2014 Issue 1

IN THIS ISSUE

2014 ISSUE 1

Economic IndicatorsWhat Makes Us the Best for Business p. 2

Upcoming EventsDoing Business in China p. 11

Business NewsTown Sees 17% Sales Tax Increase in One Year p. 6

Whirlpool Launches New Premium Cooking Product at Tulsa Divison p. 3

Community NewsCDBG Funds Awarded for 2014 p. 9

Holdenville Awarded Block Grant p. 9

Workforce NewsHiring Event Planned at Fort Sill for Oklahoma Military Members p. 4

Main Street NewsFireball Run Comes to Enid & Ardmore p. 8

Develop, Innovate, Prosper

Savings on the way for Oklahoma Employers in 2015Unemployment tax rates continue to decrease Most state employers can expect to pay lower unemployment taxes in 2015. Tax rates for all Oklahoma employers will be dropping to the minimum rate available for that individual employer due to a stronger unemployment insurance (UI) trust fund and lower UI benefit payments over the past few years. These lower tax rates are estimated to save Oklahoma businesses between $120 million and $130 million next year. The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) uses the UI trust fund to pay regular state unemployment benefits to qualified workers. The UI trust fund is funded through taxes paid by Oklahoma employers.

Employers pay into the UI trust fund based on their individual experience with the unemployment system, meaning businesses that have former employees collecting unemployment benefits will pay more than those that do not. Each year, OESC calculates individual employer contribution rates for the following year based on a number of variables, including past total benefits payments and the UI trust fund balance. This calculation sets the rate schedule used to determine individual contribution rates. For 2015, OESC will be using the minimum rate schedule available to

employers under state law. Individual businesses will be notified of their 2015 rates in September.

“OESC continues to work closely with businesses, community leaders and state lawmakers to ensure that our state workforce system serves employers in the most effective and efficient way possible,” said OESC Executive Director Richard McPherson. “It’s this collaboration that allows Oklahoma to stay on the forefront of workforce issues.”

“Reforms that have brought increased efficiency to the state’s workforce system are already generating savings for Oklahoma employers, and I’m pleased to hear unemployment tax rates will be even lower next year,” said Senator Dan Newberry, R-Tulsa. “These measures have allowed Oklahoma employers to cut their unemployment costs while protecting unemployed workers. We want employers to be able to reinvest in Oklahoma, generating even more economic opportunity and job growth.”

Continued on page 5

page 8

page 6

page 3

Economic Indicators: What Makes Us The BEST FOR BUSINESS

$100 =Oklahoma $111.23

California $88.57

New Jersey $87.64

New York $86.66

Illinois $99.40

Texas $103.63

Average price per regular gallon of gas in the U.S. is $3.47 but in Oklahoma is only $3.30

Corporate Income Tax Rates:

Oklahoma 6%California 8.84%New Jersey 9% New York 7.1% $3.306%

The Relative Value of $100; Which states offer the biggest bang for your buck?

http://1.usa.gov/1gZaJoHhttp://bit.ly/1rxcgoR fuelgaugereport.com

Average price of electricity in the U.S. for industrial use is 7.38c but in Oklahoma is just 6.03cc=cents per KWh

6.03c

3

Whirlpool Corporation, the world’s leading global manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, expanded production at its Tulsa cooking plant by officially unveiling its new Vesta slide-in range at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“We are very excited about producing this new slide-in range here in Tulsa,” said Paul Rushing, senior director of Tulsa Operations. “The product leadership and efficiency of our Vesta free-standing line – along with the support of local and state partners – made this new Vesta slide-in range a reality.”

“Just a few months ago, this plant celebrated the production of its 20 millionth freestanding range. Whirlpool’s Tulsa plant is a prime example of Oklahoma’s pro-business climate and our state’s role in

American manufacturing,” said Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin. Guests at the ribbon cutting included Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce Larry Parman, U.S. Congressman Jim Bridenstine, and several other local leaders. Paul Rushing, also gave Secretary Parman a VIP tour of the new Vesta line.

