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AUG. 2023 • OKCCHAMBER.COM

CLICK FOR FULL STORY MAYOR HOLT OUTLINES PLANS TO BUILD NEW ARENA DURING ANNUAL ADDRESS

IN THIS ISSUE: 7 State of the Schools keynote to address workforce of the future 10 City’s bus rapid transit system gaining speed; December launch expected 12 Chamber’s attendance at aviation events helps propel OKC’s economy 14 Oklahoma-based startups find funding at gBETA & gener8tor showcase

MAYOR HOLT OUTLINES PLANS TO BUILD NEW ARENA DURING ANNUAL ADDRESS

Oklahoma City residents will vote on the construction of a new arena that Mayor David Holt says is vital to the city’s continued success. Holt made his pitch in front of a capacity crowd at State of the City. The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber hosted the event July 20 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. Holt’s nearly hourlong address noted that, despite the successes of the MAPS programs, Oklahoma City’s renaissance is far from over. “Investing in quality of life is not superficial or trivial. It is existential.” - David Holt “A lot of people told me when I first decided to [run for mayor] that complacency would be our greatest enemy, and I took that to heart. So, we haven’t rested on our laurels these last five years. In fact, I think we have worked twice as hard, and as a result, [Oklahoma City is] absolutely rolling right now,” Holt said. Holt detailed some of the biggest wins in recent history: The $800 million Better Streets, Safer City initiative and RAPID, the city’s first bus rapid transit system opening along Northwest Expressway and Classen Boulevard this fall. Other priorities include the Key to Home initiative which connects the chronically homeless to mental health and substance abuse services as well as affordable housing.

Our city’s economy continues to soar with low unemployment, retail development growth, business expansions and relocations and a large uptick in tourism. Much of that success can be linked to the quality-of-life improvements OKC has made over the last three decades with help from the MAPS initiatives. “Investing in quality of life is not superficial or trivial. It is existential. And for a century, the building at the center of this community’s strategic investments in quality of life has been our arena,” Holt said. Holt then took the audience on a journey back in time, highlighting all the investments Oklahoma City voters made about every three decades for a new facility to host major events. Municipal Auditorium (now called Civic Center Music Hall) opened in 1937, the Myriad in 1972 and finally the Ford Center (now Paycom Center) in 2002. Then in 2005, the NBA came calling. Oklahoma City answered by hosting the Hurricane Katrina-displaced New Orleans Hornets. That two-year audition helped us land our very own NBA team, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Since the Thunder’s arrival, Oklahoma City has grown from the 31st largest city in the U.S. to the 20th. Economic development projects exploded throughout the metro including several downtown hotels. The annual economic impact of NBA basketball is more than $600 million. “For a century, our city’s arena has been the defining infrastructure piece for our city’s quality of life. That journey from Municipal Auditorium to the Myriad to what we now know as Paycom Center has never been static. Never once have we said, ‘we’re done,’” Holt said. “It has always been a story of vision and aspiration and reinvestment and an implicit understanding that we can never sit still.” According to Holt, Paycom Center is right at the average age of all NBA arenas. Without action soon, he

said, Paycom will be one of the oldest arenas in the NBA – it is already the smallest. Several large cities across the country are building expensive new arenas, hoping to attract a professional sports team like we did. “We always have to remember three things: one, there are a dozen North American cities that used to have an NBA team; two, there are 18 metros bigger than ours that would like to have a team; and three, remember how we got this team,” Holt said. Holt said a proposal to build a new arena should be finalized by summer’s end with a vote presented to Oklahoma City voters before the end of the year. He believes it can be built without raising taxes. Thunder ownership will also contribute to construction costs. “We didn’t come this far…to stop now,” Holt said. “We have the same obligation and opportunity as our ancestors to leave this city better than we found it. This is our generation’s chance to leave a legacy on Oklahoma City’s renaissance story.” Thanks to Presenting Sponsor Oklahoma City Thunder and Host Sponsor Express Employment Professionals for supporting State of the City. About 1,400 people packed the OKC Convention Center last month to hear Mayor David Holt give his annual address.

