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DEC. 2022 • OKCCHAMBER.COM
CLICK FOR FULL STORY VOTERS APPROVE HISTORIC BOND ISSUE FOR OKCPS
IN THIS ISSUE:
10| The Toro Company announces plans to expand Ditch Witch operations in Perry
12| KWTV News 9 move aims to draw more viewers to downtown Oklahoma City
14| Downtown in
December packed with holiday treats for the entire family
A publication of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber | www.okcchamber.com
DEC. 2022 • OKCCHAMBER.COM
CLICK FOR FULL STORY VOTERS APPROVE HISTORIC BOND ISSUE FOR OKCPS
IN THIS ISSUE:
10| The Toro Company announces plans to expand Ditch Witch operations in Perry
12| KWTV News 9 move aims to draw more viewers to downtown Oklahoma City
14| Downtown in
December packed with holiday treats for the entire family
VOTERS APPROVE HISTORIC BOND ISSUE FOR OKLAHOMA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Voters in the Oklahoma City Public Schools District overwhelmingly approved the biggest school bond in the district’s history Nov. 8. The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber led the “Invest in Our Future” campaign to pass the school bond, along with other public and private partners. The $955-million bond will enable the school district to provide much- needed resources to improve buildings, technology, transportation and sorely needed capital improvement projects. The average age of a school in the district is 72 years. Nine of those schools are about 100 years old. The bond was split into two separate propositions. The first proposition, which featured the bulk of the funding, passed with 64% of the vote. The second proposition was centered around improving the bus fleet. It passed with 62% of the vote. “First and foremost, you have to thank the voters for sending a message that investment in our schools is critical to building the community we all want,” said Roy Williams, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, which spearheaded the “Invest in our Future” campaign. “It takes 60% of the vote to pass school bonds in our state. That is an incredibly high barrier to cross for anything and passage can never be taken for granted. Time and time again voters in Oklahoma City continue to move our community forward.” The bond will help keep OKCPS’ mill levy competitive with its peers in the surrounding districts. The district’s enrollment grew by more than 2,000 this school year. The bond will also include funding for flexible workspace at many schools that will be used for workforce and skills training for students. “The investment the leadership at the district is making into skills training is very exciting and forward- thinking,” said Williams. “The passage of this bond will make sure students in the district are more college or career ready after graduating. Making this kind of
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investment on the ground level of workforce development will benefit our students, businesses and the community for decades to come.” Just as separate oversight committees have been created to oversee MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects) initiatives as well as the construction of the new county jail, OKCPS has adopted that same philosophy by
creating its own oversight committee to ensure that the district is using the bond dollars as intended. The committee is made up of administration and community members. Construction projects could begin as early as 2023, and any new school project will be completed and slated to open for fall 2026.
The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber announced recently that Melissa Pepper has been named vice president of membership for the organization. “Melissa is an experienced nonprofit leader with a strong background in development and engagement,” said Chamber President and CEO Roy Williams. “Her experience in Oklahoma City with Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma, Myriad Botanical Gardens and the OETA Foundation exemplifies her ability to engage volunteers and develop revenue to support the strategic mission of these organizations. “Since moving to Oklahoma City a decade ago, I’ve been continually in awe of the growth throughout our great city. This growth is evidence that we value investing in our city, our people and our businesses,” said Pepper. “It is because of this that I feel so privileged to CHAMBER MAKES KEY LEADERSHIP HIRE; NAMES PEPPER MEMBERSHIP VP
join the visionary team of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. I look forward to serving and working alongside those who have invested in our state’s largest coalition of businesses.” Pepper holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas.
Melissa Pepper
Before moving to Oklahoma City in 2012, she worked with the Kansas City Zoo and enjoyed a career in investment real estate and concert promotions with House of Blues. She has been a longtime community volunteer in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma for organizations such as Head Start, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault, Ronald McDonald House, Arts Council and Scissortail Park. Pepper was a member of Leadership OKC Class 37.
