MAY 2026 • OKCCHAMBER.COM
FIRST OKC FAME COHORT GRADUATES, MARKING MILESTONE FOR CHAMBER- LED WORKFORCE MODEL
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The first cohort of students from the OKC Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) has officially graduated, marking a major milestone for a workforce initiative led locally by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. The inaugural class included five graduates, each completing a rigorous, employer-driven program designed to prepare them for careers in advanced manufacturing and other high-demand industries. While modest in size, the cohort represents a significant step forward in building a more intentional and sustainable talent pipeline for the Oklahoma City region. “Seeing our first OKC FAME cohort graduate is an exciting proof of concept that industry-driven talent partnerships really can work,” said Lee Copeland, director of talent and business growth at the Greater OKC Chamber. “I’m so proud of our partnering employers that have stepped up to employ and mentor FIRST OKC FAME COHORT GRADUATES, MARKING MILESTONE FOR CHAMBER-LED WORKFORCE MODEL
FAME apprentices. They’re redefining the return on investment of partnership to build an essential talent pool for an entire industry cluster.” OKC FAME was launched to help address one of the most pressing challenges facing employers: finding and retaining skilled workers. Built on a nationally recognized model, the program blends classroom instruction with paid, hands-on experience, allowing students to earn while they learn. Participants attend classes through Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City two days a week while working at least 24 hours per week with sponsoring employers. Over the course of the program, students earn an Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology along with an Advanced Manufacturing Technician certification, gaining both technical knowledge and real-world experience before entering the workforce full time. The program stands apart as one of the only apprenticeship-style models of its kind in Oklahoma, giving employers a direct role in shaping their future workforce while helping students build in-demand skills without taking on significant debt. “OKC FAME is unique because it really is industry- driven,” Copeland said. “At every step of the way, industry helps determine the skills and outcomes needed from the educational partner. FAME takes a distinctive place in the educational ecosystem because it was designed around employer demand and workforce outcomes.” The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber has played a central role in launching and supporting the program locally, coordinating employer partners, recruiting students and aligning the curriculum with industry needs. That work is now paying off as the program’s first graduates transition into full-time roles. For participating employers, the program creates a
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long-term talent pipeline built around their specific needs. For students, it provides a direct path to high- quality careers in Oklahoma City’s growing economy. The program’s momentum is already building, with a second cohort currently underway and planning in progress for a third group of students to begin the program in the near future. “Success for OKC FAME means growth ... more employer partners, stronger connections with K-12 and post-secondary programs, and continued expansion of FAME cohorts” - Lee Copeland
“Ultimately, success for OKC FAME means growth,” Copeland said. “That includes more employer partners, stronger connections with K-12 and post-secondary programs, and continued expansion of FAME cohorts that can help fill critical advanced manufacturing roles across the region.” The graduation of the first cohort represents more than just a milestone for the students involved. It signals that a new approach to workforce development is taking hold in Oklahoma City, one that is collaborative, employer-driven and focused on long-term outcomes. As additional cohorts move through OKC FAME, the program is expected to continue expanding, strengthening the region’s workforce and supporting future economic growth. Employers interested in helping shape the next generation of talent can get involved as sponsoring partners, providing hands-on training opportunities while building a pipeline of skilled workers tailored to their needs. Learn more about the program and how to get involved at okcfame.com.
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Saige was out of options. THEN SHE FOUND ACADEMIC HEALTH.
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LEADERSHIP NOTES
A balanced approach to wage growth Oklahoma City’s continued growth has been shaped by thoughtful decisions, steady investment and a commitment to building a competitive and resilient economy. As our region evolves, so do conversations around how we support workers, businesses and long- term economic opportunity. In the coming weeks, Oklahoma voters will consider State Question 832, which would significantly change the state’s minimum wage structure. While this discussion reflects a shared goal across our community to support workers, the way we go about increasing wages has important implications to long-term economic outcomes. The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber supports increasing the minimum wage. But is SQ 832 the right approach for our state’s economy? As we evaluated this proposal, it is clear this approach does not strike the right balance for Oklahoma’s economy. Not because wages should not increase, but because this model lacks the flexibility and local alignment needed to support long-term growth. Oklahoma City’s affordability and competitiveness are central to our success. They help attract new businesses, support small employers, facilitate job growth through business expansion, and create opportunities for residents across industries. In today’s labor market, most local employers already pay higher than minimum wage to compete for talent, reflecting a dynamic and growing economy. Policy decisions should build on that momentum in a way that supports continued growth without creating unintended challenges. SQ 832’s rapid increases over a short period, combined with automatic wage hikes tied indefinitely to national inflation without local review, could create unintended consequences for employers and ultimately workers. Over the past five years, national inflation, as measured by the Federal Reserve’s preferred Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, has risen about 1.7 times faster than inflation in Oklahoma — highlighting how tying wages to a national metric fails to account for regional economic differences. That’s why the Chamber is actively engaging with business leaders and policymakers to advocate for a more balanced and flexible approach. One that supports wage growth while maintaining the stability and competitiveness that help drive Oklahoma City’s momentum. Oklahoma City has long taken a thoughtful, collaborative approach to growth. By continuing our intentionality, we can support workers, strengthen our economy and position our region for what comes next.
