Published: May 08, 2008 12:24 am            

Business incubator's coordinator cultivating a network of providers

When the time came to choose a coordinator for Enid’s new business incubator, officials went with someone who was familiar with growing a local economy by leading businesses to a successful start.

Ron Duggins is coordinator of the James W. Strate Center for Business Development at Autry Technology Center. Duggins also serves the state CareerTech system by working with international organizations and individuals to develop global relationships and contacts that lead to economic growth for Oklahoma.

“Economic development is what this building is all about,” Duggins said recently while standing in the nearly completed center.

Duggins also has extensive education, training and experiences he plans to use for the development of young businesses.

His education comes in the form of a number of degrees, including a bachelor’s degree in English, a master’s degree in education and English as a second language and a doctorate in occupational and adult education. He has a graduate certificate in international studies and is working on his master’s in business administration through Oklahoma Baptist University’s International Graduate School.

“I have been able to cultivate a network of providers,” Duggins said about his current role of providing support for new businesses.

As a staff member at the state CareerTech department, Duggins was familiar with business incubators and was familiar with the concept. He has visited other incubators and helps officials there arrange contacts and get started.

He said his primary duty at the Autry site will be helping to locate people who want to start a business and help them get past the stage when most companies are susceptible to failure.

His wife, Jane, is a native of Brazil and they have a 2-year-old daughter, Lilian. Duggins volunteers with Christian-based nonprofits that work to provide technical and logistical assistance to organizations and individuals seeking self-sufficiency through spiritual, education, agriculture and entrepreneurship programs. He said he got involved in helping businesses succeed more extensively through mission work to make a broader impact.

“A lot of the effort these days goes beyond what is considered traditional missions,” Duggins said.

Duggins still is designing the curriculum and criteria for businesses that will utilize the small business development center.

“We’re looking for industries that will bring new wealth that doesn’t exist yet,” Duggins has said. “You need a new product to bring new wealth.”

Duggins was raised in Frederick, in far southwestern Oklahoma. He graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University and has graduate degrees from Oklahoma State University and the University of Central Oklahoma. He lives in Stillwater.