Business briefs: Park gains aircraft prototype; Pronoss acquires City Trailer; Mercy hiring fair

Aero Commander prototype unveiled

The “Blue Goose,” the prototype Aero Commander that led to a successful production line of aircraft for cross-country travel, was unveiled for permanent display recently at Eldon Lyon Park in Bethany.

The restoration was overseen by Dave Amis and Kenny Payton.

On May 9, 1951, the Blue Goose lifted off in the predawn hours from Tulakes Airport (now Wiley Post Airport) and flew nonstop to Washington, D.C., on one engine. The flight demonstrated the safety of the Aero Commander, made the front page of The New York Times and led to the aircraft being used for presidential travel.

The aircraft convinced brothers Bill and Rufus Amis, two local businessmen, to purchase the Aero Design Company and build the Commander factory at Wiley Post Airport. Over 3,000 airplanes were produced and thousands of people were employed at the factory for almost 40 years.

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New merger creates one-stop specialty vehicle repair shop

An Oklahoma-based specialty vehicle repair and manufacturing company has acquired a full-service truck and trailer business, offering a one-stop vehicle facility in the state.

Pronoss LLC, a specialty vehicle repair and remanufacturing company based in Oklahoma City, acquired City Trailer Inc., the company announced in a news release. Infinity Capital Partners arranged the transaction.

“Combining these two companies just makes sense,” said Pronoss founder Jake Nossaman. “With this acquisition, our goal is to create a fully integrated company that takes care of anything that touches the highway.”

City Trailer, which provides sales, service, maintenance and distribution, operates on a 45-acre facility in Oklahoma City.

Mercy to host hiring event tailored for people with disabilities

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Mercy will host its third annual inclusive hiring event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, at Love Family Women's Center, 4300 W Memorial Road.

The event will offer all-inclusive interviewing events with additional accommodations, the company stated in a news release. Recruitment specialists will focus on how individuals could make a fit for certain teams, regardless of their disabilities. Mercy organized the event as part of a larger focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Marisa Hiatt, Mercy director of disability and experience, said the events help the company and attendees celebrate the strength and innovation that comes from creating truly inclusive environments.

Mercy also will host inclusive hiring events in Missouri and Arkansas, where Mercy hospitals and clinics operate.

This year, the company will host the event under the theme "Access to Good Jobs for All."

― Rebecca Heliot and Steve Lackmeyer

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Business briefs: Park gains aircraft prototype; Pronoss acquires City Trailer; Mercy hiring fair