researchers, entrepreneurs and private companies, further establishing OKC as a destination for bioscience and innovation. ENERGY Oklahoma’s energy industry remains a major driver of the state’s economy. Several of the nation’s top energy producers are based in OKC, including Devon Energy, Continental Resources and Chesapeake Energy. OKC is also helping shape the future of energy through innovation. Baker Hughes recently donated its research and innovation center in the Oklahoma City Innovation District to Oklahoma State University. Now known as the Hamm Institute for American Energy at OSU, the center provides hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students to solve real-world energy challenges in a cutting-edge environment. HOSPITALITY OKC’s growing reputation as a visitor destination continues to strengthen the region’s hospitality industry. In the Greater OKC area, more than 70,000 people work in the broader accommodation and food services sector. In 2024, Visit OKC reported 24.5 million visitors to OKC, with $2.8 billion in direct visitor spending. Like the rest of the country, the industry was hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic but has since rebounded as more people feel comfortable traveling and exploring attractions again. LOGISTICS There’s a reason the Greater OKC region is a prime hotspot for logistics; it’s all about location. Situated in the geographic center of North America, the U.S. and the growing south-central region, OKC sits at the junction of three major interstates: I-35, I-40 and I-44. The city is equidistant from the East and West coasts and close to major trade partners in Canada and Mexico. From OKC, companies can reach more than 4 million people within a 2.5-hour drive, and most of the U.S. is accessible within two days by truck. OKC is also home to several major distribution operations. Hobby Lobby, one of the nation’s largest retailers, is headquartered here and fulfills orders for more than 900 stores from a 10 million-square-foot distribution center. Amazon has a major footprint in OKC with 4.5 million square feet of distribution space following the 2021 expansion of its fulfillment center. UPS and FedEx also
maintain large operations in the area.
The city’s infrastructure supports even more growth. Will Rogers International Airport includes Foreign Trade Zone 106, which offers international logistics advantages. Companies in OKC have access to two Class I railroads, two nearby inland ports and the Port of Houston, located within 500 miles. RETAIL TRADE A growing economy and a diverse population with disposable income continue to attract major retail investment to OKC. With a strong corporate presence and residents who have strong buying power, OKC generates 18% of the state’s total sales tax revenue. The metro is also home to nationally recognized brands, including Hobby Lobby, the largest privately owned arts and crafts retailer in the world, operating in 47 states; Love’s Travel Stops; and Sonic Drive-In, the largest chain of drive-in restaurants in the U.S. OKC’s increasingly diverse economy is fueled by its entrepreneurial spirit and a business-friendly environment that supports company growth. A strong partnership among business leaders, government, civic organizations and economic development groups has helped drive consistent growth and sparked a quality- of-life renaissance unlike anywhere else in the country. RESOURCES FOR JOB SEEKERS By now, you’ve probably seen that OKC offers a wide range of career opportunities. With OKC consistently boasting one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, many people find jobs here faster than in other cities. OKC continues to earn national recognition as one of the best places for young entrepreneurs and job seekers. In fact, OKC was recently named one of the top 10 best cities for new college graduates. If you’re looking for full-time employment, the state offers OKJobMatch.com, a website where you can create or upload a résumé and search for jobs. The platform also allows Oklahoma employers to search for candidates like you. A Better Life’s employment resources can also help you find your place in OKC’s job market. These tools include a job board, internship listings, staffing agencies ABetterLifeOKC.com 13
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