2018 Issue 6
D e ve l o p , I n n ov a t e , P r o s p e r
Oklahoma Jobs, Exports and Foreign Investment Numbers Released for 2017
OKcommerce.gov
THE STATE OF SMALL BUSINESS Women- and Minority-Owned Business Certification
Certification programs help to benefit small businesses that have traditionally faced extra barriers to market entry or
participation. Some companies and governments use certifications to ensure diversity in their selection of contractors, vendors and suppliers.
Benefits to operating as a certified business: • Expanded contracting opportunities; • Added advantageTX when competing for contracts with TX public and private sector entities; • Entities who choose to do business with you are confident that their reporting of dollars spent with businesses will be verifiable and credible.
Women-Owned Business Certification: The Oklahoma Department of Commerce provides certification for women-owned businesses and can assist in the application process. Oklahoma currently has 238 certificated women-owned businesses in Oklahoma. Any woman-owned small business is eligible to apply for certification. The business must be at least 51% owned and controlled on a day-to-day basis by one or more women. For more information on women-owned business certifications contact Rana Steeds at 405-815-5143 or rana.steeds@okcommerce.gov.
Minority-Owned Business Information: Commerce serves as an initial point of contact for aspiring and established business owners, including minority entrepreneurs. As with all businesses, the agency provides information on starting a business, organizations that assist small businesses, and other common questions. For more information on minority business certification contact Ken Talley at 405-815-5218 or ken.talley@okcommerce.gov.
Greater OKC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Helping Businesses Grow Joining a local chamber offers businesses a multitude of benefits. Founded in 2000, the Greater OKC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) has more than 400 members, both Hispanic and non-Hispanic businesses. David Castillo, president and CEO, has seen significant growth in the 18 years he’s been with the organization. The organization is focused on a number of community development issues, including: • Business development • Physical infrastructure • Culture and environmental stewardship • Workforce development • Education • Civic infrastructure • Business assistance “We are always trying to grow and expand,” said Castillo. “We offer unique services to the Latino community, such as business training workshops, annual business/consumer expos and networking opportunities, and are looking to add more in the future.” Throughout the year, GHCC provides a variety of services to the Hispanic community. One of those services is an authorized “Food Manager Certification Class and Test,” taught in Spanish which is required by the Oklahoma Health Department for restaurant employees. Other services include bilingual job fairs and the Latino Leadership Class (LLOKC). Participants are Latinos from
We are always trying to grow and expand... We offer unique services to the Latino community, such as business training workshops, annual business/consumer expos and networking opportunities, and are looking to add more in the future.”
David Castillo, president and CEO Greater OKC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce a broad range of organizations representing the private, nonprofit, and government sectors. Over the course of the LLOKC program, class members learn and practice the tools for being effective community leaders and volunteers. On June 15, the chamber will host its bi-annual fundraiser, ¡Viva Sabor!, is a wine and Latino food tasting event that will be held at the Tower Theater in Oklahoma City. The event will feature entertainment, as well as Hispanic and Latino art, and is open to members and non-members. Their annual Business EXPO and Career Fair, ¡Viva Expo!, is scheduled for Saturday, August 18. At the event, more than 200 Hispanic and non-Hispanic businesses will promote and display products and services. The 2017 event saw more than 17,000 attendees. If you’re interested in finding out more, visit okchispanicchamber.org
Commercial Metals Company Celebrates New Mill Commercial Metals Company (CMC), alongside Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and federal, state and local officials, recently dedicated its new micro mill. The mill is CMC’s second technologically advanced micro mill that uses a continuous manufacturing process which melts, casts and rolls steel from a single uninterrupted strand, resulting in higher yields and lower energy consumption than the traditional mini mill process. “We are proud to have CMC join the Durant community,” said Fallin. “This state-of-the-art mill brings great job opportunities for southeast Oklahoma, and is a testament to the business environment offered by the state of Oklahoma.”
