SEPTEMBER 2024 • OKCCHAMBER.COM
OKC FAME + OMADA INTERNATIONAL: TRANSFORMING OUR FUTURE MANUFACTURING WORKFORCE
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IN THIS ISSUE: 7 8 10 11 Challenges of growth the central theme for State of the Region Convention sales, sports, horseshow events and more break records in OKC Oklahoma City’s historical and ongoing influence on softball New stadium and Energy FC revitalization to boost OKC’s entertainment scene
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OKC FAME + OMADA
INTERNATIONAL: TRANSFORMING OUR FUTURE MANUFACTURING WORKFORCE
To help manufacturers in the Greater Oklahoma City region access the talent they need to grow, succeed and sustain a national presence, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber helped establish Oklahoma’s first chapter of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program. This national program combines academics and hands-on training to equip students with the skills needed for high-demand, globally competitive manufacturing careers. For a unique mixture of course work and hands-on experience, OKC FAME partnered with Oklahoma State University - OKC to provide an associate’s degree for students in the program, while also partnering with a range of manufacturers for part-time employment including Climate Control Group, IDEX Energy – Advanced Flow Solutions and OMADA International. In late June, eight students were honored as the first group of students in Oklahoma to join the FAME program. Then, in August, these students began their roles at their respective manufacturing companies, kicking off training sessions with experienced instructors, learning fundamental principles and gaining new techniques while enhancing skills already present. “We’re so proud of our first cohort of FAME Advanced Manufacturing Technicians (AMT’s),” said Lee Copeland, Director of Talent Programs & Partnerships at the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “They are blazing
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the way and providing proof-of-concept that an industry- driven partnership can provide best-in-class outcomes.” OKC FAME student Corbin Morris said his first week at OMADA International, an aerospace manufacturer, has opened the door to great opportunities, including “hands-on, real-life advanced manufacturing and what takes place in the aerospace industry.” Morris chose the FAME program because of the potential experiences and opportunities to move forward in a manufacturing career. At first, he was nervous he might not be able to step up and take initiative, but OMADA International Director of Operations Jason Jentsch shared that he could not speak more highly of Morris. “He’s come in, and he’s taken the reins, and he’s just open to learn a lot of things - from the intricate details of what certified ink to use to mark a part, to what size font to use and color the part, to a complex assembly building a bulkhead for the F-35,” Jentsch said. Before joining FAME, Morris was an airframe mechanic for the Air Force, which has been very useful for his experience at OMADA International. While Morris experienced the repairing aspect in the Air Force, he is now learning about the manufacturing side – which utilizes many of the same tools but has completely different procedures. “I’m learning a lot more skills that I did not realize were involved in the manufacturing process and there’s
a lot of detail,” Morris said. “Just the attention to detail is something I’ve had to hone a little bit more.” Morris and Jentsch are excited to experience what is in store for the future of the program, and manufacturing in Oklahoma. Jentsch said he highly encourages other manufacturers to get involved with the program and its students. “I would just strongly suggest that (companies) at least get involved with some of the early meetings and figure out what the program is about and see if it is a good fit for what you’re doing. I believe that if you’re in the manufacturing industry, it’s a great fit,” Jentsch said. “I think that other businesses in the area can really benefit from young people that are hungry to learn, who will come grow their businesses and come grow the entire industry.”
FAME - OKC student works on a manufacturing part with his instructor at Climate Control Group.
