Mark Beffort, CEO of Newmark Robinson, expressed his excitement about the Chamber’s new strategic plan, noting substantial investments in excess of $5 billion are poised to transform the city over the next few years.
development and growth at Express Employment Professionals International Headquarters; Mike Jackson, senior vice president of government relations and policy at the Chamber; and Jeff Seymour, executive vice president of economic development at the Chamber. Jeff Seymour kicked off with the importance of continuing the city’s legacy of community building and economic development. “Oklahoma City has been a leader in placemaking and long-term public strategy. However, to stay competitive, we need to evolve our approach and have a community conversation about our future,” he said. Seymour elaborated on the city’s competitive evolution, stating, “We’re competing with this first-tier set of America’s largest cities.” He stressed the need for a comprehensive urban strategy integrating education, transportation and innovation to sustain Oklahoma City’s growth momentum. Mark Beffort emphasized the importance of creating vibrant urban destinations: “A destination where people can go and spend all day or a full weekend.” He highlighted ongoing projects aimed at enhancing entertainment options and housing availability, essential for attracting and retaining residents.
Education emerged as a critical focus area during the discussion. “We know there’s no silver bullet to solving educational challenges, but we are committed to making a difference,” Bob Funk Jr. said. Gillenwater acknowledged the significant role education plays in the community’s strategic vision, introducing Rhonda Baker as the new director of education at the Greater OKC Chamber. She highlighted ongoing efforts to secure funding for education initiatives, stressing the urgency and collaborative spirit required to address educational challenges effectively. Bob Funk Jr. emphasized the pivotal role of education in workforce development amidst widespread labor shortages projected over the next three decades. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach integrating K-12, career technical education and higher education to align student talents with market demands effectively. Funk noted that the workforce deficit exceeds 3.5 million across North America, underscoring the critical need for long-term investments in education and workforce training. He highlighted the necessity for
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