OKC business leaders meet with retailers, developers at ICSC Las Vegas

Business leaders and advocates recently made a case for Oklahoma City as a premiere location for retail and development at one of the nation’s largest conventions for the marketplace industry.

ICSC Las Vegas, an annual three-day gathering of dealmakers and industry experts, gave the delegation a chance to showcase the city’s opportunities, existing development, business incentives and growth.

Mayor David Holt hosted a lunch gathering to boast about OKC’s achievements and future, emphasizing that it’s a great place to shop, dine, work and play. Mayor Holt also highlighted Oklahoma City’s strong economy, community pride and growing population.

Greater Oklahoma City Chamber President and CEO Christy Gillenwater, and Kenton Tsoodle, president and CEO of the Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City, also attended the event and championed OKC as the place to be. More than 24,000 people and 820 exhibitors attended ICSC Las Vegas.

Tammy Fate, director of retail development and recruitment for the Chamber, said there was a lot of interest in OKC by developers, brokers and retailers. Though she can’t share specific details, OKC had more than 20 meetings with interested parties.

“Oklahoma City has one of the largest presences at the event,” Fate said. “It was an opportunity for [the city] to showcase our collaboration and to show that we have a strong partnership.”