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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
Oklahoma City is a premier visitor destination, and the recent vote to increase the hotel motel tax will further amplify our city’s appeal on a national and international scale. It’s clear our voters remain deeply committed to progress and are dedicated to maintaining our status as a top 20 city. Oklahoma City’s hotel motel tax had remained unchanged since 2005 and its increase was vital for Oklahoma City. The shift from a 5.5% tax to a 9.25% tax will enable critical investments in improving key venues, sponsoring events, promoting tourism, and enhancing our marketing and advertising efforts. Visit OKC, our city’s official destination marketing organization, is instrumental in strengthening our position as a leading destination for convention, sports and leisure travel. A recent annual report acknowledged prominent features in global publications and remarkable progress and growth. Oklahoma City has been secured as a host site for several high- profile marquee events, such as the nationally televised Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad at the Paycom Center in January 2025 and the USA Gymnastics Development Program National Championships at OKCCC in May 2026. Oklahoma City remains on top as the Horse Show Capital of the World, hosting 13 premiere equine events and two distinguished livestock events last year alone. The Oklahoma City Council voted to rename Will Rogers World Airport to OKC Will Rogers International Airport, enhancing our city’s international profile and setting the stage for continued prosperity to support air services. We appreciate the hard work and partnership of volunteers, businesses and partners who supported this important campaign. Thank you to the citizens of Oklahoma City for voting YES on August 27. Your support ensures that Oklahoma City will continue to prosper and thrive in all we do. CONTENTS 12 OKC FAME+OMADA International: Transforming our future manufacturing workforce 16 Devon Energy and Mark Twain Elementary Mark 20 Years of Educational Partnership With Thunder Court Dedication 10 Oklahoma City’s historical and ongoing influence on softball 13 Greater Oklahoma City Region Property Tax
CHRISTY GILLENWATER President & CEO
READ CHRISTY’S VELOCITYOKC ONLINE STORY OF THE MONTH
The Verge OKC: A Collaborative Hub for Entrepreneurial Growth in Oklahoma City VELOCITYOKC.COM/ CHRISTYSPICK
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UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR (Events are subject to change. Consult okcchamber.com/events for the most recent updates.) SEPTEMBER 25 State of the Region 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St. OKCChamber.com/Region OCTOBER 16 Chamber Forum 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Petroleum Club 100 N Broadway, 34th Floor OKCChamber.com/ OctoberForum NOVEMBER 14 State of the Economy 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. National Cowboy & Western OKCChamber.com/Economy NOVEMBER 20 Chamber Forum 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Petroleum Club 100 N Broadway, 34th Floor OKCChamber.com/ NovemberForum DECEMBER 18 Annual Meeting 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St. OKCChamber.com/Annual Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St.
Devon Energy and Mark Twain Elementary recently celebrated 20 years of collaboration with the dedication of a new Oklahoma City Thunder community court. The partnership, which began in 2004 when Devon adopted the school, has evolved from employee-led tutoring to a variety of educational initiatives. Over the years, the partnership has grown to offer teacher grants, STEM camp scholarships and family STEM nights, enhancing students’ learning experiences and fostering greater community involvement. In 2019, Devon introduced the state’s first Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation STEM Center at Mark Twain Elementary and collaborated with Engage Learning to host Family STEM Nights, where students and their families worked together on interactive STEM activities. “Progress happens when the community comes together,” said Tana Cashion, Executive VP of Human Resources & Administration at Devon Energy. “We’re grateful for all our partners, including Engage Learning, Sunbeam, Oklahoma City Public Schools, the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation and the Thunder, for making this incredible impact on the lives of students and families.” In 2023, Mark Twain students completed over 14,000 hours of STEM programming, which helped the school achieve the highest grade in the Oklahoma City Public Schools district, as recognized by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Dr. Jamie Polk, Superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools, expressed her appreciation for Devon’s support. “The longstanding partnership between Devon and Mark Twain Elementary goes beyond what words can fully express. It is a model of how community support and collaboration can enhance educational outcomes. The impact on our students’ academic success and personal growth has been inspiring, and OKCPS is grateful to both Devon Energy and the OKC Thunder for their continued investment in our students’ futures.” To honor the 20-year milestone, Devon donated a brand-new Thunder community court to the school. Following the court’s dedication, students participated in Devon SportsLab, featuring STEM-based basketball drills led by Thunder Youth Basketball coaches. “We’re thrilled to dedicate a community court at Mark Twain Elementary where students can grow both physically and academically,” said Erin Oldfield, Director of Community Engagement for the Thunder. “The Thunder believes in the power of sports to transform lives, and with the integration of STEM education, students can learn valuable skills while having fun on the court.” This new addition brings the total number of Thunder community courts to 31 across the state, with Mark Twain’s court being the fourth resulting from a Devon-Thunder collaboration. Devon Energy and Mark Twain Elementary Mark 20 Years of Educational Partnership With Thunder Court Dedication
