2018 Issue 8
D e ve l o p , I n n ov a t e , P r o s p e r
Oklahoma’s Metro Areas Adding Quality of Life Amenities
Tulsa’s Gathering Place opening celebration, September 8, 2018.
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OKcommerce.gov
THE STATE OF LOCATIONS
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Sample of Current Properties on LocateOK:
Burns Flat Aircraft Hangar (32,670 square feet) located at Oklahoma Air & Spaceport/ Clinton-Sherman Airport (CSM).
Former Choctaw Nation Medical Clinic, located at 1600 N. Washington Avenue, Durant, Okla. 74701; easy access to U.S. Hwy. 75.
20,000-square-foot Industrial Building Owned by the Stigler Industrial Authority and was originally constructed for a sewing manufacturer. The building is in excellent condition.
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For more information, contact Lesli Crofford, Research Analyst – LocateOK Specialist at 405-815-5120 or lesli.crofford@okcommerce.gov
Bristow Breaks ground on Airport Improvements More than $3.5 million investement
Located off of historic Route 66 and less than 40 miles from Tulsa and less than 75 miles from Oklahoma City, sits Bristow, Okla. The city recently broke ground on a new runway and support facilities, including a fuel station and a terminal building, at Jones Memorial Airport. Once completed, the airport will be a viable option for increased aviation business, including pilot training and maintenance services. “The old runway had basically outlived its life,” said Bristow Mayor Leonard Washington. The $3.5 million investment will increase safety and allow larger business-type aircraft to access the airport. The City of Bristow currently has multiple companies interested in moving to Bristow once the runway and support facilities are completed.
This project is the biggest key to the aviation industry’s growth in our city, county and community. As we grow, so can other related companies in Bristow and throughout Creek County. That means more jobs and a better quality of life.”
Johnny “Bump” Grant, president of Consolidated Turbine Specialists
“We’re taking the challenge based on the fact that sometimes you don’t choose how you grow,” said Mayor Washington. “Sometimes businesses come in and you basically take what you got and move in that direction. So we’re definitely moving toward having a bigger aerospace industry.”
“This project is the biggest key to the aviation industry’s growth in our city, county and community,” said Johnny “Bump” Grant, president of Consolidated Turbine Specialists which is located at the airport. “As we grow, so can other related companies in Bristow and throughout Creek County. That means more jobs and a better quality of life.”
The airport is already the home of Consolidated Turbine Specialist (CTS) which specializes in the repair and overhaul of Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A, PT6T and PW100 engines. The company currently employs 35 with the goal to hire at least 13 more over the next two years.
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Oklahoma’s Metro Areas Adding Quality of Life Amenities Tulsa’s Gathering Place opening celebration, September 8, 2018.
Two years from now, we move up to a new tier, which was our objective, to move to a new competitive set. We’ve turned something we really didn’t have, a hospitality industry, into the fastest growing sector of our economy. It is hiring more people at a higher rate than any other part of Oklahoma City’s economy.”
Roy Williams President & CEO Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Oklahoma City and Tulsa are making significant progress on quality of life amenities. The cities are Oklahoma’s two largest metropolitan areas and have seen significant growth—economically, culturally and socially. Roy Williams, President & CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber recently spoke about the changes happening in Oklahoma City: “Two years from now, we move up to a new tier, which was our objective, to move to a new competitive set. We’ve turned something we really didn’t have, a hospitality industry, into the fastest growing sector of our economy. It is hiring more people at a higher rate than any other part of Oklahoma City’s economy.” “I think what is happening in our city, especially with A Gathering Place for Tulsa, exceeds the hype,” said Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum. “Gathering Place is a world-class destination that will offer a place for all to come together,” said Tony Moore, Gathering Place Park Director. “Our 100 Day Opening Celebration will offer a diverse array of acts and events giving every guest an opportunity to celebrate the opening of the park every single day. This will truly be an experience like none other.”