Barbara Smith, chairman, president and chief executive officer of CMC, said: “We are extremely proud to be formally dedicating our second state-of-the-art steel micro mill in Durant. We look forward to providing our customers with high-quality products combined with CMC’s outstanding service. A project of this magnitude could not be accomplished without the support of so many, and we thank all our partners who helped us during the construction and commissioning of the mill. We also thank Governor Fallin as well as all the state and local officials who were instrumental in the process.”
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Tourism Supports 100,000 Jobs in Oklahoma New research shows tourism brings in 8.6 Billion in travel spending Tourism is an important driver for Oklahoma’s economy, helping to diversify and increase our jobs and employee earnings. While some of our key industry sectors have seen volatility in recent years, the travel-and-tourism industry has experienced consistent growth.”
Gov. Mary Fallin, Oklahoma
Travel is on the minds of many Oklahomans as they head out of town for a short adventure or make plans for this year’s big summer vacation. But in Oklahoma, travel is more than just summer fun. Tourism is the state’s third-largest industry. In 2016, total direct travel spending by an estimated 22 million visitors was $8.6 billion, according to new research released by the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department (OTRD). Tourism in the state directly supports 100,000 jobs that reflect earnings of $2.2 billion — both record highs for Oklahoma’s tourism industry. It is notable that both of these data points have increased annually for seven straight years despite the economic downturn Oklahoma experienced during that period. “Tourism is an important driver for Oklahoma’s economy, helping to diversify and increase our jobs and employee earnings,” Gov. Mary Fallin said. “While some of our key industry sectors have seen volatility in recent years, the travel-and-tourism industry has experienced consistent growth.” Tourism generated $627 million in state and local tax revenue for 2016 — the equivalent of $410 for each Oklahoma household. That number represents taxes paid by visitors that fund the core functions of government, displacing taxes that state residents would otherwise pay.
“I visit all 77 counties each year, and I’ve seen firsthand how important of an impact tourism has in each one,” said Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, who is chairman of the Tourism Commission. “The jobs and dollars generated by the industry are vital to rural Oklahoma just as they are in the big cities.” According to Dick Dutton, executive director of OTRD, the Department has begun using new tools to modernize its marketing efforts and increase efficiency, allowing it to maximize returns on taxpayers’ money in the most costeffective ways possible. “These added research tools help the department to evaluate marketing campaigns in a quicker and more effective manner,” Dutton said. “This allows for improved decision-making and enables the department to better target potential visitors.” The state’s return on investment from tourism remains high. The department’s 2017 spring marketing campaign produced a 6-to-1 return on investment in state and local tax revenue. The department’s research was conducted by three industry-leading research firms: TNS Global Market Research, Dean Runyan Associates and Longwoods International. To read the full research reports, visit travelok.com/industry_reports.
Oklahoma Jobs, Exports and Foreign Investment Numbers Released for 2017 The Oklahoma Department of Commerce and released Oklahoma exports, jobs and foreign Investment numbers for 2017. In 2017, Oklahoma realized $5.4 billion in total exports from more than 3,000 Oklahoma exporters. Oklahoma exports grew 18% from 2007 to 2017. Small- and medium-sized firms account for 85% of Oklahoma’s exporters. Oklahoma companies that sell to international markets are opened to 96% of the world’s consumers located in other countries. Oklahoma’s Global Team offers trade and export assistance to Oklahoma companies looking to sell their products and services in the global marketplace and promotes the state to international companies looking to relocate to or expand in the U.S. Tulsa-based Preston Eastin is just one of many companies that has worked with Commerce’s Global Team to expand their exports.
The business development services provided by Commerce far exceeded all expectations. The market research and connections provided will unquestionably result in direct international sales for Preston Eastin. We look forward to working with Commerce for many years as we have just began to tap into the services they offer.”
