Building on Tradition 2019: All Economic Development stories

"We know it can be overwhelming. ... I want them to know we are their resource." — Meredith Westfahl, Strate Center

Today, five businesses in the Strate Center incubator are working on a dream of being an independent, thriving aspect of the community.

“Our vision is connecting our troops. You could think of it as like Facebook for the military. It’s a private, invitation-only platform for active duty Guard, Reserves, military spouses and military veterans.” — founder Tony Weedn

When you think of economic development, small boutique shops in historic storefronts may not come to mind. But a walk around Enid’s downtown Square reveals one of the greatest drivers in Oklahoma’s economy: small, locally owned businesses.

Six months into the 2019 federal fiscal year, Vance Air Force Base is building on a number of recently completed and soon-to-be implemented infrastructure and technology projects.

Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce is available to businesses countywide, according to Jon Blankenship, president and CEO, and its mission is to foster economic development and improve the quality of life in Enid and surrounding areas.

“Liquor stores are the only place you can get liquor. Being capped off at 15 percent alcohol, they can’t give you a fine port, and they can’t tell you which one of these three chardonnays are the best,” Lunday said. “You’re not going to get the customer service in the grocery store, especially like over here.” — Erica Lunday, manager of Rock Island Liquor & Wine

“The past 10 years has seen historic levels for investment in our infrastructure, quality of life venues and private industry growth,” she said. “This investment must continue.” — Lisa Powell Enid Regional Development Alliance interim executive director

"We want to create a culture of innovation, focusing on entrepreneurship and starting business in Oklahoma. We need to be telling our success stories. ... We have businesses big and small, urban and rural, that are growing." — Brent Kisling, exectutive director, state Department of Commerce

Rob Houston, Visit Enid communications coordinator, said Oklahoma has the best incentives for filmmakers in the nation, thanks to a 35 percent cash rebate offered and 11 eco-regions available in one state.

More than $49 million has been invested downtown in private capital alone since 1994, Main Street Enid director Kelly Tompkins said. The pace of facade renovation is expected to pick up with grant funding.

"Retail is changing, and the retailers that are growing right now are retailers that understand the new consumer attitudes toward purchasing and understanding the online phenomena that’s taking place." — Ricky Hayes, city retail consultant

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