CHRISTY GILLENWATER President & CEO
READ CHRISTY’S VELOCITY ONLINE STORY OF THE MONTH
How the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber is unifying the region’s brand VelocityOKC.com/ ChristysPick
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UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR (Events are subject to change. Consult okcchamber.com/events for the most recent updates.)
InternOKC is back, offering a full day of professional development, networking and connection in downtown Oklahoma City. Now is the time to secure your interns’ spot and give them a front-row seat to the future of our region. Designed to deliver practical, real-world skills, InternOKC connects attendees with top corporate trainers who invest in their growth while building meaningful connections with young professionals. Sessions are built for immediate growth, helping interns gain valuable knowledge, confidence and insight. The day also highlights what makes Oklahoma City an attractive place to live and work, from its growing economy to its collaborative culture, before wrapping up with dedicated networking time to build lasting connections. Date: June 24, 2026 Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Location: The Skirvin Hilton Secure your spot by emailing register@okcchamber.com. For questions, contact Lee Copeland at lcopeland@okcchamber.com. The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s June Forum returns Wednesday, June 17, bringing together business and community leaders for a timely conversation on the issues shaping the region’s future. The forum will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Petroleum Club of Oklahoma City, Inc. The June Chamber Forum will focus on the economic impact of sports in Oklahoma City, including major events, tourism and local business growth. The discussion will also highlight future opportunities tied to the city’s expanding sports landscape and national visibility. In addition to the program, the forum offers valuable time for networking, allowing attendees to connect with peers and strengthen relationships across industries. Registration is now open. Secure your seat and stay tuned for additional program details. For more information, please contact register@okcchamber.com. JOIN THE CONVERSATION SHAPING OKC: JUNE FORUM RETURNS JUNE 17 LAST CALL TO REGISTER INTERNS FOR INTERNOKC
JUN 17 (WED) Chamber Forum Petroleum Club 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. JUN 24 (WED) InternOKC Skirvin Hotel 8:30 a.m.– 4 p.m.
JUL 15 (WED) State of the City OKC Convention Center 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. AUG 5 (WED) State of the Schools National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. SEP 1 (TUE) State of the Region National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. OCT 7 (WED) Chamber Forum Petroleum Club 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. OCT 21 - 23 InterCity Visit 2026 San Diego
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STATE OF THE CITY RETURNS WITH A LOOK AHEAD AT OKLAHOMA CITY’S NEXT CHAPTER
Oklahoma City’s momentum will take center stage as Mayor David Holt delivers his annual State of the City address, offering a look at where the city stands today and where it’s headed next. Set for Wednesday, July 15, the event will bring together business leaders, community stakeholders and
Oklahoma City’s future. In recent years, Oklahoma City has seen continued growth across key areas, from economic development and population gains to major civic investments. Projects tied to MAPS 4, ongoing downtown development and preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic events have helped define a period of visible transformation. The State of the City address connects those milestones to a broader vision. From infrastructure and public safety to economic competitiveness and quality of life, the mayor’s remarks are expected to reflect both the progress underway and the work still ahead. For the business community, the event offers insight into how city priorities align with long-term growth. Understanding where Oklahoma City is investing helps employers, developers and community partners plan for what comes next. As the city continues to build on its momentum, the State of the City serves as a reminder that growth is not just about pace, but about direction. Registration is now open. Secure your seat and stay tuned for additional program details. For more information, please contact register@okcchamber.com. DATE: Wednesday, July 15 TIME: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. LOCATION: Oklahoma City Convention Center, 100 Mick Cornett Drive
residents at the Oklahoma City
Convention Center for one of the city’s most anticipated annual updates.
