Feb. 9—One local citizen earned a prestigious award at the Oklahoma State Capitol in January.

Corey Ahlfenger, a Marlow alumni, received a Governor's award for Outstanding Business.

Prior to receiving the award, Oklahoma's Workforce Development nominated Ahlfenger.

A release states Ahlfenger worked "with the team of specialists since the inception of CBM Driving Academy located in Stephens County."

Several award winners gathered at the Capitol for a reception and award ceremony, as well as a meet and greet with Department of Commerce Director Brent Kisling and colleagues.

During the ceremony, Ahlfenger spoke on the House floor at the Capitol. He said he's honored and grateful.

"I am honored to be nominated and to receive this award," Ahlfenger said. "(I am) grateful what we do is continuing to help people with careers, not just jobs."

Ahlfenger was presented the award for the southwest region of Oklahoma.

After opening in March 2020, CBM Driving Academy was only open for three weeks before needing to shut down, due to the pandemic, according to a release.

"What quickly changed was the absolute need for quality truck drivers," a release states. "So the Academy worked with the State and Legislators to open the doors for students and they did so in a successful way."

Since reopening, the academy has graduated 84% of students who have enrolled with nearly 100% becoming employed after graduation.

Oklahoma Workforce Business Services Coordinator Erin Glass said they knew they had picked the right candidate for the award.

"We knew Corey was a quality candidate," Glass said. "He knows so much about the program."

Oklahoma Workforce assists people in locating jobs, as well as finding quality employers.

"(They) aid businesses needing employees, offers a wide variety of scholarships and works with anyone in Oklahoma," a release states.

According to a release, the workforce has worked with CBM Driving Academy to send students to the school with many receiving scholarships.

"CBM is a traditionally a four-week course with two weeks being in the classroom and two weeks in the truck," a release states.

Ahlfenger said the best part about the school is it can be completed in around four weeks.

"You can be doing something completely different and making a good living wage," he said.

For more information about CBM Driving Academy, visit CBM Driving Academy on Facebook or call 580-656-9101.