June 2021 okcchamber.com 2021 legislative session deemed a success from Chamber perspective Heading into the 2021 legislative session, one of the benefits under the Quality Jobs Act. And that as a Greater City Chamber’s top priorities was result, economic development is occurring more ensuring all critical economic development programs in those counties than rural parts of the state,” said used by the Chamber to recruit new businesses and help VanLandingham. existing companies expand were protected. However, competes with peer “We felt going into session there were concerns cities such as Denver, Fort Worth, Nashville and with several programs and the Legislature would Albuquerque for projects. The proposed amendment to look at making some modifications,” said Mark the Quality Jobs Act likely would have resulted in those VanLandingham, the Chamber’s senior vice president projects locating in one of those cities rather than rural of government relations and policy. “The Chamber communities in Oklahoma. agrees if an incentive program is not accomplishing its The bill containing the amendment – Senate Bill 936 intended purpose and the state is not receiving a positive – was passed by the House but did not make it out of return on its investment, it should be scaled back or conference committee when conferees from the Senate eliminated.” were unable to agree to the Continued on page 6 State lawmakers examined several state incentive programs this session to ensure they were indeed accomplishing what was intended. No program is as ‘POINT!’ newsletter to important in helping the Chamber achieve its economic become ‘VeloCity’ in July development mission than the Oklahoma Quality Jobs Act. VeloCityOKC.com was launched in July 2018 as VanLandingham said an amendment to legislation a new Chamber digital news and advocacy vehicle, was introduced late in session that would have increased which features fresh stories and content for our by $20,000 the average wage requirement for new or members, as well as OKC residents in general, every expanding companies in Oklahoma and Tulsa counties business day. Now the brand will come full circle and bring together the Chamber’s main print and to qualify for the Quality Jobs Act. If passed, the digital communications vehicles. amended bill would have disqualified more than 50% of the projects in the Chamber’s recruiting pipeline from In an effort to simplify and better align our qualifying for the Quality Jobs Act, he said. communications offerings, The POINT! will become VeloCity in July of this year. Look for a “I believe there may be a concern among some new fresh design and visual style that connects these legislators that projects/expansions in Oklahoma platforms. and Tulsa counties are perhaps getting too many “Dr. Burkhart is really smart, because he went to a lot of schools.”

Our doctors taught the class and wrote the book on children’s healthcare

At only 6-years-old, Liam is very well versed in matters of the heart. Born with a congenital heart defect, Liam has had three open heart surgeries under the expert care of Harold Burkhart, M.D., Oklahoma Children’s Hospital’s nationally-renown chief of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery. With expert pediatric surgeons like Dr. Burkhart, kids like Liam can receive world-class care close to home, surrounded by the people who love them.

Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health is the leader in pediatric care for Oklahoma and the region. Make an appointment with a pediatric specialist today by calling (405) 271-2222 or visit us online at OklahomaChildrens.org. 2021 OFFICERS SEAN TRAUSCHKE OGE Energy Corp. Leadership Notes Chair PERCY KIRK Cox Communications Entrepreneurship key to growth Immediate Past Chair JOHN HART To grow our economy and set the stage for long-term Continental Resources growth, it is absolutely vital that we keep filling the Treasurer DAVID E. RAINBOLT BancFirst Corporation pipeline with new ideas, innovation and new companies Corporate Secretary with growth potential. CLAYTON I. BENNETT Dorchester Capital Vice Chair, Strategic Planning Entrepreneurship is the most complicated and delicate DAVID HAGER Devon Energy Corporation practice in economic development because new companies Vice Chair, Forward Oklahoma City and new ideas require a support system that nurtures their STEVE HAHN AT&T Oklahoma success. And Oklahoma City’s support system continues Vice Chair, Membership Roy H. Williams, CCE JUDY J. HATFIELD, CCIM to grow. Equity Commercial Realty, LLC President & CEO Vice Chair, Military and Aerospace The announcement that gener8tor, a nationally ranked RHONDA HOOPER Jordan Advertising startup business accelerator, is coming to our market is Vice Chair, Business and Economic Inclusion READ ROY’S VELOCITYOKC BRADLEY W. KRIEGER significant. Their national network of support will give Arvest Bank STORY OF THE MONTH Vice Chair, Government Relations companies in their program here access we have not been BILL LANCE able to provide before. “APPRENTICESHIP The Chickasaw Nation PROGRAMS AN Vice Chair, Community Initiatives TOM J. MCDANIEL Each time we add to our entrepreneurial ecosystem, it EFFECTIVE ‘OLD AND American Fidelity Foundation Vice Chair, MAPS Development grows stronger, and it takes all the pieces – the co-working NEW’ OPTION FOR MANY JENNY LOVE MEYER spaces, the pre-accelerators, the training programs, the TYPES OF BUSINESSES Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores WITH WORKFORCE Vice Chair, Marketing and Communications venture capital, the networking activities and more – to J. LARRY NICHOLS CONCERNS’” Devon Energy Corporation create the dynamic environment that catalyzes company Vice Chair, Strategic Planning VELOCITYOKC.COM/ TERESA ROSE creation and job growth. Communities Foundation of Oklahoma ROYSPICK Vice Chair, Education NATALIE SHIRLEY When you look at our largest and our fastest-growing National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum companies in Oklahoma City, you will see that the list Vice Chair, Convention and Visitor is dominated by companies who got their start right here in central Oklahoma. Development KENT SHORTRIDGE Oklahoma Natural Gas Company These companies started with a great idea and an entrepreneur dedicated to Vice Chair, Economic Development making it happen. Enhancing our ecosystem is how we show them our dedication. ROY H. WILLIAMS, CCE Greater Oklahoma City Chamber I congratulate the partners on this accomplishment, and I want to thank everyone President & CEO that is involved in this work in our city. You are each playing an important role in securing our city’s economic future for years to come. THE POINT! ISSUE #3556 - June 2021 Editorial staff Harve Allen, Nate Fisher, and Cynthia Reid Designer Josh Vaughn 297-8900 [email protected] Roy H. Williams, CCE okcchamber.com twitter.com/okcchamber Chamber President & CEO facebook.com/okcchamber The Point (ISSN 1075-6264) is published monthly by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, 123 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.