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Apply today by visiting OUHealth.com/Nursing. Job opportunities are available in all areas of adult and pediatric care, oncology and more, in hospital and clinical care settings, including OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health, OU Health Edmond Medical Center and OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center. As an integrated academic health system, interested nurses can practice at OU Health and seek a faculty appointment at the OU Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing.
LEADERSHIP NOTES
WORKING HAND IN HAND WILL BE OKC’S FORMULA FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS. Since this will be my last Leadership Notes, I want to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of you for all you have done for me, the Chamber, the City of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, our region and our state. It goes without saying that our community would never have seen the transformation we have gone through if not for the people who helped propel it – and that is all of you. Always focusing on The Greater Good, our leaders and our members never dropped the ball. No matter what the challenges were that we faced, together we met them head on and built an even better place. As I reflect on some of the challenges faced in the past, I am reminded of making lemonade when given lemons. Had we not lost in recruiting an aircraft maintenance facility, we never would have initiated MAPS. Had we not lost the General Motors manufacturing facility, we never would have put Tinker on a new growth path. Had we not lost the attempt to get a National Hockey League franchise, we never would have had the capacity to accommodate the temporary relocation of the Hornet NBA franchise for two years – which led to our ability to have our permanent Thunder NBA team. I am so amazed at how the business community and the public sector continually work hand in hand to make big things happen. It truly is our secret sauce. And therein is my challenge to each of you. Many of you did not witness some of the things I just alluded to. Much of our institutional knowledge is forgotten or not passed on. Many do not know what we had to go through to get here. And many think times are so good no new initiatives need to occur. I urge you to run faster, work harder and strive for even greater times – lest our competitors pass us by. Thank you again and Happy Holidays to all!
Roy H. Williams, CCE President & CEO
READ ROY’S VELOCITYOKC ONLINE STORY OF THE MONTH “CRYSTAL BRIDGE CONSERVATORY REOPENS AT MYRIAD BOTANICAL GARDENS” VELOCITYOKC.COM/ ROYSPICK
Roy H. Williams, CCE Chamber CEO & President
10 The Toro Company announces plans to expand Ditch Witch operations in Perry 12 KWTV News 9 move aims to draw more visitors to downtown Oklahoma City
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Downtown in December packed with holiday treats for the entire family
Will Rogers World Airport lassoing more businesses in Lariat Landing development
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UPCOMING EVENTS
CALENDAR (Events are subject to change. Consult okcchamber.com/events for the most recent updates.) DECEMBER 2 State of the Aerospace Industry 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Petroleum Club 100 N. Broadway, Suite 3400 okcchamber.com/aero DECEMBER 8 Annual Meeting 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. National Cowboy & Western okcchamber.com/annual JANUARY 18 Chamber Forum 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Petroleum Club 100 N. Broadway, Suite 3400 okcchamber.com/januaryforum JANUARY 25 Legislative Kickoff 8 to 9:30 a.m. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St. okcchamber.com/ legislativekickoff FEBRUARY 15 Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St.
Impact of ARPA funds on city topic of January 2023 Chamber Forum
The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber will host its first Chamber Forum for 2023 on Jan. 18. The featured topic for January’s Forum, one of 10 planned for 2023, will be the impact of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds on the Oklahoma City region. Pandemic recovery brought the largest infusion of federal dollars to communities across the country through APRA. Those funds were allocated to local and state governments to help them address the negative impact of COVID-19. Join us at the January Chamber Forum to hear city and state leaders talk about the impact of the $122.5 million the City of Oklahoma City received, how those dollars are being used and where our region stands in the recovery process. Participating in the panel will be: • Aubrey McDermid, Assistant City Manager, City of Oklahoma City • Adam Pugh, Senator, Oklahoma State Senate • Kenton Tsoodle, President & CEO, The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City The January Chamber Forum will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Petroleum Club Downtown OKC. The cost to attend is $45 for Chamber members and $55 for nonmembers. To register for the Forum, visit okcchamber. com/januaryforum. A discounted full-season package of 10 tickets can also be purchased for $400 by emailing register@okcchamber.com. The Chamber Forum series brings thought leaders together to discuss major initiatives, programs and current issues that impact Oklahoma City’s business climate, economy and community. Visit the events page on the Chamber website for up-to-date information on this and other events the Chamber hosts throughout the year.
