August 13, 2009 -- The Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Tulsa Metro Chamber are in New York City this week as part of an effort to recruit economic activity to Oklahoma. The Tulsa World reports Gov. Brad Henry and Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor hosted a reception after the opening night of Tulsa Ballet's return to the Big Apple.
The ballet company is performing through Sunday at New York City's Joyce Theater, the only theater devoted entirely to dance. This is the company's first New York performance in 25 years, reports the World. August 4, 2009 -- The Oklahoma Department of Commerce recently spoke with Sandy Pratt, Deputy Director for Business Services, about wind industry expansion in the state.
Q: Wind energy seems to be a leading contender to replace fossil fuels in the future. Do you think Oklahoma businesses are equipped to support it? August 3, 2009 - Area Development Magazine and Site Selection Magazine recently profiled Oklahoma's economy as being a place of calm in an economic storm.
The July issue of Site Selection Magazine looks at several components of Oklahoma's economy including several recent expansions, a growing investment in wind power capacity, and quality of life. Click here to read the full article An Energized Approach to Growth.
Area Development Magazine explores how Oklahoma's aerospace and alternative energy industries have provided stability in a turbulent economy. Click here to read the full article Oklahoma: Aerospace and Alternative Energy Provide Stability in Turbulent Economy. July 20, 2009 – The Oklahoma Business Roundtable recently elected Tom Maxwell, Flintco Cos., as Chairman of the organization. Don Walker, Arvest Bank, has been named secretary-treasurer.
Other executive committee members include Ken Lackey, NORDAM Group; and Robert A. Ridge, ConocoPhillips, Bartlesville.
Mike Neal, Tulsa Metro Chamber, serves as an ex-officio member. July 10, 2009 - Oklahoma State University radio station KOSU recently spoke to Sheri Stickley, Deputy Director for Strategic Planning and Initiatives, about how the Oklahoma Department of Commerce is teaming up with state businesses to lure Californians back to Oklahoma.
Click here to listen to the KOSU story  The Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the State of Oklahoma are featured in a new video from The Economic Report as part of its Leaders in Economic Development series. The business news/feature report is hosted by CBS Sports personality Greg Gumbel and shines a spotlight on Oklahoma as a desirable place to live and do business. The advertorial will air 19 times in 15 CNN Headline News and Regional News markets as well as on the Fox Business Network.
June 17, 2009 -- Oklahoma industries have a voracious appetite for engineers, with the demand projected to grow well into the future. With that in mind, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce recently created a short video to inspire Oklahoma's middle school students to enter the field of engineering.
This video uses colorful, animated graphics to capture the aspirations of a new generation.
What were seen as sticky equations are now viewed as tangible objects and an opportunity to create and stretch the limits of invention. By bridging the gap between art and science, more Oklahoma students will say, "I am an engineer."
Click here to view "I am an Engineer"
June 15, 2009 - Oklahoma's Project Boomerang was the subject of a recent article by Southwest Publishing which includes several Oklahoma City area publications.
Project Boomerang is an initiative to attract highly-skilled workers and bring talented former Oklahomans back home.
 Recent Boomerang article featured in several Oklahoma City area publications
Related Content:
Project Boomerang Website June 5, 2009 - Oklahoma City television station KWTV recently spoke to Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce & Tourism Natalie Shirley about Oklahoma's Quality Jobs program.
Oklahoma's successful Quality Jobs incentive program promotes job growth and helps improve your company's bottom line by injecting cash back into your business as you expand and create new jobs in Oklahoma.
KWTV interview with Secretary Natalie Shirley
KWTV report on Quality Jobs Program
May 22, 2009 -- To help Oklahoma companies remain healthy and to help them prosper and create new jobs, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce has partnered with state utilities to invest in Executive Pulse, a state-of-the-art business intelligence system that helps communities make better, strategic decisions about how to best apply economic, workforce and community development resources.
"The challenges our businesses and communities face in today's economy make this the perfect time for us to take aggressive steps to help Oklahoma retain and expand its existing industry," says Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce Natalie Shirley. "With the financial support of our valued partners -- Oklahoma Gas and Electric, Oklahoma Natural Gas, and Public Service Company of Oklahoma -- we are able to offer communities a tool that not only gives them critical data about their companies but also reporting that provides valuable insight and direction for delivering programs and services to facilitate business expansion." |  Engage
Oklahoma
is an economic development guide developed through a partnership between the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Journal Record, and public and private sponsors statewide. The annual publication provides a snapshot of
Oklahoma
's business and economic triumphs and victories.
This year's theme --- The Power of 10 --- gives readers a quick, easy-to-read glimpse at some of the businesses and people that make Oklahoma tick.
Engage Oklahoma's lists of ten are by no means definitive. It's next to impossible to share all the wonderful and exciting business opportunities found throughout our great state.
To obtain a hard copy, please contact Tamara Price with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and provide her your mailing address.
2009 Engage Oklahoma Magazine  In FY 2008, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce worked with legislators and its economic, community, and workforce development partners across the state to create more than 15,000 new jobs; oversee the planned investment of $1.9 billion in Oklahoma; help create a highly educated and highly skilled workforce ready for a knowledge-based economy; land significant company relocations with 58% in rural areas; and improve the quality of life for all Oklahomans.
All the details can be found in the agency's 2008 Commerce Performance Report
To assist more families and provide addional energy conservation improvements, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce established the Energy Conservation Assistance Fund (ECAF). Besides energy savings for low-income families, the weatherization of 1,400 homes each year across the state creates local jobs and annually funnels millions of dollars into Oklahoma's economy. The purchase of materials used in weatherization support local manufacturers and businesses in every county. For every $1 invested in the program, weatherization returns $1.53 in energy-related benefits. With your donation to ECAF, you can help ensure this valuable service is available for eligible Oklahomans. Also, you and your company may receive a 50% tax credit against your Oklahoma tax liability. Please send your check to: Energy Conservation Assistance Fund, Community Development Division, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, 900 N. Stiles, Oklahoma City, OK 73126. For more information, call 800-879-6552. More on the Weatherization Assistance Program | 