Chamber planning for return OKC entrepreneurial ecosystem POSTMASTER: of in-person events growing Send address changes to The Point!, 5 8 Greater Oklahoma City Chamber 123 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 Film incentive bill aims to OKC welcomes bioscience ‘rock or e-mail [email protected]. further grow industry in state stars’ SUBSCRIPTIONS: $15 per year included in 7 12 Chamber membership; nonmembers, $25 per year within the U.S.. Periodicals Postage paid at Oklahoma City. Advertising rates upon request. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising. CONTENTS UPCOMING EVENTS Second-chance hiring topic for June Chamber Forum

CALENDAR Hiring individuals who have past • Michael Bowling, J.D., SPHR, (Events are subject to criminal records, have been incarcerated Attorney at Law, Crowe & Dunlevy change. Consult or have gone through rehab was once okcchamber.com/events for • Joe Ely, Ph.D., Director, Business the most recent updates.) considered taboo for many businesses. & Industry Services, Moore Today, however, more companies are Norman Technology Center June 4 discovering those same individuals Enlighten can be exemplary employees, often • Jenna Morey, Executive Director, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. okchamber.com/enlighten displaying high productivity, great ReMerge of Oklahoma County loyalty and high morale – traits and • Doug Shaffer, Director of June 16 characteristics valued by employers. Chamber Forum Operations, Scissortail Waste 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. During the next online Chamber Solutions, LLC okcchamber.com/juneforum Forum, June 16 from 11:45 a.m. to Before the official program kicks off at June 29 1 p.m., attendees will be provided with noon, attendees will be randomly placed Creating a Culture of concrete guidance on how to become into small networking groups beginning Inclusion a second-chance employer and how to 3:30 to 5 p.m. at 11:45 a.m., where they will have okcchamber.com/diversity navigate any potential challenges during opportunities to meet other attendees. the hiring process, as well as learn So, cameras are highly encouraged. July 21 how second-chance hiring can benefit Chamber Forum businesses and the larger community. Registration for the June Chamber 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Forum is $15 for Chamber members, okcchamber.com/julyforum Participating on the panel will $25 for nonmembers. To register visit July 27 be several businesses leaders who okcchamber.com/juneforum. Chamber Connection will provide their thoughts, ideas 1 to 2:30 p.m. and insights regarding this unique Thanks to Presenting Sponsor Cox okcchamber.com/ opportunity for employers: Business and Corporate Sponsor ADG. connection August 6 Enlighten to feature Metro Tech’s book Enlighten 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. review program for business leaders okcchamber.com/enlighten2

August 11 Metro Technology Center instructor Quest to Solve State of Schools Randy Mayeux, co-founder of the Dallas Problems 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. First Friday Book Synopsis, will be the Before They Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, featured speaker during the Chamber’s Happen” by 1700 NE 63rd St. June Enlighten event from 11:45 Dan Heath. okcchamber.com/schools a.m. to 1 p.m. June 4. He will lead a Enlighten is August 18 conversation on Metro Tech’s Metro a free virtual Chamber Forum B-Brief program, a monthly review of event and is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. books for business leaders. Location: Vast, 333 W. available to Randy Mayeux Sheridan Ave. Mayeux’s discussion will draw from both Chamber okcchamber.com/ augustforum several books dealing with future members and nonmembers. technological trends and the post- Special thanks to Series Presenting COVID-19 world, including warnings Sponsor Cox Business. and lessons from the books, “The Black Swan” and “Antifragile” by Nassim For more information or to register, June 2021 Greater Oklahoma City Chamber The POINT! Nicholas Taleb, and “Upstream: The visit okcchamber.com/enlighten. 4 Chamber returning to in-person events in August State of Schools and Chamber Forum first events on schedule As COVID-19 restrictions ease and life gradually returns Throughout the pandemic, the Chamber has hosted to a pre-pandemic environment, the Greater Oklahoma its popular monthly Chamber Forum event online; City Chamber will return to in-person events and however, that event is now set for an in-person restart on meetings in August. Aug. 18 at Vast. Vast is located on the top two floors of “We know how important events are to our the 50-story Devon Tower in members,” said Chamber Senior Vice President of and served as the regular meeting spot for the forums Marketing and Communications Cynthia Reid. “The prior to the pandemic. The topic for the August forum networking and engagement that takes place is so is the First Americans Museum and will feature James valuable and we know our members are as anxious to be Pepper Henry, director and CEO. back in person as we are.” One Chamber event that will remain virtual The first signature event scheduled to be in person is is Enlighten, a free monthly event that provides the 2021 State of Schools luncheon, an annual event by networking and practical resources to help boost your the Chamber that brings together various stakeholders business performance. from the public and private sectors to discuss the current This summer will be the perfect time to get back to state of Oklahoma City’s public education system, engaging in the news and development of Oklahoma including its many successes and what initiatives are City. needed to help prepare Oklahoma City’s students to be “All these events provide valuable information and future innovators and leaders. opportunities to meet with other members,” Reid added. Held as a virtual event last August, the State of To register or to view upcoming Chamber events, Schools luncheon this year will be held at the National please visit the Chamber’s Events page on its website at Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum from 11:30 a.m. okcchamber.com/events. to 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 11.

