Outlook 2015 Business by Tulsa World

SPECIAL SECTION | Sunday, March 1, 2015

JENKS

TULSA

BROKEN ARROW

OUTLOOK 2015

Business drawn to thriving environment in Tulsa, surrounding communities tulsaworld.com/outlook2015

Bartlesville

Bixby

CatoosA

CLAREMORE

GLENPOOL

OWASSO

SAND SPRINGS

SAPULPA

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United, uplifted The city of Tulsa and the surrounding area attract businesses for many reasons. TOM GILBERT/Tulsa World

Working together helps make the Tulsa area a great place

Bill Masterson Publisher, Tulsa World Media Co.

’ve often wondered exactly what it is about a city that attracts and keeps its businesses and residents. Most often, a business will make its decision on where to locate based on financial considerations:

• Are there tax advantages or incentives involved in a particular location? • Based on the wage a business is willing to pay, will employees be able to sustain a certain quality of life? • Is there an economic environment in which the business will continue to thrive? Employees, their spouses and families also want to make sure a livable wage is offered, but they’re also interested in more quality of life issues: • Is this a community in which my family will want to stay and build a home? • Are there educational opportunities available so that children can learn and thrive? • Is there a supportive community in which my family can practice our faith? • Are their entertainment venues and opportunities? • Is there convenient access to affordable health care? • Is this a community in which my children will want to build their own homes and families?

Tulsa and its surrounding communities can answer a resounding “Yes” to all of these questions being asked by business owners and their employees. Don’t misunderstand. We’re not perfect, and we don’t claim to be. There are challenges ahead for all of our communities. But in all my travels as a newspaper publisher, never have I seen communities so willing to pull together for the benefit of all. And, more important, business leaders and government officials work together to find the common good for all of our residents. They have learned that working together so that all of our communities have the opportunity to grow and excel means good things ahead for all of us. So Tulsans revel in the success of Broken Arrow’s historic Rose District, now vibrant with shops and restaurants. Owasso’s success in attracting a fulfillment center for retail giant Macy’s means job opportunities for those looking to get back into or enter the workforce. The growth of businesses

People walk and mingle along the Brady District’s sidewalks during the First Friday Art Crawl in September. CHRISTOPHER SMITH/Tulsa World

at the Port of Catoosa and the transportation opportunities the waterway offers brings options not offered elsewhere. And the continued development of Tulsa’s downtown and its adjacent areas — the Brady District, Blue Dome,

INSIDE Gov. Mary Fallin: Green Country great place to live.....4 Mayor Dewey Bartlett: Spirit key to prosperity............5 Tulsa’s diverse economy stays strong....................................... 23 10 things to know about Tulsa..............................34

East Village — give residents of surrounding communities entertainment options as well. There’s a saying that “a rising tide lifts all boats.” We’re seeing that. As our economy continues to thrive, all of our communities are

benefiting. It’s an exciting time to be a part of northeastern Oklahoma and, more specifically, the Tulsa area. We’re not doing it alone. Everyone has a role. I hope we’ll all continue to work together.

Online Tulsa Regional Chamber president.................................. 35 Energy: Making Tulsa excellent a job for us all....... 36 Real estate: Downtown Tulsa is realizing its potential........ 37 Construction: Young people are engineering success...... 38

THE COMMUNITIES Bartlesville, Bixby.................. 39 Broken Arrow, Catoosa........40 Claremore, Glenpool..............41 Jenks, Owasso........................42 Sand Springs, Sapulpa..........43

Read news about your community on sites dedicated to you. Let us know what’s going on in your community. Share stories and photos about you, your family, your neighborhood and more from these sites: bartlesvilleworld.com bixbyworld.com brokenarrowworld.com catoosaworld.com claremoreworld.com

glenpoolworld.com jenks-world.com owassoworld.com sandspringsworld.com sapulpaworld.com

Read any story you missed in this week’s special Outlook 2014 section online, and check back next week for more stories on Tulsa and the surrounding communities.

tulsaworld.com/outlook

About the section Tulsa and its surrounding communities are great places to do business. They all have something unique to offer, and today, the Tulsa World presents the business Outlook for our region. Our 44-page special section features government leaders and industry experts who offer their perspectives. It also includes stories from reporters and correspondents as well as custom content from advertisers. Next Sunday, the Tulsa World will publish an Outlook special section that focuses on quality of life in the area.

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Nonstop progress American Airlines is a prime example of a large company with a major facility in Green Country. CORY YOUNG/Tulsa World file

Looking for a great place to work or raise a family? Check out Green Country

wenty years ago, they used to call Oklahoma a “fly-over” state. Not anymore. Today, Oklahoma is “fly-to” country. We are a destination for business, with booming aerospace, energy, agriculture and bioscience sectors. We’re home to internationally known companies like American Airlines, Boeing and Google, as well as local powerhouses like ONE Gas, BOK Financial, NORDAM and Williams. Oklahoma is a destination for tourism, whether it’s people coming to enjoy Oklahoma’s beautiful lakes, our sports events or our music. Of course, we’re also a destination for families, who come here for jobs, low cost of living and high quality of life. One of the fastest growing, most prosperous and certainly most beautiful parts of the state is northeastern Oklahoma, or as we like to call it: “Green Country.” In 2014 alone, more than 2,500 new business locations opened in Green Country, employing 25,000 people. Those businesses are part of our community, which means they have a lot of Oklahomans working to help them succeed. To boost commerce in the region, our state and local governments have invested heavily in the region’s highway, rail, pipeline and water transportation infrastructure. At the State Capitol, Oklahoma’s pro-business Legislature has

Mary Fallin Governor of Oklahoma

passed sweeping workers compensation reform, lawsuit reform and tax cuts to make Oklahoma a more economically competitive location. Businesses in Green Country benefit from a constantly improving workforce, bolstered by great universities and one of the strongest career technology systems in the nation. Local employers also have a strong voice in the State Chamber and Tulsa Metro Chamber, which work together to help guide law-

Gov. Mary Fallin (left) and Joe Kava, Google’s senior director of operations, react to a burst of confetti during a “plugging in” ceremony at Google’s data center in Pryor. MATT BARNARD/Tulsa World file

makers as they produce legislation to support economic growth and business development. Northeastern Oklahoma is on the rise, but you don’t have to take my word for it. Here are some of the things that have been written in recent years about Tulsa, Green Country’s biggest city: The Fiscal Times called Oklahoma the No. 2 state in the country for young people to find a job. Zillow ranked it No. 3 for home value growth. The Brookings Institute ranked Tulsa No. 6 for growth in exports.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics found it to be the No. 10 city for job growth and business expansion. And Forbes ranked it in the top 25 cities for both affordability and friendliness to retirees. If statistics and rankings don’t convince you, take a walk through Tulsa’s booming Brady District, and see the progress for yourself; or, get out of the city and see the countryside. Grand Lake has some of the most beautiful sights in the state, and small cities like Claremore offer some of the best quality of life and small-town living in the

country. If you’re looking for a place with a bright future where businesses thrive and families can feel safe and enjoy a high quality of life, look no further. There’s no better place than Green Country. Mary Fallin is serving her second term as Oklahoma’s first woman to be elected governor. Fallin served two terms as a state representative and three terms as lieutenant governor. From 2007 until 2011, she served in Congress, representing the Fifth District of Oklahoma.

Tulsa

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Free-flowing

Tulsa’s entrepreneurial spirit is the formula for prosperity

ulsa’s future is bright. Our efforts continue to result in great progress for the city of Tulsa as we continue to strengthen programs to retain and attract business, celebrate the success of our entrepreneurs and economic development efforts, and fuel growth in our many industry sectors.

An aerial view of the Arkansas River, Tulsa’s crown jewel, as the sun sets. TOM GILBERT/Tulsa World file

Tulsa voted to “Improve Our Tulsa” last year in overwhelming numbers, showing us that Tulsans are ready for positive changes in our city. This year, we will start construction on capital improvement projects that will continue to fix streets and build vital infrastructure projects that will increase the quality of life for residents and make Tulsa more competitive for future investors. I continue working with the City Council on proposals for public safety and Arkansas River development that would be game-changers for our city. I am confident we will be submitting a solid plan to the citizens of Tulsa this year that will make economic sense and provide unprecedented opportunity to our city by providing the safety our citizens deserve and putting water in our crown jewel, the Arkansas River. With an existing six-tenths of a penny expiring from Vision2025, it is time to look at the needs of our community by reallocating this funding to help bolster our public safety departments. I have proposed the addition of 70 police officers, 34 firefighters, 16 positions in 911, and 20 employees for street and traffic signal repair, which would greatly improve safety in Tulsa. By addressing the staffing shortage in our police and fire departments, we will reduce the amount of time it takes to respond to the most critical emergency situations, and staffing for street maintenance is vital to protect our investment of over a billion dollars in street reconstruction. There are unparalleled investments in our river being driven by the private sector — in large part by the George Kaiser Family Foundation and many other generous donors’ funding of The Gathering Place and the Creek Nation’s Margaritaville. The river task force has identified a large number of potential funding sources of river infrastructure construction funding, and we must provide adequate funding for future maintenance needs for the river and the dams. I am confident with this investment it would allow the river to be used by everyone in our city now and in the future. This September, we will open an Aerospace Academy at the Riverside Campus of Tulsa Technical College. This academy is directly tied to the Tulsa International