“The state of Oklahoma appreciates Whirlpool’s commitment to our state, workforce and the Tulsa region. We’re confident this facility will continue the successful relationship between the state of Oklahoma and Whirlpool Corporation,” said Larry V. Parman, Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce.

In August 2013, Whirlpool announced an $18.8 million capital investment for the Tulsa facility, and the addition of 150 new jobs. Today, the Tulsa plant employs more than 1,000 employees pumping out almost 7,000 new ranges each day for the Whirlpool, Amana, Maytag, Jenn-Air, KitchenAid, Inglis and IKEA brands. The plant has a history of innovation, such as being the first facility in the U.S. to introduce self-cleaning ovens with AquaLift technology.

Whirlpool Corporation is the world’s leading global manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion in 2013, 69,000 employees, and 59 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world.

Learn more about the Whirlpool Tulsa at www.whirlpool.com

Whirlpool Launches New Premium Cooking Product at Tulsa Division$18.8 million capital investment and 150 new jobs

“The state of Oklahoma appreciates Whirlpool’s

commitment to our state, workforce and the Tulsa region.

We’re confident this facility will continue the successful

relationship between the state of Oklahoma and Whirlpool Corporation,” said Larry V.

Parman, Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce.

Business News

The Oklahoma CareerTech System and its partners are planning a hiring event for military members and veterans in the state.

The Oklahoma Military Connection hiring event is a state initiative sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education CareerTech for Vets program, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and the Oklahoma National Guard Employment Coordination. The agencies will host the hiring event for U.S. military veterans, transitioning service members and Guard and Reserve members from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sept. 25 at the Fort Sill Armed Forces Reserve Center.

“Participating employers will have jobs they are ready to fill and will be prepared to interview eligible applicants,” said Amy Ewing-Holmstrom, CareerTech for Vets Coordinator.

Registration is required to ensure job seekers can be matched with career fields from the various employers. The goal is to make sure those who attend are pre-matched to companies that are compatible with their skills, Ewing-Holmstrom said.

“Oklahoma’s dynamic economy requires the full use of its motivated and highly skilled workforce and will benefit greatly from the increased employment of the states job-ready current and former military personnel,” she said. “Many of Oklahoma’s veterans, military personnel preparing to leave active service and Guard and Reserve members are well-prepared and ready for employment now.”

“They offer a wealth of transferable skills and abilities as well as exceptional adaptability to immediately contribute to the state’s economy and to the success of its business community.”

Pre-event workshops will be help ensure attendees are prepared for the hiring event by focusing on interview preparation, resume pointers and attire. Workshops will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sept. 18, and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sept. 22, at the Worley Center at Great Plains Technology Center and from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Sept. 11, in the Harry S. Truman Education Center at Fort Sill.

Registration is not required for the workshops, but is available by contacting

Robert Phillips, Workforce Oklahoma, at 580-357-3500.

For more information about the hiring event, contact: Amy Ewing-Holmstrom, CareerTech for Vets, (405) [email protected] Phillips, Local Veterans’ Employment Representative, OESC, (580) 357-3500, [email protected] at: www.okmilitaryconnection.comFor more CareerTech information visit www.okcareertech.org

Laura Wilson, [email protected]

Workforce News

“They offer a wealth of transferable skills and abilities as well as exceptional adaptability to

immediately contribute to the state’s economy and to the success

of its business community” - Amy Ewing-Holmstrom

Hiring Event Planned at Fort Sill for Oklahoma Military Members

LABOR FORCE EMPLOYMENT

July ‘14 4.6% 1,783,280 1,700,960

June ‘14 4.5% 1,793,690 1,712,330

May ‘14 4.6% 1,807,070 1,724,170

Apr ‘14 4.6% 1,816,770 1,732,410

UNEMP RATEState Unemployment Rates: July unemployment rate-4.6%; Up 0.1% from June.Oklahoma lost 1,100 jobs in July. However, from July 2013 to July 2014, Oklahoma has added 30,200 jobs. http://bit.ly/1tWinqo

5

“The reductions in unemployment taxes reflect a strong private sector, a stable unemployment insurance trust fund and advantageous government policies,” said Representative Randy McDaniel, R-Oklahoma City, Chair of the House Economic Development and Financial Services Committee. “The decisions made during the recent recession are proving to be valuable as the economy continues to improve.”