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The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber will host its second State of the Region event on Wednesday, September 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. This event was established to bring attention to challenges that impact the Greater Oklahoma City region’s growth and development. This year’s program will highlight two engaging panel discussions: one examining the challenges of regional growth, the other addressing the work and future plans for transportation in the metro. The first panel will cover politics, education and economic development in the region, with a particular focus on the challenges of rapid growth and the continued need for a focus on creating sites for economic development. This panel will include established professionals such as Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Tim Gatz; Executive VP of Economic Development for the Greater OKC Chamber Jeff Seymour; President of Cole Hargrave CHALLENGES OF GROWTH THE CENTRAL THEME FOR STATE OF THE REGION
Snodgrass & Associates and Owner of CMA Strategies Pat McFerron; and Superintendent of Yukon Public Schools Dr. Jason Simeroth. The second panel will present leaders from the Regional Transportation Authority: Chairman Brad Henry, Vice Chairman Marion Hutchinson and Treasurer Jason Boggs, who will delve into the progress on a regional transportation plan. Michael Falencki, former Deputy Staff Director of the House Committee and Transportation and Infrastructure, will join them from Cornerstone Government Affairs to engage in a discussion about decisions that lie ahead for funding, constructing, implementing, operating and maintaining transportation projects in the region. Tickets for the event are $65. To register or learn more, visit okcchamber.com/region. Sponsors tables are also available, contact Suzette Ellison, sellison@okcchamber.com.
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
Genesis of Edmond 14113 N. Kelley Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73114 Emma Elle’s Italian Kitchen 4401 Grant Blvd., Suite 3 Yukon, OK 73099 Oklahoma Promo 13111 Highland Park Blvd. OKC, OK 73120 Rausch Coleman Homes 10513 Buffalo Wallow Road OKC, OK 73114
Panda Express 13900 N. Rockwell Ave. OKC, OK 73142 Women’s Sanctuary Day Center/ Catholic Charities 2133 SW 11th St. OKC, OK 73108 Variety Care Crooked Oak-
School-Based Clinic 1450 S. Eastern Ave. OKC, OK 73129
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CONVENTION SALES, SPORTS, HORSESHOW EVENTS AND MORE BREAK RECORDS IN OKC
VISIT OKC RELEASES FISCAL YEAR 2024 ANNUAL REPORT Visit OKC serves as the official destination marketing organization for the Greater Oklahoma City region. Dedicated to showcasing Oklahoma City as a premier visitor destination, Visit OKC focuses on enhancing the city’s name and elevating its image on a national scale. Visit OKC plays a critical role in sales and marketing efforts that position Oklahoma City as an exceptional choice for convention, sports and leisure travelers.
With numerous accolades already earned and promising advancements ahead, Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) has proven to be a dynamic year for tourism in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City’s FY24 accomplishments are detailed in Visit OKC’s Annual Report, which highlights growth, progress and success in the region. Visit OKC’s digital marketing channels experienced significant follower growth across its social media platforms, with Instagram rising 42%, Facebook growing 3.1%, Tik Tok boosting 120% and LinkedIn advancing 34.8% year-over-year. Collectively, these social media platforms generated 47 million total social impressions. Visit OKC also utilized influencers and content creators to enhance brand awareness, which resulted in an above average 5.18% engagement rate. Visit OKC’s public relations team also saw much success by securing feature stories in national publications such as Wanderlust , Southern Living , Forbes , Travel + Leisure , USA Today , Atlas Obscura and Cowboys & Indians . Additionally, Oklahoma City was featured as a travel destination in 206 published articles. The success in convention sales significantly strengthened demand for Oklahoma City. Noteworthy
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accomplishments include the design, development and execution of an innovative tradeshow booth used at PCMA Convening Leaders in January. The team secured a bid for the largest convention in Oklahoma City’s history, the American Farm Bureau Federation, which will attract over 8,000 attendees. The team also successfully contracted one of the nation’s largest retail tradeshows, Nation’s Best Sports. More than 74% of conventions hosted in Oklahoma City either increased or maintained attendance, while perceptions of Oklahoma City among meeting planners improved substantially by 20%, rising from 70% to 90% following their events.
