OCTOBER 2025 • OKCCHAMBER.COM
CLICK FOR FULL STORY KEEP OKC MOVING: THE PATH FORWARD THROUGH BOND 25
IN THIS ISSUE: 6
12 10 14 State of the Region: Business leaders explore data, growth and gaps in central Oklahoma OKC insider program builds community knowledge State of the Economy Q&A with Stephen Jury, J.P. Morgan Chase Building a path forward: How OKC is tackling homelessness together
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KEEP OKC MOVING:
Oklahoma City voters will decide Tuesday, Oct. 14, on OKC Bond 25, a $2.7 billion proposal that addresses core infrastructure needs across the city without raising the property tax rate. It is the largest bond package in city history. The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber has launched the Keep OKC Moving campaign to encourage voter support. “This bond issue addresses the city’s fundamental needs. We have to take care of the basics. OKC needs your YES vote on October 14th,” Mayor David Holt said. The package is split into 11 propositions that work together to fund the city’s most pressing needs. More than 75% of the total funding is dedicated to streets, bridges, transit and traffic systems, drainage control, police, fire and city facilities. More than half of the investment will go toward improving streets. Additional projects include parks and recreational facilities, libraries and learning centers, and economic and community development. If approved, the bond will help maintain past investments while meeting the demands of a growing city. "This bond issue addresses the city’s fundamental needs. We have to take care of the basics. OKC needs your YES vote on October 14th." - Mayor David Holt
VOTERS TO DECIDE ON RECORD BOND ISSUE
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On Election Day, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The vote will be a crucial step in the continued growth of OKC, and the outcome will impact the city’s infrastructure and quality of life for years to come. Voters who want to ensure a vibrant, sustainable future for OKC are encouraged to vote YES on all 11 propositions on both sides of the ballot. To remain informed and involved, explore the interactive project map at okc.gov/bond25 to see specific projects by location, type, funding source or address. For more information or to learn how to get involved in the Keep OKC Moving campaign, visit the official website at keepokcmoving.com or call 405-297-8942.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2025 NATIONAL COWBOY & WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM 11:30 A.M. TO 1:00 P.M.
REGISTER TODAY
LEADERSHIP NOTES
INVESTING IN OURSELVES, BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE No city does it quite like Oklahoma City. For decades, our residents have chosen to invest in themselves, and those decisions have reshaped our community. On Oct. 14, voters will consider the largest bond package in our city’s history—$2.7 billion, more than the total of every bond approved here since the 1930s. This bond will impact everyday life. Roads, bridges, sidewalks, public safety facilities and parks will all see upgrades without raising tax rates. These projects represent the core services that maintain our city and keep us moving forward. We have proof this approach works. The “Safer Streets, Better City” bond, approved in 2017, was structured as a 10-year program. Because of growth in property values, it was paid off three years early. That success demonstrates the strength of our local economy and the power of self-investment. The improvements from that bond issue are evident in the better quality of our streets and traffic systems, but there is more work to be done! Voting YES on October 14 is a vote of confidence in our future, and a commitment to maintaining our investments. I encourage you to Vote YES and share information about this election with your friends and associates. Together, we make Oklahoma City stronger, safer and better connected.