“ There are unparalleled investments in our river being driven by the private sector — in large part by the George Kaiser Family Foundation and many other generous donors’ funding of The Gathering Place, left, and the Creek Nation’s Margaritaville, right. Courtesy images

Dewey Bartlett Mayor of Tulsa

Airport through the aviation/aerospace industry and will provide training for high school students who can transition into a job, ensuring our manufacturers have the skilled workers they need to stay in Tulsa. Air service at Tulsa International Airport is an economic driver that has a substantial impact on the overall economic vitality of the region. In partnership with the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce, “Connect Tulsa” was created to help Tulsa aggressively seek nonstop flights that will stimulate competition and lower ticket fees. Connect Tulsa partners will create resources to ease start-up costs in the beginning for airlines to offer service through Tulsa. What binds the growth of our city together continues from its beginning. It is the public/private collaboration that created our airport, the first bridge across the Arkansas River and a water system that is the envy of other cities around the country. That model is our formula for the future. That entrepreneurial spirit has been the catalyst for prosperity and visionary leadership. It has served us well then and it will long into the future. Please join me in our continued efforts to strengthen our neighborhoods, brighten our streets and create a greater sense of unity and security among all Tulsans. Together, as One Tulsa, we can build a better and brighter future for generations to come. Dewey Bartlett Jr. was elected Tulsa’s 39th mayor in 2009 and re-elected in 2013. His father was Oklahoma’s second Republican governor from 1967 to 1971 and a U.S. senator from 1973 to 1979. Bartlett Jr. attended Bishop Kelley High School, and received a degree in accounting from Regis University and a master’s degree from Southern Methodist University. He is president of Keener Oil & Gas Co.

That entrepreneurial spirit has been the catalyst for prosperity and visionary leadership. It has served us well then and it will long into the future.”

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Tulsa

Although Tulsa has lost some jobs in the oil and gas industry, its overall economy remains strong. Some sectors will actually benefit from lower fuel prices, including employment, aviation, transportation and manufacturing, an economist said. CHRISTOPHER SMITH/Tulsa World file

Building up

Tulsa’s diverse economy, Macy’s center highlight local job market rebound

By JOHN STANCAVAGE | World Business Columnist

ulsa’s steady diversification over the last several years seems to be paying off with a wide array of employment opportunities.

The opening of Macy’s distribution center this year will be the biggest jobs story, with 1,500 of the facility’s eventual full-time staff of 2,500 expected to be hired. When fully operational next year, the center will come close to having a staff of 4,000 during peak times. “Macy’s really focuses on having a good, quality workforce. They have a strong corporate culture, too, so they should be a good employer for Tulsa,” said Kelly Beyer, Tulsa branch manager for staffing firm Manpower. Macy’s will help offset a recent decline in the energy sector, which has endured falling oil prices. The drop is part of a cycle that longtime observers have seen before, and it seems only a matter of time until the energy sector rebounds. In the meantime, demand for workers in Tulsa’s increasingly diversified economy remains strong. “The market for some jobs is so tight that people with transferable skills can move over from the oil and gas industry,” Beyer said. Tulsa Regional Chamber economist Bob Ball has been tweaking his forecast recently. After factoring in expected hiring by industries unrelated to energy, the Tulsa area could end the year with 0.80 percent growth,

About Tulsa Metro area population: 961,561 Status: Second-largest city in

Oklahoma

Largest employers:

••Saint Francis Health System, employment range 7,500 to 8,999 ••Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club, 6,000 to 7,499 ••Tulsa Public Schools, 6,000 to 7,499 Unemployment rate: 4.0 percent, December State unemployment rate: 4.2 percent, December Key contact information: Tulsa Regional Chamber, 800-624-6822

he said. That’s lower than the 1.45 percent he forecast for 2015 in December, when oil was expected to be about $75 a barrel, but still is positive. Some sectors of the state economy would benefit from lower fuel prices, such as employment, aviation, transportation and manufacturing, he said. “It used to be that Oklahoma was one of a handful of states that moved counter to the na-

Macy’s distribution center under construction near Owasso is expected to employ 2,500 full-time workers, with a staff of 4,000 during peak times. TOM GILBERT/Tulsa World file

tional economy, because of a heavy concentration of oil and gas jobs,” Ball said. “Now, there’s still an impact (from lower oil prices), but we move more with the U.S. economy.” The outlook for non-energy jobs remains relatively good locally in such professions as accounting, information technology, finance, construction, retail, customer service and advanced manufacturing. The last item on that list involves companies that make products using the latest technology. So, upto-date training is required. “We just placed a worker locally in this type of job who started at $18 an hour,” said Manpower’s Beyer. “There are tremendous opportunities in that field right now.” Tulsa’s ability to attract Macy’s has caught the attention of other businesses looking to relocate, said Brien Thorstenberg, vice president

of economic development for the Tulsa Regional Chamber. “It’s been very significant for us,” he said. “It shows how all our regional partners can work together on a project, including providing the labor force. That is a very attractive situation for employers.” Tulsa right now has more economic development prospects than last year, which itself was a strong year. It’s too early to tell how many will decide on the city, but Thorstenberg is optimistic. “We are very close on some deals,” he said. At the same time, many existing businesses are doing well. Verizon has been adding 500 jobs to its financial services unit here to boost its total area employment, including retail stores, to 1,200. In addition, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation will be overhaul-

ing its River Spirit Casino into a Margaritaville Casino. Earthwork started last fall on the new $365 million project, which will feature a 27-story hotel, new gaming space and a pool deck. It should open in early 2017. The tribe also announced a $22 million entertainment complex that will be built at the RiverWalk Crossing in Jenks. Construction officially began Feb. 17 on the $22 million FlyingTee Entertainment and Golf Complex. The three-story building, which will be constructed as a partnership of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and RW Restaurant Group, will offer high-tech golf, familyoriented games, restaurants, a sports bar and space for parties and corporate events. Along with those big projects, another often-overlooked Tulsa strength — its small-business sector — continues to thrive. Larry Mocha, a former smallbusiness person of the year as owner of Tulsa-based truck equipment manufacturer Apsco Inc., said difficult economic times can lead to more people starting small businesses. Tulsa, he said, has a lot of resources for entrepreneurs, including inexpensive training and willing lenders. “If you want to start a business, this is an exciting place to be,” he said. John Stancavage 918-581-8314

john.stancavage@tulsaworld.com Follow me on Twitter @JohnStancavage and on LinkedIn

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Oklahoma Aquarium: Located in the suburb of Jenks, the 72,000-square-foot facility has eight exhibits that feature invertebrates, Oklahoma species, a coral reef and a special half-million gallon tank that allows visitors to watch sharks swim overhead. It also houses a 30,000-piece antique fishing tackle collection.

things to know about Tulsa

“#FLYTULSA” campaign banners line the walkway to concourse B from the TSA security checkpoint exit at Tulsa International Airport. MICHAEL WYKE/Tulsa World file

Tulsa International Airport: A city-owned civil and military airport five miles northeast of downtown Tulsa. The airport not only is the base for Tulsa’s commercial air traffic, it also serves as a hub for many of the area’s aviationrelated businesses, including American Airlines’ largest maintenance base and Lufthansa Technik Component Services. The Tulsa Air and Space Museum opened in 1998 just northwest of the airport. A planetarium was added in 2006.

The Tulsa Drillers play at ONEOK Field in downtown Tulsa.

By JOHN STANCAVAGE | World Business Columnist

Area golf courses: There are a variety of layouts to test golfers of all skill levels. The private Southern Hills Country Club has hosted seven major championships, while public courses such as LaFortune Park, Page Belcher, South Lakes and Mohawk attract thousands annually.

The Tulsa Sound: In the 1960s and ‘70s, a laidback, rootsy shuffle rhythm emanated from many clubs and music venues in the city. Many of the pioneers of that style, including J.J. Cale and Leon Russell, went on to establish successful careers and influenced others, such as British guitar hero Eric Clapton. Today, local artists such as Paul Benjaman, Wink Burcham and Jesse Aycock keep the Tulsa Sound alive.

CHRISTOPHER SMITH/ Tulsa World file

Tulsa Drillers: The Tulsa Drillers are the Double A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers and play in the historic Texas League. The Drillers came to Tulsa from Lafayette, Louisiana, prior to the 1977 season. They spent their first 26 years of existence in Tulsa as a Texas Rangers affiliate before joining the Colorado Rockies organization in 2003. The Drillers now play at ONEOK Field downtown.

Downtown Tulsa revitalization: Redevelopment has taken off in the past few years, with the BOK Center entertainment complex, hotels, loft apartments, new office space, restaurants, retail and attractions such as the Guthrie Green and John Hope Franklin parks.

Golden Driller: One of the largest free-standing statues in the world, this symbol of Tulsa’s oil history guards the entrance to Expo Square. The Driller has appeared in various forms over the years, but the current model is 76 feet tall, weighs 43,500 pounds and has a big-and-tall belt size of 48 feet in circumference. Shoe size is a hard-to-fit 393DDD.

