Issue 8

2015 Issue 8

Develop, Innovate, Prosper

Boeing Breaks Ground and Expands Oklahoma Presence Boeing broke ground on July 29, 2015 on a new 290,000 square-foot facility with space for approximately 800 employees. The new structure, the third in Boeing’s existing campus, will open in summer 2016 and house employees working in engineering, research and development laboratories, and some support staff.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Global Services & Support (GS&S) President Leanne Caret announced that the headquarters for GS&S’ Aircraft Modernization and Sustainment (AM&S) division would move to Oklahoma City in the months ahead. This decision transfers approximately a dozen senior management positions to Oklahoma City and reflects the site’s importance to the company.

“We see a bright horizon for the aircraft sustainment business because of the highly trained and motivated workforce we have in Oklahoma City,” said Caret.

“Expanding our presence and bringing AM&S headquarters here continues a trend of combining Oklahoma’s home-grown talent with

the best of the enterprise to support some of our customers’ most critical missions.”

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin participated in the event and described its importance. “Business growth is critical for both Oklahoma and Boeing. Your decision to place key leadership positions here underscores the long-term nature of our partnership. Today’s announcement will help solidify our position as a premiere destination for the aerospace industry,” said Gov. Fallin.

Aircraft Modernization and Sustainment provides support and services for U.S. and coalition lift, executive transport, airborne

refueling, airborne command and control, and global strike capabilities. This includes commercial derivative aircraft, airborne early warning and control platforms, C-17 Globemaster III maintenance, tanker maintenance and support, and bomber/weapons modernization and logistics.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Defense, Space & Security is a $31 billion business with 53,000 employees worldwide.

Commercial Metals Company Selects Durant for New Micro Mill p. 3 OSUIT Launches New School of Energy Technologies p. 5 Oklahoma Department of Commerce Unveils New Website p. 7

THE STATE OF GROWTH Regional Development Specialist Team

Laying the building blocks for success.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is dedicated to providing the support and tools necessary for Oklahoma companies to grow and thrive in our state. The Regional Development Specialist (RDS) Team offers hands-on assistance as well as referrals to resource and program providers to help support businesses in every region of the state.

Whether you need to respond to a RFP, find potential funding resources for municipal projects, learn how to attract retail to your community, or develop a workforce, your TX RDS can connect you directly to the tools and resources your community needs to succeed and grow.

Our Services The RDS Team provides hands-on assistance to communities and businesses.

• Business Retention & Expansion • Business Attraction Programs • RFP Response Training • One-on-One Visits • Development Workshops • OK BizBeat • Trade Assistance

80%

of all new jobs are created by existing companies.

• Community Grant Programs • Strategic Planning • Community Grant Programs • Workforce Development Support

Contact your Regional Team Member to learn more at 405-815-5345 or visit okcommerce.gov/development

Commercial Metals Company Selects Durant for New Micro Mill We are extremely excited to welcome CMC to the city of Durant. Our pro-business climate, great quality of life, and skilled workforce make Oklahoma the perfect home for this world class manufacturing operation.

~ Mary Fallin, Oklahoma Governor Commercial Metals Company and the State of Oklahoma announced that CMC has selected Durant, Oklahoma as the location for construction of its second technologically advanced micro mill.

This new investment in Oklahoma will mirror CMC’s existing micro mill in Mesa, Arizona and will be built with improved technology developed from CMC’s operating experience with the world’s first micro mill, which CMC successfully commissioned in Mesa in 2009. The addition of a second micro mill to CMC’s portfolio of highly efficient, customer focused and cost effective steel production facilities will enhance CMC’s position as a leading supplier of long products in the U.S. market.

Joe Alvarado, Chairman, President and CEO of CMC, said, “The location of the mill in Durant, Oklahoma, 80 miles north of Dallas, Texas, will allow us to better serve a growing North Texas market as well as expand into markets in Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas and Missouri.

The facility will produce low cost, high quality steel products, which will complement our existing manufacturing capability to better serve our customers.

