A Powerful Strategic Plan by The State Chamber of Oklahoma
Executive Summary
Summarizing Input From:
The State Chamber Board of Directors Survey - January, 2007
The Chamber Board Retreat - February 13, 2007
The Executive Committee Planning Session - April 17, 2007
Staff and Volunteer Input since these Sessions
Executive Committee - Strategic Plan Committee Review - June 4, 2007
Section 1
State Chamber Champions: Leading Oklahoma to the Top
Good planning has served The State Chamber and our members well. With the successful completion of our 2003-2007 Champion Program this Centennial year, our Champion leaders deserve credit for the strong successes this Program produced. Here are just a few:
- A more pro-business State Legislature, impacted by our groundbreaking Oklahoma Prosperity Project that helped 423,000 employees to go to the polls informed on Election Day, 2006.
- Workers' compensation savings of over $100 million for Oklahoma companies.
- Investments in Oklahoma's roads and bridges more than doubled.
- Fifty local chambers of commerce built local grassroots networks and close ties to their Legislators during the Session.
- Sensible tax cuts, ultimately reducing personal income tax by 20 percent, restricting the franchise tax, and eliminating the state estate tax.
- Passage of the Quality Investment Act for 'at risk' companies.
But there is still much to do. That's why our Board of Directors wrote this next Champion Plan "Leading Oklahoma to the Top" -- a powerful set of strategies that will drive Oklahoma's economic progress and the competitive edge we need to succeed in the next decade and beyond.
We built this Plan upon Oklahoma's current national strengths:
- The #1 lowest combined state and local tax burden in the nation.
- The 3rd best environment for entrepreneurs and economic growth.
- The 3rd highest growth in per capita income.
- A state renowned for good people and hard workers.
- A business community committed to "the greater good."
We'll grasp the opportunities these strengths provide and break through the handicaps that inflate Oklahoma's cost of doing business -- a lawsuit climate ranking 38th worst in America, a common education system that earned a "D" grade in a highly credible national study, and a business tax climate ranked 21st nationally.
With this Strategic Plan, let's work for an Oklahoma listed in the "Top 10" in every positive business ranking. We'll build a state where:
- The State Legislature gets the job done, consistently passing laws to grow new jobs and economic opportunity.
- Your business prospers without the threat of frivolous lawsuits and legal abuse.
- Emerging technologies and medical breakthroughs surface daily.
- New markets are opened at home and abroad.
- Our schools create world class, competitive graduates.
- Every business has the workforce it needs and all citizens have the jobs they aspire to.
Imagine you and The State Chamber as the catalysts for all this and more. With this "Leading to the Top" Plan, it's within our grasp.
We hope you see yourself in a leadership role as we launch this Plan; As we join together To Make Oklahoma The State of Choice for Business.
The State Chamber's Activity Scope
As The State Chamber works To Make Oklahoma The State of Choice for Business, certain activities have been key to our success. We:
- Influence laws and regulations that impact membership bottom lines and grow Oklahoma's economy.
- Protect members from anti-business policies and decisions by lawmakers and regulators.
- Provide members with access to valuable business relationships with other members, state, federal, and international leaders, and State Chamber staff issue specialists.
- Advocate the 'business story' to help Oklahomans understand the importance of a strong economy to their future and their prosperity.
- Collaborate with other businesses, local chamber and economic development groups, trade associations, and government leaders and entities.
Section 2
The State Chamber's Areas of Existing Excellence
In meeting our mission to Make Oklahoma The State of Choice for Business, The State Chamber is considered 'the best of the best' in five highly effective areas our members value. Here is how we will maintain our strength in these arenas:
I. Elect Pro-Business Legislators
Objective: Empower Oklahoma employers and their employees to 1) 'Vote smart' on pro-business issues at election time, and 2) Mobilize into Oklahoma's most powerful, pro-economy grassroots lobbying force.
A. Expand the Oklahoma Prosperity Project.
- Actively involve Fortune 1,000 members with business operations in Oklahoma.
- Our Goal: 600,000 employees receiving our election information by November, 2008 and 800,000 by November, 2010.
- Survey Congressional candidates in 2008, statewide candidates in 2010.