Chamber Forum 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Petroleum Club
100 N. Broadway, Suite 3400 okcchamber.com/februaryforum
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Future of OKC’s music, entertainment industry on tap for Chamber Annual Meeting Dec. 8
Chamber members will get an opportunity to hear from several key legislative leaders and make their voices known on issues impacting Oklahoma City’s business community during the Chamber’s annual Legislative Kickoff scheduled for Jan. 25. A panel comprised of leadership from both the House and Senate will share their thoughts and insights into what they see as some of the more critical issues state lawmakers will face throughout the next legislative session. Participating on the panel will be: • Greg Treat, Senate President Pro Tempore • Kay Floyd, Senate Democratic Leader • Charles McCall, Speaker of the House (tentative) • Cyndi Munson, House Democratic Minority Caucus Chair Chamber Chair Sean Trauschke will sit down for a fireside chat with Anthony Nicolaidis, Dallas market president for Live Nation Entertainment, to talk about Oklahoma City’s rise as a music industry destination as part of the Chamber’s Annual Meeting Dec. 8. The duo will also discuss what is next in the entertainment industry and how OKC can continue to leverage assets to increase the demand from big-name artists and productions. The Annual Meeting will be held from 11 a.m. to USHER IN 2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION WITH ANNUAL CHAMBER KICKOFF EVENT
The Legislative Kickoff will be held from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Registration and networking begins at 7:30 a.m. Tickets for the Legislative Kickoff are $50 for Chamber members and $75 for nonmembers. To register, visit okcchamber.com/legislativekickoff. Sponsor tables of eight with additional recognition are available for $1,100. Contact Suzette Ellison Jordan at sellison@okcchamber. com for table sponsor inquiries. Sponsor tables of eight with additional recognition are available for $1,500. If you are interested in purchasing a table sponsorship, please contact Suzette Ellison Jordan at sellison@okcchamber.com. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor Bank of Oklahoma and Host Sponsor Cox Communications. 1 p.m. at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Chamber members can purchase their tickets for $75, nonmembers for $100, by visiting okcchamber. com/annual.
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THE TORO COMPANY ANNOUNCES PLANS TO EXPAND DITCH WITCH OPERATIONS IN PERRY
Officials from The Toro Company recently announced the company will be expanding its Perry, Okla., manufacturing facility, home to Ditch Witch and other leading construction brands. The move is expected to bring up to 100 new jobs to the rural community and expand its current building by an additional 200,000 square feet.
“This is an exciting day for central Oklahoma,” said Roy Williams, president & CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “Our mission is to grow the economy of all parts of central Oklahoma and what is good for Perry is good for the entire region. We were excited to work on this project which puts capital investment and new, quality jobs in a community that has long focused on having a strong manufacturing economy.” The Toro Company, based in Bloomington, Minn., is the parent company of Ditch Witch, which first started operations in Perry more than 80 years ago. The expansion further reinforces the company’s long- standing commitment to the Perry community and the State of Oklahoma and positions the company to support future growth. “Across our global manufacturing facilities, we continue to focus on driving operational efficiencies The expansion of the Ditch Witch facility in Perry is expected to bring up to 100 new jobs. (Photo courtesy Ditch Witch)
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and investing in automation and capacity to better serve our customers,” said Rick Rodier, group vice president of construction, contractor and residential businesses at The Toro Company. “This investment in the Perry facility expands our manufacturing capacity, reinforces our commitment to the community and the many customers we serve around the world, and ultimately helps us continue to produce the world-class products Ditch Witch is known for well into the future.” As part of The Toro Company’s expansion agreement, the company was awarded $6 million through the Business Expansion Incentive Program by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. The funds will be used for road improvements in front of the existing and expanded facilities. “The expansion of The Toro Company facility in Perry is a great win for Oklahoma,” said Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt. “I am proud of partners like the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for their conjoined effort in continuing Oklahoma’s economic development while adding new jobs to Perry.” Ditch Witch specializes in the manufacturing of underground construction equipment and is a leading source for trenchers, horizontal directional drilling systems, mini skid steers and more. The growth of operations in Perry will allow the company to increase efficiencies and improve its production to better serve its worldwide customer base. “Growth is so important to show our commitment to operational excellence,” said Kevin Carpenter, vice president, global operations and integrated supply chain at The Toro Company. “It is such an exciting time for the company, and we are proud to invest in the Perry facility to further our operational efficiencies that ultimately will better enable us to deliver our great product made by great people to our customers.”