A New Noninvasive Treatment for Essential Tremor OU Health is the first and only health system in Oklahoma to offer an incisionless treatment for patients with medical refractory essential tremor that can result in improvement in hand, head and body shaking as well as increased mobility through a same-day treatment. Called “Focused Ultrasound,” the new technology is for essential tremor patients who have not responded to medication, or who cannot take it. Focused ultrasound for essential tremor is an FDA-approved, non-invasive procedure that’s transforming patient care. The procedure uses ultrasound waves to target the specific areas of the brain responsible for tremors. Guided by MRI, the soundwaves pass safely through the skull and soft tissues to focus heat on only the targeted area, providing relief from symptoms. With no surgical cuts or permanent implants necessary, there is minimal to no risk of infection, and the treatment is often performed on an outpatient basis. Many patients can expect to resume normal activities within days.

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To make an appointment or for more information, visit us at OUHealth.com/EssentialTremor

LEADERSHIP NOTES

BIG THINGS ARE HAPPENING IN OUR BIG-LEAGUE CITY! During the Chamber’s State of the City event last month, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt made a major announcement: By the end of the summer, city officials will have a finalized agreement with the Thunder for a new arena. The next step is a vote by Oklahoma City residents which will happen later this year. The current arena, which opened 21 years ago, eventually helped OKC become a “big-league” city. Not just home to an NBA team, but home to major industries, high paying jobs, world class amenities and opportunity galore. And that momentum has carried us forward ever since. It is no coincidence that OKC has become the nation’s 20th largest city and sixth-fastest growing Top-20 city since the Thunder’s arrival. Development has skyrocketed as more and more businesses see the value in aligning themselves with Oklahoma City, home of the Thunder. What the Thunder does for Oklahoma City’s economy cannot be overstated. The Thunder’s annual direct economic impact in OKC is $600 million and 3,000 jobs. Fans attending Thunder games at Paycom Center spend about $56 million a year for things like hotel stays, transportation to and from games, food and beverage, and retail purchases. Our city has made great strides since 2008. Going backwards cannot be an option. A new arena will help solidify the Thunder’s future in OKC as well as our own economic success. I look forward to working with you to make it a reality.

CHRISTY GILLENWATER President & CEO

READ CHRISTY’S VELOCITYOKC ONLINE STORY OF THE MONTH

CONTENTS

OMRF scientist receives $2 million grant to study DNA ‘Velcro’ VELOCITYOKC.COM/ CHRISTYSPICK

7 State of the Schools keynote to address workforce of the future 10 City’s bus rapid transit system gaining speed; December launch expected 12 Chamber’s attendance at aviation events helps propel OKC’s economy 14 Oklahoma-based startups find funding at gBETA & gener8tor showcase

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR (Events are subject to change. Consult okcchamber.com/events for the most recent updates.) AUGUST 9 State of the Schools 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St. okcchamber.com/schools AUGUST 16 Chamber Forum 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Petroleum Club 100 N Broadway, 34th Floor okcchamber.com/augustforum SEPTEMBER 12 Inclusion at Work 3:30 to 5 p.m. Zoom SEPTEMBER 20 Chamber Forum 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Petroleum Club 100 N Broadway, 34th Floor okcchamber.com/septemberforum SEPTEMBER 26 Chamber Connection 3 to 4:30 p.m. Credit Union House of Oklahoma 631 E. Hill St. SEPTEMBER 28 State of the Region 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. National Cowboy & Western

OKC’s minority business development program focus of August Forum

Minority-owned businesses in Oklahoma City have access to a new free assistance program to help them compete for corporate and government contracts. The Supplier Diversity Program recently launched by The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City is the focus of the Chamber’s August Forum. The program enables minority entrepreneurs and businesses to work with The Urban League of Greater OKC, the Greater Oklahoma City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and REI Oklahoma to facilitate business certifications, receive mentorship, get accounting assistance and more. Attendees will learn how the initiative will fill gaps for minority businesses and benefit the community. The Chamber Forum will be held at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 16 at the Petroleum Club of Oklahoma City, which is located on the 34th floor of the BancFirst Tower, 100 N. Broadway Ave. Participating in a panel discussion will be: • Melanie Anthony, senior director of marketing and development, REI Oklahoma • David Castillo, president and CEO, Greater Oklahoma City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce • Joseph Laws, program manager, The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City • Jabar Shumate, vice president of community convening and social justice, Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City The cost to attend the June Chamber Forum is $45 for Chamber members and $55 for nonmembers. To register, visit okcchamber.com/augustforum. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor Cox Communications and Corporate Sponsor ADG | Blatt.

Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St.

