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JUNE 2023 • OKCCHAMBER.COM

2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION A SUCCESS FOR CHAMBER PRIORITIES

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10 Build your talent pipeline at InternOKC 11 Chamber assists businesses impacted by tornado 12 Fair chance success stories shared at CJAC/chamber event 14 Innovative programs play pivotal role in startup success

IN THIS ISSUE:

2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION A SUCCESS FOR CHAMBER PRIORITIES

Following months of debate on hundreds of bills, the Oklahoma Legislature adjourned sine die May 26. However, lawmakers are also planning for the possibility of returning to the Capitol for a special session in June to override potential vetoes by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Despite the disagreements between the House, Senate and governor on major education reform, officials with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber said the session was highly successful with respect to accomplishing the Chamber’s legislative priorities. In the May 2023 edition of VeloCity, we reported that the Chamber helped defeat a bill that would have required voters to approve all tax increment finance districts within the entire jurisdiction of the TIF. If passed, that law would have had a negative impact on a municipality or county’s ability to generate development

funds for public improvements within that TIF area. In addition, the Chamber helped protect the use of eminent domain used to implement important economic development programs, including transformative programs like the MAPS initiative. As an economic development organization, the Chamber focuses on protecting incentive programs used to recruit, retain and expand businesses in our region. We also advocate for the expansion of targeted programs that will stimulate growth in emerging sectors such as tourism and film. During the session, all critical economic development programs were protected from being repealed or watered down. One such incentive program that is already law is the Tourism Development Act (TDA), which allows developers of tourism projects to receive a partial rebate of state sales tax it generates for a limited period when at least 25% of revenues come from out-of-state visitors. A House bill the Chamber supported in 2023 to raise the annual cap on the TDA from $15 million to $30 million passed in the House and Senate just prior to the end of session. There were some doubts the bill would successfully advance through the legislative process this session. However, during the final weeks of the session, the TDA bill language was instead inserted in a Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget bill that lawmakers subsequently passed. The bill was sent to the governor and is awaiting his signature. The Chamber also supported amendments to the “The Filmed in Oklahoma Act” this session that changed the eligibility date upon which filmmakers could obtain incentives for film productions. The previous date was July 1, 2023; however, the date was changed to make it retroactive to April 1, 2023. The date change was a critical factor in one studio’s decision to begin shooting scenes in Oklahoma City in May for a major motion picture. Gov. Stitt signed the legislation on May 22.

The Chamber supported or opposed many other bills this session that impacted business and industry, including: • Stopping all legislation to interfere with the rights of business owners and event hosts to prohibit firearms, including legislation to allow firearms at the Oklahoma State Fair. • Supporting legislation to raise the annual cap on the state’s Film Rebate program from $30 million to $80 million. Although the bill passed the House, it was never heard in the Senate. The legislation will remain alive for consideration in 2024. • Protecting funding for the Heartland Flyer passenger rail service, which is essential to the Chamber’s effort to connect OKC to Amtrak’s network through Newton, Kan. • Defeating a House bill that would have eliminated the option for holding local special elections during certain months of the year, including December. In determining when to hold an election, it is essential that maximum flexibility be provided to local government. • Stopping costly/burdensome data privacy legislation, and legislation to interfere with ACCESS Oklahoma, the state’s 15-year, $5 billion plan to expand and make safety improvements to its turnpike system. For additional details on these and other legislative efforts, visit okcbusinessadvocate.com.

A New Noninvasive Treatment for Essential Tremor OU Health is the first and only health system in Oklahoma to offer an incisionless treatment for patients with medical refractory essential tremor that can result in improvement in hand, head and body shaking as well as increased mobility through a same-day treatment. Called “Focused Ultrasound,” the new technology is for essential tremor patients who have not responded to medication, or who cannot take it. Focused ultrasound for essential tremor is an FDA-approved, non-invasive procedure that’s transforming patient care. The procedure uses ultrasound waves to target the specific areas of the brain responsible for tremors. Guided by MRI, the soundwaves pass safely through the skull and soft tissues to focus heat on only the targeted area, providing relief from symptoms. With no surgical cuts or permanent implants necessary, there is minimal to no risk of infection, and the treatment is often performed on an outpatient basis. Many patients can expect to resume normal activities within days.

