industry sectors
work together to
build workforce
ALSO INSIDE:
State, regional economic
development perspectives
OKLAHOMA PROUD
More than 50 years ago, Tom Love founded Love’s Travel Stops &
Country Stores in Oklahoma.
Today, Love’s serves Customers at more than 430 locations across the
country, and we are proud to say we are still family-owned and operated
from our home state.
To learn more, visit us at loves.com
1-800-OK-LOVES
www.loves.com
BUY YOUR HOME,
NOT A SALES PITCH.
Buying the place you’ll call home is one of the most important
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through the financing process with efficiency and refreshing
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you can just relax and feel, well, right at home.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
8............. Reasons for Doing Business in Oklahoma
12............ Business Climate
FEATURES 16............ Workforce
4 From the Governor 18............ Market Access/Location/Infrastructure
20............ Incentives
5 Feature article - When education
22............ FDI & Trade
and industy work together 23............ Demographics
24............ Quality of Life
25............ Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Contact Information
48 Northwest
44 Southwest
Welcome to
Location Oklahoma! For copies of this
publication contact:
The Journal Record
Throughout this publication, you will learn Publishing Co.
why Oklahoma is the best place in the nation to live, 101 N. Robinson Ave., Ste. 101
work, invest and raise a family. Oklahoma City, OK 73102
405.235.3100
We have a world-class higher education system, JournalRecord.com
and we are working hard to ensure our workforce
is ready to meet the demands of a global economy. Capitol Bureau 2300 N.
Our low cost of living and high quality of life makes, Lincoln Blvd.,
Oklahoma an attractive, affordable option for Room 431,
businesses and families. Oklahoma City, OK 73105
405.524.7777
Each region of Oklahoma is unique. In this
publication, you have access to vital market
information and economic data so you will know
which region best aligns with the needs of your
company. In addition, you can read about what Associate Publisher
we do as a state to incentivize all businesses from & Editor
startups to international corporations. Ted Streuli
Gov. Mary Fallin My top priority as governor is to make our state Advertising Director
as business-friendly as possible and to help existing Sarah Barrow
businesses grow while creating more opportunities
for Oklahoma families Advertising Account
Managers
We have made a lot of progress in recent years Vicki Madden
at the state Capitol to make it easier for businesses Wendy Duncan
to thrive. We have focused on education and Laura Watts
workforce training, kept low taxes, eliminated red Cassie Dodd
tape and made state government more efficient and Rich Jamison
effective.
Special Publications Editor
So, when you are looking for a place to expand, Jessica Mitchell
relocate or develop your business, look no further
than the great state of Oklahoma! Copy and Web Editor
Ron Clay
Sincerely,
Writers
Jennifer Sharpe
Heide Brandes
Mary Fallin
Governor
Designer
Michael Duntz
To view the digital version of this issue, go to: of Tourism for contributing
JournalRecord.com/location-oklahoma photographs for this publication.
Additional photography provided
IDE:
ALSO INS economic
A by Journal Record photographers
Brent Fuchs and James Gibbard.
nal
State, regio ectives
ent persp
developm
T
By Jennifer Sharpe
he United States is projected to face a pilot
shortage of nearly 15,000 by 2026, according
to a study by the University of North
Dakota’s Aviation Department. With a shortage
on the horizon, Tulsa Community College and
Christiansen Aviation continue their partnership
aimed at closing that gap.
Christiansen Aviation has provided TCC’s avia-
tion programs with aircraft and maintenance sup-
port for the professional pilot degree program for
more than 20 years. Christiansen Aviation currently
provides six aircraft to support single- and multi-en-
gine training for student use. This fleet of aircraft
is essential for TCC students to earn a professional
pilot degree and to achieve certificates and ratings
from the Federal Aviation Administration.
“I am just a small part of an organization that
does a great job training pilots and fulfilling the
needs of the aviation industry in Oklahoma,” said
Bill Christiansen, owner of Christiansen Aviation.
“TCC is providing such a valuable service because
there is a need for pilots and a need for air traffic
controllers.”
Christiansen Aviation´s support allows students
to become well-rounded professional pilots and
gain the aeronautical knowledge necessary to think
critically and to serve as pilots in multiple seg-
ments of the aviation industry.
“We have these relationships so that the students
are ultimately rewarded, and the industry wins
because they get a strong employee trained well by
TCC,” Christiansen said.
This long-standing partnership was among those
recognized in March with the annual Oklahoma
State Regents for Higher Education’s Business
Partnership Excellence Awards.
The state regents coordinate the state’s higher
education system of 25 colleges and universities,
which play a role in economic development for the
state both in terms of attracting new companies to
Oklahoma and for companies expanding within
the state.
The regents also maintain OKHigherEdConnect.
org, a database of business resources designed to
connect businesses and Oklahoma’s higher education
institutions.
“Businesses often seek research expertise and
business assistance from campuses to maximize
economic growth,” said Angela Caddell, associ-
ate vice chancellor for communications for the
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
“Through outreach and extension, institutions pro-
vide much needed technical and research support
A Tulsa Community College aviation student performs a pre-flight check. that helps business and industry improve their
Courtesy photo of TCC competitiveness.”
Why do business in
OKLAHOMA?
By Jennifer Sharpe
Oklahoma continues to offer companies a variety of reasons
to relocate or expand their business to the Sooner State. An
ease of doing business combined with a low cost of living and
quality workforce has helped make Oklahoma a top choice on
short lists of businesses everywhere.
“Businesses across the nation and around the world are
having to adapt their practices and learn how to do things more
efficiently and at a lower cost,” said Oklahoma Department
of Commerce Secretary Deby Snodgrass. “And as jobs require
more skilled labor, companies must also increase their focus
on employee retention. Oklahoma’s value proposition hits An electric substation in Edmond. Photo by Brett Fuchs
the mark. We are a cost-effective, business-friendly state that
minimizes unnecessary regulations, offers a desirable corporate
tax structure and has competitive incentive packages – all State Business Tax Climate:
working together to help companies lower their bottom line.
Combine that with our central location, quality of life – low cost
of living, access to recreational activities, availability of arts and
#1 Unemployment Insurance Tax Rank
Tax Foundation, 2017
culture and more – and Oklahoma checks all of the boxes.”
•Albuquerque Tulsa•
•Oklahoma
City •Little
Rock
“Rail •Dallas
is another
important
feature of the southeast region,”
Glass said. “Union Pacific,
Houston•
Burlington Northern, Arkansas-
Oklahoma, Kiamichi, Texas Oklahoma
furthest inland. It links Oklahoma to
& Eastern and Kansas City Southern all
the Mississippi River, and ultimately the
have rail in the Southeast Region.”
New Orleans and Gulf Intercoastal Waterway
Rusty Linker, director of new business development
for access to both domestic and international
and marketing for the Tulsa Regional Chamber, cites
destinations. The Tulsa Port of Catoosa consists
transportation as a top reason why companies should do of a 2,000-acre industrial park as well as the shipping
business in Oklahoma, including its inland ports. complex, with an annual economic impact of $300 million to
“Tulsa is an intermodal city, offering air, ground, rail and Oklahoma.
the Port of Catoosa,” Linker said. “The Port of Catoosa is
one of the largest river ports in the country, and one of the Natural Resources
Oklahoma City and the central region of the state also
have excellent access to road, rail and air options. James
Cost-of-living comparison* Johnson, director of programs for the Regional Development
Team of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, notes that
Community Composite
“excellent transportation logistics assets make the central
Tulsa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86.0 region an attractive location to companies in a wide variety
of industries.”
