Gov. Kevin Stitt has appointed new leadership for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, which is going through a major change intended to improve the state's economic development,
Stitt announced this week that Deputy Secretary of State Evan Brown will become director of the Oklahoma Office of Economic Development, Growth, and Expansion (EDGE), one of two new anticipated Commerce Department divisions. The new agency aims to promote economic development and attract new businesses to the state. Brown said he plans to balance investment between existing industries and enterprises and new opportunities through the new division.
"It's a really a relationship between investing in our legacies and finding good fits for Oklahoma who can complement who we are and what we're already good at," Brown said.
Brown plans to bring in more companies within Oklahoma's largest industries, such as oil and gas, agriculture and aerospace. More attention will be given to the state's growing biopharmaceuticals, technology and manufacturing industries. However, Brown said numerous factors contribute to how the Commerce Department distributes funds to promote economic activities in different areas and industries.
"Distribution of funding between industries depends on numerous factors, such as how tax incentives are structures, workforce competency, and what a piece of land gives you as far as what you can build on a greenfield or brownfield site," he said. "When you invite someone to the state, they are investing in Oklahoma, they are investing in the community. But I wouldn't say from a funding perspective."
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What to know about changes to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Changes in the department were called for in legislation passed earlier this year. Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, author of Senate Bill 1447, said EDGE would "have a highlighted and intentional focus on expansion for Oklahoma's existing businesses."
In addition, she said, "they're going to do a targeted sector study. They're going to take an in-depth look at what industries do we want to pursue. We're really good at aerospace, right? We've lost some battery manufacturing opportunities. Maybe we're not a battery manufacturing state. I don't know at this point, but that's what they're going to look at. They're going to figure out what makes sense for Oklahoma and go after it."
A summary of SB1447 said implementing the changes in the Commerce Department would cost about $4.6 million.
Efforts to increase economic development in the state have been in the works for more than a year. Thompson said her legislation was an outgrowth of a committee formed in 2023 by Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City.
No appointments have been announced for the Commerce Department’s other division, the Community Outreach and Revitalization Enterprise (CORE), which will focus on long-term development of local communities to increase competitiveness and enhance economic opportunities, such as creating new and higher-quality jobs and carrying out policy development and research.
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Brown, who will take over his duties Sept. 23, said both small and large enterprises would benefit from the Oklahoma's deregulated business policies.
The governor said Brown was selected because of his business background and experience working in leadership roles within the Commerce Department.
“Evan has a knack for economic policy that will help make Oklahoma the most attractive state for investment and opportunity,” Stitt said.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Deputy Secretary of State to lead new Oklahoma Department of Commerce division
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