Ditch Witch traces its roots back to 1902 when Carl Malzhan opened a blacksmith shop with his sons in Perry. Its first production trencher came off the assembly line in 1949, and since that time, Ditch Witch has been the largest employer in Perry. Today, the company employs more than 1,600 people in the community. The Ditch Witch compact trencher has twice been named “one of the 100 best American-made products in the world” by Fortune magazine. “We are thrilled that The Toro Company and Ditch Witch see the business value of Perry and its workforce with this expansion announcement. We look forward to deepening this already strong partnership for years to come,” said State Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry. Larry Pannell, city manager of Perry, highlighted the partnerships and teamwork that helped push this critical project to the finish line. “Economic development in smaller communities is often challenging, especially in the economic climate we are all currently experiencing. However, with the right entities working together with one singular focus, beneficial progress can be achieved for all parties. That is the case with the Ditch Witch expansion project now underway in Perry,” said Pannell.
In this overhead photo taken earlier this year, workers begin dirt work on The Toro Company’s Ditch Witch expansion project in Perry, Okla. (Photo courtesy Ditch Witch)
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KWTV NEWS 9 MOVE AIMS TO DRAW MORE VIEWERS TO DOWNTOWN OKC
The relocation of KWTV News 9 to their new home in at Sheridan and Robinson last month is another example how downtown Oklahoma City continues its resurgence as an economic development destination for business and industry. More than 240 people employed by KWTV News 9 will now be working in OKC’s central business district, helping to drive more business to the area, create more visibility for the various downtown merchants and attractions, and also generate potentially more jobs in downtown. David Griffin, CEO of Griffin Media, which owns and operates KWTV News 9, and who also serves on the Chamber’s board of directors, said the company had been eyeing a move to downtown OKC for some time; however, the right time and place never really presented itself until a conversation he had with Chamber President and CEO Roy Williams early last year. “I had been talking to Roy Williams about this for years that we wanted to get downtown. I talked to the mayor about it as well. In January of 2021, Roy called me and said the former Oklahoman space might be
an opportunity for you. That really started a process that led ultimately, with the Chamber’s support, the city’s support, economic development’s support, for us to be able to move downtown. So the Chamber was instrumental in starting this whole process,” Griffin said. The company also has a TV station (KOTV) located in downtown Tulsa. Both Griffin Media and KWTV News 9 are two of several tenants located in the 100,000-square-foot complex, which is now called 100 West Main and owned by an affiliated entity related to Griffin Media. Other building tenants include entities such as The Oklahoman, Main Street YMCA, SSM Health, Mahogany Steakhouse and others. Officially dedicated last month, the KWTV News 9 space is comprised of approximately 45,000-square-feet of workspace on two floors. News, marketing, sales and technology departments are housed on the first floor, along with the production room and three studios. The main studio from where News 9 is broadcast features several newly designed sets and three robotic cameras. The new weather center is the largest in the country, according to a Griffin Media fact sheet. When guests first enter the main entrance on the east side of the building, they are greeted by a 13-foot by 25- A 13-foot by 25-foot monitor greets guests when they first enter the new KWTV News 9 newsroom downtown.