“Oklahoma has experienced strong economic growth in recent years. Since 2011 alone, we’ve created over 100,000 new jobs,” said Governor Mary Fallin. “Because of that, employers will now pay less in unemployment taxes for a second year in a row. Small business owners

Continued from page 1 can now invest their money in new jobs and investments, rather than tax payments. That’s great news for Oklahoma families and another sign that our economy is back on the right track after suffering from a difficult national recession.”

Many states with different UI funding mechanisms struggled to keep their UI trust funds solvent during the recent recession. In fact, Oklahoma was one of only 19 states that did not borrow money from the federal government to continue paying UI benefits. If a state borrows money to make UI benefit payments, state employers are forced to pay the state’s loan and interest costs as well as normal tax contributions, making their effective tax rates higher.

For more OESC information visit http://oesc.ok.gov

Exports Sustain Thousands of Oklahoma Businesses

Companies exported from Oklahoma in 2012 Small and medium-sized firms generated more than one-quarter (25.9 percent) of Oklahoma’s total exports of merchandise.

Oklahoma exported more than $6.9 billion of merchandise in 2013, which is a record high for the state.

Machinery accounted for $1.7 billion of Oklahoma’s total merchandise exports in 2013

3,241

$6.9B

$1.7B

Oklahoma companies are known globally for world-class quality of their practical, innovative products and flexible, educated and cost-competitive labor force.

This, combined with the Oklahoma’s business-friendly laws and a favorable U.S. dollar exchange rate, has allowed Oklahoma companies to compete effectively in price-sensitive global markets. Oklahoma exports are now growing at more than twice the national rate.

There has never been a better time to leverage these advantages and to significantly increase overseas activities and export success.

There are 200 or more overseas markets in the world, and more than 99 percent of the world’s population lives in export markets.

Free-trade agreements have opened up markets in Australia, Chile, Singapore, Jordan, Israel, Canada, Mexico and Central America, among others, creating more opportunities for U.S. business.

More Oklahoma companies are discovering that taking their products to global markets improves their bottom line by diversifying sales and improving awareness of global trends and competition.

Interested in exporting or finding out more? We have International Trade Offices around the world and can help you grow your business through international trade. Contact the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (405) 815-5216.

Why restrict your sales to less than 1 percent of the world’s markets?

Mayor Tom Lokey operates a Valero Quik Mart. Every Friday until a few years ago, his soda and beer salesmen told him he needed extra merchandise for Saturday. Lokey always responded that he didn’t need more stock because people left town on Fridays. That’s not the case anymore. “Now, we do have people coming here,” Lokey said. “We’re turning into a destination location.” That change in the city’s tourist population has been attributed to country music artist Miranda Lambert opening The Pink Pistol Boutique at 214 W. Main St. “She put in a retail store to be an attraction, and it certainly has done that,” Lokey said. “This could potentially be our biggest growth and expansion since the turn of the 20th century. This is the most energetic Main Street has been since the 1970s.” Lambert’s store opened in November 2012. Lokey said the city didn’t ask her to locate there. She became interested in the city when she visited with husband and

