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Oklahoma Senate
Sen. Kristen Thompson statement on business retention meeting
Sen. Thompson visits with reporters after Tuesday's meeting of the Senate Select Committee on Business Retention and Economic Development about the planned closure of Ardmore's Michelin plant.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Vice Chair Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, released the following statement Tuesday regarding the Senate Select Committee on Business Retention and Economic Development’s meeting on the announced closure of the Michelin plant in Ardmore.
“Today’s meeting was enlightening, and we appreciate Lieutenant Governor Pinnell, the Department of Commerce and community leaders from Ardmore sharing about their efforts to support the business community and boost economic development.
“I’m unsure if there was anything we could do to change the unfortunate decision to close the Michelin plant in Ardmore. However, it’s apparent from our discussions that in order to better compete with other states, we must create a better statewide economic development structure. We’re not properly optimizing our state’s talent or assets.
“Most of our state’s focus has been on recruiting rather than retention. If we want to compete nationally and globally, we must be more intentional in supporting our smaller and medium-sized Oklahoma businesses that are already here and investing in our local communities. They are the backbone of our state’s economy, and we need to do more to help them grow and expand.
“I’m looking forward to sharing a new vision for economic development in the upcoming months.”
Sen. Thompson: (405) 521-5592 or Kristen.Thompson@oksenate.gov
