2015 ISSUE 3

Develop, Innovate, Prosper

IN THIS ISSUE

Economic IndicatorsState of Growth p. 2

Workforce NewsGovernor Fallin Launches New Program Oklahoma Works Program p. 3

Community NewsOver the Fence Farms Grows at Local Enid Business Incubator p. 4

Main Street NewsOklahoma Main Street Day at the Capitol p. 7

Upcoming EventsOklahoma State Energy Office Community Workshop p. 8

This year, Keep Oklahoma Beautiful (KOB) marks its 50th anniversary. Throughout the years, steadfast supporters of the statewide non-profit organization have guided KOB to carry out its ongoing mission: to enhance the natural beauty of our great state.

In recognition of the half century milestone and all that they have contributed to the success and longevity of Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, KOB will present the Pendleton Wood Award to Governor and Mrs. George & Donna Nigh and posthumously to Governor and Mrs. Henry & Shirley Bellmon at the 50th anniversary reception celebration to be held April 21, 2015.

The Pendleton Wood Award is named in memory of a longtime supporter and

Keep Oklahoma Beautiful 50th Anniversary50th anniversary reception celebration on April 21st

advocate for Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, this award recognizes those individuals whose vision, dedication, and support nurtured this organization in its early years and ensured that it would succeed and serve the citizens of our state.

KOB’s volunteer board of directors guides its programs, which target grassroots efforts of Oklahomans involved with community and environmental improvement.

Cover Story

p. 7 Main Street Day

p. 5 Over the Fence Farms Continued on page 5

Oklahoma State of Success

Economic Indicators: Oklahoma State of Growth Oklahoma is one of the nation’s fastest growing states

+19.2%

Personal Per Capita Income Oklahoma 19.2%California 8.4%Florida 2.6% New Jersey 4.2%Texas 15.4%

Income Growth Between 2003-2013 (adjusted for inflation) Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Aerospace Job GrowthOklahoma 17%

Ranked 6th in the Nation for Aerospace Job Growth. 6th

Source: Avalanche Consulting and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data.

+1.55B

Export Growth:

Oklahoma Total $6.9B

Oklahoma has increased exports by $1.55 billion in the last 3 years.

Source: 2010-2013 state exports

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Oklahoma ranked No. 9 for inbound movers to the state at 57% Source: United Van Lines 2014

# 2 4##America’s

Top States for Business

2014:Cost of DoingBusiness

- CNBC, June 2014

Best States for Recent Grads

- Forbes, July 2014

States with the Fastest Growing Economies

- 24/7 Wall Street, June 2014 - Site Selection, Jan. 2015

1 2State WorkforceDevelopment:

# South Central Region

High Inbound

High Outbound

Balanced

Economic Indicators: Oklahoma State of Growth Oklahoma is one of the nation’s fastest growing states

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State Unemployment Rates: Oklahoma’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined by two-tenths of a percentage point to 4.2 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate improved from 5.8 percent to 5.6 percent for the month.Over the year, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped by 1.2 percentage points.

http://bit.ly/1uBg9ZX

Workforce News

Governor Fallin Launches Oklahoma Works ProgramOklahoma Works will help to connect state workforce resources

“Now, with oklahomaworks.gov, job seekers, businesses, and our partners have one tool that connects them with all of Oklahoma’s

workforce services.”

— Deidre Myers, Deputy Secretary For Workforce Development

One of the state’s greatest workforce challenges is increasing the number of students with workforce credentials or associate degrees, as well as increasing the number of college graduates. Current estimates show a 23-point gap between current workforce and the skilled workforce needed by 2020.

To address this challenge, Governor Mary Fallin unveiled “Oklahoma Works” in her “State of the State” address. This initiative will work to align educational outcomes with workforce and economic development policy. Oklahoma Works will also help create efficiency and collaboration among partner agencies.

“We must encourage more Oklahomans to continue their education beyond high school,” said Governor Mary Fallin. “Currently, Oklahoma’s workforce is not meeting the education levels needed to sustain potential job growth. For Oklahoma businesses to meet labor demands and Oklahoma citizens to find good jobs and careers, we need to address the emerging ‘skills gap.’”