The address serves as a benchmark moment, highlighting recent progress while outlining priorities that will shape
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As Oklahoma City continues to gain national attention, how the city tells its story is becoming just as important as the story itself. Lindsay Vidrine, who recently stepped into the role of chief marketing officer for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, brings years of experience promoting the city through her previous role as senior vice president of destination marketing for Visit OKC. As the Chamber’s first chief marketing officer, she’s focused on elevating how Oklahoma City shows up across audiences — from visitors to businesses to residents. We spoke with Vidrine about her new role, the city’s momentum and what comes next. Q: You previously led destination marketing for Visit OKC. How did that role shape your perspective on Oklahoma City’s story? Q&A: LINDSAY VIDRINE ON SHAPING OKLAHOMA CITY’S STORY
A: We are telling Oklahoma City’s story every day to visitors, meeting planners and event organizers. In that role, I needed to be able to clearly articulate what’s interesting and unique about Oklahoma City, as well as showcasing our event venue, hotel and attraction assets. This role introduced me to dynamic people and partners in every corner of our city who are wonderful
ambassadors for our destination and have shaped my perspective
as our community continues to grow and evolve. Q: Now stepping into the chief marketing officer role, how does your focus expand?
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A: It’s about making sure we’re telling a unified Oklahoma City message across all of our stakeholder groups. We have great things happening across economic development, tourism, talent and more, but how do we amplify that in a way that gives people a clear sense of who we are before they even get here? Q: What are your top priorities as you step into this role? A: In the short-term, a big focus is internal alignment — how we collaborate as a team, refine our processes and shape our culture. The OKC Chamber has a strong legacy of leading initiatives that serve as a catalyst for the city, and we’re now applying that same mindset internally to elevate our organization for the future. Externally, my focus is on engaging with the community and our partners in meaningful ways. I see a clear opportunity to better connect efforts across stakeholders — strengthening not just the Chamber, but the city as a whole. Q: How do you approach telling Oklahoma City’s story to different audiences? A: At its core, Oklahoma City’s story is about our diverse people, our shared values and the only-in-OKC experiences that make us unique. The details may shift depending on the audience, whether it’s infrastructure, venues or workforce, but I often hear themes of
resiliency, friendliness and our collaborative spirit. I’m excited about the community brand work that’s underway to help us further articulate OKC’s story. Q: How does closer alignment between tourism marketing and the Chamber’s broader efforts strengthen how the city is positioned? A: It allows us to weave Oklahoma City’s story through everything we do. That includes not just our organization, but our partnerships with the city, major employers and our sports teams. We all play a role in telling that story, and this structure helps ensure we’re moving in the same direction with the right tools and messaging. Q: Oklahoma City continues to see strong national attention. What role does marketing play in sustaining that momentum? A: Those national stories don’t just happen. There’s a lot of intentional work behind the scenes to build media relationships, develop interesting story angles and make sure people understand the growth happening here and why it matters. That’s a big part of how we continue to shape perceptions. Q: Where is Oklahoma City getting it right in telling its story — and where is there still room to grow? A: MAPS is a great example of something people understand and can talk about. It demonstrates the
Lindsay Vidrine, chief marketing officer for the Greater OKC Chamber, joins community leaders for a ribbon cutting celebrating a new public art installation in downtown Oklahoma City.
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power of working together and believing in ourselves even when faced with hardships. At the same time, I think we sometimes get in our own way. People who have moved here more recently or come as visitors see the city’s momentum and are really excited about it. Longtime residents don’t always recognize how much has changed. There’s an opportunity for all of us to better understand and share the story of who we are today. Q: What does success look like for you and your team over the next year? A: We have a really passionate team that cares deeply about Oklahoma City. In the near term, we’re working through a lot of transition, but once we get through that, I think the sky’s the limit. Success looks like launching a locally loved community brand, strengthening how we work together and continuing to increase awareness of OKC on a national and global stage. Q: What excites you most about this next chapter? A: There’s a lot of energy around this moment – both within our organization and within our city. We’re building something that hasn’t existed before, and while that can feel overwhelming at times, it’s also
incredibly exciting. The work we’re doing is creating real opportunities for our team and for the city, and that’s what keeps me energized.