CHRISTY GILLENWATER President & CEO
READ CHRISTY’S VELOCITYOKC ONLINE STORY OF THE MONTH
CONTENTS 2 Keep OKC Moving: Voters to decide on record bond issue 8 How OKC businesses can use enhanced 45F childcare tax credit 12 OKC Insider program builds community knowledge 13 OKC FAME continues to grow as new cohort advances
Partnerships build pathways for OKC’s future workforce
VELOCITYOKC.COM/ CHRISTYSPICK
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UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR (Events are subject to change. Consult okcchamber.com/events for the most recent updates.) OCTOBER 30 Bioscience on Tap 4-6 p.m. Innovation Hall 316 NE 9th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73104 NOVEMBER 19 State of the Economy 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73111 DECEMBER 17 Annual Meeting 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73111 JANUARY 28 Legislative Kickoff 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. National Cowboy & Western
Business and civic leaders recently gathered for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s State of the Region event, which offered a clear, data-focused look at where Central Oklahoma stands—and where it needs to improve. The event featured a regional economic overview presented by Chamber President and CEO Christy Gillenwater. “We are all feeling this momentum, energy and excitement,” Gillenwater said. “There are so many wonderful things on the horizon, and there is always great work to be done” Gillenwater’s presentation highlighted population growth, labor force trends and industry strengths across the 10-county region, while calling attention to opportunities in direct air service, startup activity and job growth. Population growth concentrated in Central Oklahoma Data shows Central Oklahoma continues to drive the state’s population growth. Six of the 10 fastest-growing counties in Oklahoma are located within the Greater OKC region. Canadian County saw a 22% increase in population over the last five years, and McClain County followed closely with 21%. Cost of living remains a competitive advantage Among its aspirational and peer cities, OKC ranks as the most affordable in terms of cost of living. The rising home prices, however, are putting pressure on that advantage. The region is experiencing the fastest rate of home price growth. Gillenwater noted this underscores the need to address housing supply and affordability before pricing begins to erode OKC’s competitive edge. Steady job growth The OKC region holds a strong position in cost of living and median age among an aspirational and peer group of U.S. cities. However, the region ranks in the middle of the pack for job growth. The data suggests an opportunity for public and private sector leaders to focus on accelerating employment gains by investing in talent pipelines, infrastructure and workforce retention. STATE OF THE REGION: BUSINESS LEADERS EXPLORE DATA, GROWTH AND GAPS IN CENTRAL OKLAHOMA
Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St.
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Gillenwater pointed to aerospace and aviation, bioscience, manufacturing and professional services as key industry drivers. Aerospace growth continues to be fueled by Tinker Air Force Base and the FAA’s Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center. The Chamber’s recent industry study showed continued expansion in these areas, supported by strong ties to federal partners and private innovation. Higher education retention improving Oklahoma is seeing higher retention of college graduates than in past decades. According to regional four-year institutions, more than 80% of students remain in the state five years after graduation. The region supports nearly 130,000 students across 15 colleges and universities and nine CareerTech centers. Internships and industry partnerships were cited as key tools for building on that retention. Infrastructure and transportation pressures As the region grows, so do demands on its infrastructure. One in three workers in Central Oklahoma commutes across county lines. That puts pressure on roads, transit and workforce accessibility. Transit, walkability and bike scores remain areas for improvement. The Chamber is exploring policy solutions and employer surveys to guide future investments in transportation. Areas with room for growth OKC remains underconnected in terms of direct and international flights. Despite progress at Will Rogers International Airport, the city has fewer nonstop flights than nearly all competitive metros. A recent employer survey aims to better quantify demand to help make the case for additional service. The startup ecosystem was also flagged as an area for growth. OKC trails aspirational peers in entrepreneurial activity and access to startup support. Gillenwater called on business leaders to engage with emerging founders and strengthen mentorship and capital access. Public safety and regional collaboration Gillenwater closed by highlighting public safety as a top concern for residents and visitors alike. She called for continued cooperation across city and county lines, especially as the region adds residents, jobs and
attractions. She also stressed that long-term economic success depends on strong regional alignment—between businesses, educational institutions, governments and nonprofits. “We are ever grateful for the role business leaders play in our city. Advancing Greater Oklahoma City requires every leader rowing in the same direction each day. Whether you are teaching students, mentoring a coworker, expanding your business or investing in infrastructure for future growth, we need you,” Gillenwater said. “The opportunities for our region are significant, the momentum is real and our future will be even brighter with the involvement of every Oklahoma City resident.” Business leaders have a direct role in shaping Central Oklahoma’s future. To support job growth, infrastructure solutions and talent retention, the Chamber encourages employers to participate in surveys, continue to provide opportunities for the city, partner with other organizations for greater collaboration, and advocate for growth and improvement within OKC. For further information, visit www.okcchamber.com/ stateofregion.
