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
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