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WHERE OKC’S NEXT DEVELOPMENTS BEGIN
Each year, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber joins thousands of developers, retailers and industry leaders at ICSC Las Vegas, hosted by the Innovating Commerce Serving Communities (ICSC), one of the largest retail real estate conferences in the country. While the event takes place outside Oklahoma City, the conversations happening there can directly shape what gets built here in the years ahead. The Chamber attends ICSC to meet with companies exploring where to expand or invest. With cities across the country competing for the same projects, being visible in those conversations is critical. “Being at ICSC ensures Oklahoma City is part of the conversation when companies are deciding where to invest,” said Dennis Pruitt, senior vice president of economic development at the Greater OKC Chamber. “Being at ICSC ensures Oklahoma City is part of the conversation when companies are deciding where to invest” - Dennis Pruitt
Many of those conversations don’t turn into projects overnight. It’s about planting seeds — making connections early and building on them over time as developments take shape. Those discussions are guided by a broader strategy focused on how Oklahoma City continues to grow, particularly as major investments like the new arena and multipurpose stadium reshape the city’s landscape. That approach is already translating into real momentum. Recent announcements, including the Scheels project and a future United Football League team tied to the MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium, reflect the kind of investment and activity the Chamber works to attract. Oklahoma City is also leaning into its Western heritage as a differentiator — anchored by its status as the Horse Show Capital of the World. That ecosystem brings consistent visitors and spending, creating opportunities for retail, hospitality and entertainment. Paired with new investment and growing amenities, it helps challenge outdated perceptions and positions OKC as a market with both character and momentum. A key focus remains attracting destination and experiential retail — concepts that bring visitors in, encourage longer stays and increase overall spending. The conversations at ICSC also go beyond storefronts. Many of the developers and investors the Chamber is set to meet with are involved in both retail and industrial projects; reflecting the growing connection between consumer development and distribution infrastructure. While the impact isn’t immediate, it shows up over time in the form of new restaurants, retail and entertainment that enhance quality of life and generate sales tax revenue that supports city services. As Oklahoma City continues to grow, ICSC remains a key part of how the city competes for its next wave of development.
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Thousands attended the 60th annual Festival of the Arts, celebrating six decades of art, music, and community in downtown Oklahoma City.
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The people powering Oklahoma City’s visitor economy took center stage in early May as Visit Oklahoma City named its 2026 Hometown Heroes during an awards ceremony at The Jones Assembly. VISIT OKC HONORS THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CITY’S TOURISM MOMENTUM
Held during National Travel and Tourism Week, the annual awards recognize the individuals and organizations shaping how visitors experience Oklahoma City, from major festivals and cultural attractions to the behind-the-scenes leaders driving hospitality forward. “Oklahoma City’s momentum is the result of strong partnerships and hospitality leaders like the honorees we’re celebrating,” said Christy Gillenwater, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “These Hometown Heroes represent the very best of Oklahoma City.” This year’s 11 honorees reflect the full scope of that impact:
Asian Night Market Festival; Captain Audrea George; Cynthia Reid; David Reeves; Debi Neumann; Festival of the Arts; Jordan Racine; Clara Luper Sit-In Plaza; Nicole Burleson; Oklahoma Fancy Dancers; Tina Gilliland. From large-scale events that draw visitors into the city to cultural experiences that define its identity, each honoree plays a role in shaping Oklahoma City’s reputation as a destination. As visitation grows and more national attention turns toward Oklahoma City, the Hometown Heroes Awards highlight a simple truth: the city’s momentum isn’t accidental. It’s built by people committed to creating experiences worth coming back for.
“Oklahoma City’s momentum is the result of strong partnerships and hospitality leaders like the honorees we’re celebrating... These Hometown Heroes represent the very best of Oklahoma City” - Christy Gillenwater
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KICK OFF SUMMER WITH VISIT OKC’S MEMORIAL DAY AND SUMMER GUIDES
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and if you’re looking for things to do, Visit OKC has you covered. The organization has released a dedicated Memorial Day weekend
a free weekend, the guide highlights festivals, outdoor activities, local districts and can’t-miss experiences throughout the season. That includes getting out on the water at RIVERSPORT Rapids, exploring green spaces like Scissortail Park and Myriad Botanical Gardens, or spending time in districts like Bricktown, Midtown and the Plaza District. To get started mapping out the holiday weekend or your entire summer, check out Visit OKC’s guides for a simple way to make the most of the season. Both resources are available online at VisitOKC.com.
