Leadership Notes: Chamber sets ambitious goals for 2024, focusing on partnerships, federal advocacy and OKC’s visitor economy

Happy New Year! I am so excited about what this new year has in store for our community. The passage of the arena vote confirmed that OKC residents are ready to invest in a bright future for generations to come. That work has already begun. Here at the Chamber we are focusing on five key areas to take our growth to the next level.

First, we will complete our strategic plan and also identify funding mechanisms for its implementation. That means finishing Forward Oklahoma City VI a year early so we can start strong in 2025. Secondly, we will take a hard look at the issues keeping our community from achieving its loftiest goals. We must identify our deficiencies and work together to strengthen them.

Another area of focus is strategic partnerships, both inside and outside our state. These alliances are crucial to growing our industry clusters, particularly in bioscience, aerospace and energy. This year we will also expand our advocacy efforts at the federal level to ensure OKC can compete for grants and funding that support our strategic efforts. We’ll also continue to fight for a stronger business climate in our state.

Finally, tourism has also become a major economic driver for OKC. It also improves how people outside Oklahoma perceive us. Stepping foot in OKC is all it takes for someone to fall in love with this phenomenal city. I know I did after my first trip. This year, we will expand our marketing efforts to tell our story to as many people as possible.

I believe 2024 will be a watershed year, where we launch onto a new trajectory of growth and development. Thank you for your engagement and support as we work together to achieve these ambitious goals.