Save the Date: SSTI's 10th Annual Conference Set for Oct. 31-Nov. 2

It only seems natural that SSTI celebrate a decade of convening the premiere professional development event for the nation's tech-based economic development community in a state that, for nearly 20 years, has been a pioneer for innovative approaches to transform regional economies — Oklahoma. SSTI's 10th annual conference and pre-conference intensive workshops will be held at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City on Oct. 31-Nov. 2.

Many Digest readers may be familiar with elements of Oklahoma's tech-based economic development portfolio - or should be familiar - as several initiatives within the Sooner State's strategy have served as models for launching similar efforts around the country. References to organizations like the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science & Technology (OCAST), i2E and the Oklahoma Capital Investment Board can be found as examples in the strategic plans, budget justifications and performance reports of many state and regional TBED roadmaps.

What is perhaps less well known is the success Oklahoma City civic leaders and residents have had over the past 15 years transforming the region's economy for a knowledge-based future. The public-private level of investment and willingness to embrace change are impressive — and are paying off in exciting ways for the city. What is most telling about the Oklahoma City's success, though, is that no single organization or individual can or would attempt to take credit for the transformation. It only happened through many different public-private partnerships, true civic engagement, and an overwhelming and shared commitment to long-term change. Visitors to the city can't help but understand and share the excitement shown by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, our conference host.

Oklahoma City provides the perfect backdrop for SSTI's 10th annual conference for many reasons, but perhaps none as important as this: It demonstrates vividly that tech-based economic development works. And that it works well in a city of 523,000 in a state of only 3.5 million, 1,600 miles from Silicon Valley and 1,700 miles from Route 128.

Join us Oct. 31-Nov. 2 at SSTI's 10th Annual Conference to experience it for yourself. More information will soon be available at: http://www.ssti.org/conference06.htm