FORWARD OKLAHOMA CITY III CAMPAIGN EXCEEDS GOAL

Over the past decade, the economic development activity of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber has produced momentum-building accomplishments of historic change. Through the combination of strong leadership and loyal partnerships, the completion of the Forward Oklahoma City III (FOKC III) campaign exceeded its goal of $14 million with a grand total of $15,103,164. “2005 was a banner year for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. Not only did we raise more than $1.8 million in our Total Resource Development Campaign, but also secured more than $15 million for the FOKC III economic development program,” said Roy Williams, President and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber at the campaign celebration. Added Larry Nichols, Chairman and CEO of Devon Energy and FOKC III Co-Chair, “The RDG Campaign team did not overwork our campaign leadership, instead they used them strategically. They conducted a large volume of high quality solicitation calls resulting in more than 50 new program investors. This base broadening allowed us to oversubscribe our campaign goal by more than $1 million.” (Right to left) Steven E. Moore, President and CEO of OGE Energy Corp.; Fred J. Hall, President of The Fred Jones Companies; J. Larry Nichols, Chairman and CEO of Devon Energy Corporation; Roy H. Williams, President and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber (Right to left) Roy H. Williams, President and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber; J. Larry Nichols, Chairman and CEO of Devon Energy Corporation; Steven E. Moore, President and CEO of OGE Energy Corp. The successful Forward Oklahoma City III funding campaign will allow the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber to fully fund and execute an ambitious, regional economic development program focused on position, place, people and projects. The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, through Forward Oklahoma City I, II and III has become an innovative leader in the marketplace, focused on both traditional economic development activities, as well as public education enhancement and progressive community issue campaigns.

ENTERPRISE FLAGLER LAUNCHES PRIVATE SECTOR FUNDING CAMPAIGN-May 26, 2006

Enterprise Flagler, Flagler County’s primary business development and marketing arm, announced Thursday at its Meet & Greet event honoring new Executive Director Tom Cooley that it has raised more than $635,000 toward its 5-year campaign goal of $1 million.  The purpose of the campaign is to increase private sector investment in Enterprise Flagler.  This new funding, combined with existing public sector dollars, will allow Enterprise Flagler to increase its marketing budget, expand on its existing business retention and expansion program, and more effectively capitalize on its partnership with Cornerstone.  “I am excited about the terrific support we have already received in our campaign,” said Tom Cooley, executive director of Enterprise Flagler.  “The private sector’s support is essential to our success in the economic development arena.  I thank all of our investors”.  Art Barr, president of Enterprise Flagler, said, “Enterprise Flagler has made great strides over the last 12 months. We have entered a new era in Flagler County economic development, and now have an incredible opportunity to market our community and insure the type of high quality growth we all desire for Flagler County.  We must give Enterprise Flagler the resources it needs to be successful.”  According to Barr, in the last 12 months Enterprise Flagler has partnered with the Cornerstone Regional Development Partnership, hired Tom Cooley as its new executive director, participated in an economic development roundtable with its public sector partners, completed a two month county-wide assessment of the organization that identified key strategies, challenges and new opportunities, assisted in the formation of the Industrial Development Authority and has begun to address the county’s workforce needs.  Michael Chiumento III, vice president of Enterprise Flagler, stated, “I, along with Bobby Masters, Bob DeVore, Tammy Daniel and David Lusby, believe so strongly that Enterprise Flagler is the key to a healthy vibrant economy that we have agreed to co-chair the campaign.  I invite every business to have a stake in our economic development efforts by making an investment into Enterprise Flagler.”  The event was hosted by Enterprise Flagler member LandMar, and was held at the Grand Haven Club House.