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s 2023 State of the Schools event will feature a keynote by Dr. Bryan Johnson, executive vice chancellor and chief strategy officer at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The event will be held Wednesday, August 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Johnson has extensive experience in workforce development, business strategy, change management and collaborative leadership. In his keynote, he will detail STATE OF THE SCHOOLS KEYNOTE TO ADDRESS WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE

how business and education can form a true partnership to develop the necessary workforce for the region. The event will also feature a panel discussion on how higher education is changing and working together to provide more opportunities for upskilling and credentialing. Speaking on the panel will be: • Gayla Lutts, Ed.D., CEO and superintendent, Canadian Valley Technology Center • Dr. Pam Stinson, Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs, Oklahoma State University- Oklahoma City • Dr. Jeanie Webb, president, Rose State College Individual tickets are $60 for Chamber members and $85 for nonmembers. To register or learn more, visit okcchamber.com/schools. Sponsor tables of eight with additional recognition are available for $1,600. Contact Suzette Ellison Jordan at sellison@okcchamber.com for table sponsor inquiries. The Chamber and American Fidelity Assurance Company invite attendees to bring school supplies to the event, which will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County. Supplies can also be dropped off at the Chamber office prior to the event. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Host Sponsor Cox Communications, and School Supply/Centerpiece Sponsor American Fidelity Assurance Company. A second panel focuses on the importance of working together on our region’s infrastructure as we plan for future growth. It includes Chris Browning, utilities director for the City of Oklahoma City and general manager of Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust, and Jason Ferbrache, assistant city manager and director of EMBARK. Individual tickets are $60 for Chamber members and $75 for nonmembers. To register or learn more, visit okcchamber.com/region. Sponsor tables of eight with additional recognition are available for $1,600. Contact Suzette Ellison Jordan at sellison@okcchamber.com for table sponsor inquiries. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor Simmons Bank.

How business and education can partner to develop our future workforce highlights the Chamber’s State of the Schools event Aug. 9.

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber will host a new event, State of the Region, on Thursday, Sept. 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. The event will highlight the progress and development happening across central Oklahoma. Mayor David Holt will moderate a panel discussion with area mayors on projects connecting cities both within and outside the Greater Oklahoma City area, drawing attention to important issues and encouraging community collaboration. COLLABORATION AND REGION’S FUTURE THE FOCUS OF CHAMBER’S STATE OF THE REGION EVENT

NEW SAM’S CLUB DISTRIBUTION CENTER COMING TO OKLAHOMA CITY

Sam’s Club, a division of Walmart Inc., is opening a multi-purpose distribution center in Oklahoma City. The 300,000-square-foot facility will be located at OKC Logistics Park, an industrial space in southwest Oklahoma City encompassing 1.6 million square feet. Sam’s Club plans to make a $40 million capital investment to open the facility. “We are excited Sam’s Club has chosen to expand its supply chain capabilities in Oklahoma City,” said Greater Oklahoma City Chamber President & CEO Christy Gillenwater. “This substantial capital investment further proves that Oklahoma City is a prime destination for world-class companies looking to expand. Our business- friendly climate, middle-of-the-country location and access to major interstates and rail lines makes Oklahoma City the perfect place for a distribution center.” The announcement comes after months of work by state and local officials, including the Chamber’s economic development team. They performed a wage analysis for multiple positions at the distribution center and facilitated discussions on training support and incentives. Gov. Kevin Stitt said Sam’s Club has been an important economic driver for the state since it first opened in 1983. “I am thrilled that partnership will continue as the company brings 130 long-term jobs to Oklahoma with this new distribution center,” said Stitt. An official with Sam’s Club said the new facility will improve services for its members, mainly in terms of speed and availability of products. “We’re excited to enhance our supply chain capabilities in the State of Oklahoma,” said Joseph Godsey, chief supply chain officer of Sam’s Club. “We are on a journey to transform the entire Sam’s Club supply chain through strategic expansion and cutting-edge automation.” Local officials applauded the investment. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said the new facility

joins a growing distribution corridor in southwest Oklahoma City. “We are excited to extend our long-term partnership with Walmart and Sam’s Club to include this new distribution center,” Mayor Holt said. “Oklahoma City’s population continues to grow and as both our city and the company expand, we look forward to working together.”

Logistics is one of the biggest industries in the Greater Oklahoma City region. Major trade hubs and more than 411 million residents are within 1,800 miles of Oklahoma City. The region has more than 36,000 jobs in logistics and distribution. The Sam’s Club distribution center is expected to open early next year.

