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Southwest Oklahoma Impact Coalition
Addressing economic and community development issues in Southwest Oklahoma

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SOICUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
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The Workforce StoryUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).

Working with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and local Workforce Investment Boards, SOIC is forming separate task forces to address regional workforce needs within two specific industry sectors -manufacturing and energy.

These employer-driven, industry-focused partnerships will undertake the mission of developing a plan of action to address and overcome the critical workforce challenges confronting those two industry sectors. Bill Cunningham, Paul Walenciak and Michael Raymond, Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence agents, will lead the manufacturing sector task force. Ray Friedl and Kathie Price, Workforce Investment Board, will head up the effort on the part of the energy sector.

In addition, a SOIC partner has designed an advanced manufacturing curriculum and training program to be located within southwest Oklahoma. The program will produce multiskilled craftsmen in the fields of Manual and CNC Machining; Welding; Instrumentation and Automation; Computer Aided Drafting and Lean Manufacturing. When completed, this will would be Oklahoma's second Advanced Manufacturing Center program.

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SOIC's aim has been set highUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).

-our partners believe there are measurable advantages to sharing and leveraging assets, expenses and programs with our neighboring communities in the region.

Dr. John Hays, President Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford

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WestOak IndustriesUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).

WestOak Industries, Erick, Oklahoma, employs highly skilled technicians in the manufacture of printed circuit board assemblies ..

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SOIC TransportationUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).

Copies of this document outlining Southwestern Oklahoma's transportation attributes complete with detailed maps are available at the SOIC office. You may call 405-5741368 to request a copy.

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Transportation GoalsUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).

Goal: To develop a comprehensive regional transportation priority plan.

  • Engage local and national political representatives into the delivery of the plan.
  • Facilitate town hall meetings for community input.
  • Publish and distribute plan.
  • Communicate and work with ODOT and elected officials for implementation of the plan.

Lead Institution: University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma

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Photo courtesy of Tanner Corbin.Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).

Public and private lakes provide flood control, water supply, power generation, recreation, and fishing and wildlife conservation in western Oklahoma.

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Health CareUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Quality of life, need we say more?
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Child CareUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
An unrecognized workforce issue
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Did you know?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).

With the technology available today, many people are able to telecommute once or twice a week. It is estimated that up to 63 percent of the costs of absenteeism can be eliminated through a successful telecommuting program.

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Workers CompUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
A real time business issue
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Wind from near Weatherford, OklahomaUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Photo Courtesy of Tanner Corbin.
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Front Line Team Members:Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).

SOIC's Front Line Team serves as the Business Service Team for Southwest Oklahoma.  In essence, they are "the Brokers for Solutions!"

Team members include individuals representing SOIC partners as well as at-large members from both the public and private sector.  The Team provides access to all organizations that provide services to employers.   

Team members are available to meet with employers and can provide specific information important to business owners to include:  employee training, sector-based initiatives, labor market studies, employer surveys and results, focus group results, local economic conditions, new labor laws and regulations, target sector information, and more. 

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Whats Next?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).

As with any new start-up organization, the Southwest Oklahoma Impact Coalition has been busy for the first two years defining its mission and gaining consensus about future direction. Now armed with a mission statement and a three year strategic plan, SOIC will be seeking new partners and building its base of support. Already on board are a number of organizations that includes technical centers, tribal governments, chambers of commerce and individuals.

The information initially gathered from the e-Synchronist surveys will be updated to ensure access to the most recent and relevant data for local use.

Internship opportunities for college students in high-skill, high-tech business and industry sectors are being established throughout the region.

In addition to the Front Line Team, standing committees will be formed this year to work on the priority issues identified through the initial e-Synchronist business surveys.

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SOIC Missions Statement:Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).

The mission of the coalition is to reinforce and grow wealth in the Southwest Quadrant of Oklahoma by maximizing and coordinating workforce economic development opportunities through a collaborative process.

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SurveysUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Please take the time to fill out the following survey:hyperlink