Over the past several years, Facebook has grown to be much more than just a place to meet-up with old friends and gain new ones.  Rather, Facebook has become a place for people and communities to band together to influence major corporations.  Recently, a group of Claremore residents created the Facebook page: “Bring a Chick-Fil-A to Claremore, OK”.  This page was started around the middle of January and already has over 2,500 fans.  Who knows, if Claremore gets enough people behind this movement, this could be the next big factor in helping to achieve Economic growth.

A few other examples of communities joining together for a cause in our area is the group “Petition to bring a Trader Joes to Tulsa” (3,200 fans) and “Petition to get a Whole Foods Market in Oklahoma City” (8,400 fans). Each person on Facebook has their own personal profile, so this is a good way of getting public opinions about certain wants and needs of a community.

A few advantages of using Social Media to Influence Economic Development:

• It reaches many people where they are – online.

• Provides a visual/influential approach that moves people toward joining a cause.

• Creates a bond within communities and integrates support for that movement and other potential movements.

Let us know what you think about “Bringing a Chick-Fil-A to Claremore, OK”. This could be a new way of drawing businesses into our community.

For more information on Claremore’s Economic Development visit http://www.claremoreusa.com

Just eight miles east of town, the Claremore Regional Airport is a hidden gem. While serving local aviation enthusiasts well, the airport has hosted pilots from all over the country. Pilots from the Blue Angels to Chuck Yeager and many between have flown into the Claremore Regional Airport.

The airport offers 5200 feet of runway, enough to support traffic up commercial jets. Sitting on over 500 acres of land, Claremore Regional Airport currently has 30 hangars each tenant occupied and still has room for additional growth. Claremore Regional Airport is also a reliever airport to Tulsa International Airport.

Claremore Regional Airport regularly hosts scheduled tours for school groups, businesses and other organizations. In addition, monthly fly-in events are held to provide opportunities for aviators to network. To learn more about the Claremore Regional Airport, call the airport manager Eric Winn at 343-0931 or visit www.claremoreairport.com for further information.

www.claremoreusa.com

For businesses seeking a new location, business climate and community support can be a major factor in the site selection process. From emerging small businesses to large corporations seeking to relocate, Claremore provides a supportive business climate.

Local Incentives and Site Selection Assistance

The Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority, CIEDA assists growing businesses choosing to locate in Claremore by determining growth needs and customizing incentive options to meet those needs. Additionally, the City of Claremore offers fast track assistance to businesses locating in Claremore. Since 2003, over 1000 new manufacturing jobs have been created in Claremore.

Available Real Estate

From large industrial tracts of land to small commercial properties and everything in between, Claremore has sites available for growing businesses. Nearly 300 acres of industrial property are available in the Claremore North Business Park and Claremore Industrial Park at reasonable rates. Existing buildings are also available for industrial and commercial occupancy.

Skilled Workforce

Businesses can expect to find an abundance of skilled workers in the Claremore area. Claremore has strong advanced manufacturing, healthcare, government and education sectors, each supported by highly skilled workers. Customized training is provided by Rogers State University and the Northeast Technology Center to accommodate the needs of growing businesses.

Oklahoma as a Place to do Business

The State of Oklahoma provides strong businesses incentives including; employment rebates, customized training, tax incentives for accelerated depreciation, and many others. Oklahoma has recently made tremendous strides in reducing business costs associated with taxes. Recently the Tax Foundation determined that Oklahoma businesses pay the 7th least amount of corporate taxes.

When combined, these factors make Claremore an appealing location for growing businesses, site selection professionals and executives in search of an additional location. If you are considering a new home for your businesses or need an additional facility, please call 918-341-4755. Feel free to learn more about Claremore at www.claremoreusa.com

www.claremoreusa.com

In every city and region there are distinct business location advantages and disadvantages. Claremore has many geographical advantages for businesses and residents. Geography is just one of the 20 things to love about Claremore.

Central Location
Claremore provides outstanding central access to many metropolitan cities and states in the continental US. Consider this; Claremore is a 1 day drive (8 hours) to 15 metropolitan cities and 13 states. Not impressed yet. Claremore is a 2 day drive to 64 metropolitan cities and 28 states. Businesses can find 2 day truck access to Mexico or Canada. Whether you are a family in search of the next great road trip or a business seeking a central location, Claremore provides many distinct logistical benefits.

Transportation
At the center of Eastern Oklahoma’s I-44 Corridor, Claremore provides direct access to Interstate 44, Route 66 and highways 20 and 88. For air travelers, both the Claremore Regional Airport (8 miles) and Tulsa International Airport (22 miles) are easily accessible. In addition to great road and air access, Claremore is less than a 15 minute drive from the Tulsa Port of Catoosa, one of the largest inland waterways in the US. The Tulsa Port of Catoosa provides a cost-effective waterway transportation option to area businesses.

Energy
For many years Oklahoma has been a center of corporate oil and gas activity. Perhaps no region has had more success with Oil and Gas Pump production than the Tulsa Metropolitan area. These companies are in abundance in Claremore and represent more than 1500 jobs. Now in addition to the large presence of the oil and gas industry Eastern Oklahoma welcomes green industries like wind energy production and others. No other state knows energy like Oklahoma. With the recent advances in green technologies and with energy talent already in place, Oklahoma is well positioned for future energy success.