guide, highlighting top events, attractions and ways to explore the city during one of its busiest weekends of the year. From annual favorites like the Paseo Arts Festival to Western experiences at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the guide offers a quick way to plan your long weekend. But it doesn’t stop there. Visit OKC’s broader summer guide is also live, serving as a go-to resource for everything happening across the city in the months ahead. Whether you’re planning ahead or just looking for something to do on
to end childhood hunger
feedthechildren.org
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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
Red Fox Pipe & Fence 3216 Aluma Valley Dr., OKC OK 73121 Slick City Action Park 1615 Penn Park Blvd., OKC OK 73159-5936 Integris Health Deer Creek Clinic 19301 N. Penn Ave, OKC OK 74834 Harrah’s Oklahoma 338438 E. Highway 66, Chandler OK 74834 ArrowPoint Wealth Advisors 11901 N. MacArthur Blvd., Suite F-1, OKC OK 73162-1846 Bang Cookies 16601 Rose Creek Blvd., Suite 150, Edmond OK 73012 Total Joint Solutions 101 NE 82nd St., Suite 101, OKC OK 73114 Driving Academy OKC 216 N. Cooley Drive, OKC OK 73127-1051 Zeal at Quail 14721 Mezzaluna Ave., OKC OK 73134 Oklahoma Milkshake Factory 625 W. Sheridan Ave., Suite 102, OKC OK 73102-2409 BancFirst 4200 S. Western Ave., OKC OK 73109
OKC LEADERS TAKE PRIORITIES TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
The trip served as a chance to elevate Oklahoma City’s story on a national stage. Leaders highlighted the collaboration and long-term vision that continue to drive momentum across the region. The annual visit remains a key part of the Chamber’s work, strengthening relationships and ensuring Oklahoma City is well represented in conversations that shape its future.
The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber led a delegation to Washington, D.C., this spring, bringing together business and community leaders to advocate for the region’s priorities at the federal level. During the visit, the group met with members of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation, federal agencies and key partners to discuss issues impacting Oklahoma City’s growth, including infrastructure, workforce development and continued investment in major opportunities like the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The trip also took place concurrently with the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s Washington trip, with joint programming during the first two days — expanding collaboration and presenting a unified Oklahoma business voice at the federal level.
Chamber and community leaders gather outside the U.S. Capitol during the Greater OKC Chamber’s annual DC Visit, held in conjunction with the Tulsa Regional Chamber, to advocate for priorities shaping Oklahoma’s future.
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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.
EMERGING LEADER
Goolsby, Proctor, Nelson & Lee Attorneys / Lawyers Legal Services Mrs. Amber D. Nelson.............(405) 524-2400
Spark Softball, LLC Sports Teams Dr. Tina Floyd P.O. Box 720790 Norman, OK 73070 www.theausl.com/spark
Bush League Sports Tavern Restaurants Mr. Chris Kana...............................(405) 492-6790 12252 N May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120-6803 www.bushleaguesportstavern.com
701 N. Broadway Ave., Ste. 400 Oklahoma City, OK 73102-6050 www.gpnllaw.com
ASSOCIATE
Access Medical Center Medical Clinics Urgent Care Ms. Jennifer Cramer....................(405) 835-2771 3617 N.W. Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73112-4405 www.nextcare.com
Bojangles Chicken Caterers Restaurants Mr. Alex DeLeon............................(806) 831-8285 13135 N. Pennsylvania Ave. 708 Bluff Ridge Drive
Cheapest Auto Insurance Insurance Mr. Jacob Green.............................(918) 744-5145 6212 NW Expressway P.O. Box 1190 Jenks, OK 74037-1190 https://www.aautoandhomeinsurance.com/ auto-insurance-broken-arrow-oklahoma/
Cedar Hill, TX 75104-4537 https://www.bojangles.com/
CORE
AeroGuard Cyber Defense LLC Computer Security - Equipment & Systems Data Systems - Consultants & Designers Mr. Barjinder Singh........................(405) 551-7375 11507 NW 121st Place Yukon, OK 73099-8583 www.aeroguardcyberdefense.com BlackRock Resources, LLC Employment Agencies - Technical Engineering Services Mr. Javier Flores.............................(724) 941-4947 238 Molly Drive Canonsburg, PA 15317-6627 www.blackrockres.com MEMBER UPGRADES 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.
