Looking Back,

Ada Jobs Foundation2010 Annual Report

Moving Forward

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Moving Forward 2011

Recruitment & Attraction

Business Retention

Entrepreneurship

Community Investment

Accomplishments & Awards

Plans for 2011

Leadership & Staff

Ada Jobs Foundation Members

Table of Contents3

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About Ada Jobs Foundation

Letter From The President

Letter From The Chairman

Looking Back at 2010

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About the Ada Jobs Foundation

>>> Established in 1998, the Ada Jobs Foundation is a public-private partnership with the mission to create and retain quality jobs for the Ada area. The Ada Jobs Foundation provides economic development services for the City of Ada, but is the only full-time economic development organization within Pontotoc County.

>>> The Ada Jobs Foundation is funded through a city economic development sales tax and memberships from private businesses.

>>> The main focus of the Ada Jobs Foundation is on industrial development activities that attract and retain industrial and manufacturing jobs in the area. The Ada Jobs Foundation also provides information and assistance for service-based businesses. The Ada Jobs Foundation works with local entrepreneurs to generate new jobs and businesses as well. While not the primary focus, the Ada Jobs Foundation also provides some assistance to commercial and retail development projects in the area.

>>> The Ada Jobs Foundation works in partnership with state and local government, educators, training providers, financial institutions, and businesses. Our partners include Ada Area Chamber of Commerce, Ada Industrial Development Corporation, Chickasaw Nation, City of Ada, East Central University, Pontotoc County Commissioners, Pontotoc Technology Center, Science and Natural Resources Foundation, and Tri-County Indian Nations, CDC.

“Understand that most problems are a good sign.

Problems indicate that progress is being made, wheels are turning, you

are moving forward toward your goals.”

- Scott Alexander

Letter from the Chairman of the BoardLetter From the President While our local economy continues to recover from the prolonged recession, Ada should see increased signs of life in 2011. As consumer confidence increases, we will see a full recovery.

Ada took a cushioned blow from the recession compared to other parts of the country. It wasn’t until the natural gas prices fell that the nation shared their recession with our market. Only one month had an unemployment rate in excess of 6.0% over the last five years and that was attributed to a local manufacturer having to temporarily stop production for two months due to national issues.

We should always strive to improve the quality of life and Ada residents voted to do just that in 2010 by overwhelmingly approving capital expenditures that included recreational parks, a police station, central fire station, renovated city hall, and developing a plan for our long term water needs. Community leaders and the voting public stated that we all want to make Ada better.

While the city residents were setting goals for the next five years, several area improvements came to reality. The County Courthouse underwent a major face lift and the new county jail was complete. The Chickasaw Nation completed several major capital projects of which the new hospital was the largest. East Central continues to improve their campus by designing a new business school/conference center on the heels of the fine arts center construction.

Even as the private capital markets tightened and impacted new development, the public projects moved forward in order to prepare the community for the next private sector boom. With an enhanced community, Ada will be better prepared for the most ambitious of projects in the future.

President & CEO

The past year has been about change and the ability of the Ada Jobs Foundation to adapt. The economic state of our country has impacted how everyone does business. The economic development industry has experienced fewer projects, limited access to capital, and reduced funding streams for projects.

The Ada Jobs Foundation has been fortunate to have staff and leadership that recognized the need to diversify and insulate our economy to lessen the impact of a national economic recession. The Ada Jobs Foundation was instrumental in creating or preserving over 3,200 jobs in the Ada area since 1998. Because of our past successes, the unemployment rate for the Ada area remained significantly lower than the state and national rates during 2010. Our long track record of success played a vital role in lessening the impact of the current recession.

Our community leadership has recognized that in order to continue to thrive, we must continue to move our community forward. During 2010, community leaders identified aspects of the community that were lacking and developed plans to make improvements in these areas. These plans are currently being implemented. By investing in our community now, our hope is to emerge from this recession with all the aspects necessary to attract quality jobs not only now but in the future.

Our existing industries have proven to be more important to the Ada Jobs Foundation over the past year, and we recognized the need to adapt to meet their changing needs. Our organization provided assistance and guidance to help our existing industries not only stay in business but also to grow during these rough economic times. Ada was fortunate to not have any major employers close their doors during the recession. In fact, most of our larger employers are seeking to hire additional employees.

