IN THIS ISSUE

2014 ISSUE 2

Economic IndicatorsWhat Makes Us Best for Quality of Life p. 2

Upcoming EventsAnnual Environmental Excellence Celebration p. 11

Business NewsGovernor Mary Fallin Applauds International Paper p. 3

Boeing to move 900 more jobs to Oklahoma p. 3

Community NewsDisaster Relief Recovery

Funds Update p. 8

Rural Energy for America Program p. 9

Workforce NewsOklahoma Celebrates

Manufacturing Day p. 4

Main Street NewsOkmulgee Rising p. 7

Develop, Innovate, Prosper

Since 1986 Okmulgee has worked under Oklahoma Main Street’s Four Point Approach ™ of organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring. Using these guidelines, Okmulgee has seen progress in many areas including the continued revitalization of their historic district. The area, like so many main streets across America, has a cache of incredible, sturdy buildings with amazing detail. While they had different uses and purposes in the past, these buildings from the boom days have something in common – potential.

Okmulgee Main Street, Inc. and Director Heather Sumner are working with consultant Ron Drake to provide a much needed boost to their historic district.

“Downtowns are the heart of every community; revitalize them and the effects will be felt across your town,” said Ron Drake.

When Sumner was hired in January, Margaret Hess, 2014 Vice President of Okmulgee’s Main Street Board suggested she read the book Flip This Town.

“A few weeks later I received an email from the Sapulpa Main Street Director, Cindy McDonald, inviting me and a couple of my board members to a presentation she was hosting the next week,” said Sumner. “The speaker was Ron Drake. I remembered the name because I still had [Flip This Town] on my desk.“

Drake specializes in looking at communities from a unique perspective. In his hometown of Siloam Springs, Ark., he is known as a visionary that transformed the town into one of the top four best Main Streets (Parade Magazine) and the 14th Best Small Town in America (Smithsonian Magazine.) Drake focuses on providing fresh looking housing in downtown buildings to help sustain and grow business downtown.

“We went to hear him speak in Sapulpa and immediately knew we

Continued on page 7

page 6

Okmulgee on the Rise One Main Street is changing the heart of a community

Oklahoma State of Success

Economic Indicators: What Makes Us BEST FOR QUALITY OF LIFE

Oklahoma $2,138 New York $24,302New Jersey $5,164Florida $8,404Texas $6,172

Oklahoma $169,967 New York $517,776Florida $302,947Texas $304,585New Jersey $174,869

4-Bedroom House Purchase Cost:

Grocery Bill Annual Cost:

Oklahoma $5,880 New York $7,530 New Jersey $6,844Florida $7,130Texas $6,320

Property Tax Bill on a 4-Bedroom House:

Total in Hours spent Commuting Each Year:

Oklahoma 89.27 New York 139.53New Jersey 132.60 Florida 111.80Texas 107.90

$5,880

89.27

158

Oklahoma has more than 300 museums covering a wide variety of subjects, from the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa to Oklahoma City’s National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.300+

Oklahoma is one of only four states to have 10 or more “eco-regions,” or areas that have a distinct terrain.

11

Oklahoma is one of the sunniest major US cities. With average annual sunshine of 3089 hours and 139 clear days, more sun than Tampa, FL and San Francisco, CA. 139

158 colleges and universities call Oklahoma home including The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and University of Tulsa.

http://bit.ly/1nlPOzl

http://bit.ly/1nYLhVA

www.travelok.com/museums

http://bit.ly/1uyjU56

M

Tulsa

OKC

Oklahoma continues to showcase itself as a leader in aerospace. In September, Boeing announced plans to consolidate the majority of its defense services and support work in Oklahoma City from Washington state. This marks the third time in four years that Boeing has shifted jobs to Oklahoma from other locations. Since 2010, the company has moved more than 1,200 jobs to the state from Wichita, Kan., and Long Beach, Calif.

The company’s latest expansion will double the size of the Oklahoma City workforce.

“Consolidating this work will allow the business to more efficiently use the resources and capabilities across the

company,” Jim O’Neill, president of global services and support for Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said in a statement.

“We have a significant presence in Washington state, California and on the east coast, said Steve Hendrickson, Director of Government Relations, Boeing. “And what we’ve found is anytime we relocate those positions to Oklahoma we return more to the bottom line and can actually lower the cost to our customer.”

“Several of my fellow executives have said that Oklahoma may be the most business-friendly environment in which we operate,” Hendrickson said.

