DECEMBER 2025 • OKCCHAMBER.COM
CLICK FOR FULL STORY LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
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The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber has announced its 2026 board of directors and officers, naming Michael F. Ross, INSURICA as chair of the board. Ross will lead the Chamber’s board alongside John Hart, Continental Resources, who will serve as treasurer, and Rhonda Hooper, Jordan Advertising, who will serve as corporate secretary. Teresa Rose, One Heartbeat Foundation will serve as immediate past chair. Christy Gillenwater, Chamber president and CEO, will also serve on the executive committee. “I’m honored to serve as board chair at a time when Oklahoma City continues to build on its momentum,” Ross said. “The Chamber’s work plays an important role in the region’s growth, and I look forward to working with this leadership team to help advance Oklahoma City’s priorities in the year ahead.” In 2026, the Chamber will continue focusing on initiatives that support long-term economic growth, workforce development, and quality of life across the region. The board and executive committee will help guide that work as Oklahoma City builds on recent momentum and prepares for future opportunities. In addition to the board officers, the Chamber announced its 2026 executive committee program vice chairs, who help guide key initiatives across economic development, workforce, community issues, and quality of life. Serving as program vice chairs in 2026 are: GREATER OKC CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2026 BOARD LEADERSHIP
Bob Funk Jr. Express Employment Professionals Education and Talent Larry Nichols Devon Energy Corporation FOKC and Community Issue Campaigns
Bill Lance The Chickasaw Nation Government Relations
Jenny Love Meyer Love’s Travel Stops Marketing and Communications Rick Muncrief Muncrief Capital Management Innovation and Life Sciences
Teresa Rose One Heartbeat Foundation Membership
Clay Bennett Dorchester Capital Strategic Planning
David Harlow BancFirst Safe Community Initiatives
Tony Tyler Tyler Media County Government and Criminal Justice Kent Shortridge Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Transportation Initiatives
Sean Trauschke OGE Energy Corp. Convention and Visitors Development and LA28 Olympics
Mark Beffort Robinson Park Economic Development
The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s board of directors and executive committee play a key role in advancing initiatives that support economic growth, workforce development, and a strong quality of life for the Oklahoma City region.
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LEADERSHIP NOTES
What a Year! As we close out 2025, we’ve been reflecting on how far Oklahoma City has come and how much opportunity lies ahead. What a remarkable year for our community and for the Chamber! From major investments to growing visitor momentum to shared civic successes, we advanced meaningful progress together. Our commitment to infrastructure and community improvement took a significant step forward. On Oct. 14, voters approved a $2.7 billion citywide bond, the largest in Oklahoma City’s history. This package will fund 547 projects across streets, parks, transit, public safety, housing and economic development. It represents a generational investment that will support long-term growth, enhance quality of life and position our city and region for smart, sustainable expansion. We also saw continued business growth, both from companies already rooted here and from new firms choosing our region for their future. A few standout examples include ARL’s 433-job, $46 million expansion and Google’s plans for a $3 billion data center in Stillwater. At the same time, our focus on workforce development remained front and center as we supported OKC FAME and other talent-pipeline initiatives to ensure our growing economy has the skilled workers it needs. Our advocacy efforts in 2025 strengthened Oklahoma City’s business climate. We appreciate Oklahoma Legislators for extending the Aerospace Engineer Tax Credit and the Investment/New Jobs Tax Credit which enables a more competitive environment for innovation, expansion and continued growth in key sectors. Meanwhile, our visitor economy continues to be a powerful engine. According to the latest report from Visit OKC, the city welcomed 24.5 million visitors in FY25, generating $2.8 billion in direct spending. When combined with the broader ripple effect of that activity, the total economic impact reached $4.6 billion and supported 35,303 jobs across the region. As we look forward to 2026, I am energized by the opportunities ahead. We will continue telling the story of a city on the rise, one that is not only growing but transforming in ways that benefit all of us. Thank you for being part of this journey and for your support of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. We wish you a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with promise, optimism and partnership. Here’s to 2026. Let’s make it another unforgettable year.