The Ada Jobs Foundation is committed to providing the best economic development services for our community. The citizens of our community are blessed to have an organization such as the Ada Jobs Foundation guiding the economic future of the area. The future for our organization and community are bright. We look forward to 2011 and the growth and prosperity it will bring.

Bill Horne Jr.Chairman 2010-2011

Bill Horne Jr.

Looking Back at 2010 Moving Forward 2011Sales Tax Collections - City of Ada

1 Year Change

5 Year Change

Calendar Year (Jan - Dec)

$13,948,715 1.6% 16.8%

Fiscal Year (1/2)

(July - Dec)$6,943,943 5.0%

Adj. Retail Sales (Jan - Dec)

$296,411,040 2.5% 21.0%

Labor 1 Year

Change5 Year

Change10 Year Change

Average Size - Ada 20,634 -1.4% 10.4% 23.5%Avg. Unemployment Rate 1 Year

Change 2005 2000Ada 5.3% -2.9% 4.4% 3.3%Oklahoma 7.1% 7.6% 4.5% 3.1%U.S. 9.6% 3.2% 5.1% 4.0%

Building Permits - City of Ada1 Year

Change5 Year

Change

Total Value $26,890,942 91.2% 85.4%

Housing1 Year

Change5 Year

Change

Home Sales 427 -1.8% -19.1%Avg. Sales Price $114,750 4.6% 3.8%Avg. Days on Market 158 -3.5%Avg. Median Price $91,321

Local Interest StocksAvg. Adj. Closing

Price

1 Year Change

5 Year Change

10 Year Change

Pre-Paid Legal Services

$25.67 -8.5% 9.9% 152.9%

Wal-Mart $51.75 6.9% 19.8% 13.4%Coca-Cola $55.15 18.9% 52.8%Natural Gas - Avg. Wellhead Price

$4.16 13.6% -43.2% 12.9%“Revel in your imperfections, Be entertained by your problems. And know that once you looked ahead, And wished you were where you are now, And once again you will look back and smile.” - Unknown

“Behind us we can look back and see the great expanse of American achievement; and before

us we can see even greater, grander frontiers of possibility.” - Bill Clinton

Population - Pontotoc County2000 Census 2010 Census 2011 Projection

35,143 37,492 37,757

The population of Pontotoc County grew by 6.7% from 2000 to 2010. The population is projected to continue to grow during 2011 by at least 1%. The 2016 population is projected to exceed 38,400.

Jobs - Pontotoc County2001 2010 2011 Projection20,577 24,160 24,781

Job growth in Pontotoc County from 2001 to 2011 is projected to exceed 20%. Additional 8% growth is projected by 2016, which brings the number of jobs to over 26,600.

WagesSince 2001 the median hourly wage has increased by 24.4%. In 2010, there was a 1% increase, and a similar increase is projected for 2011.

Fastest Growing IndustriesThe top five projected fastest growing industries for the next five years are :

• Government - 465 new jobs• Other Services (not Public Admin) - 444 new jobs• Manufacturing - 398 new jobs• Mining, Quarrying, & Oil and Gas Extraction - 333 new jobs• Accommodation & Food Service - 222 new jobs

Business RetentionRecruitment & Attraction2010 Business & Industry Night

Out Award Winners

New Business AwardInteractive Response Technologies (IRT)

Innovations AwardHolcim (US) Inc

Entrepreneurship AwardHarland Stonecipher

Small Employer of the YearPontotoc Technology Center

Medium Employer of the YearEDGE Tech Corp

Large Employer of the YearEast Central University

Environmental AwardGeneral Aviation Modifications Inc.

Ambassador AwardChickasaw Nation

Economic Development Leader of the Year

Dr. Steve Turner

The Ada Jobs Foundation was engaged in a variety of business retention activities during 2010.

AJF Staff visited all existing employers with 100+ plus employees at least once during 2010. AJF staff also visited many of the area’s smaller employers.

In July 2010, the Ada Jobs Foundation hosted the Second Annual Business and Industry Night Out Event. This event recognizes local businesses for their achievements over the past few years.

AJF Staff visited four corporate headquarters of businesses with operations in Ada. These visits have lead to increased investment in Ada by these companies.