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

Quad Construction (formerly Smith & Pickel Construction) 3223 N. Lincoln Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Oklahoma City is one step closer to having its first bus rapid transit (BRT) service. Passenger platforms are being built; most of the 40- foot, natural gas-powered buses have been delivered; and bus drivers are being trained to operate those buses. The city is also in the process of hiring about 40 positions specifically for the new bus service, aptly named RAPID. The BRT route will make traveling more convenient for residents living and working along the 9.5-mile route, CITY’S BUS RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM GAINING SPEED; DECEMBER LAUNCH EXPECTED

which sports a $29 million price tag. It will be paid for through a U.S. Department of Transportation grant and matching dollars from the city. When completed later this fall, the RAPID Northwest route will connect downtown OKC and the Lake Hefner area, providing residents access to various employers, commercial establishments and medical facilities located along Northwest Expressway and Classen. A local design firm indicated that the entire route comes within one- half mile of 40,000 residents and 91,000 jobs, including those located at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital and Integris Baptist Medical Center. City officials say there will most likely be an adjustment period for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and other users as they start sharing the roadway with RAPID buses, especially during peak driving times. The BRT system is still designed to get riders to their destinations quicker despite traffic congestion and will operate much like a rail system with fewer stops along a dedicated route.

Six new BRT buses have been purchased and delivered. Three more will be delivered in early fall. Each bus features upgraded seating, Wi-Fi and other amenities. Photo Credit: EMBARK

Construction is currently underway on a park-and- ride surface parking lot at Northwest Expressway and Meridian Avenue that will boast 50 parking places. The city is already looking to expand RAPID service sometime soon, with planned routes on the south side and in northeast OKC. The $61 million expansion project is part of the MAPS 4 capital improvement program Oklahoma City voters passed in December 2019. Several public meetings and open houses have already been held in 2023 to solicit feedback from residents living or working in those areas of town. Officials hope to have the two routes determined by the end of the year. For a detailed look at the RAPID Northwest route and its planned stops, visit EmbarkOK.com/BRT.

So far, six of the nine new BRT buses purchased have already been delivered. Officials expect the remaining three will be delivered in early fall. The buses feature upgraded seating, Wi-Fi and other amenities. Twenty-eight of the 32 boarding platforms for RAPID have now been built, according to EMBARK’s most recent update; the remaining platforms are under construction. The platforms feature level boarding, which should better accommodate passengers with walkers and strollers. The stops will feature other amenities, including covered and lighted shelters with benches, handrails and bike racks. Eighteen bus shelters have already been installed. Riders will also be greeted with real-time arrival displays and ticket kiosks, where they will purchase their fares prior to boarding. They also have the option of purchasing rides straight from their smart phones. Most of the boarding platforms for the city’s new bus rapid transit system have been built. Photo Credit: EMBARK

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The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s economic development team is flying high after attending some of the world’s largest aviation events. Each appearance is vital to ensuring the industry continues to thrive in the Oklahoma City region. The most recent event, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Oshkosh, Wisc., is billed as the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.” The weeklong event includes nearly half a million aviation enthusiasts from around the world along with 10,000 aircraft and 900 exhibitors. The Oklahoma contingent included aviation-related organizations from around the state, both public and private. Some were there to promote and sell their products, others to promote Oklahoma’s aviation industry in general. Put Jeff Seymour in that latter group. As executive vice president of economic development for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, Seymour and his team help grow existing OKC companies, recruit new CHAMBER’S ATTENDANCE AT AVIATION EVENTS HELPS PROPEL OKC’S ECONOMY

ones and develop an active entrepreneurial environment. Attending AirVenture also gave Seymour an opportunity to speak with various aviation leaders, including officials with the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission. “The Chamber has such a good partnership with the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission. They’ve been great partners in developing out the airports in particular. I felt like it was important for us to go to Oshkosh with them and support them as they continue to think about not just promoting the biggest aerospace assets in Oklahoma and Oklahoma City, but also the aerospace economy as a whole and general aviation,” Seymour said. Earlier this summer, Seymour and other Chamber staff joined the Oklahoma Department of Commerce at the Paris Air Show. The trip was full of meetings with companies who already have a presence in Oklahoma, and those who could have one in the future. “We get to sit down with senior leadership from companies like Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon and Boeing and others and really talk to them about their growth plans, and how we can be supportive and help them with workforce and facilities, etc.,” Seymour said. Chamber staff also attended MRO Americas, the world’s largest aviation MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) event in Chicago in April. “It’s a good place for us to go and engage different military and nonmilitary leaders,” Seymour said. Later this month, the economic development team will attend Tinker and the Primes in Midwest City. The three-day conference focuses on the needs of prime contractors, Tinker Air Force Base and the U.S. Department of Defense. The aviation industry is responsible for nearly 44,000 jobs in Greater Oklahoma City.