Oklahoma City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88.1 Oklahoma’s natural resources, including wind, water and
land, are also attractive factors. Glass notes that southeast
Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96.1 Oklahoma boasts “large amounts of fresh water that is available
for a reasonable price.”
Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98.2 Stan Ralstin, northwest Oklahoma area community and
economic development specialist for the Oklahoma Department
Indianapolis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91.3 of Commerce, says, “The northwest region of Oklahoma is an
Kansas City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94.1 excellent location for wind power generation facilities and wind
turbine maintenance facilities, as wind is an abundant resource
Little Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95.2 in the area.” Ralstin adds, “There has been a recent resurgence
in hydrocarbon energy businesses in the area, making it a great
Shreveport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88.5 location for companies in the hydrocarbon energy supply chain.
There are large tracts of available land in the region that make it
St. Louis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92.5 attractive for companies needing a large amount of space.”
* Source: C2ER 2016 Annual Average, January 2017
www.wardpetroleum.com
NORMAN EDMOND The Park on Westpointe I & II Crown Pointe Summerfield Place
Cimarron Trails Fountain Lake I & II 301 Pointe Parkway 12600 N MacArthur 11777 N. Meridian
3100 Rock Creek Trail 14025 N. Eastern (405) 494-7500 (405) 773-9191 (405) 755-5510
(405) 321-1457 (405) 471-5600 Hunter’s Ridge Tammaron Village
Icon at Norman NORTH OKC 9211 N. Council Rd. 11100 Roxboro
6475 NW 36th Ave. Villas at Stonebridge I & II Cimarron Pointe (405) 728-0097 (405) 721-9127
(405) 310-4767 157 Stonebridge Blvd. 8301 N. Council Rd. Park at Tuscany The Warrington
(405) 359-3081 (405) 722-3588 2737 NW 140th St.
MOORE 12700 N. MacArthur
(405) 749-4535 (405) 721-1221
Mission Point I & II Copperfield
YUKON Persimmon Square
2900 South Service Rd. 2400 NW 30th Woodscape
(405) 703-7190 Canyon Ranch 12113 Heritage Park Rd.
(405) 943-8833 4200 N. Meridian
11308 SW 5th Street (405) 751-9390
(405) 948-7200
(405) 765-1073 Council Place Prairie Springs I & II
10800 N. Council Rd. 9777 N. Council Rd.
(405) 722-7972 (405) 722-2727
TULSA Country Hollow Barcelona Tuscany Hills at Nickel Creek Scissortail Crossing
Creekwood 4605 E. 80th St. 5160 S. Yale Ave. 1151 W. 78th St. 2800 N. 23rd St.
8418 S. 77th East Ave (918) 492-4230 (918) 496-8838 (918) 794-7044 (918) 893-6300
(918) 250-0606 Waterford
Sugarberry Sunchase
The Greens of Bedford 10902 E. 61st St. 8101 E. 93rd St. 5181 s. Harvard Ave. JENKS
6508 S. 106th East Pl. (918) 749-7895 The Reserve at Elm
(918) 252-4561 (918) 250-7488
(918) 254-6515 Nickel Creek 701 W. 101st Pl. South
Polo Run Barrington 7805 S. Union Ave. (918) 296-7028
Riverpark at Kensington 7027 S. Joplin Ave. 9233 E. 65th St.
7803 S. Wheeling Ave. (918) 933-5858
(918) 492-2802 (918) 254-1681 OWASSO
(918) 497-2012
The Courtyards Cascata BROKEN ARROW Preston Lakes
Cedar Glade Park at Mission Hills I & II
6748 E. 91st st. 8001 S. Mingo Rd. 14700 E. 88th Pl. N.
9713 E. 75th 2700 N. 7th St
(918) 481-0443 (918) 505-3500 (918) 609-6787
(918) 250-3621 (918) 994-7700
Eagle Point Sheridan Pond Boulder Ridge Coffee Creek
Villas at Aspen Park
5808 E. 71st St. 8130 S. Lakewood Pl. 3121 S. 145th East Ave. 1400 E. 106th St. N
2001 W. Princeton Cir.
(918) 496-2730 (918) 481-1650 (918) 437-4883 (918) 994-6474 (918) 376-4477
Windsail One Eton Square Chardonnay Icon at Broken Arrow Cottages at Tallgrass Point
9808 E. 73rd St. 8111 E. 60th St. 7209 S. 92nd East Ave. 4801 S. Elm Pl. 8748 N. Mingo Rd.
(918) 250-8684 (918) 254-6541 (918)250-8668 (918) 994-6550 (918) 928-4300
ABOUT OKLAHOMA
Business
climate
Oklahoma is a major producer of
natural gas, oil and agriculture and has a
diversified economic base of aerospace,
traditional and renewable energy,
advanced manufacturing, distribution/
warehouse, corporate services and
biosciences.
KEY INDUSTRY:
The state’s pro-business environment
has one of the nation’s most progressive
Aerospace &
economic development and business
incentive programs.
Defense
§ More than 120,000 Oklahomans
Oklahoma’s cost of doing business
employed by companies in the
ranks among the lowest in the nation.
aerospace and defense industry.
Additionally, the state wants more busi-
ness and is willing to work for it. Okla- § The Oklahoma City Air Logistics
homa has incentive programs that provide Center at Tinker Air Force Base
payments, tax incentives and rebates for is the largest depot in the U.S.
companies choosing to locate here. Department of Defense.
From the Oklahoma Quality Jobs § The American Airlines
Program, which gives cash to companies Maintenance and Engineering
that create jobs for Oklahomans, to the Center in Tulsa is the largest
Small Employer Quality Jobs Program, commercial MRO facility in the
which provides incentive payments world.
to small businesses, companies are
rewarded for locating in Oklahoma. § The Federal Aviation
The state also has a history of Administration Mike Monroney
innovation and entrepreneurship. Aeronautical Center is the central
Aviation, biotechnology, logistics, support and training facility in
aerospace and energy provide Oklahoma the U.S. for the FAA and the U.S.
with quality jobs, while angel investors Department of Transportation. The
and business incubators continue to help center trains more than 20,000
fund and support new small businesses. students a year.
Pro-business is good business, and § Oklahoma is home to the nation’s
Oklahoma offers companies a chance to first UAS-focused degree program.
succeed.
Located on U.S. Highway 62, Midwest City’s Soldier Creek Industrial Park lies within
five minutes of Interstate 35, fifteen minutes of Tinker Air Force Base and is adjacent
to public transportation. However, your employees will most appreciate the adjacent
primitive trails that offer recreational opportunities in a natural environment. Soldier
Creek is an Oklahoma Department of Commerce certified light industrial park within
an Enterprise Zone and a U.S. SBA Hub Zone. Utilities are plentiful and premium
incentives are available for large employers. For more information, contact the City of
Midwest City Economic Development Office at (405) 739-1218.