The Philbrook Museum recently hosted an exhibit featuring the work of renowned artist Claude Monet. MATT BARNARD/Tulsa World file

Philbrook Museum of Art and Gilcrease Museum: Oilman Waite Phillips surprised Tulsans in 1938 with the gift of his 72-room mansion and surrounding 23 acres of grounds as an art center for the city of Tulsa. It serves about 150,000 visitors annually. Gilcrease Museum is located northwest of downtown. The facility houses the world’s largest collection of American Weststyle art as well as a growing collection of art and artifacts from Central and South America. The museum is named for Thomas Gilcrease, an oil man and art collector.

Southern Hills Country Club has hosted seven major championships. MATT BARNARD/Tulsa World file

Tulsa Zoo: Opened in 1927, the 85-acre nonprofit zoo is located in Mohawk Park. It has 2,600 animals and attracts 600,000 people annually. Featured exhibits include elephants, penguins and sea lions.

Lake Keystone is one of more than 200 lakes in Green Country. JAMES GIBBARD/Tulsa World file

10.

Nearby lakes: There are plenty of places for anglers to drop a line. Determined northeast Oklahomans helped create Green Country by building more than 200 lakes in the region, to go along with dozens of natural attractions.

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City’s economic future looking bright N

ortheastern Oklahoma is home to an impressive workforce, cultural diversity and a thriving economy, and we’re just getting started. We’ve made great progress as a community through our economic development efforts in 2014, and will kick off our new five-year economic development plan in 2015. In early 2015, our unemployment rate remains low, and the Tulsa region has earned recognition from multiple media outlets and organizations, including being ranked as a top location for job seekers by the Fiscal Times and a top performing metro economy by the Brookings Institution. The Business Journals called the Tulsa region the No. 6 area nationwide for small business. Forbes has ranked us multiple times as a hot spot for young entrepreneurs. We are proud that the Tulsa Regional Chamber has played a significant role in these many accolades. In fact, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded the Tulsa Regional Chamber its highest recognition a few years back, making it the only five-star accredited Chamber in Oklahoma, and one of only nine American MSAs of 500,000-plus with five stars. Of course, Tulsa’s optimism and economic diversity is the silver lining in our current economy. We continue to outperform the nation in job growth, unemployment and real estate prices. And in 2014, we grew more than 6,000 new jobs, and not many communities can say the same. We have a lot to be proud of right now as a city and as a region ... and the Chamber certainly would like to acknowledge that it takes a lot of hard work as a community and a region to garner the sort of economic praise that our area has received lately.

Mike Neal President and CEO, Tulsa Regional Chamber

We are pleased to be able to work for a better employment outlook and a stronger economy. And, with the help of businesses across the region, we are building on this momentum. One of the ways we are accomplishing this is through the Tulsa’s Future jobs-creation initiative. Through the Tulsa’s Future plan, the Chamber and its 140 investors are committed to working with businesses to help them stay in Tulsa; expand their markets; and grow, attract and retain a qualified workforce. Since 2011, 23,898 jobs have been announced through the Tulsa’s Future plan, with 12,268 of those jobs meeting the program’s target annual salary of $50,000 or greater. In 2014, Tulsa’s Future contributed 6,192 job announcements, of which 3,259 met or exceeded the program’s target salary. Chamber staff and our dedicated volunteers are out there every day working to tap the potential in the Tulsa region. And the potential is tremendous. Tulsa has a unique opportunity right now to grow our economy, strengthen our quality of life and improve our region’s communities. Our goals this next year include adding new jobs in the Tulsa region; growing the number of Tulsa-area residents between the ages of 25-34; increasing the number of our workforce who hold a

An aerial view looks north upon the Tulsa skyline. Tulsa continues to outperform the nation in job growth, unemployment and real estate prices. TOM GILBERT/Tulsa World file

college degree; and increasing the total capital investment in the region, which, of course, is a direct positive to every citizen living and working in this region. Mike Neal leads the chamber’s full-time professional staff in economic development, convention and visitor development, government affairs, small business and membership services. He served as president and CEO of Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce until 2006, and president and CEO of the Monroe, La., Chamber of Commerce for 12 years. Neal is heavily involved in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He is a 1980 accounting graduate from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

“

Of course, Tulsa’s optimism and economic diversity is the silver lining in our current economy. We continue to outperform the nation in job growth, unemployment and real estate prices.”

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Workers, industries fuel communities Y

ou may be surprised to learn that Williams, the Tulsa-based energy company where I’ve worked for 29 years, has developed pipelines spanning 100,000 miles in 43 countries since being founded in 1908. Today, we’re focused on connecting North America’s abundant natural gas supplies with growing markets for cleaner burning fuel for electricity generation, manufacturing and home heating. The natural gas industry serves a critical role in our nation’s energy security, and Williams is privileged to be a part of it. Our business requires extreme care and excellence in the operation of our facilities. As a result, we search out employees who share our commitment to excellence. We need the very best talent. Retaining and attracting top talent to the Tulsa region requires more than offering competitive pay and benefits. Prospective employees evaluate the quality of our schools, housing options, public safety, transportation, natural attractions, as well as the cultural and entertainment landscape. Tulsa is well-positioned on all these levels to compete with other great cities and is making a lot of progress. We’re seeing momentum build with the exciting work underway at The Gathering Place along the Arkansas River and downtown Tulsa’s resurgence. The ingenuity of small business entrepreneurs, combined with the generosity of philanthropic efforts of individuals, corporations and foundations, is helping spur active lifestyle areas, quality arts and entertainment — in our own Tulsa style. Our region has long been known for innovation and pride. With this recent wave of momentum and growing local investment, especially downtown, I’m hopeful that businesses, organiza-

ALAN ARMSTRONG Williams President and CEO tions, individuals and foundations continue working together to cultivate corridors of excellence in all parts of our region. Let’s not just think about getting the job done in an average way. Let’s think about doing it in a way that demonstrates pride in appearance, workmanship and collaboration. We have many areas across the region where public and tribal officials are continually working to achieve excellence in livability and appearance. But it’s not just a job for officials; it’s something we must all be committed to doing. It’s about businesses in high-traffic areas taking pride in their facades and greenspaces. It’s about developers and planners committing to excellence in design standards, sidewalks, lighting and streetscaping. During a recent Chamber of Commerce address I remarked that former President Harry S. Truman used to say that we can get a lot done when we don’t care who gets the credit. I really believe that. We must also commit to excellence on the education front. Potential workers want to relocate to communities with strong schools, and we need to keep our sights on being great. We need to encourage increased funding for our schools and enact common standards on par with — or higher than — the surrounding states with whom we

The Keathley Canyon Connector in the Gulf of Mexico is a recent Williams project. The pipeline is capable of gathering more than 400 million cubic feet per day of natural gas. Courtesy

compete. Strengthening STEM education — science, technology, engineering and math — in our schools is imperative if we hope to prepare students for good, well-paying jobs. I’m excited to see that the next generation of workers Williams and other companies are recruiting is the very demographic that

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is helping our region thrive today. We would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the country the level of commitment our young professionals have in making our community great. Their passion and energy is fueling Tulsa and it should be an inspiration to us all. Making Tulsa excellent is a job for all of us. When we strive for

excellence, everyone benefits. Alan Armstrong is president and CEO of Williams, and he serves as the 2015 chairman of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. Armstrong graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and joined Williams in 1986 as an engineer. He and his wife Shelly have four children and live in Tulsa.

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Downtown is realizing its potential Downtown Tulsans can live, work and play all in one environment. A 17th-floor apartment in the Mayo Hotel & Lofts features a sitting room.

MACY SNYDER-AMATUCCI

MICHAEL WYKE/ Tulsa World file

Vice President, Brickhugger LLC

magine your dream office — exposed brick walls, arching windows and beautiful, lofted ceilings in a historic Art Deco building. What was once merely an idea for a Tulsa entrepreneur has manifested itself into a movement, leading to an influx of companies setting up their headquarters in downtown Tulsa. Forbes Magazine recently named Tulsa the No. 1 city for young entrepreneurs, citing an 88.3 percent cost-of-living index. This distinction is a major factor in making Tulsa a leading city for new business development. With the ability for downtown Tulsans to live, work and play all in one environment, business owners looking to hire have a pool of talent all in one place. Downtown Tulsa allows for an action-packed life with the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the moment, and this is something that you cannot find in just any city. You may ask why a company would want to house its business in downtown Tulsa as opposed to other areas or even another city. It is important for a company to be able to attract great talent, and being in a location where that talent wants to be is the key to success. Zac Carman, owner of Consumer Affairs, moved his company

to Oklahoma a few years ago and immediately fell in love with the spirit and energy of downtown Tulsa. “Downtown is being revitalized, new and cool housing is coming online, and investors are putting dollars to work to create walk-able shopping and nightlife options,” Carman says. He explains that professionals are attracted to the idea of spending less time in a car, and this way of life and business is what his employees love and the culture he desired for his company. Not only are downtown developments bringing new businesses into Tulsa, but its growth has also caused local companies to relocate their offices to downtown.

