Loading tweets...
Over the last few years, Oklahoma City has made a name for itself. From the Maps projects to the acquisition of the OKC Thunder, Oklahoma City has gained a lot of positive national exposure. Years ago if someone mentioned Oklahoma, jokes would erupt referencing covered wagons, dust bowl, etc. But today’s Oklahoma includes great entertainment, growing cultural opportunities, fabulous cuisine and a thriving economy.
Here are the facts:
- OKC Ranked #5 Best Job Market for 2011
- OKC #1 Most Affordable Cities to Live 2010
- 5.7% Unemployment Rate (As of November 2011)
- Best Place to Launch a Business (Forbes 2009)
- Listed as a Recession-Proof city (2008)
- Three major companies listed as Forbes Best Places to Work for 2012
From an economic perspective OKC is head-and-shoulders above other mid-market cities, but it’s not just the economy that is attracting people to this great state. In 2008 Clay Bennett and Aubrey McClendon spearheaded the initiative to bring the Seattle Sonics to Oklahoma to start a new NBA franchise. Many questioned the tactic and feasibility of bringing a professional basketball team to Oklahoma, as it is not considered a “major market”. But Clay and Aubrey did it, and boy has it paid off. The OKC Thunder has one of the highest (if not the top) attendance rates in the NBA, helping create a huge economic boom to Downtown/Midtown OKC.
In addition to sports, cultural attractions have tremendously grown. The city is proud to boast the largest Chihuly exhibit in the country at the OKC Museum of Art, Smithsonian quality exhibits at the Oklahoma History Museum, not to mention Lyric Theater, Oklahoma’s premier professional theater company.
It has taken many years and a lot of commitment, passion and forethought by our community leaders to get Oklahoma City where it is today. As you can see this city has embraced growth and is proud to be nationally recognized as a great place to live. If you’ve never been to Oklahoma, take a road trip! I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
4 comments
Micky
January 31, 2012 at 12:38 PM (UTC -5)
Great post! Love the Thunder!
Stephanie
January 31, 2012 at 12:41 PM (UTC -5)
Thanks Micky! We are lucky to have such great players too… KD, Russ, James, Kendrick, Eric, Nick, Serge, Thabo.. they are all class acts!
Micky
January 31, 2012 at 12:56 PM (UTC -5)
I think the fact Westbrook wants to stay here is a fantastic testament to the fans and this city.
Stephanie
January 31, 2012 at 2:12 PM (UTC -5)
Totally agree. And I think the media blew the friction with KD out of proportion. They may have a squabble or two- but they play well together (and know it).