TALENTLINK HELPS COMPANIES RECRUIT NEW TALENT

“To identify talent to grow and drive results for our company, you can only do that through making connections and networking with people who can find that talent from the beginning,” Goines said. “We are very thorough in our training. So, it’s nice to be able to find someone we can develop and mold into the talent we need.” Darla Shaw, human resources manager for ASM Global at both Paycom Center and Prairie Surf Studios, attended the very first TalentLink event last fall. She liked the first program so much, she decided to attend the second one as well. “I think this event is great. We have attended it now both times and made lots of different connections and discovered organizations I didn’t know we even had in Oklahoma City,” Shaw said. TalentLink also included participants from aviation services provider AAR, King Transportation, Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City, the University of Oklahoma, Workforce Ready Oklahoma and more. “We’ve had a little bit of a different mix of employers and partners each time, but each mix of providers and employers has been beneficial,” Copeland said. If you’d like to participate in the next TalentLink, please contact Lee Copeland at lcopeland@okcchamber.com.

Finding enough qualified workers with the necessary skills to fill various jobs has been a challenge for companies throughout the U.S., including companies right here in Oklahoma City. The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber created TalentLink to help meet that need. It’s a talent and partnership networking event where educational and nonprofit workforce organizations can connect with talent acquisition teams to broaden their talent search. The second TalentLink event took place July 27 inside the Aubrey K. McClendon Whitewater Center. The inaugural event was held last fall; another is planned for later this year. TalentLink’s goal is to foster workforce development partnerships. “We found that getting them in the same space enables people to leave with two or more connections to help them regardless of what their need is,” said Lee Copeland, director of talent and growth at the Chamber and organizer of the event. With a speed-networking approach, the TalentLink participants sit at assigned tables. Each person has just a few minutes to introduce themselves and what their organization needs – or how their company can help with talent acquisition. When the timer goes off, everyone rotates to a new table to meet more people. Chris Goines was one of those people. As operations manager for Waste Management, he hasn’t had many opportunities to network. By attending the event, Goines hoped to make connections and forge some new relationships that could eventually help his company expand its workforce. With a speed-networking approach, TalentLink participants sat at assigned tables before rotating to a new table to meet other people.

Nine Oklahoma startups recently secured funding at the inaugural Oklahoma City cohort hosted by gener8tor, a nationally ranked venture capital firm. The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber sponsors the company and its local gBETA program, a free seven-week accelerator. The gBETA & gener8tor OKC Showcase saw 163 attendees and 26 company founders come together to network, learn about skill acceleration and more. The firm’s mission is to bring opportunities to everyone regardless of race, place or gender. Anita Ly, managing director for gener8tor OKC, said the organization received many positive responses from event attendees. “From the diversity of the attendees and the programming, we felt like we exceeded our expectations and solidified the gener8tor brand in Oklahoma,” Ly said. OKLAHOMA-BASED STARTUPS FIND FUNDING AT GBETA & GENER8TOR SHOWCASE

The following Oklahoma companies secured some form of follow-on funding: • BaB: Provides convenience in the online shopping experience through a universal shopping cart that allows users to add different items from different stores all in one place. • Gleu: Provides fashion retailers and brands with a business-to-business streamlined experience for managing wholesale workflow. • LevlEd: Gamifies digital portfolio creation using a learn-to-earn platform which rewards member experiences and site engagement. • ApexLoads: Connects cargo owners with transporters to streamline the freight-truck matching process and facilitate faster payments through an online marketplace. • Paldara: Develops platform hydrogel coatings for medical devices using bacteriophage to prevent up to 99% of associated bacterial infections. Roy Sowah from startup Weku makes a presentation during the gBETA & gener8tor Showcase. Photo Credit: Rad Love Media

• Nodecraft: Expands, re-engages and monetizes online multiplayer gaming communities. Gener8tor’s accelerator program is for companies looking to achieve rapid growth. More information can be found here. The application deadline for the next cohort is Sept. 18. A separate 12-week accelerator program for Oklahoma-based companies that have a venture- backable, high-growth and scalable business model is also in the works. The application deadline is Oct. 15.

