TULSA, Okla., Oct 12, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Today marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE: OKE). And in that century, the company has flourished. Originally founded in 1906 as a natural gas pipeline in Oklahoma, ONEOK has emerged as a leader in the energy industry and in the community.
"I'm proud to be a part of this organization during such a significant event," said David Kyle, ONEOK chairman, president and CEO. "ONEOK's Centennial is a celebration of the contribution of our employees throughout the years and serves as an inspiration for our future."
To commemorate the Centennial, celebrations were held at each company location, a satellite broadcast reaching employees in over 75 company locations was conducted, and time capsules from 1981 were opened. In addition, a new time capsule was filled with artifacts representing the company today -- to be opened in 2031.
As part of the celebrations, ONEOK commissioned a history book titled, "ONEOK: A Centennial Portrait 1906-2006," that was presented to all employees.
To cap off the Centennial, David Kyle, with his management team, will ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Oct. 18, 2006. A live webcast will be available on ONEOK's Web site (http://www.oneok.com ) at 3 p.m. Central Time that day.
During its 100th year, ONEOK completed its largest transaction in company history, valued at more than $3 billion, resulting in the company becoming the sole general partner and owner of 45.7 percent of ONEOK Partners, one of the largest publicly traded master limited partnerships in the country.
Also during the year, ONEOK was recognized by FORTUNE Magazine as one of the "Most Admired Companies in America" and one of the "100 Fastest-Growing Companies for 2006." According to the latest FORTUNE Magazine ranking, ONEOK is ranked No. 176 on the Fortune 500, with $12.8 billion in revenues, making it the largest company in Oklahoma on the basis of revenues.
ONEOK employs more than 4,500 people in 17 states.
ONEOK, Inc. is a diversified energy company. We are the general partner and own 45.7 percent of ONEOK Partners, L.P. (NYSE: OKS), one of the largest publicly traded limited partnerships, which is a leader in the gathering, processing, storage and transportation of natural gas in the U.S. and owns one of the nation's premier natural gas liquids (NGL) systems, connecting much of the natural gas and NGL supply in the Mid-Continent with key market centers. ONEOK is among the largest natural gas distributors in the United States, serving more than 2 million customers in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. Our energy services operation focuses primarily on marketing natural gas and related services throughout the U.S. ONEOK is a Fortune 500 company.
For information about ONEOK, Inc., visit: http://www.oneok.com .
Media Contact: Megan Washbourne
918-588-7572
SOURCE ONEOK, Inc.
Megan Washbourne of ONEOK, Inc., +1-918-588-7572
http://www.oneok.com