State economic development retreat to be held at Oklahoma State University

Friday, August 8, 2008

(STILLWATER, Okla., Aug. 8, 2008) -- Oklahoma State University will host the Governor’s Economic Development Team annual Training Retreat Aug. 12-13 at the Wes Watkins Center on the Stillwater campus. This year’s gathering of leading professionals working to bring prosperity to the state will focus on partnerships with education institutions.

During the three-day meeting, Oklahoma economic development community members will learn about entrepreneurial, business and industry services as well as resources for job creation and workforce development available at state colleges and universities and career technology centers. Strategy session topics include technology integration, the emerging Oklahoma aerospace industry, community development and issues facing the state’s workforce.

Sharing success stories and describing emerging offerings will be representatives of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, OSU, University of Oklahoma, Southwestern OSU, Northeastern State University, Tulsa Community College, Northern Oklahoma College and others. Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology officials and community development representatives from Ada, Ponca City, Ardmore and Burns Flat also will participate.

According to the Governor’s Economic Development Team chairman Tom F. Gray, creation of a knowledge-based economy that can lift Oklahoma depends on strengthening connections between the state’s economic development and higher education communities.

“It is essential that those of us in the economic development community better avail ourselves of higher education resources in the state in order to achieve the vision for moving Oklahoma forward and improving quality of life here,” said Gray, who is also vice president of economic development for OSU’s Center for Innovation and Economic Development. “The innovation, technology commercialization and creativity that will make Oklahoma the destination for business and create wealth in the state require a stronger, more united effort by all of us.”

The GEDT works closely with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Fast Forward Team to help new and existing businesses create jobs, attract investment to Oklahoma, and build relationships with corporate executives and site selection consultants around the nation and throughout the world.

Through its support of the Department of Commerce’s site location and business retention and expansion efforts, the GEDT played a significant role in the creation of 15,448 new jobs projected in FY2007 and planned investment estimated at $1.59 billion. The team also furthers Gov. Brad Henry’s mandate to integrate economic and workforce development efforts across the state.