Greetings!
2020 will be a year that will go down in history as one of the most challenging times in U.S. history. The past year brought challenges both economically and socially with the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice issues. Through it all, I am amazed at the work that has happened in our community. Our businesses have been innovative in finding ways to continue serving their customers and keeping their employees safe. At ERDA, the past year has been rewarding, working alongside companies and stakeholders to move Enid forward. Our office worked with both large and small businesses to help them navigate the challenges presented by COVID-19. While there are numerous accomplishments, here are five that top our list in 2020.
- $800,000 EDA Grant awarded to Garfield County Industrial Authority (GCIA) for expansion of the GCIA Industrial Park
- $98,000 USDA Rural Business Development Grant awarded to ERDA & Enterprise Grain to purchase bagging equipment.
- ERDA awards 1st Micro-Enterprise Grant to Sunny Moon Evening Care
- ERDA conducted a targeted industry and workforce study with Site Selection Group
- ERDA launches Elevate Enid committees
We appreciate your support of economic development in Enid. Each of these accomplishments is vital in our community's overall economic growth and couldn't happen without your support.
As we move into 2021, I look forward to the new opportunities to work with businesses across Enid to advance our efforts in being the best place to live, work, and grow in Oklahoma. If our office can be of any assistance to your companies' growth, please contact us.
Sincerely,
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ERDA Board of Directors
Sandra Robinett
Matt Parrish
Scott Athey
Brady McCullough
Martie Oyler
Don Roberts
Brian Henson
Scott Northcutt
Kyle Williams
Dave Lamerton
George Pankonin
Rob Stallings
Jonathan Waddell
Todd Hamilton
Non Voting:
Jerald Gilbert
Jon Blankenship
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Small Business Support Grants |
The Enid Regional Development Alliance (ERDA), in a partnership with the City of Enid, has launched a new program to support businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19 utilizing CARES Act Funding. This program aims to provide funding to help fixed operating costs for small businesses that have seen a dramatic drop in revenue as a result of the pandemic. Small Business Support Grant applications are now being accepted until January 17 to assist businesses with fixed monthly expenses such as rent, utilities, offset the perishable cost of goods lost, and fund deferred maintenance on fixed assets.
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Skeleton Creek wind now producing electricity |
On December 16th, Western Farmers Electric Cooperative and ERDA Member, NextEra Energy Resources flipped a switch activating the first phase of power generation from Skeleton Creek.
The Skeleton Creek project, which combines wind, solar and stored energy into a single source of power for the grid, is located in Garfield, Alfalfa and Major counties and already has created hundreds of construction jobs and provided millions of dollars in lease payments to landowners and in tax payments to the local communities.
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Congress Passes Stimulus Bill |
On Monday, Dec. 21 Congress passed a $900 billion COVID-19 stimulus bill that includes additions and clarifications to the Payroll Protection Program (PPP). The revisions include opening up applications to 501(c) (6) organizations, reapplication ability, simplified application, and tax deductibility.
Those interested in applying for PPP must submit their application by March 31, 2020. Contact your bank for more information.
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5 Predictions That May Reshape Site Selection & Economic Development Strategies in the Next Decade |
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As we roll into the next decade, it is evident that exponential growth in technology and economic conditions will be key drivers in the changes over the next decade that will impact workforce, real estate and logistics, among other things. These changes will have a dramatic impact on site selection and economic development strategies as we try to adapt to the new global economy. To help prepare for some of these changes, Site Selection Group has identified the following five key predictions that may change site selection and economic development in the very near future.
- Logistics reimagined
- Exponential technological advances
- 5G will be an enabler
- Economic incentive transparency
- Low and slow economic growth
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Northern Oklahoma College Partners with Enel Green Power for new Wind Technician Program and Scholarship |
ERDA members Northern Oklahoma College and Enel Green Power are coming together to prepare the next generation of workforce in the wind energy industry by offering a Wind Technician Program and scholarship. The partnership will help meet the growing need in the wind energy sector which projects a 64.5% projected growth between 2018-2028 in Oklahoma.
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ERDA Members St. Mary's Regional Medical Center and BKD LLP were recently named 2020 Top Workplaces by The Oklahoman.
