The last few months have presented new challenges for our community. Nearly every business in Norman has been impacted by COVID-19. However, our state’s and community’s response during this time was extraordinary.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce has worked tirelessly to push out information and resources and develop new programs for our employers. University of Oklahoma researchers collaborated and worked on solutions to address the pandemic. Norman Regional Health System took proactive steps to ensure our safety and health. Community organizations including VisitNorman, NEDC, Norman Chamber, Moore Norman Technology, and United Way partnered to respond.  Our mayor, city manager, and city council worked to create a reopening plan that protects our citizens from the further spread of COVID-19 and ensures that Norman businesses can open safely and our residents can get back to work.

Friday we transitioned into the final phase of Norman’s Healthier at Home Initiative (Phase 3). Mayor Clark issued amendments to this phase last week, which allow full operating capacity for businesses that are adhering to social distancing and sanitation protocols.  Read more here.  

As we enter this final phase of reopening, there are so many exciting developments in our community to be proud of and that will positively shape our future and set the stage for growth and new opportunity for years to come.  The University of Oklahoma has selected and named Joseph Harroz as the 15^th president, a seasoned leader who will continue to strengthen our university to be a magnet for our city and state.  The Norman City Council approved a general obligation bond election this past Tuesday and will be asking citizens to vote this fall on several quality-of-life initiatives. Cleveland County announced a July groundbreaking for The Well, the healthy living block in Norman that will provide citizens with health and wellness resources such as fitness, nutrition, and cooking classes.  Moore Norman Technology Center has launched new training and certificate courses in high demand from businesses and employees while the University of Oklahoma has launched new graduate programs in aerospace and defense.  Norman employers have collaborated and created solutions to provide their existing products and services or innovated new products to meet current demands. Some of these new ways of doing business, born out of necessity, will help increase productivity and sales in the future. NEDC continues to give virtual tours and site visits while actively pursuing initiatives to increase our value and recognition as a place for locating and expanding businesses.

The road to recovery will not be an easy one but we are so fortunate and thankful to be part of a resilient community that is led by visionary leaders and home to outstanding citizens and exceptional companies – We are Team Norman!

Please contact me at mhammond@selectnorman.com if NEDC can be of help to your organization.

Maureen Hammond, Interim president and CEO
Norman Economic Development Coalition