B. Grow The State Chamber PAC to $40,000 per election cycle to support pro-business candidates.
C. Support and promote Research Institute for Economic Development (RIED) economic development scores for each State Legislator.
II. Educate Members on Legislative Issues
Objective: Launch new ways to educate and mobilize business and coalition partners on critical business issues.
A. Expand The State Chamber's Lobby Team to guarantee stronger, fulltime, expert coverage of Health Care, Education and Workforce issues.
B. Expand The State Chamber's Communications capabilities and image as the trusted source of information about Oklahoma's economy and business policies.
C. Use the 21st Century Foundation to conduct research and recommend policy to make Oklahoma an economically competitive state.
D. Leverage technology to expand member issue and political briefings during and between legislative sessions.
III. Build America's Strongest Grassroots Coalitions
Objective: We'll keep our coalitions, business leaders, local chambers, economic development organizations, trade and other key associations, fully informed and engaged on priority issues.
A. Use the latest technology to communicate with our grassroots partners, State Chamber Board members, and other leaders -- educational briefings, on-line meetings, etc.
B. Host Oklahoma's first statewide Governmental Affairs Grassroots Workshop.
C. Award leading local chambers and economic development organizations for their legislative work. Give "Advocacy Partner of the Year" awards annually to every member chamber and economic development group that meets the criteria to be an outstanding grassroots partner.
IV. Statewide Networking for Business Leaders
Objective: Develop new programs and opportunities for our members to expand their network statewide with other business leaders.
A. Enhance The Chamber's December Public Affairs Forum into a larger membership event including business education and networking. While the highlight will be the traditional Public Affairs Forum event, programming might also include a grassroots training workshop, a "state of the economy" presentation, futurists, "how-to" workshops on key business challenges, networking opportunities, etc. Coordinate programming with State Chamber partners whenever possible.
B. Provide Board members with additional opportunities to get to know each other and make connections.
V. Develop International Markets for Members
Objective: Grow the number of Oklahoma companies selling their products and services abroad. An idea-based economy and global competitiveness are the ticket to income growth and job creation in all sectors of our economy.
The U.S. Business Roundtable reports that today, more that 2,400 Oklahoma companies sell their products abroad. Nearly 82 percent of these are small- and medium-sized businesses. Trade supports 370,074 Oklahoma jobs, or 18.3 percent of jobs in the state (up from 11.3 percent in 1992).
A. Expand promotion of the international market penetration services offered by The State Chamber-GTD-BKSH partnership to members interested in entering foreign markets.
B. Maintain the solid foundation of our State Chamber's Sister State Chamber relationships in China. Sell Oklahoma goods and services as a result.
C. Seek out other foreign market opportunities in emerging/developing countries (i.e. India, Europe, South America, Cuba, etc.)
Section 3
Our Growth Initiatives
The State Chamber's Board of Directors identified eight strategic areas for growth that will dramatically improve Oklahoma's economy and business climate, while sharpening our competitive edge. Five refer to "Investments in Oklahoma's Economic Growth." Three relate to "Investments in Our Workforce."
Our vision: The Oklahoma be ranked in the "Top 10" states in every positive business ranking.
Some of these strategies are innovative and new. Others apply serious new resources and a stronger, more aggressive approach to ongoing state challenges. We will use our strengths, our Areas of Existing Excellence discussed in the previous section, to ensure that they succeed.
Investments in Economic Growth
I. Rank Oklahoma as a "Top 10" Business Tax Climate State
Situation: Taxes matter to business. They affect location decisions, job retention and creation, international competitiveness, and the long-term health of a state's economy.
The nonpartisan Tax Foundation reports that in 2007, Oklahomans enjoy the lowest combined state and local tax burden in the nation -- a major competitive advantage for our state.
Yet that same report shows Oklahoma's 2007 State Business Tax Climate Index ranked 21st in the country (includes corporate taxes, individual income taxes, sales taxes, unemployment taxes, and property taxes).
Objective: We'll engage in a thoughtful, thorough examination of Oklahoma's tax codes compared with other states. Then we'll use this analysis to advocate for tax policies that encourage business growth, economic development and jobs while attracting investment capital, new and growing companies, corporate headquarters, college graduates, high net worth individuals, and retirees.
