City's underlying potential for growth remains strong

These past few months we all know have been filled with uncertainty and difficulty for many Oklahomans, but we are definitely seeing signs that our city’s underlying potential for growth remains strong.

When you consider the long-term economic outlook for the city, our momentum remains. Economic development activity has not slowed, and the Chamber is working with 65 active economic development projects. These projects include aerospace, back office and distribution and logistics projects – and the calls keep coming.

Oklahoma City has so much to offer companies with a pro-business environment that builds dynamic partnerships and innovative collaborations with companies, universities, not-for-profit organizations and government leaders.

The proof of this good news can be seen in two significant announcements since the beginning of the pandemic. Retail giant Costco announced in May their intentions to move their e-commerce and travel back-office operation here and with it 1,500 jobs in the next five years. Skydweller, a cutting-edge drone manufacturer designed for the defense industry, announced they would headquarter here and bring lucrative engineering jobs, building our rapidly growing aerospace industry.

One thing that has been readily noticeable even through these times is the eagerness of Oklahoma City businesses to return to work. In many cases businesses adapted and adjusted their operations to stay in front even when the pandemic’s grip was at its tightest.

Recent reports have OKC at No. 1 in the United States for approval rate and disbursements for Paycheck Protection Program loans. Local banks worked in partnership with businesses, rolled up their sleeves, burned the midnight oil and worked non-stop to get OKC businesses in step with the aid requirements at both the local and federal levels. A hearty congratulations to all.

There is great value to our shared commitment to making Oklahoma City one of the greatest cities in the United States. It is definitely a time to keep our foot on the gas as we write our city’s next chapter in its proud history.

Sincerely,

Roy H. Williams, CCE
Chamber CEO & President

This story originally appeared in the July 2020 edition of The Point.