The challenge behind Oklahoma Works is to create one unified system among state agencies and local entities to provide seamless and comprehensive services.

To accomplish this, the Governor’s Council for Workforce and Economic Development will coordinate strategic priorities and plans across education, training and economic agencies, increasing alignment of the entire education and training pipeline. The first step in the process has begun by launching the website for “Oklahoma Works” to create one unified site connecting employers and employees.

“In the past you had to visit not one or two, but multiple websites to find training and career resources,” Deidre Myers, Deputy Secretary For Workforce Development said, “Now, with oklahomaworks.gov, job seekers, businesses, and our partners have one tool that connects them with all of Oklahoma’s workforce services.”

For more information on the initiative or to find resources for advancing your career, finding talented workers and how communities can help visit: oklahomaworks.gov

Over the Fence Farms Grows at Enid Business IncubatorLinda Beguin found the perfect place to grow her small business, Over the Fence Farms (OTTF), when she discovered the James W. Strate Center for Business Development at Autry Technology Center in Enid, Okla. Beguin and her husband, Jerry, son, Adam, and mother, Betty Radcliff, all pitched in with the business. It has gone from an idea that was validated when Beguin attended the annual “Entrepreneurs Inspire Bootcamp” hosted by the Center to a thriving business. Beguin now has two lines of retail merchandise and brand new co-packing branch called The Spotted Cow.

Products are prepared in a certified kitchen inside the James W. Strate Center. Over the Fence Farms markets specialty pickles, spreads, spices, baking mixes and refined pickle juice. The main line is retailed in more than 50 stores across the region and the co-packing arm is manufacturing products for multiple Made in Oklahoma food companies.

Over the Fence Farms has been housed in the Center for nearly three years and Spotted Cow was accepted as a new tenant in December 2014. Linda has peer- to-peer relationships with other incubator tenants, mentors a number of start-ups and has learned from all the available trainings offered by Autry Technology Center.

OTFF is a good example of a rural small business success. In a culture focused on high tech/high growth, OTTF has developed a sustainable business that embraces the local economic ecosystem.

The Center is beginning its seventh year and can accommodate up to 10 tenants. The Center holds

classes for would-be business owners and offers coaching services to small businesses not located in the incubator, as well. After taking classes that help them learn the basics of starting and operating a business, owners can enter the Cherokee Strip Business Model Competition, which awards cash and in-kind service awards. Over the Fence Farms placed second in the competition in 2013 and was able to put winnings toward growing the company. The competition is funded by donors interested in helping build great entrepreneurial leaders and ventures.

Businesses ready to start up can apply for a space in the James Strate Center.

“We have a selection committee that helps pick who gets to come in here,” said Brian Gaddy, director of James Strate Center. “Businesses pay discount rent at first, then the rent is increased. By the fourth year, they are paying the same rent they would be paying in the community.”

The selection committee looks at the entrepreneur’s business plan. When the committee gives the nod to a potential business, the business representatives are authorized to make an offer. In addition, the Grow Enid program provides sponsorships to fledgling businesses. The program is designed to foster viable small businesses that intent to stay in Enid.

“From an economic development standpoint, what we’re doing is a long-term solution,” Gaddy said. “It’s a way to build businesses that don’t go away.”

Examples of OTFF’s success include:

• The 2012 business plan hoped products to be in 20 specialty stores by 2013 products were in 35! They are now in more than 50 stores that include specialty gourmet and large chain grocers.

• The canned line grew from 2 gourmet products to 5 gourmet products AND they introduced a second canned line to be sold in grocery stores.

• Increased batch production by 500% enabling OTFF to pursue opportunities as a co-packer for other food manufacturing and production companies.

• OTTF operates as a debt free company and is solely funded by company revenue.

Linda Beguin Owner of Over the Fence Farms showing her Made in Oklahoma products.