Steps to build a diverse talent pipeline topic of June Creating a Culture of Inclusion event Hiring people from different backgrounds, genders, ages, this event will be Michael Hartfield, director of human experiences and nationalities offers an organization the resources at Love’s Travel Stop & Country Stores, Inc.; opportunity to be more innovative and profitable. Shaun Suttle, human resources manager at Express In contrast to that, companies without a diverse Employment Professionals; and Leonelle Thompson, pipeline tend to continue hiring the same group of director of career and professional development at people – hampering their growth and progression. Langston University. The final event in the Creating a Culture of Inclusion Individual tickets are $25 for Chamber and Urban series, presented by the Urban League of Greater League members or $40 for nonmembers. Register Oklahoma City and the Greater Oklahoma City online at okcchamber.com/diversity. Special thanks Chamber, will focus on diverse talent pipelines on June to Presenting Sponsors AT&T Oklahoma, American 29 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. via Zoom. Fidelity Assurance Company, Bank of America, The Boeing Company, The Chickasaw Nation and Devon During this event, participants will hear how Energy Corporation. businesses can take meaningful steps to building a NOTE: This event is the rescheduled session from March pipeline of diverse employment talent. Discussion will 23; however, please note that the topic and speakers have also focus on how college career offices and staffing firms changed. If you registered for the March 23 event, your are partnering with businesses in Oklahoma to help registration has been moved to this event. If you need a refund, please email [email protected]. expand diversity in their search processes. Speakers for June 2021 Greater Oklahoma City Chamber The POINT! 5 Legislative Update (cont’d from page 1) House amendments, resulting in no substantive changes AMTRAK’s Heartland Flyer, a move the Chamber to the Quality Jobs Act this year. VanLandingham supported wholeheartedly throughout the session. expects the program will be further evaluated even The Heartland Flyer, which runs between Downtown during the interim period between sessions and stated OKC and Fort Worth, operates under a cost- the Chamber would be happy to assist in efforts to bring sharing agreement between the Oklahoma and Texas more economic development to rural parts of the state. departments of transportation. Five-year ad valorem exemption for new and expanding manufacturing The president has identified the OKC-to-Newton, facilities Kan., route as a priority for federal funding under his transportation funding plan for AMTRAK. Another bill important to the Chamber during the 2021 legislative session was SB 609. That bill increased Other critical economic development legislative priorities the qualifying investment amount for construction, • Extension of the Oklahoma Quality Events Act acquisition, or expansion for – The Chamber led an effort new or expanding companies in 2010 to create the Quality from $250,000 to $500,000 Events Act, which allows during calendar year 2022 communities to capture a and then indexed to inflation portion of the incremental in subsequent years. sales tax revenues generated Although the qualifying by high-economic impact investment threshold events, such as horse shows doubled under SB 609, and sporting events. House VanLandingham said the Bill 1121 was recently signed threshold change was by Gov. Stitt to extend the acceptable because it applied QEA program through 2026. to projects in all counties in It was set to expire this year. the state, not just those in Oklahoma County and • Aerospace Engineer Tax Credit – The Aerospace Tulsa County. Industry Engineer Workforce Tax Credit program Regional transit legislation has been a tremendous success since its creation in 2008, helping attract engineers for Oklahoma’s Another priority item for the Chamber in 2021 was burgeoning aerospace industry from both inside to enact regional transit legislation. SB 967 will grant and outside the state. However, some past limited tort liability protection under the Governmental recipients of the tax credit may not have received Tort Claims Act to the railroad (BNSF), which the proper accreditation from their respective ultimately could “step into the shoes of government” and college or university. To address those concerns, operate a commuter rail system on its right of way in state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 893 this session central Oklahoma. that allows undergraduate and graduate programs “We were asked by the Regional Transit Authority of the same discipline of engineering at an of Central Oklahoma to take the lead in getting this educational institution to qualify for the tax credit legislation passed and we were able to accomplish if either program is ABET (Accreditation Board that,” said VanLandingham, expressing confidence the for Engineering and Technology) accredited. SB legislation likely would have passed in 2020 if not for 893 was recently signed into law by Gov. Stitt. the shortened session due to the pandemic. Additional successes in the 2021 session occurred In related legislative action, the $8.8 billion FY in other areas, including gun rights, data privacy, 2022 budget approved this session by state lawmakers broadband expansion, criminal justice reform, Medicaid

June 2021 Greater Oklahoma City Chamber The POINT! and signed by Gov. Stitt includes full funding for expansion and charter school funding.