• Helion Illumination: Enables first responders to better use drone assets by providing versatile lighting systems to assist in search and rescue, firefighting and law enforcement. • Weku: Revolutionizes residential electricity in the United States by offering homeowners unlimited access to clean energy for a flat rate of $50 per month. • Sci-Lume Labs: Pioneers new biobased and biodegradable materials to replace petroleum- derived plastics.

“From the diversity of the attendees and the programming, we felt like we exceeded our expectations and solidified the gener8tor brand in Oklahoma.” - Anita Ly

OKConnect, an exclusive, high-level orientation program created by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and Leadership OKC, will return to Oklahoma City on Aug. 30 and will continue through the end of November. OKConnect is designed for community newcomers, or business leaders with a new or expanded role with a focus on community awareness and involvement. The program helps company leaders discover how to get involved in the community. Participants gain behind- the-scenes insight into Oklahoma City – from its earliest beginnings to its current growth and success. Chaired by Meg Salyer, owner of Broadway Realty and former Ward 6 Council member, OKConnect includes four sessions from noon to 5 p.m. CHAMBER PROGRAM HELPS COMPANY LEADERS ‘CONNECT’ WITH OKC

In the Aug. 30 session, participants will learn about the founding of OKC, as well as the state and region’s political history. They will also receive an overview of OKC demographics and which factors have shaped our city. On Sept. 27, participants will hear how innovation, as well as public and private partnerships and investments, are making a difference in OKC’s educational outcomes. They will also hear about the city’s plan to sustain economic growth during the Oct. 25 session. During the program’s fourth and final session on Nov. 30, participants will learn about all the exciting places to visit and things to do in Oklahoma City and the importance of getting connected. OKConnect is $500 for Chamber members and $600 for nonmembers.Attendance is limited to 60 participants. To apply for the 2023 class, visit okcchamber.com/okconnect. For more details or if you have questions, please contact Marcus Elwell at melwell@okcchamber.com.

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.

MEMBER UPGRADES

EMERGING LEADER

PARTNER+ Walmart Neighborhood Market Grocers - Retail Ms. Crystal Lassister....................(479) 402-5916 911 SW 104th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73139-3009 www.walmart.com

. PARTNER+ OKC Outlets 1, LLC Shopping Centers Ms. Jeannette Smith..(405) 787-3700 7624 W. Reno Ave., Suite 380 Oklahoma City, OK 73127 www.okcoutlets.com

Metropolitan School of Dance, Inc. Arts Organizations & Information Nonprofit / Service Agencies Ms. Frances Pitts.........................(405) 236-5026 600 N. High Ave., Suite 240 P.O. Box 14744 Oklahoma City, OK 73113-0744 www.msdiokc.org Northeast OKC Neighborhood Coalition (NEOKCNC) Consultants Ms. Denyvetta Davis.................(405) 609-4987 1732 NE 23 St., Suite C Oklahoma City, OK 73111-3339 http://neokcnc.org Mr. Handyman of North Oklahoma City and Edmond Contractors - General Mr. Thomas Fiordelisi................(405) 347-5620 717 Evergreen St. P.O. Box 5614 Edmond, OK 73083-5614 https://www.mrhandyman.com/oklahoma-city- edmond

Waylon Stricklin Realtor-KW Elite, NW OKC Real Estate Mr. Waylon Strickland.................(405) 919-8828 11617 N. Meridian Ave., # D Oklahoma City, OK 73162-3941 OkcMetroHomes.com

ADVISOR Eye to Eye Marriage Nonprofit / Service Agencies Mr. Lucresha A. Redus..............(405) 627-2475 P.O. Box 36651 Oklahoma City, OK 73136-2651 eyetoeyecommunity.com The InTune Mother Society Nonprofit / Service Agencies Ms. RaShaunda Lugrand........(405) 795-3733 7901 NE 10th St., Suite B-103 P.O. Box 55803 Del City, OK 73155-0803 www.timcenter.org

Prime Time Education Inc. Educational Services Mr. Rufus D. Howard.....................(405) 418-6818

Urban Bridge Nonprofit / Service Agencies Mr. Marcus Jackson..................(405) 604-7204 1915 N. MLK Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73111-1405 urbanbridge.org