Additionally, Visit OKC supported Oklahoma City as the host site for several marquee events, including the OKC Memorial Marathon, U.S. Olympic Trials for Canoe Slalom & Kayak Cross, Better Barrel Races, Festival of the Arts and the OKC Thunder’s return to the NBA Playoffs. Highlights included a post-pandemic record of over 22,000 participants at the OKC Memorial Marathon; a new attendance record at the Big 12 Softball Championships; three nights of sold-out games of the Savannah Bananas at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; and a record average TV viewership of 2 million for the NCAA Women’s College World Series. Overall visitation and economic impact data for Oklahoma City also saw increases from the previous year (reports based on 2022 and 2023 data). In 2023, OKC welcomed a record 24.1 million visitors who spent $2.7 billion, with a total economic impact of $4.5 billion. There was also a surge in visitor-supported employment, rising from 24,948 jobs in 2022 to 34,897 jobs in 2023. The Visit OKC Annual Report highlights the remarkable progress, growth and advancement that Oklahoma City has achieved over the past year. The report showcases not only the developments that have already taken place but also hints at the prospects on the horizon. Oklahoma City is on an upward trajectory and positioned for greater achievements in the future.
The sports sector also experienced significant achievements. OKC Sports successfully secured multiple high-profile gymnastics events, reinforcing its status as a national authority in the sport. These events include the nationally televised Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad at the Paycom Center in January 2025, the USA Gymnastics Development Program National Championships at OKCCC in May 2026 and additional USA Gymnastics Regional Championships in Oklahoma City in collaboration with Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy. In the equine sector, Oklahoma City upholds its reputation as the Horse Show Capital of the World. In FY24, the city hosted 13 premier equine events and two distinguished livestock events. Overall, the sports and equine divisions coordinated 69 high-profile events.
Complex, now known as Devon Park. This premier venue features four fields over 18,000 square feet, with a main stadium that seats up to 13,000 guests. Since USA Softball’s relocation to Oklahoma City, numerous renovations have transformed the complex. In 2004, lower-level seating and two additional fields were added following a 20-year partnership with the NCAA. Later, further improvements focused on enhancing facilities for student-athletes, media and fans. These updates included modern locker rooms, more bathrooms, a larger media space and a new video board. Oklahoma City now hosts many prestigious softball events, including the World Cup of Softball, Border Battle, the NCAA Women’s College World Series (WCWS), the Phillips 66 Big 12 Softball Championship, OSSAA Softball State Championships and Olympic trials for USA Softball’s Women’s National Team. Altogether, these events attract more than 150,000 fans annually. “People don’t realize the magnitude of the number of events we host at our facility,” Cress noted. Since June, USA Softball has welcomed Oklahoma City Spark, Team USA, All American Games, Armed Forces championships and men’s and women’s slow pitch weekends. Upcoming events include the International Men’s World Cup in September and the OSSAA State Championships in October. Looking ahead, Cress expects USA Softball to continue growing, with plans to add more international events, discussions about hosting Big 10 games and the possibility of Oklahoma City playing a role in the LA 28 Olympic softball games. "I can’t say enough about the citizens of Oklahoma City and their support for all sports here." - Craig Cress “USA Softball has always believed in the importance of the sport,” Cress said. “That’s our number one.” He emphasized that the sport thrives not only because of the dedicated staff but also due to the investment from the city and its residents. “I can’t say enough about the citizens of Oklahoma City and their support for all sports here.”