This new micro mill will also complement CMC’s existing recycling and fabrication footprint, enhancing CMC’s ability to further leverage our raw material supply chain and optimize product mix within our existing operations.”

Oklahoma Governor, Mary Fallin, said, “We are extremely excited to welcome CMC to the city of Durant. Our pro-business climate, great quality of life, and skilled workforce make Oklahoma the perfect home for this world class manufacturing operation.”

The Executive Director of the Durant Industrial Authority Tommy Kramer said, “We are thrilled with establishing a long-term business relationship with Commercial Metals Company in building this new facility in our community. This project has the full support of Team Durant.”

The Oklahoma micro mill, utilizing Danieli technology and equipment, is expected to be commissioned in the fall of 2017 and to create approximately 300 jobs in the Durant area. The direct and indirect investment is expected to be in excess of approximately $250 million. CMC expects that its investment will be funded from internally generated capital.

About Commercial Metals Company: Commercial Metals Company and its subsidiaries manufacture, recycle and market steel and metal products, related materials and services through a network including steel minimills, steel fabrication and processing plants, construction-related product warehouses, metal recycling facilities and marketing and distribution offices in the U.S. and in international markets.

For more information visit: www.cmc.com

The City of Durant, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the Durant Industrial Authority and the State of Oklahoma have enthusiastically welcomed the project and have worked together with CMC to locate the micro mill in Durant.

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Success Stories: Green Okie Builds New Business at Moore Norman Technology Business Development Center

Kevin Sutter didn’t anticipate that his hobby would turn into a small business. In 2010, he built a pergola in his backyard, and then by word of mouth referrals, began making more. He turned to the Moore Norman Technology Center’s business incubator for advice and low-rent office and workshop space.

Greg Kieson, business development center coordinator, helped him narrow ideas for a construction business, from commercial LED lighting to compressed natural gas conversions. Sutter eventually settled on hardscape, building decks, patios and other outdoor creations. His newly created business, Green Okie, combines his passion for construction and the outdoors.

“I decided I wanted to do something fun because that’s what fuels me and my passion for this business,” Sutter said. “I create something, stand back, look at it, the customer is elated, and that makes me happy.”

Before he finished moving his equipment into the office space in the summer of 2013, he already had orders.

Working with the Moore Norman Technology Center helped provide the business basics, such as housekeeping and internet connection. These things are out of reach for many startups. The business incubator also provides Sutter with opportunities to talk to other entrepreneurs.

I decided I wanted to do something fun because that’s what fuels me and my passion for this business.

~Kevin Sutter, Owner of Green Okie Sutter said a computer software engineer from a technology company gave him advice on his marketing brochures.

“Rather than focus on the technical aspects of how things like cedar pergolas and outdoor kitchens are built, he said I should emphasize the experience of spending family time outdoors,” said Sutter.

In addition, Gina Bertoletti, business development center assistant, helps make sure he’s on track for upcoming events. Sutter will promote Green Okie at an upcoming home and garden show. Bertoletti follows up with the planning meetings to make sure his brochures are complete and he’s on target for the January event.

Finding new clients is pretty easy, Sutter said. Most of his business comes by referral from previous clients.

Finding qualified employees, however, is a challenge.

Sutter said he took a personality profile, so he could understand his own traits. That allows him to seek out employees who will complement his personality.

Sutter said he hopes to expand his product line, including masonry products, outdoor kitchens and do it yourself kits with pre-cut and stained cedar planks.

“I’ve done some of all of this in commercial settings in the past, so we’re looking to add these offerings to our customers,” he said. “We aim to expand to all of that.”

For more information on Green Okie visit: greenokie.com For more information on Small Business Incubators visit: okcommerce.gov/in-state-business-resources/smallbusiness-assistance/incubators

OSUIT Launches New School of Energy Technologies Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT) launched a new School of Energy Technologies that will better position the university to prepare a sustainable workforce for the region’s oil and gas industries.

