December 2013 www.okcchamber.com MAPS: The Initiative that Started it All In the late 80s, has taken place. Construction of a mile-long canal, downtown Oklahoma a premiere ballpark and the attraction of billions in City was a victim private investment has transformed downtown, and of suburban flight that deserted warehouse district to one of the most and failed efforts at vibrant entertainment districts in the Southwest with revitalization. The countless nightlife and entertainment options. The surrounding area river that once had to be mowed is now home to included a dilapidated world-class water events and an Olympic U.S. Canoe/ warehouse district and Kayak training and development center. a river that had slowed In the early 90s, Oklahoma City was reeling from to a trickle through the 80s oil bust. It had just lost a bid for a United flood prevention Airlines maintenance facility, which promised to engineering. Since the 1990s, an amazing renaissance Continued on page 10 OKC Outpacing Nation in Job Growth National media has long been reporting the decline of mid-paying jobs and the middle class across the nation. However, Oklahoma City’s economy tells a different story. NewGeography.com recently ranked Oklahoma City fifth for its growth of middle-income employment, crediting the region’s low cost of living and a thriving energy sector. Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City echoes that report. Through August 2013, Oklahoma City had 4 percent more jobs than before the recession, while the U.S. continued to lag, not having yet achieved the same number of pre-recession jobs. seen an increase in the regional economy. Companies The region continues to show strength in attracting such as Terex, who have long histories in Oklahoma jobs and investment. The first 11 months of 2013, the City, are furthering their investment in the region. Terex Chamber assisted with more than 6,300 new jobs for recently announced a $40 million upgrade to its facility, both existing and new to the market companies. Both along with the planned addition of more than 1,500 high-paying technical and low-paying service jobs have manufacturing jobs, further echoing the region’s success. Continued on page 5 The Point! December 2013 Greater Oklahoma City Chamber 2 215 OK Chamber_PR.indd 1 7/24/09 3:09:53 PM 2013 OFFICERS PETE DELANEY OGE Energy Corp. Leadership Notes 2013 Chairman CARL EDWARDS Firing on All Cylinders Price Edwards & Company Immediate Past Chairman At our recent Board Retreat we had the opportunity to DAVID A. JACKSON hear from Chad Wilkerson with the Federal Reserve JPMorganChase Bank, N.A. Treasurer Bank of Kansas City. It is no news that Greater BRUCE LAWRENCE Oklahoma City took a less direct hit from the national INTEGRIS Health Corporate Secretary recession, and we have certainly recovered more quickly CLAYTON I. BENNETT than most major cities. Dorchester Capital Vice Chair, Strategic Planning The front page article in this month’s issue of The BRYAN GONTERMAN AT&T Oklahoma POINT! showcases some of the data behind our region’s Vice Chair, Membership rebound and subsequent growth. But I wanted to take Roy H. Williams, CCE RHONDA HOOPER President & CEO Jordan Advertising a moment to reinforce the implications of this data, Vice Chair, Economic Development because it’s much more than just positive numbers. Here in Oklahoma PERCY KIRK Cox Communications Oklahoma City, we’re firing on all cylinders. Vice Chair, Marketing & Communications BRADLEY W. KRIEGER Oklahoma City has a lot going for it. The growth of high-paying, mid-range and Arvest Bank service jobs. A strong housing market. An influx of new, talented workers. The addition Vice Chair, Military/Aerospace TOM J. MCDANIEL of new retail to the market. These, and more, combined with our low cost of living, American Fidelity Foundation increasing number of quality of life amenities and diversified industries are propelling Vice Chair, MAPS Development J. LARRY NICHOLS our region forward. This combination of factors is helping us become an even stronger Devon Energy Corporation city and resonates the idea that success breeds success. Vice Chair, Strategic Planning DAVID RAINBOLT As we wrap up 2013 and head into a new year, I hope that you will take a moment BancFirst Vice Chair, Government Relations to remember that these achievements and this momentum is not something that JOHN RICHELS came from nowhere. The things we’re achieving today are possible because of the Devon Energy Corporation Vice Chair, Forward Oklahoma City years of hard work and dedication we have put into making Greater Oklahoma City a TERESA ROSE quality place. We are reaping the benefits of that, and I believe we will continue to see Chesapeake Energy Corporation Vice Chair, Education/Workforce rewards for many years to come. In 2014, let’s keep working together to continue this Development momentum. NATALIE SHIRLEY Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City