CHRISTY GILLENWATER President & CEO
READ CHRISTY’S VELOCITYOKC ONLINE STORY OF THE MONTH
MAPS 4 reveals first look at new multipurpose stadium design VELOCITYOKC.COM/ CHRISTYSPICK
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LOOKING AHEAD: INTRODUCING THE CHAMBER’S 2026 EVENT CALENDAR
May & June: Continued community conversation The Chamber Forum series resumes on May 13 and June 17. June also features InternOKC, scheduled for June 18 at the Skirvin. This full-day program cultivates a sense of place and professional development for the region’s summer interns. July–September: Showcasing our city, schools and region Mid-year brings several of the Chamber’s most anticipated annual events, including State of the City on July 15, State of the Schools on Aug. 5, and State of the Region on Sept. 1. Each program delivers key updates, highlights progress and sets the tone for future collaboration across sectors. October: Forum, regional engagement and national perspectives October will begin with a Chamber Forum on Oct. 7. Later in the month, the Chamber will lead its annual InterCity Visit from Oct. 21 to 23, followed by DC Spotlight, continuing the Chamber’s commitment to learning from peer cities and elevating OKC’s voice at the national level. November & December: Closing the year with economic insight and celebration The Chamber’s final events round out the year with State of the Economy on Nov. 4 and Annual Meeting on Dec. 16. These cornerstone gatherings help members reflect on the region’s economic trajectory and celebrate shared accomplishments. A year designed for impact The Chamber’s 2026 event calendar reflects its ongoing mission: to create opportunity, build relationships and champion the economic vitality of the OKC region. Whether you’re looking to engage with policymakers, deepen your professional network, learn from national peers or stay informed about the community’s progress, the year ahead offers numerous pathways to get involved.
As we close out another year of progress, partnership and possibility, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber is excited to share a preview of the dynamic event calendar shaping our work in 2026. Each year, our events strengthen the connection between business leaders, elected officials, community partners and emerging talent—and 2026 promises to be another impactful year of engagement and innovation. Below is an overview of the signature programs and annual touchpoints that will define the Chamber’s 2026 calendar. Members are encouraged to mark their calendars early and plan to participate in the conversations and experiences that move our region forward. January: Kicking off a new year of advocacy and engagement The year will begin with two cornerstone programs. On Jan. 28, the Chamber will host Legislative Kickoff, providing members with timely insights before the legislative session begins. That afternoon, OKConnect will launch its first 2026 cohort with a session, continuing the Chamber’s commitment to helping professionals deepen their understanding of the community. The program will continue with monthly sessions through April, when the cohort concludes. February: Fostering relationships and community dialogue February features a full slate of opportunities for connection. Legislative Reception will take place on Feb. 3, creating a casual atmosphere for discussions with lawmakers. On Feb. 11, the first Chamber Forum of the year will return to the Petroleum Club. March & April: Leadership and advocacy take center stage March includes the annual State Spotlight event, which will highlight statewide priorities and emerging issues. On April 9, the Chamber will host Leadership Summit, an immersive leadership development experience. Then, from April 14 to 16, members will travel to Washington, D.C., for the annual DC Visit, headquartered at the Mayflower Hotel.