1204 NE 30th P.O. Box 23691

Oklahoma City, OK 73123-2691 www.primetimeeducationinc.org

Selfless Hands Foundation Nonprofit / Service Agencies Mrs. Raven Crisp Smith..............(405) 652-9181 P.O. Box 602 Oklahoma City, OK 73101-0602 www.selflesshandsfoundation.org

ASSOCIATE

Love Grow Live Center Nonprofit / Service Agencies Mr. Brandon L. Sims, Sr..............(405) 315-9790 4125 NE 16th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73117-6807 lovegrowlive.org

MS International Flooring Equipment & Supplies Mr. Chance Hill...............................(572) 910-6400 5325 SW 36th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73179-7802 msisurfaces.com

Topgolf OKC Amusement / Entertainment / Attractions Mrs. Michele P. Leeper..............(405) 546-3175 13313 Pawnee Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73114-1413 https://topgolf.com/us/oklahoma-city/

CORE

Chinowth & Cohen Real Estate Ms. Becky Zarecki.......................(405) 330-0031

Ryan Johnston Realty Real Estate - Commercial Real Estate Developers Mr. Ryan Johnston.......................(405) 816-4635 P.O. Box 82337 Oklahoma City, OK 73148-0337 ryanjohnston.com Walmart Neighborhood Market #2875 Grocers - Retail Mr. Russell Deane.........................(405) 495-1001 6437 N. MacArthur Blvd. Warr Acres, OK 73132-6503 www.walmart.com Walmart Neighborhood Market #2877 Grocers - Retail Mr. Chris Holland..........................(405) 773-3555 11101 N. Rockwell Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73162-2724 www.walmart.com Walmart Neighborhood Market #3615 Grocers - Retail Mr. Glen Garcia.................................(405) 521-1431 2217 NW 23rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73107-2403 www.walmart.com

Walmart Neighborhood Market #5286 Grocers - Retail Ms. Christy Pyle............................(405) 840-8435

BioLife Plasma Services Biotech Mr. Michael Compton..................(405) 254-1912 4275 NW 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73116-1538 www.biolifeplasma.com Capital Insights LLC Government Relations Public Relations Ms. Rebecca Cooper................(202) 345-4864 2925 Chestnut Ridge Court 4400 E. West Highway, Suite 303 Bethesda, MD 20814-4503 CARDS Recycling Waste Management & Disposal Ms. Jennifer Spencer.................(877) 592-2737 2400 SW 15th St. P.O. Box 775 Tontitown, AR 72770-0775 cardsrecycling.com The Century Hotel Hotels & Motels Mr. William Hollis, Jr....................(405) 232-5624 512 NW 9th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73102-1008

2619 Kelley Point Parkway Edmond, OK 73013-2994 ccoklahoma.com

9320 N. Pennsylvania Place The Village, OK 73120-1519 www.walmart.com

Dayclub Modern Workspaces Office & Desk Space Rental Ms. Bekah Hammontree........(405) 259-4339 629 W. Main St. Oklahoma City, OK 73102-2221 www.joindayclub.com Fins Company Consultants Mr. Fred Stefany............................(949) 612-5579

Walmart Neighborhood Market #5863 Grocers - Retail Ms. Kaitlyn Atkeson...................(405) 455-4070 7520 E. Reno Ave. Midwest City, OK 73110-4312 www.walmart.com Walmart Neighborhood Market #7308 Grocers - Retail Mr. Kevin Dunn.................................(405) 515-7418 2551 Classen Blvd. Norman, OK 73071-4381 www.walmart.com

1050 E. 2nd St., Suite 163 Edmond, OK 73034-5313 www.finscompany.com

The Lume Meeting / Banquet Facilities Mrs. LaKhrisha Medina.............(405) 259-4407 619 W. Main St. Oklahoma City, OK 73102-2221 www.thelumeokc.com

Age & Sex Population Pyramid % of Total Population - Oklahoma

ECONOMIC INDICATORS OKLAHOMA IS IN THE TOP 5 FOR YOUNGEST STATE IN THE NATION Age & Sex Population Pyramid % of Total Population - Oklahoma / Oklahoma City 3.2% 3.5% 3.6% 3.5% Under 5 years 5 to 9 years