The new Weather Center at KWTV’s new home in downtown Oklahoma City. 12
foot monitor above a wide-open newsroom where desks of all the anchors, reporters and weather staff are located. The executive offices, as well as finance and human resources offices, are on the second floor, along with other “collaborative” spaces. Outside, the company replaced the large video board that wrapped around the southwest corner of the building with a much larger (20-foot by 40-foot) and higher-quality video board, something you might see in a place like Times Square in New York City. “We started working on the move before we even had a building,” Griffin said. “We have 200 terabytes of data storage here and over 30 miles of wiring for all the video that we move around. That takes a lot of planning.” It took 13 semi-trailer trucks to transport all of the new furniture and equipment as part of the move, he said. “Working in downtown Oklahoma City has so exceeded everybody’s expectations. There’s so much to do here and so many great restaurants. Being part of the community is so neat and having just action from the streetcars downtown, the Christmas lights are starting to go up. There’s just lots of energy down here that we never
truly realized,” Griffin said. “Our goal here is to find ways we can activate the exterior of our new home and do things that bring viewers to downtown Oklahoma City. We want to be the champion of downtown Oklahoma City. And I think you’ve seen that in our coverage so far.”
Griffin Media CEO David Griffin, second from left, stands with KWTV News 9 anchors Karl Torp, Amanda Taylor and David Payne in their new main studio located in downtown OKC.
BRING BIG SMILES TO LITTLE FACES
NO HUNGER HOLIDAYS
feedthechildren.org
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Tis the season to experience all that Downtown in December has to offer! This annual event by the Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2021 for bringing holiday cheer and magic to Oklahoma City’s downtown. It boasts more than 30 holiday events and attractions from November through January that are sure to warm even the coldest hearts. Although many kickoff events happened in November, the months of December and January will be filled with many other events throughout downtown to celebrate the season, some of which are highlighted below. Learn more by visiting downtownindecember.com. HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOPS Christmas shoppers looking to purchase local will want to check out the Holiday Pop-Up Shops in Midtown. Now in its 11th year, the Holiday Pop-Up Shops event has entrenched itself as an Oklahoma City and Midtown tradition where you are sure to find a gift for everyone on your list. The Independent Shopkeepers Association puts on the annual Holiday Pop-Up Shops event to promote shopping local and encouraging visitors to purchase holiday gifts from local merchants. Participating shops will be rotating weekly throughout the duration of the event and include local merchants such as Plenty Mercantile, Shop Good, Curbside Chronicle Wrapping Paper, the Painted Door Gift Boutique and many more. DOWNTOWN IN DECEMBER PACKED WITH HOLIDAY TREATS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY
Shoppers will discover a variety of gifts from clothing and accessories to home goods and children’s toys. Holiday treats, including hot chocolate, will be available to enjoy, along with live music and visits from jolly Ol’ Saint Nick himself. If you still need to find that perfect Christmas tree, you also might want to check out the Christmas tree lot set up at the site. Located near the intersection of NW 10th and N. Hudson Ave., The Holiday Pop-Up Shops will be popping up every Friday, Saturday and Sunday now through Dec. 18. To learn more or to see which local merchants are participating, please visit okcpopups.com.
The annual Holiday Pop-Up Shops event in Midtown encourages visitors to purchase holiday gifts from local merchants.