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HOW OKC BUSINESSES CAN USE ENHANCED 45F CHILDCARE TAX CREDIT
Childcare access has become one of the most pressing workforce challenges in Oklahoma City. The Greater OKC Chamber’s childcare study found that many parents in the metro have had to reduce hours, turn down promotions or even leave their jobs because of limited options. These challenges affect both families and employers. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, businesses will have a new tool to help address this issue. The enhanced Employer- Provided Child Care Tax Credit (I.R.C. § 45F) allows employers to claim up to 40% of expenses, capped at $500,000, with an increased benefit of 50% of expenses up to $600,000 for small businesses with gross receipts under $31 million. Qualified expenses include childcare facilities, contracted slots, referral services and fees paid to third- party intermediaries. Employers can also pool resources to share costs, making the credit more practical for small and mid-sized businesses. For OKC businesses, this incentive connects directly to the workforce concerns highlighted in the Chamber’s study. By using federal tax credits, employers can improve retention, reduce turnover and strengthen support for working parents—without having to operate childcare facilities themselves. Employers can claim the credit using IRS Form 8882 and must keep contracts, invoices and licensing records.
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QUICK FACTS FROM THE CHAMBER'S 2023 CHILDCARE STUDY SUMMARY The childcare crisis costs the state of Oklahoma $1.2 billion in lost earnings, productivity and revenue each year. Access to Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programs has become increasingly difficult, creating a childcare crisis in which 55% of Oklahomans, including 68% of rural Oklahomans, live in a childcare desert. The average annual cost for infant care in Oklahoma County is about $11,080, while household income median is about $58,239 — making childcare a major expense relative to income. In the last five years, the local market has experienced a 3% reduction in the total number of childcare slots available in Oklahoma County.
• Read the Chamber’s full childcare study: Child Care Study Summary & Action Plan — Greater OKC Chamber.
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
Novel Optical 4 NE 10th St., PMB 219, OKC OK 73104-1402 Lowe Chiropractic 12304 N. May Ave, OKC OK 73120 Joy Rails OK, LLC Oklahoma Railway Museum, 3400 NE Grand Blvd., OKC OK 73111 ASTEC Charter Schools 2600 General Pershing Blvd., OKC OK 73107 Medline Industries, LP 8001 SW 47th Street, OKC OK 73179 SumnerOne 1710 N. Broadway Ave., OKC OK 73103 Kiddie Academy NW OKC 3100 NW 150th St, OKC OK 73134 LOREC Ranch Home Furnishings OG&E Coliseum, 301 Gordon Cooper Blvd. OKC OK 73107
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STATE OF THE ECONOMY Q&A WITH STEPHEN JURY, J.P. MORGAN CHASE
Stephen Jury will serve as the keynote speaker for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s State of the Economy event on November 19. As Vice Chairman of J.P. Morgan Private Bank and a Markets and Global Commodity Strategist, Stephen brings more than 40 years of experience in financial markets and a deep understanding of global economic trends. Based in New York, he leads efforts to deliver J.P. Morgan’s comprehensive macro, market and investment perspectives to clients, with a particular focus on commodities such as energy, metals and agriculture. His extensive background—spanning leadership roles across major financial institutions including Chemical Bank, HSBC, UBS and Tradex Capital Markets—positions him as an insightful voice on global market dynamics. In this Q&A, we get an inside look into Stephen’s expertise and insights he will share as keynote speaker at State of the Economy. Here’s what he shared with us: Q: What do you enjoy most about translating complex economic trends into insights people can use? A: Helping someone who is maybe confused or seeking advice come to us or me, and get to the point where, first, they understand what it is that we're trying to tell them, and secondly, they then act upon that advice. Lastly, it turns out to be a positive exercise where they make money, and in some cases, like this year, a lot of money is on some of the advice that we've given them. That is very satisfying. Q: Is it difficult to navigate the ups and downs of the markets when offering advice? A: When I first came to this side of the business, there were a couple of occasions where we had given advice to clients, and it was heading in the wrong direction. I found that to be very stressful, but then I realized that people's patience and their longer-term ability to stay with the trend is sometimes greater than you might imagine. However, that's because when people start to lose money, they pretend those trades don't exist, and they go into denial. Then, over time, those trends, turn around; they become profitable again. I'd like not to think that's the case, but I tend to think in the back of my