The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The anonymous survey measures 15 drivers of “engaged cultures that are critical to the success of any organization, including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.”
“In times of great change, it is more important than ever to maintain a connection among employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “When you give your employees a voice, you come together to navigate challenges and shape your path forward based on real-time insights into what works best for your organization. The Top Workplaces program can be that positive outcome your company can rally around in the coming months to celebrate leadership and the importance of maintaining an employee-focused culture, even during challenging times.”
CONGRATULATIONS!
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Oklahoma House and Senate Redistricting Meetings |
The Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate announced dates for a series of redistricting town hall meetings to be held across the state in the coming weeks. It is very important that these meetings are attended. Redistricting town halls will be livestreamed as facility abilities allow, archived and posted online. Each town hall will follow the pandemic protection protocols of the facility hosting the meeting.
It is import to have your voice heard. Please, attend a meeting near you. The Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate announced dates for a series of redistricting town hall meetings to be held across the state in the coming weeks. It is very important that these meetings are attended. Redistricting town halls will be livestreamed as facility abilities allow, archived and posted online. Each town hall will follow the pandemic protection protocols of the facility hosting the meeting. It is import to have your voice heard.
Senate
Thursday, January 14: 6pm - The Summit Conference Center, Ponca City
Thursday, January 21: 6pm - Autry Technology Center, Enid
House
Wednesday, January 13: 6pm - High Plains Technology Center, Woodward
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STEP Funding for Exporting Assistance Available
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (ODOC) with State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant funding to assist eligible small businesses with export development. The objective of this program is to increase the overall number of small business exporters and increase their export sales by helping businesses diversify by entering international markets.
In the past, funds were primarily used for attendance at trade shows but with the cancellation of most in-person shows, additional export assistance programs have been added.
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Applications open for USDA Rural Business Development Grant
The United States Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the Rural Business Development Grant until February 26, 2021. This program is designed to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. Small means that the business has fewer than 50 new workers and less than $1 million in gross revenue.
The Enid Regional Development Alliance will serve as the applicant for any businesses interested in the program. In 2020, ERDA applied and received $98,000 for Enterprise Grain Company for bagging equipment. If you are interested in applying, contact Debbie Moore (debbie@growenid.com) 580-233-4232.
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Junior Achievement - JA Inspire
January 28th, 2021
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JA Inspire is a coalition of educators and industry leaders, led by Junior Achievement, working to provide Oklahoma 8th grade students with meaningful experiences as they begin considering their careers - especially the high-demand careers here in our state. As students start to explore high school coursework and pathways beyond high school, the JA Inspire program will help showcase the opportunities that are waiting for them.
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, JA Inspire has been re-imagined into JA Inspire Virtual. With an updated curriculum and a virtual career exploration fair, students will continue to have the opportunity to explore careers that interest them and interact with mentors from various companies throughout the state. The event has been strategically planned to take place just before students enroll in high school courses with the hope they will be able to make more informed decisions on classes that will directly impact their future. Since the program is virtual, we are not limited by geography or building capacity and will reach 10,000+ students.
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Thank you to ERDA Members who have renewed their membership
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A.W. Brueggeman Co.
Atwoods
Autry Technology Center
BancCentral
BKD, LLP
Dense Mechanical
Dillingham Insurance Agency
Edward Jones
Encompass Financial Services
Enid News & Eagle
Envirotech
Groendyke Transport
Gungoll, Jackson, Box & Devoll P.C.
Hanor Family of Companies
Henson Construction
Hutton Construction
Invenergy
Jiffy Trip
John B. Stambaugh P.C.
Johnston Seed Company
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Jumbo Foods
Koch Fertilizer
Messer-Bowers Company
No Man's Land
Northcutt Chevrolet Toyota
Northern Oklahoma College
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
OneOK, Inc.
OG&E
Oklahoma Natural Gas
Pioneer Cellular
PT
Public Service Company Oklahoma
Security National Bank
Sidwell Strategies
Stride Bank
St. Mary's Regional Medical Center
TPI Staffing Service, Inc.
Transportation Partners & Logistics, LLC
Wymer Brownlee
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Digging into Economic Development |
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