GROWING THE JOBS OF TOMORROW
BYLINE: US States News
DATELINE: OKLAHOMA CITY
Gov. Brad Henry, D-Okla., issued the following column:
While there's no doubt that agriculture and oil and natural gas are bedrock industries in our state, Oklahoma is increasingly competing for, and attracting, high-paying information and technology jobs. These jobs not only represent expanding industries, but will help further diversify our state's economy and provide more opportunities for Oklahomans.
More recently, Google, Inc., the popular Internet search engine company that has revolutionized how the world gets information, announced plans to create a data center in Pryor. Google chose to locate to here because of the availability and quality of the workforce, as well as the low cost of doing business. Expenses such as utilities and land, as well as taxes, are comparatively lower here than in many other parts of the country.
Google will occupy an existing building at the MidAmerica Industrial Park in Pryor and immediately begin construction on a second building. The facility initially will employ 100 people, with an average salary of $48,000 plus benefits, and eventually employ as many as 100 more. The data center is slated to open in the summer of 2008.
Google made its announcement the same week that the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology, or OCAST, celebrated its 20th anniversary. Twenty years ago, Gov. George Nigh created that agency to invest in research and development that could lead to new companies and new jobs.
OCAST has done a stellar job. For every dollar appropriated to OCAST, the state sees federal and private investment of more than $17. Several projects in which OCAST invested have gone on to become successful technology firms.
Oklahoma has much to offer business. We have plentiful natural resources, a low cost of doing business and a central location. Right now, by investing in schools, colleges, and resources like OCAST, we are building intellectual capital and an educational infrastructure that will ensure a workforce prepared for the jobs of the future.