The Oklahoma Business Roundtable serves as the states major economic development support organization.
Comprised of over 130 top Oklahoma corporations and business organizations, the Roundtable provides important business development advice and assistance to the Governor, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and other state leaders. Private funding is needed for business development efforts when state appropriated funds cannot be used.
The Roundtable helps fund important business promotion activities to spur the expansion and recruitment of new business in Oklahoma. Roundtable members also play a key role in contacting and hosting both domestic and international clients.
To date, the Roundtable has provided support for hundreds of state and regional economic development promotional activities resulting in over 500 corporate investments throughout Oklahoma.
Learn more about our Mission.
Tom Hoenig, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, and two of Oklahoma's top student entrepreneurs were featured speakers at the Roundtable membership meeting held October 7th at the Governor's Mansion.
A record Roundtable attendance of 95 also heard state finance and economic development reports from Governor Brad Henry, Lt. Governor Jari Askins and Secretary of Commerce Natalie Shirley.
Keynote speaker Hoenig discussed the role of the Federal Reserve Board, provided Roundtable members with a comprehensive overview of the financial crisis and addressed questions from the audience. He indicated that all measures are being taken to secure the nation's economy. He praised Oklahoma's banking community and leadership. (Special thanks to Roundtable and former Federal Reserve member, Hans Helmerich, for helping secure Dr. Hoenig's appearance).
Governor Brad Henry and Roundtable Chairman Steve Hendrickson congratulate Eddie Coates, the winner of the first annual Oklahoma Business Roundtable Scholarship Award in association with the 2008 Don Reynolds Governors Cup competition.
OU undergraduate student, Eddie Coates, has been named the recipient of the inaugural Oklahoma Business Roundtable Scholarship Award. The award is a new feature of the Donald W. Reynolds Governors Cup business plan competition held annually.
The Roundtable Scholarship Award was established to recognize Oklahoma undergraduate students with the initiative to become involved with Oklahomas economic development. The $5,000 scholarship is awarded for the 2008 fall semester. [John Reid] Coates plans to use the funds to finish his degree in International Business and Entrepreneurship, as well as a minor in Chinese.
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