City is leading the new energy landscape with innovative energy companies and internationally known GE Global Research chose Oklahoma City as the home of its latest $110 million oil and gas technology center (now part of Baker Hughes, a GE company). Hospitality Oklahoma City’s increasing status as a visitor destination contributes strongly to this sector’s growing employment and impact on the region. This is the fastest-growing segment of employment with a 15 percent increase since 2012, bringing the current total employment in the region to 72,076. Total travel spending in Oklahoma County alone is $2.2 billion and non-transportation spending in this sector has risen 23.7 percent since 2010. Logistics There’s a reason the Greater Oklahoma City region is such a great place for logistics: Location. All major trade hubs and more than 411 million residents are within 1,800 miles of Oklahoma City. That means not only can you easily source materials and other inputs, you can get outputs to your customers profitably as well. 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 percent 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; Orange Leaf, one of the fastest- growing private companies in America; and Sonic Drive-In, the largest chain of drive-in restaurants in the United States. 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 has led to significant growth
There are hundreds of retailers in the city, from local shops to national chains.
22 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com
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