2011 Community Development Highlights
• October 2011 - 24/7 Wall Street, an investment analysis company, recognized Enid, OK as one of "9 Small Towns With Big Opportunities." The report identified nine micropolitan areas (10,000 - 50,000) where the "economies are robust" and the "job opportunities are good."
• TradeWind Engergy to invest $400 million: Largest wind farm in Oklahoma.
• With an unemployment rate of under 4%, Enid area employment figures have outpaced state and national levels. Garfield County is ranked 27th nationally for job growth in rural counties over the last three years.
• Enid’s gross retail sales have continued to exceed previous year levels.
• Enid and Garfield County had 5% population growth over the last decade. Enid’s 2010 population showed an increase of over 3,000 people since 2005.
• Enid is investing in Enid - $100 million in schools, $25 million in new and renovated downtown public facilities, $36 million new wastewater plant, and 10 new bridges.
• Major new facilities that enhance Enid’s economic climate and quality of life opened (Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Armed Forces Reserve Center, Integris Heart & Vascular Institute of NW Oklahoma, Denny Price Family YMCA expansion, Oakwood Country Club clubhouse).
• The 66th Street upgrade at the airport was completed and a large airport hangar that can house civilian and military aircraft is being built.
• With assistance provided through CDSA’s land bank, 28 single family affordable homes have been constructed on Enid’s east side.
• City of Enid provided additional resources for the Enid Convention and Visitors Bureau (ECVB) to help grow Enid’s travel industry and enhance community marketing.
• Enid Chamber organized Enid Day at the Capitol legislative breakfast and meetings (topics included protecting effective business incentives, airport projects, physician recruitment, education, workers’ comp & lawsuit reform).
• Coordinated federal legislative trip to Washington, DC (topics included Vance AFB, education, airport projects, oil & gas, wind energy, EPA regulations, health care, federal deficit).
• Enid Chamber opposed State Question 744 because of the devastating economic ramifications it would have had on our state. SQ 744 was defeated by a wide margin.
• Participated in Oklahoma Mid-Size Cities Coalition to pursue state funding for capital improvements in Enid and other mid-size cities.
• The Enid Chamber coordinated the Businesses as Mentors Program in Enid Public Schools fifth grade classrooms, thus exposing more children to Enid area jobs and career paths.
• Enid Regional Development Alliance (ERDA) organized the Enid 1st Campaign and partnered with the Enid News and Eagle, Enid Chamber, ECVB, City of Enid, and Main Street Enid to highlight Enid success stories. The information is being used to develop a comprehensive community marketing plan.
• Enid PRIDE, a customer service and Enid familiarization program for employees who interact with the public regularly, is being offered through a partnership between OSU Extension, ERDA, Chamber, ECVB, and Main Street.
• Coordinated successful community events (Candy Cane Cash, Cherokee Strip, NWDJLS, Camp Tomahawk, Enlisted Appreciation, Noon Network, Business After Hours, Student & Teacher awards).
• Ambassadors conducted numerous ribbon cuttings/groundbreakings and provided volunteer support at many Chamber and community events.