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Each year, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber brings together business and policy leaders to set the tone for the months ahead at the State Capitol. This year’s Legislative Kickoff isn’t about rehearsed talking points or handshakes over note cards—it is an honest, substantive conversation on what the 2026 legislative session will mean for Oklahoma City’s economic momentum. At a moment when the state faces decisions that will shape workforce access, infrastructure investment and long-term competitiveness, the Chamber’s Legislative Kickoff offers members a front-row seat to the issues that matter most. From tourism funding and major event readiness to public safety, mental health capacity and workforce barriers, the discussion will focus on practical outcomes and real-world impacts. This year’s event features a moderated panel with LEGISLATIVE KICKOFF 2026: A CANDID START TO A CRITICAL SESSION
key legislative leaders representing both chambers and multiple perspectives: Sen. Julia Kurt, Sen. Melissa Provenzano, Sen. Lonny Paxton and Rep. Kyle Hilbert. Rather than prepared remarks, panelists will weigh in on priority legislation, candidly discuss House– Senate dynamics, and explore where consensus—and challenges—are likely to emerge. The Legislative Kickoff is designed to give Chamber members clarity, context and connection—what’s moving at the Capitol, what’s stalled, and where engagement can make a difference. For leaders navigating growth, hiring and investment decisions, understanding the policy landscape has never been more important. Held at the start of the legislative session, the event sets the foundation for the Chamber’s advocacy efforts throughout the year and reinforces its role as the voice of Oklahoma City’s business community. For those who want more than headlines—and a clearer view of what’s ahead—this year’s Legislative Kickoff is a conversation not to miss.
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LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
reduces recidivism, streamlines court operations, and expands opportunities for justice-involved individuals to successfully reenter the workforce. Other 2026 legislative priorities include: Business and Economic Development Priorities • County Government Reform - The Chamber supports empowering Oklahoma counties to alter their form of government to meet their unique needs. • Protecting Critical Infrastructure - The Chamber recognizes that the protection of critical infrastructure—including energy facilities, education facilities, communication networks, water systems, transportation hubs, and healthcare institutions—is essential to public safety, economic stability, and national security. The increasing accessibility and sophistication of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, present new and evolving risks to these assets. Unauthorized drone activity can disrupt operations, compromise security, endanger personnel, and expose sensitive information. - To address these emerging threats, the Chamber supports the development and enforcement of comprehensive federal, state and local policies to prevent, detect, and respond to unauthorized drone intrusions over critical infrastructure. • Improve Workplace Safety/Mental Health - Enhancing mental health infrastructure is essential to improving workforce participation, reducing absenteeism, and lessening the
The Chamber’s board of directors recently adopted a comprehensive set of public policy priorities for the 2026 legislative session, which are crucial to creating a strong future for Oklahoma businesses. These priorities reflect the Chamber’s top legislative priorities and are designed to address the key issues that will shape the state’s economic growth and development. Below is an excerpt of key priorities. View the full list at okcchamber.com/legislative. 1.Educational Outcomes – Advance policies that strengthen reading, math, and overall academic performance, supported by continuous monitoring through a comprehensive data system. 2.Transportation Priorities – Advance investment in a modern transportation system that keeps pace with regional growth. This includes expanding roadway capacity, strengthening public transit options, and integrating multimodal infrastructure to ensure residents and businesses can move efficiently and safely throughout the region. 3.Improve Mental Health Outcomes and Expand Attainable Housing – Collaborate with the State of Oklahoma and regional partners to strengthen mental health outcomes and reduce homelessness through expanded access to services and attainable housing solutions. 4.County Government Reform and New Jail Construction – Advance reforms that strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of county government, while constructing a modern jail that
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economic and social costs of untreated mental illness and substance use disorders. - The Chamber supports state and local efforts to strengthen Oklahoma’s behavioral health system by increasing the availability of treatment beds and expanding the network of qualified service providers. • Attainable Housing for Families - The Chamber supports data-driven, results- oriented state and local policies that address homelessness through coordinated systems of care and solutions targeting root causes such as mental health, housing access, criminal justice reform, and substance use. - The Chamber also supports legislation that drives public and private investment in attainable, workforce, and mixed-income housing to promote growth and community reinvestment. The Chamber will also oppose policies that would make it more difficult for communities to address homelessness in their area. • Protecting and Improving Incentive Programs - The Chamber supports the Oklahoma Incentive Evaluation Commission (IEC), which was established to make recommendations to the Legislature and governor on which incentive programs are serving their intended
purpose and creating economic/community development. If an incentive program cannot show a positive return to the state, it should be scaled back or repealed. - The Chamber supports re-positioning and broadening the mission of the IEC to require a thorough review be conducted of incentive programs offered by other states. The purpose of this review would be to learn “best practices” to ensure Oklahoma is offering the most effective, up-to-date, and innovative incentives possible.
