Claremore Economic Development celebrates successful 2023

December 27, 2023

Claremore Economic Development 

In a blink of an eye, 2023 is coming to a close! I look back with a great sense of pride and enthusiasm at the accomplishments of our community in 2023. We welcomed new businesses, launched innovative new talent development programs, and made significant strides in strategic planning for future housing projects. 

We continued to witness a surge in inquiries and requests for information from companies considering relocation or expansion within Oklahoma. In 2023, Claremore received more than 66 proposal requests and completed 29 submissions. Our team also hosted seven site visits to showcase available properties in the Claremore Industrial Park, primed and ready for expansion. Additionally, our small business development team supported over $2 million in property development and completed more than 200 hours of consulting, ensuring our small partners had support on every step in their business journey particularly in a challenging fiscal business environment.

The growth of industries inevitably leads to a heightened demand for a skilled workforce. To support the burgeoning talent pool in the region, Claremore Economic Development recently launched innovative new programming aimed at preparing the next generation of workforce. These initiatives are designed to cultivate a professionally trained workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of the industry. This summer, ten students enrolled in Northeast Tech's Pre-Engineering Program had a unique opportunity to gain in-depth exposure to the career field through a new program in partnership with the Rogers County Center of Manufacturing Excellence and Claremore Economic Development.

In addition, Claremore Economic Development announced two groundbreaking scholarship efforts, offering free educational advancement to students looking to expand their skillset past that of a high school diploma. The Rogers County Technical Training and the RSU Micro-Credential Scholarship Programs allow local residents to advance their careers and bolster their resumes with specific skill sets. Having awarded over 75 scholarships in 2023, Claremore Economic Development is poised to provide its residents over $100,000 in additional career training opportunities in 2024. Claremore Economic Development staff will be on campus in Markham Hall on January 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to answer questions and assist those interested in completing the scholarship application. 

2023 was also an exciting year for the Claremore Regional Airport, with the completion of several infrastructure projects, including a  $1,265,370 apron rehabilitation and installation of a new fueling service allowing for 24-hour access for tenants and guests. The FAA and Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission awarded the facility a grant that will support the construction of a 6,000-square-foot rental hangar, relocate utilities, and remedy drainage issues. Construction is set to begin in early 2024.

Our community's progress this year is a clear testament to our commitment to bridging the past and future, positioning Claremore for sustained growth and enduring success. 

We are Claremore Economic Development…. More Starts Here! 

The best is yet to come, and our team is honored to play a small part in shaping the future of the place we call home. 

All my best, 

Meggie Froman-Knight
Claremore Economic Development Executive Director