§ The University of Oklahoma Research Park is § The country’s third-largest producer of wind power with
a 27-acre, 700,000-square-foot complex that 6,645 megawatts of wind capacity at the end of 2016.
supports biomedical technology.
#2
Annual Rankings Report:
Wind Power Expansion
Business Facilities Magazine
22%
Thanks to state- § Two international airports, 140 public-use
sponsored incentives airports in 128 cities and seven airports
like training, employee offering commercial services.
recruiting, property
§ Annually, more than 500 million pounds
tax and sales tax
Labor costs are 22% below the of all-cargo weight lands at Oklahoma’s
exemptions and more,
national average for information international airports.
Oklahoma has a strong
information and related occupations. § Oklahoma’s waterways can ship to and from
financial services industry. 20 states as well as global markets with access
Innovation and information technologies are other areas to the Gulf of Mexico.
where Oklahoma excels. Thanks to public technology such as
the Tulsa Supercomputer, the Fab Lab Tulsa, the Oklahoma § The Tulsa Port of Catoosa is one of the largest
Innovation Institute and i2E, Oklahoma innovation helps and most inland ice-free ports in the nation.
support continuing development, entrepreneurship, emerging § Equidistant from New York, Los Angeles,
technologies and fabrication. Mexico City and Canada, Oklahoma serves
all U.S., NAFTA and world markets
Examples of industries that
make up this group: This sector includes:
§ Air, Rail, Water, and Pipeline
§ Data Centers
§ Equipment Manufacturing
§ Banking and Investment
§ Warehousing and Storage
§ Cybersecurity
§ Wholesale Brokers
§ Computer Systems
73
Oklahoma is home to 73 data centers
WORKFORCE
Workforce
Oklahoma’s comprehensive workforce development system is
dedicated to boosting economic development and growing the state’s
DEVELOPMENT economy.
PROGRAMS State leaders from business, government, education and nonprofit
sectors work together in a concerted effort to not only provide better
• Oklahoma Works jobs for Oklahomans, but also offer better-qualified workers for the
http://oklahomaworks.gov/
state’s employers.
The Oklahoma Works program brings all of the state’s
• The Governor’s Council
workforce resources together, connecting employers,
for Workforce & Economic
employees and job-seekers to information and programs
Development
http://oklahomaworks.gov/ that help build Oklahoma’s workforce.
governors-council/
UNION MEMBERSHIP
Sector Obs Employment Members Covered % Mem % Cov
drgproservices.com
A division of Delaware Resource Group of Oklahoma| drgok.com
Rail
Oklahoma has 3,850 miles miles of
operated railroad track that ship 226 tons
of freight annually. Major rail providers
include Union Pacific, and Burlington
Northern Santa Fe.
INFRASTRUCTURE
With some of the most competitive
and consistent energy costs in the
nation, Oklahoma’s major utility
companies can easily meet your
customized power needs.
Known globally as an oil and gas giant,
Oklahoma is rapidly diversifying that
power portfolio to become America’s
clean energy leader. Oklahoma’s
utilities are aggressively adding wind
generation to their portfolios, looking for
opportunities to use solar and biomass,
building transmission, installing smart-
grid technologies, and offering special
tariffs to spur clean energy generation
and related manufacturing.
Incentives
Oklahoma continues to be recognized for its outstanding business location
and job growth incentives. Businesses can choose between a cash incentive
or a tax credit package, and in some cases, qualifying businesses can take
advantage of both programs.
Quality Jobs 10-year • Offer basic health insurance • Must pay the newly created jobs
Cash Incentive to employees within 180 days of at 110 percent of the average county wage
Oklahoma’s successful Quality employment. (Employee must not pay • Have 75 percent out-of-state sales
Jobs incentive program promotes job more than 50 percent of premium) • Offer basic health insurance within
growth and helps improve a company’s Qualifying companies can earn up to 180 days of employment. (Employee must
bottom line by injecting cash back into a 6 percent rebate if at least 10 percent of not pay more than 50 percent of premium)
its business as the company expands new workforce is veterans. Under certain
and creates new jobs in Oklahoma. circumstances, participation in the Quality
Jobs program may be combined with the Investment/New Jobs Tax
The Quality Jobs program provides a
cash rebate to companies that create Investment/New Jobs Tax Credit. Credit Package
well-paid jobs and promote economic Investment/new jobs tax credits
development. provide growing manufacturers a
Small Employer Quality Jobs significant tax credit based on either an
A company may receive cash payments
of up to 5 percent of new payroll for up Seven-year Cash Incentive investment in depreciable property OR
to 10 years. The Small Employer Quality Jobs on the addition of full-time-equivalent
To qualify the company must: Program provides incentive payments employees engaged in manufacturing,
• Meet the average county wage or to a qualifying small employer. The processing or aircraft maintenance.
state threshold wage, whichever is lower program is targeted to manufacturers. Elements include:
• Achieve A company may receive cash • Five-year state tax credit on
$2.5 million of new payments of up to 5 percent of new the greater of 1 percent per year of
annual payroll payroll for up to seven years. To qualify, investment in new depreciable property
within three years the company must: or $500 per new employee
• Have 90 employees or less over • Minimum investment of $50,000
the past four quarters at the time of • Credits may be combined with the
application Quality Jobs program under certain
• Must create as few as five and as circumstances
many as 15 new jobs minimum, based on
the population of the community where
the company is located Quality Jobs +
Investment Tax Credits
The Quality Jobs + Investment Tax
Credits incentives target manufacturing
industries that have a large capital
investment of at least $40 million in
addition to creating at least $2.5 million
in new payroll at higher than the state’s
average wage. The incentives also allow
a five-year tax credit of 2 percent per
year of investment in qualified new
depreciable property.
Additional Incentives
• Five-year Ad Valorem Tax Exemption
• Economic Development Pooled Finance Program
• Industrial Access Road Assistance
• Community Development Block Grant/Economic
Development Infrastructure Financing
• Foreign Trade Zones
• State and Local Financing Programs
• Customized Employee Training
ABOUT OKLAHOMA
MAJOR SOURCES OF
FOREIGN INVESTMENT
Foreign direct investment
IN OKLAHOMA: Oklahoma’s diversified economic base of aerospace, traditional and renewable
France energy, advanced manufacturing, distribution/warehouse, corporate services and
Mexico biosciences makes the state one of the nation’s most attractive centers for global
Japan business opportunities.
United Kingdom, The state’s central location and strategic access to integrated air, land and
Germany water transportation systems make it an easily accessible profit center with
Switzerland streamlined connections to more than 80 million people within a 500-mile radius.
Canada Equidistant between New York, Los Angeles, Mexico City and Canada, the state is
ideally positioned to serve all U.S., NAFTA and world markets.
Oklahoma is home to more than 140 foreign direct investment, or FDI,
TOP EXPORTING companies including BAE Systems, Centek, Lufthansa, Michelin, Siemens, Sodexo,
MARKETS ThyssenKrupp and Unicore.
