News from Enid, Oklahoma

Greetings!

We all know that Enid is growing - and now we can prove it!

The 2020 Census population numbers were released recently showing a 3.9% increase in Enid, putting us nicely over the 50,000 mark. Passing the threshold of 50,000 people classifies Enid as a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and the 9th largest city in the State, just behind Midwest City. Enid remains the largest population center north of I-40 and west of I-35 and serves a trade area of over 150,000 people who shop, see their doctors, and conduct business in Enid weekly. With short commute times, a low crime rate, state of the art school facilities, 2 regional medical centers, new athletic facilities, and a thriving public art and music scene, Enid's growth is only accelerating.

Why has Enid made these strides over the past ten years? It's all because of the desire for our citizens to make a difference. Enid is a place where you can become involved instantly make an impact. During the 10th Annual Enid Young Professionals 10 Under 40 Awards, this was on full display. The 10 Under 40 event recognizes the difference our young professionals make at their place of work and in the community. Many times a community can suffer if the next generation is not ready to step up. Over the past ten years, I have witnessed our young professionals rise to the occasion and, I believe it has contributed to the growth in our community. 

As always, if we can ever be of assistance to help your business grow, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

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
Jerry Allen
Jason Turnbow

Non Voting:
Jerald Gilbert
Jon Blankenship
With new vans for more students, Enid martial arts school expects a boost to after-school program
Utilizing funds for the MicroEnterprise Assistance Grant, Enid Family Martial Arts was able to purchase two new vans to increase the number of schools they are able to serve. The after school program now is able to pickup from 10 schools across Enid and double the number of children that are able to participate in their afterschool program.

ERDA Member, BKD Celebrates 40 years of service to the Enid Community
The local BKD CPAs & Advisors office has been a cornerstone in serving the community and other BKD locations since it first opened more than 40 years ago.

BKD Enid employees give back to the community through fundraising, volunteering and serving on committees and boards. The Enid office has supported numerous local charitable organizations and employees are involved in Enid YWCA, Denny Price Family YMCA, Enid Public School Foundation, Leonardo’s Children’s Museum, 4RKids, Enid Young Professionals and more.

ERDA Staff Attends EAA AirVenture Show
Lisa Powell and Debbie Moore joined fellow Economic Development from across the state of Oklahoma at the EAA AirVenture Show in Oshkosh, WI. Throughout the show, ERDA staff met with Aviation and Aerospace Companies from across the United States and Canada highlighting the benefits of relocating or expanding in Oklahoma.

Pictured is U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, Lisa Powell, and members of the Oklahoma Delegation.
Powell Appointed to FAPC Board
Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Enid Regional Development Alliance Director, Lisa Powell to Oklahoma State University's Food and Agriculture Products (FAPC) Board of Directors.

FAPC is focused on innovation and have several areas of expertise, including facilities and equipment for food processing; food processing; food safety, quality management and sanitation; packaging and labeling; regulations, customer requirements and compliance; and sustainability and environmental concerns.
Congratulations to EYP's 10 Under 40 Recipients!
Congratulations to this year's Enid Young Professionals 10 Under 40 recipients! We appreciate all that you to do make Enid a great place to live, work, and grow!

Recipients (starting from back row, left to right)
Justin Blasier - Enid Brewing Co. & Eatery
Kegan Tuohy - Stride Bank
Rachel Snider - Autry Technology Center
Ryan Zaloudek - Autry Technology Center
Andersen Hubbard - Autry Technology Center
Jenny Ahrens - Koch Fertilizer Enid
Ashley Hendricks - Vance Air Force Base
Jessica Nelson - Nelson+Shuck
Nicole Winfield - Happy Hour Marketing
Charlet Ringwald - Main Street Enid, Inc.

Business Leader Appointed to State Board
Congratulations to Peter Dillingham on being appointed to the Oklahoma State Board of Career and Technology Education. Dillingham is chairman and manager of No Man’s Land Foods. He will serve on our board until 2024.
Oklahoma Works announces extension of SkillUp Oklahoma
SkillUp, part of the Covid-19 National Dislocated Workers Grant, has been extended through January 31, 2022, to help displaced workers develop job skills and find employment within their chosen career path. The program was originally set to expire on July 31, 2021, but a six-month extension was negotiated.

With Census’ new metropolitan status, Enid area gets access to more state, federal aid programs
A new door has opened as the Enid area is, once again, a micropolitan no more.
Reporting an increase of 1,300 people between 2010 and 2020 for a population of 51,308 people, Enid is now considered the principal city of a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), according to the results of the 2020 decennial U.S. Census.
With just 3.9 positive percentage points, the city of Enid has reached a major milestone, officials say, despite being compared with much higher upticks seen in the state’s four largest cities.