AJF Staff began implementing the Executive Pulse Business Retention and Expansion tracking software, which will allow for extensive tracking of business growth and improved communication.

The Ada Jobs Foundation was engaged in a variety of recruitment activities during 2010.

AJF Staff attended three trade shows: NSSF’s SHOT Show, National Business Aviation Association’s Convention, and Experimental Aviation Association’s Air Venture.

AJF Staff participated in two call trips where they visited with both site consultants and business executives. Staff also participated in a forum that brought economic developers and site consultants together.

AJF Staff participated in and helped facilitate two regional events that brought over 25 site consultants to the area.

The recruitment activities of the Ada Jobs Foundation generated seven solid leads with active projects. A wide variety of soft leads were also developed.

AJF Staff was also able to build relationships with numerous site consultants and business executives.

AJF Staff received 22 Requests for Proposals and submitted for 10 of these projects. AJF hosted 1 site visit and 2 familiarization tours during 2010 as well.

“The past is our definition. We may

strive, with good reason to escape

it, or to escape what is bad in it, but

we will escape it only by adding

something better to it.”

- Wendall Berry

Entrepreneurship

“No company can afford not to move forward. It may be at the top of the heap today but at the bottom of the

heap tomorrow, if it doesn’t.” - James Cash Penney

Community Investment

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were big things.” - Robert Brault

Ada underwent a transformation in 2010. Over $167 million in community investments were under construction or completed during 2010. Highlights include:

• Pontotoc County Justice Center

• Chickasaw Nation Hospital

• Pontotoc County Human Services Complex

• Chickasaw Nation Judicial & Legislative Buildings

• Valley View Cancer Treatment Center

• Pontotoc County Courthouse Renovations

• ECU Arts-related Incubator

These projects build upon others that were recently completed such as the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center.

Ada is committed to investing in its future and the future of area

businesses.

Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center

Chickasaw Nation Hospital

>>> Ada has had a long history of successful entrepreneurs, such as Pre-Paid Legal Services Inc. and EDGE Tech Corp. Our community recognizes that some of the best jobs are the jobs grown from within.

>>> In 2010, the Ada Jobs Foundation continued its support of entrepreneurship through a variety of activities. For the fifth year in a row, the AJF has contributed and supported the Governor’s Cup, which is a collegiate business plan competition. Staff served as a business plan writing judge for this competition. The AJF also continues to work with East Central University to enter a team into the competition.

>>> The Ada Jobs Foundation is a member of the Oklahoma Venture Forum, which is a non-profit organization designed to aid in the establishment and growth of new and existing business ventures. During 2010, two Ada businesses presented presentations at the meeting of this group. The Ada Jobs Foundation was also featured in their monthly newsletter.

>>> The Ada Jobs Foundation provided information and support services to several new businesses in varying stages of development.

>>> The Ada Jobs Foundation is expecting the development of new entrepreneurs over the course of 2011 and the next few years.

>>> Both the ECU Arts-related incubator and the incubator facility at the PontotocTechnology Center are occupied by growing start-up businesses.

ECU Arts Incubator

Accomplishments & Awards Plans for 2011• Redesign & Update AJF Website.

• Develop & Distribute a Guide to Doing Business in Ada, Oklahoma.

• Promote Ada at 3+ Trade Shows in Target Industry Sectors.

• Be Recognized as the “Go To” Organization to Solve Business Issues in Ada.

• Begin Implementing GIS Technology.

• Generate 10+ Leads In House.

• Create a Pipeline for Local Businesses to Access State & Federal Financial Programs or Grants.

• Improve Communication with Stakeholders, Prospects, & Media Visibility.

• Explore Direct Foreign Investment & Sister City Opportunities.

“Stride forward with a firm, steady step with a deep, certain inner knowing that you will reach every goal you set.” - Eileen Caddy

• Attend 2+ Call Trips or Events.

• Create a Local Business Network that Familiarizes Plant Managers with Each Other’s Operations.

• Assist in Creating 25+ Primary Jobs.

• Develop an Asset Map of Area Resources.

• Visit Every Existing Employer with 30+ Employees at Least Once & Employers with 100+ Employees at Least Twice During the Year.

• Solicit $50,000 in Donations or Grants Toward Economic Development Efforts.