Canada (27.9%)
Mexico (10.7%)
Germany (7.4%)
Japan (4.7%)
Trade
Singapore (4.7%)
China (4.4%) With more than two-thirds of the world’s purchasing power located outside of
the United States, international markets offer vast growth opportunities.
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce’s Global team offers a range of
TOP 5 personalized services to Oklahoma companies seeking to expand their business
OKLAHOMA EXPORTS by trading internationally. These include trade assistance, access to partners, and
STEP Fund financing for international marketing.
Machinery
(except electrical) – 19.8% INTERNATIONAL TRADE OFFICES
Transportation equipment Oklahoma offers international business support in a number of countries,
– 13.9% including virtual offices throughout Europe and international trade offices in
Computer and Israel, China and Mexico.
electronic products –
13.5% PARTNERS AND REFERRALS
Fabricated In addition to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce’s Global Recruitment
metal products - and Trade Team, additional trade support services are available through federal
12.8% and state partners and referral organizations including:
Chemicals - • U.S. Department of Commerce (www.export.gov)
• Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence (www.okalliance.com)
• Export-Import Bank of the United States (www.exim.gov)
49,700 • Overseas Private Investment Corp. (www.opic.gov)
In 2014, foreign-owned • U.S. Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov)
companies employed
49,700 Oklahomans
For more information:
$5 billion Contact the Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Global Recruitment and Trade Team
In 2016, Phone: (405) 815-5187
Oklahoma exports Web: okcommerce.gov/business/trade
totaled $5 billion
Demographics
POPULATION
2016 3,923,561
estimate
2010 3,751,351
2000 3,450,654
1980 3,025,290
1970 2,559,229
RACE AGE
POPULATION BY RACE 2015 estimate
27.2%
White alone (a) 74.8% 24.6%
Black or African American alone (a) 7.8% 21.1%
20.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone (a) 9.1%
Asian alone (a) 2.2%
Median Age: 36.2 years
Oklahoma City............................601,672
Tulsa..............................................398,082
Source: U.S. Census Norman........................................117,353
Bureau, American
Community Survey, Broken Arrow...............................103,437
2011-2015
Lawton............................................97,589
Edmond..........................................86,739
Moore.............................................58,615
Midwest City..................................56,507
Enid.................................................50,685
Stillwater.........................................47,523
Quality of life
Oklahoma offers more than a skilled workforce and
bolstering business environment. The quality of life for team
members is attractive because the state has a low cost of living
and a plethora of recreation, tourism, education, family, and
volunteer opportunities.
Arts districts in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Shawnee, Norman
and Bartlesville have regular public events and family-friendly
attractions such as the Oklahoma City Zoo, Jasmine Moran
Children’s Museum, Science Museum Oklahoma, Oklahoma
City National Memorial & Museum and the Oklahoma State
Aquarium make Oklahoma a desirable place to live, play and
raise a family.
Oklahoma has professional sports, live theater, music
festivals, internationally recognized art museums, camping,
hiking, sailing, kayaking, a friendly community spirit and a
history of volunteerism. Strong public and private schools,
good restaurants, diverse houses of worship and short
commutes add to the state’s appeal.
Newcomers are often surprised by the wealth of amenities, and LEFT: A runner jogs across a pedestrian bridge across the Bricktown canal
discover that Oklahoma is an excellent place to put down roots. in Oklahoma City. Photo by Brett Fuchs. RIGHT: DepositPhotos.com
Weather Climate
JAN APR JUL OCT
37.3° F 60.1° F 81.9° F 61.9° F
The mean annual Avg. Temp Avg. Temp Avg. Temp Avg. Temp
temperature over the state
ranges from 62 degrees 93.6° F 74.1° F
Fahrenheit along the Red
49.4° F 72.9° F Avg. High Temp
Avg. High Temp Avg. High Temp Avg. High Temp
River to about 58 degrees F
along the northern border. 25.6° F 47.2° F 69.2° F 48.8° F
It then decreases westward Avg. Low Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Low Temp
to 56 deg F in Cimarron
County in the Oklahoma 1.5” 3.4” 3” 3.3”
Avg. Avg.
Panhandle. Avg.
Precipitation
Avg.
Precipitation Precipitation Precipitation
Taking credit
Progrexion taps OKC workforce
for call center location
By Heide Brandes “You hear so much about how bad “Our current vice president of
The Utah-based credit repair credit can ruin lives, and the founders marketing worked in Oklahoma City
wanted to find a way to help people years ago and loved the culture and
company Progrexion started 26 years
improve their credit scores,” said Josh the people and felt the talent here was
ago in a duplex.
Saupan, Oklahoma City site director, who untapped,” Saupan said. “Progrexion
Today, the company has almost 4,000 joined the company in 2007. had expanded into Phoenix and Idaho,
employees nationwide and provides In 2016, the company opened an and we knew we needed to have another
technology, marketing, administration Oklahoma City location, its eighth new location. Based on what we heard from
and teleservices for its subsidiary, location in seven years. Today, Progrexion him, we looked to Oklahoma City.”
CreditRepair.com, and its client, the employs a little more than 200 people, and Saupan said Oklahoma City offered a
credit repair company Lexington Law. 90 percent of those are local hires. talent pool that other locations did not.
“In Salt Lake City and Phoenix, of strategies were put in place to attract “To see what that building is now
there’s a lot of competition for that the credit reputation company. compared to the old decrepit building
talent,” Saupan said. “It’s really exciting “The cost of living was also a major it was is amazing,” Saupan said. “It’s a
in Oklahoma City. People here are factor,” he said. “Oklahoma City is in a world-class call center, and the people
underutilized, so we were able to bring good position that we could offer low here are so genuine. They have so much
people in and offer training to have them cost of living, available talent and good hospitality, and it’s a complete joy for me
move through our company. incentives.” to work here.”
“With how courteous (Oklahomans) The city’s and the state’s willingness to Progrexion ASG Inc. also qualified for
are and genuine and friendly, it’s easier work with Progrexion through incentives up to $6.6 million in Quality Jobs money
to train them and turn them into good and other aid made Oklahoma City a over 10 years for creating up to 534 new
employees,” he said. shoe-in for the expansion. jobs in Oklahoma City.
That workforce is among the many “We also received certain tax breaks
“We worked with the Oklahoma
reasons Oklahoma City was able to to build here and provide a certain level
Department of Commerce and the
attract a company like Progrexion, said of employment,” Saupan said. “We also
Oklahoma City Economic Development
Roy Williams, president and CEO of the received some incentives through the city
Trust to develop an incentive package
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. to help us build out that facility.”
“We are in the enviable position that was competitive,” said Williams. For the Progrexion leadership,
of being one of the top metros for “Through the incentives, we were able Oklahoma City has proven to be a
millennials,” Williams said. “We also to help Progrexion with the build-out of good fit. The employees, most of whom
have 18 institutions of higher education their building. Having an existing facility were local hires, also blend with the
in the metro area, which means 125,000 helped as well.” Progrexion culture of giving back.
citizens are enrolled in postsecondary The available talent, the culture and “Progrexion is about changing people’s
education. That’s 10 percent of our livability of the city and the low cost of lives,” Saupan said. “Knowing that you
population, so we have this constant flow doing business in Oklahoma attracted are helping people and fighting for them
of certifications and degrees.” Progrexion, but the fact Oklahoma City to have incorrect information removed
Companies tend to go where the labor had a facility in the old Lucent Technology from their credit report makes working
force is, Williams added. However, a lot building available sealed the deal. here a pleasure.”