mind that that might be a factor. Q: How does your international experience shape the way you view the U.S. economy and the opportunities ahead? A: I think it helps a lot, and the reason it helps is because I'm not trapped in a specific way of thinking. Americans especially have negative views on what's happening here. But if you travel extensively and you work in different places, you get a better world view, so, you can translate on a relatively different basis. I recently gave a presentation said to people there, you must understand that everything is relative. It's not just about what's happening in the U.S. Finance moves to an international, global marketplace, and that cash can move quickly. The big players are looking at everything on a relative basis. So, you don't want to fall in the trap of looking at just the U.S. or just the state that you live in, or the city that you live in. The world's a pretty place. Finance tends to ignore sentiment or negative sentiment from people who are naysayers, and by the fact that equity markets continue to go significantly higher this year in what would appear to be a very highly charged political environment. And so, having that international experience helps to view it in a more dispassionate lens. Q: You speak at many economic forums across the country. What excites you about visiting OKC and speaking to this audience? A: I live in a city that is very removed from life in Oklahoma. There are people here that think it's strange that somebody like me would go to a place like
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Oklahoma. There are lots of people that have never been to Oklahoma and will never go to Oklahoma. For me to have made those trips and to have met people in that state, I find them to be tremendously welcoming, very friendly and interesting. I enjoy interacting with people there, and it's one of my favorite places to visit. Quite honestly, as you travel around the United States, there are places where it's not as much fun, safe, or intellectually interesting. I'm also someone who enjoys going to places where I feel that I'm in America, as opposed to a state or a city that rejects being American. Some of the appeal of traveling to Oklahoma is that I feel I'm in the American homelands, and that's appealing to me. Q: What’s one common misconception about the economy or economists that you’d love to set the record straight on? A: It’s easy to sound smart when you’re saying that the economy is going to crash, and equities are going to go down. There are many people who have created a competitive industry saying that doom is coming. But the reality is that in a democracy, we are looking to grow markets and economies, and we are seeking to improve everybody’s life — and you do that through economic growth. The trend is for things to be better. One of the misconceptions is that things are about to turn bad all the time. They’re just not. That’s not how things work. You need to have a more optimistic outlook, I think — especially when you’re investing — because it’s about being patient and understanding that democracies and economic growth will create wealth for you if you’re patient and have a systematic approach to investing. I’m acutely aware of the idea that working in finance doesn’t provide a social benefit. But it does, in a way, because it helps people grow their wealth. Helping
people grow their wealth has benefits. You could be cynical about it, but at the end of the day, if you can improve the lives of families and the generations that come after them, that has to be a social benefit. Q: What do you hope attendees take away from your understanding of where we are and where we're going. People ask me, “How can I buy equities here when they're at all-time highs?” or “How can I buy gold here when it's at all-time highs?” You don't want to worry about where things have come from. You want to worry about where things are going to so I want to get people to think about the world in terms of what the opportunities and risks are going forward, and how to be prudent about managing those risks. Hopefully, the advice and the data will help them to have a better understanding about how we think we're going to move forward over the next 12 months, if not longer. Q: What do you want the audience to know in anticipation for State of the Economy? A: I’m not an economist—I’m a strategist. keynote at this year’s State of the Economy? A: I want them to come away with a better While I didn’t study economics—I find sitting around very smart people who are economists very intellectually interesting. But they get it wrong a lot. The reason they get it wrong is because economics is really about trying to predict human behavior. Human behavior determines how economies perform. We can try to shape that behavior through direct and government policy, but sometimes humans can be very surprising. They can be more resilient or less resilient. They can fold very quickly, become scared and run for the hills. At the end of the day, how all those human beings act is what determines how economies do. Trying to predict that is incredibly difficult. That’s one of the misconceptions about this field — it’s not easy. You may listen to me, and I could be completely wrong. You have to remember that just because we have all the data and look at all the trends and momentum, that doesn’t necessarily mean the hopes, fears, greed, or caution of all those humans will translate into markets and economies moving in the ways we expect. People can be very surprising — and that’s another big misconception people have.
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OKC INSIDER PROGRAM BUILDS COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE
Visit Oklahoma City is inviting local businesses and hospitality professionals to take part in its free OKC Insider Destination Training program. The goal is to give anyone who interacts with visitors the confidence and tools to share what OKC has to offer.
