'We're Doing Fine,' Governor to Chamber
February 22, 2012
Oklahoma City Friday
By Rose Lane
Governor Mary Fallin painted a bright future for Oklahoma as she spoke to members of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce during its annual Chairman’s Breakfast.
“It’s just an exciting time to be in Oklahoma,” she said, “and see the tremendous growth.”
The Sooner State has consistently ranked at the top of national lists for its economic security and job growth. Oklahoma also continues to enjoy one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation.
In fact, Fallin said in 2011, 44,600 jobs were added back of the 80,000 lost during the 2008 recession. That’s 42 percent faster than Texas has rebounded.
While the energy sector is expected to prosper in Oklahoma, manufacturing is also on the upswing. It is growing two and half times faster than Texas and five times faster than the national average, she said.
And, Fallin said, that’s something Oklahomans should be proud of. “We like to beat Texas,” the governor said.
Oklahoma’s positive economic indicators, in addition to a great quality of life, a low cost of living and a stable housing market, are also resulting in an upswing of people relocating to the Sooner State.
Fallin said someone who had moved here from California was asked why he left the “silicone valley” for Oklahoma. That new resident said it was because he was going to the “silicone prairie.” “We are experiencing diverse Grapes of Wrath,” Fallin said. “It’s been a great story to be able to tell.”