OU Health is proud to be the first in Oklahoma to offer this revolutionary treatment.

OU Health Physicians — Neurosurgery Clinic 1000 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4000 Oklahoma City, OK 73104 (405) 271-4912

To make an appointment or for more information, visit us at OUHealth.com/EssentialTremor

LEADERSHIP NOTES

MANY BENEFITS TO GIVING JOB CANDIDATES A FAIR CHANCE I don’t know about you, but I can’t believe it’s already June! This year has been a whirlwind of fantastic Chamber events including last week’s Fair Chance Hiring Workshop and Expo. We partnered with CJAC to educate businesses on the benefits of fair chance hiring practices. It’s all about giving opportunities to people previously involved with the justice system and judging job candidates on their qualifications and abilities rather than past mistakes. During the event we heard several success stories. One hit me particularly hard. It was about a woman who’d been arrested 26. But instead of a lengthy prison sentence, the district attorney’s office allowed her to participate in a rigorous diversion program. The woman received safe housing, food, clothing, transportation, medical care, therapy and other services she needed to rebuild her life, including professional training. Today, she is thriving, working at a treatment center serving people just like her. Our community would not have been served by sending this woman to prison for 24 years. Our community is served by this woman feeling excited about going to work every day to help and serve others. We also heard from companies that have had great success with fair chance hiring. We heard repeatedly that the justice-involved employees are extremely loyal. The numbers back it up. Studies have shown that formerly incarcerated people have higher retention rates than employees without a criminal record. If you’d like to learn more, download our Fair Chance Hiring Toolkit at OKCountyCJAC.com. Thank you for your partnership and engagement in the Chamber and OKC!

CHRISTY GILLENWATER President & CEO

READ CHRISTY’S VELOCITYOKC ONLINE STORY OF THE MONTH

CONTENTS

“Cultural restoration part of development plan in NE OKC” VELOCITYOKC.COM/ CHRISTYSPICK

CALENDAR (Events are subject to change. Consult okcchamber.com/events for the most recent updates.)

JUNE 14 Chamber Forum 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Petroleum Club

100 N Broadway, 35th Floor okcchamber.com/juneforum JUNE 27 Chamber Connection 8:30 to 10 a.m. OKC Chamber Offices 123 Park Ave., Second Floor Conference Room JULY 19

To help the most vulnerable in our community, the City of Oklahoma City has rolled out a “housing first” strategy to address homelessness. Attendees of the Chamber’s June forum will hear how the $12.5 million plan, “Key to Home,” aims to significantly reduce the number of unsheltered homeless by 75% by rehousing people currently living in encampments. The Chamber Forum will be held at 11:30 a.m. June 14 at the Petroleum Club of Oklahoma City, which is located on the 35th floor of the BancFirst Tower, 100 N. Broadway Ave. Participating in a panel discussion will be: • Aubrey McDermid, assistant city manager City’s new homelessness initiative focus of June Forum

Chamber Forum 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Petroleum Club

100 N Broadway, 35th Floor okcchamber.com/julyforum JULY 20

State of the City 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oklahoma City

• Lindsay Cates, homeless strategy implementation manager • Terri White, Mental Health Association chief executive officer

Convention Center 100 Mick Cornet Dr. okcchamber.com/soc JULY 25 Chamber Connection 3 to 4:30 p.m. Credit Union House of Oklahoma 631 E Hill St. AUGUST 9 State of the Schools 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St. okcchamber.com/schools AUGUST 16 Chamber Forum 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Petroleum Club 100 N Broadway, 34th Floor okcchamber.com/augustforum