$777 Million Capital Improvement Project to Further Improve Oklahoma City In 2009, Oklahoma City citizens passed the MAPS3 $777 million capital improvement program which funds the construction of eight projects throughout the city. While construction of multiple projects has been completed, some of the largest projects are currently underway, with construction scheduled to be completed by 2021. Scissortail Park – This 70-acre, fully programmed park will connect the core of Oklahoma City to the shore of the Oklahoma River. Construction is underway on the 40-acre section across from the new convention center and will be completed in 2019, with the lower 30-acre portion set to open in 2021. The park will provide a variety of recreation activities, including walking/biking/running trails, picnic sites, youth sports fields, play areas and interactive water features. Convention Center – The new convention center and its adjacent headquarters hotel will allow Oklahoma City to compete for 80% or more events held in the U.S., further developing the region’s hospitality industry. The $277 million center, which is projected to open in 2020, will feature nearly 200,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 30,000-square-foot ballroom and 45,000 square feet of additional meeting space. Streetcar – Key to Oklahoma City’s connectivity will be the Oklahoma City Streetcar, which is currently under construction and will open in late 2018. The streetcar’s two route options — which span much of the central business district and surrounding areas — will serve 22 stops and provide easy access to many of Oklahoma City’s attractions. Find out more about Oklahoma City’s MAPS3 capital improvement project at www.okc.gov/government/maps-3
Google and Goodwill Offer Digital Skills Training
New Riverside Park to Act as Catalyst for Economic Development in Tulsa In 2012, the George Kaiser Family Foundation announced plans to build a large park, the Gathering Place, in the Riverside area of Tulsa. Phase I (66.5 acres) is set to be complete in Sepember 8, 2018, kicking off with 100 Days of Opening Celebration festivities. A riverfront public park designed to be a place for all Tulsans from all walks of life to enjoy together, Gathering Place’s initial 100 Days of Opening Celebration will provide dynamic, culturally relevant programming activities for the entire community. These one-of-a-kind events and activities include an opening day performance by legendary hip-hop/neo soul band The Roots. Phase I of the park includes an adventure playground, mist mountain, sports courts, a skate park, a great lawn for concerts and events and a lodge where guests can enjoy food, drinks and a lounge area. Gathering Place will also offer kayak, canoe and paddleboat rentals to tour Peggy’s Pond. Multiple restaurants with affordable dining will dot the park, including the Boathouse Restaurant at ONEOK Boathouse. Gathering Place represents the largest private gift to a public park in U.S. history. The full project is being funded by a mix of corporate and philanthropic Tulsa organizations. Planners anticipate the development will be a catalyst for bringing new economic development opportunities to the area. It is estimated to attract more than one million visitors annually. Find out more about Tulsa’s Gathering Place: http://agatheringplacefortulsa.com/
Google.org and Goodwill, the United States’ leading workforce development nonprofit, have joined forces to launch the Goodwill Digital Career Accelerator. Funded by a $10 million grant from Google.org and with the assistance of 1,000 Google volunteers, this new Goodwill initiative will mobilize 125 local, communitybased Goodwill organizations as they equip more than 1 million people with expanded and enhanced digital skills training over the course of three years. Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma (Oklahoma City, Okla.) is in the Sub-Grantees: Digital Champions – Cohort 1 recipients. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are more than 6 million job openings in the United States, and advanced skills such as computer support or programming are increasingly essential for well-paying, in-demand careers for diverse populations across the country. This innovative initiative will empower Goodwill organizations to enhance their job training programs to equip their employees, job seekers and career advancers with the ever-growing demand for new skills in the digital economy. “With the $10 million dollar investment from Google. org and the talent invested by Googler volunteers, local, community-based Goodwill organizations will be empowered to be key places where job seekers can build their digital skills. From becoming aware of digital career opportunities to learning basic digital skills to earning credentials from entry level to middle skills, Google.org’s investment will equip people to advance their careers and improve their lives,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Career navigation leads to long-term economic stability for individuals, their families and the greater community. Together with Google, we are helping people change, their lives and their families’ lives.”
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Air Force Base Preps for the KC-46 Arrival Altus AFB is slated to receive its first KC-46A Pegasus in November 2018. For the last 2 years, Altus has been prepping for KC-46 arrival/student production by standing up the 1st KC-46 squadron, building the aircrew training system (classrooms and simulators) and hangars and bringing in instructor cadre.”
Chief Master Sgt. Jason Hall, Superintendent of the 56th Air Refueling Squadron at Altus AFB Altus AFB is slated to receive its first KC-46A Pegasus in November 2018. The new, well-equipped tanker aircraft increases in-flight refueling capabilities. The KC-46 can both receive and deliver fuel, allowing it to train with the other two aircraft assigned to Altus AFB: the KC135 Stratotanker and C-17 Globermaster III. However, extensive preparation and planning go into making a base ready for a new aircraft. “For the last 2 years, Altus has been prepping for KC46 arrival/student production by standing up the 1st KC-46 squadron, building the aircrew training system (classrooms and simulators) and hangars and bringing in instructor cadre,” explains Chief Master Sgt. Jason Hall, Superintendent of the 56th Air Refueling Squadron at Altus AFB. “Multiple MAJCOM, base organizations and commercial corporations came together to start training and have crews ready before the first jet even touches the ramp at Altus AFB.” Altus AFB activated a squadron dedicated to conducting initial and advanced aircrew training for KC-46 air refueling operations. U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Darin Dial, operations officer assigned to the 56th Air Refueling Squadron said, “The 56th ARS was activated August 2016 and we have been preparing for the KC-46 since then.” The KC-46 will bring 500-700 people to either fly, provide aircraft maintenance or deliver aircrew training system support. Beyond military and civilian personnel, the new aircraft also brings a need for infrastructure.