Education and Workforce Development Priorities • Increasing Learning Capacities of Oklahoma Students
- The Chamber supports providing additional and enhanced learning opportunities that utilize recognized best practices and extended learning opportunities to address student data from Pre-K to Higher Ed student learning loss. It is important to help students catch up by having more time on tasks, including longer school days and additional instructional days. In addition, we are supportive of extended summer learning opportunities and after school programs. A focus on research-based literacy and numeracy programs that work to enable students at all grade levels to improve reading proficiency and comprehension skills through training and additional funding is supported. - Enact legislation requiring all K-12 Local Education Agencies (LEA’s) to adopt high- quality, evidence-based curriculum materials in core subjects (ELA, Mathematics, Science) from a state-approved list.
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- Amend statutes to explicitly require all K-8 public schools to implement core reading programs and instructional practices aligned with the “Science of Reading”. - Establish a statewide program to fund and support high-impact tutoring initiatives, particularly for students in grades 3-8 struggling with reading and math, to address learning loss. - Enact legislation that grants K-12 schools and districts broad flexibility to waive compliance with certain state statutes or administrative rules, provided that the waivers are tied to specific, measurable goals for improving student outcomes and are subject to periodic review and accountability. - Establish a statewide framework for identifying, tracking, and intervening with chronically absent students, requiring districts to use data dashboards and implement evidence-based strategies. - Establish a detailed plan for 3rd grade retention initiatives that provide supports for students, teachers, and families. • Statewide Longitudinal Data System - The chamber recognizes the need for a robust and comprehensive Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLDS) as a top priority for advancing education and economic outcomes across our state. The SLDS is essential to ensuring that data-driven decisions guide educational strategies, workforce readiness initiatives and policy development to empower stakeholders, including educational institutions, employers and policymakers, to make informed choices that improve the long- term success of our students and workers. To ensure the system operates effectively, strong data governance is vital. Oklahoma is the only state that DOES NOT have a longitudinal data system, thereby placing a disadvantage on our educational decision makers and stakeholders. Data governance provides the framework of policies, standards and roles to ensure data is
used and protected in a responsible manner. Data governance includes data stewardship and ownership; data quality and integrity; data security and privacy; data access and sharing; policy and standards compliance; data lifecycle management and oversight.
Transportation Priorities • ROADS Fund/Regional Infrastructure Development
- The Chamber supports continued high-level conversations on providing significant further increases to the Rebuilding Oklahoma Access and Driver Safety (ROADS) Fund, the key funding mechanism for ODOT’s Eight-Year Plan, to combat ongoing inflation and reduced purchasing power for materials, manpower and maintenance. • Work Zone Safety - The Chamber supports developing technologies critical to protecting the safety of the traveling public, ODOT personnel, and contractors within ODOT work zones which can become highly dangerous due to vehicles exceeding the posted speed limit.
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• Heartland Flyer - The Chamber supports achieving long-term funding stability for passenger rail service, known as “The Heartland Flyer”, connecting Oklahoma City with Fort Worth, Texas. Our objective is to work with governmental partners to identify stable, long-term funding sources to mitigate scenarios where continued service is threatened by the current precarious and unsustainable year-to-year funding timetable. - Furthermore, the Chamber supports continued efforts to aggressively pursue federal funding opportunities that, if awarded, would connect Oklahoma City to the national rail network via Newton, Kansas. The Chamber will continue to take active steps in partnership with Federal entities, the Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Congressional Delegation, specific communities, Texas, and Kansas to capitalize on opportunities emanating from Oklahoma’s selection as part of the “Corridor ID” program set forth in the U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021). Healthcare and Life Sciences Priorities • Develop Statewide Solutions to Funding Losses in Medicaid - The Chamber opposes the Medicaid coverage reductions proposed in H.R. 1, as these cuts would lead to insufficient access to care due to decreases in a facility’s resources (particularly in rural and underserved areas) and impose significant costs on Oklahoma City’s business community. Reduced coverage would shift financial burdens onto employers and employees through higher insurance premiums and increased uncompensated care. - The Chamber also opposes any federal action that undermines healthcare reforms enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature to improve population health and address workforce challenges.