• Tammy McGhee, director of system transformation, Clutch Consulting In 2022, the annual Oklahoma City Point-in-Time (PIT) count, or the number of residents experiencing homelessness during a 24-hour period, totaled 1,339. Of those, 473 were considered “chronically homeless” and 121 were

unaccompanied youth. While this is a slight decrease from the 2020 PIT count, the city is working with community organizations to implement a new strategy to help those experiencing chronic and unsheltered homelessness. The cost to attend the June Chamber Forum is $45 for Chamber members and $55 for nonmembers. To register, visit okcchamber.com/ juneforum. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor Cox Communications and Corporate Sponsor ADG | Blatt.

This year’s State of the City event, featuring Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, may be the hottest ticket in town. His speech will likely include updates on MAPS 4, the local economy, public education, infrastructure and other key initiatives. Don’t wait to secure your seat for this event. It is expected to sell out early. State of the City is July 20 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. Doors open at 11 a.m. for registration and networking. The lunch program begins at 11:30 a.m. inside the Painted Sky Ballroom. Individual tickets are $75 for Chamber members and $100 for nonmembers. Sponsor tables of eight with additional recognition are available for $1,600. Visit okcchamber.com/soc to register. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor The Professional Basketball Club, LLC - Oklahoma City Thunder and Host Sponsor Express Employment Professionals. STATE OF THE CITY IS THE HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR ANNUAL STATE OF THE SCHOOLS EVENT

Aug. 9, 2023 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73111 SCHEDULE 11 a.m. - Registration and networking 11:30 a.m. - Program begins

Individual tickets are $60 for Chamber members and $85 for nonmembers. Sponsor tables of eight with additional recognition are available for $1,600. Email register@okcchamber.com with questions. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, School Supply/ Centerpiece Sponsor American Fidelity Assurance Company and Host Sponsor Cox Communications.

SUPPORT TOURISM

INDUSTRY BY BECOMING AN ‘OKC INSIDER’

Thousands of out-of-town visitors will descend upon Oklahoma City in the coming weeks and months for things like summer vacations or to attend various athletic or cultural events, including the NCAA Women’s College World Series June 1-9 at USA Hall of Fame Stadium. For many of those visitors, it may mark the first time they have ever been to OKC. The questions of what to do, where to stay or where to eat are bound to come up. So, to help answer those questions, Visit Oklahoma City recently launched a new online training program called OKC Insider. It provides training and resources those in the hospitality industry can use to respond to visitors’ inquiries and connect them with useful information. The goal is to make sure Oklahoma City visitors have the best experience possible. OKC Insider Destination Training is free. It takes about 60 minutes to complete. However, if trainees are

unable to complete the online training in one session, the platform will allow them to finish later. Once the training modules are completed, the trainee will then become a certified “OKC Insider.” Visit OKC officials said, not only will workers in OKC’s hospitality industry benefit from the training, but so will those employed in other sectors. Professionals in real estate and development, human resources and recruitment and retail could also benefit from the training. The OKC Insider training curriculum is comprised of four modules that expose trainees to various facets of OKC’s hospitality sector and visitor economy: • Tourism is Big Business – Discover why the tourism industry is so critical to the city, including the economic impact it generates. Learn more about Visit Oklahoma City and its role in OKC’s visitor economy and get an opportunity to meet the Visit OKC staff. • Discover Oklahoma City – Learn many facets about OKC you may have never known before, including its history, transportation system, the four MAPS initiatives and what it means to live by the “Oklahoma Standard.” • Must See OKC – Participate in a tutorial on Visit Oklahoma City’s website VisitOKC.com and find out many of the great activities, attractions, events and dining options that make visiting OKC such an unforgettable experience. • Delivering Great Experiences – Find out how to help create lasting impressions for visitors and how to answer their most common questions. Several perks and incentives await those who complete the destination training course, including an OKC Insider certificate and lapel pin, passes to special networking events and receptions, discounts to museums and attractions and much more. If you would like to register for the training, visit www.visitokc.com.

