Unlocking economic potential with the SITES Ready Program

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is set to energize economic development and site selection with the launch of the SITES Ready Program. This innovative initiative empowers local communities across the state, providing them with a game-changing tool to enhance their economic development capacity. The program focuses on understanding and leveraging current capabilities, as well as guiding communities toward sustainable growth strategies. 

 Key Features of the SITES Ready Program 

• Empowering Local Communities: The SITES Ready Program recognizes the pivotal role local communities play in economic development and site selection. By placing them at the forefront, the program aims to empower these communities to understand, expand and leverage their economic development capacity. 
• Strategic Pathways: The program offers insights on how communities can either expand their existing capacity or pivot to another strategic path. This flexibility ensures that communities can tailor their economic development strategies to meet their unique needs and goals. 
• Attract, Retain and Expand Business Landscape: SITES Ready is designed to guide communities in attracting, retaining and expanding their business landscape. By aligning with modern expectations for site/industrial park readiness, communities can position themselves for sustained growth and investment. 
• Free and Fully Funded: The SITES Ready Program is entirely funded by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, making it a valuable resource at no cost to participating communities. This commitment underscores the state's dedication to fostering economic resilience and success. 
• InSite Recommendations: Participants in the program will receive recommendations on enhancing and marketing their community's assets from InSite Site Selection Group, adding a professional perspective to the community's development efforts. 

 SITES Ready Program Benefits and Results

• Inclusive Participation: All local economic development organizations (LEDOs) in Oklahoma can participate. 
• There is no cost to the community. 
• Site selection firms and clients across the country know the reference SITES Ready. 
• Proven Results: InSite guided programs have demonstrated significant success, including $18 billion in capital investment, the creation of 24,220 jobs, and substantial increases in site visits, project submissions, and client-requested visits for participating regions and communities. 

SITES Ready Rollout Sessions

The program rollout sessions are scheduled across various locations across the state. Participants can register for sessions on the following dates: 

Enid: Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. 

Coweta: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. 

McAlester: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. 

Duncan: Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. 

Click here for more location details and to register.