- The Chamber supports state and federal leaders in advancing alternative and sustainable policy solutions that protect recent healthcare gains and strengthen long-term stability for Oklahoma employers, workers, and consumers. • Research and Development - The Chamber supports efforts to foster a federal policy environment that is conducive to further research and will oppose efforts to unreasonably restrict the continued development of national bioscience and research programs. • Protecting Networks/Opposing Mandates - The Chamber opposes legislation, restrictions, regulations and taxes that would reduce or eliminate incentives for medical providers to contract with managed care networks and, as a result, frustrate efforts at cost and quality control and deny consumers the benefits of cost- reducing arrangements with providers. - The Chamber further opposes legislation that would interfere with an employer’s ability to offer affordable health benefits by limiting plan design flexibility, including the management of prescription drug benefits. - The Chamber opposes new health insurance mandates and liabilities imposed on employers that undermine their ability to provide quality health insurance to employees at a reasonable cost. - The Chamber further opposes new mandates placed on physicians, hospitals and other healthcare providers that increase the cost of delivering quality healthcare in Oklahoma.
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OKConnect, a premier orientation program from the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and Leadership OKC, will return in early 2026 with sessions scheduled for Jan. 28, Feb. 25, March 25 and April 22. Designed for newcomers to the metro as well as business and civic leaders stepping into new or expanded roles, OKConnect provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to Oklahoma City and the forces shaping its continued growth. Through curated programming and direct access to local leaders, participants gain a clearer understanding of how Oklahoma City works, from its history and economic foundation to the initiatives guiding its future. The program also emphasizes relationship-building, giving participants the opportunity to connect with peers from across industries and sectors who are similarly invested in the region. The program consists of four half-day sessions held from noon to 5 p.m. Each session features expert speakers and discussions centered on topics such as economic development, education, civic leadership and ways to get involved in the community. Sessions are designed to be interactive, encouraging conversation and engagement alongside learning, and each concludes with a networking happy hour to help participants continue building connections. OKCONNECT OFFERS EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT OKLAHOMA CITY’S GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITIES
OKConnect is co-chaired by Dr. Quintin Hughes Sr., executive director of NEOKC Renaissance, and Brooke Haneborg, director of business development at Manhattan Construction Company. The cost to participate is $500 for Chamber members and $600 for nonmembers, with space limited to 60 participants. Lunch is provided at each session. Applications are now open at okcchamber.com/ okconnect. For more information, contact Marcus Elwell at melwell@okcchamber.com.