BUILD YOUR TALENT PIPELINE AT INTERNOKC

moments, the relationship an intern develops with a mentor or coworker may change the trajectory of his or her career and life. The program features five fast-moving breakout sessions on real-world resources to help interns prepare for their future professional roles, including: • Strategies for Managing Time and Priorities • Understanding the Money Behind Benefits and Job Offers • How to Build a Network and Find Success in the Job Search • Strategies for Technology That Will Help You Stand Out • Finding Your Voice and Making a Difference from Where You Are The day will conclude with an inspiring presentation from Dr. Cecelia Robinson-Woods, superintendent of Millwood Public Schools. She will discuss practical resiliency and how to use setbacks and disappointments to keep you moving toward professional and personal success. Built into the programming will be some surprise guests, prizes, interactive technology and even the opportunity to earn a Professional Development Micro- credential in real-time during the event. This technology is powered by the Chamber's partnership with the University of Central Oklahoma’s LX Studios. Employers interested in enrolling their interns for this summer’s InternOKC program can do so by visiting internokc.com. The registration fee per intern is $150 for Chamber members and $250 for nonmembers. Thank you to Presenting Sponsor Love’s Travel Stops.

As employers focus on their intern to employee pipeline, it is vital to ensure that potential employee is engaged with the company and the city. InternOKC is the perfect opportunity for that, with added soft skills critical to employees making a transition from school to work. The Chamber is quickly gearing up for its 2023 edition of InternOKC and there is still time for businesses across the Greater Oklahoma City region to register their interns for this popular and successful training program. The one-day event will be held June 27 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. With feedback from participating companies, the event is transitioning from three afternoon sessions to a one-day conference- style program. As the Chamber works with employers across the city, many are using internships as a kind of "on-the- job" training opportunity to see if the students are good fits for their organizations. While not every internship ends in a job offer, it is not uncommon for employers to uncover a great talent that will be a fit for their organization in the future. Ensuring that new graduates and learners entering the workforce are prepared for success is a guiding mission of InternOKC. "We want to see our young talent stay in Oklahoma City, start their careers and ultimately be successful in those careers," said Lee Copeland, the Chamber’s director of business and talent growth. InternOKC attendees will begin the day by hearing from keynote speaker Taylor Doe, an OKC entrepreneur and thought leader. He will share how, in pivotal

As the Shawnee community continues to clean up from the April 19 tornado, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber is providing data and research that will help leaders better connect with businesses impacted along the storm route. The Greater OKC Chamber research team met with Shawnee city leadership to share that more than 1,700 businesses and 16,000 employees may have been impacted by the storm. Jeff Seymour, executive vice president for economic development for the Greater OKC Chamber, said the organization’s support for Oklahoma City’s regional communities is never ending. “One of the real strengths of our organization is the ability to use data to help companies and community leaders make informed decisions,” Seymour said. “The work of the Chamber is important on so many levels — including but not limited to community resiliency.” CHAMBER ASSISTS BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY TORNADO There are still a few more days to register for the DC Visit later this month The Chamber’s annual trip to Washington provides an opportunity for Oklahoma City business leaders to make one-on-one visits with Oklahoma’s congressional delegation and key defense leaders. This year’s event is June 21-22. Each year, the Chamber strives to plan a visit that aligns with our members’ needs and the goals of our organization. The DC Visit includes afternoon briefings on day one with invited Sens. James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin, and Reps. Tom Cole, Frank Lucas, Josh Brecheen and Kevin Hern. We’ve invited federal and military officials to join us at a reception on Capitol Hill that evening. On day two, attendees can attend morning sessions with federal officials and other government leaders that cover specific areas of interests on issues critical to our community including military defense and infrastructure. DC VISIT QUICKLY APPROACHING – STILL TIME TO REGISTER