Dr. Kristin Vandervoort, owner of Downtown Tulsa Eye Care, moved her business to Fourth and Main streets in 2010. She wanted to cater to the downtown market and “provide professional and quality eye care along with convenience to those working and living in the downtown area,” Vandervoort says. She explains that with more than 15,000 residential units opening in downtown Tulsa, her business plans to begin not only marketing to those working downtown but also to those living downtown. As more living is created downtown, we will continue to see businesses, like Downtown Tulsa Eye Care, moving their offices to downtown Tulsa to cater to resi-

dents and their needs. Perhaps the most unique aspect of downtown Tulsa and its growing job market is the strong presence of local investors. In the 2014 New York Times article, “With Faith of Investors, Downtown Tulsa Awakens,” each entity contributing to Tulsa’s growth was a new downtown development with the backing of local investors, such as George Kaiser. The faith of these local investors in downtown Tulsa, along with their development success, is attracting outside investors to commit their money and business plans to the area as well. After decades of dormancy, downtown Tulsa has regained its pulse. A strong template for a

turnaround requires the support of local and new investors, new and relocating businesses and a growing resident population in downtown Tulsa. I look forward to see what Tulsa has in store for the future as we all embrace the success in the heart of our town! Macy Snyder-Amatucci is vice president of Brickhugger, LLC, a Tulsa commercial development and real estate company. Brickhugger renovated the historic Mayo Hotel, which reopened in 2009, in downtown Tulsa. The company has renovated several other historic buildings and is currently creating loft apartments in the former downtown YMCA building. She is also director of sales and owner of the Mayo Hotel and is responsible for more than $9 million in annual revenue.

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OL 38 n n Sunday, March 1, 2015

OUTLOOK 2015

Tulsa

Young people are engineering success Y

ou might say Tulsa is in building mode and I’m not just referring to physical structures, although, as an engineer I am probably a little biased. Existing companies are expanding, new companies are beginning to see the great value we offer here, and our talent pool is growing every day. Of course, in this environment we would expect to see substantial commercial, residential and retail development and it’s happening all over Green Country. New neighborhoods are expanding in the suburbs while trendy new apartments offer an urban lifestyle downtown. And, there is more to do than ever before. From the arts to sports to active lifestyles on our famed River Parks, there is literally something for everyone. Everywhere you look in Tulsa, exciting things are happening. Opportunities abound in so many ways, but I’ll make my case in two areas — the great potential for young talent and the amazing prospects for companies to plug into the community for mutual benefit. Let’s talk about career paths. Today’s young workers have a nearly blank canvas to begin a job and add layer after layer of depth, growth and value. I see similar trends in my own company as I do with our peers, clients and other organizations. That is, the Tulsa market is collectively hiring more people and there is an emphasis on attracting and cultivating younger professionals to prepare for future growth. In fact, many regional colleges and universities are partnering closely with Tulsa-area elementary, middle and high schools to give students insight into different career paths in science, technology and engineering fields. Numerous

JOANNA KECK Cyntergy AEC

local companies provide opportunities for internships for both high school and college students. Getting started begins with education and today’s graduates have a brighter trajectory than ever before. Speaking of internships and graduates, I’m pleased to see that my company is hiring more and more young women in a field that has traditionally been dominated by men. Often, men and women bring very different soft skills to the table. Women tend to be more intuitive, detail-oriented, and relationship-focused and these are skills that any forward-thinking company can benefit from. A more equitable balance of men and women in the workplace clearly brings value in areas ranging from business development to internal talent development. The giving spirit of Tulsa has much to offer companies, as well as professionals. Ours is a community that greatly values giving back — from volunteering to making financial donations and in-kind contributions. Numerous studies show that today’s young adults value this philosophy in the companies they work for and in the businesses they support. Perhaps no one understands this better than Tulsa, the self-proclaimed most generous city in America. Businesses who embrace this culture reap what they sow, too. A staff volunteer project builds great camaraderie and helps attract new employees as well. Similarly,

Regional colleges are partnering with local schools to give students insight into career paths in science, technology and engineering fields. Dove Science Academy’s Brandon Harris (left), Marco Betan Court and Austin Estep, all 12, make modifications to their boat so it will go faster during OSU-Tulsa’s Engineering Design Challenge. CORY YOUNG/Tulsa World file

making a financial contribution for a nonprofit organization’s annual fundraiser provides funds to help those in need, and it also opens doors for new relationships and business leads. So take a look, plug in and design your own path. Tulsa is ready to help you. Joanna Keck is deputy director of structural engineering with Cyntergy AEC. She has been with the company nearly 15 years. She is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and an Oklahoma native.

“

there is more to do (in Tulsa) than ever before. From the arts to sports to active lifestyles on our famed River Parks, there is literally something for everyone.”

Sunday, March 1, 2015 n n OL 39

OUTLOOK 2015

Bartlesville

New developments are on the rise ••Fast-growing Bartlesville sees new business, expansion by longtime companies.

About Bartlesville Population (as of July 1, 2013): 36,258, 12th

largest in Oklahoma

Population change since 2000: 4.3 percent increase

By LAURA SUMMERS

Largest employers:

World Correspondent

BARTLESVILLE — New development is on the rise in Bartlesville, where longtime companies are investing in expanded facilities and retail operations are eyeing the market. Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP just announced plans to begin this year constructing a new state-of-the-art polyethylene pilot plant in Bartlesville, while the community saw in the last year completion of a $14 million expansion at ABB Totalflow’s office and manufacturing complex and construction of a new Bartlesville Industrial Park building for Husky Portable Containment. The work with both existing businesses and potential new clients is keeping things hopping at Bartlesville Development Authority. “We’ve had two new buildings built this year with ABB and Husky,” said David Wood, development authority president. “Element Integrity Group is a new tenant to the park and at their current rate of growth, there may be an opportunity for a new building for them someday. We are also pursuing the potential of a large warehouse for an existing tenant.” The development authority works to increase jobs in the area and oversees administration of the city’s ¼-cent economic development sales tax. Industry expansion is helping create 377

Hideaway Pizza in downtown Bartlesville draws in customers with an eye-catching facade, partially funded with redevelopment trust authority money. MICHAEL WYKE/Tulsa World

new jobs in the Bartlesville area with an average annual salary of $68,000, according to the development authority. The new primary jobs should help create 156 indirect jobs with an annual payroll of $33 million, under BDA projections. Other economic indicators in Bartlesville show growth as well. There were 828 homes sold in 2014 in Bartlesville compared to 805 sold in 2013 and 763 sold in 2012. The local unemployment rate is sitting at 3.5 percent, compared to a rate of 4.1 percent last year. Enrollment is up for the sixth consecutive year at Oklahoma Wesleyan University and has continued to be strong at Rogers State University’s Bartlesville campus and Tri County Technology Center. Fueled by public demand, Bartlesville has

••Phillips 66 (2,650) ••ConocoPhillips (2,250) ••Jane Phillips Medical Center (1,139) ••Bartlesville Public Schools (800) ••Wal-Mart Distribution Center (638) Median home price: (2009-2013) $111,500 Unemployment rate: (2009-2013) 6.1 percent Did you know: Bartlesville’s downtown district has gained 33 businesses and 121 jobs over the past two years; Washington Park Mall in Bartlesville serves a 111,223 population base from the draw of customers to the area from neighboring cities and counties. History: Entrepreneurs have been drawn to Bartlesville since its days as an Indian Territory town, but it was oil that put the city on the map. The most famous oilman for Bartlesville is Frank Phillips — who founded Phillips Petroleum Co. Key contact information: Bartlesville Regional Chamber of Commerce, 201 S.W. Keeler Ave., 918-336-8708, bartlesville.com; Bartlesville Development Authority., 918337-8086, 201 S.W. Keeler Ave., bdaok.org; Downtown Bartlesville Inc., 401 S.E. Dewey Ave., downtownbartlesvilleinc.org; 918-2148500

been on the hunt over the last year to lure new retail operations to the community. A Consumer Logic report released in April showed the top 50 retailers new Bartlesville residents would like to have moving into the community and Jared Patton, development authority retail development vice president, has been in touch with all of them in recent months. “We have been pursuing retail with a vengeance,” Wood said. “We have been engaging with national developers and a year later we are reaping the benefits of unprecedented re-

tail interest.” One developer — Tennessee-based GBT Realty Corp. — is so interested in Bartlesville that the group has created and posted on its website drawings of the shopping center the company wants to develop in the city complete with large and small retailers. The proposed shopping center, dubbed Silver Lake Village — would be located on U.S. 60 next to Lowe’s. Wood confirmed “there has been dialogue with GBT,” but said he is not authorized to share the details. While new developers eye the region, established retailers and restaurants are continuing their work creating fun events and promotions to lure customers through the doors. Washington Park Mall keeps shoppers coming in by giving away money to local schools through its A+ rewards program in which receipts are tallied throughout the year and the top three schools with the most shoppers win a cash prize. Downtown Bartlesville Inc. over the last year sponsored free outdoor movie nights, ice cream float giveaways, a huge football tailgate rally and a Holidays in the Ville celebration designed to combine community spirit, family fun and shopping at local businesses all in one. Incentive programs are breathing new life into historic structures, enhancing the value of property, while attracting new business as well. Downtown residential and commercial properties have benefited from grants, such as those provided by Bartlesville Redevelopment Trust Authority, which reimburse property owners for qualified improvement projects. Hideaway Pizza, 100 S.W. Frank Phillips Blvd., is one of the success stories drawing customers through the doors with an eyecatching facade funded in part with trust authority money. All of the growth in industrial jobs and retail promotions, along with the renewed interest in development, add up to a spirit of optimism in the future for this northeast Oklahoma community.

