Enid
received a total of $2 million in state funding in ’06 and ’07 for the Center for Business Development (Business Incubator) at Autry Tech. The incubator will be a major asset to help promote entrepreneurship and create new jobs.
Advance Food Company is opening a new $85 million manufacturing facility this fall. The project will add approximately 500 new jobs in
Enid
.
Worked with CDSA and the City of
Enid
to establish and fund the Community Land Bank. The Land Bank will help facilitate additional community clean-up and new affordable quality housing on
Enid
’s east side.
The Chamber’s Marketing Committee developed a new
Enid
community logo and is working on new community gateway signs. The committee is also organizing target marketing plans to attract families with Enid and NW Oklahoma ties, workers, and small companies located in high-cost cities.
Garfield
County
was ranked the “8th best place to live in rural
America
” by Progressive Farmer magazine (2nd best place in the southwest region). In 2006,
Enid
was recognized on ABC’s Good Morning America as one of the “Top 5 Up and Coming Areas” in the
United States
.
The
Garfield
County
Industrial Park
and the Cimarron Airpark were certified as Site Ready Industrial Parks by the Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce. The site ready designations will provide economic development marketing advantages for
Enid
.
Committee of 100 funds provided financial support for ten school improvement projects.
Conducted legislative meetings at the Capitol to support additional state funding for the Center for Business Development and the
Cherokee Strip
Regional
Heritage
Center
Hosted state legislative forums to provide chamber members and the public an opportunity to discuss state issues and key projects for the
Enid
area.
Partnered with the Enid News & Eagle on the Candy Cane Cash program to promote
Enid
holiday shopping. $7,500 in cash prizes were awarded and approximately 8,000 people attended the event.
Coordinated successful community events (Noon Network, Cherokee Strip, NWDJLS,
Camp
Tomahawk
, Enlisted Appreciation, ROOTS Student Leadership, Student & Teacher awards).
Ambassadors conducted ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings and provided support at many other events.
Coordinated the Enid Convention and Visitors Bureau to fund tourism events and promote
Enid
’s visitor industry.