Boeing to move 900 more jobs to Oklahoma$18.8 million capital investment and 150 new jobs

Business News

Grocery Bill Annual Cost:

“International Paper’s $90 million investment in McCurtain County

will result in dozens of new jobs for Oklahoma families... ”

- Governor Fallin

Governor Mary Fallin applauded International Paper’s announcement to restart the previously idled No. 3 machine at its Valliant containerboard mill. “International Paper’s $90 million investment in McCurtain County will result in dozens of new jobs for Oklahoma families, and make the Valliant mill one of the largest and most efficient containerboard mills in North America,” said Fallin. “Due in part to Oklahoma’s commitment to pro-business, pro-growth policies, we were able to restart the previously idled machine and put Oklahomans back to work.” The No. 3 machine is scheduled to be operational by the summer of 2015 and will create approximately 65 new jobs. This will also allow the plant to produce

an additional 360,000 tons of capacity to produce high quality medium, a packaging material. “We are excited about the Valliant project,” said

Todd Crutcher, IP’s director, Investment Strategy-Manufacturing Containerboard. “Restarting our No. 3 Containerboard Machine in Valliant will bring a terrific economic benefit to the area while helping us to improve our North American

Containerboard Mill system. We remain dedicated to matching our production with our customer demand.” International Paper idled the No. 3 Machine indefinitely in October 2009. The Valliant mill currently employs approximately 620 production, support and contract maintenance employees, with an annual payroll of $45 million. It is the largest employer in southeast Oklahoma.

Governor Mary Fallin Applauds International Paper Idled operation in Valliant restarting with $90 million dollar investment

3

Workforce News

In honor of National Manufacturing Day more than 25 events were held throughout the state in October to help celebrate the industry’s past, present and future in Oklahoma.

Manufacturing is an integral part of Oklahoma’s economy and it is steadily growing. Modern manufacturing is extremely technical, highly-paid, skilled work that includes automated machinery, robots and 3-D printing technologies. The industry employs critical and creative thinkers to solve important problems, including engineers, accountants, managers and other professionals.

Comparable to other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) jobs, there is a growing skills gap in manufacturing across the country. The “Dream It. Do It.” initiative, led by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, aims to help students, educators and parents understand the great

Oklahoma Celebrates National Manufacturing Day

State Unemployment Rates: In August, Oklahoma’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose by one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.7 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate dropped by one-tenth to 6.1 percent for the month. Over the year, Oklahoma’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell by 0.9 percentage points.

http://bit.ly/1t54cye

On Thursday, November 13th, state leaders will celebrate the success of everyday Oklahomans and the Oklahoma workforce system at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City. The 2014 Workforce Investment Act Alumni (WIA) Celebration is scheduled to take place in the House of Representatives chamber at 1:00 p.m.

The event will recognize individuals from across the state whose hard work and sacrifice, along with a helping hand from the state workforce system, led to better lives for themselves and their families.

The event will feature dignitaries such as the Secretary of Commerce, Larry Parman; Department of Labor Region IV Regional Administrator and Oklahoma Association of Workforce Investment Boards Chairman, Gilbert Hall.

Workforce Oklahoma Honors Local Success Stories at State CapitolEvent Celebrates Oklahoma’s Workforce Development System

Workforce Oklahoma honorees will receive awards and share individual stories of success and triumph.

A reception for the public will follow in the fourth floor rotunda. This event is sponsored by the Workforce Oklahoma Employment & Training Association (WOETA) and the Oklahoma Association of Workforce Investment Boards (OAWIB).

Workforce Oklahoma is Oklahoma’s comprehensive workforce development system that works with statewide and local organizations. Available workforce development activities provided in local communities can benefit job seekers, laid off workers, youth, incumbent workers, new entrants to the workforce, veterans, persons with disabilities, and employers.

opportunities available in manufacturing and to inspire next-generation workers to pursue manufacturing careers.Two areas in Oklahoma have adopted the “Dream It. Do it.” initiative in their communities. The Northeast region of Oklahoma and the Duncan area initiatives are taking off. Since January of 2014, a total of 96 events have been held in these areas for students, parents, educators and employers with a total of more than 3,000 participants.

For more information about how your community can join the “Dream it. Do it.” initiative, email Vikki Dearing at Vikki_Dearing@OKcommerce.gov

5

As ports on the east and west coasts become saturated and overly regulated, businesses are looking to the Tulsa Port of Catoosa to optimize their shipping costs. Companies can expect to see a 15% drop in shipping costs on average for those that move their route to the Tulsa Port of Catoosa.

