The Norman Economic Development Coalition received the Excellence in Economic Development – Project of the Year Award for a population of 40,000 or more from the Oklahoma Economic Development Council on Monday for the help provided to Johnson Controls, Inc.

When Johnson Controls was planning its expansion of 400,000 square feet of manufacturing and lab space in Norman, NEDC pulled together a team of experts from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Oklahoma Development Finance Authority, and Moore Norman Technology Center to assist.

“This project received top recognition because it represents such a high degree of collaboration among the various agencies and organizations charged with helping businesses expand,” says Maureen Hammond, interim president of the Norman Economic Development Coalition.  “Expansion and launch projects like this one take collaboration and economic experience. NEDC is stronger because of our network of experienced partners and while NEDC received this honor, the true recognition should go to Johnson Controls plant manager Vicki Davis and her team for their tremendous vision and implementation of this growth plan.”

The economic development team helped Johnson Controls secure $1.75 million in funding from the Oklahoma Economic Development Pooled Finance Program to aid in the construction of a new testing lab. The second phase included the creation of 300 new jobs and the construction of additional manufacturing space. NEDC and its partners assisted JCI with securing funding from the Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program. The company increased its footprint in Norman from approximately 522,000 to 950,000 square feet and plans to reach over 1,500 total employees in the next three years.

“Every business success is really a win for Norman,” adds Hammond.

Approximately 300 new, permanent jobs were created at an estimated average wage of more than $50,000.  In total, JCI has a $350 million economic impact on the Norman area.

The Norman Economic Development Coalition was founded in 1996 as a collaboration among the University of Oklahoma, the City of Norman, Moore Norman Technology Center, and the Sooner Centurions, a committee of the Norman Chamber of Commerce. To learn more visit selectnorman.com.