MARKET ACCESS/LOCATION:
Being centrally located in the United States, the Greater
Oklahoma City metropolitan area has equal access to markets in
Canada and Mexico and is within 1,500 miles to all major markets
in the U.S.
Will Rogers World Airport is the Greater Oklahoma City metro
area’s major commercial airport, with seven airlines flying nonstop
to 22 major airports. The airport is located in south Oklahoma City,
just a short distance from downtown Oklahoma City and has easy
access to the three major interstates that run through the metro
area. The City of Oklahoma City also operates general aviation
airports Wiley Post Airport and Clarence E. Page Airport.
TOP INDUSTRY
CLUSTERS
QUALITY OF LIFE
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population: 1,373,211
Median Household Income: $51,461
COMMUTING PATTERNS:
Mean Household Income: $68,017
Average Commute Time
#1
Aviation & Aerospace Oklahoma City
Bioscience Quality of Life
Energy Business Facilities Magazine
Health Care
Oklahoma City
22.3
Manufacturing
#1
Best Cities to
Start a Business -
LARGEST Overall Rank
EMPLOYERS WalletHub, 2017 min
#3
Norman
Best Cost of Living
Business Facilities Magazine, 2015
EDUCATION
The region is home to more than 20 higher
State of Oklahoma
education institutions and technology centers
Tinker Air Force Base
as well as more than a dozen other additional 23%
OU – Norman Campus
accredited schools where individuals can obtain
FAA Mike Monroney HS diploma
Aeronautical Center degrees or certificates to further their career.
Integris Health Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2011-2015
Hobby Lobby Stores
OU Health Sciences Center
City of Oklahoma City 4.4% 7.4% 16.9% 6.8%
Mercy Health Center
GED or Some college, Some college, Associate degree
alt. credential less than 1 year 1+ years,
no degree
WORKFORCE
18.4% 6.9% 1.8% 1.2%
Bachelor’s degree Master’s degree Prof. school degree Doctorate degree
POINT OF INTEREST:
The Wheeler District is a new mixed-use
development underway that overlooks the Oklahoma
City downtown skyline. The district features the
former Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel, which
Photo by Brent Fuchs
which pledged to hire 148 new petroleum engineering department to through its community service. Summit
employees under the Oklahoma Quality find quality talent. ESP and its employees are members of
Jobs Program. “We take a significant amount of their the chamber’s Partners in Education
The program offers quarterly cash interns and we hire their graduates,” (PIE) program and provides support
payments of up to 5 percent of new Janger said. “We have fantastic luck with and resources to Clinton Middle School
taxable payroll directly to a qualifying the graduates we hire. We are happy to in Tulsa, Thorstenberg said. Summit
company for up to 10 years. Under contribute to Tulsa’s high-tech industry ESP personnel also serve the regional
the program, companies that receive as well. We also employ 12 very qualified community by volunteering time
incentive payments can also qualify for software developers.” and services at the John 3:16 mission,
a five-year ad valorem tax exemption for Brien Thorstenberg, senior vice Rogers County Youth Services and the
manufacturing, a free industry training president of economic development Oklahoma Blood Institute.
program, foreign trade zone and free port for the Tulsa Regional Chamber, That dedication to giving back to the
benefits and other technical/financial said the city’s STEM (science, community makes Summit a valued
assistance programs. technology, engineering, and math) partner in the Tulsa area, allowing
The company also qualified for the education drives the advancement employees and leaders in the company
Oklahoma manufacturing sales tax of Tulsa’s key industries, such as to make an impact in more areas than
exemption program. manufacturing and energy. just business.
“We have received two Quality “Companies like Summit ESP rely “Through its everyday actions, Summit
Jobs incentives over the course of our on a highly skilled workforce to meet ESP conveys Tulsa’s philanthropic spirit,”
company’s history – one in 2011 and industry needs. Programs like the Tulsa said Thorstenberg.
the latest one – because we have done Regional STEM Alliance create pathways “Companies such as Summit ESP
significant hiring,” Janger said. “While for students to access high-impact careers rely on a vibrant community to
many companies have had to subtract and ensure the strength of the region’s support current and future labor needs.
employees during the downturn in the future workforce,” Thorstenberg said. Talented workers seek out growing,
economy, we didn’t. We are creeping up “Summit ESP employs (local) workers active communities to call home,” he
on 600 employees company-wide.” and supports the production of $40.2 said. “The Tulsa region offers an array
Many of those employees come million in goods and services in the of diverse experiences that create a
from Oklahoma’s higher education Tulsa region.” lasting impression. The community is
institutions. In fact, Janger said, Summit Thorstenberg added that the company internationally known for its arts, culture
ESP partners with the University of Tulsa also contributes the culture of the city and music scene.”
MARKET ACCESS/LOCATION:
The Tulsa metropolitan area is an intermodal transportation hub
with rail, air, truck and water access available. More than 2.2 mil-
lion tons of cargo was shipped through the Tulsa Port of Catoosa
in 2014. Tulsa International Airport has nonstop service to 17 cities
with an average of more than 55 daily departures. The airport is lo-
cated 10 minutes from most points in the city including downtown
and Port of Catoosa. Richard L. Jones Jr. Airport, located in south-
west Tulsa, serves as the reliever airport for Tulsa International.
QUALITY OF LIFE
TOP INDUSTRY
CLUSTERS DEMOGRAPHICS
Population: 987,201
Median Household Income: $50,023
COMMUTING PATTERNS:
Mean Household Income: $68,017
Average Commute Time
Health Care
Aerospace and Aviation
Energy
#4
Tulsa
Tier II cities for new
and expanded
21.3
Manufacturing
Transportation
facilities
Site Selection Group, 2015
min
Distribution and Logistics
LARGEST
EMPLOYERS
EDUCATION
The Tulsa metro area is home to more than a dozen
American Airlines higher education institutions and technology centers
Oneok as well as other additional accredited schools where 25.6%
QuikTrip individuals can obtain degrees or certificates to
HS diploma
Spirit AeroSystems further their career.
Williams Companies Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2011-2015
Saint Francis Hospital
St. John Medical Center
Hillcrest Medical Center 4.3% 7.5% 16.4% 8.5%
WORKFORCE
18.1% 5.7% 1.6% 0.8%
Bachelor’s degree Master’s degree Prof. school degree Doctorate degree
66%
We’re located on the McClellan-Kerr OF COM
MODI
ARE AG TIES SHIPPED
Arkansas River Navigation System
RICULT
URAL
We move millions of tons of bulk freight by barge each year‚ at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact
of rail or truck.
A recent study showed that moving freight by barge resulted in cost savings of $68 million for Oklahoma
farmers, manufacturers and consumers, compared to the cost of alternative overland modes.
To fill one barge of bulk commodities at a 9 foot draft, it takes 15 jumbo railcars or 60 large semis. One barge
carries up to 1,500 tons, while a railcar holds 100 tons, and a large semi-truck transports 26 tons. One towboat
pushing 12 barges can ship 18,000 tons with one engine, the equivalent of 720 semis.