Located at the head of navigation for the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System in Northeast Oklahoma, it is one of the largest, most inland river-ports in the United States. Tulsa Port of Catoosa’s unique position allows companies to move millions of tons of bulk freight by barge each year and at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact of rail or truck.

Port of Catoosa has reached a major milestone – handling 75 million tons of waterborne cargo over the past 43 years. It’s the equivalent of three million truckloads, and it has brought Oklahoma roughly $31 billion in commerce.

There is plenty of room for growth along the waterway which is only at 10% of its capacity. The Port Industrial Park is comprised of 500 acres of waterfront terminal area and more than 1,500 acres of general industrial area. Tulsa Port of Catoosa continues to be developed in partnership between the City of Tulsa-Rogers County Port Authority, Tulsa Port of Catoosa Facilities Authority and private firms.

The Port currently employs more than 4,000 Oklahomans and has a $300 million dollar annual impact on Oklahoma’s economy. The complex hosts roughly 60 companies. The port has worked to develop this area for employees and now includes retail south of the port: restaurants, gas stations, a hardware store and hopefully soon a clinic.

As a master-planned development, the Port offers “shovel-

ready” sites from 5 to 100 acres with roads, railroad and utilities provided for easy access. The Main Dock Warehouse will be undergoing extensive upgrades and will be completed in 2016. The improvements will enable the port to move larger amounts of cargo more quickly.

Looking to the future, Tulsa Port of Catoosa Director Bob Portis said, “the impact of the Panama Canal will be huge.” The expansion will help to open the door for the Port to do more business and increase importing and exporting routes.

The Port is located in unincorporated Rogers County allowing for rapid permitting approvals that can help get companies up and running quickly. It is zoned for most medium industrial uses.

Tulsa Port of Catoosa is managed and operated by the City of Tulsa-Rogers County Port Authority and provides development services through Tulsa’s Port of Catoosa Facilities Authority. Both are public entities charged with implementing the Port’s mission:

Promoting the long-term viability of the waterway and its ability to provide water transport; growing the employment and economic base of Northeast Oklahoma; optimizing the region’s barge and related rail and truck bulk freight patterns; and operating in a financially independent manner.

Long-term facility leasing is available. For more information visit: tulsaport.com tulsaport.com

Tulsa Port of Catoosa Global Logistics Center

Two million tons of cargo are shipped per year. Bulk freight industries currently utilizing the Tulsa Port of Catoosa include: fertilizer distributors, industrial gas suppliers, wheat growers and manufacturers of consumer goods.

6.9OKLAHOMA EXPORTS TOTAL WORTH WAS MORE THAN $6.9 BILLION IN 2013 WHICH IS A RECORD HIGH FOR THE STATE.

GLOBAL TRADE: EMPOWERING SMALL BUSINESSES TO COMPETE IN EMERGING MARKETS

Oklahoma companies are known globally for the world-class quality of their innovative products and an educated and cost-competitive labor force. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce has International trade offices in Mexico, China, and Israel to assist Oklahoma companies in achieving exporting success.

Oklahoma companies’ key exporting countries include Canada, Mexico, China, Japan, and Germany. However, the state’s exports reach many more countries around the world.

With more than 200 overseas markets in the world, there has never been a better time to leverage these markets for export success.

Oklahoma’s economy is thriving and the state continues to be a leader in diverse sectors including Energy, Aerospace and Defense, Agriculture and Biosciences, Information and Financial Services, and Transportation and Distribution.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce Global Business Group works to assist small and medium companies, the backbone of our state’s economy, with exporting and entering global markets.

Professional services offered include:

• International trade consulting

• Foreign market research

• Export assistance

• Trade mission and trade show assistance

• Export financing and international trade resource referrals

• International business seminars and workshops

If your business is considering exporting or needs assistance with current exporting, please contact the Global Business Group at 405-815-5158 or jennifer_springer@okcommerce.gov

57OUR STATE’S EXPORTS GREW57% BETWEEN 2009 TO 2013.

5.1THE STATE’S EXPORTS GREW BY MORE THAN 5.1% in 2013, outpacing the national growth rate by more than 2.1%.

1/4SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED FIRMS GENERATED MORE THAN ONE QUARTER OF OKLAHOMA’S TOTAL EXPORTS OF MERCHANDISE IN 2013.