6 Signing of film incentive bill bodes well for future of industry in state

If you live in Oklahoma, the chances of spotting a Hollywood star in your city or town just got a lot better following passage of legislation aimed at attracting more film productions to the Sooner State. On May 24, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 608 into law. The Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021 is aimed at increasing the number of films and television series filmed or produced in the state by providing rebates to filmmakers who meet certain requirements. The bill raises the cap on the current state film rebate program from $8 million to $30 million and creates a new tiered structure for filmmakers to qualify Workers install outside signage for , formerly for the incentive. Since it was designated an emergency the Cox Convention Center. measure, the bill goes into effect on July 1, 2021. million in wages, $100 million in goods and services “We feel enormously grateful that the state allowed us and an additional $605 million in economic output. It to be so collaborative with them this year. They allowed would also create 4,310 direct jobs in the state as well as us into the Capitol to share our story and to share the thousands of indirect jobs supporting the industry. economics of [the film industry] as a viable business for Oklahoma,” said Rachel Cannon, co-founder of Prairie “Think about dry cleaners and restaurants and Surf Media. Cannon, alongside partner Matt Payne, hotels. Those are all indirect jobs that are going to be operates Prairie Surf Studios, a 1.3-million-square-foot beneficiaries of this industry coming here and spending production facility located in downtown Oklahoma City lots and lots of money. At the end of the day, it’s about and formerly the Cox Convention Center. jobs,” Cannon said. Cannon said state lawmakers were more willing to Now that SB 608 has been signed by Stitt, public listen to their pleas about increasing state incentives and private officials can confidently approach industry after Prairie Surf commissioned an economic study by executives about the opportunities – and state incentives long-time economist Dr. Mark Snead. Part of the results – now available for companies looking to shoot films or from that study, which included a “deep dive” into the produce TV series in Oklahoma. industry and examining what incentives worked and Cannon said she and Payne have been in constant which did not, showed that in order to grow an industry, contact with industry and studio executives after the you must have what Cannon referred to as the “three- bill’s final passage to share with them the good news that legged stool”: workforce, incentives and infrastructure. Oklahoma City is open for business. “For the last 20 plus years, Oklahoma has not had any “Soundstages are so hard to come by, and the fact that infrastructure. By us turning the convention center into we have five and they are massive, is something that is Prairie Surf Studios and bringing in these five massive very exciting when you talk to filmmakers,” she said. soundstages, we immediately stepped into a space where Cannon noted that the state of Georgia, which we can be competitive in the industry because we have currently has a vibrant film industry, passed a the infrastructure,” Cannon said. competitive incentive in 2008 but had to wait between Snead’s study also showed that based on a $50 2008 and 2010 to get soundstages built before seeing the million cap – the amount industry advocates originally industry truly take off. With five soundstages already in requested when they first approached state officials about place, OKC is far ahead of the curve. raising the cap – the film industry would generate $100 June 2021 Greater Oklahoma City Chamber The POINT! 7 New startup accelerator announced for OKC

Nationally ranked startup accelerator gener8tor, said Robert J. Ross, chairman and CEO of Inasmuch the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, Inasmuch Foundation. “gener8tor and their gBETA program is Foundation, Square Deal Capital, American Fidelity an excellent addition to our existing entrepreneurial Assurance Company, Oklahoma State University, ecosystem and fills a complimentary gap to our the University of Oklahoma and Love’s Travel Stops existing resources.” & Country Stores, Inc., have formally announced “We’re delighted to partner with the Chamber and a new partnership to help accelerate the growth of other great organizations to bring a top-rated accelerator startup companies in Oklahoma City. Starting in the program to the state,” said Aaron Webster, vice Fall of 2021, they will offer two annual gBETA “pre- president of American Fidelity accelerator” programs for Corporation. “gener8tor will entrepreneurs through be another strong platform to this collaboration. showcase the entrepreneurial gBETA accelerates talent that Oklahoma has the growth of early-stage to offer.” companies through its “Square Deal Capital is network-driven program. proud to partner with the gBETA supports five teams per Greater OKC Chamber in cohort and requires no fees and bringing gener8tor to our city no equity. Since launching in as another important piece of 2015, gBETA program alumni the economic development have raised more than $188 puzzle,” said Rob McLaughlin, million in capital and created managing partner at Square 2,000+ jobs across the U.S. and Deal Capital. “The hope is to launch amazing Canada. gBETA is designed to help startups gain early new businesses that will create precious jobs while customer traction on their product or idea, and establish diversifying our economy.” and execute on metrics that make them competitive applicants for full-time, equity-based accelerators or “At OSU, we provide opportunities for students seed investment. Participants receive intensive and to apply academic learning to real world business individualized coaching and access to gener8tor’s ideas. These students’ ideas have resulted in several national network of mentors, customers, corporate startup companies, often based on properties owned or partners and investors. controlled by OSU,” said Marc Tower, executive director of the Riata Center for Entrepreneurship at Oklahoma “We are extremely excited to welcome gener8tor to State University. “This collaboration with gener8tor Oklahoma City,” said Greater Oklahoma City Chamber expands the scope of education, networking and President and CEO Roy H. Williams. “We have been growth opportunities available to small businesses, working for a long time to bring the gBETA pre- helping them succeed.” accelerator program here because we know it will bring even more positive momentum to our local startup “The University of Oklahoma is proud to support the ecosystem. gener8tor places emphasis on providing development of this innovation and entrepreneurship programs that bridge the funding and mentorship ecosystem,” said OU Vice President for Research and gaps for diverse founders, and we are proud to partner Partnerships Tomás Díaz de la Rubia. “In alignment with with them to democratize access to resources for our Lead On strategic plan, gBETA advances our ability entrepreneurs.” to cultivate community-engaged research collaborations to solve critical challenges facing the state of Oklahoma, “Together with these excellent community partners, tribal nations, the United States and the world.”

