Issue 2 2018

2018 Issue 2

D e ve l o p , I n n ov a t e , P r o s p e r

Autry Partnership Closing the Workforce Skills Gap

Collaboration between CareerTech and company proves successful p. 2

OKcommerce.gov

THE STATE OF WORKFORCE Training and Job Placement Services

Workforce services provided by the Department of Commerce help Oklahoma businesses find the skilled workers they need now and develop a pipeline of talent for the future.

Customized Labor Market Analysis

Commerce provides detailed analyses with demographic information, commuting patterns, unemployment data, and compatible and transferable skills from other occupations, as well as their associated wages.

Training for Industry Program

TX TX

Whether you’re an expanding Oklahoma company or new in our state, Training for Industry Program (TIP) can help create the quality workforce a company needs, all at little or no cost. TIP is delivered through Oklahoma’s system of 59 technology center campuses across the state. Services include job analysis, training needs assessment, preemployment training, pre-production training, post-production training, instructional materials and development, training supplies, and more.

Talent Acquisition Team

Oklahoma’s Talent Acquisition Team can assist companies in meeting your recruitment needs. The team provides a single point of contact for all of human-resource needs, identifying qualified talent and develop interview schedules. Additionally, the Talent Acquisition Team offers vocational counseling, promotes placement and provides other employment services.

Job Fairs and Hiring Events

When it’s time to get a workforce lined up, Commerce and it’s partner agencies can help host job fairs and hiring events, providing both space and manpower. These events are staffed by experienced job fair personnel who will organize and provide public outreach to promote the event. The team provides assistance with applicant screening as well as resume or application collection.

These events can be held in conjunction with other employers, or customized for a single business.

Employer Portal

The Oklahoma Works website is a portal for the state’s employers and employees to find and access workforce services from across various state agencies. Employers can easily find business services like training programs and tax and labor law filings in one location.

Go to oklahomaworks.gov

Job Postings & Employee Search

Employers can post vacancies and browse resumes on OKJobMatch.com at no cost.

They can use the job-matching feature to see a customized list of resumes, showing only job seekers with relevant qualifications.

Go to OKJobMatch.com

Let’s work together!

Call 800-879-6552 or visit okcommerce.gov/workforce

Autry Partnership Closing the Workforce Skills Gap Collaboration between CareerTech and company proves successful With the generation of $3,000,000 in increased production, the partnership between Autry Technology Center and Aircraft Structures International Corporation (ASIC) is a proven success.

ASIC opened in 1978 in Pond Creek, Okla. before relocating to Enid in 1992.

The “world leader” in Cessna Caravan rebuilding, the firm rebuilds, designs and fabricates tooling, as well as manufactured parts for major aerospace companies.

ASIC approached Autry Technology Center to partner and create a custom, paid training program to train the required skills needed to work as a sheet metal technician.

ASIC was having a difficult time recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce in Northwest Oklahoma. By training local employees with an industry interest and existing transferable skills, we can provide a foundation for a stable workforce

~ Kyle Hockmeyer Autry Business & Industry Coordinator “ASIC was having a difficult time recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce in Northwest Oklahoma,” Kyle Hockmeyer, Autry Business & Industry Coordinator, said. “By training local [prospective] employees with an industry interest and existing transferable skills, we can provide a foundation for a stable workforce.”

Hockmeyer worked with Mickey Stowers, ASIC owner; Scott Bengtson, plant manager; and Mid-Del Technology Center to create the Airframe Structures Technology Course, a customized training to fit ASIC’s needs.

Autry reached out to Mid-Del because they had an existing program that was similar. After collaborating with MidDel’s instructor, Autry customized the

curriculum to fit ASIC’s needs.

Developed for entry-level sheet metal workers, the program familiarizes the mechanic with basic structural repair fundamentals that are required to produce a finished repair that complies with the Cessna 208/208B maintenance manuals and applicable tech data.

During the six-week training period, the students become employees of ASIC and earn $10 per hour. Upon completion, students transition to a position as a sheet metal technician with a starting wage of $13 per hour.

After a 90-day probationary period, a raise to $14 per hour is possible.

