Business Briefs (Week of Oct. 14)
Monday, October 17, 2022
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Looking for business briefs? This week's roundup (for the week of Oct. 14) from The Journal Record.
Sparks fly as Stitt, Hofmeister make their case
Gov. Kevin Stitt and challenger Joy Hofmeister each presented their case Wednesday why they should be elected governor on Nov. 8, with Hofmeister accusing Stitt of “cronyism” and “corruption,” and Stitt claiming Hofmeister is beholden to “special interests.” Petroleum Alliance President Brook A. Simmons moderated a discussion with the candidates at the Petroleum Alliance headquarters – just a few blocks south of the Oklahoma Capitol. Simmons said the organization wanted to know more about the candidates’ positions on the issues that most affect Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry.
State’s film and music office director takes role within Cherokee Nation
Tava Maloy Sofsky, a veteran of the film, TV and music business who has directed the Oklahoma Film + Music Industry office for several years, has opted to take a similar leadership role within the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee Nation announced on Oct. 7 that Sofsky accepted a position as its new film commissioner. According to a release, she will serve dual roles as both film commissioner and as the tribe’s film office director. She’ll oversee the Cherokee Film Incentive program, among other initiatives and efforts to advance the growth of the industry within the Cherokee Nation.
Five Tribes jump for Joy, citing 'respect' for sovereignty
Leaders of the five largest tribes in Oklahoma are throwing their support to Joy Hofmeister in Oklahoma’s tightening gubernatorial race – which may have a substantial effect on the outcome of the race, past elections show. Leaders of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Muscogee, Choctaw and Seminole nations held a press conference to announce their endorsement, citing Hofmeister’s “respect for tribal sovereignty.”
Past winner Agel to deliver keynote at 'Woman of the Year' gala
The Journal Record ’s 2016 Woman of the Year, Susan Agel, will return to the stage as keynote speaker on Oct. 20 for this year’s gala to discuss the importance of leaving a legacy. The Journal Record program, now in its 42nd year, will recognize “50 Making a Difference” honorees and name this year’s overall Woman of the Year winner at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. About 450 people are expected to attend. Agel is an advocate for at-risk children.
Tribes call for repeal of law that chills classroom discussions
Oklahoma’s largest tribes have called on the state Legislature to repeal a controversial new law that many fear will prevent teachers from having accurate, honest discussions with students about the historical mistreatment of Native Americans and other minorities. Members of the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes, including representatives of the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Seminole, and Muscogee nations and their combined populations of some 815,000 citizens, gathered recently in Durant. Among other actions, the council members voted to call for repeal of the law implemented after passage of House Bill 1775 last year. In a statement, the members said the law’s intent of prohibiting educational curriculum or activities that imply any person should feel “discomfort” because of his or her race or sex will lead teachers to avoid truthful discussions on matters of race or other sensitive issues.
Suppliers Expo draws 500 to OKC Convention Center
The second annual State Suppliers Expo was even better than the first, organizers said. The event, held at the Oklahoma City Convention Center, welcomed more than 500 visitors and vendors who might be able to help the state improve its delivery of services. Fifteen state agencies hosted booths at the event, listing their needs and top projects. The event brought together agency decision-makers with vendors who may contract with the state to provide technology and services that enable the agencies to more efficiently fulfill their missions.
Updating zoning codes could transform OKC
Oklahoma City is 621 square miles of zoned land that offers little flexibility to develop properties to fit the character of the district where they lie, short of a variance or special-use permit. That’s why the city is updating its zoning and development codes to reflects the goals set forth in "planokc," the comprehensive plan adopted in 2015. They include integrated residential types and sizes, more open spaces, connectivity and improved design standards. Marilyn Lamensdorf with the city’s Planning Department presented an update on the codes initiative during the 2022 Commercial Real Estate Summit hosted by the University of Central Oklahoma.
California sea lions, underwater neighbors to get new home at zoo
Not long ago, folks at the Oklahoma City Zoo took a deep dive into planning their next major expansion project, a new habitat for the zoo’s beloved California sea lions, harbor seals and other marine mammals. Their work seems to have gone swimmingly. The zoo announced that construction will begin in the spring of 2023 on a premier new place for sea lions Piper, Pearl and others, along with harbor seals Liberty and Bixby and their friends, to call home.
With increased risk of attacks, cyber insurance a growing need
Cyber insurance is a $7 billion industry that is projected to grow to $30 billion by 2025. An industry growing that fast needs time to mature, warns Walter Hirsekorn, regional vice president at ISG Technology. Companies need to evaluate cyber policies carefully before they buy, even when dealing with a reputable insurer, because insurance companies are not cyber experts, Hirsekorn said. Large corporations have purchased cyber insurance for decades, but many mid-level and smaller businesses questioned the need until the COVID-19-inspired rise in remote work.
OSU adopts strategy to lead land-grant universities
Oklahoma State University aspires to be the nation’s top land-grant institution. University President Kayse Shrum and Senior Vice President of Operations Jerome Loughridge introduced a plan to make it happen. Shrum said stakeholders including students, faculty members, OSU graduates, donors, industry representatives, tribal partners and state leaders contributed to the plan over a course of months. Policy highlights include specific targets for increasing student retention to record levels, increasing the percentage of students who graduate from OSU debt-free to 60%, and reducing the average student debt of graduates with OSU debt to no more than $3,000 per year of attendance.
Commission rules on tribal tax case; controversy simmers
The Oklahoma Tax Commission disavowed the findings of its own report, as well as the findings of its own administrative law judge, in order to reject a tribal citizen’s claimed exemption from state income tax. While Gov. Kevin Stitt heralded the decision as a win for the state, the matter is far from resolved. The tax protester had based her claim for an exemption in part on assertions made in a report OTC prepared at Stitt’s request, claiming that the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2020 ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma could cost the state $72.7 million in taxes currently assessed to tribal members that, due to the McGirt ruling, become exempt as residents of an Indian reservation.
New president named to lead Greater OKC Chamber
The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber announced that Christy Gillenwater, president of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce in Tennessee, has been named to lead the chief advocacy organization for business and industry in Oklahoma City. Following a nationwide executive search, Gillenwater was selected to succeed Roy Williams as president of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. Williams announced his retirement earlier this year. In addition to her leadership role in Chattanooga, Gillenwater has chaired the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, a national organization of more than 1,300 chambers.
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