Interactive maps and spreadsheets curated by the Chamber were sent to Shawnee’s city manager within 48 hours of the tornado. Shawnee Forward, an organization that looks to empower a diverse community through collaborative economic growth, workforce development and education, also received the data. Richard Clements, Greater Oklahoma City Partnership manager, said the city and Shawnee Forward understand a well-organized recovery effort requires good information. He said work done by Ashley Hicks, Chamber GIS research analyst, and Eric Long, Chamber research economist, was particularly impactful. Clements said FEMA and the state’s Homeland Security representatives expressed how unprecedented, in their experience, this kind of collaboration is. Long said, per the data the Chamber’s team was able to gather, it revealed the three industries potentially impacted the most by the tornado were health care and social assistance, retail, and accommodation and food service. Knowing that information is critical to the city’s recovery efforts since the data can be used in applying for future grants and accessing Department of Labor workforce funds. This trip is a rare opportunity to connect with federal policymakers. The $900 registration fee includes one night’s hotel stay, official events, and transportation to and from scheduled events. Air travel to and from Washington is not included, giving attendees the option to extend their stay for additional business in the DC area. To register for the DC Visit or view the agenda, visit okcchamber.com/dc. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor American Fidelity Assurance Company.

An executive chef who started a nonprofit to help people buy groceries. A treatment court coordinator who helps people turn their lives around. A bus operator whose smile lights up the room. These are just a few success stories from local employers who have adopted fair chance hiring practices. They shared their experiences at the Fair Chance Hiring Workshop & Expo hosted by the Criminal Justice Advisory Council (CJAC) and Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. The event, held May 24 at the Champion Convention Center, was designed to educate businesses on the benefits of hiring people who have been involved in the justice system. The event featured three panel discussions. Panelist Jenna Morey is executive director at ReMerge, a pre-trial FAIR CHANCE SUCCESS STORIES SHARED AT CJAC/CHAMBER EVENT

diversion program for high-risk, high-need mothers facing criminal charges in Oklahoma County. She said the women who graduate from ReMerge make fantastic employees. “This is someone who is resilient. This is someone who has done a lot of internal work and has emotional maturity that other candidates may not have,” Morey said. “Work is very important to us because it is the number one factor of recidivism. We want to create not only options but also meaning and power and connection and recovery capital so that these women and their kiddos [can] continue to thrive in our community.” The panel also included insight from Lora Miller, human resources specialist for EMBARK. She stressed the importance of looking at candidates as individuals instead of ruling them out because of one question on a job application. “A lot of employers have a knockout question when you fill out an application: Have you ever been convicted of a felony? Recruiters never see that application. Just removing that question opens a lot of doors,” Miller said. The event also featured a panel on legal considerations for implementing a fair chance hiring policy. Panelist Michael Bowling, J.D., director at Crowe & Dunlevy, said it helps to remind company executives about federal employment discrimination laws. “It’s best to think through everything first,” Bowling said. “You have to consider what’s fair to candidates and

good for businesses. The answer really comes down to individual assessments.” Lisa Dillon, vice president of workforce development for Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma, agreed with that sentiment. “We live in a city and state with extremely low unemployment,” Dillon said. “The labor market is getting tighter and tighter which means we have to consider candidates we haven’t considered before. These are people who want to work. They want a better job so they can feed their family.” The event also included an expo that allowed businesses to speak with fair chance hiring organizations. Exhibitors included Action Group Staffing, Diversion Hub, Moore Norman Technology Center and Hope Community Services, among others. If you’d like more information about fair chance hiring, please download our Fair Chance Hiring Toolkit.

Fair Chance Hiring Toolkit for Businesses

INCLUDES Guidelines Legal Implications

Compliance Case Studies Incentives and Support Work Opportunity Tax Credit

Click here to download toolkit.

