JAN. 2023 • OKCCHAMBER.COM
CLICK FOR FULL STORY CHAMBER SETS PRIORITIES FOR 2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
2 Chamber Priorities for 2023 legislative session 12 OKC Chamber 2023 officers, board members 15 Mexican Consulate to open in Oklahoma city 16 ICSC New York
IN THIS ISSUE:
CHAMBER SETS PRIORITIES FOR 2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
The Chamber’s board of directors recently adopted a comprehensive set of public policy priorities heading into the 2023 legislative session that are crucial to creating a strong future for Oklahoma businesses. Below is an excerpt of key priorities. View the full list at okcchamber.com/legislative. COUNTY GOVERNMENT REFORM The Chamber supports empowering Oklahoma counties to alter their form of government to meet their unique needs. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS The Chamber supports retaining and strengthening the state’s premier economic/community development programs which are critical in attracting new businesses to the state, assisting existing companies expand and encouraging investment in communities across the state. Following are the key programs the Chamber will seek to protect: • Quality Jobs Act, 21st Century QJA, Small Employer QJA and the Prime Contractor QJA
• Aerospace Engineer Tax Credit • Investment/New Jobs Tax Credit
• Historical Building Rehabilitation Tax Credit • Cybersecurity/Software Engineer Tax Credit • Five-year Ad Valorem Abatement and Sales Tax Exemption for Manufacturing Facilities • Regional Home Office Insurance Premium Tax Credit TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ACT The Chamber will support efforts to raise the annual funding cap for the Tourism Development Act from $15 million to $30 million. TAX REFORM The Chamber supports reforming the tax code to better incentivize companies to locate/invest in Oklahoma. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY The Chamber supports the development of Advanced Air Mobility in OKC and the state, through public/private
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partnerships, including adequate funding of utility and power requirements necessary for the implementation of safe and reliable autonomous air vehicles (passenger/cargo).
sentencing reform; 2) improving bail and jail practices; 3) making reentry and supervision improvements to reduce fines and fees, enhance workforce opportunities and increase public safety; and 4) securing additional treatment funding. MARIJUANA The Chamber opposes State Question 820, which would allow recreational marijuana for persons 21 or older. MAJOR STATE TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS The Chamber supports a continued focus on improvements, mobility and traffic management on the urban Oklahoma City interstate system (I-35, I-44, I-40, I-235) to promote economic development and, therefore, will advocate for full funding and timely completion of work on the following major interchanges/projects: • I-44/I-235 Interchange • I-240/I-35 (Crossroads Interchange) • I-35/I-44 (Remington Park) • I-44/I-40 (K Interchange/Near State Fairgrounds) West to MacArthur on I-40 • Necessary improvements to I-40 corridor east of I-35 (Tinker Air Force Base) including expansion of I-40 facility to six lanes from Douglas Boulevard to Shawnee
GUN LEGISLATION The Chamber supports the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the responsible expansion of gun- owner’s rights in Oklahoma. However, the Chamber will oppose legislation that would allow open/concealed carry of guns into high-economic impact events (many of which are required by contract to prohibit weapons), including horse shows, the Oklahoma State Fair, Olympic Qualifiers on the Oklahoma River, high school basketball and wrestling tournaments at the State Fairgrounds and NCAA and Big XII sporting events. CRIMINAL JUSTICE/SENTENCING REFORM The Chamber supports legislation and funding for sentencing reforms and rehabilitation programs to ease the financial drain on Oklahoma’s criminal justice system, lessen the burden on jails and prisons throughout the state and allow non-violent offenders to enter the workforce more quickly. The Chamber also supports: 1) continuing smart
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ODOT EIGHT-YEAR PLAN The Chamber supports providing adequate annual dedicated funding necessary to preserve and implement the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s eight- year construction work plan. Furthermore, the Chamber will strongly oppose any effort to divert dedicated transportation funding to other areas of government. HEARTLAND FLYER The Chamber supports taking active steps to extend the Heartland Flyer Amtrak service to Newton, Kan., which would connect Oklahoma City to Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago and other locations on the national Amtrak system. Furthermore, the Chamber supports the designation of the entire Heartland Flyer line (Fort Worth – Oklahoma City – Newton – National Network) as a national Amtrak route within the Federal Rail Administration’s specific “Corridor Identification Program.” This designation would serve to assist with the federal/state burden/cost-sharing and would strategically address a significant gap in the national Amtrak system. OKLAHOMA RIVER BRIDGES The Chamber supports construction of clear span bridges on Interstate 35 across the Oklahoma River. Replacing existing river bridges with iconic bridges would showcase Oklahoma City at the confluence of two major U.S. interstate highways (Interstates 35/40) and facilitate increased sporting events and tourism in the Boathouse District.