June 2021 Greater Oklahoma City Chamber The POINT! we’re thrilled to bring gener8tor to Oklahoma City,”

8 Accelerator (cont’d from previous page) “Love’s is proud to partner with the Chamber and “I have no doubt that with the talent, partners and other businesses to bring gener8tor to Oklahoma City,” resources available in the Oklahoma City startup said Shane Wharton, president of Love’s. “We’re excited ecosystem, combined with gBETA’s programming, to see the successful businesses, entrepreneurship and alumni opportunities and international network, we’ll diversity that will spring from gBETA, as we know have great outcomes to show for this work in the firsthand how many talented and creative people live in coming years.” Oklahoma City.” gener8tor is currently hiring a director to operate Recognized in recent years as one of the best cities the gBETA program and is accepting applications from in which to start a business and a leader in future startups to take part in the inaugural gBETA Oklahoma tech growth, Oklahoma City is ripe with resources, City program. Office hours are available to entrepreneurs innovation and talent. gBETA aims to take those in the Oklahoma City area to get support with their innovations and talent to a national level, and draw in businesses and learn more about applying for the other resources across the country to amplify the local gBETA Fall 2021 program. More information on the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the outcomes it is able application, signing up for office hours and additional to achieve. Oklahoma City will be the 27th market ways to get involved is available at gbetastartups.com/ where gBETA is offered; the other 26 markets’ mentors, oklahoma-city. investors and corporate partners will be available to local The gBETA program is offered in Oklahoma City Oklahoma City entrepreneurs through this partnership. thanks to the support of the Greater Oklahoma City “We’ve been excited at the prospect of offering the Chamber, Inasmuch Foundation, American Fidelity gBETA program to Oklahoma startups for over a year Assurance Company, Square Deal Capital, Oklahoma now and have met so many great community advocates State University, University of Oklahoma and Love’s along the way,” said Abby Kursel, partner at gener8tor. Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc.

Speaker lineup announced for Chamber’s InternOKC event this summer

InternOKC, a Two topics will be featured during each of the six program created sessions scheduled throughout the summer: by the Greater Session 1, June 16 Oklahoma City “Make the Decision to be Extraordinary” – Chamber to recruit Presented by Tammy Overholt, senior training analyst and retain young for American Fidelity Assurance Company. Set yourself talent in Oklahoma up for future success by learning to be intentional City, is less than about the decisions you make, to be mindful of two weeks away, so there is still time for employers to where you devote your attention and to discover your sign up their interns for this dynamic, annual event. “extraordinary.” The program provides soft skills enhancement and professional development opportunities to the region’s “Career Jazz” – Presented by Dr. Fred Hammond young professionals. III, professor of educational sciences at the University of Central Oklahoma. Lessons learned from the career During each session, interns will enjoy programming and travels of a jazz musician and how choosing an from leading industry trainers and discover why open mindset can help produce career success and a Oklahoma City is a great place to live, work and play. prosperous life. Continued on page 11 June 2021 Greater Oklahoma City Chamber The POINT! 9 Activity, flights taking off again at OKC’s Will Rogers World Airport Oklahoma City Airports Director Mark Kranenburg passengers at Will Rogers was still significantly lower is careful when talking about the travel industry and than the record numbers the airport enjoyed in 2019. the pandemic. After all, he has seen the best of times Today, however, the things are finally looking up for and the worst of times, all within a span of a month of the travel and hospitality industry as infections and each other. You can’t blame him for being cautiously hospitalizations are dramatically lower, more businesses optimistic on whether things are truly returning to pre- are re-opening and more people are getting vaccinated, pandemic levels at Will Rogers World Airport. something Kranenburg calls a game changer. “As I have walked around the building the last “[The vaccine] really helped build some confidence couple of weeks, it almost feels like we are almost back in the system and I think our economy as well,” he said. to normal. Gates are full, An indication of this renewed concession areas are full and confidence can be seen in last baggage claim is full. But let’s month’s passenger numbers at not start doing cartwheels Will Rogers. and handstands just yet. We More than 5,000 are still in a pandemic,” he passengers passed through warned. the TSA security checkpoint Kranenburg has every right for several days in May, even to be careful with his words. reaching approximately In January and February 6,000 passengers on a couple 2020, Will Rogers was seeing of occasions, Kranenburg record numbers of passengers, said. In addition, some of even more than what had the surfaced parking lots come through during the that were closed during the first two months of 2019. In Passengers traverse the concourse at Oklahoma City’s Will pandemic are now beginning fact, 2019 ended up as the Rogers World Airport to reopen. These are all best year ever at Will Rogers positive signs that things are for the number of passengers flying in and out of the indeed improving at the airport, so much so that several airport. But then in mid-March of last year, the bottom airlines are increasing the number of flights or bringing fell out as COVID-19 started its stranglehold on the in larger aircraft to satisfy demand. Others are even world, delivering a devastating blow to the travel and introducing new nonstop flights. hospitality industry, essentially shutting down airports The most recent carrier to announce new nonstop across the U.S., including at Will Rogers. flights from Oklahoma City is Breeze Airways, which “Airport activity went down to pretty much zero on will begin nonstop service to Tampa beginning July 1, the commercial side. In about a three-week time period followed by nonstop service to New Orleans and San in 2020, we went from a high of maybe 7,000 passengers Antonio on July 15. going through the security checkpoint all the way to the Breeze Airways isn’t the only airline that is adding lowest point of 239 passengers in April,” Kranenburg a new nonstop destination for Oklahoma City. said. American Airlines also recently announced that it will A key factor in the huge drop in passengers was the begin nonstop service from OKC to New York City’s airlines’ decision to suspend or discontinue air service LaGuardia Airport beginning Nov. 2. The new service all around the country, he said. Throughout the rest was originally scheduled to begin in 2020 but was of 2020 and the beginning of 2021, the number of delayed because of the pandemic. June 2021 Greater Oklahoma City Chamber The POINT!