Port of Catoosa Port of Muskogee Oklahoma Department of Oakley’s Port 33 Port of Keota Livestock
(918) 266-2291 (918) 682-7886 Transportation Waterways Division (918) 266-1490 Nutrition Center
www.tulsaport.com www.muskogeeport.com (918) 838-9933 www.oakleyport33.com (918) 208-0029
www.ok.gov/odot/Programsandprojects/waterways www.lnc-online.com
REGION: TULSA METRO
POINT OF INTEREST:
The Brady Arts District, one of the oldest
sections in downtown Tulsa, is home to a variety of
retail and service shops, restaurants, bars, clubs,
galleries, museums, parks, private businesses,
residences and historic music venues.
Courtesy photo
Custom Mechanical Equipment workers build heating and air conditioning equipment at the Ponca City-based manufacturer’s facility.
Courtesy photos
Becoming centralized
Custom Mechanical Equipment
relocates to Ponca City from Wisconsin
By Jennifer Sharpe such as school districts and other large Erik Peitz, vice president of CME and
In 1988, Dick Peitz launched Custom commercial spaces. grandson of the company founder.
However, due to the size of the Reflecting on how CME discovered
Mechanical Equipment to manufacture
products, shipping costs were hurting Ponca City, Erik Peitz said he and
custom, high-efficiency heating and air
the Wisconsin company’s ability to stay
conditioning equipment. his father, CME owner Bill Peitz,
competitive.
The company individually designs were working on a project at Pioneer
“The owners at CME were looking
and builds rooftop penthouse structures for a more centralized location in the Technology Center in 2001. While on
that house multiple independently U.S. since the majority of the work we that job, Bill Peitz was approached by
controlled systems for locations requiring were doing was spread from the central a representative from the Ponca City
multizone and variable zone operations, Midwest region to the West Coast,” said Development Authority.
The PCDA “is not your typical As with any large, long-distance move, that issues in Wisconsin of high taxes and
economic development organization,” CME met challenges relocating the entire union concerns contributed to an overall
said Laurence Beliel, director of company from Wisconsin to Oklahoma. difficulty to do business there. “The ability
business retention and expansion for “For one, it’s a logistical nightmare to save money here has provided room for
the PCDA. “Our goal is to find ways to to move a manufacturing facility 850 growth.”
help companies reduce costs, manage miles,” Peitz recalled, citing issues of the CME continues to evolve with the
workforce, and open markets.” building not being completed on time HVAC industry and the market. “We are
It took about two years from that initial and going over budget. “These were all always looking for new opportunities
contact before the company’s move to challenges we were able to overcome.” with possible expansion,” Peitz said.
Ponca City was finalized. In addition, CME employees had to The largest company expansion since
“We looked at a number of different adjust to small-town living in Oklahoma. the relocation has been the addition of
locations throughout the Midwest,” Eric “It was also a challenge adapting to Custom Powder Coating and Dustless
Peitz said. “What it really came down to life in a small community. We moved Blasting, which opened in January 2016.
were the incentives, and the fact that the from a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Located with CME in one shared facility,
PCDA had a spec building ready to be So to say there was a bit of culture shock the expansion has allowed new services
finished out.” is an understatement,” Peitz said. “Now to be offered, including powder coating,
The PCDA finished the building to suit that we have been here for almost 14 dustless sandblasting, and fabrication.
CME’s needs, and leased the space to years, Ponca City and Oklahoma have PCDA incentives helped drive the
the manufacturer in an equity-building become home.” expansion of the new business.
arrangement until CME was able to take The 2003 move to the Ponca City facility “Last year we did about $100,000 in
full ownership of the space. more than tripled CME’s manufacturing business, and this year we are on track to
CME also took advantage of space and doubled its office space. triple that,” Peitz said.
Oklahoma’s Quality Jobs Program, an Much of the company’s infrastructure In addition to financial success and the
incentive that targets manufacturers and was updated with the move to allow for creation of five new jobs, another benefit
certain service industries. smoother customer service. of Custom Powder Coating and Dustless
“The most prominent state incentive Being in Oklahoma has also enabled Blasting has been the ability to reach a
was the Quality Jobs incentive,” Peitz CME to expand into different industries. different customer base, including the
said. “In short, we got tax breaks for “If we had never moved, I can’t say we general public.
creating new jobs in Oklahoma.” would have ever gotten involved in the oil “PDCA staff have done everything in
CME’s relocation created roughly 20 to and gas industry, or into the ever-evolving their power to help us out and make us
25 skilled worker positions in Ponca City. green energy business,” said Peitz, noting successful,” he said.
MARKET ACCESS/LOCATION:
The Port of Muskogee is strategically located near the
confluence of the Arkansas, Verdigris and Grand rivers. In 2014,
459 barges, carrying more than 708,000 tons of cargo, moved
through the Port of Muskogee. Northeastern Oklahoma also has
several regional and municipal airports in the region serving
business and industry.
LARGEST CITIES
Stillwater .........................................................47,523
Muskogee.......................................................38,776
Bartlesville.......................................................36,360
Ponca City......................................................24,846
Tahlequah.......................................................16,354
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2011-2015
COMMUTING PATTERNS:
Average Commute Time
Agriculture & Bioscience
Energy
Aerospace
Manufacturing
Health Care
17.1 Commuter patterns for this region range from
to 27.2
Transportation & Logistics 17.1 minutes in Kay County to 27.2 minutes in
Okfuskee County.
Government
Education
Information
& Financial Services
min
LARGEST
EMPLOYERS
EDUCATION
The region is home to almost 20 higher education 28.9%
institutions and technology centers.
HS diploma
Cherokee Nation Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2011-2015
ConocoPhillips
Phillips 66
5.9% 7.1% 15.3% 7.2%
The Charles Machine
Works Inc.
GED or Some college, Some college, Associate degree
Jack C. Montgomery alt. credential less than 1 year 1+ years,
VA Medical Center no degree
Georgia - PacificHillcrest
Medical Center
POINT OF INTEREST:
The Pioneer Woman Mercantile is a
destination bakery, deli, and general store in
Pawhuska, Oklahoma. In 2012, cookbook author
and Food Network host Ree Drummond and her
husband, Ladd, purchased The Osage Mercantile
Building in downtown Pawhuska. After renovating
the building, the Drummonds opened the Merc in
Courtesy photo
October 2016.
Brewing up success
$1 million grant helps Krebs expand
By Heide Brandes “This is an old family business,” “We’ve been making and selling beer
Krebs Brewing started out with a said Krebs Brewing Co. President Zach here in Krebs for four generations,” said
Prichard. “My great-grandfather started Prichard. “In 2012, we started making
slightly-less-than-respectable past, but
making and selling beer illegally back beer for another company, Prairie Artisan
has now become one of the largest and
in the 1920s, and he started a restaurant Ales, and that beer was pretty popular.
most successful brewing companies in
in Krebs where he sold the beer illegally.