Rob Nock, President & CEO Preston Eastin
Top 5 Oklahoma Export Categories:
“The business development services provided by Commerce far exceeded all expectations,” said Rob Nock, President & CEO, Preston Eastin. “The market research and connections provided will unquestionably result in direct international sales for Preston Eastin. We look forward to working with Commerce for many years as we have just began to tap into the services they offer.” Commerce also assists companies through the operation of an international trade office in Mexico. Mexico accounts for $527 million in total exports from Oklahoma. The trade office helps Oklahoma companies identify export opportunities and sell their products and services to the Mexican market. In 2017, 33 Oklahoma companies were served directly by the Mexico International Trade Office. The full report is available online at: okcommerce.gov/ trade. For more information contact Jesse Garcia at jesse.garcia@okcommerce.gov. The full report is available online at: okcommerce.gov/trade
Machinery (excludes electrical)..................................20.7% $1.18 billion Transportation Equipment................................................ 16% $864 million Computer and Electronic Products ��������������������������� 15.1% $815 million Fabricated Metal Products................................................ 11% $593 million Plastics & Rubber................................................................7.9% $429 million All Other............................................................................. 29.4% $1.58 billion
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Main Street Award Winners Share Their Success Stories The Four-Point Approach helps to revitalize Oklahoma communities in 2018 Awards night is always exciting for the Main Street communities throughout the state as well as for the Oklahoma Main Street Center. It is a spirited competition that celebrates the positive and meaningful impact on each community through the dedicated people, original events, historic preservation, and financial investment. Cheers to the winners.”
~ Buffy Hughes, Oklahoma Main Street Center Director
The Oklahoma Main Street Center announced the winners in 21 competitive award categories during the 29th annual Main Street Awards Banquet, May 8th, at the Embassy Suites Downtown Medical Center Hotel. “Awards night is always exciting for the Main Street communities throughout the state as well as for the Oklahoma Main Street Center,” said Buffy Hughes, director of the Oklahoma Main Street Center program. “It is a spirited competition that celebrates the positive and meaningful impact on each community through the dedicated people, original events, historic preservation, and financial investment. Cheers to the winners.” The Main Street program encourages economic development in Oklahoma communities through historic preservation in ways appropriate to today’s marketplace. By refocusing efforts to bring vibrancy back to a commercial district, communities can find the self-reliance and empowerment needed to rebuild a commercial district and increase the quality of life for residents. Each award falls under one of the “Four Points” in the Main Street Approach. The Main Street Four-Point Approach™ is tailored to meet the needs and opportunities of each community. It encompasses work in four distinct areas – Design, Economic Vitality, Promotion, and Organization – that are combined to address all of the commercial district’s needs. Organization - Main Street is a volunteer-driven program relying on the commitment of private citizens and civic leaders. Organizing your resources and efforts is a proven process helping to ensure economic revitalization.
Best Community Education/Public Awareness was awarded to Newkirk Main Street for their Good Luck Card Game. Good Luck Card Game was a collaborative project between the Newkirk Main Street Design committee, Newkirk Junior Main Street and the Newkirk Community Historical Society. The objective was to highlight and teach adults and students alike about the historic buildings of downtown Newkirk. The Historical Society gave Main Street access to their historic photographs of Newkirk’s commercial buildings in the National Register historic district. The Junior Main Street students photographed the buildings as they are today. Caryl Morgan, graphic designer and design committee chairman, created the design for the back of the cards using the Charlie Adams logo. The card game follows the general outline of Old Maid only in “Good Luck” the players are matching the historic photos of the buildings with the current. The first 25 decks sold out almost immediately, and new decks had to be ordered. This was a wonderful multi-generational and collaborative project. Promotion - creating a positive image that will renew community pride while communicating the district’s unique characteristics, its cultural traditions, architecture, and history and activities to shoppers, investors, potential business owners and visitors. The award for Creative New Event went to Ardmore Main Street’s Farm to Table Dinner. It was the “brainchild” of a group of loyal customers and healthy living advocates who support the Downtown Farmers Market and understand the positive impact it can have in the community. The idea
The award for Creative New Event went to Ardmore Main Street’s Farm to Table Dinner.
