Bartlesville Oklahoma - Globally Competitive Community Economic Development Strategic Plan

Scope of Work

Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is a dynamic region of approximately 50,000 that enjoys a rich and diverse heritage built by the oil industry. The birthplace of Phillips Petroleum Company and home to Frank Lloyd Wright's only skyscraper, Bartlesville possesses a small-town atmosphere combined with the cultural amenities of a much larger town. The Bartlesville Development Corporation hired AngelouEconomics in 2005 to lead a Globally Competitive Community Economic Development Strategic Planning Process. The resulting strategic plan provided a blueprint for the area to address its limitations in meeting the requirements of a "globally competitive community" and outlined strategies to attract five new target industries and build an entrepreneurial culture within the community.

The Bartlesville community was fully engaged in the process and over 1,300 businesses and residents took part in the online surveys, the highest participation percentage AE has seen in any community. Over 300 persons attended the rollout event, including state representatives, mayors of four Oklahoma cities, and leaders of 12 Chambers of Commerce.

Implementation Results

Since the adoption of the plan, Bartlesville has announced that ConocoPhillips will relocated 750 jobs from Houston to Bartlesville, more then 250 then originally announced. The Bartlesville Public School System announced plans to host an "Entrepreneurs Day" each year for juniors and seniors, and the first assembly has already been held. The school system has also announced plans to use AE's plan as a "launching pad for involving the community" in developing a new strategic plan aimed at creating a "world-class" school system.

Finally, as a result of the recommendations in AE's plan, young leaders in Bartlesville have formed YP Bartlesville, a Chamber-sponsored young professional organization. Over 60 people attended their first kick-off meeting back in March 2006, and the group has created an interactive website, www.ypbartlesville.com. Since the kick-off, YP Bartlesville has continued to grow in numbers and strength.

Bartlesville in the News:

Bartlesville Area Chamber of Commerce Hires Consultant to Develop a Globally Competitive Community Strategy

AngelouEconomics Delivers Final Bartlesville Report

Young Professionals Plan to Cultivate Town's Unique Resources

Bartlesville High School Hosts Entrepreneurial Assembly

ConocoPhillips to Funnel 750 Jobs into Oklahoma

Schools Preparing for Growth