The project, an in-depth online survey, will focus on challenges and issues within Oklahoma’s current business climate. The goal is for as many as possible of Oklahoma’s more than 100,000 businesses to participate during the month of December. To take the survey, business owners and executives should go to FallinForBusiness.com and click on the “Take the online survey” arrow.

According to Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce and Tourism Dave Lopez, the project will have several objectives. “The data our businesses provide will help us understand the specific needs of businesses, identify ways we can help them, and benchmark economic development strategies and business-friendly policies to secure our economic future,” he said. “We also believe this initiative will establish powerful lines of communication between the business community and state leaders. That may be one of the most important things we accomplish.”

Don Walker, president of Arvest Bank in Tulsa and chairman of the Oklahoma Business Roundtable, said Governor Fallin is living up to her campaign promise to make Oklahoma a business friendly state. “Through this survey, she’s asking us ‘What can we do for you?’ She’s asking us to help decide where this state needs to go to create more jobs,” he said. “I took the survey, and I am encouraging every business owner and executive to participate and help move Oklahoma forward.”

“We need to hear about the issues,” Governor Fallin concluded. “We are doing everything we can to help our Oklahoma businesses be successful, but I cannot help if we do not know what their concerns are. This is the chance for every Oklahoma business to tell state leaders what they think. This is an exciting opportunity. We need to hear your voices. Take time to take the survey. Then take time to contact your friends and ask them to take the survey.”

To take the survey, go to FallinForBusiness.com. For more information about the 2011 Business Climate Survey, contact Karla Graham at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, (405) 815-5140.