Business News

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education released its 2023 Employment Outcomes Report that revealed more college graduates are staying in Oklahoma. In 2023, 87% of graduates were working and living in Oklahoma one year after graduation, compared to 74% in the 2018 report. Five years after graduation, currently 75% still remain in the state, and in 2018 that figure was 65%.

The highest retention and employment rates are among graduates who were part of the Oklahoma Promise scholarship program, with 95% after one year and 84% after five years. Keeping homegrown talent is good for Oklahoma companies and economy.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

To boost high-speed internet access in Tribal communities, Reagan Smith and Eastern Shawnee Professional Services (ESPS) have formed a new woman-owned, native-owned partnership.

The FCC reports that 23% of residents on Tribal lands lack high-speed internet, while only 1.5% of urban area residents face the same issue. Expanding broadband infrastructure in rural areas will enable Tribes to access telehealth, education, e-commerce and more, fostering long-term growth.

Reagan Smith will provide project management services, including engineering, mapping and compliance, to overcome connectivity challenges while preserving cultural and natural resources. Stay updated on this partnership’s broadband projects to help underserved regions here.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

Tulsa Regional Tourism recently published an annual report for the 2023-24 fiscal year and the findings are impressive. From July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, Tulsa’s tourism industry generated $327 million in economic impact and secured 215,946 booked hotel rooms. These numbers far exceed the goals set for both of these areas.

Other highlights from the report:

• $8,556,957 generated in state sales tax

• $7,644,215 generated in local sales tax

To read the full report, click here.

Tulsa Regional Tourism encompasses Visit Tulsa, Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tulsa Sports Commission and the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture (FMAC).

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

INTRUST Bank is expanding with the opening of its seventh Oklahoma City metro banking center. Located downtown on the ground floor of Leadership Square’s south tower, located at 211 N. Robinson Ave. Suite 100, the 7,500-square-foot banking center serves as a centralized location for INTRUST’s commercial and treasury management team while also providing customers with access to personal banking and wealth and retirement services.

INTRUST Bank has served metro area businesses and individuals for more than 30 years, operating banking centers in Edmond, Moore, Mustang, Norman and northwest Oklahoma City.

INTRUST Bank will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

Oklahoma companies are growing, with 26 making the 2024 Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list. The rankings are based on revenue growth percentage from 2020 to 2023.

For complete results of the Inc. 5000 list, go to inc.com/inc5000 and sort the database by state, city and industry. The median growth for Oklahoma’s 26 companies is 228%, adding 1,650 jobs and 19 were repeat honorees.

Newly appointed Inc. Editor-in-Chief Mike Hofman congratulated this year’s honorees “for growing their businesses fast despite the economic disruptions faced the past three years from inflation to changes in the workforce.” Congrats to all 26!

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Guernsey, a design firm, has partnered with the City of Lawton and the McMahon Auditorium Authority to renovate the historic McMahon Memorial Auditorium. The $8 million project officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 1. Funded by the 2019 Capital Improvement Program, it aims to improve the auditorium’s HVAC system, ADA accessibility and fire safety measures.

As the project’s architecture firm, Guernsey is committed to preserving the auditorium’s midcentury modern design. The firm is also developing public service centers across Oklahoma, enhancing both community health and safety.

To learn about Guernsey’s work in local communities, please visit guernsey.us.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

During the 2024 Reader Rankings awards ceremony, The Journal Record announced Oklahoma’s top businesses in various categories, voted on by its readers. For the second consecutive year, Guernsey has been honored with three top accolades: Best Architectural Firm, Best Interior Design Firm and Best Engineering Firm.

Guernsey has made substantial contributions to improving Oklahoma communities. Recent notable projects include Newcastle’s modernized Fire Station #1 and Animal Shelter, which provides a pet sanctuary. Lawton’s upcoming Aquatic Center, designed by Guernsey, is also set to be a key recreational facility.

For more information about Guernsey’s upcoming projects and services, please visit guernsey.us.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

The esteemed Urban Land Institute (ULI) held its Midsummer Retreat in Oklahoma City from June 12-13. The event proved to be a great opportunity for OKC leadership to discuss the city’s growing reputation as a leader in urban planning.

ULI is made up of over 50 district councils around the world, and it is the first time this event has been held in Oklahoma. Former OKC Mayor Mick Cornett, who now works with Jones PR, and developer Gary Brooks, who completed The National last year, were among the panelists who shared Oklahoma City’s story with the attendees.

Read more here.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

Ernst & Young LLP named Mike Beckham, founder and CEO of Simple Modern, as winner of the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2024 Southwest Award. This recognition highlights Beckham’s significant contributions to the business community. Additionally, Beckham is now eligible for consideration in the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024® National Awards, to be announced in November.

“I am humbled and honored to have been recognized by the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year program for the team effort behind the growth and success of Simple Modern,” Beckham said.

Simple Modern, based in Norman, Oklahoma, is a leading drinkware and consumer goods company.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

After experiencing first-hand care at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health following a dog attack on their four-year-old granddaughter in 2022, the Fred Jones Family Foundation family members are donating $162,500 to the hospital.

The family is expressing their heartfelt gratitude by announcing Oklahoma Children’s Hospital as the 2023 Mary Eddy Jones Signature Gift recipient. The annual gift provides a $75,000 grant to the hospital, with a total of $162,500 donated following the family’s personal contributions. The gift will fund a new outpatient play gym, art therapy room, enhancements to the therapy dog park, trauma education, community outreach and wound care.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Thanks to Brave Star Capital, the former OTASCO warehouse near Tulsa’s Art District will be redeveloped into an office and co-working space with 107,923 square feet of rentable space.

