Norman experienced notable economic growth in 2019. Our work last year facilitated the expansion of some of Norman’s strongest companies and created relationships with entrepreneurs and startups who choose to make Norman home.

We estimate these efforts saw the creation of more than 500 new jobs in Norman. The jobs that will be created in our community span diverse sectors and provide opportunities for various occupations, from technician to engineer.

The projects outlined below create over 500 new jobs with annual wages over $30,000,000 that will represent a $248,000 annual addition to the City of Norman in sales tax and over $3 million in property taxes annually:

After two years of work with NEDC, Top of the World–having merged with J America, Inc.–moved into a 200,000-square-foot facility in the Norman Business Park. The company will retain 150 jobs in Norman and expects to add up to 75 new jobs.

Johnson Controls, Inc. completed Phase II of their large expansion project and in April of 2019, held a grand opening event to celebrate the added 400,000 SF of manufacturing and lab space and the creation of 300 new jobs in Norman. NEDC and JCI were honored to receive the Project of the Year award from the Oklahoma Economic Development Council for these efforts.

NEDC developed a case for Commander Aircraft to select Norman for its operations over several other cities for its most recent expansion. The company announced in August 2019 that it had selected a site in the UNP Advanced Manufacturing Center for its expansion and future growth. As many as 40 new jobs with an average wage of $40,000 are projected.

Power Costs, Inc. provides software for utilities, power producers, and other businesses in the energy industry and currently employs 180 at their Norman headquarters. NEDC assisted Power Costs Inc. in securing resources to support the creation of 40 new high-wage jobs.

Next Frontiers LLC received an STTR Phase II award in late 2018 and hired two people in 2019 to continue developing the technology. To date, the company has secured nearly $1 million in funding from the US Dept. of Defense through the STTR program.

All of this is in addition to our work with entrepreneurs through Startup 405, the annual Innovation Challenge, and the 1 Million Cups Norman chapter.

NEDC is proud of the relationships we’ve created this year and the opportunities we’ve facilitated in Norman. However, these successes would not have been possible without the businesses who choose to make Norman home and our business, state, and city leaders who continue to support what is so special about our community. We all work together to create synergy and a positive business climate in Norman.