The city has reaped that blessing through an increase in its sales tax. During fiscal year 2010-2011, the city’s 3% sales tax raised $64,000. The 2013-2014 fiscal year ended with $75,100, a 17% increase.fellow country music artist Blake Shelton, an Ada native. City Clerk and Treasurer Patty Braley said once the store opened, other downtown stores spruced up as well. “It’s been a blessing to the town,” Braley said. The city has reaped that blessing through an increase in its sales tax. During fiscal year 2010-2011, the city’s 3-percent sales tax raised $64,000. The 2013-2014 fiscal year ended with $75,100, a 17-percent increase. Braley said the tax increase is attributed to more shoppers, as well as businesses updating their buildings. At least six new businesses have opened within the last year. In addition, Dollar General put in its recent concept, Dollar General Market, which also helped boost the sales tax total. Braley said there’s more construction to come downtown, with The Lucky Rose, 107 E. Main St., being one example. Owner Lisa Rose has had a store on Main Street for six years, having first opened two blocks east in an estimated 900-square-foot space. Since she lived east of Tishomingo, she could have opened a store in the city or Durant. “My husband and I just thought Tishomingo had potential,” she said. “There was a need. People were starting to come around.” She said before Lambert and Shelton came to the city, young people were already starting to make their way back. “I think the town and the economy was on the rise,” she said.

17% Increase in Sales Tax for Tishomingo in One Year. Singing a new tune in Tishomingo: Lambert’s Pink Pistol triggers revival

Story: Molly M. Fleming Originally Published in The Journal Record

7

When she moved in 2013, she renovated 1,250 square feet for her clothing and accessories boutique and will build out the adjacent full-size spa. Rose has helped orchestrate Tishomingo Summer Nights, a two-nights-per-month event that encourages businesses to stay open late so people will come downtown. “It was just really cool seeing tons of people out,” Rose said. “The whole community has a new energy behind it.” Jackie Baker, co-owner of Baker’s Mercantile, opened in June to capture that energy. The 4,000-square-foot store at 220 W. Main St. is filled with made-in-Oklahoma products, locally produced art and Chickasaw Nation produce. A retired schoolteacher, Baker has helped operate Baker’s Pecans and Baker’s Acres, a pick-your-own-pumpkin patch. She and her daughter-in-law, Jamie Baker, decided to open a store in town when space owned by Lambert became available. “It’s been crazy,” Baker said. “Of course, you have your slow days. But we thought we’d be able to open with two employees – just us. Now we have five employees.” Since she’s next to Lambert’s store, Baker said she’s met people from all over the world. “Her store brought in people, so now there’s (local) people that are saying they’d better wake up and try to make a difference,” she said. Pink Pistol office manager Brittany Walker grew up in Tishomingo and can remember when the city was a ghost town. But Lambert’s store has offered encouragement to new entrepreneurs. She said people see that Lambert’s store has been successful and think their businesses could be as well. She said the store has drawn tourists from Canada, Australia, Germany and across the U.S. The store’s merchandise is not available online. “A lot of people do just come to see the store,” Walker said. “She wants people to come and see what she is like.”

While Baker’s is new, Houser Furniture and Appliances has been downtown for 36 years. The company has seven showrooms totaling 18,000 square feet. That space could easily be consolidated into a large building, but owner Peggy Shaffer said that was never an option. “I wouldn’t want to abandon downtown,” she said. “Downtowns everywhere struggle. It’s a never-ending battle to keep downtowns vibrant. I would have hated to have moved out so I could have more parking and left vacant buildings.” She said she plans to renovate the front of her 201 Main St. showroom. Though the company doesn’t sell gift items like the smaller boutiques, she said it has seen an increase in foot traffic. Tishomingo’s growth isn’t just downtown. Lokey said the city and county have seen an increase in oil and gas drilling. The Chickasaw Nation started investing heavily into the area in 2011, improving the Johnston County Hospital with Mercy Medical. The tribe plans to build a 2,500-seat arena on 130 acres in northeast Tishomingo. Murray State College already had plans to add about 30,000 square feet to expand its applied nursing program. The city is completing a $7 million infrastructure project, updating water, sewer and wastewater systems to help with the growth. “It just happens to be the perfect storm of positive growth,” Lokey said. Like any storm, the growth happened so quickly the city wasn’t ready to be a tourist destination. It has two hotels, the Tishomingo Inn and the Western Inn. Johnston County Chamber of Commerce Director Seigel Paul Heffington said earlier this summer he met five women who traveled from Minnesota to visit the Pistol. “When you walk out the front door (of the Pistol), you can’t stay in Tishomingo,” he said. “We’re behind the curve.” He said the Chickasaws have plans to build a hotel, but that won’t be enough. He said the city will need more to meet the demand, especially after the arena gets built. “It’s a great time to be investing in Tishomingo,” he said.

