October 2, 2022

STORIES OF ADA AREA ENTREPRENEURS & INNOVATORS

A Thirst for Innovation: The Future of Water Technologies in Ada, Oklahoma

Duane Smith is sitting on top of the world, or more specifically, on top of world-leading research about the Arbuckle Simpson Aquifer. Smith is the Executive Director of the Oka’ Institute at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma.

For over 50 years, researchers in Ada have been studying ground water, shaping policy, and creating the exciting potential for new technology and innovation.

Ada is home to the EPA’s Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center, the Chickasaw Nation, East Central University, an engaged municipal government and economic development office, and, since 2016, Ada is now home to the Oka’ Institute.

With the creation of the Oka’ Institute and the vision of local leaders such as Duane Smith, Ada is positioned to continue as a global hub for innovative water research, technology, and sustainability efforts that will change the world.

Learn More!

$10M in Ada Airport Industrial Park Infrastructure Funding Passed

What Happened?

The Oklahoma Senate Approved several bills on September 29^th in a special session that will create up to $10 Million in funding for new airport and industrial park infrastructure at Ada’s Airport. These bills include HB 1019, 2021, and 1022 and were passed in session to appropriate federal funds received by the state through the American Rescue Plan Act. These funds will be used to expand development to the Eastern side of the airport and create the potential for up to 200 new acres of industrial development in Ada.

Why It Matters:

Funding for new industrial park infrastructure has been a critical barrier to new economic growth in Ada. There is very low vacancy in Ada’s established industrial areas, and the Ada Jobs Foundation is focused on creating land for the expansion of aviation, aerospace, water technology, and other manufacturing companies. This new infrastructure will allow for more safety at the airport, create opportunities for new jobs, and help the City of Ada build new and more resilient infrastructure.

What’s Next?

The Ada Jobs Foundation will work to support and collaborate with the City of Ada to update existing plans for the airport property. The Ada Jobs Foundation is also working on an Industrial Site Analysis with Site Selection Group through the Targeted Opportunities Program (TOP), which is an EDA funded grant program created by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. The results from this site analysis are expected later on this year and will provide critical recommendations to prepare sites, such as the Ada Industrial Airpark, for manufacturing and technology company projects.

SAUNKEAH SHOUT OUT

Peggy Saunkeah's weekly shout out to individuals, companies, and organizations working to enhance Ada and our economic development efforts.

Saunkeah Shout OUT this week is for Shane Hudson, Site Manager for MSA Global. Shane loves to lead a group, helping them to improve their process, and getting the team to take ownership in that process and or product. Shane Hudson brings his leadership and team building skills to one of Ada’s leading manufacturers, MSA GLOBAL.

Shane Hudson, Globe and MSA share a common culture, values, and mission to see to it that men and women may work in safety and that they, their families, and their communities may live in health throughout the world. Together, it is their mission to better serve firefighters by providing innovative, head-to-toe PPE solutions that advance innovation in firefighter performance and safety.

Globe operates two plants that build turnout gear (Pittsfield, New Hampshire and Ada, Oklahoma) and one that builds footwear (Auburn, Maine). These plants incorporate some of the latest manufacturing technology available and employ 425 employees in more than 130,000 square feet of manufacturing space.

We are proud to partner with Shane Hudson and Globe!

WEEKLY MYTH BUSTER: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS ONLY ABOUT BUSINESS ATTRACTION

Attracting companies is important, and Ada, Oklahoma has been faring well. However, business retention is important, too. Much of the growth, expansion, and new jobs in Ada come from existing businesses.

Creating good relationships with existing businesses helps attract new companies as the city fosters a growing group of thriving local businesses. Essentially, businesses already in the city become ambassadors for the community, marketing Ada and Oklahoma to the world. By nourishing relationships with existing business and providing them with the resources they need to stay here, we at Ada Jobs Foundation help build a healthy local economy.

APPLY BY NOVEMBER 5TH

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Apply to compete here!

Ada Jobs Foundation

580-235-0070

www.growada.com

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