• I-35/I-40 Dallas Junction and I-35 (including Oklahoma River Bridges) • Future development of I-44 corridor from I-40 to SH-62, including SH 152/Airport Road, (southwest OKC to Newcastle) to better provide for future mobility needs due to ongoing commercial expansion.
Photo Credit: Oklahoma Department of Transportation
STATE TURNPIKE PLAN The Chamber supports the 15-year, $5 billion ACCESS Oklahoma Plan to develop a highly effective and viable state turnpike system, including construction of new access points at appropriate locations across Oklahoma to enhance safety, access and promote economic development. As part of this long-range plan, the Chamber specifically supports construction of the following new alignment high-speed expressway facilities in the Oklahoma City region and associated improvements: • John Kilpatrick Turnpike widening from I-40 to I-35, to increase access and improve safety • Outer Loop: East West Connector, expanding mobility of south Oklahoma City • Outer Loop: Tri-City Connector, to increase access and offer alternative routes from I-40 to I-44 and, ultimately, I-35 • South Extension: End connector south to I-35 south of Norman.
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MIKE MONRONEY CENTER (FAA)/ASSOCIATED FEDERAL AGENCIES The Chamber supports the continued viability of the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center as a strategically important national asset for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and further supports the continuation of its other essential federal government activities in the state. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS The Chamber is opposed to federal regulatory efforts seeking to create a new state-level Greenhouse Gas (GHG) performance management measurement on the National Highway System (NHS). Additionally, the Chamber is opposed to requiring ODOT to set their own declining targets from on-road GHG emissions occurring on the NHS. The Chamber will work with ODOT and the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation to advocate against these burdensome requirements that would present severe compliance challenges resulting in a potential loss of federal transportation funding. MEDICAID REFORM As the state seeks to improve health outcomes and modernize payment models to incentivize value within the state’s Medicaid system, the Chamber supports the ongoing implementation of a statewide Medicaid Managed Care Model. We further believe this model will most effectively address the state’s total health care needs on a systemwide basis. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INSURANCE SECURITY ACT (ERISA) PROTECTIONS The Chamber opposes legislative efforts to undermine federal ERISA protections. LONG-TERM, STRATEGIC EDUCATION FUNDING The Chamber supports development of a long-term, strategic plan that will enable improvement in classroom
MASS TRANSIT/COMMUTER RAIL The Chamber supports implementation of transit programs that will best serve central Oklahoma including the Central Oklahoma Transit and Parking Authority (COTPA) 2005 Fixed Guideway Transit Study and its following component: • Analysis of alternatives for high-capacity transit being conducted by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). The Chamber further supports efforts by the RTA, consisting of core central Oklahoma cities/population centers, to launch future regional transit services. The Chamber will work with the RTA, Oklahoma State Legislature, COTPA, municipal governments, ODOT and Class 1 railroads to conduct early-stage planning for introducing commuter rail service into downtown Oklahoma City from Norman and Edmond with potential alternative transportation options to Tinker AFB. Further planning consideration should be given to the potential future expansion of rail service to Will Rogers World Airport, with benefits for downtown access/convention center opportunities, and Yukon.
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teaching and academic performance. This should include increasing the minimum number of instructional hours, currently 1,080 hours, required for a complete school year. We also support ongoing funding to enable schools to achieve targeted classroom sizes.
• Support continued investment in the “Inspired to Teach” scholarship and incentive program. • Increase access to STEM education and training opportunities. ADJUNCT, ALTERNATIVE AND EMERGENCY CERTIFIED TEACHERS The Chamber recognizes the need for Adjunct, Alternative and Emergency certified teachers will continue to increase. We support efforts to increase retention and make sure these teachers are as prepared as possible and as quickly as possible. We support: • Alternative pathways, such as Teach for America, which enhance the diversity of the teaching profession. • Providing additional pre- and post-school year pathway preparation program that comprehensively prepare teachers who meet state requirements. • Implementing incentives, such as stipends, scholarships or salary grade adjustments, to increase completion of comprehensive professional development and reduce the timeframe it takes to complete comprehensive professional development.