Oklahoma. We went through a period through 2014
My parents continued to operate the
Thanks to growth in the craft beer where we saw huge growth numbers,
restaurant Pete’s Place, and when the
industry in Oklahoma and the acquisition and it seemed like a pretty big deal.”
laws changed in the late 1970s, it all
of Prairie Artisan Ales, Krebs Brewing changed.” However, the Krebs facility was getting
has enjoyed unprecedented growth Not until 1995 could Oklahomans pretty cramped. Although the company
over the past three years, expanding its enjoy a handcrafted Choc beer legally. In added new equipment and acquired a
operations into a new brewing facility in 2004, Krebs Brewing, manufacturing few outside warehouses, it was clear that
McAlester. Choc beer, became an official company. Krebs Brewing needed more room.
“We developed a relationship with development director for the city of “Early in the process, we considered
the city of McAlester’s community McAlester. several incentive possibilities to assist
development guys, which eventually Prichard had approached an owner of Zach with his property. Once it was
led to a grant,” Prichard said. “We a local building who then reached out to apparent this project would likely be
bought out Prairie Artisan in 2015, so the city’s economic development office eligible for CDBG EDIF (economic
the process of working with McAlester directly. development infrastructure financing)
was put on hold for a while. But in 2016, “I believe McAlester retained this funding from the Oklahoma Department
they came back to us and they brought project for two reasons – the flexibility of Commerce, we began working in
opportunity to us.” of the assistance and the roots of the that direction,” Ridenhour said. “To
Krebs Brewing knew it needed to company,” Ridenour said. “Other best assist the needs of Krebs Brewery,
expand, and the company looked at communities and states may have been we applied for a CDBG grant to help
Oklahoma City and North Texas as able to offer incentive packages of similar purchase a vacant industrial building.
possible locations. Still, McAlester offered value, but the city of McAlester tried In this way, we are able to offer Zach a
to structure a package that would be a building with reduced rent, freeing up
the best location and the best deal.
real benefit to Krebs Brewing Co. Just as monthly working capital to be used for
“As I worked with the economic
significant, Zach’s roots are in the area the operation side.”
development (in McAlester area), I also
and he wanted to keep his operation Today, Krebs is already shipping beer
began to appreciate the kind of people
local, if possible.” from the new location and is anticipating
we found there,” Prichard said. “We
For the city of McAlester, the having full packaging and fermentation
were able to bring people in from the expansion was the perfect opportunity operations by this fall.
community, and it surprised me the to retain a local company and expand “One of the nice things about the new
quality of people we could find locally. its operations, capturing all the typical location is that we are now on one parcel
We decided we wanted to stay here.” economic benefits like additional jobs of land. We are going to grow really, really
The Oklahoma Department of and wealth generation. quickly, but this spot is perfectly sized to
Commerce awarded the city a $1 million Because of the recent acquisition of fit the demand,” Prichard said. “Because
Community Development Block Grant Prairie Ales, the city determined Krebs of the grant, we have the opportunity to
to build the new brewery at the Steven Brewing would require assistance in grow, but in a controlled manner.”
Taylor Industrial Park in McAlester. securing a private loan for its capital The company, which distributes
“We became involved early in the improvements. With McAlester City internationally, plans to open a small
process, when Zach was considering Council approval, the city provided a taproom in downtown McAlester
expanding his footprint to increase certificate of deposit to the local bank that will feature and sell its sour beer
capacity,” said Kirk Ridenour, economic offering the loan to be used as collateral. selections.
MARKET ACCESS/LOCATION:
Southeastern Oklahoma is centrally located within the United
States and in close proximity to several of the nation’s major met-
ropolitan markets, including Dallas/Fort Worth, Memphis, Kansas
City, and St. Louis.
LARGEST CITIES
Shawnee.........................................................30,866
McAlester........................................................18,324
Ada..................................................................17,149
Durant..............................................................16,767
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2011-2015
COMMUTING PATTERNS:
Education Average Commute Time
Energy
Aerospace
17.4
Manufacturing
Health Care
Transportation Commuter patterns for this region range from
to 26.7
and Logistics 17.4 minutes in Pontotoc County to 26.7 minutes
in Pushmataha County
Agriculture
and Bioscience
Information and Finance
min
LARGEST
EMPLOYERS
EDUCATION
The region is home to a dozen higher education institutions
and technology centers.
Choctaw Nation
Citizen Potawatomi Nation
Cardinal Glass
BrucePac
POINT OF INTEREST:
Beavers Bend State Park is located in the
Photo courtesy of Oklahoma Tourism
“The Ardmore Industrial Airpark Authority, Ardmore Tourism Authority The company serves corporate, small
offered a great location between Dallas and Ardmore Chamber of Commerce fleet operators, private owners and
and Oklahoma City with reasonable Foundation. military and federal agencies.
proximity to other metropolitan areas “King Aerospace is the anchor aviation “We are one of the few, if not only,
and aircraft,” Cullen said. “Over the tenant at the Ardmore Industrial Airpark, large aircraft MROs that is privately
nearly 25 years King Aerospace has been owned and operated by founding family
and we consider them a valued partner.
in Ardmore, the Ardmore Development members,” said Cullen. “We tend to
We have supported them in their growth
Authority has invested over $2 million focus on serving small-fleet operators.
over the past 24 years and are in the
in improvements designed to expand We also are one of the very few MROs
and upgrade facilities as well as enhance process of infrastructure improvements that can paint V VIP level aircraft
productivity.” to allow them to succeed in a very and at the same time provide interior
The Ardmore Development Authority competitive environment.” refurbishment and maintenance.”
has provided reduced rent, loan One of those current improvements King Aerospace’s work over the
facilitation, infrastructure improvements includes the replacement of hangar doors years has earned the company the
and runway reconstruction. The in the company’s main hangar facility, U.S. Small Business Administration’s
extension of the main runway to 9,000 Cullen said. Administrator’s Award for Excellence
feet allowed access to the Ardmore “This is a major effort and cost but will in 2000 for outstanding contribution
Airpark to even more of King greatly improve our facility operations and service to the nation and the SBA’s
Aerospace’s customers. National Small Business Regional Prime
and presentation to aircraft owners
Additional infrastructure Contractor of the Year award in 2002.
who are considering bringing their
improvements are underway and “Ardmore is a great community with
corporate and Boeing-size aircraft to
scheduled at the airpark to further good values. That has attracted several
enhance the ability of King Aerospace to King Aerospace for maintenance, repair, of our employees to relocate here,”
be competitive and serve its customers and overhaul, whether it be a heavy Cullen said. “We are able to recruit and
from the Ardmore location, said Mita maintenance check or a complete interior, bring in a strong, skilled workforce that
Bates, president of the Ardmore Chamber paint and maintenance job, at Ardmore, meets the King Aerospace culture in
of Commerce, Ardmore Development Oklahoma,” he said. servicing our customers.”
MARKET ACCESS/LOCATION:
The H.E. Bailey Turnpike connects the southwestern part of the
state with Oklahoma City. Lawton, the largest city in southwestern
Oklahoma, is not too far from one of the busiest airports in the
country. Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport has seven flights a day
to Dallas-Fort Worth, where business travelers can easily connect to
flights anywhere in the country.