10 InternOKC (cont’d from page 9)

Session 2, June 23 “You Got This! – A Story About Independence” – Presented by Michael Shellabarger, learning and development lead at Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc. A real story involving three habits that can boost your overall effectiveness in the workplace and ultimately change your life. “Let’s Network!” – Interns will be placed in video rooms and have the opportunity to network with each other. Session 3, June 30 “The Legit and Realz in the Workplace” – “Let’s Network!” – Interns will be placed in video Presented by Lance Haffner, president of payroll rooms and have the opportunity to network with each & HCM solutions at Heartland. Learning the other. social dynamics in the workplace can be tricky. Is it Session 6, July 28 appropriate to be you – your whole and true self – in the “Doing More Than Just Laying Bricks” – Presented professional environment? We’ll take a fun and candid by Dr. Mautra Staley-Jones, vice president for dive into being authentic and building real workplace institutional advancement & external affairs at Langston relationships while avoiding the pitfalls of being your University. How to make the shift to big-picture true self. thinking and finding meaning and purpose in our work, “On the Shoulders of Giants” – Presented by Jason which gives value to our organizations and makes a Brown, deputy superintendent of Oklahoma City Public positive difference. Schools. The power and value of relationships to gather “Why Failure Isn’t Fatal...But Fear Can Be” – wisdom for personal and professional growth. Presented by Linda Clark, principal and owner of Session 4, July 14 Linda Clark Consulting and founder of DisruptHR “Making a Difference Without a Title”– Presented OKC. Overcoming fear to be able to risk greatness and by Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt. Understanding developing a mindset that allows us to grow and learn, the value of relationships to cultivate influence, even even if we fail. without authority. The Chamber is partnering this year with the “Show Me the Way” – Presented by Rhonda University of Central Oklahoma, who will issue a Thompson, senior technical training specialist for micro-credential in professional development to each OG&E. Transform your professional and personal life participating intern who completes the program with the right mentor. requirements. Session 5, July 21 Employers interested in enrolling their interns for “Moments Matter: Investing in Your Career One this summer’s InternOKC program can do so by visiting CLICK! at a Time” – Presented by Joy Joslin, director abetterlifeokc.com/summerintern. The registration fee of guest relations for the Oklahoma City Thunder. per intern is $125 for Chamber member companies People do not remember days, they remember moments or $200 for nonmembers. Employers are encouraged – Moments Matter! Utilizing the five service values of to post their available internships on the Chamber’s CLICK!, Joy will provide insight into improving the abetterlifeokc.com website as well. customer-employee relationship so that every customer Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor Love’s Travel walks away feeling appreciated and valued.

Stops & Country Stores, Inc. June 2021 Greater Oklahoma City Chamber The POINT! 11 Bioscience ‘rock stars’ moving to OKC indicates city’s rise in sector