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SAINTS SANTA RUN There is just something about seeing a large pack of Santa lookalikes (even if they are the four-legged “Santa Paws” variety!) running down the streets of downtown Oklahoma City. On Saturday, Dec. 3, you will get an opportunity to experience such a site during the annual Saints Santa Run presented by SSM Health – St. Anthony Hospital. This event is a fun and healthy way to celebrate the holiday season with friends, family and maybe your co-workers. Race participants can choose between the 5K Run/Walk or 1-Mile Fun Run. If you want to join in on the fun as a runner but do not necessarily want to dress up, then no problem (Old St. Nick costumes are optional). There is even a free Kids’ Dash just before the race for children eight years old and under. And there are plenty of free activities to boot, including face painting and balloon art, as well as complimentary snacks and drinks, holiday music and more. LIGHTS ON BROADWAY One of the most spectacular holiday light displays in Oklahoma City will once again light up Automobile Alley this holiday season as part of the district’s open house during the annual Lights on Broadway event. On Saturday, Dec. 3, and Saturday, Dec. 10, holiday revelers will be able to enjoy local shopping, sidewalk entertainment, carriage rides, special promotions and other holiday-themed activities throughout the evening. And, of course, we can’t forget about the lights – all 600,000 individual LED lights draped over the buildings in a “dazzling display of Christmas cheer.” Whether you’re experiencing Automobile Alley from your car, on foot or on board the OKC Streetcar, the Lights on Broadway event will captivate your imagination and bring more joy to your holiday season. LYRIC’S ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ Now through Dec. 23, Lyric Theatre will present “A Christmas Carol” outdoors at the historic Harn Homestead. This will be the last year that the production
will be presented in the crisp autumn air. It will return to its indoor home in the Plaza District in 2023. In the meantime, theatre goers will get a chance to experience the production for the last time in a way that makes one feel like they have been actually transported back to the Victorian Era where they can experience firsthand the timeless Charles Dickens’ tale of transformation and redemption for one Ebeneezer Scrooge. To learn more, visit lyrictheatreokc.com. OKLAHOMA CITY BALLET’S ‘THE NUTCRACKER’ What holiday season is complete without seeing a rendition of Oklahoma City Ballet’s production of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” An Oklahoma City favorite for more than 50 years, this joyous production awaits you and yours this holiday season. Performances are Dec. 10-11 and Dec. 15-18 at the Civic Center Music Hall. This year’s production features new choreography by Acting Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye as well as students from the OKC Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School and live music from Canterbury Voices and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. To purchase tickets, visit okcballet.org. The Lights on Broadway event will captivate your imagination and bring more joy to your holiday season.
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WILL ROGERS WORLD AIRPORT LASSOING MORE BUSINESSES IN LARIAT LANDING DEVELOPMENT
Construction has ramped up along S. Portland Ave. near Will Rogers World Airport in recent months as work continues on the Lariat Landing development. Lariat Landing is a dedicated 1,000-acre site located on the east side of the airport between I-44 and the airport. The aim of the development is to attract aviation and nonaviation businesses alike to the airport. To accommodate the growth of Lariat Landing, the city relocated Portland Avenue in 2015, with access to sewer, water and electricity along the four miles of the rebuilt thoroughfare, which stretches from SW 54th to SW 104th streets. The city also added beautifully landscaped center medians and street lighting on that section of Portland Avenue. Beside the two Amazon facilities that take up a majority of the west side of Lariat Landing, other aviation-related businesses have been built along South Portland adjacent to the airport in order to have access to the airport’s airfield. Field Aerospace has a large hangar there where it can perform modifications on large aircraft, and just up the road from Field Aerospace, SkyWest Airlines constructed a 135,000-square-foot- hangar where it performs maintenance work on its jets that serve as regional carriers for Delta, American, United and Alaska Airlines. Fixed-based operator Atlantic Aviation also operates on the west side of S. Portland Ave. in order to access those same runways
and taxiways. Since the completion of the South Portland relocation four years ago, FedEx ground has been operating in a facility on the very north end at the intersection of South Portland and SW 54th Street. Nonaviation businesses currently under construction in Lariat Landing are the Premier Breast Health Institute of Oklahoma, a state-of-the-art comprehensive breast health center located directly across the street from Amazon near SW 89th Street and South Portland, and the new OnCue convenience store going up at the northeast corner of Portland and SW 104th Street. Construction of Premier Breast Health Institute of Oklahoma can be clearly seen from either I-44 or South Portland. The 26,000-square-foot facility will bring together some of the leading specialists in OKC focused on breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and research. “That is going to be a very nice facility that will be calling Lariat Landing home. They are excited to be here, and we are excited to have them,” Keith said. According Construction of Premier Breast Health Institute of Oklahoma can be clearly seen from either I-44 or S. Portland Avenue.