Our goal: To make Oklahoma's State Business Climate Index more competitive -- in the nation's "Top 10."
A. Examine Oklahoma's corporate and individual tax codes compared with other states by July, 2008.
B. In February, 2009, use this report to advocate for tax policies that encourage business growth, economic development and jobs while attracting investment capital, new and growing companies, corporate headquarters, college graduates, high net worth individuals, and retirees.
C. Devise tax credits that encourage investment and reinvestment in businesses of all sizes.
D. Support tax policies to expand Oklahoma's venture capital resources.
- Work to create a source of venture capital for revitalizing rural Oklahoma by supporting the goals of the Rural Oklahoma Capital Alliance (ROCA).
II. Turn the Tide on Abuse: "Top 10" Lawsuit and Workers' Compensation Reform
Situation: Oklahoma's lawsuit environment ranks 38th worst in the nation. Workers' compensation dispute resolution problems continue to challenge businesses and injured workers alike.
Legislators must restore fairness, predictability and efficiency to our workers' comp systems, along with common sense and personal responsibility to our civil justice system.
Objective: We will pass and protect lawsuit and Workers' Compensation Court reforms that "turn the tide," raising Oklahoma's position as a "Top 10" state for business.
A. Become a "Top 10" pro-tort reform state. Pass, protect and defend effective elements of tort reform passed in other states. The American Tort Reform Association recognizes 10 reforms necessary to improve our civil justice system. Oklahoma has already passed one. We will work to pass the other nine.
B. Create the Oklahoma Legal Policy Institute for Business & Industry. Coordinate business efforts to improve the civil justice system's handling of judicial decisions when overarching business interests are threatened.
C. Develop a workers' compensation reform coalition similar to the coalition created for the passage of lawsuit reform.
D. Continue to amend Oklahoma's workers' comp laws to stay competitive nationally.
E. Develop an effective alternative to replace Oklahoma's existing Workers' Compensation Court.
III. Oklahoma Innovation - Forging New Business Frontiers
Situation: The Kauffman Foundation's 2007 State New Economy Index ranks Oklahoma as America's 3rd best environment for entrepreneurs and economic growth; and 4th in initial public offerings (IPO's), weighted by population. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reports Oklahoma enjoyed the third highest per capita income growth rate in 2006.
An idea-based economy, innovation and global competitiveness are the ticket to income growth and job creation in all sectors of our economy.
Objective: We'll lead advocacy for an entrepreneurial environment where emerging technologies thrive, existing businesses expand, and Oklahoma companies open new markets at home and abroad.
A. Lead legislative efforts to increase Oklahoma's growth of high-salaried jobs and groundbreaking new wealth-generating business clusters in the emerging technology economy.
B. Expand The Chamber's Oklahoma Nanotechnology Initiative (ONI).
C. Support creation of a statewide BIO organization to expand and grow biotechnology in Oklahoma.
D. Create the Oklahoma Manufacturing Initiative (OMI) to involve manufacturers on issues that affect their sector, expand statewide awareness of the continuing importance of manufacturing, its impact on the state's economy, and the career opportunities this sector provides.
E. Advance creative solutions to increase the number of Oklahoma's workers proficient in science and math (See Workforce).
IV. The 21st Century Foundation - Research & Wisdom to Grow By
Situation: Oklahoma has more than its share of vocal researchers dedicated to growing bigger government and higher taxes.
What's missing is a trusted, credible source of advocacy research and knowledge that contributes to be a stronger, more competitive economy and a better understanding of the engine that drives our economy Oklahoma business.
Objective: The 21st Century Foundation is The State Chamber's non-partisan, tax-exempt, 501(c) (3) educational research affiliate. We will expand this valuable tool and grow the Foundation's capabilities to conduct timely, in-depth studies, reports and recommendations addressing key state economic and competitiveness policy issues.
A. Hire a fulltime Foundation Research Director.
B. Conduct timely, in-depth studies, reports and recommendations addressing key state policy issues. Develop solid cost/benefit analyses and economic impact research on business-related legislation.