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Community Development

The culmination of each year’s work is the annual, statewide awards competition leading to the annual awards recognition banquet in November, which recognizes “the best of the environmental best” in Oklahoma. There are three major events that take place in dozens of communities every year: Great American Cleanup, Fresh Paint Days and End Litter.

As a state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, KOB organizes the annual Great American Cleanup™ in Oklahoma and provides materials and tools for communities and volunteers. Startup cash grants are available for qualifying KOB network organizations.

Fresh Paint Days is a KOB program designed to encourage communities and volunteers to seek out the unsightly community structures and give them a fresh look. Through generous sponsors KOB is able to provide paint and a stipend for supplies to selected participants.

For the younger generations, End Litter is an opportunity for high school and college students to get creative! Students are challenged to tackle the issues of litter and

illegal dumping in a 30-second video clip. The winning groups receive a $750 cash prize and recognition at KOB’s banquet.

For more information on Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, contact Jeanette Nance at 405-286-9141.

Oklahoma Department of Commerce Unveils New Media CenterCommerce’s video content, publications and recent press releases in one area

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce has a new Media Center page that hosts the agency’s video content, publications and recent press releases in one area.

While in the Media Center, the light blue bar across the top allows you to filter for the type of content you want to view (news, publications, testimonial videos) and includes a link to subscribe to publications. The page has a mobile-responsive design, much like the new section of the website.

okcommerce.gov/media

Browse the page to find Commerce’s latest news, information and headlines.

Note: You must have at least Internet Explorer 9 to properly view the new Media Center.

Keep Oklahoma Beautiful 50th Anniversary50th anniversary reception celebration on April 21st Continued from page 1

Keep Oklahoma Beautiful 2014 Awards Recognition Banquet

Oklahoma State of Success

Ken Talley joined the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (ODOC) in January 2000. As a Senior Economic Development Specialist and the agency’s Minority Business Coordinator, Ken provides information regarding state resources and programs for small and minority businesses. He also assists in explaining how loans and financing are provided to businesses through the guaranty assistance programs of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and other government agencies. In addition, he refers existing and aspiring business owners to sources for counseling and small business planning assistance as well as referring applicable owners to the various minority and disadvantaged business certification programs.

“Ken’s deep knowledge of state resources and experience with start-up businesses make him an invaluable part of the Business Customer Service Team,” says Martin Roberts, ODOC Business Customer Services Director.

Ken answers daily inquiries and informs persons of the initial decisions and filings with state agencies involved in starting a small business. He also answers inquiries from all size businesses regarding the specific and general requirements (licenses, permits, registrations, etc.) for them to be able to operate in Oklahoma. .

Prior to joining ODOC, Ken was a Loan Specialist in the state headquarters of the federal Rural Development Agency, of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He also served for more than 10 years as a Field Representative regarding small business and minority economic development issues on the district staff in Oklahoma of a U.S. Congressman.

Ken holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma. In 2003, he received the “Minority Business Advocate Award for Oklahoma” from the regional director of MBDA. In 2008, he was selected as the state’s “Minority Small Business Champion” by the Oklahoma office of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

NEW PIONEERA product of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce

EDITOR:Kimberly Hickerson, Project Manager

CONTRIBUTORS:Stefanie Appleton, Bryan Boone, Cara Carson, Kathy Gain

PHOTO CREDITS:Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, James Strate Center for Business Development

Meet Our Staff

Kimberly HickersonProject Manager - Communications900 N. Stiles Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73104(405) 815-5240 kimberly_hickerson@OKcommerce.gov

issuu.com/newpioneerOK

FOR NEW PIONEER SUBMISSIONS AND STORY IDEAS CONTACT:

Ken Talley, Small and Minority Business Development Specialist for Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

Phone: 405-815-5218Email: Ken_Talley@okcommerce.gov

OKcommerce.gov

@OKcommerce

facebook.com/OKcommerce

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

7

Many of the nearly 40 Oklahoma Main Street communities and urban areas from around the state will bring their downtowns to the State Capitol Tuesday, March 17, during Main Street Day at the Capitol. The Oklahoma Main Street Center, a division of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, spearheads this showcase of local downtown economic development revitalization.