When the school year ends, so do school meals DONATE TODAY

feedthechildren.org

Business accelerators gBETA Oklahoma City and Idea Accelerator, along with micro-loan program Kiva Oklahoma City, are helping several founders across the metro acquire some valuable insight, advice and resources designed to help them grow or develop their early-stage companies. INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS PLAY PIVOTAL ROLE IN STARTUP SUCCESS

“I’ve seen the incredible economic impact of the previous gBETA programs in Oklahoma City and I’m excited to see what will come forth from this cohort,” she said. At the end of the program, the founders will participate in a showcase and “pitch” their companies to a select group of investors, mentors and industry professionals. The event can lead to potential partnerships or new investors. Below are the companies selected for the spring 2023 cohort: • Helion Illumination – Provides first responders with a universal lighting system for their drone assets to assist in search and rescue efforts, firefighting and law enforcement needs. • Paldera Pharmaceuticals – Develops platform hydrogel coatings for medical devices that will almost entirely prevent associated bacterial infections, including infections which are typically antibiotic resistant. • Sugar Security – Offers a cybersecurity testing platform for IT, software and security companies using cutting-edge artificial intelligence and cloud technology served through an “easy point-and-click web interface.” • Shelter Share – Provides users with locations of nearby shelters in times of severe weather or other natural disasters. • Weku – Offers homeowners unlimited access to clean energy for a flat monthly rate of $50. IDEA ACCELERATOR The Idea Accelerator is a rapid-pace, 90-day virtual program to help entrepreneurs get their idea off the ground. Selected participants receive a $5,000 grant to test their ideas, build products or launch new ventures. They may also be able to access additional funding. Throughout 2022, the program’s first full year of operation, 200 builders received pebble grants totaling $1 million, including Jenae Goodwin of Oklahoma City.

gBETA OKLAHOMA CITY Created by global venture firm and startup accelerator gener8tor, gBETA Oklahoma City recently welcomed five new startups as part of its fourth cohort since its inception in 2021. The free program provides the startups with concierge coaching and access to gener8tor’s national network of mentors, customers, corporate partners and investors. Elizabeth Larios, gBETA Oklahoma City director, said she was excited about the spring 2023 cohort and was looking forward to seeing how the five companies will grow during the seven-week program.

are charged 0% interest and can have up to three years to pay back the loans. Kiva Oklahoma City is now part of Progress OKC’s own business accelerator, Generation Impact. Borrowers participate in a 10-week program where they develop and refine a business concept, eventually leading to a concrete business plan. It also provides borrowers opportunities to develop relationships, which is a crucial element of Kiva, said Progress OKC Executive Director Kimberly Statum Francisco. “So often what we hear from folks is just the need for additional capital. And sometimes some of the businesses that we’re working with aren’t able to go to a traditional bank or traditional lender for a variety of reasons. So, Kiva provides another access, another opportunity for folks to access capital just to keep that dream alive,” she said, noting they had just gone through their third Generation Impact cohort. Kiva Oklahoma City has impacted 32 businesses this year, extending to them nearly $250,000 in matching funds.

She created BaB, a digital shopping bag that lets you put all your items from different stores in one online cart. You can see the store, price and item thumbnail in your “bab,” and even share your lists with others. KIVA OKLAHOMA CITY Kiva Oklahoma City provides small businesses with micro-loans ranging from $1 to $15,000. Progress OKC launched the program in 2021 with initial support from the Chamber, Oklahoma City Economic Trust Development and Inasmuch Foundation. The small business owners are required to raise half of the requested funds through crowdfunding. Borrowers

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

Country Road Recovery Center 24962 Okay Road Tecumseh, OK 74873 Fun Town RV 7601 S. Shields Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73149

The Secrets LGBTQ 2807 NW 36th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73122

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 Living Spaces Furniture, LLC Furniture Mr. Russell J. Stephens (877) 266-7300 13502 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 www.livingspaces.com