The program is open to servers, hotel staff, attraction employees, meeting venue staff and others who often answer the question: What is there to do in OKC? The training consists of four online modules, which take about 60 minutes to complete. Participants can complete the modules in one sitting or in sections. Graduates earn certification as an OKC Insider. Certified Insiders gain knowledge of local attractions, dining and events, along with opportunities for professional growth. Benefits include quarterly Insider events at local attractions, networking opportunities, access to Visit OKC’s events calendar and professional development courses.
Additional perks include an OKC Insider certificate and lapel pin, invitations to “Insiders on Tour” events that let graduates experience the city as a visitor, and recognition opportunities such as the OKC Insider of the Year at Visit OKC’s Hometown Hero Award Ceremony.
Graduates can also access further professional development through the online Tourism Academy and receive a monthly newsletter with updates and resources. To learn more or register, visit Visit OKC’s Insider training page.
Residents explore Oklahoma City landmarks as Visit OKC invites local hospitality and service professionals to become certified OKC Insiders through its free destination training program.
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As part of its ongoing workforce development efforts, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber launched OKC FAME in fall 2024 to support the region’s growing manufacturing sector. As Oklahoma’s first chapter of the nationally recognized Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME), the program offers a two-year degree in engineering technology from Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City, coupled with best-in-class manufacturing core curriculum from FAME, to provide students with technical and professional learning and real-world manufacturing experience. The 2024 Cohort is now in its final two semesters, with five Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) candidates, who will graduate from the program in May of 2026. The 2025 cohort launched in August and is now nearly halfway through its first semester with its latest group of students. This class features seven students working with three employers: Climate Control Group, IDEX and AAE, which joined the program this year. Lee Copeland, director of talent and business growth at the Chamber, shared his insight on the program. “It’s exciting to see the numerical growth of this year’s cohort, alongside the professional growth of the students in their second year of the program,” Copeland said. “Knowing that similar growth in technical knowledge, professional presence and industry expertise is really exciting.” The program is also looking for new employer partners, Copeland shared. “We are continuing to seek new employer partners to join our chapter and begin to work on growing their own high-tech talent. Our hope is to add three or four new employers and double our enrollment by the launch of the 2026 cohort.” The FAME model pairs classroom instruction with paid, hands-on experience at local companies. Students split their time between coursework and on- the-job training while learning additional skills tied to production, manufacturing, maintenance and more. “OSU-OKC started this FAME chapter with the idea of bringing in students who can gain both educational OKC FAME CONTINUES TO GROW AS NEW COHORT ADVANCES
experience and work experience while getting paid,” said OSU-OKC Engineering Technologies Department Head Dr. Oscar Rodriguez, program leader. “These are students who are trainable and will be a good fit for the company that they work for. On top of their normal coursework, they receive special Instruction from the Toyota Production system, which provides them skills on top of their education that have to do with safety, quality production, manufacturing, problem solving, maintenance and reliability. Those are things that we add to the program.” The Chamber supports OKC FAME as a tool to develop OKC’s manufacturing workforce. With each new cohort, demand grows for more employers to join the program and provide students with training opportunities. Manufacturers who partner with OKC FAME gain access to a pipeline of motivated, trained workers while helping shape the skills students bring to the workplace. Interested companies can connect with the Chamber or OSU-OKC to learn how to get involved. OKC FAME is not only an opportunity for employers; it’s a transformative pathway for students looking to launch a career in modern manufacturing. Whether students are just out of high school, looking to upskill or pursuing a career change, OKC FAME offers a unique combination of education and experience that prepares them for in-demand roles in Oklahoma’s growing manufacturing sector. For more information, visit the OKC FAME website, OSU-OKC’s website or contact Lee Copeland, director of talent programs and partnerships at the Chamber, via phone at 405-297-8803 or via email at lcopeland@ okcchamber.com.