All activities will begin at 9a.m. on the Capitol’s fourth floor rotunda.

“This is a day for each Main Street community to highlight their towns and what the program has meant to their area,” said Linda Barnett, Oklahoma Main Street Center director. “Come see the displays, ask questions, and learn about upcoming events. It takes a team of dedicated volunteers and other local people to make these programs thrive, and we continue to be grateful for all their hard work.”

Barnett said the 39 communities, that include three urban areas and three associate programs, have generated more than $1.4 billion in total public and private reinvestment, created more than 17,000 new jobs and helped in the development of nearly 5,000 new or expanded small businesses since the statewide program began in 1985.

For more information about Main Street Day at the Capitol, or to learn more about the Oklahoma Main Street Program, please call (405) 815-6552 or visit OKcommerce.gov/mainstreet

STATE OFFICES CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THE FOLLOWING STATE HOLIDAY:

Monday, May 25 Memorial Day

OSU BUSINESS FORUMS: KAREN HUGHES, WORLDWIDE VICE CHAIR, BURSON-MARSTELLERWednesday, March 11, 12-1:30pmCox Business Convention Center, Oklahoma City

Thursday, March 12, 12-1:30pmHyatt Regency Hotel, Tulsa

For more information and a list of upcoming OSU Business Forum speakers visit: http://bit.ly/1DBAPde

CREATIVITY WORLD FORUM Tuesday, March 31 7am–6pm Internationally recognized leader and speaker on the importance of creativity in educating today’s workforce, Sir Ken Robinson, will headline the 2015 Creativity World Forum.stateofcreativity.com

OSU BUSINESS FORUMS: STEVE WOZNIAK CO-FOUNDER, APPLE COMPUTER, INC.CHIEF SCIENTIST, FUSION-IO Oklahoma CityTuesday, April 7, 4-5:30pmCox Business Convention Center Tulsa Tuesday, April 7, 10-11:30am Mabee Center

To register or for more information visit: http://bit.ly/1DBAPde

2015 OK ETHICS AWARDS NOMINATIONSDue: Thursday, March 19, 2pm

All organizations emphasizing integrity, character and ethics are encouraged to apply for the OK Ethics Awards.

The purpose of these awards is to recognize organizations that are positively impacting their communities in ways that inspire integrity. There are two categories for this award: those having a positive influence in promoting integrity on school campuses or those that impact the community as a whole.

For more details, visit the Community Impact Awards page at okethics.org.

Awards will be presented in Oklahoma City at a luncheon on Friday, May 1.

Oklahoma Main Street Day at the CapitolEvent Scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 9am

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

Subscriptions are free.

Note: E-subscribers receive the newsletter monthly in addition to educational opportunities and special announcements. Print subscribers will receive every other issue and do not receive special notifications. To assure you receive all announcements and updates, please sign up for the electronic

subscription at OKcommerce.gov/subscribe

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

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

Community Workshop

or contact: Kimberly HickersonProject Manager - Communications900 N. Stiles Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73104(405) 815-5240 kimberly_hickerson@OKcommerce.gov

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CONTRACTING FOR K12 SCHOOLS, STRATEGIC ENERGY PLANNING FOR COMMUNITIES

Thursday, Mar. 12, 9am - 3pm Registration begins at 9:00am; Workshop Program: 9:30am – 3:00 pm; (Lunch on own)

Metro Technology Business Conference Center, Rm. H, 1900 Springlake Drive, Oklahoma City(The Conference Center is located on the south side of the main building)

There is NO cost to attend this workshop! Come and learn about these two new funding programs being offered by the State Energy Office located within the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

To register for K12 Schools and Community Energy Efficiency Workshop, please visit: eventbrite.com/event/15569062485/

If you have questions specific to workshop content, please contact Kathy Gain at kathy_gain@okcommerce.gov

OKLAHOMA