Commerce Expansion & Retention Services

As you guide your company's growth, certain challenges and issues are bound to arise. How will you enter new markets? Are your employees ready to compete in the global economy? Can you afford more training? What resources or incentives are available to mitigate your costs of doing business? The Oklahoma Department of Commerce and its strategic partners are committed to helping you answer these questions and face these challenges. When you're ready for help, contact one of our economic development specialists below.

• Tax incentive advice
  Cash payments for creating jobs, offset up to 100% of state income liability; expand to a Foreign Trade Zone or Enterprise Zone for additional tax breaks and benefits
• Export assistance for the novice or seasoned world market veteran
  Detailed analysis of potential markets; free tools and resources to assess your company's export readiness; International Trade Offices that connect you with suppliers and partners
• Data and statistics
  Economic development data research and analysis, including labor force studies, manufacturing sector status reports, industry sector analysis, employment briefings
• Employee and management training
  Delivered by CareerTech at the state's technology centers typically free of charge, or customized training for nominal fees;
• Quality improvement (a real specialty of the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance)
  Customized and one-on-one assistance with ISO 9000 certification, Lean Manufacturing, and more
• Matchmaking
  Connects businesses to important resources and contacts - locally, statewide, and internationally; Service Provider Database
• Oklahoma Site Ready Certification Program
  Locate new project-ready facilities as companies outgrow existing ones; GIS-based Buildings & Sites database
• Networking and professional development
  Sponsors workshops and conferences that give company and community representatives a chance to network and to discuss trends, looming challenges, develop strategies, and share best practices

Economic Development Specialists

Oklahoma Department of Commerce Economic Development Specialists coordinate the many programs, resources, incentives, and services offered to help businesses grow and prosper.

Managed by Vikki_Dearing, Director of the Commerce Business Solutions Team, Economic Development Specialists provide a wide variety of expertise and assistance including:

• Rural economic development;
• Assistance with new Executive Pulse Business Intelligence/Retention System;
• Business and community advocacy;
• Women-owned business assistance;
• Minority-owned business assistance;
• Entrepreneurial and start-up business support.

The Economic Development Specialists, contact information, and areas of expertise are listed below.

	Christy_Davis Assistant to the Division Director 405-815-5345
	Rob_Gragg Rural Development Coordinator focusing on the issues facing rural business and industry 405-815-5299.
	Martin_Roberts Economic Development Specialist focusing on BR&E and e-Synchronist 405-815-5262
	Rana_Steeds Economic Development Specialist focusing on supporting women-owned businesses, business incubators, and business start-ups 405-815-5143
	Ken_Talley Economic Development Specialist focusing on supporting minority-owned businesses and business start-ups 405-815-5218