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Homelessness continues to affect thousands of people in Oklahoma City, but coordinated efforts across sectors are showing signs of progress. Public, private and nonprofit organizations are working together to connect people to housing, services and long-term support. An important step was the launch of the Key to Home Partnership in April 2023. More than 50 organizations now collaborate to prevent homelessness and strengthen the response system. The partnership follows a housing first approach, aiming to make homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring. That model helped slow the increase in homelessness, even as other cities have seen sharper rises. At the core of the effort is the Key to Home board, which sets yearly goals. Action teams—made up of service providers, people with lived experience and other stakeholders—develop and test strategies. Regular feedback and data reporting guide adjustments and improvements. In Key to Home’s 2025 Point-in-Time count, 1,882 people were experiencing homelessness within the city. Of those, 433 were chronically homeless, 421 were unsheltered and 128 were veterans. Though the overall number increased by 2.4% from 2024, it was a significant slowdown from the 28% rise the year before. The chronic unsheltered homelessness dropped by 33%, signaling progress in reaching people with the greatest needs. BUILDING A PATH FORWARD: HOW OKC IS TACKLING HOMELESSNESS TOGETHER
The importance of reworking the system The city and its partners are shifting from a crisis response model toward a prevention and housing- focused system. Instead of simply expanding shelter capacity, the aim is to reduce the number of people entering the system and increase the number moving out of it. This long-term goal, often called "inverting the funnel," is guided by three strategies: 1. Prevention and diversion, which reduces the number of people who become homeless. 2. Housing exits increase the number who leave the system into permanent housing. 3. System balance leads to an equilibrium of exits with inflow, stabilizing the system.
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A KEY TO HOME PARTNERSHIP SUCCESS STORY
The Diversion and Rapid Exit Pilot, launched recently, addresses the rising number of people entering homelessness. It helps individuals quickly identify safe alternatives without relying on shelters. The power of a shared responsibility Addressing homelessness requires more than policy changes. It takes sustained cooperation between local government, service providers, property owners, businesses and residents. The city proves that steady investment and collaboration lead to measurable outcomes. For residents and businesses alike, the message is clear: OKC is not standing still. By choosing to invest in coordinated solutions and rallying the community, the city is working toward a future where everyone has a safe place to call home.
The Encampment Rehousing Initiative has become a central strategy. The approach starts with outreach teams building trust with people living in encampments. Meanwhile, landlord engagement teams secure housing and rental support. Partner organizations furnish apartments and supply basic needs. Once housed, people receive 12 months of case management to help stabilize their lives. The final step: encampment sites are cleaned and secured. Results so far: • 25 encampments closed • 444 people moved into housing • 93% of individuals engaged accepted housing • 43% decrease in targeted population over two years Sustaining Progress With the Encampment Rehousing Initiative expected to house 500 people by the end of 2025, the focus will shift to maintaining progress. That means continued investment in outreach, housing, staffing and case management to support those who remain unsheltered. To strengthen exits, the city is: • Sustaining housing units added through Encampment Rehousing • Expanding permanent supportive housing through MAPS 4 • Increasing participation in the Landlord Engagement Team, making housing access faster and more efficient
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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
Kiddie Academy of Northwest OKC Educational Services Dr. Christy Kastl...........................(405) 500-2996 3100 NW 150th Street 430 E. Covell Road Edmond, OK 73034-4136 http://kiddieacademy.com/academies/ northwest-oklahoma-city Magnolia Dental Center Dentists Dr. Chad Blackburn.....................(405) 283-8158 3108 NW 150th Street, Suite 100 8509 NW 109th street Oklahoma City, OK 73162-3020 ASSOCIATE America's Incredible Pizza Company Amusement / Entertainment / Attractions Meeting / Banquet Facilities Restaurants Ms. Jessica Burns.......................(405) 728-8360 5833 N.W. Expressway Warr Acres, OK 73132-5240 www.incrediblepizza.com
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Schools - Private Mrs. Mary Joyce..........................(405) 842-6638 801 NW 50th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73118-6001 www.bmchs.org
Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Foundation Educational Services Nonprofit / Service Agencies Ms. Carrie Williams.......................(405) 429-4219
2915 N. Classen Blvd., Suite 400 Oklahoma City, OK 73106-5488 www.okschoolreadiness.org
CORE
GDF Financial Real Estate - Commercial Real Estate Investment Mr. Glenn Fredrickson..................(405) 906-3111 P.O. Box 3224 Edmond, OK 73083-3224 www.gdffinancial.com GME Office Technology Business Machines Information Technology - Consulting Mr. Richard Cobb............................(405) 917-1978
Slick City South OKC Amusement / Entertainment / Attractions Sports Complexes & Entertainment Centers Mr. Brett Huckins...........................(817) 658-3403 1609 Penn Park Blvd., Suite 4
Truck Yard Restaurants Mr. Bryan Maldonado..................(817) 937-0636 240 Centennial Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73104-4211 truckyard.com
Oklahoma City, OK 73159-5936 https://slickcity.com/ok-south-okc/ Ten Key Remodels
Home Improvement / Remodeling / Repairs Ms. Rebecca Muller....................(405) 531-9095 3180 W. Britton Road
304 N. Meridian Ave., Suite 13 Oklahoma City, OK 73107-6535 www.generalmailing.com
3120 W. Britton Road, Suite 202 Oklahoma City, OK 73120-2038 tenkeyremodels.com
MEMBER UPGRADES 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.
