Greetings!
ERDA's fiscal year runs from June - to July, and I think it is important to share some highlights of this past year.
Our office assisted a total of 81 projects in Enid that involved opening or expanding a business in our community. Sixteen of those projects were completed with an estimated $1,180,050 investment and 364 new jobs. We continue work on 28 of the 81 projects, and if they all come to fruition, it will be an additional $575,252,000 impact on Enid with up to 921 new jobs.
A primary goal for ERDA is to bring resources (both financial and otherwise) to bear on our local companies to support their long-term growth in Enid. While most of our help is technical assistance, I am proud to say that we awarded $120,000 to 15 small businesses, and another $705,000 to our larger companies through local and state incentives. ERDA also helped to secure $4.25 million in funding through the Oklahoma P3 program to upgrade the facilities at Woodring Regional Airport that will also benefit Vance Air Force Base.
In addition to all of this, the launch of WorkinEnid.com and the Work in Enid Award have been beneficial in our talent attraction efforts. If your company is looking to hire additional employees and isn't utilizing the job board yet, I encourage you to reach out to our office.
In this newsletter, you will see our newest marketing video, housing study update, award recipients, business spotlights, and more.
Thank you for your continued support of economic development in Enid. Please don't hesitate to reach out if we can ever be of assistance.
Sincerely,
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ERDA Board of Directors
Sandra Robinett
Matt Parrish
Scott Athey
Dwight Hughes
Martie Oyler
Don Roberts
Brian Henson
Scott Northcutt
Kyle Williams
Dave Lamerton
George Pankonin
Rob Stallings
Whitney Roberts
Jason Turnbow
Non Voting:
Jerald Gilbert
Jon Blankenship
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ERDA Board Approves Funding to Support Local Businesses and Housing Study |
The Enid Regional Development Alliance Board of Directors approved two funding requests to support existing business growth. Utilizing ERDA’s new support programs, Wako and Jumbo Foods will receive funds to support their respective projects.
Wako will receive a $20,000 Equipment Purchase Grant to help buy equipment to increase the manufacturing of their v-blades product line. Wako, LLC was established in Wakita, Oklahoma, in 1962 and is operated by the second generation of the founding family; and nearly 60 years later, Wako continues to impact the farming culture. In 1986 the company moved its headquarters to Enid, Oklahoma, where they currently operate a retail store, manufacturing, assembly, heat-treating, warehouse, R&D, and farming facilities.
Jumbo Foods will receive $25,000 through the Infrastructure Assistance Program to help redesign their loading dock area. The redesign will allow for a smoother process for their trucks bringing in product and not cause traffic congestion on Willow and Cleveland. Jumbo Foods has been in Enid since 1987 and is Enid’s only locally-owned grocery store with over 300 employees.
In addition to the approval of funding, the ERDA Board of Directors approved a contract with RDG out of Omaha, Nebraska, to commission a housing study. RDG will provide a community housing study that will offer more time and detail on community perceptions of housing and physical conditions and develop an atlas of housing issues for Enid. The study will take 7-8 months to complete and include market surveys and analysis, listening sessions with stakeholders, town halls, and presentation of findings.
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Four Enid Area Companies Named Recipients of 2022 Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program |
On April 4, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (Commerce) opened applications for the Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program (OIEP). Applications closed on Friday, April 15. During the 2022 application period, Commerce received 163 submissions for project funding. Of those applications, 125 projects received awards ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 with the total awards funding reaching $9.241 million. The funding will facilitate $58.065 million in projects. These companies plan to create 767 jobs with a total payroll of $35.4 million.
Enid recipients include; Wako, PT, No Man’s Land Foods, and Sidwell Seed
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Cherokee Strip Business Model Competition Awards Luncheon |
You are invited to the Cherokee Strip Business Model Competition Awards Luncheon. Awards will be given to the top 4 finalists in the business model competition. In addition, the audience will vote on a People's Choice Award. Over $20,000 in cash and services will be awarded at the luncheon!
Friday, June 17
12 PM
Oakwood Country Club
Lunch is included for those who RSVP
Pictured: 2019 Winner Dylan Smith (Shah Mat Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu) and Brady McCullough ( Former Autry Technology Center Superintendent)
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Join the Manufacturing Alliance next Wednesday, June 15, and get a look at the enhanced user interface of Connex Oklahoma. The online walk-through is set for 11 a.m. CT.
These upgrades offer a fully redesigned user interface allowing users to more easily connect with suppliers, locally and across the nation.
Connex Oklahoma is a unique online database tool developed by the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. The free platform allows manufacturers to connect, find alternate suppliers, explore production capabilities, and view their supply chain visually. Just as important, it also helps manufacturers identify single-supplier risks, and find opportunities for diversification in their supply chain.
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Posh meets picnic: New business customizes experiences |
People wanting to gather around the table to celebrate life’s most precious moments have a new source of assistance, thanks to Enid’s own pop-up picnic company.
The new business, Picnic•ish 580, had a ribbon-cutting Wednesday with Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce. The event was held in conjunction with a teacher recognition award.
Co-owners Jamie Conrady and Emily Patton, both former teachers, created the company hoping to create a luxurious picnic experience that seeks to be the ultimate encounter from charming, laid-back farmhouse to elegant, sparkling glam, Patton said.
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Local antique store becoming a destination prop house for movie shoots |
With an inventory from all eras and an uncanny ability to think outside the box, a local antique store and destination prop house has made it onto the big screen.
Broadway Antiques and Uniques, owned by Cindy and John Greven, of Enid, does much more than sell antiques. For the last few years, Cindy has sold or lent items from her store to be used as props in movie productions.
The 22,500-square-foot building, located at 129 E. Broadway, features several stories of shopping available to the general public, but the treasure trove of movie props hides in the 7,500-square foot basement.
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Nominate a Young Professional Today! |
Enid Young Professional's 10 Under 40 event recognizes the top ten Enid community members under the age of 40. These individuals demonstrate qualities of a well-rounded individual who has excelled in multiple areas, including professional and community aspects. Recipients will be announced on Tuesday, August 30th at the Stride Bank Center.
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