Bixby

City’s demographics bring in business ••Fast-growing Bixby has the area’s highest per-capita income and median home values.

Three new Bixby businesses have recently gone up northwest of 121st Street and Memorial Drive.

By STEPHANIE ANDRE World Correspondent

BIXBY — In Tulsa County, business has gone south. To Bixby, that is. Positive demographics, a pro-business local government and dynamic chamber of commerce have all been key players in facilitating a climate that is ripe for growth. It only takes a trip down South Memorial Drive to see that developers have taken notice of Bixby’s economic potential. Within a few short years, areas that were once empty fields are now lined with small businesses — a trend that shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. Large companies are also taking notice of the area’s prospects, like wholesale giant Costco, which is set to open its doors at 103rd Street and Memorial Drive later this year. City Manager Doug Enevoldsen said the influx of new development can be attributed to the city’s positive demographics. “It’s much easier to sell when you have a good product and one that you believe in. We believe in Bixby. When we meet prospects, we tell them exactly what developers and retailers tell us all the time — Bixby has become to Tulsa what Edmond is to Oklahoma City. It’s a flourishing, high-growth suburb offering a terrific quality of life to its highly affluent, highly educated population, making it THE place to relocate to when considering a move to, or within, the Tulsa metro area.” According to census information, Bixby boasts the highest per capita personal income

JAMES GIBBARD/ Tulsa World

($71,788) and median home values ($185,500) in the Tulsa metro area. The population is also highly educated with 50 percent of residents holding a college degree. It may be demographics that initially attract businesses to Bixby, but it is the support of the local government that helps them to flourish. “Bixby city officials understand that one of the best ways to grow our local economy is to support those businesses already here,” Enevoldsen said. “As they are already familiar with our local market, existing businesses are a ready-made source of business expansion.” The city not only works to help businesses generate revenue through its widely successful “Buy Bixby” shop local program, but also provides businesses with the tools to help attract consumers themselves. For example, the City Council has taken turns attending retail development conventions and has hired Retail Strategies, a Birmingham, Alabama-based consulting firm whose clients include the cities of Edmond and Stillwater, in hopes of recruiting more retailers to Bixby. It has also extended Retail Strategies’ services to local businesses by offering to arrange a meeting with the firm to help assist them in responding to market opportunities. “Let the city be your facilitator,” Mayor John Easton told chamber members at his State of the City address in December.

Another powerful resource for business owners is the Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce. Over the past decade, the chamber has grown exponentially in terms of membership and programs to help bolster local businesses. It has also been recognized by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives as being one of the top 10 in the nation of its size for its number of new members and dollars generated. President Krystal Crockett explained how the organization serves as a touchstone for businesses looking to promote their brand within the community. “We try everything we can to keep as many avenues in front of people so they can not only get to know each other, but also provide references for any services they may need to efficiently run and grow their business,” she said. The chamber hosts ribbon cuttings, workshops and other various networking opportunities for its partners to solidify existing relationships and form new ones. But networking is just one facet of what the chamber has to offer. Once a month, it hosts a Business Luncheon where legislators, civic leaders or fellow business owners serve as keynote speakers to provide information on a variety of topics that influence the business community. “It is our blue ribbon event,” Crockett said. “Not only do partners get to network with fellow business owners and meet new ones, but

About Bixby Population (as of July 1, 2013): 23,228, 19th

largest in Oklahoma

Population change since 2000: 74.2 percent increase

Largest employers

••Regal Plaza (600) ••Bixby Public Schools (460) ••Kimberly Clark (400)

Median home price (2009-2013): $185,500 Unemployment rate (2009-2013): 5.1 percent Did you know: In 2015, BTC Broadband in

Bixby became the first company in Oklahoma to offer broadband Internet speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second to residents in its service area, putting Bixby on par with cities like Dallas and Miami, which already offer the service to residents. Speeds of 1 gigabit per second, also referred to as “The Big Gig,” are about 100 times faster than the average, fixed high-speed Internet connection. History: In the mid-20th century, Bixby was given the nickname “The Garden Spot of Oklahoma” because it was a major shipping center for produce. Today, a few produce stores and several sod farms are still in operation. Key contacts: Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce, 918-366-9445 or bixbychamber.com. “Like” the Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce page on Facebook, or email events@ bixbychamber.com to join its mailing list and receive updates on business news and events in the community.

they also get to learn about the community and chamber.” Joel Wiland, owner of J. David Jewelry, praised the chamber’s proactive approach to making sure his business felt welcome and informed when its doors opened in May 2014. “The chamber and its members really went above and beyond when it came to welcoming us into the community. From the ribbon cutting to promoting our store on Small Business Saturday, they have really helped us get off to a great start with our tenure here in Bixby.”

OL 40 n n Sunday, March 1, 2015

OUTLOOK 2015

Broken Arrow

Silver screen, other projects gold for BA ••Warren Theatre and new conference center part of a business boom. By COREY JONES

World Staff Wirter

BROKEN ARROW — Warren Theatres rises above an undeveloped field and brush line, nestled along the southern side of the Creek Turnpike like a crown jewel dropped amid a mostly bare landscape. But don’t expect the nearly $50 million state-of-the-art luxury theater to be neighbor-less for long. In the way Bass Pro Shops transformed a slice of north Broken Arrow into a bustling hub, city leaders envision the same for a portion of the opposite end of the city that harbors Warren Theatre as its destination anchor. Leaders say to stay tuned for announcements of namebrand eateries and retailers for that area in the first half of 2015, which will follow the recently unveiled plans for high-end apartments. The much-anticipated theater, just northeast of South Aspen Avenue and East 121st Street South, sits at the heart of a stretch of land in south Broken Arrow primed for growth. Vice Mayor Richard Carter in a recent interview said the city had been courting Warren Theatres since he was mayor in 2006. “I would like to see a continuation of development to the west as far as we can do it without running into houses,” Carter said. “I think there’s a lot of land there with good accessibility to southeast Tulsa, Bixby, Jenks — all these other areas. It’s just waiting to happen.” Carter isn’t alone in his thoughts. Wes Smithwick, president and

Guests relax before a movie at the $50 million state-of-the-art Warren Theatre in Broken Arrow. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World

CEO of the Broken Arrow Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation, envisions development from that area pushing west the next several years along the Creek Turnpike to as far as U.S. 169. In 2003 a Wal-Mart Supercenter opened to the east of where the theater now stands. But Smithwick said growth had been slow to develop after its opening. The new theater now is expected to be the catalyst and anchor, with community leaders putting out vibes for wellknown retailers and restaurants to set up shop. “I think given the amount of housing growth that we expect to happen in that area over the next five years, we think that will drive other service provider-type businesses as well,” Smithwick said. “But our focus clearly is on larger,

more recognizable retailers and restaurants to come there.” City leaders say there isn’t much — if anything — negative to say about the business community with the development boom going on. However, they are keeping an eye on Baker Hughes Inc., which in January announced layoffs in advance of what the oil services company expects to be a downturn in orders. A plant in west Broken Arrow employs 380 people. “Hopefully it won’t be too drastic,” Carter said, noting he wasn’t sure how the decision might affect the local plant. Not to be lost in the buzz surrounding Warren Theatres, the groundbreaking of a large conference center and hotel project and further development in the Rose District also are on tap for 2015. The Stoney Creek Hotel and Con-

ference Center will feature 35,000 square feet of meeting space, along with a five-story 170-room hotel. Ground is expected to be broken on the “eagerly anticipated” project this spring across the street from Bass Pro Shop, Smithwick said. The city hopes for an opening in 2016. “In Broken Arrow, there’s no place to have a big banquet without driving to Tulsa or someplace else,” Smithwick said, noting the space will be good enough for a bridge club or an 800-person gathering. As for the Rose District, renovations on retail and restaurant space in the burgeoning area continue. Smithwick said Main Street Square is opening retail spaces now, and AVB Bank will open a new branch that is under construction. Andolini’s Pizza will open in late spring, he said, and 10 loft apartments above it will open this summer. Smithwick also said to look for new single-family homes in the Rose District area with more folks wanting to be nearer to the action. “Housing will be a big thing this year,” Smithwick said. There also will be creation of a zero-grade water feature for kids to play in during the heat and to serve as another attraction, Smithwick said. Additionally in the Rose District, Carter said funding has been approved to provide extra lighting for overflow parking lots so people don’t have to walk in the dark to Main Street. “It’s so nice to see people on the streets day and night, going shopping, eating and enjoying themselves,” Carter said.

About Broken Arrow Population (as of July 1, 2013):

103,500, fourth-largest in Oklahoma

Population change since 2000:

38.3 percent increase

Largest employers;

••Broken Arrow Public Schools (2,200) ••Wal-Mart Stores (900) ••Northeastern State University (800) ••FlightSafety (750) Median home price: (2009-2013) $151,300

Unemployment rate (2009-2013): 5.8 percent

Did you know: Broken Arrow

currently has more than a dozen sites throughout the city available for development, several of which are anchored by big retailers, including Warren Theatres and Sprouts Farmers Market. History: The completion of the Broken Arrow Expressway in the 1960s was a big factor in the beginning of the city’s growth. Key contact information: Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce; 210 N. Main, Suite C; 918-2511518; brokenarrowchamber.com

Corey Jones 918-581-8359 corey.jones@tulsaworld.com

Catoosa

City set to become a shopping haven ••A Wal-Mart Supercenter and Hibbett’s Sporting Goods are new additions for Catoosa Hills center.