7

wanted to hire him to come to Okmulgee and help us ‘flip our town,’” said Sumner. “A few weeks later, several of us loaded up and took a field trip to Siloam Springs. We wanted to not only see his work; we wanted to talk to the people in the community and see how much of an impact he had in flipping the town. We were absolutely amazed by his work and knew we could do the same thing in our beautiful town.” Drake came to Okmulgee in early June and met with representatives from the City of Okmulgee, business owners, realtors, contractors, and the Oklahoma Preservation Commission.

Drake confirmed for the board what they had known all along – the opportunities in downtown Okmulgee were numerous.

“With every building he toured and every person he met, Ron became more and more invested in helping us with our vision and mission,” said Sumner.

Drake set a goal of remodeling 10 buildings in Okmulgee during one year, which at the time seemed to be a lofty goal. He also proposed three historic building renovations to prospective building owners in the community.

One of those buildings, the McBayer, was purchased by Margaret Hess and her husband, Rob. They are focusing on Drake’s vision of modern loft apartments on the upper level and commercial spaces on the lower level. Hess is blogging about their journey of the McBayer at BringBackTheMac.com

One important connection Drake identified was the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT) located in Okmulgee. While the university has an enrollment of more than 3,000 students, campus housing only has capacity for 600 of those studentsAs

a result, many students drive long distances to attend OSUIT and rent housing far outside the area. Drake met with OSUIT President Dr. Bill Path and they have agreed to redevelop buildings downtown rather than build from scratch, further investing in the heart of the community.

Plans include building modern two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments that keep the town’s historic integrity intact, while providing housing options for students in the area. OSUIT graduates have a 90 percent employment rate, which could mean even more long-term revitalization for the town if these students choose to stay in Okmulgee after graduation

Since the revitalization efforts began, six buildings in downtown Okmulgee have sold and three are already under renovation. The partnership with OSUIT should help Okmulgee Main Street easily meet the goals the board set for the year. Drake says they are now considering increasing the goal to 16 buildings.

It seems Okmulgee, a town built on trains and grains in the 1900s, is well on its way, to rebuilding itself as a bustling college town and a place for all income levels. It’s a simple idea as Drake says, “Create a space where people want to be and business will want to be there.”

Follow the progress on Twitter or Facebook with #OkmulgeeRising

Okmulgee on the Rise One Main Street is changing the heart of a community

Main Street News

Continued from page 1

On October 6, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce submitted the Plan for the second allocation of Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development has 60 days to approve the Plan and/or make revisions.

This important funding is aimed at helping those communities recover from the nine presidentially-declared disasters in 2011, 2012 and 2013. The disaster aid will be provided to support long-term disaster recovery efforts in eligible designated disaster areas with demonstrated “unmet need.” HUD’s supplemental CDBG disaster assistance is designed to cover “unmet needs” (i.e., needs not otherwise covered by insurance, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) individual assistance, any approved SBA disaster loans or non-profit charity.)

The CDBG-DR program makes available $83.1 million of disaster aid to the state for distribution to local governments to address housing, storm mitigation/resiliency and infrastructure needs beyond those addressed by other forms of public and private assistance. $41.2 million must be spent in Creek and Cleveland counties.

Disaster Relief Recovery Funds Helping Communities$83.1 million to be distributed

The CDBG Recovery Plan includes the following Allocations:

1. Housing $5 Million

2. Infrastructure $46.9 Million

3. Mitigation & Resiliency $27.1 Million

4. Administration/ Planning $4.1 Million

Per the Federal Register Notice (effective June 9, 2014) funding under the CDBG-DR Program must be used “for necessary expenses to disaster relief, long-term recovery and restoration of infrastructure and housing and economic revitalization in the most impacted areas resulting from the disaster.”

To read the full Action Plan Proposal go to http://tinyurl.com/k7ta4mu

For more information contact:

Steven Hoover, Community Infrastructure Team - Program Planner: steven_hoover@okcommerce.gov 405-815-5268

Scott Myers, Community Infrastructure Team - Director: scott_myers@okcommerce.gov 405-815-5356

More than 300 community leaders gathered at the Northeast Oklahoma Regional Alliance’s 6th Annual Regional Summit to focus on issues ranging from retail development, healthy communities, transforming communities and building workforces.

“This was without a doubt the best summit yet. All of the workshops were on point and allowed the summit attendees real life, useful information to take back to their communities,” said NORA Chair Jim Wilson. “All in all, it was a great day for northeast Oklahoma.”

