SpiritBank and ODC Form Partnership
(Tulsa, Oklahoma) May 23, 2006 - SpiritBank is proud to announce the formation of a public/private sector partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
"This is an excellent example of how Oklahoma's private sector is collaborating with the public sector to accelerate economic development in our state. Our shared goal is to strengthen and grow existing businesses in the state, facilitate regional economic development strategies and to attract globally competitive talent," said Amy Polonchek, interim executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. "Oklahoma has many outstanding corporate citizens, and we are always exploring opportunities to develop new and innovative partnerships that will impact economic development."
Ongoing collaborative endeavors with SpiritBank and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce include the following areas:
-Operation Johnny Apple Seed ??? Graphically facilitating strategic game plans with regional economic development teams and uncovering business potential and strategies to expand and grow business state wide.
-Operation Move California ??? Targeting select entrepreneurs and businesses in the Silicon Valley to move their activities to Oklahoma.
-Oklahoma Entrepreneurial Strategy - Spirit Bank is an advocate for a state wide Entrepreneurial Strategy.Entrepreneurial development is critical to the future of the state and Spirit Bank is willing to invest its resources to facilitate a vision for that future, and to help turn that vision to reality.
-Special Projects ??? Aerospace, commercialization, problem solving, innovation, and business development.
???This important partnership offers a new approach to economic development that has the potential to drive innovation, uncover hidden opportunities and raise the bar in how business is conducted in the great state of Oklahoma,??? said Albert C. ???Kell??? Kelly, CEO of SpiritBank.-More-
About SpiritBank:
Since 1916 SpiritBank has been a family owned community bank, currently with 16 branches throughout Oklahoma. Visit www.spiritbank.com for information.
About the Oklahoma Department of Commerce:
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce (www.OKcommerce.gov) is the primary economic and workforce development arm of the state. They recruit new businesses to the state, develop economic incentives, assist existing business with growth, facilitate international trade and export assistance, and provide funding to Oklahoma rural communities for programs and activities aimed at sustainability and economic growth.