Three Edmondites celebrate prestigious honors

Three Edmondites are celebrating one of the most prestigious honors in our state. Diane Surtees, Mark Becker, and Scott Brown received the Most Promising New Business award for their work with Galvanic Energy during a recent virtual awards ceremony with more than 80 online participants. “Learning that we were a finalist re-validated our venture’s opportunity, and we are honored to be named the winner,” said Brown, vice president of data management.

The Most Promising New Business title for 2020 was awarded to Galvanic Energy from Oklahoma Venture Forum, which fosters business endeavors and recognizes entrepreneurial achievements in Oklahoma.

“The award committee reviewed applicants for product or service innovation. They looked at actual or potential revenue growth as well as funding sources,” said Surtees, director of strategic communications for the company. “The Most Promising New Business had to show both leadership and management quality, market potential, and the economic impact our team could make on this industry.” 

Brent Wilson, Galvanic Energy’s CEO and president, spoke to the audience about his venture’s market opportunity and its expected economic benefits. “America today is completely dependent on other countries for critical elements,” he said, explaining that the limitations of conventional mining have constrained the U.S. to less than two percent global production of specific elements needed for high-performance batteries used in electric vehicles.

“Galvanic Energy identifies deep reservoirs associated with certain oil and gas fields to be converted into electro-chemical resources products needed for renewable energies,” said Becker, an Edmond resident and vice president of operations for Galvanic Energy. “I foresee our work bringing new opportunities for oil and gas companies and contributing to an economic resurgence in communities affected by diminished industry activity. Unconventional solutions like ours will lead America to sustainable energy independence.”

The company is currently securing a formidable reserve they describe as “world-class,” containing strategic elements used in technology materials. Noting that countries such as China currently dominate this supply chain, Wilson calls his company’s strategy “a game-changer for U.S. energy resource development.” 

The Galvanic Energy team are experts in geoscience applications and technologies. They address economic and technical barriers to create an abundant domestic supply of raw materials for an alternative-energy future. The firm offers environmentally responsible, market-changing solutions in support of U.S. industries producing green technology and renewable energies.

Investors have taken notice. The team already secured $5 million in funding during its first round of investment. Later this year, the company will enter its pilot phase to test extraction technologies, which will require additional funding.

“This will open the door for new investors to capitalize on this new energy resource revolution,” Wilson said. For more information, visit GalvanicEnergy.com.

The Venture of the Year award was given to Sendaride, which provides customized non-emergency medical transport for the healthcare industry through use of an online technology platform.

Edmond entrepreneur Dan Slusarchuk, CEO of Standards I.T. in downtown Edmond, now serves as the incoming president for Oklahoma Venture Forum.

“The Oklahoma Venture Forum awards for Venture of the Year and Most Promising New Business are two of the most prestigious recognitions a company can receive because they represent the triumph of the entrepreneurial dream and spirit,” Slusarchuk said.

“We are always blown away by the competition and look forward to seeing what new innovations will come next,” said Che’ Loessberg, executive director of Oklahoma Venture Forum. “Historically this event was held biannually, but considering Oklahoma’s entrepreneurial growth, Oklahoma Venture Forum will now be seeking submissions for these awards each year. Each round of nominations and applications reveals a new group of entrepreneurial pioneers who deserve to be publicly recognized for their achievements.” For more information, visit OVF.org.