A tenant of 36 Degrees North Incubator, Brave Star Capital President Brent Wright said a $7.5 million Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) loan, the largest in Tulsa County, is key to the project’s revitalization and will also utilize state and federal Historic Tax Credit financing vehicles.

Devon Laney, CEO of 36°N, added that the two-building historic structure at 12 N. Cheyenne Ave. will become a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic progress.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Mint Turbines and Ace Aeronautics signed a partnership to build worldwide support for the Legacy Black Hawk Fleet, acquired through the U.S. Army Black Hawk Exchange and Sales Transaction Program (BEST).

The collaboration combines Ace’s airframe and avionics solutions with Mint’s turbine overhaul expertise, targeting Sikorsky UH-60 and S-70 helicopters, ensuring support for restricted and public use markets.

Focusing on airframe, powerplant repairs and upgrades, the partnership enables field services and engine support at Ace’s Alabama facility. Mint Turbines will manage T700 engine repairs and upgrades in Oklahoma, enhancing capabilities with a new test cell complex completed this year.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

The Journal Record recently published an article that describes an extensive survey of 3,000 investors completed by The Stock Dork in order to create a City Confidence Index. This index highlights investor preferences across the nation, and three cities in Oklahoma emerged within the Top 100 rankings, underscoring the state’s growing investment appeal.

Norman secured a spot at No. 56, followed closely by Tulsa at No. 58 while Broken Arrow came in at No. 65.

This recognition both signifies the strength of Oklahoma’s economy and hints at potential untapped opportunities for investors.

Click here to read the article and learn more.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

NAI Sullivan Group has shifted ownership, marking a new era for the company. Five of the firm’s top-producing brokers, age 40 and under, have acquired ownership, injecting fresh energy and innovation into the well-established brand.

Sam Swanson, David Hartnack, Amir Shams, Nathan Wilson and Zac McQueen bring a combined 54 years of experience with a focus on retail and industrial product types. Their collective vision includes modernizing marketing campaigns, recruiting top producers and growing the firm’s services beyond brokerage.

The revamped leadership aims for a dynamic renewal, inviting experienced brokers to join and explore growth opportunities. Learn more: naisullivangroup.com.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Tulsa‘s American Airlines maintenance base was granted a $22 million award through the State of Oklahoma’s Business Expansion Incentive Program for enhancements.

This financial injection will expand operations, create 300 new jobs, enhance services and fortify American Airlines’ presence in Oklahoma.

“American has a long, rich history in Oklahoma and this investment in our Tech Ops – Tulsa facility and team members ensures a bright future for years to come,” said Greg Emerson, American Airlines vice president of base maintenance and facilities.

This investment is poised to yield positive outcomes in growing the state’s economy with more high-paying jobs.

Read more.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Guernsey secured a Top Workplaces 2023 honor from Oklahoman Top Workplaces, a recognition based on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey conducted by Energage LLC.

The survey evaluates 15 key culture drivers essential for organizational success, including alignment, execution and connection. This esteemed acknowledgment underscores Guernsey’s commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture, highlighting its dedication to excellence in employee satisfaction and organizational success.

Guernsey distinguishes itself as one of approximately 2,000 firms nationwide wholly owned by its full-time staff. The employee-owned company operates globally, aiming to enhance lives through trusted and enduring experiences.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

In a triumphant turn of events, Tulsa surpassed expectations in the 2022-23 fiscal year as the economic impact of visitors was $317.2 million, greatly surpassing the goal of $203.5 million. The impressive surge in tourism reflects Tulsa’s growing appeal to visitors.

“Those are folks who come here, put dollars into our economy that add to our economy that then gets recycled. That’s what helps pay teacher salaries; that’s what gets streets fixed; that’s what hires police officers and firefighters,” said Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum, according to Tulsa World.

This outstanding achievement paints a promising picture for Tulsa’s economic future.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

“Dewayne always shows up on the job with a great smile on his face, ready to deliver our concrete in a precise manner,” said Jaime Martinez, RC Stemwall.

Customer service along with career achievement, safety, professionalism and competence are the qualities recognized by The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) when awarding the Concrete Delivery Professional of the Year. Dewayne Gootee was named runner-up for the 2023 award.

Gootee has served as a Dolese Concrete Delivery Professional for 17 years. He was named Dolese’s Driver of the Year in 2022 and won Dolese’s Safe Driver Award in 2018 and in 2021.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Oklahoma ranks No. 5 nationally for the number of equestrian programs and No. 2 for the number of horse museums, according to a ranking done by Lawn Love on 2023’s Best States for Horse Lovers, which looked at 27 different metrics.

The state ranks No. 8 for the number of horse dealers, No. 14 for the number of barn builders and No. 19 for the number of horse sanctuaries and rescue facilities.

It’s more affordable to own a horse in Oklahoma, which is No. 42 for the annual cost of equine care as a percentage of the average household income.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Zack Easley, a sales representative for Dolese Bros. Co., was named 2023 Buildings Promoter of the Year by the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA).

Easley is a fourth-generation mason who ran his family’s masonry business prior to joining Dolese, where he has been a sales representative for the masonry division for more than seven years.

“Zack is passionate about masonry and dedicated to bringing new technologies and ideas to his customers,” said Kevin Mueggenborg, masonry division manager for Dolese.

The Promoter of the Year winners will be honored at the annual convention of NRMCA March 10-13 in Las Vegas.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100