The not-for-profit organization works to assure the economic prosperity of Enid and the surrounding area. ERDA supports local businesses already in Enid and encourages new businesses to come to Enid, Mack said, while simultaneously supporting the talent pipeline and fostering business growth by connecting businesses with state or federal resources and helping remove barriers that might stunt that growth.

To that end, thriving businesses create jobs in the Enid area and thus a strong workforce. Retaining that workforce means enhancing local quality of life initiatives, too, something ERDA strives for alongside other members of the Enid First team: Enid Chamber of Commerce, Visit Enid, Main Street Enid and the city of Enid.

“It’s a great partnership,” Mack said.

A solid foundation

Mack worked for 30 years in Oklahoma’s CareerTech system, including at Autry Technology Center, before she took the role of ERDA’s fourth executive director in October 2023.

CareerTech’s main focus is to connect students and businesses with training opportunities, develop a world-class workforce for Oklahoma employers and prepare Oklahomans to succeed in the workplace, education and life.

Mack brought that ethos with her to ERDA, which has had a solid foundation, she said, in moving Enid forward since 2009.

While ERDA initially was founded in 1997 by a group of visionary business leaders, it was in 2009 when the city of Enid and ERDA board took steps to create the organization in place today. ERDA is funded by corporate members through a contract for service with the city of Enid and Garfield County Industrial Authority.

In one of his first moves as ERDA’s inaugural executive director, Brent Kisling challenged Enid to dream big by breaking a Guinness World Record. The Kites Over Enid Guinness Book of World Record attempt broke the North American record with 2,598 kites in the air at once.

Throughout the years since, ERDA has strengthened Enid by providing grants to local industries to upgrade infrastructure and engaging talent through its WorkInEnid.com job board.

“We work closely with the City of Enid on industrial parks,” Mack said. The purpose is to make them site-ready for companies to expand their footprint. Enid’s five largest industries are agriculture, aviation, energy, manufacturing and medical.

Looking to the future

Enid has been chosen as one of two cities in Oklahoma for Heartland Forward’s Center for Investment Readiness, Mack said.

Heartland Forward is a nonprofit, policy, think-and-do tank that turns ideas into action for local communities in the heartland, accelerating economic growth and generating millions in economic impact by 2030. Thirty cities called micropolitans have been chosen in the middle of the U.S. for the “30 by 2030” initiative.

The think tank will advise ERDA how to measurably improve Enid’s competitiveness and demonstrate pathways for capital deployment that can then be replicated throughout Northwest Oklahoma.

In layman’s terms, Mack said, “They will assess what Enid has to offer and map how to make Enid a great place to invest in.”

This readiness assessment also will help determine which entrepreneurs and health care agencies to attract.

Helping sustain, grow

ERDA launched Strategy Hub in July to support entrepreneurs who have chosen to invest in Enid.

This pilot program was designed to bring together small business owners — with fewer than 15 employees — for peer support, collaboration and to share needs or challenges. Sessions delve into key topics such as business planning, financial management, marketing, operations, legal issues and sales strategies.

“Strategy Hub meets monthly to be able to help them build their business with one-on-one conversations and collaboration,” Mack said. “We want to make sure our local businesses know we are there to support them, help them sustain and grow.”

Mack has been in Enid for many years. As ERDA’s executive director, she said she believes it’s important to build on the legacy of investing in the community and providing families with what they need when they choose Enid as their place to work and live.

Enid Regional Development Alliance is housed inside Autry’s Strate Center, 2020 Willow Run. Those seeking information can call (580) 233-4232 or go to GrowEnid.com.

Written by Ruth Ann Replogle and published in the Enid News & Eagle