This week, we would like for you to meet Alane Zannotti, Director of Extension Education & Community Development at Meridian Technology Center on Stillwater.

1. Tell us about your company?

Meridian began as Indian Meridian Area Vocational-Technical School in July 1973. In August of 1975, classes began with 13 daytime programs and staff of approximately 30. In 1994, the school was renamed Meridian Technology Center. Meridian offers courses in the following areas: Career Training Majors, Professional and Personal Interest, Online Classes and Business Solutions including Customized Training and Entrepreneur Services. The Meridian Technology Center district covers parts of Lincoln, Logan, Noble, Pawnee and Payne counties, encompassing more than 900 square miles. The district includes residents in communities served by Agra, Carney, Glencoe, Guthrie, Morrison, Mulhall-Orlando, Pawnee, Perkins-Tryon, Perry and Stillwater. Guthrie is our second largest town Meridian serves (Stillwater is number one). We have 117 Guthrie high school junior/senior students that attend Meridian every day.

2. What’s one thing that makes your company great?

“Meridian’s mission is to provide customized education and training services for individuals, industries and communities.” Which means that at any point in your life, Meridian is there to help you reach an educational goal: whether it be for professional OR personal reasons.

3. Why is Guthrie a great community to be a part of?

Guthrie has that winning combination of amazing history and people. There are so many opportunities for the community to get involved in something that will benefit them as well as Guthrie. “Something” can be defined by events, organizations, causes, etc. My Meridian car goes on “automatic pilot” when I come to Guthrie. I absolutely LOVE coming to Guthrie weekly!!

4. Why is your company a part of the Chamber?

The Guthrie community chooses to be a part of Meridian’s district. Being an active chamber participant provides an additional way that Meridian can get to know individuals and businesses in the Guthrie community. We want to help them thrive with services we can provide them there in Guthrie, on site at their business, or on our campus in Stillwater. I can’t imagine what my Wednesdays would be like without seeing great colleagues and friends at the chamber coffees!

5. What was the last thing that made you smile?

A text this morning from my 75 year old Dad (from his iPhone): “Good morning Alane, just wanted to let you know I love you and have a good day. Be safe going to Guthrie today. Yes, I typed this myself without your mother’s help.”

Thank you to Alane for participating in our series. If you are a member of the Chamber and want to be featured in our spotlight, simply attend one of the weekly Chamber coffee events and you could be next!