LARGEST CITIES
Lawton�����������������������������������������������������������97,589
Ardmore��������������������������������������������������������24,955
Duncan����������������������������������������������������������23,317
Altus���������������������������������������������������������������19,549
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2011-2015
QUALITY OF LIFE
TOP INDUSTRY DEMOGRAPHICS
CLUSTERS Population: 356,533 *Range of counties
Median Household Income: $31,250-$49,632* within this region
Mean Household Income: $46,905-$63,660*
COMMUTING PATTERNS:
Average Commute Time
Manufacturing
Transportation/
Distribution & Logistics
Health Care 14.4 Commuter patterns for this region range from
15 minutes in Jackson County to 26.1 minutes in
to 24.7
Energy
Greer County.
Aerospace
min
LARGEST
EMPLOYERS
EDUCATION
The region is home to 10 higher education institutions
and technology centers.
Fort Sill Army Base
Halliburton
Energy Services Inc.
Goodyear Tire &
Rubber Company 31% 5.8% 7.5%
Michelin North
America Inc. HS diploma GED or alt. credential Some college,
Dollar General less than 1 year
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2011-2015
WORKFORCE
17.3% 6.1% 12.7%
Some college, Associate degree Bachelor’s degree
1+ years,
no degree
POINT OF INTEREST:
On the Chisholm Trail, a life-size bronze
monument by Oklahoma artist Paul Moore, pays
homage to the American cowboy and famous
cattle drive. The monument is on the grounds of
the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan,
Oklahoma. In 2016, True West Magazine named
the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center one of its
Courtesy photo
Expanding production
Technical capabilities,
skilled workforce a big draw for Kodak
By Heide Brandes new flexo plates. The ceremony was communications specialist with Kodak.
When it came time to open a new flexo important not only to Kodak, but also to “That made the groundbreaking in
Oklahoma. April a little more significant with it
plate line to meet increased industry
The event also highlighted the being the 50th anniversary of the plant
demand for higher-quality flexographic
revitalization and investment of the groundbreaking.”
printed packaging, Kodak looked no Weatherford plant in its 50th anniversary The $15 million investment represents
further than Weatherford, Oklahoma. year. The plant was chosen for the one of the company’s largest capital
Kodak, one of the world’s largest expansion because of its strong technical investments since 2000 and underscores
businesses in commercial print solutions, capabilities and existing skilled tenured the ongoing growth and adoption of
broke ground in April at its Weatherford workforce. Kodak Flexcel NX plates.
plant to celebrate the expansion of its “Kodak has been in Weatherford “Kodak will be expanding its
manufacturing facility to make the for 50 years,” said Nicholas Rangel, production line in Weatherford to
initially focus on supply of Flexcel NX to the governor was important, but much heavy maintenance check or a complete
plates to customers in the Unites States of the credit goes to the Department of interior, paint and maintenance job, at
and Canada and Latin America,” Rangel Commerce’s incentive package and the Ardmore, Oklahoma,” he said.
said. “It will be a sister operation to an work they did. The company serves corporate, small
existing plate manufacturing facility in “Plus, the fact that the Weatherford fleet operators, private owners and
Yamanashi, Japan. This expansion will be plant had the existing equipment already military and federal agencies.
adding 20 jobs.” was key,” he said. “We are one of the few, if not only,
Jeff Clarke, CEO of Kodak, said the The expansion also means an influx of large aircraft MROs that is privately
growth of the Kodak Flexcel NX spoke new, high-paying jobs in Weatherford. owned and operated by founding family
to the opportunity of the flexographic “Weatherford has a history of long- members,” said Cullen. “We tend to
packaging market. Weatherford’s term dedication,” Dougherty said. “We focus on serving small-fleet operators.
existing equipment, established have employees at that plant that have We also are one of the very few MROs
workforce and friendly business worked there 20 years. The workforce that can paint V VIP level aircraft
atmosphere made the expansion was a big factor. Plus, we have the and at the same time provide interior
possible and easy for the company. university here, so we have a pipeline of refurbishment and maintenance.”
Although Kodak could have chosen skilled talent in the area.” King Aerospace’s work over the
any of its locations for the expansion, The new flexo plate line is expected years has earned the company the
the Weatherford plant offered the to be in full production by early 2019, U.S. Small Business Administration’s
strongest deal in terms of state and local and the Weatherford expansion joins Administrator’s Award for Excellence
support, technical abilities and business the recent opening of Kodak’s Flexo in 2000 for outstanding contribution
costs. The workforce in Weatherford was Packaging Technology Center in and service to the nation and the SBA’s
a draw as well. Shanghai. National Small Business Regional Prime
“Kodak is a high-standard, high- “Kodak is a strong community partner, Contractor of the Year award in 2002.
end corporation to deal with, and it’s but a lot of people came together to make “Ardmore is a great community with
known to be a place where you want to this expansion happen,” said Dougherty. good values. That has attracted several
work,” said Chuck Dougherty, director “From our local leaders to state of our employees to relocate here,”
of economic development for the city of leaders, we all worked to make this a Cullen said. “We are able to recruit and
Weatherford. “They train and give job reality.”corporate and Boeing-size aircraft bring in a strong, skilled workforce that
skills to employees. I think the support to King Aerospace for maintenance, meets the King Aerospace culture in
Kodak saw from everyone from the city repair, and overhaul, whether it be a servicing our customers.”
MARKET ACCESS/LOCATION:
Enid, the largest city in northwestern Oklahoma, is centrally
located in the U.S. and is connected to the interstate highway system
via a four-lane state highway. Enid has a tower-controlled, all-
weather airport and is extending the runway from 6,500 feet to 8,000.
Northwestern Oklahoma also has several regional and
municipal airports as well as Vance Air Force Base in Enid.
LARGEST CITIES
Enid�����������������������������������������������������������������50,685
Woodward����������������������������������������������������12,591
Elk City............................................................12,424
Guymon���������������������������������������������������������11,978
Weatherford��������������������������������������������������11,663
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2011-2015
COMMUTING PATTERNS:
Transportation & Average Commute Time
Distribution
Aerospace & Defense
Commuter patterns for this region range from
Agriculture & Bioscience
14.5
14.5 minutes in Woods County to 24.2 minutes in
Energy Roger Mills County.
Information
to 24.2
& Finance Services
Enid
EDUCATION
The region is home to more than a dozen higher education
institutions and technology centers.
Northwestern Oklahoma
State University
WORKFORCE
17.6% 6.5% 16.7%
Some college, Associate degree Bachelor’s degree
1+ years,
no degree
POINT OF INTEREST:
Sunset Hills Golf Course is an award-
winning,USGA-rated golf course in Guymon.
The 18-hole golf course is adjacent to the stocked
Sunset Lake, a mini-locomotive, paddle boats,
walking trail, and a 300-acre game reserve with
bison, elk and longhorn cattle.
Courtesy photo
Top: Choctaw Casino & Resort - Durant, Choctaw Nation Headquarters Bottom: Choctaw Nation Headquarters Conference Center, Choctaw Nation Health Clinic,
Choctaw
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Top: Choctaw Casino & Resort - Durant, Choctaw Nation Headquarters Bottom: Choctaw Nation Headquarters Conference Center, Choctaw Nation Health Clinic,
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