Buzz Go Enterprise Financial Services Mr. Troy Kimble.................................(469) 471-5154 2272 Scissortail Landing Drive Edmond, OK 73012-3206 www.buzzgoent.com Driving Academy OKC Truck Driving Instruction Ms. Angela J. Lewis......................(405) 563-1777 216 N. Cooley Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73127-1051 https://www.cdldrivingacademy.com/
Quantis Systems Computer Software Developers Computer System Integration Mr. Nathan Yerkes......................(405) 856-6208 4 NE 10th St., PMB 206 Oklahoma City, OK 73104-1402 www.quantissystems.ai Skyline on the Bricktown Canal Caterers Meeting / Banquet Facilities Ms. Diana McGowen.................(405) 698-1757 2 E. California Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73104-2402 www.skylinebricktown.com
Total Joint Solutions Health Services Physicians & Surgeons Mrs. Fallon Leonard..................(405) 563-6223 101 NE 82nd St., Suite 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73114-4401 www.totaljointsolutions.com Zeal at Quail Apartments Ms. Whitney Curtis......................(405) 793-4237 14712 Mezzaluna Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73134 https://www.caseusa.com/apartments/ok/ oklahoma-city/zeal-at-quail/
Peace City Oklahoma Nonprofit / Service Agencies Ms. Lyn Jackson...........................(405) 493-9857 1820 NE 23rd St., Suite 101 P.O. Box 678 Oklahoma City, OK 73101-0678 www.peacecityokc.org ADVISOR
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ECONOMIC INDICATORS
OKLAHOMA RANKS 7TH HIGHEST 2024 NET MIGRATION PER CAPITA IN THE US 2024 Net Migration Rankings
PER CAPITA NET MIGRATION RANK (PER 1,000 RESIDENTS)
NET MIGRATION (PER 1,000 RESIDENTS)
OVERALL NET MIGRATION RANK
STATE
NET MIGRATION
VERMONT
1
20.08
16
13,023
NEVADA
2
13.30
5
43,466
NORTH DAKOTA
3
9.94
22
7,921
SOUTH CAROLINA
4
9.81
3
53,734
WYOMING
5
9.01
27
5,294
WEST VIRGINIA
6
8.07
15
14,286
OKLAHOMA
7
6.93
10
28,392
ARIZONA
8
6.78
4
51,387
IDAHO
9
6.16
17
12,321
NEBRASKA
10
5.05 10,124 Source: StorageCafe analysis of data from U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year PUMS | Pub: Mar 2026 20
• Based on the recent data, Oklahoma ranked the seventh highest net migration per capita in the United States. (2024 1-year ACS data) Additionally, Oklahoma is in the top ten of overall net migration, and top fifteen of net migration for all three generations of Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z. • Oklahoma’s inflow migration increased slightly in 2024 compared to previous years, reflecting consistency during a year in which many markets experienced slowdowns. • The attraction to Oklahoma has been attributed to growth in the industries of energy, aerospace, logistics and advanced manufacturing, alongside its relatively low cost of living compared to other markets. • Most inbound migration is from Texas and California.
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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MARK BEFFORT Robinson Park; Vice Chair, Economic Development CLAY BENNETT Dorchester Capital; Vice Chair, Strategic Planning BOB FUNK JR. Express Employment Professionals; Vice Chair, Education & Talent DAVID HARLOW BancFirst; Vice Chair, Safe Community Initiatives BILL LANCE The Chickasaw Nation; Vice Chair, Government Relations JENNY LOVE MEYER Love’s Travel Stops; Vice Chair, Marketing & Communications 2026 OFFICERS
MIKE ROSS America Fidelity Assurance Company Corporate; Board Chair TERESA ROSE One Heartbeat Foundation; Immediate Past Chair; Vice Chair, Membership JOHN HART Continental Resources; Treasurer RHONDA HOOPER Jordan Advertising; Corporate Secretary CHRISTY GILLENWATER Greater Oklahoma City Chamber; President & CEO
RICK MUNCRIEF Muncrief Capital Management; Vice Chair, Innovation & Life Sciences LARRY NICHOLS Devon Energy Corporation; Vice Chair, FOKC & Community Issue Campaigns KENT SHORTRIDGE Oklahoma Natural Gas Company; Vice Chair, Transportation Initiatives SEAN TRAUSCHKE OGE Energy Corp.; Vice Chair, Convention & Visitors Development & LA28 TONY TYLER Tyler Media; Vice Chair, County Government & Criminal Justice
ISSUE #3614 - May 2026
Editorial staff Lynzee Misseldine, Lindsay Vidrine Designer Billy Callan 405-297-8900 okcchamber.com twitter.com/okcchamber
facebook.com/okcchamber VeloCity (ISSN 1075-6264) is published monthly by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, 123 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VeloCity, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber 123 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 or e-mail thepoint@okcchamber.com.
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.
SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR 2026 INTERCITY VISIT ONE OF OUR MOST IMPACTFUL LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES OF THE YEAR!
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Participation is limited. Additional details, including registration and hotel information, will be shared soon. For any questions, please contact register@okcchamber.com. OCTOBER 21 - 23, 2026
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