has spent the past 20 years photographing resorts, golf courses, architecture and communities around the world.  During this journey, he has traveled more than 4 million miles and explored 2,000 beautiful destinations in nearly 50 countries. His photographs have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Cigar Aficionado, The Wall Street Journal, Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, Business Week and countless other national and international lifestyle publications. Klemme’s work has also been featured in four books capturing some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses and resorts. His framed signature shots are treasured by collectors worldwide and often are used for high-end promotional gifts. 

The Oklahoma Centennial Photographic Survey was formed by the Oklahoma Centennial Commission to create a comprehensive photographic record of our state. Subjects captured in Celebrating Oklahoma! include cities, towns, people, Oklahoma’s diverse cultural heritage, weather, landscapes, architecture, agriculture, commerce, daily life and historical sites. For more information, interviews or high-resolution photos, contact Margaret Wright at 1.800.338.1656 or mwright@celebratingoklahoma.com.

Historic Centennial Photography Book Offers Holiday Discounts and Sponsorship Listings
November 21, 2006

Tulsa, OK – Celebrating Oklahoma!, a soon-to-be-released coffee-table book capturing Oklahoma’s Centennial year through dramatic photographs that depict the greatness of the State, has launched a holiday discount program that also gives early buyers the opportunity to have their names included in the book.

Published by the Oklahoma Centennial Photographic Survey and recognized as an official Oklahoma Centennial project, Celebrating Oklahoma! is scheduled for release in the Spring of 2007. 

The holiday promotion couldn’t be simpler. Every purchase made by March 1, 2007 entitles the buyer to a $10 discount off the regular $59.95 price and a sponsorship listing in the book at no additional charge.

According to Mike Klemme, the Official Photographer of the Oklahoma Centennial, larger volume discounts and sponsorships are also available. All of the savings and participation opportunities can be reviewed at the project’s Web site:  www.celebratingoklahoma.com.  Orders can be placed directly from the Web site or by calling 800-338-1656.

“Celebrating Oklahoma!  is intended to capture the rich spirit of Oklahoma through an inspiring, engaging and emotional photographic collection of the people, places, culture and activities that make our state truly unique,” Klemme explained.  “This book is destined to be a family treasure that will be enjoyed for generations to come,” he said.

“With the holiday season fast approaching, Celebrating Oklahoma! makes a truly special and long-lasting gift,” Klemme said.  “And each purchaser who orders the book for a friend, loved one or business associate will receive a handsome gift card.”

The publishers have also created a free e-postcard program through which interested Oklahomans can easily share some of Klemme’s spectacular pictures throughout the year-long Centennial celebration. To automatically receive the daily e-postcards, simply link to www.celebratingoklahoma.com and complete a brief, one-time sign-up form. Registration also entitles users to tap into a photo archive, where they can view previous images they might have missed or once again enjoy their favorites.

Klemme, an Oklahoma native and Enid resident, explained that the e-postcards are a way to enjoy the Centennial celebration every day of the year. “I’m particularly excited,” he said, “that parents and other citizens can forward these beautiful photos to children at college, military personnel, native Oklahomans who have moved away or anyone else who would enjoy the most spectacular sites and scenery in the world.” 

A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Klemme has spent the past 20 years photographing resorts, golf courses, architecture and communities around the world.  During this journey, he has traveled more than four million miles and explored 2000 beautiful destinations in nearly 50 countries. Since being named the Official Centennial Photographer by the Oklahoma Centennial Commission, Klemme has amassed more than 12,000 photographs from across the state.

His photographs have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Cigar Aficionado, The Wall Street Journal, Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, Business Week and countless other national and international lifestyle publications. Klemme’s work has also been featured in four books capturing some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses and resorts. His framed signature shots are treasured by collectors worldwide and are often used for high-end promotional gifts. 

Centennial Photography Book Offers Free Oklahoma E-Postcards
November 2, 2006

Tulsa, OK – Celebrating Oklahoma!, a soon-to-be-released coffee-table book capturing the beauty of Oklahoma’s Centennial year has launched a unique—and free—Oklahoma e-postcard program on its Web site, www.celebratingoklahoma.com.  

The program offers a different Oklahoma photo each day of the year-long celebration—all captured through the lens of Mike Klemme, the Official Photographer of the Oklahoma Centennial celebration and the primary photographer for Celebrating Oklahoma!. The publishers have also created a simple interface allowing interested Oklahomans to easily and automatically share the cards with their friends and relatives.

Klemme, an Oklahoma native and Enid resident who has been traveling the state for the last year, explained that the e-postcards are designed to make the Centennial celebration a more personal and enjoyable event every day of the year. “I’m particularly excited,” he said, “that parents and other citizens can forward and share these beautiful photos with children at college, military personnel, native Oklahomans who have moved away or anyone else who would enjoy the most spectacular sites and scenery in the world.” 

Since being named the official Centennial photographer by the Oklahoma Centennial Commission, Klemme has amassed more than 10,000 photographs from across the state. The most beautiful and important of these images will be captured in the historic Celebrating Oklahoma! book to be released in the spring of 2007. The book, published by the Oklahoma Centennial Photographic Survey, is recognized as an official Oklahoma Centennial project.

To automatically receive the daily e-postcards, interested Oklahomans simply link to www.celebratingoklahoma.com and complete a brief, one-time sign-up form. In addition to getting the daily e-cards, registered users can at any time tap into a photo archive to view previous images they might have missed or once again enjoy their favorites.

The www.celebratingoklahoma.com Web site also provides important details about the Celebrating Oklahoma! book project. Through March 1, 2007, the site offers sponsorship opportunities and pre-publication discounts of up to 20% on the book and related products. 

Klemme, a graduate of Oklahoma State University, has spent the past 20 years photographing resorts, golf courses, architecture and communities around the world.  During this journey, he has traveled more than four million miles and explored 2000 beautiful destinations in nearly 50 countries.

His photographs have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Cigar Aficionado, The Wall Street Journal, Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, Business Week and countless other national and international lifestyle publications. Klemme’s work has also been featured in four books capturing some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses and resorts. His framed signature shots are treasured by collectors worldwide and are often used for high-end promotional gifts. 

The Oklahoma Centennial Photographic Survey was formed by the Oklahoma Centennial Commission to capture the rich spirit of Oklahoma through an inspiring, engaging and emotional photographic collection of the state’s people, places and culture. Subjects to be captured in Celebrating Oklahoma! include cities, towns, agriculture, Oklahoma’s rich cultural heritage, weather, landscapes, architecture, agriculture, commerce, daily life and historical sites.