 | | About Us |
In 2005, a group of individuals interested in creating a regional economic development entity for a 20-county region in southwest Oklahoma received a University Research grant from the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The seven founding entities have worked over the last two years to build the foundation for the organization by securing 501(c) status; developing bylaws and strategic goals; securing funding and hiring an executive director.
Although SOIC is still in infancy stages, the organization has hosted two business conferences, interviewed over five I hundred businesses utilizing the e-Synchronist Business Interview System and submitted workforce development grants that will provide new opportunities for training and education in the southwest Oklahoma region.
"SOIC's aim has been set high -our partners believe there are measurable advantages to sharing and leveraging assets, expenses and programs with our neighboring communities in the region. They also have agreed to work with each other to develop economic opportunities and not be constricted or defined by geographical or political boundaries," stated Dr. John Hays.
Yes, it will take time, maybe even a decade or more, to create the necessary collaboration and cooperation on issues that affect everyone, such as transportation or water resources. Enhanced communications and an improved sense of camaraderie and trust will break down those territorial barriers that have long obstructed regional cooperation and success.
For more information about SOIC you may contact:
Marilyn Feaver
SOIC Executive Director
Nash Library, Room 302
1727 W. Alabama Avenue
Chickasha, OK 73108
(405) 574-1368
(405) 574-1395 FAX
(405) 274-9135 |
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| | Partners |
The SOIC Board of Directors knows that the strategic plan will require input and participation from a diverse set of business, legislative, professional, and community leaders; people interested in seeing the southwest region of the state grow and prosper.
Individuals, cities, counties, tribal governments, state and federal agencies, educational institutions, public and private corporations and local business and industry are all encouraged to join in and participate in setting the agenda for the future growth of the 20-county region.
Presently, our partners are only asked to commit and agree to a set of regional priorities aimed towards shared resources and cooperation involving workforce and economic development, infrastructure enhancement and social needs.
"SOIC's aim has been set high. Our partners believe there are measurable advantages to sharing and leveraging assets, expenses and programs with our neighboring communities in the region. They also have agreed to work with each other to develop economic opportunities and not be constricted or defined by geographical or political boundaries," stated Dr. John Hays, the former chairman of the SOIC Board.
It will take time, maybe even a decade or more, to create the necessary collaboration and cooperation on issues that affect everyone, but through enhanced communication and an improved sense of camaraderie and trust, SOIC will break down those territorial barriers that have long obstructed regional cooperation and success.
A Partnership Agreement can be downloaded here |
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| | Directors |
SOIC's voluntary association is governed by the five higher education institutions, six technology centers, and the two regional associations of government located in in southwest Oklahoma.
It hosts bi-monthly board meetings at alternating locations throughout the SOIC region. The organization is subject to the Open Meeting Act and posts their monthly board agenda here.
Interested parties are invited to attend the meetings and may confirm their attendance by calling 405-574-1368.
Board members are the presidents, superintendents and executive directors of each of the SOIC partners. |
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| John | Feaver | Chairman | University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma | 405-574-1201 | | Gary | Gorshing | Vice Chairman | SWODA | 580-562-4882 | | Greg | Winters | Secretary/Treasurer | Canadian Valley Technology Center | 405-422-2200 |
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| | Front Line Team Members: |
SOIC's Front Line Team serves as the Business Service Team for Southwest Oklahoma. In essence, they are "the Brokers for Solutions!"
Team members include individuals representing SOIC partners as well as at-large members from both the public and private sector. The Team provides access to all organizations that provide services to employers.
Team members are available to meet with employers and can provide specific information important to business owners to include: employee training, sector-based initiatives, labor market studies, employer surveys and results, focus group results, local economic conditions, new labor laws and regulations, target sector information, and more. |
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| Arun | Tilak | Cameron University | 580-581-5420 | | Bill | Cunningham | OK Manufacturers Alliance | 580-250-5688 | | Christy | Elkins | ODOC Rural Dev. Specialist | 580-581-5431 | | Clark | Southard | ASC0G - BRAC Coordinator | 580-252-0595 | | CM | Lin | SWOSU | 580-774-7145 | | Corey | Herndon | ODOC-Regional Development Specialist | 405-596-0663 | | David | Braddock | Altus Economic Dev | 580-482-7134 | | Dick | Lowe | Canadian Valley Tech. Ctr. | 405-222-7512 | | Erik | Guzik | USAO | 405-574-1269 | | Gilmer | Capps | REI | 580-583-3725 | | Glenna | Lunday | WOSC | 580-477-7785 | | Jack | Bryant | Redlands Community College | 405-422-1256 | | Jessika | Davis | Duncan Area ED Foundation | 580-255-9675 | | Josh | Cranston | Lawton Ft. Sill Chamber of Commerce | 1-800-872-4540 | | Kathie | Price | SWODA | 580-562-4882 | | Kelley | Young | Sector Strategies Coordinator | 580-330-1414 | | Lyle | Roggow | Duncan Area Economic Development (President) | 580-255-9675 | | Marilyn | Feaver | SOIC | 405-574-1368 | | Marvin | Hankins | SWOSU | 580-774-3750 | | Mike | Raymond | OK Manufacturers Alliance | 405-205-3082 | | Morris | Goodrich | Red River Tech Ctr | 580-255-2903 | | Pat | Beck | Great Plains Technology Center | 580-250-5553 | | Paul | Lewis | First National Bank (Business Development) | 405-224-2200 | | Ray | Friedl | ASCOG | 580-252-0595 | | Sam | Porter | Red River Technology Center | 580-255-2903 Ext. 274 | | Will | Johnson | Great Plains Technology Center (Director, Corporate Training) | 580-355-6371 |
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| | Whats Next? |
As with any new start-up organization, the Southwest Oklahoma Impact Coalition has been busy for the first two years defining its mission and gaining consensus about future direction. Now armed with a mission statement and a three year strategic plan, SOIC will be seeking new partners and building its base of support. Already on board are a number of organizations that includes technical centers, tribal governments, chambers of commerce and individuals.
The information initially gathered from the e-Synchronist surveys will be updated to ensure access to the most recent and relevant data for local use.
Internship opportunities for college students in high-skill, high-tech business and industry sectors are being established throughout the region.
In addition to the Front Line Team, standing committees will be formed this year to work on the priority issues identified through the initial e-Synchronist business surveys. |
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