ECON DEV 101: Workforce is the New Currency

It’s a fact: The #1 question every company asks before expanding or relocating is—

“Can you provide the workforce?”

Let’s be real:

Okmulgee faces challenges here.

Our population is small. Our education attainment isn’t topping the charts. And we don’t yet have the housing stock needed to attract new residents who want to live where they work. But we’re not alone—many communities across Oklahoma are in the same boat.

So what do we have?

Training Powerhouses in Our Backyard: We’re home to two exceptional workforce engines:

• Green Country Tech Center (GCTC)

• OSUIT (Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology)

These institutions are actively building the workforce pipeline—not in a vacuum, but in constant conversation with industry. They're creating programs that meet real-world job needs.

And here’s the truth: The opportunities already exist. For high schoolers. For adults. For career changers. For people who want to do better. But it’s going to take awareness, commitment, and yes—some time.

You don’t need a four-year degree, but you do need skills.

The path is there—and it leads to good-paying jobs, even great-paying ones. Training, apprenticeships, and support are available through GCTC, OSUIT, and Muscogee Nation.

We’re in the Tulsa Metro—Yes, Really

We may not be a suburb, but when it comes to workforce, we’re officially part of the Tulsa MSA.

And here’s why that matters: Most companies look at workforce availability within a 45-60 mile radius. That gives Okmulgee access to nearly 1 million people.

And guess what? People already commute here for quality jobs. That’s a huge advantage when we’re recruiting companies with large staffing needs. It means we can compete—if we’re honest about our gaps and bold about our strengths.

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