Business News

Enid and Ardmore, will be stops on the 2014 Fireball Run route which will take place Sept. 27 through Oct. 4.

The Fireball Run is a web series that covers “The Most Epic Adventurally in America” a gripping and emotional eight-day, 2,500 mile, life-sized trivia game, where America serves as the game board; 40 driving teams compete for glory, bragging rights, and a plastic road sign. All while aiding in a massive effort to recover America’s missing children.

The Fireball Run begins Sept. 27 in Frisco, Texas, stops in Ardmore on Sept. 29, in Enid Sept. 30, and finishes Oct. 4 in Independence, MO.

Team Enid will compete in a 2009 Aston Martin DBS V-12. (This is the same model car used by James Bond in the movie “Casino Royale”) It is owned by Team Enid driver, Dr. David Vanhooser, a cardiologist with Integris in Enid and a City Council member. The second team driver will be Aaron Brownlee, President and COO of Wymer Brownlee, a financial, tax and accounting firm.

One of the main purposes of the Fireball Run is to help recover missing children. Each community has the posters of a child missing from the region that will be distributed along the route. This campaign has aided in 42 child recoveries since 2007. Each community team also chooses a local nonprofit that receives part of the proceeds raised when the run comes to town.

According to JJ Sanchez, Executive Producer, benefits from the race include worldwide publicity to an internet audience of well over a million viewers as well as the movers and shakers that own million dollar businesses that will be in Enid as part of the race.

The race brings not only connections but also dollars spent and points out the high points of the city during their stay. All of this is broadcast on the Internet and can be seen on video at any time of day or night. Streamed live to a world-audience and filmed as part of a popular online TV series, the 2013 Fireball Run elicited a whopping $56 million in media exposure for its host destinations. More information about the communities and teams involved in this years Fireball Run can be found at www.fireballrun.com

The Fireball Run Races to OklahomaEnid and Ardmore destinations in upcoming Adventure Travel Series

Photos By: Stan Ralstin

Governor Mary Fallin and the office of the Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment organized the Conference held on Sept. 4, 2014.

A diverse group of energy industry leaders spoke to the audience of over 550. The Conference brought a diverse group of energy industry leaders into speak, from Eric Gebhardt, Chief Technology Officer & VP, Enigneering GE Oil and Gas, to Kim Saylors-Laster, VP of Energy Walmart Stores, Inc.

Through panel discussions, CEO spotlights, and discussions on workforce, marketing, and federal

Governor’s Energy Conference Promotes InnovationFuture outlook for energy looks bright

regulations the knowledgeable speakers shared valuable information on the current and future outlook for the industry.

“I’m excited about the future of energy in Oklahoma, and the leadership role this state will plan in the energy revolution that is a true game changer for the country and the world,” Governor Mary Fallin.

Those attending the conference were able to connect with top policy makers and industry executives. The conference helped to promote innovation, in the energy industry and the growth of Oklahoma’s resources.

9

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce/Community Development announced that the City of Holdenville is the recipient of a Community Development Block Grant - Economic Development Infrastructure Financing (CDBG-EDIF) award totaling $620,000.

The award will be used for the rehabilitation of a publicly owned building to support the expansion of Boyd’s Industrial Plating. This award allocation will help support Oklahoma’s continuing commitment to job creation and diversification of Oklahoma’s economic base. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce manages the federally funded CDBG-EDIF program in the State. Additional funding for the project will be provided by the City of Holdenville and the company.

