Innovative programs for the future

We are living in an era in which leaders, from managers to executives, in both large and small businesses, community organizations and governmental sectors; must possess a truly global outlook. We can no longer think of our economy within borders of our county, state or nation. We are in an era of invention, innovation and constant change. With change, comes opportunity — an opportunity to reinvent our community and to be more competitive. 
In this bold new world, companies aren’t looking so much for business locations as they are for pools of talent, intellectual capital, and highly specific skills.  Land, labor and capital have been eclipsed by knowledge, innovation and communication as the key factors of locating and growing a business. The focus has changed, and so must ours. 
The Chamber and the Development Authority have recognized the changing parameters and initiated programs to position Ardmore as a community with a future. The Cornerstone education initiative is an innovative, private sector driven program to improve Ardmore and Plainview schools. The program, according to Plainview High School Principal Tim Parham, has provided the schools with “…opportunities to recruit the best teachers and supply them with the best resources to produce the best educational environment possible.” Education has to change. We are currently preparing students for jobs that don’t yet exist, using technologies that haven’t yet been invented, in order to solve problems we can’t yet imagine. 
Other non-traditional programs include the new resort at Lake Murray, Art in Public Places, Ardmore Young Professionals, Leadership Development and other Chamber Foundation initiatives. The ADA has placed emphasis on the Airpark International Trade Center, Hickory Ridge housing sub-division, and growing technology companies. The ADA is a partner, along with the Noble Foundation and others, in the Oklahoma Bioscience Association. OKBio was created as a private, not-for-profit statewide membership association with the goal of advancing the bioscience industries through advocacy and other roles. Ardmore has the potential to capture a part of this growing sector of the nation’s economy.
The ADA is also working to advance technology and development with companies like IMTEC, Southwest Silicon, and Amethyst Research. Current efforts include a potential development of a portion of Colvert Park as a Technology Park for emerging knowledge-based companies. The site is south of the current and future planned phases of Hickory Ridge housing development. The ADA’s effort at Hickory Ridge has been successful as Phase I is sold out. Innovative proposals are being sought for subsequent phases. 
Economic growth is all about place ­— you have to have a place where people want to live. That is how communities attract and retain the talent needed for today’s  successful companies.
Wes Stucky is president and CEO of the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce/Development Authority.