Kendall Whittier’ Main Street’s Fair Fellow Coffee took home the award for Best New Business.
of the event grew naturally from their desire to promote farm fresh fruits and vegetables sold at market to a wider, influential audience by using the same products sold at the market as the ingredients for an exclusive gourmet dinner.
The total cost of this rehabilitation project was an amazing $700 with the owners performing most of the work themselves. The ability to dramatically restore and improve a space downtown, while retaining its history, charm and character, for under $1,000 gives hope to potential building owners and other historic preservationists across the state.
All 60 of the $85-a-plate tickets sold within a few days. The dinner was held outdoors on the grounds of the Stables at Washita Farms event venue and was supported by a wide variety of sponsors and in-kind participants. Volunteers included farmers who introduced the various courses served and fresh market products used, Main Street board members and friends of Main Street for a total of 15 volunteers. Design - the appearance of Main Street districts sets a vital first impression for each community by adding an inviting atmosphere through attractive window displays, parking areas, building improvements, signs, sidewalks, landscaping and more. The award for Best Façade Rehabilitation Under $10,000 went to McAlester Main Street’s Common Roots restoration. The owners’ goal was to restore the historic elements of this downtown McAlester building. After removing the existing awning, a set of beautiful, textured windows were found but were hidden under layers of paint. After more than 150 hours of scraping, the functional use of the windows has been restored. All the windows were then sealed water tight and the exterior received a fresh coat of paint. A new hand-painted sign added to the stunning makeover.
Economic Vitality - highlights each community’s existing assets while diversifying its economic base, retaining and expanding successful businesses to provide a balanced commercial mix and helps attract new businesses. Kendall Whittier’s Fair Fellow Coffee took home the award for Best New Business. Fair Fellow Coffee opened in March 2016 to great fanfare. Customers flocked to Fair Fellow for their coffee beans, roasted on-site, and espresso drinks featuring local Lomah Dairy products. Because Fair Fellow Coffee is such a destination draw, the flow of foot-traffic through the neighborhood has benefited neighboring Kendall Whittier merchants. Many of these customers are a young, urban, creative demographic that had never set foot in Kendall Whittier before. An entirely new audience that was unfamiliar with Kendall Whittier now frequents the district. And of course, having delicious coffee and a comfortable gathering spot within walking distance has been a huge boost to the employees of companies located in Whittier Square. For a full list of winners from the 29th annual Main Street Awards Banquet visit: okcommerce.gov/media
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Upcoming Events and Important Dates GET READY FOR THE ECONOMIC CENSUS Deadline is June 12
The US Census Bureau conducts the Decennial Census once every 10 years, but it also measures US businesses once every 5 years. The US Census Bureau started mailing instructions for the Economic Census in early May and the initial deadline is June 12. The instructions will be mailed to 3.7 million businesses nationwide to complete the census online, and the businesses will report their year-end 2017 numbers for each location. By law, the US Census Bureau will keep all of the information it collects confidential so that no individual business can be identified. However, it reports aggregated data online so that business owners and company executives can identify opportunities, make business decisions and assist policymaking for supporting business growth. For more information visit: okcommerce.gov/census For questions, contact Jon Chiappe, Director, Research & Economic Analysis Services, at jon.chiappe@okcommerce.gov or 405-815-5210.
INDEPENDENCE DAY Wednesday, July 4, 2018 State Offices Closed
NEW PIONEER A PRODUCT OF THE OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE EDITOR: Kimberly Hickerson, Project Manager CONTRIBUTORS: Stefanie Appleton, Bryan Boone PHOTO CREDITS: Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce
FOR NEW PIONEER SUBMISSIONS AND STORY IDEAS CONTACT: Kimberly Hickerson Editor-in-Chief - New Pioneer Oklahoma Department of Commerce 900 N. Stiles Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73104 (405) 815-5240 kimberly.hickerson@okcommerce.gov
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