About Catoosa Population (as of July 1, 2013): 7,159, 56th largest

in Oklahoma

Population change since 2000: 31.4 percent in-

By LENZY KREHBIEL-BURTON World Correspondent

CATOOSA — Blackjack and barges may drive Catoosa, but a recent influx of new and planned retail facilities is giving the town’s economy a third option. The anchor for the long-awaited Catoosa Hills shopping center, a 155,000-square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter off 193rd East Avenue and Interstate 44, has generated 300 jobs and counting since its June opening. More than 10 years in the making, the store has helped generate a surge in sales tax revenue for the Rogers County community as more Catoosa residents are able to shop in town instead of going to Tulsa or Claremore. “The numbers have varied a little bit, depending on what we’ve got going on in any given month, but they have been up,” City Manager David Tillotson said. “For example, the last month we received sales tax numbers for, it was up 62 percent from the year before. The month before that, we were up 18 percent.” Wal-Mart is about to get company, thanks in part to a 5,000-square-foot Hibbett’s Sporting Goods store set to open this summer at Catoosa Hills. Along with Hibbett’s, Tillotson confirmed that the City of Catoosa has approved a building permit for another tenant that has not yet been announced and is reviewing applications for other businesses considering taking up shop in one of the center’s planned smaller buildings. Additionally, in November, the Cherokee Nation and its economic development arm, Cherokee Nation Businesses, announced plans for an upscale

crease

Largest employers

••Tulsa Port of Catoosa (4,000) ••Cherokee Nation (1,811)

Median home price (20092013): $107,300 Unemployment rate (20092013): 7.3 percent Did you know: The Tulsa

The Port of Catoosa, home to 70 companies with more than 4,000 employees, is Catoosa’s largest employer. TOM GILBERT/Tulsa World

outlet mall next to its Hard Rock Hotel and Casino that is projected to generate more than 1,000 permanent jobs. Construction is scheduled to start later this year on the more than 300,000-square-foot Cherokee Outlets, with a completion date slated for mid-2016. Once complete, the outlet mall is expected to generate more than $120 million in annual sales and draw up to 2 million visitors per year. Among all of its holdings, including Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Cherokee Nation Businesses already employs more than 1,800 people in Catoosa. “We are excited about what will happen this coming year,” Tillotson said. “It’s good to see all of this growth and the opportunities it’s given us to showcase what we have here in our community, including our pride.” With all of the new developments, Catoosa’s 2014

sales tax revenues were up 32 percent from the previous year, allowing the city to put more money into infrastructure and civic projects, including expanding the amenities offered by its parks department to potentially add walking trails, new playground equipment, splash pads and new playing fields. “We are developing a tax revenue plan,” Tillotson said. “We want to be able to grow smart as our community and tax base continue to expand.” Although the retail surge is pouring additional sales tax revenue into Catoosa’s coffers, the Port of Catoosa remains the community’s largest single employer. The second furthest inland port in the United States — trailing only Minnesota’s Port of DuluthSuperior — the 2,500-acre Port of Catoosa is home to 70 companies employing more than 4,000 people.

Port of Catoosa is the second farthest inland U.S. port, trailing only Minnesota’s Port of DuluthSuperior. History: Initially a Cherokee community, Catoosa benefited as the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad laid tracks into town in 1881, sparking its transformation into a cattle hub. Although agriculture remains significant, the town’s location on Route 66 led to further economic diversification in the 1940s and 1950s, thanks to travelers. Between the port, which opened in 1971, and the development and expansion of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, Catoosa’s population grew from less than 1,000 in 1970 to more than 7,000 in 2012.

Contact info: catoosachamber.org, 918-266-6042

Sunday, March 1, 2015 n n OL 41

OUTLOOK 2015

Claremore

A new brand clears the way to success ••Claremore moves forward with a new identity and strategy for economic growth.

About Claremore Population (as of July 1, 2013):

19,032, 25th largest in Oklahoma

Population change since 2000: 19.9 percent increase

By RHETT MORGAN

Largest employers

••Baker Hughes (1,100) ••Rogers State University (729) ••Claremore Public Schools (600)

World Staff Writer

CLAREMORE — The City of Claremore, which has long searched for an identity, found one a year ago. The municipality adopted a branding and marketing strategy called “Claremore: Clearly More.” The community logo and graphic identities are being used for all six partner organizations: the city, the Claremore Chamber of Commerce, the Claremore Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Claremore Industrial Economic Development Authority, Claremore Main Street, and the Innovation Center at Rogers State University. Tanya Andrews, executive director of the Claremore Expo Center and Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the campaign is gaining momentum. “We’re all rolling it out gradually,” she said. “… The tag line, ‘Clearly,’ it fits in just about everything that we do. If we’re advertising in a shopping publication, we’re going to use something catchy like ‘Clearly Chic.’ “It’s been fun and it’s been well-received. It’s very colorful. Because it is short, the statement is bold.” City Manager Jim Thomas also has praised the concept. “Whatever amount of time people spend in Claremore, they have to come away feeling positive,” he said at January’s State of the City

Median home price (2009-2013): $114,000

Unemployment rate (2009-2013):

8.7 percent

Construction continues on the Holiday Inn Express off South Lynn Riggs Boulevard in Claremore. In 2014, Claremorerecorded a 30 percent increase in building permits. MICHAEL WYKE/Tulsa World

address. Thomas also said at that presentation that the municipality’s economy is the strongest it’s been in a decade. In 2014, Claremore experienced a 30 percent increase in construction permits and a 78 percent increase in the value of those permits. In the area of industry, oil services company Baker Hughes Inc. invested $60 million in its Artificial Lift Technology Center, which opened in February 2014. Also, AXH Air-Coolers pumped more than $14 million into facility expansion. St. John Health Systems has expanded into a new 20,000-square-

foot facility. Three new hotels scheduled to be completed in mid-2015 will add a total of 240 rooms. “2015 marks the 10-year anniversaries of four Claremore industrial businesses,” Jeri Koehler, executive director of the Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority, said in a statement. “Coupled with the recent retention and expansion of two major industries this sends a clear signal — Claremore has the right mix of resources for business success.” The city also continues to move forward with Claremore 2020, a plan that outlines its strategy for growth, economic development

and infrastructure needs. Construction on a new $20 million water treatment plant is slated for the spring. The facility will double the current plant’s capacity of 4.1 million gallons per day, Thomas said. In July, the city will play host to the summer conference of the City Management Association of Oklahoma, an event that will be held at the Holiday Inn Conference Center. “As we move forward, our focus is to stimulate economic growth and development for the city through primary industry jobs and expansion of the salestax base,” Koehler said.

Did you know: The Belvidere Mansion, in Claremore, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Completed in 1907, it is a three-story Victorian with an L-shaped foyer and Italian tile flooring, marble wainscoting and pressed-tin walls and ceilings. History: When Oklahoma was still Indian Territory, two railways that dissected Claremore set the stage for its early growth in the late 1800s. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway and Union Pacific Railroad serve the city to this day. Key contact information: Dell Davis, president, Claremore Chamber of Commerce, 918-341-2818

Glenpool

For this town, it’s all about the location ••Glenpool’s position on a major highway drives business into high gear.

About Glenpool Population (as of July 1, 2013):

11,617, 41st largest in Oklahoma

Population change since 2000: 43 percent increase

By BRITT GREENWOOD

Largest employers

World Correspondent

GLENPOOL — The saying “location, location, location,” with its origins attributed to an English real estate tycoon, is proving true as Glenpool grows and attracts new business and residents. From private medical practices to retail to manufacturing, companies are finding the travel corridors in which Glenpool is located to be prime real estate. “It’s on a major highway — Highway 75 between Dallas and Kansas City. We ship all over the world out of Glenpool. We’re in Australia. We’re in Europe. We’re in Asia,” said Michael Champagne, president of Champagne Metals. His manufacturing plant produces aluminum products and aluminum coil processing. The company has an additional plant in Indiana, but Glenpool remains the headquarters. “We just expanded 30,000 square feet, and we are basically out of room already. We are growing. We are busy. We are hiring, and we are building.” For Champagne and other businesses looking for land for their facilities, it all comes down to location, he said. “It’s on the highway. It’s perfect. It’s a great place to build.” Not only are large companies like Champagne thriving, small operations are welcoming the changing business landscape in Glenpool. Veterinarian Corinna Tressler,

••Wal-Mart (300) ••Glenpool Public Schools (300) ••Con-way Transportation (170)

Median home price (2009-2013): $116,900

Unemployment rate: 5.1 percent

(July 2013)