If you ask most people outside the state what industry sector comes to mind when the name Oklahoma is mentioned, they might say something like oil and gas because of its long and rich history in the Sooner State. Other people might even blurt out aviation and aerospace. Although it has not had a long-standing or deeply rooted history in Oklahoma like oil and gas or aviation, the bioscience sector is already writing its own history and quickly establishing itself as an economic at WI Harper, a venture capital firm, evaluating powerhouse. In Oklahoma City, where public and investment opportunities in the biotech and medical private partnerships and collaborations have transformed technology sectors. She now serves as managing director an area east of downtown into a life sciences mecca, for Echo Investment Capital. medical research abounds that is giving hope to people around the world who suffer from various life-changing, “Yi-Yen is going to help us make educated investment and sometimes deadly, diseases and physical disorders. decisions in being able to stand up not only companies And the nation is starting to take notice. that have a chance at success, but also bio-pharma companies that have a chance to call Oklahoma City Just within the last few months, several industry- home,” Kanady said. leading researchers and professionals from various “These are the kinds of people After spending nearly four bioscience hubs in the U.S. have you can build teams around.” years with WI Harper, Chen pulled up stakes and have made said she was recently contacted the move to OKC. Others are Christian Kanady, founding by a recruiter who was looking not far behind. partner and chief executive officer for someone to run a biotech investment vertical for a firm in Leading the recruitment of of Echo Investment Capital Oklahoma City who was very these “rock stars” from the bio community minded and was world to Oklahoma City is Christian Kanady, founding attempting to build a biotech ecosystem in OKC. That partner and chief executive officer of Echo Investment firm ended up being Echo Investment Capital. Capital. He has directed investments in startups such as Prairie Surf Studios as well as investing in and co- Chen, who grew up in Taiwan and received her founding Wheeler Labs and Zeno Technologies. In doctorate in developmental biology at Max-Planck standing up a new bioscience vertical, Kanady and Echo Institute in Germany, was amazed by the dedication the are shifting their focus to biotechnology and health whole Echo team showed to transform Oklahoma City care next. into a biotech hub. “These are the kinds of people you can build teams “There is a great deal of potential in Oklahoma City, around. They are sophisticated leaders and managers that and we have a very good biotech infrastructure here. not only can scale organizations, but scale personnel,” People on the coasts just do not know about it,” Kanady said. Chen said. Yi-Yen Chen has already made the move to Oklahoma Another one of those “rock stars” who Kanady says City from San Francisco where she was responsible for will be instrumental in building up the biosciences

June 2021 Greater Oklahoma City Chamber The POINT! U.S. health care investment and portfolio management sector in Oklahoma City is David Broecker. Although he

12 Bioscience (cont’d from previous page) is not officially moving to OKC, Broecker is how do you tap into what makes each still intends to commute one week per one of these areas unique? The more time month as he continues his work as chief I spend in Oklahoma, the more interesting innovation and collaboration officer at it becomes in terms of those unique Purdue University’s Purdue Research aspects. And again, combined with what Foundation. He will serve as a venture Christian wants to do, I just think there is partner for Echo Investment Capital. tremendous upside potential to do a lot of things down there in Oklahoma.” Broecker has spent the last 10 years in David Broecker Indiana building a life science ecosystem Kanady said there is another key person and said he is excited about having the making the move to Oklahoma City opportunity to do the same thing in who should play a big role in shaping Oklahoma. Oklahoma’s bioscience sector. Like Yi-Yen “Oklahoma City has a terrific set of Chen, this individual will also be coming life science capabilities and assets that from the West Coast; however, she has provide portfolio investments to Echo’s not yet announced her departure from her bioscience platform. Every place is unique, current employer but expects to officially Yi-Yen Chen and I think that is one of the key things, tender her resignation later in June. In memoriam: OMRF and Chamber leader Stephen Prescott Oklahoma’s bioscience testament to his many talents, his energy and his servant- community lost a true legend leadership mentality. Our prayers and condolences go and advocate when physician out to his family and friends. He will be truly missed,” and researcher Dr. Stephen said Chamber President Roy Williams. M. Prescott, M.D., passed As OMRF President, Dr. Prescott led the organization away on May 28, 2021, due to its largest-ever campus expansion, attracting to complications from his additional research scientists to the OMRF facilities battle with cancer. He was and enabling OMRF to become an even stronger world 73. leader in the study of various diseases and disorders that Prescott led the nonprofit impact people worldwide. Those discoveries have yielded Dr. Stephen M. Prescott Oklahoma Medical Research hundreds of patents and several life-saving drugs that Foundation as its president for the last 15 years before are now used in medical facilities around the world. announcing his retirement in April. He also served Through his leadership and perseverance, Dr. Prescott on the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s Executive was instrumental in helping create the Oklahoma Committee, which helps oversee Chamber activities. City Innovation District, described as an epicenter for “The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber family is collaboration, innovation, opportunity and economic saddened by the news of Steve’s passing. He was such growth. an integral part of our organization. In fact, he was Dr. Prescott, who was inducted into the Oklahoma still heavily involved in the Chamber’s activities up to Hall of Fame in 2020, is survived by his wife of more about a month ago when he gladly volunteered to serve than 50 years, Susan, his daughter Allison and son-in- as moderator for our annual State of Health event. His law Jeremiah, and his son John and daughter-in-law

work and leadership at OMRF and the Chamber was a Sheila, as well as three granddaughters. June 2021 Greater Oklahoma City Chamber The POINT!

13 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Businesses who join the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber are part of the largest coalition of businesses in the state and make the Chamber’s work in the community possible. Each member level is identified on the listing below.

