ENE RGY Okahoma's energy industry is a major employer in the state, providing more than 85,000 jobs with an economic impact of $19 billion. Several of the nation's top energy producers are headquartered in Oklahoma City, including Devon Energy, Continental Resources and Chesapeake Energy. OKC is even leading the new energy landscape with innovative energy companies, such as Baker Hughes, which recently donated its research and innovation center located in the Oklahoma City Innovation District to Oklahoma State University. Now known as Hamm Institute for American Energy at OSU, the center houses new hands-on learning opportunities, allowing students to tackle real-world problems in a state-of-the-art facility. HOSPITALITY Oklahoma City’s increasing status as a visitor destination contributes strongly to this sector’s growing employment and impact on the region. In the Greater Oklahoma City region, more than 70,000 people are currently employed within the broader Accommodation and Food services sector. Over the past five years, total travel spending in Oklahoma County alone averaged $2.2 billion. During the pandemic, however, the industry suffered like the rest of the nation but has since rebounded as the economy has opened back up and people are feeling more comfortable about traveling and visiting various sites and attractions. LOGISTICS There’s a reason the Greater Oklahoma City region is such a great place for logistics: location. Located in the geographic center of North America, the U.S. and the growing south-central region. OKC sits at the junction of three of the nation’s major interstates (I-35, I-40 and I-44) and is equidistant from the east and west coasts and major trade partners of Canada and Mexico. From OKC, companies have access to more than 4 million people within a 2.5-hour drive, and the majority of the U.S. can be reached within a two-day trucking distance. Oklahoma City is the headquarters of Hobby Lobby, one of the largest retailers in the U.S. The arts and craft giant processes orders for all of its 900-plus national stores from its 10-million-square-foot distribution center in Oklahoma City. Amazon also has a huge footprint in OKC with 4.5 million square feet of distribution space following the expansion of
its fulfillment center in 2021. UPS and FedEX also have a large presence in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City is also home to Will Rogers World Airport - Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) 106. Companies located here have access to two Class 1 railways, close proximity to two inland ports, and the port of Houston is within 500 miles. RETAIL TRADE A growing economy and a diverse population with disposable income combine in Oklahoma City to create an environment that attracts major retail investment. With a strong corporate presence and residents with strong buying power, Oklahoma City generates 18% of the state’s total sales tax revenue. The metro has also spawned significant retail businesses and is the headquarters of national retailers Hobby Lobby, the largest privately owned arts-and-crafts retailer in the world operating in 47 states; Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores; and Sonic Drive-In, the largest chain of drive-in restaurants in the U.S. The increasingly diversified economy is due largely to the city’s entrepreneurial streak and a business environment that enables company success. There is a strong partnership among business, government, civic leaders and economic development partners that have led to significant growth and a quality-of-life renaissance unlike any other location in the United States. RESOURCES FOR JOB SEEKERS Has all this talk about OKC’s strengths inspired you to look at your career options here? We don’t blame you. With Oklahoma City consistently boasting one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, you may learn that finding a job here is relatively easy compared to other cities. That comes as no surprise as OKC has consistently received esteem for employment opportunities, including one of the best places for young entrepreneurs and best cities for job seekers. For full-time employment, the state offers OKJobMatch.com, a website where you can create or upload a résumé and search for jobs. The website also allows for Oklahoma employers to search for candidates just like you. A Better Life’s employment resources can help you find your fit in Oklahoma City’s job market. Resources includes a job board, internship listings, staffing agencies and industry-specific tools. View those and more at ABetterLifeOKC.com/Employment.
14 Oklahoma City Official Welcome Guide 2022
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