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to a company press release, the facility should be completed in the summer of 2023. Scott Keith, assistant director of airports for the City of Oklahoma City, said people may think the new OnCue store is a recent addition to Lariat Landing; however, it is not. The company, he said, agreed to build in Lariat Landing more than two years ago, but the pandemic and subsequent economic downturn forced the company to temporarily halt construction plans. “Even though an economic slowdown had occurred right after they agreed to build there, they indicated to us that they were completely going forward. But they first wanted to see how the stabilization of the economy went and what the habits of the consumers were going to be. Luckily, things have obviously gone forward very well, and they are now coming up out of the ground pretty rapidly,” he said. With the location of the Amazon facilities just about
a mile up the road from OnCue, Keith said the store will have access to a ready-made customer base of nearly 3,000 Amazon workers. Once completed, OnCue will be the first retail business and restaurant located in Lariat Landing. To help market Lariat Landing to aviation and nonaviation businesses that may be looking to relocate or expand to Oklahoma City, the airport in 2020 hired commercial real estate brokers CBRE and Price Edwards and Company. Through their efforts and a lessening of the pandemic’s effects on the market, the airport is seeing more interest from companies that view Lariat Landing as a potential landing spot, Keith said. “I think those two things combined have been a bonus for us for activity coming our way,” Keith said. “If you look at it from a high-level perspective, we’re sitting pretty good in terms of being able to attract new businesses out there.”
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
Calm Waters for Children and Families – H.J. and Anne Meyer Counseling Clinic Expansion 501 N. Walker Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Sunbeam Family Services, Inc. – Edwards Early Education and Community Hope Center Renovation 1100 NW 14th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Tenaciously Teal 730 W. Wilshire Blvd., Ste 108 Oklahoma City, OK 73116
Crain & Associates, PLLC 6307 Waterford Blvd., Ste 260 Oklahoma City, OK 73118
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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.
CORE Design Ready Controls Electronic Manufacturing Mrs. Karen Dennis........................(405) 421-9275 3800 S. Harmon Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73179-8604 http://www.designreadycontrols.com/ CORE Heinen Physical Therapy, PC Health Services Dr. Lauren Heinen......................(405) 256-8699 7710 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116-3114 www.heinenpt.com CORE The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Nonprofit / Service Agencies Ms. Mati White..............................(405) 245-0459 8111 LBJ Freeway, Suite 425 Dallas, TX 75251-1312 www.lls.org
CORE OK Computer Computer Consultants Mr. Craig Cummings..................(405) 252-9691
ADVISOR All State Electric Motors, Inc. Electric Equipment & Supplies - Wholesale & Industrial Mr. Jacob P. Blough......................(405) 232-1129 1839 Linwood Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73106-2625 www.asemok.com ADVISOR Caremax, LLC Home Health Services / Consultants Mr. Ike Ukawuba.........................(405) 293-2607 6812 N. Robinson Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116-9039 www.caremax-inc.com ASSOCIATE Lottie Scott Title Services Title Companies Ms. Chasadi Fails.........................(405) 673-7544 1829 NE 23rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73111-3325 lottiescotttitle.com
ASSOCIATE Tenaciously Teal Nonprofit/Service Agencies Ms. Tarah Warren.........................(405) 753-4496
6608 N. Western Ave., Suite 1277 Oklahoma City, OK 73116-7326 https://www.okcomputerllc.com
730 W. Wilshire Blvd., Suite 108 Oklahoma City, OK 73116-- 77 www.tteal.org