PARTNER+ National Reining Horse Association Associations / Membership Organizations Mr. Billy Smith................................(405) 946-7400 3021 W. Reno Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73107 www.nrha.com
Wiggin Properties, LLC Real Estate - Commercial Mr. Charles E. Wiggin................(405) 842-0100 5801 N. Broadway Extension, Suite 302 Oklahoma City, OK 73118-7491 www.wigginprop.com
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ECONOMIC INDICATORS
OKLAHOMA COMPANIES EXPORTED MORE THAN $7.7 BILLION IN GOODS SERVICES OKLAHOMA EXPORT VALUE BY COUNTRY
10-year growth
Share of Total Trade
Country
2024 exports
1-Year Growth
CANADA
$1,853,510,656 $721,041,434 $606,399,860 $467,361,424 $388,838,077 $356,050,397 $312,905,327 $304,843,481 $248,289,142 $246,569,249 $227,428,340 $2,012,473,495
-1.0% 21.4% -3.6% 45.3%
18% 18%
24%
GERMANY
9% 8% 6% 5% 5% 4% 4% 3% 3% 3%
MEXICO
7%
NETHERLANDS
189% 329%
BRAZIL JAPAN
208.3%
35.7% 31.3%
56%
AUSTRALIA SINGAPORE
158%
47.1%
34%
SAUDI ARABIA
261.3%
137% 120%
UNITED KINGDOM
17.3%
NORWAY
35.2% 10.9%
1302%
ALL OTHERS
13.3%
26%
Source: Oklahoma Commerce Global Report 2024.
• Oklahoma’s Top Export Categories are: - Industrial Machinery and Parts - Aircraft, Spacecraft and Parts - Electric Machinery • 64,700 Oklahomans are employed by 608 foreign- owned companies.
• Oklahoma experienced a growth in export trade with all our top trade countries over the last year, except for two. • $3.6 billion capital investment came into Oklahoma from Foreign Direct Investment over the past five years.
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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CLAYTON I. BENNETT Dorchester Capital Vice Chair, Strategic Planning BOB FUNK, JR. Express Employment Professionals 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 BILL LANCE The Chickasaw Nation Vice Chair, Convention and Visitors Development JENNY LOVE MEYER Love’s Travel Stops Vice Chair, Marketing and Communications 2025 OFFICERS
TERESA ROSE, JD Communities Foundation of Oklahoma Board Chair MICHAEL F. ROSS INSURICA / American Fidelity Assurance Company Corporate Chair-Elect SEAN TRAUSCHKE OGE Energy Corp. Immediate Past Chair
RICK MUNCRIEF Devon Energy Corporation Vice Chair, Innovation and Life Sciences 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 #3607 - October 2025 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,
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VOTE YES TUESDAY Voting yes on Tuesday will bring $2.7 billion in improvements to our city infrastructure WITHOUT RAISING TAX RATES.
• Better streets • Safer bridges • Traffic systems • Drainage control • Public safety 75% of the money in this bond issue is for these
city infrastructure needs. Vote YES on both sides of the ballot on Tuesday and KEEP OKC MOVING.
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