Roy Achemire, the new dean of the School of Energy Technologies, is a frequent conference speaker on the topic of energy technologies and was a driving force behind the creation of the Natural Gas Compression and Pipeline Integrity Technology programs at OSUIT. “Energy is such a big part of Oklahoma’s economy, but it’s also integral to the region in states such as Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Kansas and Louisiana,” Achemire said. “Having these programs under one umbrella gives our advisors and industry partners one place they can go to meet their needs.”

With 75 percent of the nation’s oil and gas production and several of the nation’s largest energy enterprises within a 500-mile radius of Okmulgee, the university is in constant contact with industry leaders regarding existing and emerging needs.

OSUIT has a distinguished track record of success in working collaboratively with industry partners in the development of programs directed to critical workforce needs. ~ Dr. Scott Newman, VP of Academic Affairs “OSUIT has a distinguished track record of success in working collaboratively with industry partners in the development of programs directed to critical workforce needs,” said Dr. Scott Newman, vice president of Academic Affairs.

In addition to allowing OSUIT to better respond to the needs of its energy-sector partners, the new School of Energy Technologies will facilitate greater synergy

between the university’s energy-focused programs, currently housed in separate academic units, Newman said.

Further, the establishment of a School of Energy Technologies will improve the institution’s ability to connect with prospective students interested in pursuing careers in energy-related disciplines.

Three existing programs already thriving at the university — Power Plant Technologies, Pipeline Integrity Technology and Natural Gas Compression — will reorganize under the School of Energy Technologies.

“We’ll strengthen our existing programs and build on our partnerships to see where growth can occur,” Newman said. “This could lead to the formation of new programs and degree opportunities as these current programs come under one umbrella.”

Both Newman and Achemire said the recent downturn in the oil and gas industry isn’t deterring the school and, in fact, has had a minimal impact on the programs. While companies are looking at readjustments in the current market, a demand for highly-skilled employees will remain high.

“We have to look long term if we want to position OSUIT for the future,” Newman said.

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Meet Our Staff

James Johnson, Regional Team Director

James Johnson, Regional Developement Team Director, Oklahoma Department of Commerce 405-630-7455 james.johnson@okcommerce.gov

James Johnson has served the ODOC’s Business Development team for 26 years. During that time James has worked as the Minority Business Director and Project Director. He has also managed programs that provide one-on-one assistance to innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs. Today, James serves as ODOC’s Regional Team Director, a role his previous experience uniquely prepared him for.

James’s knowledge and expertise help him to guide the Regional Development Team as they assist communities and businesses with their economic development goals.

The Regional Development Specialists (RDS) which make up the Regional Development Team are the direct link to Commerce that communities and companies can use to help provide the support and tools necessary for them to grow and thrive in our state. The RDS’s live and work in their designated regions and are tasked with being familiar with the needs and growth opportunities of their area.

For example, a community in northeastern Oklahoma had a substantial employer that had to reduce their Oklahoma footprint and closed this particular location.

The RDS for that community was aware of the closure and was able to work with the community to find another business to occupy the facility.

“A big role of an RDS is to help ease transitions like this for communities and to aid in regional partnerships with local government, business, tribal nations and other parties involved,” said James. “They do their best to make sure the process runs smoothly and is beneficial to everyone in the area.”

James’s team also helps businesses looking to expand or grow as needed in a similar way. For instance, a company may need assistance getting an access road to their new facility. The RDS team helps support and facilitate regional partnerships to meet the requests and requirement of various businesses.

James enjoys being a part of helping the economy in Oklahoma to grow and succeed. “We’ve become more strategically focused with our ecosystems and the approaches we make… in the years that I have been here, Oklahoma has become better known and we are still overcoming misconceptions about ‘what is Oklahoma’ but we overwhelmingly win new business location to Oklahoma once they take a visit here.”

