BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION

Goal – Design, create, and implement a robust BR&E program that provides assistance and support to existing employers.

• Connect with the region’s “primary” employers’ management teams on a regular basis to identify areas where they may need assistance and/or support. Produce a simple survey requesting company information during onsite visits with plant managers, owners, and CEOs. Action Step Owner: MAEDS.

• Create an “executive roundtable” made up of plant managers, owners, and CEOs of primary employers that meet on a regular basis; sometimes with a guest presenter from a workforce agency, the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center, or other partners. Always include a discussion of common issues they are experiencing. Action Step Owner: MAEDS.

• Create business baseline information including names, titles, annual sales, employment numbers, location of workforce, pay scale, employee benefits, and other pertinent information. Ensure this information is maintained confidentially and only released in aggregate form. Use this information to analyze local company operations and to possibly identify a crisis before it becomes a crisis. Action Step Owner: MAEDS.

• It is recommended a full-time person be employed to manage the BR&E program. Action Step Owner: MAEDS.