Climate
Oklahoma offers perhaps the nation’s most diverse terrain. According to the EPA with 11 eco-regions, Oklahoma is one of only four states with more than 10. Adorned by lakes, rivers and streams, this diversity of terrain provides unlimited recreational opportunities to residents and visitors.

Claremore does in fact offer many unique benefits to residents, businesses, and site selection professionals. With such an outstanding array of geographic advantages, the only question left to ask is, “When can we expect to see you here?”

Executive Director
CIEDA
www.claremoreusa.com

Recently I had the opportunity to load my family up into the van and take a road trip to New York. The trip was great and full of tourist attractions, learning and family fun. What occurred to me more than at any point in my career in economic development, was just how many factors make a city great. Not just with large cities like New York, but communities like Claremore. What are those characteristics that help us better appreciate the places in which we live? My three-year old started this thought process for me. Before we had pulled out of the driveway, she asked her customary road trip question, “Dad, when am I going to get home to Claremore?” So, what are those distinct features that make businesses choose cities for expansion or relocation and make residents call towns home? Over the next few weeks the claremoreusa.com team will be highlighting those characteristics that residents and businesses love most about Claremore. For those who are familiar with our city but haven’t had the chance to visit lately, Claremore is growing at a fast rate while continuing the proud tradition of being a family friendly community with a rich heritage of faith, culture, and commitment to business success. Yet, it isn’t the same place that you may remember from 10-15 years ago. The next 20 blog segments will be dedicated to past, and current community strengths. Hopefully, by the time that we have finished the series you will be asking yourself the question, “When am I going to get home to Claremore?”

Tim Hight
www.claremoreusa.com

This discussion is held frequently in economic development circles. In some cities and regions all economic development efforts are narrowly directed at retail recruitment with little thought given to the recruitment and retention of primary jobs and the expansion of the very economic base that ultimately keeps retail stores and restaurants in businesses. In other areas, virtually no emphasis is given to retail recruitment with all efforts being placed into business recruitment and expansion. This philosophy is also out of balance.

So what is an appropriate philosophy for business recruitment; balance. Cities and regions need both the primary job growth of industrial recruitment and expansion as well the secondary job growth and tax base that the retail sector provides. Quality development is quality development, no matter what sector it may occur in so long as the project meets resident and community stakeholder needs. The economic development profession is full of far too many specialists with too few qualified generalists actually serving communities effectively. A one dimensional approach isn’t economic development, but rather short-sided by both the individual advocating the approach and cities that buy into the philosophy.

For over 40 years the Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority (CIEDA) has driven growth throughout the city through development efforts in multiple sectors including retail, industrial, government, office and others. Existing retailers such as Walgreen’s and Lowe’s, and upcoming projects like the Oklahoma Plaza lifestyle center project (ongoing), and the Braum’s North store (Fall 2009) exist or will exist in Claremore because of the long term commitment of CIEDA to develop a well rounded globally competitive economy for residents, businesses and community stakeholders.

So why is it important to recruit retail? Sales tax revenues ultimately help cities pay bills and continue to develop much needed infrastructure. As long as cities rely on sales tax for revenue, economic development organizations will play some role in retail recruitment. Retail recruitment can also enhance the overall quality of life in a city. Enhancing city quality of life can and usually is a part of the charge of economic development organizations. The development of quality retail shopping and dining amenities in cities does contribute to the overall quality of life for residents. While retail recruitment is typically thought of as a source of secondary jobs, these jobs are needed by college students, spouses in need of part-time jobs and others.

Retail recruitment does add value to cities and should be kept within the context of the overall primary job and investment growth goals of the economic development strategic plan. Learn more about exciting retail opportunities in Claremore at www.claremoreusa.com: or visit the CIEDA booth in the North Hall this week at the International Council of Shopping Centers tradeshow in Las Vegas, May 17-21.

Recently CIEDA commissioned Federal Reserve Branch Executive Mark Snead to provide a comprehensive 2009-2010 economic forecast for Claremore. The results reflect the considerable job growth of our city since 2003. ClaremoreOklahomaEconomicOutlook.doc Since CIEDA released the forecast data, I have been repeatedly asked, “Why is Claremore’s economy so strong in the midst of the challenges faced by the rest of nation?”

Geography

Oklahoma’s market position provides businesses with direct access to many metro markets and millions of customers. Claremore’s is within 50 miles of being equidistant to both coasts and features air, rail, truck, and port transportation access. In addition, Oklahoma was fortunate to not experience the highs of the real estate boom and conversely now isn’t seeing the lows of the current real estate market. Many publications including Forbes and Fortune have identified both the Tulsa and Oklahoma City markets as recession proof.

