May 6-11,2019 will be celebrated as Economic Development Week in the United States. Economic development is at the core of a community’s well-being and quality of life. It includes a broad -range of activities to attract, create and retain jobs, and to foster a resilient pro-growth tax base and inclusive community. The practice of economic development is comprised of a collaborative effort involving industry, government and a myriad of community stakeholders.
The Ardmore Development Authority, as the primary economic development organization in Southern Oklahoma provides services that facilitate the marketing of assets in the area. Activities include the marketing of the community- industrial parks, land and buildings to prospective industry. We respond to request for proposals for potential industry and host site visits from these companies. The ADA partners with the State of Oklahoma in a variety of activities to promote and encourage investment in our State. In addition to the ADA direct marketing activities, we collaborate with many other organizations such as the City of Ardmore, utility companies and Southern Tech to provide a comprehensive recruitment effort for the area. Talent attraction and quality of life issues are cornerstone efforts of all partners.
Business retention and expansion activities have a significant presence in our agenda. The ADA works daily with our local industry to assist them in their efforts to prosper and expand. The recent Hiring Conference provided a great opportunity for the organization to assist 54 area businesses to address their employment needs. The ADA reported at the Annual Chamber Banquet that over $230 million dollars had been invested in 2018 by local industry. This investment provides evidence of the value of economic development activities.
As we celebrate 2019’s Economic Development Week, join us as we thank all of our partners for the essential role they play in the prosperity of Ardmore and Southern Oklahoma.