TEACHER PREPARATION, RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION Oklahoma has a teacher shortage. Oklahoma needs to improve our teacher preparation pipeline systems to train, attract and retain more high-quality teachers. We support legislation to: • Reward teacher performance and experience. • Incentivize teachers to work in high-priority areas and receive training to help them prepare for challenges facing students such as being English language learners, living in high poverty and from urban areas. • Support specialized “grow-your-own” training initiatives such as the Foundation for OKCPS Bilingual & Diversity Teacher Pipeline program and UCO’s Urban Teacher Preparation Academy. • Implement teacher retention and mentor teacher programs.
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HIGHER EDUCATION – REFORM AND INVESTMENT We urge the higher education system to pursue significant reform to better meet employer needs. The business community supports the following reforms: • Higher education funding specifically directed to produce graduates with degrees in critical occupations such as engineering, nursing and IT/ software/cybersecurity. • Increased accountability and annual metrics that motivate institutions to increase the number of graduates by requiring timely reporting of degrees produced in Critical Occupations. • Innovative approaches to curriculum and degree offerings, including ongoing analysis of in-demand degree programs and creation of non-degree programs/certificates that create a workforce with needed skills.
• Efforts to maximize funding through consolidation and sharing of services, programs and instructors. • New partnerships between four-year institutions, CareerTechs and community colleges that enable schools to share resources, staff and facilities. CAREER TECH – BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY TRAINING The Oklahoma CareerTech system is acknowledged as one of the top systems in the nation. CareerTech is a key ingredient in attracting industry to Oklahoma through its Training for Industry Program (TIP). The Chamber supports funding to assure training needs for new and existing industry. The business community urges the system to focus on producing a workforce that can meet the needs of in-demand and critical occupations.
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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
INSPIRED FOR THE FUTURE I am honored to join the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and begin our work together. During my time as a Chamber executive, I have followed the story of this community and this organization and the work you have done here. You have made this a destination city for investment, for visitors and for families like mine. I feel privileged to join an organization with such a long history of leadership and innovation and am humbled to follow in the footsteps of Roy Williams. He made an indelible impact here in his 20 years. His work inspired many in the Chamber profession, and I have admired his leadership and vision. This work that we do, to grow communities and improve the economy of our cities and region, is one that I feel passionate about doing. I was so fortunate to intern at The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce during my time at Indiana University. Immediately, I knew this was where I could best contribute. Several years later, I served as President of the Bloomington Chamber, so keep an eye on those interns, they have big plans! Oklahoma City has big plans, and that is what excites me the most about being here. I have seen how this community works together to make those plans a reality, no matter how big the challenge or how audacious the dream. You inspire other communities to do the same, and you have inspired me to be a part of this effort. I look forward to learning more about Oklahoma City and the Chamber’s efforts to make this region the best it can be. I am anxious to meet our members and our partners and understand more about how
CHRISTY GILLENWATER President & CEO
READ CHRISTY’S VELOCITYOKC ONLINE STORY OF THE MONTH
we can build on the incredible success our city enjoys. Thank you for this opportunity – now let’s get to work.
CONTENTS 2 Chamber Priorities for 2023 legislative session 12 OKC Chamber 2023 officers, board members 15 Mexican consulate to open in Oklahoma city 16 ICSC New York
“New Light as a Feather sculpture illuminates the imagination” VELOCITYOKC.COM/ CHRISTYSPICK
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JANUARY 18 Chamber Forum 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Petroleum Club 100 N. Broadway, 35th Floor Devon Room okcchamber.com/januaryforum JANUARY 25 Legislative Kickoff 8 to 9:30 a.m. National Cowboy & Western CALENDAR (Events are subject to change. Consult okcchamber.com/events for the most recent updates.) Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St. okcchamber.com/ legislativekickoff FEBRUARY 1 OKConnect okcchamber.com/okconnect FEBRUARY 15 Chamber Forum 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Petroleum Club 100 N. Broadway, 34th Floor John Nichols Room okcchamber.com/februaryforum MARCH 22 Noon to 5 p.m. Location TBD Chamber Forum 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Petroleum Club 100 N. Broadway, 34th Floor John Nichols Room okcchamber.com/marchforum
January Chamber Forum to focus on impact of ARPA funds on city
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. in the Devon Room of The Petroleum Club Downtown OKC, which is located on the 35th floor in BancFirst Tower. The cost to attend the January Chamber Forum 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. Special thanks to Series Presenting Sponsor Cox Communications.
