Oklahoma Department of Commerce

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is a department of the government of Oklahoma under the Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce and Tourism. The Department is responsible for the supporting local communities, stimulating growth of the existing businesses, attracting new business, and promoting the development and availability of a skilled workforce. The Department is the lead agency for economic development in the state. The Department is led by and under the control of a Director appointed by the Governor of Oklahoma, with the approval of the Oklahoma Senate, to serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

The current Cabinet Secretary is Dave Lopez, who was appointed by Governor Mary Fallin on January 27, 2011. Governor Fallin also appointed Lopez as Director of the Department concurrent with his service as Secretary.

The Department of Commerce was established in 1993 during the term of Governor David Walters.

Mission

To increase the quantity and quality of jobs available in Oklahoma by:

• Supporting communities;
• Supporting the growth of existing businesses and entrepreneurs;
• Attracting new businesses; and
• Promoting the development and availability of a skilled workforce.

Leadership

The Department is led by the Secretary of Commerce and Tourism and the Director of the Department of Commerce. Under Governor of Oklahoma Mary Fallin, Dave Lopez is serving concurrently in both positions. He currently serves as president of the American Fidelity Foundation as well.

Organization

• Cabinet Secretary
• Director
  • Chief of Staff
    • Economic Development Contracts Division - oversees the administration of economic development contracts across the State
  • Chief Administrative Officer
    • Administrative Services Division - provides administrative support services to entire Department and manages Department financial resources
    • Human Resources Division - provides all personnel services for Department
  • Deputy Director for Business Services
    • Business Location Division - responsible for recruiting new business investment to Oklahoma
    • Business Solutions Division - responsible for the retention and creation of jobs in existing businesses in Oklahoma
    • Export Solutions Division - Contribute significantly to sustainable economic development through export trade and the attraction of foreign direct investment through public and private sector cooperation and collaboration.
      • China Trade Office
      • Mexico Trade Office
      • Israel Trade Office
      • Vietnam Trade Office
  • Deputy Director for Community Development
    • Community Development Division - provides assistance to local communities in the investment of federal, state, and local resources in strategically targeted community development projects
    • Main Street Center - provides training, technical assistance, guidance, resources and recognition to people, organizations and communities
  • Deputy Director for Marketing and Communications
    • Business Incentives Analysis Division - provides information on State's business climate, tax incentives, and financial advantages and assists in the development of incentive proposals
    • Research and Marketing Division - provides information, intelligence and analysis for decision-support and communication, conduct policy research and development, and conduct legislative liaison activities.
  • Deputy Director and General Counsel
    • Legal Affairs Division - provides legal services to the Department

Staffing

The Commerce Department, with an annual budget of $100 million, is one of the smaller employers of the State. For fiscal year 2011, the Department was authorized 156 full time employees in FY2009.^[1]

Budget

The Commerce Department has an annual budget of several hundred million dollars, making it one of the smaller appropriated agenices of the State. For fiscal year 2011, the Department's budget consists of 20% in annual appropriations and 80% in federal grants. The Department's divisions have the following budgets:^[2]

Supporting Agencies

• Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency
• Oklahoma Department of Labor
• Native American Cultural & Educational Authority of Oklahoma
• Oklahoma Economic Development Databases
• Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority

References

External links

• Department of Commerce homepage