Claremore Economic Development Earns IEDC Silver Award for Industry Retention Campaign

October 21, 2026

Manufacturing-focused initiative recognized for supporting more than $104 million in capital investment and 700 new jobs in Rogers County

CLAREMORE, OKLA. (October 21, 2026) — Claremore Economic Development has earned a 2026 Silver Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in the Business Retention & Expansion category. The international recognition celebrates the organization's Industry Retention Campaign, an initiative designed to strengthen existing manufacturers through strategic partnerships, proactive engagement, and direct access to resources supporting business growth.

The award recognizes a campaign that helped seven Rogers County manufacturers secure more than $9.2 million in competitive state funding, supporting over $104 million in announced capital investment and more than 700 new jobs in 2025.

Presented by the world's largest professional association for economic developers, the IEDC Excellence Awards recognize outstanding programs and initiatives from communities around the globe. The competitive awards program includes 26 categories and a multi-stage judging process evaluating innovation, effectiveness and measurable community impact.

Claremore Economic Development will be recognized alongside international award recipients during IEDC's Annual Conference, October 25–28, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Turning Industry Relationships into Measurable Results

While business attraction often captures headlines, Claremore Economic Development's award-winning campaign demonstrates the value of investing in businesses already operating within the community.

The Industry Retention Campaign was developed to help existing manufacturers identify opportunities for growth, navigate available state programs and overcome challenges that can delay expansion projects.

Through targeted outreach, direct company engagement and coordination with state partners, the initiative connected manufacturers with programs including the Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program (OIEP) and Business Expansion Incentive Program (BEIP).

Rather than introducing another incentive or funding program, the campaign focused on making existing resources more accessible and effective for the private sector.

“We believe that business goes where it's invited, but stays where it's appreciated. That philosophy is at the heart of how we approach our work in Claremore,” said Meggie Froman-Knight, Executive Director of Claremore Economic Development. “While attracting new investment is important, we can't overlook the businesses that have already chosen to call our community home. Our manufacturers are investing in their people, their facilities, and their future right here in Rogers County. Our job is to make sure they know they're valued, understand the opportunities available to them, and have a partner willing to help them grow. This award is a reflection of those relationships and the investments our local industries continue to make.”

A distinguishing feature of the campaign was its coordinated, private-sector-oriented approach to service delivery. Claremore Economic Development worked alongside the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Oklahoma Finance Authority, Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance and Claremore Chamber of Commerce to simplify communication, coordinate application requirements, and help participating businesses navigate project milestones. A dedicated local point of contact provided consistency throughout the process, while coordinated state partner visits improved efficiency and created opportunities for direct engagement with manufacturers.

The campaign also emphasized meaningful communication rather than high-volume promotion, using targeted outreach, manufacturing roundtables and personal follow-up to connect businesses with opportunities aligned with their operational needs.

Recognition for Innovation and Collaboration

IEDC judges highlighted the campaign's measurable outcomes, manufacturing focus and coordinated approach to service delivery.

One judge described the initiative as a strong example of taking an existing business retention and expansion effort, focusing on tangible industry impact and removing bottlenecks to improve services and produce results.

Another specifically praised the campaign's emphasis on manufacturing and its importance to the broader U.S. economy.

The success of the initiative has helped establish an ongoing business retention strategy, including structured outreach annually and continued engagement with existing manufacturers.

At the time of the award submission, Claremore Economic Development was also supporting 15 additional manufacturing expansion projects planned for 2026, demonstrating how the approach has created a foundation for continued investment.

"Economic development isn't just about celebrating the announcement of a new project. It's about the work that happens before, during and after those investments," Froman-Knight added. "Our manufacturers are the ones putting capital to work, expanding their facilities and creating career opportunities. Our responsibility is to be a resource they can count on, and this international recognition is a meaningful reflection of the partnerships behind that work."

As Claremore and Rogers County continue to experience industrial growth, the organization plans to build upon the campaign's success, strengthen existing partnerships and explore opportunities to apply similar strategies across additional business sectors.

Learn more about Claremore Economic Development at MoreStartsHere.com.

About the International Economic Development Council:
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the world's largest association for economic development professionals. Founded on a legacy spanning 100 years, IEDC supports economic development practitioners through professional development, research, advocacy and collaboration. Its Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize outstanding projects, programs and initiatives advancing economic prosperity in communities around the world. Learn more at IEDC.org.