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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 Minority Leader The Legislative Kickoff will be held from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. NEW BUSINESS LEADERS, NEWCOMERS WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT OKC THROUGH OKCONNECT OKConnect, an exclusive, high-level orientation program created by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and Leadership OKC, will be returning to Oklahoma City beginning this February. OKConnect is designed for newcomers to the community, or for a business leader with a new or expanded role which requires community awareness and involvement. The program helps company leaders discover how to get involved in the community. Participants will get behind-the-scenes insight into the city – from the city’s earliest beginnings to the area’s current growth and success. Co-chaired by Jim Roth, dean and professor of law at the Oklahoma City University School of Law, and Meg Salyer, owner of Broadway Realty and former Ward 6 Council member, OKConnect includes four sessions LEGISLATIVE KICKOFF GIVES CHAMBER MEMBERS AUDIENCE WITH KEY STATE LAWMAKERS
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. Special thanks to Host Sponsor and Government Relations Benefactor Cox Communications and Government Relations Sponsor CVS Health. from noon to 5 p.m. over a three-month period. In the first session on Feb. 1, participants will learn about the founding of OKC as well as the state’s and region’s political history. In addition, they will also receive an overview of the demographics of OKC and how these factors have shaped our city, and more. On March 1, participants will hear about the city’s plan to sustain economic growth, while on March 29, they will hear how innovation, as well as public and private partnerships and investments, are making a difference in OKC’s educational outcomes. During the program’s fourth and final session on April 26, participants will learn about all of the exciting places to visit and things to do in Oklahoma City. The cost to attend OKConnect is $500 for Chamber members and $600 for nonmembers, and 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.
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OKC CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2023 OFFICERS, BOARD MEMBERS
The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber recently announced its 2023 board of directors and officers. Sean Trauschke, OGE Energy Corp., will serve as chair of the board of directors, while Teresa Rose, JD, Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, is chair-elect. Rose also serves as education & MAPS 4 development program vice chair. John Hart, Continental Resources, will serve as treasurer, and David Rainbolt, BancFirst Corporation, as corporate secretary. New Chamber President and CEO Christy Gillenwater also serves on the executive committee. In addition to Rose, serving on the executive committee as program vice chairs in 2023 are Clayton I. Bennett, Dorchester Capital, strategic planning; Judy J. Hatfield, CCIM, Equity Commercial Realty Advisors, LLC, military and aerospace; Rhonda Hooper, Jordan Advertising, membership and business/economic inclusion; Bradley Krieger, Arvest Bank, government relations; Bill Lance, The Chickasaw Nation, convention & visitor development; Tom J. McDaniel, American Fidelity Foundation, MAPS 3 development; Jenny Love Meyer, Love’s Travel Stops, marketing and communications; Rick Muncrief, Devon Energy Corporation, Forward Oklahoma City; J. Larry Nichols, Devon Energy Corporation, strategic planning; and W. Kent Shortridge, Oklahoma Natural Gas Company, economic development. Elected to new three-year terms on the board are Bob Funk, Jr., Prodigal; David F. Griffin, Griffin Media/News 9; Harshil Patel, Champion Hotels & Development; Timothy T. Pehrson, INTEGRIS Health; Robert J. Ross, Inasmuch Foundation; William P. Schonacher, IBC Bank; Richard Tanenbaum, Gardner Tanenbaum Holdings; Andrew S. Weyrich, Ph.D., Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation; and Gregory A. Wheeler, Bank of Oklahoma. The following individuals were appointed to serve one-year terms on the board: Mark Beffort, Robinson Park; Dan Boren, The Chickasaw Nation; Jim Couch, JDC Consulting, LLC; Mohammad J. Farzaneh, Home Creations; Chris Fleming, Midtown Renaissance (A
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Sean Trauschke Chair
Teresa Rose Chair-Elect
John Hart Treasurer
David Rainbolt Secretary
REHCO, LLC Company); AJ Griffin, Paycom; Christian Kanady, Echo Investment Capital, LLC; Vincent Lombardo, Heartland; Dr. Gary Raskob, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Michael F. Ross, INSURICA/American Fidelity Assurance Company; and Tony N. Shinn, Bank of America. They will join returning members of the board: David Carpenter, American Fidelity Corporation; Sanford C. Coats, Esq., The Boeing Company; Jim R. Gebhart, FACHE, Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City; Steve Hahn, AT&T Oklahoma; Nathaniel R. Harding, Cortado Ventures; David R. Harlow, BancFirst Corporation; Mark A. Helm, Dolese Bros. Co.; Joe Hodges, SSM Health Oklahoma; Ryan Kirk, JPMorganChase Bank, N.A.; Michael S. Laird, Crowe & Dunlevy; Michael F. Lauderdale, McAfee & Taft; Richard Lofgren, M.D., MPH, FACP, OU Health; Bonnie Lopez-Crowe, Cox Communications; David J. Morgan, MidFirst Bank; Xavier Neira, Logatore, LLC; Ford C. Price, Price Edwards & Company; Claudia San Pedro, SONIC Drive-In; Natalie Shirley; and Tony J. Tyler, Tyler Media. The past chairmen and life members are Luke R. Corbett; Peter Delaney, Tequesta Capital Partners; William E. Durrett, American Fidelity Assurance Company; Carl E. Edwards, Price Edwards & Company; Robert A. Funk, Express Employment Professionals; Gerald L. Gamble, Gerald L.