Softball has a rich history deeply embedded in American sports and culture, with Oklahoma City playing a key role in its evolution. Craig Cress, CEO of USA Softball, attributes the sport’s success in Oklahoma City to strong leadership, supportive citizens and organizations that chose to invest in it. He states, “The sport has made significant progress because of many groups who decided they wanted to make it better.” The sport’s journey began in Chicago in November 1887 when reporter George Hancock unintentionally laid the foundation for what would become the most popular team-participant sport in the United States. Throughout the 20th century, softball’s popularity soared, and Oklahoma played a pivotal role in its growth. In 1930, YMCA director Bud Howe officially established the sport in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A major turning point came when the Amateur Softball Association (ASA), founded in 1933 by Leo Fisher and Michael J. Pauley in Newark, New Jersey, relocated its national headquarters to Oklahoma City in 1966. The new headquarters was officially dedicated on May 26, 1973, solidifying Oklahoma City’s role in the sport’s legacy. In June 2016, the organization rebranded from ASA to USA Softball to reflect the sport’s growth and success over the years. Today, Oklahoma City is known as the Softball Capital of the World, home to some of the best softball complexes, including the USA Softball Hall of Fame OKLAHOMA CITY’S HISTORICAL AND ONGOING INFLUENCE ON SOFTBALL
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NEW STADIUM AND ENERGY FC REVITALIZATION TO BOOST OKC’S ENTERTAINMENT SCENE
sporting events and entertainment activities in the heart of our downtown.” Energy FC, a part of the United Soccer League (USL) Championship, paused play in recent years due to franchise stadium requirements. Although on hiatus, the club has retained its franchise agreement and can return to play once the new multipurpose stadium is completed in 2027. In the meantime, a brand review guided by soccer fans and the community as a whole will be conducted for the soccer club. This initiative will feature regular listening sessions with individuals from across the region, gathering valuable input on the team’s name, logo and color scheme, while keeping in mind the goal of authentically reflecting the spirit and identity of the city. Also expected is the addition of a women’s soccer team and plans for a stadium that ensures gender equity. This effort is led by Echo’s Court Jeske, who oversees Energy FC and ongoing stadium development efforts in partnership with the City of OKC. "The forthcoming review is about ensuring soccer in OKC best reflects who we are and where we’re going, and we’re going to take our time and get it right." - Court Jeske “As we build the very best soccer club for Oklahoma City, we are committed to a holistic approach that is guided by community input every step of the way,” said Jeske. “In a lot of ways, with the Energy on hiatus for the last three years, we have a blank canvas from which to rebuild our club into something new. The forthcoming review is about ensuring soccer in OKC best reflects who we are and where we’re going, and we’re going to take our time and get it right.” As part of the community-driven brand review, Echo recently launched OKCforSoccer.com. This website is designed to keep the public informed on all things related to OKC’s professional soccer scene, progress on the stadium and ways to get involved in the movement.
Exciting changes are on the horizon for the entertainment scene in OKC, and among the most anticipated projects is the multipurpose stadium that will be built near Bricktown. A core MAPS 4 project, this cutting-edge facility will further enrich the vibrance of downtown and serve as the future home for a variety of sporting and entertainment activities, including professional soccer for women and men. Echo Investment Capital, a multi-strategy investment firm founded and led by Christian Kanady, is a driving force behind this development and coinciding efforts to rebuild OKC’s professional soccer club, Energy FC. As the new majority owner of Energy FC that will operate the new stadium, Echo is focusing on receiving community input and garnering citywide support as it shapes the next era for the club and advances the new entertainment hub. “With the popularity of soccer on the rise in the United States and plans in the works for a state-of-the- art multipurpose stadium, Oklahoma City is uniquely positioned to advance the globally loved sport,” said Christian Kanady, founder and CEO of Echo Investment Capital. “We are excited to partner with the city on this world-class development that will bring pro soccer back and also expand OKC’s ability to host other The new multipurpose stadium, set to open in 2027, will host a range of sports, including the highly anticipated Energy FC soccer games. The stadium will also aim to accommodate a future women’s team.”
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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.
