Plaza District Association to honor Chip Fudge with 2013 Urban Pioneer Award
OKLAHOMA CITY (March 12, 2013) – The 16th Street Plaza District Association will honor Chip Fudge as the recipient of its 2013 Urban Pioneer Award at 11:30am-1:00pm on Thursday, May 23rd in the Bill & Pam Shdeed Great Hall inside the Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center at Oklahoma City University, 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave.
Fudge is the founder and Chairman of Claims Management Resources, and a respected developer known for restoring historically significant properties in Oklahoma City.
Presented by Fowler Volkswagen of Norman, the Urban Pioneer Award is given annually to individuals in the Oklahoma City community who exemplify Oklahoma’s pioneering spirit with their leadership and commitment to urban revitalization.
“Through his entrepreneurial efforts, Chip Fudge has added Film Row to the string of historic preservation milestones in Oklahoma City history that includes Heritage Hills, One Bell Central, Bricktown, and Automobile Alley,” said Dr. Bob L. Blackburn, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society. “The impact of his vision and commitment has already made a difference in the life of his hometown.”
This is the ninth year for the award. Previous honorees include: Tom McDaniel, Lou Kerr, Meg Salyer, Mark Funke, Mike Turpen, Ann Simank, Steve Mason, Bill and Bob Ross, and Wayne and Michelle Coyne.
“With this award, we celebrate the accomplishments of amazing leaders, visionaries and true urban pioneers who have played such a vital role in the growth and evolution of the arts and culture in Oklahoma City, and the rebirth of our inner city,” said Kristen Vails, executive director of the 16th Street Plaza District Association.
Since 1997, the Plaza District Association has worked to develop the Plaza District as a vibrant commercial district where arts, local business and neighborhood community thrives. For more information, please visit www.plazadistrict.org.
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More about John M. “Chip” Fudge
Chip founded Claims Management Resources in 1988. As an entrepreneur, he developed many businesses, but his focus has always been growing CMR.
Chip spent the first 10 years of his career in the debt collection business before creating CMR. Experience in collections and subrogation uniquely positioned Chip to comprehend the difference between the two fields. Chip’s leadership and vision ultimately lead to the idea of CMR, and helped it grow. Currently Chip serves as Chairman at the company.
Chip graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1980 with a Bachelors of Arts in Pre-Law and a minor in Philosophy. His continuing education includes graduate level programs at Harvard, Northwestern University, and the London School of Business.
Community involvement, philanthropy and investment are very important to CMR and its founder. Chip serves on the board for Downtown OKC, Inc., Board of Governors for the OSU Foundation, NBC Bank Advisory Board, and the Oklahoma History Center Advisory Board. He regularly speaks to Oklahoma City’s emerging leaders in Youth Leadership Exchange (YLX) and is involved with Oklahoma’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. Chip’s commitment to the community spurred CMR’s redevelopment of Oklahoma’s historic Film Exchange District where the company will relocate in 2013.
An avid sports fan, Chip enjoys cheering on the Oklahoma State Cowboys. He also has a passion for collecting and driving vintage race cars and motorcycles. Chip is a regular participant in Mexico’s La Carrera Pan Americana race and the Monterey Vintage racing circuit. Chip enjoys international traveling, fly fishing and spending time with his wife Shannon, their five children, and two grandchildren.