News from Enid, Oklahoma

Greetings!

Congratulations to the Garfield County Industrial Authority for receiving an $800,000 grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA). The grant funds will support critical infrastructure improvements to allow for additional growth in the industrial park. Applying for the grant was a team effort between the Garfield County Industrial Authority Board, City of Enid, Northern Oklahoma Development Authority, and ERDA. This recent award, along with the Oklahoma Manufacturing Reboot Program, has brought an additional $1.1 million to our community to help create over 120+ jobs and investments by local primary employers. ERDA is continually looking for opportunities to extend our reach utilizing state and federal funds to grow our local economy. 

Our office is organizing committees to develop goals from the six different areas of focus discussed during the visioning session in February. Due to recent events, we have also added committees on Emergency Preparedness and Inclusive Prosperity. Thank you to our members who have volunteered their time to serve on these committees.
We look forward to providing updates throughout the process to keep everyone informed.

In this newsletter, you will find information about our upcoming annual meeting, new programs from the Department of Commerce and Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, Payroll Protection Program updates, a highlight on Woodring's new airport terminal, and more.

If there is anything we can do to be of assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,
Use these links below to find more information:
ERDA Annual Meeting
The Enid Regional Development Alliance's Annual Member's Meeting and Quarterly Luncheon will take place on Thursday, July 16 at Oakwood Country Club at 11:30 a.m.

Chris Schwinden with Site Selection Group will be presenting on the recent Labor & Targeted Industry Study

STEP Grants
Promoting your company at trade shows can be an effective way to gain recognition in your industry and to enter into the global market or expand your international trade capabilities. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce makes it possible for Oklahoma companies to partner with the state at trade shows across the globe. With the help of the Oklahoma STEP Fund, qualified companies can get reimbursed for 75% of the participation cost.

 
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is offering a new virtual series on the Legal Essentials to Exporting, funded in part by the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant.
The goal of this new training is to help businesses identify legal and compliance issues that are relevant as businesses pursue export opportunities.

Tuesday, June 30 | 9 – 10:30 a.m.
  • Due diligence considerations when researching foreign agents and distributors
  • Resources available to help with due diligence regarding foreign business partners
  • Best practices on foreign agent distributor contracts
 
Tuesday, July 14 | 9 – 10:30 a.m.
  • Importance of protecting intellectual property, specifically name and trademark, in international markets
  • Process and time frame for protecting intellectual property internationally, including alternative strategies
  • Tips on avoiding costly litigation and disputes related to U.S. and international trademark infringement
 
Tuesday, July 28 | 9 – 10:30 a.m.
  • U.S. Export Control Regulations (ITAR, OFAC, and EAR) and how they may affect doing business internationally including processes and procedures that can help ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Trade embargoes, sanctions and restricted party screening
  • Enforcement – what happens when there is a violation
Supplier Scouting
Through its local, state, regional and national networks, the Oklahoma Manufacturing
Alliance can now help manufacturers fill gaps in their supply chains. Supplier Scouting
connects manufacturers to other manufacturers that can provide the materials,
products or processes needed for efficient production. Supplier Scouting can identify
local connections or take the search to our national network for hard-to-find resources.

Pay Check Protection Program Flexibility
On May 29th, the U.S. Senate passed the House version of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Flexibility Act. Two of them major changes includes allowing borrowers to extend the eight-week period to 24 weeks and adjusting the payroll expenditure requirement also jobs to 60% from 75%.

If you haven't already filed for forgiveness, reach out to your lender for more information about the forgiveness act.

Woodring Regional Airport
One of Enid's greatest assets is the Woodring Regional Airport. In 2019, construction of the new terminal $2.7 million was completed. The new terminal features conference and meeting spaces, pilot's lounge, sleeping room, and join-use planning room.

The airport is tower controlled with two runways; a 3,149 ft VFR cross runway and an instrument capable 8,000 ft long north-south concrete runway. Airport services include hangers for lease, aircraft maintenance facilities, a flight instruction school with aircraft rental and an  industrial park  designated as a general purpose foreign trade zone.  

If you haven't visited Woodring lately, we encourage you to go out and see the improvements!
Oklahoma Business Relief Program
Developed to help local businesses across the state overcome the economic challenges of COVID-19, the Oklahoma Business Relief Program (OBRP) offers vital funding for businesses that have suffered revenue loss due to the pandemic.  Governor Kevin Stitt has designated $50 million in Federal CARES Act funds for the program. 

Starting June 26, Oklahoma businesses can request to apply for OBRP through participating financial institutions. The financial institutions will evaluate applications based on the program rules and determine if the business is eligible. Approved applications will be submitted by the financial institution to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and funds will be provided to the business through the financial institution. During the first phase of applications, at least 20% of the program funds will be designated for minority-owned businesses.


Don't forget about the Census!
Have you completed the 2020 Census yet?

If you haven't, don't worry there is still time to respond! Responding to the Census impacts funding for federal programs, representation, and business recruitment and expansion decisions. If Garfield County has a 5% undercount we could lose an estimated $120,735,940 to help fund our schools, hospitals, fire departments, and police departments.

1. Online at  my2020census.gov
2. Text "Respond Now" to 313131
3. Call 1-844-330-2020 (English) or 1-844-438-2020 (Spanish)
4. Complete the questionnaire received in the mail & mail it back

Groendyke Transportation Thanks Enid Mask Force