The event honored the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s Robin Roberts Kreiger as Professional of the Year. OPEDC, an affiliate of The State Chamber, annually selects an economic development professional for outstanding contributions to the state.

Judee Snodderly, president of OPEDC, says over the past six years, Kreiger has directly assisted or influenced the creation of 30,009 primary jobs in the Oklahoma City metro area. Those jobs account for an estimated annual payroll of $1.4 billion, and capital investment of $1.5 billion.

right, Bob Sullivan, Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb and Dave Lopez

“Robin understands the total package for economic development and does not wait for opportunities, but creates opportunities for her city and the state of Oklahoma,” Snodderly says.

The event also brought the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of commerce and other marquee names to discuss ways to work together to improve the state’s image, economy and competitiveness. Panels and speakers discussed strategic market planning, brand and image marketing, and the impact of the constantly evolving workforce.

Gov. Mary Fallin says in her role as “Oklahoma’s CEO,” she wants to spread the word that the state is a great place to do business.

“To ensure that happens, we have to use new technologies and cutting-edge economic development methods so we remain efficient, all while letting businesses know that Oklahoma is open for business,” she says.

In the keynote luncheon on the second day, Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, Secretary of Commerce Dave Lopez and Tulsa businessman Bob Sullivan, who is a member of Fallin’s task force on economic development and job creation, addressed growing and expanding businesses in the state, and attracting new businesses.

“It is important that we, as state leaders, are passing laws and removing impediments [so it’s] easier for our economic developers to bring jobs and businesses to Oklahoma,” Lamb says.

Lopez built on that, saying a great deal of potential exists for those already here, and those looking to relocate or expand a business.

“With a serious, innovative workforce and leadership ready to tell our story, Oklahoma is growing toward an even brighter future by working to not only bring new business to our state, but also to support and grow the businesses that already make Oklahoma their home,” he says.

Richard Cornelison, summit committee chairman, says the summit was inspired by the evolving areas of social media and green technologies.

“In order for Oklahoma to advance and stay current in this new economy, we have to be at our best in the global, social, strategic and sustainable aspects of economic development,” he says.

Photo by Mark Hancock