Gamble Co.; Fred J. Hall, Hall Capital; V. Burns Hargis, Oklahoma State University; Dan Hogan, Dan Hogan Properties; Stanley F. Hupfeld, FACHE; Percy Kirk, Cox Communications; Dave Lopez, DL Dynamics; Edmund O. Martin, Ackerman McQueen, Inc.; Frank A. McPherson; George Nigh; Lee Allan Smith, Oklahoma Events, LLC; and David L. Thompson, The Thompson Group, LLC. Serving on the 2023 board as ex-officio members are Michelle Coppedge, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center – FAA; Secretary Tricia Everest, State of Oklahoma; Craig Freeman, City of Oklahoma City; Mayor David Holt, City of Oklahoma City; Commissioner Brian Maughan, Oklahoma County; and Superintendent Sean McDaniel, Oklahoma City Public Schools.
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Another cohort of gBETA Oklahoma City recently wrapped up following seven weeks of lectures, coaching and mentoring, capped off with an opportunity to pitch their startup companies to various prospective investors. The gBETA Oklahoma City program is a product of global venture firm and startup accelerator gener8tor that provides local early-stage companies with valuable mentorship, business plan support and connections to funders designed to support companies preparing for long-term funding. The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, Inasmuch Foundation, American Fidelity, Square Deal Capital, Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma and Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores partnered with gener8tor in 2021 to bring the gBETA program to Oklahoma City. Three cohorts have now cycled through the OKC program since its inception. The next cohort begins April 13. “Our original goal when we helped launch this program was to add a needed pre-accelerator program into the existing mix of incubator, mentorship, founder and business plan programs in the market to reach deeper into the market to find new business ideas. I think we’re seeing that play out,” said Jeff Seymour, the Chamber’s executive vice president of economic development. Program Director Elizabeth Larios recently joined the gBETA leadership team after serving in various roles with GBETA OKLAHOMA CITY WRAPS UP THIRD COHORT; NEXT COHORT STARTS IN SPRING
The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City. She said her favorite part about gBETA is it offers a high-quality product at no cost to the participants. Larios said they received about 30 applications for the fall cohort, and five companies were chosen following a rigorous selection process. Through the seven-week program, the companies were able to make pitches to nearly 30 different investors, she said, three of which received a combined investment of $180,000. “All around, it was a success. In addition, they were also able to meet with more than 35 mentors , and those are just connections that hopefully add value to their company throughout their lifetime,” Larios said. A diverse group of companies comprised the fall 2022 cohort, including a pair of retail-related companies and a logistics startup as well as bioscience and education- related companies: • Apexloads – Connects cargo owners with transporters to streamline the freight-truck matching process and facilitate faster payments through an online marketplace. • B.A.B. – Created a universal shopping cart that allows users to add different items from different stores, all in one place. Shoppers can then compare products, curate a collection and save selections when shopping online. • Gleu – Provides fashion retailers and brands with a B2B streamlined experience for managing their wholesale workflow, making it easier for them to connect, stay organized and handle the tedious behind-the-scenes logistics of market and fashion week. • LevlEd – Gamifies Digital Portfolio creation using a Learn-to-Earn platform that rewards member experiences and site engagement with scholarships, internships and mentorships. • Sci-Lume Labs – Pioneers new biobased and biodegradable materials to replace traditional petroleum-derived plastics.