ADVISOR
PC Executive Services LLC dba Essential Offices Real Estate - Commercial Ms. Beth DeGraffenreid..........(405) 848-8246
Excalibur Executive Black Car Service Transportation - Logistics Mr. Derrick A. Scobey...................(405) 513-0411
BrainWorks Employment Agencies Mrs. Lindsay Castle......................(573) 694-4199 16 Mount Bethel Road, Suite 292
6608 N. Western Ave. #444 Nichols Hills, OK 73116-7326 excaliburcarservice.com
3030 N.W. Expressway, Suite 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73112-5400 essentialoffices.com
Warren, NJ 07059-5604 https://brainworksinc.com/
EMERGING LEADER
Courtyard Oklahoma City Airport Hotels & Motels Ms. Amanda Rowe....................(405) 946-6500 4301 Highline Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73108-1813 www.marriott.com/okcca Cummins-Setters Commercial Partners Real Estate - Commercial Mr. Kip Cummins..........................(405) 276-2727 2833 SW. 119th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73170-2658 cscpok.com Dale Carnegie Training of The Mid- South Training Programs Ms. Olivia Landes.........................(405) 367-8010 P.O. Box 2584 Edmond, OK 73083-2584 https://www.dalecarnegie.com/en/locations/ arkansas Edward Jones Financial Services Ms. Dre'Onna Adkins................(405) 496-3368 Oklahoma City, OK 73118-6024 www.linkedin.com/in/dreonnaa Foundation for Liberating Minds Nonprofit / Service Agencies Tevin McDaniel 1120 NE 22nd. St. 1247 NW 18th St., Apt. 201 Oklahoma City, OK 73106 www.foundationforliberatingminds.org 2120 Oakside Drive 5115 N. Shartel Ave. Electrical Solutions Contractors - Electrical Electrical Services Mr. Josh Kardatzke....................(405) 794-0200 3200 SE. 29th St. P.O. Box 10948 Midwest City, OK 73140-1948 https://www.electricalsolutionsok.com/
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse Restaurants Ms. Jennifer Alexander...........(405) 753-0003 13810 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73134-6048 fogodechao.com
Diverse CTI Computer Network Services / Equipment Computer Services Telecommunications Services Ms. Heather Thibodeaux.........(405) 840-4100 2248 NW 40th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73112-8898 www.diversecti.com
CORE
APS Payroll Human Resource Services / Consulting Payroll Services Ms. Jessica McKittrick....................(918) 704-1371 2619 S. 14th Place Broken Arrow, OK 74012-7283 apspayroll.com Ambassadors' Concert Choir Arts Organizations & Information Mrs. Jade Gill.................................(405) 605-4080 601 N. High Ave., Suite 241 Oklahoma City, OK 73104-1409 AmbassadorsChoir.com Cheyenne Sky Studio Educational Services Jewelry / Jewelers Ms. Taylor Martin...........................(405) 464-3041 Oklahoma City, OK 73107-1326 cheyenneskystudio.square.site Clara Community Health Center Nonprofit / Service Agencies Dr. Jihan Abdul-Haqq................(405) 254-8233 clarahealthcenter.org Class Matters, Inc. Educational Services Dr. Darron Lamkin......................(405) 509-5396 2625 NW 114th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73120-6604 www.class-matters.org 2224 N. Kate Ave., Suite 100 Oklahoma City, OK 73111-2218 813 N. Hudson Ave. 2908 N. Tulsa Drive
Heroes in Waiting Nonprofit / Service Agencies Mr. Jim Stewart...............................(405) 510-2349 3000 W. Memorial Road, Suite 123-343 Oklahoma City, OK 73120-6101 www.heroesinwaiting.org Hope for the Future, Inc. Nonprofit / Service Agencies Mrs. Clotiel Howard....................(405) 605-0591 3200 NW 48th St., Suite 201 Oklahoma City, OK 73112-5910 https://www.h4tf.org/ Jewel Theatre Foundation Now Theatres Ms. Karen Douglas.....................(405) 370-3335 900 NE 4th St. 17624 Lead Lane Edmond, OK 73012-6959 thejewelon4th.org Lillian Timber Farms, Inc. Nonprofit / Service Agencies Mrs. LaTasha Timberlake........(405) 283-2234 2125 N. Lottie 709 NE 20th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73105-8009 www.lilliantimberfarms.org OKC Black Alumni Coalition Nonprofit / Service Agencies Mrs. Shawntay Alexander 5901 Braniff Dr. 8226 NE 26th St. Spencer, OK 73084-3606 www.okcbac.com
