Dennis Pruitt, senior vice president of economic development at the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, brings more than two decades of experience across local, regional and international markets. From city planning in Kansas to foreign investment strategy in Missouri, his background is rooted in collaboration, preparation and results.
Oklahoma City ranked No. 1 lowest unemployment rate in April among the 56 U.S. metropolitan areas with a population of over 1 million, signaling strength in the local economy. The metro’s 2.3% unemployment rate was down from 3.0% in March.
Wheeler Bio announced its successful completion of an oversubscribed Series A-1 financing round, meaning the Oklahoma City-based company attracted more investor interest and funding offers than initially sought, a strong indicator of confidence in the company’s growth and potential. The $35 million round was led by Alloy Therapeutics and Echo Investment Capital (Echo), with additional participation from Mitsubishi Corp. (Americas), Germin8 Ventures and Russell Westbrook Enterprises.
The Greater OKC Chamber research team recently met with Shawnee city leadership to share that more than 1,700 businesses and 16,000 employees may have been impacted by the storm.
The Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program will provide up to $15 million in funding to companies with new projects that lead to diversification, market expansion or supply chain resiliency.
The OKC Latino Accelerator offers local entrepreneurs an opportunity to receive funding and assistance in building up their business. A $15,000 non-dilutive grant, working space at the Oklahoma City Thunder Launchpad and mentorship from industry experts will be awarded to the program’s selected participants.
For the month of November, Oklahoma City MSA unemployment improved from the previous month, from 3.3% to 2.8%.
Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business has launched its new Center for the Future of Work. The center’s mission is to collaborate with individuals, businesses and local communities to establish networks which benefit from technological innovations.