“The support and resources that Autry Technology Center provides are invaluable to our company,” Bengtson

said. “In today’s business climate, we are comforted knowing that Autry is there when we need them. Partnering with Autry, we are able to obtain affordable training which has created a great opportunity for Northwest Oklahomans to gain employment.”

With a workforce increase of over 100 percent since partnering with Autry Technology Center, ASIC currently employs more than 70 individuals.

Almost 75 percent of ASIC technicians are trained by Autry and 60 percent of production work is a direct result of the training program.

Autry Technology Center has been a part of the Enid community since 1967 and is one of 29 CareerTech schools across Oklahoma. The center has more than 25 career programs and offers a wide variety of evening and weekend short-term courses and certifications for many diverse career fields. Autry serves nearly 16,000 individuals each year, including many area employees who receive training through the Business and Industry Services Department that works with over 500 local businesses each year.

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Aerospace Company Kratos to Employ 350 in OKC Governor Fallin announced Kratos Design and Production facilities to open We are both honored and privileged to be here today in the great state of Oklahoma. Kratos is focused on delivering technology and products for greater effectiveness at an affordable cost for our customers, and our new facility in Oklahoma City is another step forward in the successful execution of that strategy.

~ Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos Governor Mary Fallin announced that Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq:KTOS), a leading National Security Solutions provider, is opening administrative and engineering offices and production facilities in Oklahoma City. The offices and productions facilities will accommodate expected increased demand for high-performance, jetpowered unmanned aerial tactical and target drone systems.

“Oklahoma is one of the world’s premier destinations for the aerospace and defense industry. Kratos’ announcement of a new facility is a testament to the strength of the industry in our state,” said Fallin. “Our skilled aerospace and engineering workforce, combined with the Quality Jobs Program and the Aerospace Engineering Tax Credit incentives, along with our proximity to other world-class companies and defense operations, made Oklahoma City the right choice for Kratos.”

Representatives from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce initially met with the company at the Farnborough International Airshow, a weeklong event in the United Kingdom, in 2016. U.S. Rep. Steve Russell, R-OK, had met the company executives earlier that year at a Kratos reception in Washington D.C. These exchanges prompted the company to begin looking at Oklahoma as a potential location for expanded operations for the company’s unmanned systems division.

“Advanced military target drones with fighter-like performance have been the mainstay of our company, and we have come to dominate that market as our customers are replacing their drone fleets with the latest technology, and as a result, orders have increased substantially,” said Steve Fendley, president of Kratos Unmanned Systems Division.

Referring to a recent Aviation Week and Space Technology article entitled, “Kratos Expands Target Drone Business,” which discusses target drones with fighter-like performance;

Fendley said: “This is Kratos’ niche in the unmanned aircraft arena, and the article reports that more than 1,500 MQM107 target aircraft were produced. Our BQM-167, already in production with the U.S. Air Force since the mid-2000s, has now also been selected as the replacement for the MQM107, and begins production for the U.S. Army this year. We see the potential as even greater than for the heritage 107s with the increased capabilities our 167 offers. In addition, our tactical UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) drone systems have generated significant interest, and we expect to be focusing these efforts and ramping up production of these tactical aircraft in Oklahoma, which has a highly educated and technical workforce, offers a cost-effective business and family environment, and is a great place for employees to live.”

Kratos is initially occupying an 8,800-square-foot facility in Oklahoma City near Tinker Air Force Base, where the focus will be on engineering and production planning. Within six months, the company plans to expand into a 75,000-squarefoot facility to support its initial production efforts in Oklahoma.

The company expects to employ more than 350 workers in Oklahoma within the next few years.

“We are both honored and privileged to be here today in the great state of Oklahoma,” said Eric DeMarco, president and chief executive officer of Kratos. “Kratos is focused on delivering technology and products for greater effectiveness at an affordable cost for our customers, and our new facility in Oklahoma City is another step forward in the successful execution of that strategy.”

Earlier this month, Kratos announced a $23 million unmanned aerial drone system production award from an unnamed customer and a $93 million contract to supply target drones to the Army. This most recent contract makes Kratos the sole supplier of jet-powered, sub-scale target drones to all branches of the U.S. military. Kratos’ unmanned target drones recently participated in Exercise Formidable Shield 2017, a live-fire integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) exercise conducted by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO on behalf of the U.S. 6th Fleet.

