Let's help Oklahoma shine

Growing and sustaining Oklahoma's economy means getting serious about competing on a national and international level. Effectively attracting new, expanding and relocating companies and increasing the amount of investment into our region starts with a strategic plan and a “good first impression” strategy.

Oklahoma has a new look with pro and semi-pro sports in basketball, baseball and soccer and a brand-new sleek streetcar system. Bricktown, Midtown, the Plaza District and Tulsa's new Gathering Place offer enticing and robust business, downtown living and entertainment opportunities. We have a suburbia with lowcost living, turnpike transit and easy access to some of Oklahoma's best parks, lakes and area attractions.

And let's not forget our proud American values, friendly people, boutique retail, college and high school athletics and low cost of living offered in some of our state's smaller but dynamic communities like Durant, Ardmore, Enid, Norman, Bartlesville, Jenks, Stillwater and Edmond.

Consider these prospective tactics in successfully “selling” our great state with a comprehensive plan:

• Identify which industries are already thriving in Oklahoma and which ancillary products and services are poised to profitably cross-pollinate.

• Recruit target companies that build on Oklahoma's strengths, thus enhancing the value chain for our state's industry clusters.

•Consider privatizing the Department of Commerce tasking it with new goals, metrics and independence from the state bureaucracy.

•Mimic how other states incentivized business executives to locate in their state. For example, Alabama beat North Carolina and South Carolina by successfully offering Mercedes-Benz a package valued at more than $300 million, gained 1,500 jobs and a $1.3 billion investment.

•Envision the idea of offering favorable tax credits to bolster businesses— there are several states that do without one or more of the major taxes.

•Leverage current trends and market analysis, gain insights into which decision factors are location-worthy priorities for emerging and relocating companies.

•Maximize recruitment opportunities by aggressively marketing to CEOs, business development strategists, spokespersons and industry decision makers.

•Use some of Oklahoma's top advertising agencies to enhance, extend and amplify Oklahoma's presence on a global level.

•Continue to leverage new parks, hotels, venues and transportation options to attract and host business events and conferences targeting groups that align with key industries and economic strategies.

•Celebrate successes! Let's work together to adopt a comprehensive plan, implement strategic tactics and celebrate successes that help our state and citizens thrive.

Funk is founder, president and board member of Express Employment Professionals.