Greater OKC Chamber's economic development department's growth efforts in 2024

2024 was a standout year for economic development in Greater Oklahoma City, marked by substantial growth and the diversification of job opportunities across multiple sectors. 

2024 Economic Development Numbers 

• 100 Greater Oklahoma City Chamber-Assisted projects (including both Recruitment and BRE) 
• 5,888 total jobs 
• $61,029 average wage 
• $359,340,975 total payroll 
• $664,865,000 total capex 
• $33,461,360 local tax revenue 

Chamber assisted companies announced plans for the creation of nearly 6,000 jobs in industries ranging from aerospace, manufacturing, transportation, professional services and more.  

Highlights include MyDefense A/S, a Danish aerospace technology manufacturer, expanding to OKC, and Nortek Data Center Cooling creating 400 new jobs.  

The Chamber also continued to focus resources on preparing Oklahoma City's workforce for the future. Oklahoma City is rapidly evolving into a hub for talent development, with a strong focus on preparing individuals for the demands of a dynamic economy. 

The Chamber launched the state’s first chapter of FAME in partnership with three employers and OSU-OKC, which invested $1.4 million to create the Advanced Manufacturing Lab. OKCFAME offers local students classroom education and hands-on experience for careers in advanced manufacturing. 

The Chamber's 2024 Business & Talent survey also revealed key trends employers are focused on in their future workforce: 

• New jobs in 2025 will demand talent in professional, customer service, and engineering roles. 
• There's a growing emphasis on "soft" skills across industries. 
• Employers seek critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication from K-12 students. 
• Problem-solving, tech skills, and project management are valued in higher education graduates. 
• Employers want to engage with K-12 institutions to raise awareness of industry opportunities. 

Oklahoma City’s Retail Transformation and Growing Appeal as a Destination for Shoppers and Investors 

Oklahoma City’s retail scene is undergoing an exciting transformation, fueled by high-profile developments like OAK and OKANA. These landmark projects are reshaping the market, bringing exciting new possibilities for businesses and enhancing the city's retail environment. 

Several major announcements and openings have contributed to this transformation, with highly anticipated dining experiences, attractions and retail markets making their way to Oklahoma City. This includes the upscale dining destination Capital Grille, Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão, Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, the Truck Yard and Andretti’s Indoor Karting & Games, as well as retailers like Urban Outfitters, Pottery Barn and Dick’s House of Sports. 

A major part of Oklahoma City’s retail recruitment strategy is telling OKC’s story to the nation through trade shows and speaking engagements at key industry events. In 2024, the Chamber took part in more than 15 such events, including ICSC Las Vegas and ICSC NY. At the ICSC event in Las Vegas, Mayor David Holt was in attendance and the Chamber hosted a luncheon with more than 50 retail professionals from Oklahoma City. This gathering not only underscored the city’s expanding retail presence but also demonstrated its importance in shaping national retail trends. 

2024 highlighted Oklahoma City's rapid rise as a retail hub. With the addition of more premium offerings, the city is increasing its appeal as a top destination for both shoppers and investors looking to tap into a growing market. 

The Chamber Relaunches Life Science Oklahoma

Last year the Oklahoma life science industry relaunched its industry association, Life Science Oklahoma (LSOK). The association is now based at the Chamber and led by Executive Director Michelle Gregory. 

Formerly known as OKBIO, LSOK has a new format and a renewed focus to support businesses and organizations within the Oklahoma life sciences and healthcare communities. 

Oklahoma boasts more than $316 million in annual bio-related university and biomedical institution R&D expenditure and is home to over 563 bio-related establishments. The sector supports more than 31,000 workers and is experiencing a 10% employment growth. 

Life Science Oklahoma will be an important advocate for the state’s dynamic and diverse life sciences and healthcare communities. It is committed to bringing national and international awareness to key areas of the state’s biotech, drug manufacturing, agricultural science, veterinary medicine and healthcare industries, including therapeutics, diagnostics and biomanufacturing; medical and health technologies; and health and clinical care.