Kratos is also currently under contract to develop and demonstrate high-performance tactical drone systems that act as a loyal wingman to manned fighter aircraft or can operate independently. The company’s Mako tactical unmanned aerial

International Financing Seminar Find out how the Export-Import Bank of the United States [ExIm Bank] and the U.S. Small Business Administration finance the export of goods and services to international markets and help companies compete globally.

drone system completed its initial successful test flights in 2015 and most recently participated in a major military exercise, with additional flights planned for this year. Kratos is scheduled to deliver its next generation tactical drone, the Valkyrie, in 2018.

“I have been deeply impressed with the incredible advanced technology Kratos is developing to defend our country and airspace,” said Russell. “I have every expectation that Kratos will bring quality, high-paying jobs to the people of our great state, their presence will boost the Oklahoma economy, and most importantly, their work will ensure America has superiority in our airspace for decades to come.”

“I am pleased to welcome Kratos to Oklahoma. With our skilled workforce and longstanding commitment to supporting our armed forces, Oklahoma is an excellent choice for Kratos’ new facility for tactical drone systems,” said U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-OK. “Kratos, a leader in developing drone technology and producing tactical drone systems to support our military, will create hundreds of high-paying jobs in Oklahoma City, and grow our economy.”

Kratos will continue target drone production from its existing Sacramento, California, facility, with a significant production ramp-up, having already begun at that facility, and expected to increase even more over the next 24 months. Oklahoma will be the site for new tactical drone production and excess demand requirements related to target drone production.

About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. develops transformative, affordable technology for the U.S. Department of Defense and commercial customers. Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technology for these industries are brought to market through proactive research and a streamlined development process. Kratos specializes in unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, and training and combat systems. For more information go to www.kratosdefense.com

In today’s global economy, selling your goods around the world can bring large rewards. This workshop will give an overview of these agencies, their financing products and services, and tips to launch or expand your company’s international trade strategy. In addition, you will learn how your local bank can help you structure international payment transactions.

The U.S. Department of Commerce/Oklahoma Export Assistance Center and the International Small Business Development Center will also provide a brief overview of export services relative to international business needs.

Free to attend. Registration required.

Wednesday, April 25 OKC – Francis Tuttle Tech Center 12777 N. Rockwell Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73142 Location: Room D1870, Corporate Training Bldg.

Time: Registration: 7:30 - 8:00 a.m.

Program: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Networking Luncheon: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 26 TULSA – OSU-Tulsa Campus 700 N. Greenwood Avenue Tulsa, OK 74106 Location: Room 140, North Hall Time: Registration: 7:30 - 8:00 a.m.

Program: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Networking Luncheon: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

For more information or to register, contact:

Jesse Garcia, Global Project Manager, 405-815-5136 jesse.garcia@okcommerce.gov

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New and Expanding Companies Annual Report

According to the New and Expanding Companies Annual Report, there were 82 new business and expansion public announcements made statewide, totaling more than $6 billion in new investment in 2017. Twenty-two companies in the report are new to Oklahoma. More than 3,500 jobs are expected to be created from the announcements.

Invenergy’s $4.5 billion wind farm in the Oklahoma panhandle was the largest announcement of the year. Invenergy, North America’s largest independent, privately-held renewable energy company, along with GE Renewable Energy and AEP-PSO announced a 2,000-megawatt wind farm that will be the largest in the U.S. and second-largest in the world, once operational. The Wind Catcher facility is currently under construction and will generate wind electricity from 800 stateof-the-art GE 2.5 megawatt turbines.

“Wind Catcher shows American leadership in bringing lowcost clean energy to market at giga scale,” said Invenergy’s Founder and CEO Michael Polsky. “This project reflects Invenergy’s innovative spirit and unparalleled execution ability, and we are proud to be working with forward-looking utilities like PSO and SWEPCO whose customers and communities will benefit from this project for decades to come.”

“GE is delighted to be a part of the groundbreaking Wind Catcher project with Invenergy and American Electric Power,” said Pete McCabe, President and CEO of GE’s Onshore Wind business. “We look forward to putting our teams to work in these communities as we continue to move toward our goal of ensuring that no one has to choose between sustainable, reliable and affordable energy.”