Attendees participated in workshops, with the summit’s focus: “The Power of Us: Connectivity and Creativity.”

Keynote speakers included David Woods, CEO of Giant Partners and Deidre Myers, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Commerce.

This year’s awards included the Google Community

Economic Summit Focuses on Transforming Communities Northeast Oklahoma Regional Alliance concludes sixth Annual Regional Summit

Champion Award, presented to Baker Hughes of Claremore, and the Cherokee Nation Businesses Crossing Borders Collaboration Award, presented to the Cherokee Hills Association.

For more information about the Summit, the awardees or NORA please contact: Rhonda Hill at 918-822-7999 or email rhondac@zoeinstitute.com or visit www.neokregion.org

9

Though the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) has been hugely successful since it was first implemented in the 2002 Farm Bill, numerous changes have been implemented over the years in order to maximize program value.

To date, the program has put more than $3.4 billion into rural economies, according to Jody Harris, Rural Energy Coordinator.

REAP is currently funded with $50 million in mandatory funding annually, Harris said, to provide grants, guaranteed loans and combination grant/guaranteed loans.

“If funds are not exhausted for a respective year, they roll over to the next year.” she said. Therefore, Oklahoma is anticipating more than $1.5 million dollars for fiscal year 2015 which is two combined fiscal years’ worth of Farm Bill funding.

REAP grants and guarantees may be used individually or in combination to finance up to 75 percent of a project’s total cost. Grants cannot finance more than 25 percent of a project or $500,000, whichever is less. Loan guarantees must be a minimum of $5,000, not to exceed $25 million.

Eligible participants for REAP include ag producers. This is specified as individuals or entities who receive 50 percent or more of their gross income from agriculture production, and small, rural businesses, which are defined as for-profit businesses by the Small Business Administration.

A rural area is known as a non-metro community of 50,000 or less.Only qualifying businesses are subject

Rural Energy for America Program to the rural area restriction; not ag producers. Nonprofits and non-utility government entities are not eligible.

Technologies qualifying for REAP include energy efficiency improvements, biomass and bioenergy, anaerobic digestion, geothermal, small hydroelectric, wind, solar and ocean power systems.

“All technologies must be commercially available—research and development projects and projects for residential use do not qualify,” Harris said.

Feasibility studies are required for renewable energy projects submitted by a startup or existing business, but projects with total eligible costs of $200,000 or less are exempt. Technical reports are required for all projects, according to Harris, as well as an environmental review.

Changes to REAP via the latest Farm Bill include removal of eligibility of flex fuel pumps, removal of feasibility study grants, a division of program applications into three tiers—projects less than $80,000, projects between $80,000 and $200,000, and projects over $200,000.

Applications Due: April 30, 2015If interested in participating in REAP please contact Jody Harris, Rural Energy Coordinator at jody.harris@ok.usda.gov or 405-742-1036.

Community Development

Stillwater Receives Block Grant Small City Award for 2014The Oklahoma Department of Commerce/Community Development announced that the City of Stillwater is the recipient of a FY 2014 Small Cities – Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) award.

The City of Stillwater can look forward to more efficient community services as a result of the funding award.

Each year, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce/Community Development, with funding provided by US Department of Housing and Urban Development, makes available various funding set-asides through the Community Development Block Grant Program.

For more information on the CDBG program, call Karen Adair at 405-815-5363, karen.adair@okcommerce.gov

When it comes to small business development, Rana Steeds is the one of ODOC’s most experienced associates. She has filled several different roles in Business Development over her 25 years of service at the agency.

Known throughout the agency as the “go-to” person for small business, Steeds expertise is in start-ups, business licensing, incubators, and women-owned business certification. Steeds and her team help new and existing businesses prosper in Oklahoma.

Through administering the Women-Owned Business Certification, She helps women-led businesses expand their contracting opportunities in both the public and private sector. Steeds also heads-up OK BizBeat, a database platform to assist communities looking to connect businesses to each other. OK BizBeat is free to communities.

“We often receive great feedback on Rana’s customer service skills. She’s personable, knowledgeable, and most importantly, conveys a friendliness and willingness to help,” says Martin Roberts, ODOC Business Customer Services Director.

Additionally, Steed’s assists in the certification of business incubator locations. Business incubation is a business support process that accelerates successful development of startups and fledgling companies by providing entrepreneurs with an array of targeted resources and services. Through these programs more than 240 businesses currently operate in Oklahoma and employ 1,553 people. These programs continue to enhance economic activity in communities. To find a business incubator near you visit http://1.usa.gov/1tFghft

Steeds is respected by economic development professionals across the state and was recently recognized by the Oklahoma Business Incubator Association as its “Most Dedicated Member.”