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Gov. Kevin Stitt in December announced that a Mexican Consulate is scheduled to open in Oklahoma City this spring. The Consulate of Mexico will provide consular services and assistance to the growing Mexican community in the state while promoting economic, commercial, educational, cultural, tourism and community affairs relations between Mexican entities and Oklahoma stakeholders. Gov. Stitt has been advocating for the opening of this consulate and visited Mexico in 2021 to present this proposal to the Government of Mexico. He was joined by Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and leaders from Oklahoma City’s Mexican American community who have been advocating for consular services for many years. “As Oklahoma’s Mexican community grows, I’m glad that these Oklahomans can get the services they need right here in our state, rather driving hours across state lines for simple paperwork,” said Stitt. “I am thankful for the collaboration and shared vision between Oklahoma and Mexico that made this a reality.” Edurne Pineda has been appointed as head consul. Consul Pineda is a Mexican career diplomat with a specialization in consular affairs and a long trajectory in this field. She has been working on the opening of the Consulate with the expectation to inaugurate its operation with full services by the end of the spring of 2023. MEXICAN CONSULATE TO OPEN IN OKLAHOMA CITY
The National Palace, Mexico City
“It has been an honor to work with Governor Stitt to establish the Mexican Consulate in Oklahoma City. I am certain that we will be great partners towards forging a better development for the Mexican community in the state and a deeper and stronger relationship between Mexico and Oklahoma,” said Pineda. “Establishing this Mexican Consulate continues Oklahoma City’s emergence as a global city, and it is also a welcome amenity for our 100,000 metro OKC residents of Mexican descent,” said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt. “We thank the Mexican government for their commitment, and I congratulate everyone who helped us attain this milestone.” Roy Williams, former president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, noted Mexico is an important trade partner for the state and the presence of those offices will support continued business growth in OKC.”
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ICSC NEW YORK: BRANDING AND POSITIONING OKC FOR GROWTH ON NATIONAL LEVEL
Team members from the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s economic development division will be gearing up for a busy start to 2023 as they make follow- up phone calls and correspond with developers and prospects they met while attending ICSC New York in December, an annual two-day gathering of dealmakers and industry experts within the retail industry. Marketed as the premier event for ICSC, which stands for Innovating Commerce Serving Communities, ICSC New York is the second largest show the organization hosts annually. Only ICSC Las Vegas has more attendees and is typically held in May. Tammy Fate, the Chamber’s senior manager of retail development and recruitment, said ICSC New York is an opportunity to brand Oklahoma City as a destination to out-of-state retail brokers and developers and keep OKC front and center among those individuals that may be looking for other places in the U.S. to relocate or expand. “There are a lot of companies from the East Coast looking to invest in growing markets,” Fate said. “Highlighting the success and opportunities is key in attracting more development to your city. We want developers to be excited about the friendly business climate and success happening in Oklahoma City.” Oklahoma City’s exhibit booth was well positioned to attract attendees during the two-day show. Whether Tammy Fate, left, and Marcus Elwell from the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber stand in front of OKC’s booth at the ICSC New York show last month.
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through the daily interactions at the booth or attending the variety of breakout sessions, receptions and other networking events, the Oklahoma City Chamber crew was able to engage with new companies, highlight development opportunities and share the latest retail announcements coming to Oklahoma City. Some of those interactions included discussions with a couple of out-of-state developers as well as retailers that are actively looking for sites in OKC, including a fitness company that wants to build two locations in Oklahoma City. “We start laying the groundwork and planting seeds early to make sure that Oklahoma City is on their radar and top of mind,” Fate said. “Attending ICSC New York and other similar events are all about connections and relationships, and the more people we can be in front of to tell our story, the better,” she added.