MedXM’s plan to hire over 400 employees was the largest expansion in employment of the year.

“As part of our expansion plan and to better serve our national footprint, we researched and spoke to a number of different state governments. I’m happy to announce that Oklahoma, specifically Oklahoma City, was chosen as our new home,” said MedXM Chief Executive Officer Sy Zahedi. “We look forward to being part of this community by creating jobs and contributing to the state economy. I would like to thank Governor Mary Fallin and her staff in making this a wonderful experience. We were able to check every box we needed to make this an obvious choice.”

ODOC officials attended ribbon cutting and open house for GF Central Plastics expansion and newly completed innovation center.

GF Central Plastics in Shawnee added a new training facility and warehouse space, as well as investing approximately $10 million in infrastructure in its operation over the last couple years.

“We’re pretty proud of this place,” said Mark Smith, GF Central Plastics President and Managing Director. “This year alone, we’ve added about 25,000 square feet of new warehouse facility.”

Georg Fischer, a $3.5 billion organization, acquired Central Plastics in 2008. The Shawnee site is one of the largest manufacturers in the area. The company intends to invest another $5 million in coming years.

The company provides metal and plastic pipes for gas lines, aquariums, waterparks and a variety of other companies all over the world.

“Every year we continue to add technical and engineering types of positions,” Smith said.

Information in the 2017 Publicly Announced New and Expanding Oklahoma Companies report is collected from a variety of sources including internal Department of Commerce reports, statewide and nationwide newspapers, and company websites. Only companies making public announcements are included in this report. Retail-only companies, bank branch offices and hospitals are not included in this report.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce does not release individual company investment amounts.

Quarterly and annual online versions of this report and more are available at: http://okcommerce.gov/data/employers/ For more information or questions about the report, contact Jon Chiappe at jon.chiappe@okcommerce.gov.

Counties with publicly announced new and expanding companies in 2017

$

6B

COUNTIES WITH NEW AND EXPANDING COMPANIES IN 2017

INVESTMENT

In 2017, there were 82 announcements made statewide, totaling more than $6 billion in new investment.

3,500 +

JOBS

More than 3,500 jobs are expected to eventually be created from the 2017 announcements.

Adair Blaine Bryan Canadian Cleveland Custer Dewey Garfield Grady Haskell Hughes Johnston Kingfisher Logan Lincoln

Mayes Murray Muskogee Noble Oklahoma Osage Payne Pittsburg Pontotoc Pottawatomie Rogers Texas Tulsa Wagoner Washita Woods

Download a full copy of the report: okcommerce.gov/data/employers

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Upcoming Events and Important Dates WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PUBLIC HEARING Wednesday, February 8, 2018, 10:00 AM Oklahoma Association of Community Action Agencies 605 Centennial Blvd., Edmond, Okla.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce has administered Oklahoma’s lowincome Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), funded by the United States Department of Energy, since 1977, and contracts with 15 Community Action Agencies to provide this service to every Oklahoma county. One of the purposes of the WAP is to reduce the amount of money low-income families spend on energy-related expenses in order to allow them the opportunity to make more efficient use of their limited incomes.

In addition to reducing household expenses, the WAP decreases the amount of energy consumed in the state and contributes to overall national energy conservation. The program also improves the living conditions of households with low income by making their homes more comfortable places to live and maximizes the economic benefits to the state.

Commerce has a commitment to obtaining public input before finalizing the annual application and State Plan for the Department of Energy. Per 10 CFR 440.14, copies of the draft 2018 WAP State Plan will be made available upon request beginning January 18, 2018, and comments will be accepted on the State Plan through February 16, 2018.

To request a copy of the State Plan, or to comment, please submit all inquiries to Linda Goode at Linda.Goode@okcommerce.gov or call 405-815-5351.

PRESIDENTS’ DAY Monday, February 19, 2018 State Offices Closed

NEW PIONEER A PRODUCT OF THE OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE EDITOR: Kimberly Hickerson, Project Manager CONTRIBUTORS: Stefanie Appleton, Bryan Boone PHOTO CREDITS: Autry Technology Center, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Spirit

FOR NEW PIONEER SUBMISSIONS AND STORY IDEAS CONTACT: 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 @OKcommerce OKcommerce.gov issuu.com/newpioneerOK