Did you know: 45,000 vehicles

Construction is ongoing at an apartment complex near 121st Street and U.S. 75 in Glenpool. MATT BARNARD/Tulsa World

owner of Green Country Veterinary Hospital, opened the animal clinic 18 months ago. Tressler’s clinic is located off 121st Street in the Southwest Crossroads shopping center — a popular shopping and business district in Glenpool. Since launching, the clinic has exceeded her expectations. “The volume of my traffic has been better than expected. Walkins. Before, at my previous area, we never got walk-ins. Our visibility is better and people are more receptive to progressive veterinary medicine in this area than they were before in my previous area. It is just great.” Tressler has taken notice of the community’s growth and also of the aggressive efforts the city and chamber use in pursuing new business. She is an active supporter of

the Glenpool Chamber of Commerce and held the last Glenpool Chamber president, Jennifer Cook, in high regard. But Tressler is also impressed by her replacement, Amy Rogers. “Once again they have a winner with the new CEO,” she said. Rogers, the chamber’s new president, is approaching Glenpool with a fresh view since moving to the area and beginning her new role. Asked why Glenpool is ideal for new businesses, Rogers echoed Champagne’s statements and said, “Location. That’s the first thing a business is going to look for. That is the key to everything. We have a perfect location. We have a corridor open to the south and the north.” Just a few steps from Rogers’ office at the Glenpool Conference Center, she can peer out of the fa-

drive through Glenpool each day on U.S. 75 History: In addition to putting Tulsa on the map, the discovery of the Glenn Pool launched the communities of Keifer, Jenks and Mounds. Key contact information: Glenpool Chamber of Commerce: GlenpoolChamber.org

cility’s spanning glass to a world of retail and business offices in Southwest Crossroads that didn’t exist a decade ago. Rogers spent many years working with chambers and living in the

communities surrounding Owasso, and she sees similarities with Owasso 10 years ago and Glenpool today. “It’s like déjà vu,” she said, “I see us like a mini-Tulsa. Owasso is on the north corridor, we are on the south.” Growth is expected not only in the Southwest Crossroads district. Mandy Vavrinak, City of Glenpool spokeswoman said, “As the areas near the northern border of Glenpool fully develop, I expect to see development shift south along the highway, closer to the center of Glenpool’s population.” Many families reside around 131st and 151st streets on both the east and west sides of U.S. 75 in growing neighborhoods. Along the highway, plentiful amounts of commercial- and industrial-zoned land remain for sale. “With hundreds of new houses and apartments both under development, bringing thousands of new residents with them, the future for retail, housing and primary jobs continues to look bright,” Vavrinak said. Businesses like Starbucks have taken notice, with the shell of the coffee giant already in sight at Southwest Crossroads. Also, a butane facility is under way off 131st Street and U.S. 75. Three new major commercial construction projects are expected to be announced in the coming months, including a church and two businesses. Rogers said the city’s infrastructure is primed for business growth with land available and a water supply. Also, she said, there is unity among the city, chamber, businesses and even the school system. “Right now it’s a piece of coal, and I see a diamond coming forth.”

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OUTLOOK 2015

Jenks

Gates open to flood of development ••“Gateway District,” new hospital, RiverWalk Crossing among projects. By BRITT GREENWOOD World Correspondent

JENKS — The city of Jenks, merely a railroad way station 110 years ago, has become an enticing location for new businesses and attractions. West Main Street, two miles from the Tulsa Hills shopping district, is located off U.S. 75 in Jenks and is currently transforming with two massive construction projects leading the way for future development. Kevin Stitt has given the area his own district title: “The Gateway District.” Stitt, CEO and founder of Gateway Mortgage, believed the area appealing enough to construct his company’s headquarters on the southwest corner of the highway and Main Street. In 2000, he established the then-small private mortgage brokerage in Tulsa. Currently, the company has locations in 23 states and handles more than $2 billion in mortgages. Stitt said the move to Jenks was based not just on a great location, but wonderful people and nearby restaurants and shopping. And Gateway’s headquarters isn’t Stitt’s only plan. “The plan is to build an 86,000-square-foot office building where we will occupy 50 percent and lease out the other 50 percent. We have 13 acres of additional pad sites available for restaurants, office use, medical office and retail.” Josh Driskall, Jenks Chamber

About Jenks Population (as of July 1, 2013):

18,670, 27th largest in Oklahoma

Population change since 2000: 95.4 percent increase

Largest employers

••Jenks Public Schools (1,300) ••Kimberly-Clark (400)

Median home price (2009-2013): $179,600

Unemployment (2009-2013):

2.3 percent

Did you know: In 2007, Money

Magazine ranked Jenks No. 43 in its “Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S.” It was the only city in Oklahoma to make the list. History: Opened in May 2003, the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks has become one of the top tourism destinations in the area with more than half a million visitors a year. Key contact: jenkschamber.com

of Commerce president, said he “couldn’t overstate the importance of infrastructure as the city of Jenks moves forward on road construction projects made possible by Jenks voters passing the road

The Creek Nation has announced plans for an entertainment facility at the RiverWalk Crossing in Jenks. It will include high-tech golf, family-oriented games, restaurants and a sports bar. MATT BARNARD/Tulsa World

and sewer bond package in late 2013. These projects will not only make it easier for people to get to and from home and work, but will also set the stage for businesses to locate here in our community.” Stitt agreed and said the upcoming changes, like adding lanes to Main Street, will allow 96th Street to be a “Gateway into Jenks” — the reason he said the location is being dubbed The Gateway District. With the relocation, Stitt said approximately 150 employees with Gateway Mortgage will transfer, but he does anticipate around 100 more employees will occupy the leased office spaces. With an estimated date of completion in June 2016, Stitt said it “should be a great addition to the Jenks business community.” Another major construction effort can be seen on the north

side of Main Street and U.S. 75 as Core Surgical Hospital is beginning to take shape. The facility is under the management of the Castle Development Group, but the client remains anonymous. The 50,000-square-foot hospital will operate with state-of-theart equipment, technology and practices. Next to the hospital, a 20,000-square-foot physicians building is also being constructed. “The city of Jenks has been impatiently waiting its turn as areas along the Highway 75 corridor began to develop,” said Jenks city planner Robert Bell. “The Core Surgical Hospital was the first corporate entity to recognize that the area of West Main in Jenks was prime for commercial growth. Gateway Mortgage has followed.” Bell said more dining, hotel and

retail establishments will need to be developed to meet the needs of the growing district. On East Main Street in Jenks, the tourism and entertainment industries are seeing noteworthy investments to improve the Oklahoma Aquarium and Riverwalk Crossing. “The recently announced $22 million entertainment facility at RiverWalk Crossing is the tip of the iceberg there,” Driskall said. He is expecting more announcements throughout the year to revitalize the RiverWalk area. “The RiverWalk had so much promise, providing the atmosphere and activities that the citizens of the Tulsa Metro were looking for along the Arkansas River,” Bell said. “The economic downturn of 2008 proved too much for the owners of the center.” But after the purchase of RiverWalk Crossing by the Creek Nation and the recently announced investments in entertainment, Bell confirmed Driskall’s anticipation and said interest has already sparked with additional restaurants and users of the facility. “This is good for not only Jenks but also sets the stage for the continued development of a tourism market in the region,” Bell said. The Oklahoma Aquarium also announced, due to a Vision 2025 surplus allotment, that a longawaited sea turtle exhibit will come to fruition, attracting more visitors to the area. Driskall sees the developing East Main Street as a benefit to other local businesses as well as bringing more customers to shops and restaurants. “2015 will be a banner year for the Jenks community,” he said.

Owasso City heads for ‘next level’ of business ••The new Macy’s distribution center is a key example of growth. By RHETT MORGAN World Staff Writer

OWASSO — Its retail base solid, the city of Owasso is looking to steer its priorities in a new direction. “In order to rise to that next level of economic status and good fortune for our community, we need to be bringing in primary jobs,” said Chelsea Levo, economic development director. “Because the way the economy has ebbed and flowed in the last several years, it’s kind of dictated whether or not we had the strength to recruit those ( jobs) as a city. “Since we are back on the rise, we think we need to turn our focus more in that direction.” In a few months, Macy’s is scheduled to open in the Owasso Public Schools district a 1.3 million-square-foot fulfillment center on unincorporated land east of U.S. 75 on 76th Street North. A total of 1,500 core workers are expected to be hired there by 2016. How this will directly affect Owasso is unclear, but some windfall is certain, particularly given the city’s “tremendous educational base,” Levo said. Complementing an exemplary public school system is a new $50 million Rejoice Christian Schools campus that will open this year. Further, employers of all sizes can capitalize on the vocational opportunities available through the Tulsa Technology Center that opened in August 2013.

About Owasso Population (as of July 1, 2013):

32,472, 13th largest in Oklahoma Population change since 2000: 75.5 percent

Largest employers

••Owasso Public Schools (1,000) ••Wal-Mart Supercenter (550) ••National Steak and Poultry (500)

Median home price (2009-2013): $148,600

Unemployment rate (2009-2013):

4.8 percent

Did you know: The city has a public

arts initiative called “Timmy and Cindy.” It began in the spring of 2004 as part of the city’s centennial celebration. The bronze castings, each displaying an active young boy and girl, have been purchased by individuals, families or organizations. History: Owasso’s proximity to the Tulsa and two federal highways, U.S. 169 and U.S. 75, have made the city an attractive destination and regional retail player. As Tulsa’s second-largest suburb, it likely will maintain that appeal. Key contact information: Chelsea Levo, Owasso economic development director, 918-376-1500.

