MEMBERSHIP MEETING RECAP ”” NEGOTIATION STRATEGIES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WITH JIM TULL
September 9th, 2025
Negotiation shapes nearly every economic development project””from aligning community priorities with company needs to navigating the many stakeholders involved in site selection. Select Oklahoma’s September Membership Meeting explored how practitioners can approach these conversations more strategically. Negotiation expert Jim Tull of CMPartners built on ideas he introduced at the 2024 Select Oklahoma Annual Conference, walking members through practical frameworks drawn from the Harvard Program on Negotiation and the principles popularized in Getting to Yes. He walked members through the Seven Elements of Negotiation””interests, options, objective criteria, commitment, communication, relationships, and alternatives (often referred to as BATNA, or a party’s Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement). Understanding these elements, Jim explained, allows economic development professionals to prepare more effectively, identify shared value among stakeholders, and create stronger agreements before ultimately dividing the pie. The discussion also highlighted stakeholder and relationship mapping as a key tool for identifying allies and opposition, sequencing conversations, and building coalitions across the many partners involved in economic development projects.
Members also heard from Stefanie Appleton with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce as this month’s Select Spotlight. Stefanie highlighted the Oklahoma Community Marketing Partnership Program, which provides communities with marketing resources to strengthen visibility and position them more effectively for business recruitment and economic growth.
If you weren’t there, you missed a discussion on negotiation strategies that underpin economic development””and the opportunity to continue learning during a Strategic Negotiation and Advocacy Training focused on deeper stakeholder engagement and negotiation tools. If you’re eager to learn more or participate in future discussions and events, we invite you to apply for membership and stay connected through Select Oklahoma’s GlueUp platform for upcoming meetings and opportunities. Together, we can drive change and create new opportunities for Oklahoma’s growth and development.
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Supporting a healthy economy for the State of Oklahoma through legislative advocacy, education, training and development, professional collaboration, and supporting statewide efforts to recruit and retain primary jobs and capital investment.