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2007 Oilfield Patriot Award

Sponsored by Producers Service Corporation

Sarah Tipka, A.W. Tipka Oil & Gas, Inc.

 

     During the OOGA Summer Meeting, Sarah Tipka, Land Manager for A.W. Tipka Oil & Gas, Inc., was awarded the 2007 Ohio Oil & Gas Association Oilfield Patriot Award, sponsored by Producers Service Corporation. Tipka was selected for the award based upon her advocacy and passion for OOGA, OOGEEP and the entire Ohio oil and gas industry.

     After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Purdue University, Sarah's "first career" was as an elementary school teacher in Pontiac, Michigan. after continuing her teaching career in Indianapolis, Indiana, she came to Ohio and worked part-time as a leasing agent for A.W. Tipka Oil & Gas, Inc.

     In addition to her career, Sarah finds the time to be active in other industry organizations. She is a recently elected member of the Ohio Oil & gas Association's Board of Trustees, a member of Desk & Derrick, where she served four terms as President, and a member of the Ohio Oil & Gas Energy Education Program (OOGEEP) Board of Trustees for nine years. Sarah is also a lifetime member of the Indiana State Teachers Association.

     It is the combination of these activities and dedication that has led to her success. During a video presentation announcing this year's recipient, several colleagues were interviewed to discuss Sarah's contributions to the Ohio oil and gas industry.

     David Hill, current Chair of OOGEEP, commented on Sarah's continued volunteer efforts with the energy education program. "The time, effort and energy that Sarah has put into OOGEEP should be an example to other people." Hill also mentioned that both Sarah and her husband, Alan, "are the most honest individuals I have ever dealt with."

     Jerry James, the inaugural recipient of the Oilfield Patriot Award, stated that Sarah has always been a postive representative of the Ohio oil and gas industry. "She has a great enthusiasm of the industry, working on her own energy education program for years even before we had a formal one."

     OOGA President Jim Smail commented on Sarah's "unselfish" volunteer work at county fairs before the OOGEEP program was officially created. "she spent countless hours and days at county fairs manning the booth to epose our industry to the general populous."

     OOGA Vice President Bill Bennett described Sarah as "hard working, dependable and creative." He went to discuss how both Sarah and Alan have a great reputation in the industry.

     "Her special talents as an educator are somewhat unique in this business", said OOGA Executive Vice President Tom Stewart. Stewart noted that Sarah believes her achievements, "should translate for all of us into what this industry brings the state of Ohio."

     "Sarah has always express some phenomenal leadership qualities," stated Rhonda Reda, OOGA and Executive Director of OOGEEP. "You could not ask for a person that is more enthusiastic on getting out there and telling the story of the oil and gas industry."

     Larry Wickstrom, Chie fof the Ohio Dpeartment of natural Resources Division of Geological Survey, acknowledged that, "Sarah is the perfect recipient of the Patriot Award this year. Her teaching background and her energy industry experience make her the perfect advocate for the industry." Wickstrom went on to compliment Sarah on her enthusiasm, stating "her energy is just contagious."

     John Keller, of the law firm of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP, noted that Sarah also helps the industry in an unique way - with her jewelry. Keller recently had seen Sarah with her trademark golden oil derrick earrings. "I'm sure people see those and ask Sarah about our industry."

     Alan Tipka gas his brief summary of Sarah. Alan said that Sarah's dedication to the Ohio oil and gas industry is linked back to a strong belief, "that we are the good guys."

     OOGA would like to congratulate Sarah Tipka for receiving the 2007 Oilfield Patriot Award, sponsored by Producers Service Corporation. Thank you for your hard work, service and dedication to the Ohio oil and gas industry.