C. The Communications Department will launch a media campaign for each study results.
D. Arm our members, grassroots coalition partners, Legislators and State policymakers with vital information to pass substantive policy changes to make Oklahoma a "Top 10" state in every important economic ranking.
V. Arm The State Chamber - THE Fighting Force for Business
Situation: Oklahoma is poised for unprecedented growth and prosperity unleashed by new entrepreneurs, innovative technologies, and global opportunities. But major roadblocks stand in the way - a poorly performing educational system, a shortage of skilled workers, lawsuit and workers' compensation abuse, and a business tax climate that is middle-of-the road.
Let's use our strengths to attack these problems boldly.
The State Chamber is nationally recognized for strong legislative advocacy. We've created America's strongest grassroots coalitions to tackle business issues. Our Prosperity Project is ranked #1, helping Oklahoma voters identify pro-jobs, pro-business Legislators before they go to the polls.
But we do it all on a shoe string. To take on the BIG fights, we need the resources that match the size of the BIG battles ahead.
Objective: Ensure The State Chamber has business buy-in, financial and volunteer resources to maintain the title: "America's Best State Chamber for Business."
A. Secure funding for New Growth Initiatives.
- Launch The Chamber Board and Staff membership recruitment programs. Add 500 net new members by December, 2009.
- Hire a Strategic Plan Fundraising Director by July, 2007.
B. Build The State Chamber's image by effectively communicating the "business story."
- Hire a Communications Director to expand The Chamber's communications capabilities and image as the trusted source of information about Oklahoma's economic and business policies.
- Launch an OERB-like mass communications campaign on how The State Chamber's and business drives Oklahoma's economy, jobs and opportunity.
- Use "The State Chamber of Oklahoma" as The Chamber's official name in all communications.
C. Fund a staff development and succession plan.
- Hire staff as needed to support the Growth Initiatives.
- Develop and staff a succession plan for The Chamber's management staff by December, 2008.
Investments in Our Workforce
I. Brain Gain -- Learning Comes First
Situation: The U.S. Chamber's 2007 Leaders and Laggards State Report Card Study gave Oklahoma an overall D grade in education compared to other states. Our education system is not making the grade.
Objective: Oklahomans deserve an education system that's leads the nation and earns our state an "A" grade. We will arm the business community with the tools to make education a major economic and Legislative priority. We insist on higher standards and accountability from our schools. We'll support legislators with the courage to make changes that result in an efficient, cost-effective education system.
A. Expand the Education-Workforce Development lobbyist to a fulltime position to aggressively lobby for substantive education and related workforce improvement.
B. Organize a strong, vocal business coalition to put education at the top of the priority list for Legislators for 2008 and beyond.
C. To enhance academic achievement, promote higher state education standards more in line with national standards.
D. Support increased accountability and performance standards for administrators and schools.
E. Use 'pay for performance' standards to increase Oklahoma teachers' salaries to the regional average.
F. Initiate higher salaries for teachers who work in disadvantaged schools.
G. Implement creative solutions to increase the number of Oklahoma's teachers proficient in science and math, such as:
- Encourage Oklahoma's colleges, universities, CareerTech, and common education to devise articulation agreements that provide students with seamless pathways to obtain degree or certification with no loss of credit for previously taken science or math courses.
- Support legislation creating a program that forgives a percentage of student loans for math or science teachers that instruct in Oklahoma for the first five years after earning their teacher's certificate.
- Support alternative teacher certification in science and math areas.
H. Promote alternative forms of education delivery systems (i.e. charter schools, vouchers, on-line education).
I. Implement an efficient 'Student Tracking System' that measures education system effectiveness.
J. Extend the school year to at least 190 days.
K. Promote character-building education in schools.
L. Eliminate duplication of services in the common education system.
M. Advocate for the gubernatorial appointment of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
N. Expand 'education-related' Prosperity Project survey questions for Legislative candidates.
O. Use The State Chamber's grassroots network to hold Legislators accountable to their survey answers during the Legislative Session.