NEW PIONEERA product of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce

EDITOR:Kimberly Hickerson, Project Manager

LAYOUT/DESIGN:Kimberly Hickerson, Project Manager

CONTRIBUTORS:Stefanie Appleton, David Crow, Bryan Boone, Kathy Gain, Scott Myers, Jennifer Springer

PHOTO CREDITS:Jeremy Zeller, Kimberly Hickerson

Oklahoma State of Success

Meet Our Staff

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

Larry V. Parman, Secretary of Commerce

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

issuu.com/newpioneerOK

FOR SUBMISSIONS AND STORY IDEAS CONTACT:

Rana Steeds, Economic Development Specialist for Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

Phone: 405-815-5143Email: rana_steeds@okcommerce.gov

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

11

24TH ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE CELEBRATION

Thursday, Nov. 20, 5:30pmNational Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, OKC

The reception and fundraising will begin at 5:30. Following the reception, guests will be seated for dinner and the awards celebration, during which the best of the environmental best in Oklahoma are honored.

To make your reservations for the 24th Annual Environmental Excellence Celebration visit:

http://tinyurl.com/qjpgkjt

KRISTIN CHENOWETH: COMING HOME

Watch on PBS: Friday, Nov. 28, 8-9pm

Emmy and Tony Award-winner, Kristin Chenoweth, brings it home — to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma that is — to perform music from her career. With a classically trained voice set off by a gift for acting and comedy, Chenoweth appears at a state-of-the-art theater that now bears her name.

Site Ready Program Teleseminar Now Available! New series of educational opportunities from ODOC available

Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce, Larry Parman, and Program Manager, Kathy Gain, recently led an interactive teleseminar discussing the Oklahoma Site Ready Program. The seminar was part of a new series of educational opportunities from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce available online or by conference call.

The Oklahoma Site Ready certification program helps communities make business relocation, expansion and development for specific site, as inviting as possible. Successful completion of the Site Ready process guarantees to a prospective business that the location is certifiably ready for construction. All Site-Ready Certified locations are listed on LocateOK.com.

To find out more about Site Ready, listen to the teleseminar online at: http://1.usa.gov/1qycpH3 For assistance with the Site Ready Program, Contact Kathy Gain – (405) 815-5267 or kathy_gain@okcommerce.gov.

NEXT SEMINAR: TIPS FOR CREATING A WINNING WINDOW DISPLAYMonday, Nov. 3, 11am - 12pm, Online Webinar

Just in time for the upcoming holiday season, Main Street expert Tracey Cox will cover store design and promotions for retail.

To RSVP call Bryan Boone at 405-815-5191 or e-mail bryan_boone@okcommerce.gov

STATE OFFICES CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THE FOLLOWING STATE HOLIDAYS:

Tuesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day

Thursday & Friday, Nov. 27-28, Thanksgiving

Wednesday & Thursday, Dec. 24-25, Christmas

USING ONTHEMAP TO MAP EMPLOYMENT DATA

Oklahoma City workshop onTuesday, Nov. 11, 1pm - 4pm

Tulsa workshop on Thursday, Nov. 20, 1pm – 4pm To register for OKC contact Steve Beleu at steve.beleu@libraries.ok.govTulsa contact Melanie Poulter at mpoulter@csctulsa.org

WORKFORCE OKLAHOMA HONORS LOCAL SUCCESS STORIES AT STATE CAPITOL

Thursday, Nov. 13, 1pm

The event will recognize individuals from across the state whose hard work and sacrifice, along with a helping hand from the state workforce system, led to better lives for themselves and their families. A reception for the public will follow in the fourth floor rotunda. .

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

NEXT SEMINAR: TIPS FOR CREATING A WINNING WINDOW DISPLAYMonday, Nov. 3, 11am - 12pm, Online Webinar

Just in time for the upcoming holiday season, Main Street expert Tracey Cox will cover store design and promotions for retail.

Upcoming seminars topics include:

- Using Oklahoma Grants and grant qriting

- Marketing and social media for small businesses

- Marketing and social media for communities

- Business Incentives

To RSVP or more information contact: Bryan Boone at 405-815-5191 or bryan_boone@okcommerce.gov.

NEW Educational Series from COMMERCE

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