Owasso Invites Its Target Industries.
Owasso, Oklahoma’s primary economic drivers are a world-class supply of well-educated and innovative people, and a strong collaborative environment between government and industry. The City of Owasso recently analyzed its priorities, values and vision, the existing industry base, regional resources and assets, the area’s economic trends, and forecasted industry trends. Owasso has identified the following target industries for furthering local economic development efforts:
- Metal Manufacturing
- Aircraft Parts Manufacturing
- Destination Medical and related Research & Development
- Office/Headquarters
- Information Technology
Metal Manufacturing
The regional labor pool, including Owasso residents, is strong for advanced manufacturing skills. Skill development resources are available throughout the region. Existing manufacturing space for smaller companies is available in the southern industrial area of town. Build-to-suit opportunities are relevant for the Cherokee Extension Industrial Park. To increase competitiveness, Owasso is working on an industrial park development initiative. Also, incentive programs in Oklahoma are aligned for strong support of recruiting metal manufacturers.
Aircraft Components Manufacturing
Proximity to American Airlines operations, Tulsa International Airport, and the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology positions the city to support businesses involved in aircraft parts manufacturing. Sites and spec buildings at the Cherokee Extension Industrial Park link Owasso to the nearby aviation/aerospace cluster.
Office/Headquarters
Owasso offers a unique setting for office functions, including headquarters. Prime office developments are in construction in the Redbud District. There is opportunity for commercially-zoned sites along the Highway 169 corridor and campus office space at Stone Canyon. Owasso’s location within the Central time zone can be an asset to office/HQ operations. Additionally, Owasso’s housing stock, golf courses and other lifestyle amenities should be attractive to executive management.
Destination Medical and Related Research & Development
As the site of both Bailey Medical Center and St. John Owasso Hospital, Owasso’s emerging medical cluster is performing well. Owasso sees growth in medical destination treatments, such as a bariatrics specialty, for example. Land is available around Bailey Medical Center for expansion. Other indicators that Owasso can develop into a robust destination for healthcare and medical R&D include:
- Tulsa Community College’s nursing program
- OSU Center for Health Sciences
- OSU College for Osteopathic Medicine
- Other area universities’ medical research into innovative technologies
Owasso also has abundant lodging options for patients and families.
Information Technology
Owasso has a skilled workforce and can also access a larger talent pool in the Tulsa region. For more than a decade, the Institute for Information Security at the nearby University of Tulsa has been a leader in the field of information assurance. Owasso has prime office developments underway in the Redbud District. Commercially zoned sites along the Highway 169 corridor can also be competitive tech locations. Owasso’s location in the Central time zone is beneficial for tech support centers.