II. Ensure a Dynamic Workforce: Achievers at Every Level
Situation: Business leaders say finding qualified 'talent' is the biggest constraint on Oklahoma's economic growth. We have a serious worker and skill shortage, and it's not getting better.
While Oklahomans are renowned as hard workers, tomorrow's jobs require more knowledge, technical savvy, and a commitment to life-long learning. The fastest growing job sectors require professional and technical education beyond high school. Other countries are forging ahead. We must not be left behind.
Objective: We'll take actions to ensure a diverse, achievement-oriented workforce that meets the needs of Oklahoma employers today and in the future. Advocate for aggressive workforce development reforms, higher education and CareerTech advances, and strong incentives for worker training.
A. Expand the Education-Workforce Development lobbyist to a fulltime position to aggressively lobby for substantive workforce and education priorities and improvement.
B. Organize a strong, vocal business coalition to put workforce issues at the top of the priority list for Legislators for 2008 and beyond.
C. Advocate for life long learning of Oklahoma workers' Tax incentives for companies that train, retrain and upgrade employees' skills; an Existing Worker Training Fund to reimburse companies for upgrading the skills of their employees; two-year degrees for technical certification; promotion of WorkKeys and KeyTrain assessment programs in Career Readiness Certificates (CRC) to help workers determine their skill levels; strong viability of Oklahoma's higher education and CareerTech systems; creation of an inventory of internships for skilled and unskilled workers; and formalized training to mainstream military, senior citizens, non-violent prisoners, and the disabled who wish to enter the workforce.
D. Attract, develop and retain workers representing all skill levels to Oklahoma -- Lobby to raise the cap on H-1B visas. Use the new common education tracking system to locate school dropouts and encourage their re-entry into our education system.
E. Implement creative solutions to increase the number of Oklahoma's workers proficient in science and math, such as:
- Advocate for fast track permanent residency for foreign students who obtain math or science degrees at our universities.
- Encourage Oklahoma's colleges, universities, CareerTech, and common education to devise articulation agreements that provide students with seamless pathways to obtain degree or certification with no loss of credit for previously taken science or math courses.
- Support legislation creating a program that forgives a percentage of student loans for math or science teachers that instruct in Oklahoma for the first five years after earning their teacher's certificate.
F. Expand workforce-related Prosperity Project survey questions for Legislative candidates.
- Use The State Chamber's grassroots network to hold Legislators accountable to their survey answers during the Legislative Session.
III. Close the Health Care Gap
Situation: Oklahoma is ranked 47th nationally in the number of uninsured, with more that 700,000 residents without health insurance.
Health care costs for all Oklahomans are soaring at double-digit rates. Employers say that providing insurance for their workers is a top priority -- but the rising rates are a critical concern. Workers are also anxious about losing their health insurance.
Objective: To put Oklahoma on the "Top 10" list of states implementing meaningful changes that improve the affordability and accessibility of health care for all Oklahomans.
A. Expand staff to ensure a fulltime Health Care Lobbyist to aggressively lobby for substantive health care priorities and improvement.
B. The 21st Century Research Foundation will conduct in-depth studies and cost/benefit analyses addressing solutions to the health care affordability crises.
C. Organize a strong, vocal business coalition to put the resulting health care policies on the priority list for Legislators for 2008 and beyond.
D. During the Legislative Session, use The State Chamber's grassroots network to hold Legislators accountable to their health care Prosperity Project survey answers during the Legislative Session.
E. Promote enhanced utilization of techniques that create a more efficient and affordable health care delivery system, Evidence-Based Medicine, Pay for Performance models, and widespread adoption of Health Information Technology (Health IT).
F. Pass significant tort reform to protect the medical and business communities from frivolous lawsuits.
G. Help businesses provide affordable health care coverage for employees - Support development of a core benefit health care policy; expand the deductibility of employer-paid employee insurance premiums; support marketing of "O-EPIC;" and provide 100 percent health insurance deductions for the self employed and individuals.
H. Promote a long-term funding mechanism for Medicaid.
I. Support legislation that promotes wellness in businesses and schools.
J. Sponsor an Employer Health Care Summit by summer, 2008.
For a look at the Complete Strategic Plan - please click the pdf link below.