“We have the ability to educate and train people in our community, which is something that companies and businesses look for,” Levo said. The city’s retail growth remains vigorous. In January, the community set a record for the collection of monthly sales-tax revenue at $2,125,525. Smith Farm Marketplace, the mu-

A new Sprouts Market is under construction in Owasso. MICHAEL WYKE/Tulsa World

nicipality’s largest retail center, remains completely leased, and name restaurants such as Bricktown Brewery and Hideaway Pizza have opened in the past year. The city’s location works in its favor. It sits on or close to a pair of federal highways (U.S. 169 and U.S. 75), and Tulsa International Airport and the Tulsa Port of Catoosa are nearby, making it attractive for shoppers and manufacturers alike. Typically ahead of the infrastructure curve, Owasso also received a boost in that area in 2015.

In January, voters OK’d a halfcent sales tax increase as a permanent, dedicated revenue stream for police (35 percent), fire/EMS (35 percent) and streets (30 percent). The hike takes effect April 1. “We will be able to focus on those areas of public service that need the attention that the growth demands,” Levo said. “As far as a windfall from that, a lot of that is going to come in quality of life and morale that we will see with residents, businesses and visitors. They will feel like they are in a well-served, safe community.”

Sunday, March 1, 2015 n n OL 43

OUTLOOK 2015

Sand Springs

Progressive with ‘Norman Rockwell feel’ ••Primed for commercial development, Sand Springs hopes for boom.

About Sand Springs Population (as of July 1, 2013):

Other Sand Springs businesses are excited about a new Holiday Inn Express, which is under construction along Morrow Road between Oklahoma 97 and Main Street.

By TERI BOWERS

World Correspondent

SAND SPRINGS — One hotel may not seem like an economic game changer, but as a new fourstory Holiday Inn Express rises into view from U.S. 412 in Sand Springs, hope for a business boom is rising along with the building. “I look at it as an anchor. You need an anchor, a draw, for the rest of the pieces to fall into place,” said Sand Springs Vice-Mayor Brian Jackson. The space and services are ready for those pieces. Freshly turned dirt and water and sewer lines have replaced abandoned industrial sites and aging homes on a 30-acre site called River West. The hotel and a few stores and restaurants are the first stakeholders in the commercial development at the intersection of Oklahoma 97 and U.S. 412. That highway, referred to as the Sand Springs Expressway, is traveled by 56,000 vehicles a day. “A lot of those are coming from neighboring communities and often going on to Tulsa,” Jackson said, “but with the new hotel, for people going to a concert at the BOK Center or something along those lines, we’re just five minutes away. Sand Springs is an easy and convenient stay.” Sand Springs has suffered its share of economic downtown, especially in the industrial sector with the closure of plants such as Gerdau Ameristeel in 2009. The attention to diversifying from heavy industry, however, started before the reces-

MICHAEL WYKE/ Tulsa World

sion. The turning point was most evident in 2003, when Sand Springs leaders opted to use Vision 2025 sales tax allocations to set the stage for commercial development. Now the charge is to fill the space around the hotel so that visitors find everything they need in one stop. City Manager Elizabeth Gray said talks with potential tenants are ongoing while excitement builds for the hotel to open in March and for a new Starbucks to start serving lattes and frappuccinos in May. “We are not able to name which business may be considering the site, but there are multiple prospects studying the area,” Gray said. Gray, who’s been in town and on the job less than a year, says she was in the same mode of due diligence just a few months ago. “I did my homework when I saw the ad for the job, “ she said. “I liked

that it was progressive but still had that Norman Rockwell feel.” Gray added, “Sand Springs is really the best of all worlds with convenience, atmosphere, great amenities and educational resources.” Vice-Mayor Jackson said Sand Springs Public Schools and Tulsa Tech and Tulsa Community College campuses within the city limits highlight an emphasis on education. “For Sand Springs to grow, we really have to focus on our youth and growing a well-trained workforce,” Jackson said. “That’s critical to all sectors, not just the shift to hospitality. There’s a diversified heartbeat in Sand Springs and it’s hospitality, industry and small business, and we greatly value our small businesses, they’re the backbone of our community.” Robin Porter, owner of Sweetie Pie’s Bakery and Deli, in the heart

of downtown Sand Springs, says she has felt that support. “I was in the corporate world and worried about layoffs, so I started thinking what I’d do and started a catering business,” Porter said. “My business took off and was doing so well, I was able to quit my job before I could be laid off.” Porter is looking forward to the opening of the Holiday Inn Express and the other future tenants in the River West development. She already sees business from people traveling through the area and believes another reason to stop and stay in Sand Springs will only build on that trend. “I think people like to see the flavor of a town,” Porter said. “They want to visit Main Street and see the quaint mom and pop shops. We have that and convenience. It’s an exciting time for my hometown.”

19,339, 24th largest in Oklahoma

Population change since 2000: 10.8 percent

Largest employers

••Sand Springs Public Schools (820) ••Webco Industry (575) ••Wal-Mart (410)

Median home price (2009-2013): $117,300

Unemployment rate (2009-2013):

5.3 percent

Did you know: The RiverWest de-

velopment currently has a CVS Pharmacy, IHOP, O’Reilly Auto Parts and a McDonald’s. History: Oilman Charles Page founded the city in 1911. He built the still-standing power plant in the same year and that plant has been targeted for renovation at the end of this year to become a brewery and restaurant. Key contact information: Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce, 918-245-3221

Sapulpa Uniting plains, trains and automobiles ••Key transportation access is bringing diversity and economic expansion to the city.

About Sapulpa Population (as of July 1, 2013):

20,836, 21st largest in Oklahoma

Population change since 2000: 8.7 percent

By TERI BOWERS

Largest employers

••T.D. Williamson (500) ••John Christner Trucking (500) ••Paragon Industries (400)

World Correspondent

SAPULPA — Sapulpa claims transportation bragging rights with convenient connections to five interstate, state and local highways plus rail. That access has been key to growing Sapulpa’s large base of energy-related industry. Several large employers provide goods or services directly related to oil and gas. With the current drop in oil prices, access is also proving critical to diversifying Sapulpa’s business makeup. “Many of our industries are energy-driven, so yes, the fluctuating oil prices are a big concern,” said Ted Fisher, economic development director for Sapulpa. “We are not seeing anything negative yet, but there’s a lot of caution and hesitation regarding expansion.” That brings the need for a diverse economy into sharp focus for city leaders. “Our industrial park continues to sell at a rapid pace, and we have multiple prospects that are not related to the energy industry,” Fisher said. “We are not able to identify them just yet, but they represent very different industries.” The Polson Industrial Park is a 144-acre tract in the Sapulpa city limits. After nearly 10 years of behind-the-scenes work, there is visible progress on the land between Interstate 44 and 65th West Avenue. “The first phase of infrastruc-

Median home price (2009-2013): $103,200

Unemployment rate: Sapulpa 5.1

ture — streets, sewer, water — is in,” Fisher said. “The first building is also up but not completed, for Industrial Piping Companies.” The industrial park development underscores the importance of highway access but also the critical need for space. “We have been very proactive in creating space,” Fisher said. “When a prospective business partner has a need, we work to fill it if we can.” That has meant annexing parcels of land and extending fence lines. John Christner Trucking is an active member of the Sapulpa business community, but on the most remote edge of Sapulpa’s fence line. “That gives us great access to the highway, even though we are somewhat remote,” said Danny Christner, chief operating officer of the company, which provides 1,000 jobs including out-of-state contractors. “Our connection to Sapulpa gives us great access to hard-working people, a quality work force,” Christner added. “Our family business has been successful and grown with the contributions of great workers from our commu-

Passengers are served breakfast in the dome car during a demonstration ride on the Eastern Flyer from Sapulpa to the Oklahoma City metro area. The Oklahoman file

nity.” More toward the city center, another mode of transportation holds a different key to economic development. After successful test runs, the Eastern Flyer passenger train is expected to begin service to Oklahoma City by April. “We are very excited to have the train’s beginning destination in Sapulpa,” said Suzanne Shirey, Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce president. “We hope train enthusiasts will drive here instead of taking buses from Tulsa and linger in town to eat or enjoy historic down-

town and Route 66 attractions.” “We also recently reopened the historic Rock Creek Bridge to motorists, and know this is always a favorite destination for our Route 66 enthusiasts, which includes those traveling internationally,” Shirey said. While there is a deep appreciation for the past, there is also support for technological advancements in education. Voters recently approved approximately $40 million in bonds to provide more classroom space and technical improvements including elec-

percent (November 2013) Did you know: Sapulpa bills itself as Oklahoma’s most connected city because of five four-lane highway options, but the first transportation bragging rights came with the junction of the Atlantic and Pacific railroads in the 1880s to easily transport walnut logs. History: That railroad connection was called Sapulpa Station in honor of Chief Sapulpa, the first permanent settler who befriended the railway workers. The railroad access became instrumental in Sapulpa’s growth after discovery of the Glenn Pool oil field in 1905, launching dynamic growth in oil and related industries.

Key contact information: cityofsapulpa.net and sapulpachamber.com

tronic textbooks. “We’re going to see unbelievable advancements in our education system,” said Fisher. “Ensuring a well-educated workforce is something the entire community can be proud of, and that may be the most important piece of diverse business, no matter what’s going on in the economy.”

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OUTLOOK 2015