November 20, 2009 – Distinctly Oklahoma recently profiled the Oklahoma Department of Commerce’s Oklahoma City location located at 900 N. Stiles.
The complex, which consists of two buildings combined into one, was originally the home of the Maywood Presbyterian Church, constructed in 1907.
"It drives creativity," says Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce and Tourism Natalie Shirley. "It’s the best juxtaposition of history, present and future I have ever had the privilege of working in."
Click here to read Distinctly Oklahoma’s profile of Commerce’s historic building November 17, 2009 – The Oklahoman reports officials with Oklahoma’s Economic Development Generating Excellence (EDGE) program recently approved more than $6.9 million funding for five projects aimed at stimulating the state’s economy.
Paul Risser, Executive Director of the EDGE Policy Board, says the second year of funding is important to expand the state’s tech-based economy. By Natalie Shirley, Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce and Tourism
November 16, 2009 -- Oklahoma’s small-business community represents a vitally important part of our state’s ability to generate wealth. Small businesses comprise almost 95 percent of our economy, with 75 percent of those enterprises employing 10 people or fewer. Quite frankly, these entrepreneurs are Oklahoma’s lifeline in the present and our solid stake in the future.
To celebrate the statewide and national contributions in innovation and economic recovery made by our entrepreneurs, Oklahoma’s business, state and community leaders, educators, and nonprofit and student organizations are joining resources and purpose to host a series of events during Global Entrepreneurship Week, which runs through Sunday. By Natalie Shirley, Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce and Tourism
Special to the Journal Record
September 30, 2009 -- Last week a report by the Corporation for Enterprise Development gave Oklahoma a "C" grade for overall assets and financial security. The report, which details wealth, poverty, and household financial security in all 50 states, gave Oklahoma average marks.
Our own studies and experience at Commerce tell us that despite a rise in unemployment, most Oklahomans are working and working hard. And yet, more than a half million of them continue to make wages below the poverty line. September 30, 2009 -- The Oklahoma Department of Commerce recently spoke with Secretary of Commerce & Tourism Natalie Shirley, about Oklahoma receiving nearly $18 million in federal stimulus funds for energy programs.
Q. Oklahoma received more than $18 million in federal stimulus funds this week for energy programs. How soon will that money be spent?  Retired President Donald Paulsen is joined by Governor Henry and new Roundtable President J. Blake Wade August 27, 2009 -- Don Paulsen, President of the Oklahoma Business Roundtable for the past 18 years, received special recognition at the June Roundtable meeting.
Paulsen, who retired June 30, 2009, was lauded for outstanding leadership and support of Oklahoma's economic development program. August 4, 2009 -- The Oklahoma Department of Commerce recently spoke with Sandy Pratt, Deputy Director for Business Services, about wind industry expansion in the state.
Q: Wind energy seems to be a leading contender to replace fossil fuels in the future. Do you think Oklahoma businesses are equipped to support it? August 3, 2009 - Area Development Magazine and Site Selection Magazine recently profiled Oklahoma's economy as being a place of calm in an economic storm.
The July issue of Site Selection Magazine looks at several components of Oklahoma's economy including several recent expansions, a growing investment in wind power capacity, and quality of life. Click here to read the full article An Energized Approach to Growth.
Area Development Magazine explores how Oklahoma's aerospace and alternative energy industries have provided stability in a turbulent economy. Click here to read the full article Oklahoma: Aerospace and Alternative Energy Provide Stability in Turbulent Economy. July 20, 2009 – The Oklahoma Business Roundtable recently elected Tom Maxwell, Flintco Cos., as Chairman of the organization. Don Walker, Arvest Bank, has been named secretary-treasurer.
Other executive committee members include Ken Lackey, NORDAM Group; and Robert A. Ridge, ConocoPhillips, Bartlesville.
Mike Neal, Tulsa Metro Chamber, serves as an ex-officio member. July 10, 2009 - Oklahoma State University radio station KOSU recently spoke to Sheri Stickley, Deputy Director for Strategic Planning and Initiatives, about how the Oklahoma Department of Commerce is teaming up with state businesses to lure Californians back to Oklahoma.
Click here to listen to the KOSU story |  Engage
Oklahoma
is an economic development guide developed through a partnership between the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Journal Record, and public and private sponsors statewide. The annual publication provides a snapshot of
Oklahoma
's business and economic triumphs and victories.
This year's theme --- The Power of 10 --- gives readers a quick, easy-to-read glimpse at some of the businesses and people that make Oklahoma tick.
Engage Oklahoma's lists of ten are by no means definitive. It's next to impossible to share all the wonderful and exciting business opportunities found throughout our great state.
To obtain a hard copy, please contact Tamara Price with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and provide her your mailing address.
 2009 Engage Oklahoma Magazine
 In FY 2008, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce worked with legislators and its economic, community, and workforce development partners across the state to create more than 15,000 new jobs; oversee the planned investment of $1.9 billion in Oklahoma; help create a highly educated and highly skilled workforce ready for a knowledge-based economy; land significant company relocations with 58% in rural areas; and improve the quality of life for all Oklahomans.
All the details can be found in the agency's 2008 Commerce Performance Report
To assist more families and provide addional energy conservation improvements, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce established the Energy Conservation Assistance Fund (ECAF). Besides energy savings for low-income families, the weatherization of 1,400 homes each year across the state creates local jobs and annually funnels millions of dollars into Oklahoma's economy. The purchase of materials used in weatherization support local manufacturers and businesses in every county. For every $1 invested in the program, weatherization returns $1.53 in energy-related benefits. With your donation to ECAF, you can help ensure this valuable service is available for eligible Oklahomans. Also, you and your company may receive a 50% tax credit against your Oklahoma tax liability. Please send your check to: Energy Conservation Assistance Fund, Community Development Division, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, 900 N. Stiles, Oklahoma City, OK 73126. For more information, call 800-879-6552. More on the Weatherization Assistance Program | 