Oklahoma Indian Territory Museum of Black Creek Freedom History Museums Ms. Rhonda Grayson...................(405) 514-3518 8625 S. Walker Ave. P.O. Box 6366 Moore, OK 73153-0366 freedmenmuseum.org Reach Forward Foundation Nonprofit / Service Agencies Ms. Wyjuana Montgomery....(405) 606-1503 8009 Golden Oaks Road Oklahoma City, OK 73127-3034 https://reachforward.wixsite.com/reachforward Texola, Inc. Fire & Water Damage Restoration Insurance Ms. Malinda Scott.......................(405) 724-9900 6625 S. Hiwassee Road Oklahoma City, OK 73150-7700 www.texolainc.com 34 Reasons Foundation Nonprofit / Service Agencies Mr. Taylor Berry.............................(405) 537-5544 100 NE 4th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73104-2002 34reasonsfoundation.org Veritaco Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics LLC Cyber Security Services Mr. Jeff Bowie................................(844) 292-3754 2952 Via Esparanza Edmond, OK 73013-8934 Veritaco.com
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ECONOMIC INDICATORS
GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY REGION PROPERTY TAX Median Property Tax Paid by County, 2022
• The average property tax payment in the Greater Oklahoma City region is $1,565, which is 13% lower than the national average ($1,815). • Comparatively, the average property tax payment in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area is $4,362, nearly three times higher than in the Oklahoma City region. • The state of Oklahoma ranks 25th lowest nationally with an effective property tax rate of 0.76% in 2022, which is 15 percentage points lower than it was in 2021.
$1,730 Payne County
$1,079 Kingfisher County
$1,670 Logan County
$785 Lincoln County
$2,157 Canadian County
$1,923 Oklahoma County
$2,202 Cleveland County
$982 Pottawatomie County
$1,300 Grady County
$1,824 McClain County
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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BOB FUNK, JR. Prodigal Vice Chair, Education and Talent JUDY J. HATFIELD, CCIM Equity Commercial Realty Advisors, LLC Vice Chair, Membership RHONDA HOOPER Jordan Advertising Vice Chair, Business and Economic Inclusion 2024 OFFICERS
TERESA ROSE, JD Communities Foundation of Oklahoma Chair SEAN TRAUSCHKE OGE Energy Corp. Immediate Past Chair JOHN HART Continental Resources Treasurer MICHAEL F. ROSS INSURICA/American Fidelity Assurance Company Corporate Secretary CLAYTON I. BENNETT Dorchester Capital Vice Chair, Strategic Planning
RICK MUNCRIEF Devon Energy Corporation Vice Chair, Innovation and Bioscience J. LARRY NICHOLS Devon Energy Corporation Vice Chair, Economic Development / Forward Oklahoma City DAVID E. RAINBOLT BancFirst Corporation Vice Chair, Government Relations W. KENT SHORTRIDGE Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Vice Chair, Military and Aerospace CHRISTY GILLENWATER Greater Oklahoma City Chamber President & CEO
ISSUE #3594 - September 2024 Editorial staff Cynthia Reid Designer Billy Callan 405-297-8900 thepoint@okcchamber.com okcchamber.com twitter.com/okcchamber facebook.com/okcchamber VeloCity (ISSN 1075-6264) is published monthly by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber,
BILL LANCE The Chickasaw Nation Vice Chair, Convention & Visitors Development
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.
TOM J. MCDANIEL American Fidelity Foundation Vice Chair, MAPS Development JENNY LOVE MEYER Love’s Travel Stops Vice Chair, Marketing and Communications
FOCUSING ON CENTRAL OKLAHOMA DEVELOPMENT & COLLABORATION SEPTEMBER 25 National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
INDIVIDUAL TICKETS: $65
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