Senate hearing to highlight contributions of Oklahoma-owned businesses as part of ‘Oklahoma First!’ initiative

Businesses located in Oklahoma and owned by Oklahomans have a major impact on the state in a variety of areas. That’s according to Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, who has requested an interim study to highlight the positive role those businesses play in not only the state’s economy, but in charitable giving as well.
That study will be held this Thursday, October 10 at 9 a.m. in room 535 of the state Capitol.

Standridge said the informational meeting is a part of his “Oklahoma First!” initiative.

“For several years, I have worked on ‘Oklahoma First’ legislation. This year, I had several ‘Oklahoma First’ pieces of legislation signed into law with the goal of keeping and growing more wealth for Oklahomans in Oklahoma,” said Standridge, who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee. “I was shocked to learn that as a state, from healthcare to transportation, we send millions of Oklahoma dollars out of state and wonder why so many of our children and our college graduates look to other states for the American Dream. We need to focus on the companies and entities that are Oklahoma owned and operated.”

Presenters at Thursday’s study by the Senate Business, Commerce and Tourism Committee include representatives from Bama Pies, BancFirst, Love’s, Paycom, Access Care Oklahoma, and Ideal Homes.

“These companies employ thousands of Oklahomans, fuel our economy and are outstanding corporate neighbors and citizens, supporting numerous charitable organizations throughout our state,” Standridge said. “We need to highlight how important Oklahoma businesses are and do what we can to encourage both the private and public sectors to utilize these companies—they are invested in ways out-of-state corporations aren’t. Highlighting their contributions will help show how important they are to our state.”