Industry

Claremore is a Northeast suburb in the Tulsa Metropolitan area. For many years the Tulsa area has had considerable market share within the Oil and Gas production and component manufacturing sectors. From 2003-2007 over 1,000 jobs were created in Claremore in the manufacturing sector alone. Many of these jobs were created in the oil and gas pump component industry. Claremore has over 30 manufacturers and while in some cases production has been slower, these firms are well positioned for future success. Healthcare has also seen substantial growth within the last 5 years, largely due to the growth of Claremore Regional Hospital. In addition, new and emerging green technology firms like Heath Technology are taking full advantage of the labor provided by the Tulsa\Claremore labor market area. Learn more about Claremore’s highly skilled workforce and labor assets at Claremore 2008 Labor Force Briefing.pdf

Business Conditions

Oklahoma offers highly attractive business conditions to executives and site selection professionals. Claremore has low business opportunity costs, low energy costs, skilled labor, and excellent business incentives. These factors make Claremore an affordable option for business expansion or relocation.

Skilled Labor

While it is often said that people are an organization’s greatest strength, it is particularly true of cities. Claremore offers a skilled workforce that fuels growth and investment opportunities for manufacturing, energy, and healthcare firms.

While the current economic challenges certainly haven’t subsided, Claremore is well positioned to facilitate future job growth and to continue to accommodate new investment. With over $104 million in announced new investment within the last 24 months, your next business home is waiting for you in Claremore.

Come Grow With Us!

Tim Hight
www.claremoreusa.com

Recently, Claremore was featured in an article entitled Happy Places by Global Corporate Expansion Magazine. This feature along with other recent discussions about the outstanding quality of life in Claremore have a raised a few significant questions.

1. How are we currently defining quality of life?
2. What are the components of a strong quality of life?
3. Does quality of life matter to site selection consultants?

For our purposes we will broadly define quality of life as those local characteristics and amenities that contribute to a better standard of living for current residents and help make the city a destination for businesses, visitors and future residents. Here a few key quality of life components: education, history & culture, economic climate, recreation, entertainment, and weather.

Does quality of life matter to site selection consultants? While it may not be a top 3 or even top 5 concern for site selection consultants, quality of life will always be relevant as long as businesses have to hire and retain employees. In spite of current economic challenges, workforce is a major factor in site selection. Site selection professionals want to know if communities can support their business with a steady and highly skilled workforce. This only happens when skilled workers want to live in or near cities that create jobs. Cities that are concerned about job creation must then continuously improve their local quality of life in order to continue to attract new workers. A proud history and culture, strong economic climate and the continued growth of local recreational and entertainment amenities will keep Claremore strongly positioned for future job growth.

Tim Hight

Executive Director
CIEDA
www.claremoreusa.com

In light of the challenges this year, I get often asked about whether or not businesses are still expanding into new markets. I want to take some time to clear this up a bit. There is activity in the marketplace. However, it is somewhat different than what we have seen in the past. Here are a few reasons for the activity that I have seen since January 1:

Dispositions

With the increasing amount of mergers and acquisitions, corporate real estate executives and site selection professionals are being directed by the C-level to consolidate operations into low cost markets. Oklahoma has one of the lowest costs of doing business available.

Available Buildings and Land

When a customer or the market dictates that a site selection professional evaluate the central US, often the availability of buildings and land move Claremore to the short list. Claremore buildings and real estate are cost competitive to client needs and the process is streamlined with fast-track permitting.

Speed to Market

Claremore, Oklahoma is 22 miles from Tulsa, 12 miles from the Port of Catoosa, 50 miles from being equidistant to both coasts and has offers direct access to interstate 44, route 66, and highways 20 and 88. Claremore is within a one-day drive of 8 major metropolitan areas representing over 10,000,000 potential customers.

Skilled Workforce

As a part of the Tulsa metropolitan area Claremore offers an abundant and highly skilled workforce to companies seeking new locations.

Tim Hight

Executive Director
CIEDA
www.claremoreusa.com

Depending on which way the political pendulum has swung during the recent election and now the stimulus era: industrial sectors including green manufacturing, IT, and construction have each been proclaimed to lead us to economic prosperity. So, are these industries and jobs coming to your city? In many cases the answer will be yes, however in working to facilitate the creation of these new jobs, we need to be careful to not overlook a very important piece of local economies.

The International Economic Development Council states that between “65 to 80 percent of new jobs are created by existing businesses in a community rather than by those that relocate to a community”. What does this mean for us? It is very important that as cities begin to see new job growth in the years ahead that we do not lose sight of the great companies already in our cities that have been responsible for our economic health and that will continue to lead us into the future. In Claremore, 1 in 4 jobs are in the manufacturing sector; healthcare and education are also strong sectors as well. These industries will continue to pillar an already strong local economy here. Most cities and regions have economic pillars that will survive the downturn and continue to thrive.

So, are the new jobs and industries coming? For many cities the answer will be yes. Claremore has already seen the impact of green job growth with the announcement of Heath Technologies in February. For Oklahoma the trend of green and alternative energy job growth should continue in the wind energy, solar energy, and vapor recovery industries. As we see these positive signs of the national and local economies moving forward let’s not forget to appreciate our existing businesses responsible for past economic success and that will fuel future success.

Tim Hight

Executive Director
CIEDA
www.claremoreusa.com