One of the most powerful economic development tools we have in Chickasha isn’t a tax incentive, a highway, or even a new building, It’s Canadian Valley Technology Center. As we continue recruiting companies from California and other high-cost states, one thing becomes crystal clear in every serious conversation: workforce wins deals. Here in Chickasha, we have a competitive advantage that many states, especially California simply do not at our level. Oklahoma’s CareerTech system is one of the strongest in the nation. Canadian Valley Technology Center is not just a school; it is a strategic workforce engine. It prepares high school students, adult learners, and incumbent workers with hands-on, industry-driven training that aligns directly with the needs of manufacturing, industrial, and skilled trade employers. When we sit across the table from a manufacturer considering relocation, they want to know three things: Can I find skilled workers? Can I train them efficiently? Can I grow my workforce without breaking the bank? In Chickasha, the answer to all three is yes! Manufacturing companies in Oklahoma benefit from a CareerTech system that develops welders, machinists, industrial maintenance technicians, electricians, CNC operators, healthcare professionals, and more, right here at home. Students graduate job-ready, with industry certifications and real-world experience. That reduces onboarding time, lowers training costs, and improves productivity from day one. Even more impressive is the on-site training support CareerTech provides to businesses. When a new company opens its doors in Chickasha, Canadian Valley Technology Center can design customized training programs, deploy instructors, and train employees on-site. That is a powerful recruiting tool. Now consider this: the state of California does not have a statewide CareerTech system structured like Oklahoma’s. They do not have the same coordinated, industry-aligned, publicly funded workforce development infrastructure. Companies relocating from California are often stunned when they learn about the level of support available here. I saw this first hand last week when we hosted a site visit from a California company and CVT made a presentation to them. In California, workforce development can be fragmented, expensive, and heavily regulated. In Oklahoma and specifically in Chickasha, it is collaborative, responsive, and built to serve industry. That difference matters. A Lot! It means when we recruit manufacturing operations to the Airport Industrial Park or other development sites, we’re not just offering land and buildings. We’re offering a workforce pipeline, we’re offering a partnership. We’re offering a Community that understands that education and economic development go hand in hand. Canadian Valley Technology Center strengthens our high school students’ career pathways, supports adult learners seeking new opportunities, and provides direct business solutions for employers. That is not just good education policy. That is smart economic strategy. Communities grow when their workforce grows and because Chickasha has Canadian Valley Technology Center in our backyard, we are better positioned to compete, to recruit, and to win. That’s not just economic development… That’s #TheGoodStuff.

One of the best things about Chickasha has always been our people. We smile. We hold doors. We strike up conversations in line at the convenience store or across the table at our favorite local restaurant. It’s just who we are. And right now, that simple kindness matters more than ever. Across the country, companies are looking for places to grow: manufacturing firms, logistics operations, entrepreneurs, and family-owned businesses searching for the right community to call home. And here’s the thing: sometimes they don’t show up in a suit with a name badge that says “Site Selector.” Sometimes they’re the person grabbing coffee next to you. Sometimes they’re eating lunch at your favorite restaurant. Sometimes they’re filling up their tank on the way through town. You never really know who might be visiting Chickasha with big decisions on their mind. That’s why every “hello,” every friendly nod, every “welcome to Chickasha” carries more weight than we might realize. First impressions aren’t made in boardrooms, they’re made in our stores, our restaurants, our shops, and our streets. When visitors see a community that is warm, welcoming, and proud of where it’s headed, it leaves a mark. It tells them this is a place where people care. A place where employees would want to live. A place where a business could put down roots and thrive. We talk a lot about growth, opportunity, and momentum and rightly so. But the secret ingredient has always been us. Our attitude. Our hospitality. Our willingness to make someone feel at home, even if they’re only here for a day. So this week, let’s keep doing what Chickasha does best. Be kind. Be welcoming. Say hello. You just never know when that small moment might play a role in the next big chapter for our community, let’s show them #TheGoodStuff!