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Oklahoma City is marking 32 years since voters approved the original Metropolitan Area Projects program, better known as MAPS. The December 1993 vote launched a one-cent sales tax that funded public projects designed to revive the city's core and improve quality of life. A turning point for the city MAPS became a turning point for Oklahoma City. Since the tax passed, the program has driven more than $5 billion in public and private investment across the city. The projects were built over 10 years, even as OKC recovered from the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The city's rebuilding efforts and MAPS construction moved forward together, setting the stage for two decades of steady growth and national recognition. The original MAPS delivered transformative projects: a renovated State Fairgrounds ($14 million), Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark ($34 million), the Bricktown Canal ($23 million), Cox Convention Center ($60 million), Civic Center Music Hall ($53 million), Chesapeake Energy Arena ($88 million), a downtown trolley system ($5 million), the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library ($22 million), and the Oklahoma River ($54 million). Each project sparked private investment and reshaped how residents experienced their city. The next generation of MAPS Looking forward, that same commitment to reinvention continues today. At the State Fairgrounds, the new OG&E Arena replaces the iconic Jim Norick Arena, which served generations since 1965. The 216,164-square-foot facility seats up to 8,000 guests with modern amenities including suites, an upscale lounge, and expanded concessions. The next phase brings a new 20,000-square-foot exhibit hall and a climate-controlled arena seating 400 people. The Norick name will continue forward with the new facility, linking the city's past with its future. Downtown, the OKC Thunder's home is getting a complete transformation. After years as Paycom Center, a new state-of-the-art NBA arena and entertainment center will rise in its place, funded with $78 million from MAPS MARKS 32 YEARS OF RESHAPING OKC
MAPS 4 and additional contributions. Construction is on track for a late summer 2028 opening, with a contractual deadline of June 2029. The Thunder will continue playing at Paycom Center until moving into their new home on a 25-year lease. The city's baseball identity got a refresh too. The Triple-A team officially rebranded as the OKC Comets, paying tribute to Mickey Mantle, the "Commerce Comet." The new identity features bold light blue and red elements centered around a baseball streaking across the sky. Under their Professional Development League license, the Comets remain the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate through at least 2030. The impact 32 years later Three decades later, MAPS' legacy continues accelerating. Recent projects have reshaped daily life with new parks, modern libraries, upgraded trails, transit enhancements, youth facilities, and major venue transformations that keep OKC competitive nationally. As the city marks the program's 32nd anniversary, MAPS remains one of OKC's clearest examples of collective vision. Voters helped chart the city's future through transparency, disciplined timelines, and a commitment to delivering debt-free projects. The result is a community that continues to benefit economically, culturally, and civically from a model that has proven itself again and again.
Mayor David Holt speaks at the grand opening of the new OG&E Coliseum.
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At the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s recent D.C. Spotlight, The Honorable Stephanie Bice joined Chamber Chair Teresa Rose for an in-depth discussion on federal priorities shaping Oklahoma’s economy, workforce and long-term competitiveness. Throughout the conversation, Rep. Bice emphasized a message that resonated with business leaders: predictability, responsible federal investment and support for workforce wellbeing are critical to sustaining the region’s momentum. Federal Stability and Defense Investments Rep. Bice opened with an update on congressional appropriations efforts and the push to return to a more disciplined, timely budgeting process. Advancing appropriations bills, she noted, helps avoid disruptions to families, businesses and local governments. Last fall’s continuing resolution provided needed stability while negotiations continued—preventing the uncertainty of a government shutdown. She also highlighted progress on the National Defense Authorization Act, which outlines defense priorities including a 3.8% pay increase for service members and D.C. SPOTLIGHT WITH THE HONORABLE STEPHANIE BICE HIGHLIGHTS FEDERAL STABILITY, WORKFORCE QUALITY OF LIFE AND OKC’S NATIONAL ROLE