“New construction and infrastructure improvements to support the new airframe and subsequent training operations are underway, as is training of operations and maintenance personnel,” said Dial. Nineteen building projects were planned in preparation for the arrival of the KC-46. Two simulator buildings, a hangar extension and multiple office renovations have been completed or are in the works to account for KC-46 training and the increase in personnel. Construction will continue for the next three years as the base and Aircrew Training Systems are built and upgraded to support worldclass training for the next generation tanker. Despite Air Force-level problems such as delays with Boeing to ensure the aircraft is up to standards, the training hasn’t stopped at Altus AFB. Training boom operators, maintenance personnel and pilots happens on the ground first. Approximately two-thirds of training happens on the ground. The training culminates in a qualification consisting of both open- and closed-book tests, simulator assessments and finally, an in-flight evaluation. This means Altus AFB has been preparing flight crews long before the KC-46 arrives. There are three types of simulators at Altus AFB used to train KC-46 aircrew: Weapon System Trainer (WST), Boom Operator Trainer (BOT) and Fuselage Trainer (FuT). The WST is used specifically to train pilots while the BOT is used only for boom operators. The FuT trains both pilots and boom operators as well as the maintenance crew.
“The KC-46 Fuselage Trainer trains boom operators on cargo, maintenance personnel on procedures and pilots on egress,” explains Hall. “Within days of government acceptance of the first FuT, the simulator was being employed to train the initial cadre of KC-46 instructors.” The FuT at Altus AFB is the first one to be used in the Air Force and one more will soon be delivered. With Altus being the first base with a utilized Fuselage Trainer, they have helped boom operators stationed at McConnell by inviting them to Altus to get hands-on training and experience with the Formal Training Unit’s (FTU) KC-46 FuT. “In addition to training both instructors and aircrews, the 56th has worked with Flight Safety to develop coursework for incoming students,” said MSgt Christopher Joyce, Operations Superintendent assigned to the 56th Air Refueling Squadron. “We have also teamed up with Boeing to rewrite technical manuals for the KC-46.” Altus is ahead of the game and isn’t slowed down by delays between Boeing and the Air Force. “There were multiple reasons that the aircraft has delayed,” explained Joyce. “Some revolve around ensuring the aircraft passed its FAA certifications and ensuring the Remote Vision System (RVS) and Air Refueling Boom were able to safely accomplish air refueling.” Altus AFB personnel have continued to overcome setbacks, working as “one team, one fight” to make sure the base is ready come November. The men and women of Altus have been punching outside their weight division and solving technical Air Force-level problems,” said Hall. “They’ve come together as a team to overcome obstacles that have caused delays. They have committed the last two years of their lives to be ready to produce world-class aviators on a new aircraft before that aircraft has even started initial operations test and evaluations. Dedicated Airmen at Altus AFB have been working hard to prepare for the new arrival. Altus AFB is fully-equipped and ready to welcome the KC-46 in November.
Mary K. Chapman Foundation Awards OMRF $600,000 for Aging Research OMRF has received a $600,000 grant from The Mary K. Chapman Foundation to support aging research. The grant will help fund age-related disease research and help OMRF recruit a pair of new scientists to its Aging and Metabolism Research Program, which takes a comprehensive approach to studying diseases of aging, including age-related muscle loss, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and arthritis. “Aging is the number one risk factor for a number of debilitating diseases that affect our growing elderly population,” said Aging and Metabolism Research Program Chair Holly Van Remmen, Ph.D. “This gift will allow us to expand and extend our work to better understand basic mechanisms of aging and how they impact age-related diseases, such as heart disease, arthritis, age-related muscle loss and neurodegenerative diseases.” Mary K. Chapman established her foundation upon her death in 2002 as a way to continue supporting causes associated with her personal interests. Chapman, an Oklahoma native and University of Tulsa graduate, made many of her gifts in Oklahoma and Colorado, where her late husband, oilman and philanthropist H. Allen Chapman, was born. The foundation donates to a wide variety of charitable organizations. But as a former nurse, Chapman had a keen interest in supporting health-related causes. As a result, said Chapman Foundation trustee Donne Pitman, the foundation is devoted to continuing Chapman’s legacy of giving to health and medical research. “The hope is that these new investigators can generate new ideas and approaches to diseases of aging, like Alzheimer’s and dementia,” said Pitman. “These are devastating and common diseases that impact not only the individual, but also everyone around them. Aging research is a critical need for public health, and we want to be a part of the solution.”
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Upcoming Events and Important Dates NEW PIONEER A PRODUCT OF THE OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE EDITOR: Kimberly Hickerson, Project Manager CONTRIBUTORS: Stefanie Appleton, Bryan Boone
ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS Nominations are June 5th through August 5th
The Keep Oklahoma Beautiful statewide Environmental Excellence Awards recognize Oklahomans for exceptional environmental improvement efforts. The public submits nominations for awards from June 5 to August 5. After a rigorous judging process, the top finalists in each category are notified and invited to attend the Environmental Excellence Awards Celebration in November. This highly anticipated fundraising event is well attended, full of fun, surprises, inspiring stories and good food! Keep an eye out for environmental efforts happening in your community and nominate a state agency, municipality, business, student group, nonprofit, or even yourself!
PHOTO CREDITS: Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce
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
https://www.keepoklahomabeautiful.com/environmental-excellencecompetition-celebration/ Save the Date: The awards ceremony and fundraiser will be held at Hilton Garden Inn & Edmond Conference Center - 2833 Conference Dr. Edmond, OK 73034 *TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED BEGINNING OF SEPTEMBER 2018
LABOR DAY Monday, September 3, 2018 State Offices Closed
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