November Chamber Forum to spotlight economic impact of Tribal Nations in OKC

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s November Forum will explore Tribal Nations’ economic impact on central Oklahoma. Scheduled for November 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Petroleum Club, the forum will feature a panel of leaders from the Chickasaw, Cherokee and Citizen Potawatomi Nations.

According to the 2019 Oklahoma Native Impact report, Oklahoma tribes generated $15.6 billion in economic activity, a figure reflecting a significant impact across healthcare, education and entrepreneurship. In the Greater Oklahoma City area, nine Tribal Nations contribute to these sectors, supporting jobs and boosting the local economy.

Panelists include Jim Pollard, economic development director for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation; Bill Lance, Chickasaw Nation’s secretary of state; and Kimberly Teehee, congressional delegate and senior vice president of government relations for Cherokee Nation Businesses. Each will share insights into how their nations support Oklahoma’s economy, providing local jobs, wages, and new business ventures.

Recent developments by the Chickasaw and Citizen Potawatomi Nations illustrate this ongoing impact. The Chickasaw Nation’s OKANA resort near Oklahoma City is set for a Spring 2025 opening, bringing tourism and hospitality opportunities to the area. In Shawnee, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Iron Horse Industrial Park spans 700 acres, offering potential for manufacturing and direct access to Union Pacific Railroad, further enhancing regional industrial capacity.

Across Oklahoma, Tribal Nations support more than 113,000 jobs, paying $5.4 billion in wages and benefits and contributing $8.3 billion in direct production. These figures highlight the essential role of Tribal Nations in driving the state’s economy forward.

The November Chamber Forum will provide a space for discussing the region’s economic future and the vital contributions of Tribal Nations. Attendees can expect a close look at ongoing partnerships and the future of Tribal economic initiatives in central Oklahoma.