Name: Jason McCarty
Phone: 405-815-5320

March 15, 2010 -- The Oklahoma Department of Commerce has launched a new website and building database to provide companies, site selection consultants and economic development professionals access to real estate and demographic information needed to make expansion or relocation decisions. The new site -- OKcommerce.gov/locateok – is powered by a geographic information system (GIS).

The site provides tools that allow visitors to view available properties and search by square footage, use, cost and available infrastructure. In addition, corresponding demographic reports such as labor force, wages and consumer spending can be created directly from the site.

"From our smallest towns to our largest cities, there is a location for every type of business in Oklahoma and now companies looking to expand or relocate will be able to easily access all of the data they need to make informed decisions," said Sandy Pratt, Oklahoma Department of Commerce Deputy Director for Business Services.

According to national research, 98 percent of business site-location happens on the Internet and without an effective Web presence, Oklahoma could get bypassed without even knowing it lost its chance.

Today, the first stop for site selectors is the Internet. And they're looking for more than a listing of available properties. They want in-depth details and extensive demographic, competitive and mapping information that they can customize for their needs,” said Ardmore Development Authority President Wes Stucky. "With OKcommerce.gov/locateok, Oklahoma can quickly provide the precise information they need."

Robin Roberts Krieger, Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce vice president of economic development, said the new site gives Oklahoma a competitive advantage and keeps the state on the short list of locations for business investment.

“Economic development is very competitive because organizations throughout the nation are actively pursuing the same jobs, businesses and investment,” Roberts Krieger said.