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
Bliss Medical Spa 7312 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 Stride Bank Mortgage 4747 Gaillardia Parkway, Ste 200 Oklahoma City, OK 73142
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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 Youth Villages Mental Health Services Ms. Erica Robinson......................(405) 753-5612
CORE Bliss Medical Spa Medical Spas Ms. Marissa C. Pettit..................(405) 708-9552 7312 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 www.blissmedicalspaokc.com CORE Champion BBQ Supply Oklahoma City Outdoor Stores Ms. Jennifer Staggs.....................(405) 463-7918
PARTNER+ Locke Supply Co. Distribution Services Mr. John Orman, III.........................(405) 631-9701 1300 S.E. 82nd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73149-4402 www.lockesupply.com
1608 N.W. Expressway, Suite 102 Oklahoma City, OK 73118-1440 youthvillages.org
ASSOCIATE Hawkeye Hotels-Aloft OKC Downtown Bricktown Hotels & Motels Ms. Jennifer Smith.......................(405) 605-2100 209 N. Walnut Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73104-2213 www.marriott.com/okcal ASSOCIATE Rodizio Grill Restaurants Ms. Lizzy Chapman....................(405) 773-7800 217 E. Sheridan Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73104-4232 rodiziogrill.com CORE Associated General Contractors of Oklahoma Associations / Membership Organizations Mr. Douglas Tapp.......................(405) 528-4605 605 NW 13th St., Suite A Oklahoma City, OK 73103-2214 www.agcok.com
ADVISOR Anderson & House, Inc.
Building Construction - Buildings / Portable Mr. Miguel Troncoso....................(405) 232-1188 1627 W. Main St.
13801 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Suite D Oklahoma City, OK 73134-6053 www.championbbqsupply.com
Oklahoma City, OK 73106-3015 www.andersonandhouse.com
CORE Stride Mortgage Mortgages Ms. Ariel LaMontagne................(405) 510-3263 4747 Gaillardia Parkway, Suite 200 Oklahoma City, OK 73142-1927 stridemortgage.com
ADVISOR Cornerstone Government Affairs Government Agencies & Services Mr. Mark Yates................................(405) 938-7138 141 NE 13th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73104-2806 cgagroup.com ADVISOR Encore Audio-Visual Production Services Mr. John W. Scarritt.....................(405) 320-3220 100 Mick Cornett Drive 9113 Pebble Lane Oklahoma City, OK 73132-2069 encoreglobal.com ADVISOR ResourceMFG Employment Agencies Mr. Blaine Roberson......................(346) 379-1981 4920 W I-40 Service Road Oklahoma City, OK 73128-1203 www.resourcemfg.com
CORE Black Flag Security Security Guard & Patrol Services Mr. Orion Palmer..............................(405) 673-7117
4917 N. Portland Ave., Suite 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73112-6113 www.blackflagcorporate.com
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ECONOMIC INDICATORS
OKLAHOMA RANKED NO. 4 IN NATION FOR ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Oklahoma & Bordering State Economic Outlook Rank (2022)
STATE
OVERALL RANK
TOP MARGIN- AL CORPO- RATE INCOME TAX RATE 4.00% RANK: 7 2.64% RANK: 5 4.55% RANK: 9 7.00% RANK: 28
TOP MARGIN- AL PERSONAL INCOME TAX RATE 4.75% RANK: 15 0.00% RANK: 1 4.55% RANK: 14 5.70% RANK: 24 6.30% RANK: 29 5.90% RANK: 27
PROPERTY TAX BURDEN (PER $1,000 OF PERSONAL INCOME)
SALES TAX BURDEN (PER $1,000 OF PERSONAL IN- COME)
AVERAGE WORK- ERS’ COMPENSA- TION COSTS (PER $100 OF PAYROLL)
$17.41 RANK: 3 $40.10 RANK: 43 $30.55 RANK: 30 $31 .81 RANK: 33 $23.23 RANK: 12 $20.94 RANK: 9
$28.99 RANK: 38 $28.08 RANK: 37 $24.20 RANK: 28 $29.25 RANK: 39 $23.44 RANK: 25 $46.74 RANK: 49
$1 .66 RANK: 38 $0.98 RANK: 6 $1 .25 RANK: 18 $1 .12 RANK: 12 $1 .65 RANK: 37 $1 .34 RANK: 22
OKLAHOMA
4
TEXAS
11
COLORADO
22
KANSAS
28
4.58% RANK: 10 5.90% RANK: 17
MISSOURI
29
NEW MEXICO 38
SOURCE: ALEC-LAFFER STATE ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS INDEX, 2022. (1=BEST, 50=WORST).
• Oklahoma was ranked No. 4 in the nation for best economic outlook for 2022. • The Economic Outlook Ranking, analyzed by the American Legislative Exchange Council, is a forecast based on a state’s current standing in 15 state policy variables.
• Each of these factors is influenced directly by state lawmakers through the legislative process. • When ranked against bordering states (Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and New Mexico) Oklahoma ranks favorably in several select categories.
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.
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2023 OFFICERS
ISSUE #3575 - JANUARY 2023 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 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
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