PARTNER+ ASSOCIATE CORE CORE University of Oklahoma Foundation Album Quail Springs Marian University Accelerated Scooter’s Coffee Nonprofit / Service Agencies Real Estate - Leasing Nursing Programs Restaurants Mr. Guy L. Patton...... (405) 321-1174 Ms. Jacki Miller...... (405) 605-6900 Educational Services Mr. Jason Metcalf...... (402) 980-6732 100 Timberdell Road 14201 N. Kentucky Ave. Ms. Deb Downard...... (405) 666-0655 5000 N. Blackwelder Ave. Norman, OK 73072-6511 Oklahoma City, OK 73134-3427 3817 NW Expressway, Suite 450 Oklahoma City, OK 73118-2026 www.oufoundation.org www.albumlife.com/albumquailsprings Oklahoma City, OK 73112-1489 www.scooterscoffee.com www.marian.edu/gonurse CORE CORE ADVISOR CORE CHC: Creating Healthier Steven C. Dixon Amazon Communities Oklahoma Aquarium Individual Members Retail Nonprofit / Service Agencies Nonprofit / Service Agencies Mr. Steven C. Dixon...... (405) 850-5151 Ms. Caroline Joiner Ms. Shelly Douglas...... (405) 314-7123 Dr. Ann Money...... (918) 296-3474 15325 Fairview Farm Road 410 Terry Ave. North 1240 Lone Oak St. 300 S. Aquarium Drive Edmond, OK 73013-1330 Seattle, WA 98109-5210 Guthrie, OK 73044-5037 Jenks, OK 74037-4148 www.amazon.com www.chcimpact.org www.okaquarium.org CORE ADVISOR CORE CORE Thunderbird Challenge Program Educational Services Mustang Chiropractic March of Dimes Foundation The Restoration on Candlewood Ms. Roxanne Cook...... (918) 824-4850 Chiropractors - D.C. Nonprofit / Service Agencies Apartments 824 Park St., Building 313 Dr. Eric Crane...... (405) 376-5700 Ms. Laurie Applekamp..(405) 415-1262 Ms. Alexis Davis...... (405) 829-0463 Pryor, OK 74361-5600 201 S. Castlerock Lane 5100 N. Brookline Ave., Suite 850 8557 Candlewood Drive www.thunderbird.org Mustang, OK 73064-4583 Oklahoma City, OK 73112-3627 Oklahoma City, OK 73132-4415 www.mustangchiro.com www.marchofdimes.org www.therestorationoncandlewood.com

Member Upgrades

The following member companies increased their investment GRAND OPENINGS in the Chamber, demonstrating strong support of the Chamber’s efforts to drive the region’s economy. To increase Congratulations to Chamber members on their your investment, contact the membership division of the recent Grand Openings! To see the schedule of Chamber at 405-297-8949 or [email protected]. upcoming Grand Openings or subscribe to the Grand Openings calendar, visit okcchamber.com/grandopenings.

ADVISOR 35 Degrees North 2800 NW 192nd St. Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office Edmond, OK 73012 Government Agencies & Services The Honorable Tommie Johnson, III...... (405) 713-1000 Scooter’s Coffee 2101 NE 36th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73111 5000 N. Blackwelder Ave www.sheriff.oklahomacounty.org Oklahoma City, OK 73118 Guaranty Title EMERGING LEADER 1319 Classen Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73103 OKC Entertainment and Events Mustang Chiropractic Disc Jockeys Mr. Steve Lunsford...... (405) 673-5524 201 S. Castlerock Lane 12520 N.W. Expressway Mustang, OK 73064 Yukon, OK 73099 www.okcentertainmentinc.com Beyond Janitorial 3813 North Santa Fe Avenue, Suite 130 Oklahoma City, OK 73118 June 2021 Greater Oklahoma City Chamber The POINT!

14 ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Oklahoma Ranks No. 3 for Economic Outlook

Top 10 States by Policy Variables Economic Outlook • Top Marginal Personal • Estate/Inheritance Tax • State Minimum Wage 1) Utah Income Tax (No. 16) Levied (No. 1) (No. 1) • Top Marginal Corporate • Recently Legislated Tax • Average Workers’ 2) Florida Income Tax Rate (No. 17) Changes (No. 12) Compensation Costs 3) Oklahoma • Personal Income Tax • Debt Services as a Share of (No. 38) Progressivity (No. 18) Tax Revenue (No. 10) • Right-to-Work State 4) Wyoming • Property Tax Burden • Public Employees Per (No. 1) 5) North Carolina (No. 2) 10,000 of Population • Tax Expenditure Limits 6) Indiana • Sales Tax Burden (No. 36) (No. 26) (No. 15) • State Liability System Survey 7) Nevada • Remaining Tax Burden (No. 15) (No. 14) 8) North Dakota Source: American Legislative Exchange-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index, 2021 9) Texas 10) South Dakota Win prizes for telling Oklahoma City’s story!

• Oklahoma ranked 3rd in the United States for its economic outlook and legislative policies in the 2021 ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index. • This comprehensive report ranked states by 15 equally weighted policy variables, which are influenced by state lawmakers throughout the legislative process. • The state moved up six places from last year’s report.

For comprehensive Economic Indicators and Regional Data, please visit your Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Economic Development Division at greateroklahomacity.com or contact Eric Long, Research Economist – 405-297-8976; [email protected] New contest every month live leaderboard – easy to connect accounts Join today! okcsocialsquad.com June 2021 Greater Oklahoma City Chamber The POINT!

15 Periodicals PAID Oklahoma City, OK 73102 LOOK INSIDE!

Chamber planning for return OKC entrepreneurial ecosystem 5 of in-person events 8 growing Film incentive bill aims to OKC welcomes bioscience ‘rock 7 further grow industry in state 12 stars’

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