Morgan: OKC in the spotlight (The Journal Record Monthly Column - July 2014)

On Sept. 28-30, the State Chamber of Oklahoma will, for the first time in its 88-year history, host the annual meeting of the Council of State Chambers in Oklahoma City.

Joining this dynamic national association of state chamber presidents and CEOs will be their policy, marketing and communications vice presidents from across the country. These members represent the voice of our nation’s job creators.

Through two national conferences like this one annually and collaboration throughout the year, COSC’s members hone their strategies and expertise on issues, politics and elections – and bring home innovative ideas to grow their states.

With gridlock in Washington, D.C., state chambers are increasingly at the forefront of legislative, regulatory and judicial activity that affects the ability of businesses to grow and create jobs. Our states have truly become the laboratories of democracy and the venue for addressing pressing problems with creative and practical solutions.

On the agenda are:

• Creating an educated workforce that ensures good jobs for our children and a promising economic future for our country.
• Energy technology breakthroughs that are transforming the world.
• The latest on 2014 national and key state elections.
• Balancing beneficial economic development incentives that encourage new jobs with public accountability and transparency.
• Heath care innovations that improve health care delivery and lower cost.
• Freeing business from the burdensome and costly regulations emanating from the federal government and its agencies.

We’re especially excited that many of these state leaders who interact with national businesses every day will get their first glimpse of the renaissance going on in Oklahoma City and our thriving downtown.

Though hard at work during conference sessions, our visitors and their spouses will have the opportunity to experience the vitality of Bricktown, Devon Energy Center, the Oklahoma City National Memo­rial and Museum and destinations tailored to their special interests too many to mention.

Many people outside Oklahoma have little or no impression of our state. We’re absolutely certain that once these special guests experience our capital city and the dynamic, exciting things going on here, they’ll spread the word.

Oklahoma’s positive business climate and robust economy is the envy of many states. This meeting is an excellent opportunity to showcase the enlightened business leadership and companies that are leading Oklahoma into a bright economic future.

Fred Morgan is president and CEO of The State Chamber of Oklahoma.