Vice Chair, Convention & Visitors Bureau ROY H. WILLIAMS, CCE Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Sincerely, President & CEO THE POINT! ISSUE #3466 - December 2013 Editorial staff Stefanie Appleton, Cynthia Reid, Jennifer Seaton Roy H. Williams, CCE Designer Chamber CEO & President Kathryn Bolay-Staude 297-8900 The Point! [email protected] www.okcchamber.com www.twitter.com/okcchamber www.facebook.com/okcchamber Upcoming Networking Events New Chamber, CVB Employees The Point (ISSN 1075-6264) is published monthly by the 6 9 Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, 123 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. POSTMASTER: MAPS 20th Anniversary Q&A with MAPS Mayors Send address changes to The Point!, 10 12 Greater Oklahoma City Chamber or e-mail [email protected]. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $5 per year included in Chamber membership; nonmembers, December 2013 Greater Oklahoma City Chamber OKC: A Destination for Sports Economic Indicators $25 per year within the U.S. 14 19 Periodicals Postage paid at Oklahoma City. Advertising rates upon request. 3 Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising. CONTENTS WE’RE MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE Our digital sOlutiOns drive results, tOO. Digital marketing experts at OPUBCO Communications Group know that your website needs to be attractive and functional to get the traffic it needs. Call us at (405) 463-2986 for a complete digital makeover. The Point! Web Design • search Marketing • social MeDia • eMail Marketing THE DIGITAL MARKETING SERVICES OF December 2013 Greater Oklahoma City Chamber 4 OKC Outpacing NationThat’s in because Job theGrowth OKC labor force has grown with employment, unlike in the nation (continued from page 1) Number of People in the Labor Force “This year was one of the most successful Seasonally Adjusted Index: Aug-08=100 years we have had in terms of companies 110 110 looking at and choosing Greater Oklahoma 108 U.S. 108 City,” said Kurt Foreman, executive vice OKC Metro 106 106 president of economic development, Greater Rest of OK Oklahoma City Chamber. “We are seeing 104 104 numbers that we have not seen since before 102 102 the recession and we expect to continue to see 100 100 companies announce their relocation to or expansion in this region.” 98 98 96 96 Oklahoma City’s labor force continues to 94 94 grow with its employment opportunities. The Aug-08 Feb-09 Aug-09 Feb-10 Aug-10 Feb-11 Aug-11 Feb-12 Aug-12 Feb-13 Aug-13 Atlantic and the Wall Street Journal recently OKC has 4 percent more jobs thanSource: U.S.before Bureau of Labor Statistics the ranked Oklahoma City as the No. 12 place for recession, while the U.S. and rest of state lag millennials to flock post-recession. The article stated that young adults are moving to cities Level of Payroll Employment with knowledge-based or high-tech economies – Through August 2013 Index: Jan-08=100 cities that are among the nation’s top performers 106 106 in economy and job growth. As Oklahoma 104 104 City’s entrepreneurial community continues OKC Metro to grow and thrive, so does the region’s 102 102 opportunity to recruit a young and talented 100 100 workforce. Rest of OK 98 98 The pipeline for jobs remains steady, with the potential of 14,000 additional jobs from future 96 U.S. 96 projects. 94 94 92 92 Jan-08 Jan-09 Jan-10 Jan-11 Jan-12 Jan-13 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Celebrate MAPS this Holiday Season The Point! Commemorate MAPS and the way it propelled Oklahoma City forward with a holiday ornament that reflects the nine quality of life projects that jump-started our city’s renaissance. $16.50 (includes custom-fitted gift box) Ornaments are available at all BC Clark Jeweler locations. December 2013 Greater Oklahoma City Chamber For large orders, call 1-800-324-5996 x6403. 5 UPCOMING EVENTS Kick Off 2014 Right The year is winding down, but that does not mean the The Greater OKC Chamber is a wonderful resource to Chamber is slowing down on planning opportunities me. All of the Chamber’s events are a great way to meet for its members to stay informed and connected to the people and help spread the word about your company. business community. Before the holidays fill up your I’ve been active in the Chamber for a while now and the schedule, take some time to put these upcoming events events I attend are better than any other networking on your calendar. event I go to. The Greater OKC Chamber has such a wide variety of members it’s easy to find someone your Member Orientation: Jan. 14 company can help! 4 to 5:30 p.m. • Chamber offices - Emily Johnson, Regional Catering Sales Manager, Panera Bread New to the Chamber? Want to learn how you can better maximize your membership? Monthly Member Member Orientation dates for all of 2014 Orientations are a great way to better understand the are as follows: role the Chamber plays in the community and how you Tuesday, Jan.