FOR NEW PIONEER SUBMISSIONS AND STORY IDEAS CONTACT:

NEW PIONEER A PRODUCT OF THE OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE EDITOR: Kimberly Hickerson, Project Manager

CONTRIBUTORS: Rana Steeds, Stefanie Appleton, Bryan Boone

Kimberly Hickerson Editor-in-Chief - New Pioneer Oklahoma Department of Commerce 900 N. Stiles Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73104 (405) 815-5240 kimberly.hickerson@OKcommerce.gov facebook.com/OKcommerce

PHOTO CREDITS:

@OKcommerce

Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology

OKcommerce.gov issuu.com/newpioneerOK

Oklahoma Department of Commerce Unveils New Website The Oklahoma Department of Commerce (ODOC) completed a major update of its website, okcommerce.gov in July. Both the content of the site and its design have undergone a complete overhaul.

The result of over a year of planning and work, the new site’s design is entirely mobile-friendly and designed to work well on everything from smart phones to desktops.

“Many of our customers are mobile and our content needed to accommodate for that. On average, 25% of our visitors are viewing our website on a phone and another 5% on tablets. Mobile users will now have a first-class experience when visiting our website,” Kristin Downes, Marketing and Communications Director for ODOC. Beyond the boost to mobile users, the new design contains several improvements including the search tool which is now powered by Google and a Media Center that features videos and news stories.

The update was about more than looks and functionality. Content drove every decision.

“When we started the process, we didn’t just refresh the existing pages, we actually rewrote almost everything following a new plan for how the site would be structured,” said Bryan Boone, Project Manger for

Many of our customers are mobile and our content needed to accommodate for that.

On average, 25% of our visitors are viewing our website on a phone and another 5% on tablets.

Mobile users will now have a first-class experience when visiting our website.

~ Kristin Downes, Marketing and Communications Director ODOC, “Making content geared more toward each individual customer type. Now the new site is much more customer-focused.”

On the homepage visitors will find links for three main customer types: businesses and start-ups, community organizations, and citizens. Once someone selects their customer type from the homepage, they enter a section that is entirely tailored to them.

The site highlights the services and programs the agency provides within the context of what people come to the ODOC website looking for. The new search function also helps to make finding what you need faster.

Sept. 28-29 Stillwater, OK

Benefits Participants learn how to: • Scout for a new technology • License a patented technology • Partner with a research institution to develop new technology

Who Should Attend?

Small to mid-sized companies and advanced manufacturers that seek to grow with the help of technology, researchers, licensees, developers, federal lab and university tech transfer officers, and industry experts involved in developing the Unmanned Aerial Systems market both regionally and nationally.

For more informaiton on WBToi, contact Amanda Radovic, 480-477-6408 or aradovic@wbtshowcase.com

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(PRSRT STD) US POSTAGE PD OKLA. CITY, OK PERMIT NO.41

900 N. Stiles Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73104-324

Upcoming Events &Important Dates

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RURAL SMALL BUSINESS CONNECTION EVENT August 13, 2015 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tulsa Technology Center – Owasso Campus, 10800 North 140th East Avenue

Hosted by the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization and Oklahoma Bid Assistance Network (OBAN).

This training event will provide small businesses with a series of educational networking sessions and opportunities on how to build capacity and successfully do business with the USDA and other Federal agencies.

Conference attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a full day of learning discussions led by program and small business procurement officials from USDA, and other Federal agencies.

There is no fee to participate.

Register at: www.dm.usda.gov/osdbu/rsbc.htm

OKLAHOMA TECHNLOGY SHOWCASE August 26, 2015 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Northeastern State University in Broken Arrow

Presentations by six Oklahoma technology-based companies and keynote address by Google will highlight the fourth annual Oklahoma Technology Showcase slated for August 26 at Northeastern State University in Broken Arrow from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Investors, business leaders, economic developers as well as young Oklahomans trying to decide on a college curriculum are all encouraged to attend the showcase.

Each presenter will give a high energy talk highlighting their innovative products or services, lessons learned as they developed their tech-based companies and the challenges of securing funding.

A scholarship award competition, robotics demonstrations, featured speakers and exhibits will round out the day’s events. Registration is now available.

For more information please visit: www.ok.gov/ocast/OKTechShowcase.html