From organizing sales records to building custom software, area business representatives shared how they are putting artificial intelligence to work during an Oct. 28 luncheon hosted by the Logan County Economic Development Council.
The program, “How Local Businesses Are Using AI,” took place at Meridian Technology Center’s South Campus in Guthrie. Shannon Speir of the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center moderated the panel, which included Angela Jones of AI Angie, Joey Thompson of Tri-Lift Services, and Kimberly and Jeremy Gilleland of Red Tulip Designs.
Mercy sponsored the luncheon.
The program focused on ways businesses can use AI to reduce administrative work and develop tools suited to their operations.
Thompson’s presentation detailed how Tri-Lift uses specialized AI assistants for tasks ranging from research and email to marketing and sales reporting. One example involved an assistant that transfers the sales team’s daily numbers into a monthly sales sheet.
The company also used AI to build ATLAS, short for Advanced Technology, Logistics & Automation System, to support its operations. The presentation highlighted sales and quality-control functions within the custom system.
Thompson’s materials emphasized using AI to handle routine work so employees can devote more time to higher-value responsibilities. They also encouraged businesses to consider building reusable tools instead of repeatedly relying on AI to perform the same task.
One example was Tri-Lift’s Well Math feature in its field application, which includes eight engineering calculators based on published correlations. The presentation noted that the calculators display formulas, references, typical ranges and worked examples so technicians can understand the calculations.
Jones’ presentation traced her path from telecommunications and construction project management into writing, publishing and AI consulting.
Operating as AI Angie, Jones helps small businesses modernize through digitization and AI. Her materials highlighted projects involving website development, online training content and an Etsy store featuring AI-assisted product designs.
Her presentation also explored using multiple AI tools together and the potential for automation to handle repeatable business tasks.
The Oklahoma SBDC presentation outlined applications for rural small businesses, including marketing, customer follow-up and day-to-day operations.
A demonstration built around a fictional fencing company illustrated how a short voice memo about a project could become organized job notes, a draft estimate, a materials checklist, a work order and a customer follow-up message. The materials emphasized that an owner should review pricing, terms and accuracy before sending an estimate.
Other examples included drafting responses to online reviews, planning social media content and examining the potential costs of adding an employee.
The SBDC materials encouraged owners to begin with a task they perform repeatedly, struggle to complete or routinely put off, then work with an advisor to develop an appropriate AI-assisted process.
Be the first to comment on "Local businesses share AI applications at Logan County economic development luncheon"