Economic development is often associated with ribbon cuttings, groundbreaking ceremonies, and major company announcements—but the real work is much broader, deeper, and more strategic than that.
At ERDA, our mission is built around four core pillars that work together to strengthen Enid and Northwest Oklahoma: Business Retention & Expansion, Business & Talent Recruitment, Quality of Life, and Operational Excellence.
Each pillar plays a unique role, but none can stand alone.
A community cannot recruit new investment if its existing businesses are struggling. It cannot grow jobs if it lacks talent. It cannot attract talent if people do not want to live there. And none of it happens effectively without strong leadership, sound strategy, and accountability.
Over the next four editions, we’ll take a closer look at each pillar, explain why it matters, and share how ERDA is actively putting these principles into action to support long-term prosperity in our region.
Economic development is not about a finish line—it is about building momentum. And that momentum is built on these four pillars.
Before recruiting the next company, we have a responsibility to support the companies that have already invested here.
That’s because the majority of new job growth in most communities comes from businesses that are already operating locally. These companies employ our friends and neighbors, contribute to our local tax base, and invest in the organizations that make Enid strong.
At ERDA, business retention starts with relationships.
Through regular business visits, industry outreach, and direct conversations with employers, we work to identify challenges before they become barriers to growth. Sometimes that means helping a manufacturer find workforce solutions. Other times it means identifying expansion funding, infrastructure support, or navigating state incentive programs.
This year alone, ERDA helped local businesses access opportunities like the Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program (OIEP) and the USDA Rural Business Development Grant, helping companies like Martens Machine Shop invest in equipment and expand production capacity.
We’ve also supported small business growth through our Business Opportunity Grant program, helping businesses like Unique Designs and Great Salt Plains Health Center invest in equipment and growth opportunities.
ERDA’s BIZ / BOOST workforce programming and Strategy Hub initiative are also designed to help businesses solve real-world challenges related to hiring, training, and long-term planning.
When existing businesses grow, the impact extends far beyond their walls.
More jobs create more household income. More income fuels spending at local businesses. More business activity strengthens our tax base and encourages further investment.
Economic development begins by taking care of the businesses that already call our region home. Because growth starts with trust.
Part two of the Four Pillars of Economic Development will be in our August newsletter.
Sign up to receive it here➡️