• Build Relationships with Commercial Realtors.

• Develop a Safety Officer Networking Group.

• Develop a Network of Individuals with Ada Connections.

• Develop Entrepreneurial Opportunities and Partner with Other Organizations to Generate New Start-ups.

“It is delightful to transport one’s self into the spirit of the past to see how a wise man has thought before us, and to what a glorious height we

have at least reached.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

• Created 2010 Action Agenda.

• Created 2010 Marketing Plan.

• Updated Ada Quality Jobs Incentive Program.

• Integrated Social Media into Marketing.

• Secured USDA Grant for Infrastructure Improvements at C.B. Howard Industrial Park.

• SEDC Award of Merit. • Visited 100% of Existing Industries with 100+

Employees with Many Repeat Visits.

• Visited 75% of Existing Industries with 50-100 Employees.

• Implemented the Executive Pulse Business Retention & Expansion Program.

• Visited 4 Corporate Headquarters of Ada Businesses.

• Hosted One Site Visit & Two Familiarization Tours.

• Awarded Prop 2 Funds to East Central University for a Project that will Employ 12 & Attract Thousands of Visitors.

Ex-Officio/Advisory Members

Board of Directors Staff Ada Jobs Foundation MembersPlatinum

Gold

Silver Bronze

Horne & Company PC

Ada Coca-Cola Bottling Co. • Ada Evening News • Ada Ford Lincoln Mercury • Ada Rotary ClubAda Tire Center • Archibald Oil & Gas Operations, Inc • Arlington Center • Arvest Bank • AT&T

Boadie L. Anderson Quarries, Inc • Bolitho Media Services • Cable One • Chaprell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Inc Childers-Childers Architects & Associates PC • Criswell Funeral Home • East Central Oklahoma Blood Institute

East Central University • EDGE Tech Corp • GAMI • Gem Jewelers • GLOBE ManufacturingHolcim (US) Inc • Home Title Guaranty Co • Huckeby & Associates Realtors • Ken Johnson Law Firm

Landmark Bank • Mayhue & Stafford, Attorneys at Law • McCall’s Communities McCortney’s Family Pharmacy • Moon-Baker Agency • Oklahoma Senator Susan Paddack - District 13

Papa Gjorgjo’s • Paradigm Realty • Polo’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant • Pruitt Company of Ada • Pruitt Care Jim Sanders • Dick Scalf • Service Automall • Thompson Agency • Tri-County Indian Nations CDC • Wal-Mart

Mary Gallup10-11 Sec./Treasurer

Valley View Regional Hospital

Steve Bagwell10-11 Vice Chairman

Vision Bank

Bill Horne Jr.10-11 Chairman

Horne & Company PC

Jenny CypertBoard Member

Pontotoc Technology Center

Art Chapman09-10 Sec./Treasurer

Chaprell Chrysler Jeep Dodge Inc

Wayne Case09-10 Chairman

Vision Bank

David KeithBoard Member

First United Bank

Ken JohnsonBoard Member

Attorney at Law

Jim HambyBoard Member

Vision Bank

David YoungBoard Member

Citizens Bank of Ada

Dexter PruittBoard MemberPruitt Company

of Ada

Amy Childers-ElliottTri-County Indian

Nations CDC

Dr. Larry BirneyCLEET

H. Lone’ BeasleyAda Evening News

David HathcoatCity of Ada

Pres. John HargraveEast Central University

Randy EthridgeSciences & Natural

Resources Foundation

Kenny HowardOG&E

Bill Horne Sr.Ada Industrial

Development Corp

Rep. Wes HillardOK District 22

Sen. Susan PaddackOK District 13

Darrell NemecekMayor, City of Ada

Brigette JonesAda Area Chamber of

Commerce

Rep. Todd ThomsenOK District 25

Rep. Paul RoanOK District 20

Greg PiercePontotoc Technology

Center

Jeff WarmuthAda Area Chamber of

Commerce

Dr. Steve TurnerEast Central University

“If everyone is moving forward together, then

success takes care of itself.”- Henry Ford

Ann MillerDirector of

Marketing & Research

Michael SouthardPresident & CEO

209 West Main Ada, OK 74820580 235-0070 AdaWorks.org

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