The CDBG-EDIF program helps eligible cities, towns, and counties with the financing of infrastructure improvements for new companies or industries locating to Oklahoma or expanding Oklahoma businesses. The purpose of

City of Holdenville Receives Block Grant Award the program is to stimulate long-term job creation and investment.

Boyd’s Industrial Plating was formed in 2005 and is a zinc plating facility for industrial manufacturers. Ninety percent of the company’s customers are in the oilfield industry. The company proposes to expand into Aluminum Anodizing services/product line to diversify the company and also create a vertical integration into several other fields including medical, defense, and automotive components with the main focus being on aerospace industry mainly Boeing suppliers. Therefore, the need for a larger manufacturing facility. The CDBG-EDIF award will permit Boyd’s Industrial Plating to create a labor force of approximately 18 new positions over the next 24 months with 10 of those positions being made available to low and moderate income persons. To request a CDBG-EDIF application, contact: Karen Adair, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, [email protected] or call (405) 815-5363

Community Development

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce/Community Development announced today that nine (9) Oklahoma Cities are recipients of the FY 2014 Small Cities – Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) awards.

These communities will be able to look forward to more efficient community services as a result of the funding award.

The Small Cities set-aside was established for communities with a 2000 census population of 15,000 to 50,000, which are not U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) designated entitlement communities. Each year, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce/Community Development, with funding provided by HUD, makes available various funding set-asides through the Community Development Block Grant Program.

For more information on the CDBG program, call Karen Adair at (405) 815-5363. The communities and the amount of their awards are listed here:

Community Development Block Grants AwardedSmall City Awards for 2014

Applicants Award Amount # of Beneficiaries Project

City of Ada $114,879 16,810 Wintersmith Park

City of Bartlesville $106,176 6,686 Johnstone Park

City of Chickasha $75,836 579 Centennial Park

City of Claremore $77,692 100 Wastewater System

City of Durant $118,044 13,549 Water System

City of El Reno $78,484 51 Water System

City of McAlester $97,473 61 Water System

City of Ponca City $120,418 25,387

City of Yukon $64,567 230

Homebuyer Assistance, Demolition & Special

Services/Interim Assistance/Street, ADA

Drainage, Sewer & Roadway improvements

Vaughn Clark is the Division Director for Community Development at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Clark and his team help Oklahoma communities build capacity that allows for increased economic development and a better quality of life for Oklahomans through various grant opportunities. Whether a town needs to improve infrastructure or to provide low to moderate income residents with assistance and resources, Clark and his team are here to help.

Improving both physical and social infrastructure and providing services directly to communities and organizations that serve Oklahomans is a main focus of Clark and the Community Development team.

“I love having a job that really helps to make a difference in the life of each and every Oklahoman,” said Vaughn Clark.

When he’s not working you might find Clark supporting local theatrical productions or at the latest movie, his two favorite pastimes.

Contact Vaughn Clark, Division Director, Office of Community DevelopmentPhone: 405-815-5370, [email protected]

NEW PIONEERA product of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce

EDITOR:Kimberly Hickerson, Project Manager

LAYOUT/DESIGN:Kimberly Hickerson, Project Manager

CONTRIBUTORS:Stefanie Appleton, David Crow, Molly M. Fleming, Kathy Gain, Jessika Leatherbury, Laura Wilson

PHOTO CREDITS:Stan Ralstin, Molly M. Fleming

Oklahoma State of Success

Meet Our Staff

and Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Secretary Parman was appointed by Governor Mary Fallin in October, 2013.

Larry V. Parman, Secretary of Commerce

Kimberly HickersonProject Manager - Communications900 N. Stiles Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73104(405) 815-5240 [email protected]

issuu.com/newpioneerOK

FOR SUBMISSIONS AND STORY IDEAS CONTACT:

Vaughn Clark, Division Director for Community Development.