PARTNER+ Ashton Gray

ADVISOR Mid America Imports, LLC Firearm Importer Ms. Stacy Vanderhoof (405) 615-0152 5701 E. Reno Ave., Suite E MIdwest City, OK 73110

Construction Companies Real Estate Developers Mr. Denver Green (405) 300-4003 12360 Market Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73114-8136 www.ashtongray.com

CORE

Clevyr, Inc. Computer Software Developers Mr. Andrew Bigbie......................(844) 425-3897 912 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73106-7226 www.clevyr.com Deep Fork Technology Computer Software Developers Mr. Terry Bechtold........................(405) 421-0644 4232 NW 23rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73107-2640 www.deepforktechnology.com Elite Roofing Systems Roofing Contractors Mr. Craig Cox...................................(405) 361-3094 113 Rambling Oaks Drive, Suite 200 Norman, OK 73072 eliteroofok.com

Emerald Square Senior Living Assisted Living / Nursing Homes Ms. Catina Elliott...........................(405) 787-4466 701 N. Council Road Oklahoma City, OK 73127-4980 www.emeraldsquareseniorliving.com Fairfield Inn & Suites Marriott - OKC Quail Springs/South Edmond Hotels & Motels Ms. Teresa Blythe.......................(405) 755-8686 13520 Plaza Terrace Oklahoma City, OK 73120-2146 www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/okcqs-fairfield- inn-suites-oklahoma-city-quail-springs-south- edmond 4 Star General Contracting, Inc. Roofing Contractors Mr. Peter Hutton..........................(405) 928-5780 2805 Broce Drive Norman, OK 73072-2405 www.4stargc.com

Holiday Lanes Bowling Center Bowling Centers Ms. Kim Denny...............................(405) 634-2451 44 SE 44th St. P.O. Box 721427 Oklahoma City, OK 73172-1427 www.holidaybowlingokc.com Insight Creative Group Advertising Agencies Mr. Eric Joiner................................(405) 728-3062 19 NE 9th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73104-1813 www.icgadv.co Pinnacle Wealth Management LLC Financial Planning Consultants Ms. Suzanne E. Baxter, CFP..(405) 557-8348 1016 NW 41st St. Oklahoma City, OK 73118-6826 www.cetera.com

Walmart Supercenter #1626 Grocers - Retail Retail Mr. Eric Prentice.............................(405) 752-1900 2000 W. Memorial Road Oklahoma City, OK 73134-6506 www.walmart.com

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

PARTNER+ Kimray, Inc. Valves - Wholesale & Manufacturers Mr. Robert Greenlaw

(405) 525-6601 52 NW 42nd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 www.kimray.com

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

ELECTRICITY COSTS IN OKLAHOMA AMONG LOWEST IN THE NATION Annual Average Price per Kilowatt hour

RANK

STATE

AVERAGE ELECTRICITY RATE FOR ALL SECTORS (CENTS PER KWH)

IDAHO

8.17 8.25 8.34 8.52 8.58 8.65 8.75 8.82 8.84 8.87

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

WYOMING

UTAH

OKLAHOMA

NEVADA

NORTH DAKOTA WASHINGTON

LOUISIANA NEBRASKA

WEST VIRGINIA

UNITED STATES (AVERAGE)

11 .1

SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION, ELECTRIC SALES, REVENUE, AND AVERAGE PRICE REPORT (2021) ; UPDATED DECEMBER 2022.

• As of 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, the statewide average electricity price in Oklahoma is the fourth lowest in the country, based on the latest federal figures. • Oklahoma ranks in the top five states for lowest electricity cost with a rate of 8.84 cents per Kilowatt hour. • Nationally, electricity costs 30.3% higher than it does in Oklahoma.

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.

2023 OFFICERS

ISSUE #3580 - JUNE 2023 Editorial staff Harve Allen, Kelly Dexter 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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