CORE Roadmaster Drivers School Truck Driving Instruction Mr. Bradley Ball.............................(727) 342-6420 5801 SW 11th St. 11300 4Th St. N., Suite 200 St. Petersburg, FL 33716-2940 www.roadmaster.com CORE 24 Hundred Apartments Apartments Ms. Lisa Razook............................(405) 241-4550 2400 Watermark Blvd. PARTNER+ Midtown Renaissance (A REHCO, LLC Company) Real Estate Mr. Chris Fleming........................(405) 488-6208 1101 N. Broadway Ave. Suite 400 P.O. Box 2898 Oklahoma City, OK 73101-2898 www.midtownr.com Oklahoma City, OK 73134-5162 24hundredapartmentsokc.com
ASSOCIATE Tuff Shed Buildings - Metal Mr. Joshua Baker.............................(405) 272-1011 1250 E. Reno Oklahoma City, OK 73117-1808 tuffshed.co CORE Crain & Associates, PLLC Attorneys / Lawyers Mr. Jeff Crain....................................(405) 242-4107 6307 Waterford Blvd. Suite 260 Oklahoma City, OK 73118-1154
The following member companies increased their investment in the Chamber, demonstrating strong support of the Chamber’s efforts to drive the region’s economy. To increase your investment, contact the Membership Division of the Chamber at 405-297-8949 or membership@okcchamber.com. MEMBER UPGRADES
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ECONOMIC INDICATORS
OKC METRO RANKED NO.3 IN NATION FOR TIME SPENT COMMUTING Best Cities for Commuters (2022)
METRO
OVERALL RANK
SHORTEST COMMUTE TIME
ANNUAL HOURS LOST TO TRAFFIC
BUFFALO, NY
1
22 MINUTES
6 HOURS
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
2
23 MINUTES
9 HOURS
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
3
23 MINUTES
10 HOURS
MILWAUKEE, WI
4
23 MINUTES
22 HOURS
KANSAS CITY, MO
5
24 MINUTES
13 HOURS
DALLAS, TX
41
28 MINUTES
44 HOURS
HOUSTON, TX
42
30 MINUTES
50 HOURS
CHICAGO, IL
43
32 MINUTES
104 HOURS
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
44
34 MINUTES
64 HOURS
WASHINGTON, DC
45
35 MINUTES
44 HOURS
NATIONAL AVERAGE
28 MINUTES
32 HOURS
SOURCE: CLEVER , U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, 2022.
• The Oklahoma City metro ranked No. 3 nationally out of all major metros for shortest commute time. • Workers in OKC spend just 198 hours every year traveling to and from work. Compared to 239 hours in the average metro, OKC’s commute time is 17% less.
• Since 2019, the average commute to work in Oklahoma City has decreased by 12%, shrinking from 26 to 23 minutes one way. • Maintenance costs are also down 23% in OKC. Commuters can expect their drives to and from work to cost them $402 every year in maintenance, compared to $522 in 2019.
For comprehensive Economic Indicators and regional data, please visit your Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Economic Development Division at greateroklahomacity.com or contact Eric Long, Research Economist at 405-297-8976 or email him at 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.
19
2022 OFFICERS
ISSUE #3574 - DECEMBER 2022 Editorial staff Harve Allen and Cynthia Reid Designer Billy Callan 405-297-8900 thepoint@okcchamber.com okcchamber.com twitter.com/okcchamber
SEAN TRAUSCHKE OGE Energy Corp. Chair JOHN HART Continental Resources Treasurer DAVID E. RAINBOLT BancFirst Corporation Corporate Secretary CLAYTON I. BENNETT Dorchester Capital Vice Chair, Strategic Planning STEVE HAHN AT&T Oklahoma Vice Chair, Membership JUDY J. HATFIELD, CCIM Equity Commercial Realty Advisors, LLC Vice Chair, Military and Aerospace
RHONDA HOOPER Jordan Advertising Vice Chair, Business and Economic Inclusion BRADLEY W. KRIEGER Arvest Bank Vice Chair, Government Relations BILL LANCE The Chickasaw Nation Vice Chair, Partnership Development
J. LARRY NICHOLS Devon Energy Corporation Vice Chair, Strategic Planning TERESA ROSE, JD Communities Foundation of Oklahoma Vice Chair, Education and MAPS 4 Development NATALIE SHIRLEY National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Vice Chair, Convention and Visitor Development
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.
TOM J. MCDANIEL American Fidelity Foundation
W. KENT SHORTRIDGE Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Vice Chair, Economic Development ROY H. WILLIAMS, CCE Greater Oklahoma City Chamber President & CEO
Vice Chair, MAPS 3 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
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