major investments in military construction. Quality-of- life improvements—such as modernized base housing and expanded childcare capacity—remain central, reflecting Oklahoma’s strong military and veteran presence. Innovation, Biotechnology and National Security As a member of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, Rep. Bice discussed a newly released roadmap to strengthen U.S. competitiveness in biotechnology, space and cyber capabilities. The commission’s work reinforced a growing reality: national security increasingly depends on innovation, data and advanced technology alongside traditional defense assets. She pointed to Oklahoma City’s collaborative biotechnology ecosystem as a national standout, citing strong alignment between public, private and academic partners—an advantage as federal leaders evaluate where emerging industries can scale. Healthcare, Paid Leave and Mental Health Healthcare affordability emerged as a significant concern across employer-sponsored plans, Medicare, Medicaid and Affordable Care Act coverage. Rep. Bice emphasized that rising costs are system-wide and require solutions addressing underlying cost of drivers. Current discussions include strengthening health savings options, advancing pharmacy benefit manager reforms and targeted efforts to stabilize premiums. Paid leave was another focus, with Rep. Bice highlighting her bipartisan Paid Family Leave for More
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Act, which encourages flexible, state-based paid leave programs designed to work for employers of all sizes— particularly small businesses. She also addressed growing mental health needs, underscoring federal efforts to expand the mental health workforce through training pipelines and targeted incentives. Housing, AI and Looking Ahead From high interest rates to rising insurance costs and supply shortages, Rep. Bice acknowledged the pressures facing today’s homebuyers and renters. Federal conversations around mortgage portability, insurance affordability and housing-transportation coordination could help ease these challenges. As Chair of a House modernization subcommittee, she discussed the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and the need for clear, consistent federal guardrails. She cautioned that a national framework would help avoid fragmented state policies that could slow innovation, while ensuring responsible deployment—particularly within federal agencies. The 2026 Oklahoma City Visitors Guide
Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, Rep. Bice noted Oklahoma City’s supporting role in areas such as security, infrastructure and transportation, emphasizing continued collaboration between federal, state and local partners. Impact for Oklahoma City From defense investment and healthcare to tax policy and workforce development, the conversation underscored how federal policy directly shapes Oklahoma City’s future. Through continued advocacy and strong relationships in Washington, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber remains committed to ensuring the region’s priorities are clearly communicated and effectively represented.
OKLAHOMA CITY 2026 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
The 2026 Oklahoma City Visitors Guide is available in both print and digital formats, ensuring easy access for travelers and residents. Request a copy or explore the digital version.
EXPLORE OKC’S VIBRANT ROOTS + ROUTES
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Businesses who join the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber are part of the largest coalition of businesses in the state and make the Chamber’s work in the community possible. Each member level is identified on the listing below.
ADVISOR
McRoof.us Roofing Contractors Mr. Scott McCollum, Sr...............(405) 877-7663 722 Enterprise Drive, Suite 150 Edmond, OK 73013-3671 www.mcroof.us RH Furniture Restaurants Ms. Margot Bewig.........................(314) 302-7076 2110 N.W. Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73112 rh.com ASSOCIATE Andy’s Sprinkler, Drainage and Lighting - Oklahoma City Lighting Systems & Equipment Sprinklers - Garden & Lawn Mr. Eugene Ko..............................(405) 266-0540 13509 Railway Drive, Suite D Oklahoma City, OK 73114-2217 https://sprinklerdrainage.com/location/ oklahoma-city/
Eric Catron & Company Real Estate Real Estate Mr. Brandon Morgan..................(918) 457-2088 300 NW 61st St. Oklahoma City, OK 73118-7487 erincatron.com
CORE
Construct My Future, Inc. Nonprofit / Service Agencies Ms. Marla Cloos.............................(405) 237-8188 3709 NW 3rd St. 1025 NW Grand Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73118-6039 https://constructmyfutureok.org/ Electra Digital Computer Software Developers Ms. Sonnie Quinn........................(405) 702-7632 400 N. Walker Ave., Suite 320 P.O. Box 13616 Oklahoma City, OK 73113-1616 www.electradigital.com
74 Sports Kitchen Cocktails Bars / Taverns Restaurants Mr. Jim Rider...................................(405) 242-3374 7412 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73116-7128 https://enjoy74.com/
Whiskey Chicks Bars / Taverns Restaurants Mr. Johnny Butler..........................(405) 831-9959 115 E. Reno Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73104-4228 https://whiskeychicksok.com/
Congratulations to Chamber members on their recent Grand Openings! To see the schedule of upcoming Grand Openings or subscribe to the Grand Openings calendar, visit okcchamber.com/grandopenings. GRAND OPENINGS
Cox Retail Store 7308 NW Expressway, Suite 101, OKC OK 73132 deadCenter Film 1 NE 2nd street, Suite 211, OKC OK 73104 Homes by Taber Ashleaf Farms 12000 Spear St., OKC OK 73173 Shake Shack 2110 Northwest Expressway, OKC OK 73112 Diamonds Direct 5521 N. Penn Ave., OKC OK 73112-7753
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ECONOMIC INDICATORS
OKLAHOMA RANKED #1 BEST STATE FOR NATIVE AMERICAN OWNED BUSINESSES Native American Owned Business Metrics
ESTIMATED PERCENT OF NAO EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
DENSITY OF NAO BUSINESSES WITHIN NATIVE POP.