Oct 29th

2 Days

WBT Open innovation Forum – Unmanned Aerial Systems

https://wbtoi.com/uas

Wes Watkins Center Hall of Fame and Washington

Stillwater

Sept 25th

8:30 AM

Sharing of Best Practices Conference

http://bit.ly/YQ1e4S

Renaissance Hotel

oklahomaquality.com

6808 S. 107th E Ave.

Tulsa

Sept 23rd

2 Days

Natural Gas Vehicle Oklahoma Conference

ngvok.com

Cox Business Center

ngvok.com/attend/attendee-registration

100 Civic Center

Tulsa

Oct 8th

9:00 AM

Doing Business with China

crowedunlevy.com

Vintage Room Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club

Register at crowedunlevy.com/rsvp

7000 NW Grand Blvd.

Nichols Hills

Sept 27

8 days

Fireball Run

www.fireballrun.com

Ardmore & Enid Oklahoma Downtown

Ardmore & Enid

Sept 30th

2 Days

Oklahoma Conference on Manufacturing

www.okalliance.com

Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center 6808 South 107th East Ave.

Tulsa

Nov 13th

8:30 AM

Sharing of Best Practices Conference

http://bit.ly/1DgpY64

Skirvin Hilton 1 Park Ave

Oklahoma City

DATE / TIME EVENT / CONTACT INFORMATION LOCATION ADDRESS / CITY

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

11

Oct 3

9:00 AM

Governor’s Council Meeting

[email protected]

OSU-Oklahoma City Student Center 900 N Portland Ave.

Oklahoma City

Register Today:Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Grant Administrators’ Certification Training

You must attend both days in order to receive certification status.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Registration is REQUIRED. Space is limited. To register email: [email protected]

For additional information contact John Hall at (405) 815-5149 or e-mail at [email protected]

The Office of Community Development Services provides a certification program for individuals who provide grant administrative services to recipients of CDBG funding awards. The training familiarizes individuals with the Federal regulations and State statutes governing the receipt and expenditure of Federal grant funds. This certification training is provided at no cost to participants.

DATE / TIME: 9am, Dec 9th -10th, 2014

LOCATION: Department of Commerce, 900 N. Stiles, Oklahoma City, OK

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATIONNew Pioneer newsletter is published monthly by the Marketing and Communications Division of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

Subscriptions are free.Manage your electronic subscription preferences at OKcommerce.gov/subscribe

Change your mailing address information, add or remove print subscription by completing this form then email or mail back to the Department of Commerce.

NAME: ______________________________________

TITLE: ______________________________________

COMPANY: ___________________________________

ADDRESS: ___________________________________

CITY / STATE: __________________________________

ZIP: –

EMAIL: ______________________________________

TELEPHONE: ____________________________________

FAX: ________________________________________

ADD SUBSCRIBER

CORRECT ADDRESS

REPLACE SUBSCRIBER NAME

REMOVE A SUBSCRIBER

900 N. Stiles Ave.Oklahoma City, OK 73104-324

(PRSRT STD)US POSTAGE PDOKLA. CITY, OKPERMIT NO.41

Introducing the New Pioneer The Department of Commerce Communications team has officially launched the New Pioneer a newsletter combining the Community Developer, Governor’s Workforce Council Matters, and Main Street newsletters into one source.

The idea was to make a “one-stop” shop for all in-state Commerce news. We feel the New Pioneer will help us to better communicate with the Oklahoma people we serve.

“Pioneer” isn’t just a term for our ancestors – It’s in our blood and it shows itself daily in our entrepreneurial spirit and positive resilience. We develop, we innovate and we never stop moving forward...We are the ‘New Pioneers’ of Oklahoma. New Pioneer is here to help you prosper.

The first issue is being mailed and emailed out to subscribers. Every other issue will be an e-mail only release so be sure to sign up for a digital addition at OKcommerce.gov/subscribe