3.5% 10 to 14 years 15 to 19 years 20 to 24 years 25 to 29 years 30 to 34 years 35 to 39 years 40 to 44 years 45 to 49 years 50 to 54 years 55 to 59 years 60 to 64 years 65 to 69 years 70 to 74 years 75 to 79 years 80 to 84 years 85 years and over 3.4% 3.4% 3.4% 3.4% 3.2% 3.5% 3.4% 3.4% 3.2% 3.4% 3.4% 3.1% 3.0% 3.2%

3.6%

3.3% 3.4%

Oklahoma

Oklahoma City Age & Sex Population Pyramid % of Total Population - Oklahoma City

Age & Sex Population Pyramid % of Total Population - Oklahoma Age & Sex Population Pyramid % of Total Population - Oklahoma

Under 5 years 5 to 9 years

3.3%

3.5%

2.9%

3.2%

3.7%

3.3%

3.5%

3.2%

3.4%

10 to 14 years 15 to 19 years 20 to 24 years 25 to 29 years 30 to 34 years 35 to 39 years 40 to 44 years 45 to 49 years 50 to 54 years 55 to 59 years 60 to 64 years 65 to 69 years 70 to 74 years 75 to 79 years 80 to 84 years 85 years and over

3.3%

3.7%

3.6%

3.2%

3.5%

3.1%

3.5%

3.6%

3.3%

3.6%

3.8% 2.8% 2.8% 2.9% 3.7% 3.9%

4.0% 4.0%

3.3% 3.4%

3.2%

3.4%

3.6%

3.1%

3.2%

3.1%

3.3%

3.1%

2.8% 2.8% 2.9%

2.8%

2.9% 2.9%

2.9%

2.8%

2.5%

3.0%

2.6%

2.9% 2.9%

2.7% 2.1%

2.5

3.1%

3.2%

2.5%

2.7%

2.2%

2.1%

1.3%

1.6%

2.1%

2.5%

2.1%

2.5%

.7%

1.1% 1.0%

1.3%

1.6%

1.%

1.3%

.7%

1.1% 1.0%

.5%

0.8% 0.8%

.6%

.3%

Male Male Female

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, 2021 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 1-YEAR ESTIMATES Male Female Male Female

• According to new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, Oklahoma is the 5th youngest state with a median age of 37.1. The national median age is 38.9. • Among peer metros, the Oklahoma City MSA is the 2nd youngest at a median age of 36.1. ∙ (San Antonio: 35.7; Columbus MSA: 36.6, Indianapolis MSA: 37.0, Kansas City MSA: 37.9, Albuquerque MSA: 39.4) • The City of Oklahoma City is even younger with a median age of 35. ∙ (Male: 34.6, Female: 35.5) • A young median age implies that employers benefit from a younger workforce which bodes well for tapping into a pipeline of young workers in the future.

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.

2023 OFFICERS

ISSUE #3582 - AUGUST 2023 Editorial staff Harve Allen, Kelly Dexter and Cynthia Reid Designer Billy Callan 405-297-8900 thepoint@okcchamber.com okcchamber.com twitter.com/okcchamber

SEAN TRAUSCHKE OGE Energy Corp. Chair TERESA ROSE, JD Communities Foundation of Oklahoma Chair-Elect & Vice Chair, Education and MAPS 4 Development JOHN HART Continental Resources Treasurer DAVID E. RAINBOLT

JUDY J. HATFIELD, CCIM Equity Commercial Realty Advisors, LLC Vice Chair, Military and Aerospace RHONDA HOOPER Jordan Advertising Vice Chair, Membership & Business/Economic Inclusion BRADLEY W. KRIEGER Arvest Bank Vice Chair, Government Relations BILL LANCE The Chickasaw Nation Vice Chair, Convention & Visitor Development

JENNY LOVE MEYER Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores Vice Chair, Marketing and Communications

RICK MUNCRIEF Devon Energy Corporation Vice Chair, Forward Oklahoma City J. LARRY NICHOLS

Devon Energy Corporation Vice Chair, Strategic Planning W. KENT SHORTRIDGE Oklahoma Natural Gas Company/ONE Gas, Inc. Vice Chair, Economic Development CHRISTY GILLENWATER Greater Oklahoma City Chamber President & CEO

facebook.com/okcchamber VeloCity (ISSN 1075-6264) is published monthly by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, 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.

BancFirst Corporation Corporate Secretary CLAYTON I. BENNETT Dorchester Capital Vice Chair, Strategic Planning

TOM J. MCDANIEL American Fidelity Foundation Vice Chair, MAPS 3 Development

Wednesday, Aug. 9 | 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

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