PERCENT OF NAO SMALL BUSINESSES
# OF NATIVE TRIBES
RANK
STATE
9.7%
6.9%
39
1
OKLAHOMA
6.0%
6.2%
4.2%
22
2
NEW MEXICO
2.1%
11 .1%
5.8%
229
3
ALASKA
3.8%
1 .1%
6.6%
1
4
RHODE ISLAND
0.5%
1 .5%
5.7%
18
5
NEVADA
0.9%
Source:B2B Reviews Best States for Native American-Owned Small Businesses 2025; U.S. Small Business Administration Small Business Profiles for Sates; U.S. Census Bureau ABS (2022) and NES-D (2022)
• “B2B Reviews” Ranks Oklahoma the #1 Best state for Native American Owned Business • 6% of all firms in OK (with employees) are Native American Owned, which is 7.5 times greater than the national average
• OK has the 3rd highest density of Native American owned businesses • Oklahoma has 39 Native tribes ranking it 3rd in this metric
For comprehensive Economic Indicator and Regional Data, please visit your Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Economic Development Division at www.greateroklahomacity.com/economicindicators or contact Eric Long, Research Economist, at 405-297-8976; elong@
okcchamber.com DID YOU KNOW?
Get regional demographic data, consumer expenditure information, labor force data for the Greater Oklahoma City Region and more at greateroklahomacity.com.
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CLAYTON I. BENNETT Dorchester Capital Vice Chair, Strategic Planning BOB FUNK, JR. Express Employment Professionals Vice Chair, Education and Talent JUDY J. HATFIELD, CCIM Equity Commercial Realty Advisors, LLC Vice Chair, Membership RHONDA HOOPER Jordan Advertising Vice Chair, Business and Economic Inclusion BILL LANCE The Chickasaw Nation Vice Chair, Convention and Visitors Development JENNY LOVE MEYER Love’s Travel Stops Vice Chair, Marketing and Communications 2025 OFFICERS
TERESA ROSE, JD Communities Foundation of Oklahoma Board Chair MICHAEL F. ROSS INSURICA / American Fidelity Assurance Company Corporate Chair-Elect SEAN TRAUSCHKE OGE Energy Corp. Immediate Past Chair
RICK MUNCRIEF Devon Energy Corporation Vice Chair, Innovation and Life Sciences J. LARRY NICHOLS Devon Energy Corporation Vice Chair, Economic Development / Forward Oklahoma City DAVID E. RAINBOLT BancFirst Corporation Vice Chair, Government Relations W. KENT SHORTRIDGE Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Vice Chair, Military and Aerospace CHRISTY GILLENWATER Greater Oklahoma City Chamber President & CEO
ISSUE #3609 - December 2025 Editorial staff Cynthia Reid Designer Billy Callan 405-297-8900 thepoint@okcchamber.com okcchamber.com twitter.com/okcchamber facebook.com/okcchamber VeloCity (ISSN 1075-6264) is published monthly by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber,
JOHN HART Continental Resources Treasurer TOM J. McDANIEL American Fidelity Foundation Corporate Secretary
123 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $15 per year included in Chamber membership; nonmembers, $25 per year within the U.S.. Periodicals Postage paid at Oklahoma City. Advertising rates upon request. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising.
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St. REGISTER NOW
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