Select Oklahoma combines Oklahoma Professional Economic Development Council
and Governor’s Economic Development Marketing Team
OKLAHOMA – Economic developers from across Oklahoma convened this week to form a new
corporation, Select Oklahoma an Economic Development Partnership, Inc. The new organization takes
the place of the Oklahoma Professional Economic Development Council (OEDC) and the Governor's
Economic Development Marketing Team (GEDMT). Job one of Select Oklahoma is supporting
statewide efforts to recruit new and retain existing primary jobs and capital investment in the state. In
addition to marketing efforts, the corporation will support a healthy economy for the State of Oklahoma
through legislative advocacy, education, training and development and professional collaboration.
The organization is led by the following professionals:
Chair - Kinnee Tilly, Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance
Vice- Chair - Mita Bates, Ardmore Development Alliance
Treasurer - Janet Smith, Public Service Company of Oklahoma
Secretary – Michael Davis, Oklahoma Finance Authorities
Past-Chair - Lisa Powell, Enid Regional Development Alliance
Select Oklahoma will leverage the knowledge and experience of the State's economic development professionals to drive economic prosperity through a statewide coalition. Select Oklahoma members combine public and private economic development efforts to market, retain, and attract investment in primary jobs for the State of Oklahoma by developing relationships with key decision makers throughout the United States and internationally.
“Combining OEDC and GEDMT was a team effort,” stated Lisa Powell, former chair of the OEDC and Director of the Enid Regional Development Alliance. “Select Oklahoma eliminates duplication of efforts and focuses on greater collaboration for investment and growth in our state.” “Select Oklahoma members are the ‘boots on the ground’ for economic development efforts in our state,” shared newly elected Select Oklahoma Chair Kinnee Tilly and VP of the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance. “Our members recognize that growing the State of Oklahoma’s economy serves a larger mission than only focusing on the needs of our individual communities and regions.”
"It is a historic day in Oklahoma,” said Oklahoma Department of Commerce Executive Director Brent Kisling. "The creation of this organization will allow us to better engage with communities in all 77 counties and speak with one voice as we strive to be a Top Ten State in economic growth."
“The partnership between Select Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, and the Oklahoma Business Roundtable is valuable to our state, businesses, and citizens,” stated Oklahoma Business Roundtable President Mark Funke. “By collaborating together with our collective strengths, we will advance Oklahoma’s economy.”
The members of this organization represent rural, suburban and urban interests that are all investing in
the development of key economic sectors throughout the State in partnership with the State of
Oklahoma, as well as leaders in the public, private, tribal and philanthropic entities. Select Oklahoma
members recognize that growing the State of Oklahoma's economy serves a larger mission than only
focusing on the needs of their individual communities and regions. Currently the membership includes
over 130 professionals representing economic development organizations, utilities, non-profits, and
higher education.
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