In the summer of 2003, Governor Brad Henry initiated the Economic Development Generating Excellence (EDGE) project. EDGE was designed to involve Oklahomans in the recommendation of specific actions that would substantially strengthen our economy and quality of life.
It was our honor to help lead this project, and Oklahomans can be proud of the results. This report shows the tremendous progress that has been made in just the last year and a half. More than 100 initiatives have been undertaken to implement the EDGE Action Plan. Clearly, EDGE continues to be a major driver in Oklahoma’s public agenda.
The project was guided by a governor-appointed steering committee and 23 teams of statewide experts from both the public and private sectors, all of whom provided leadership and strategic recommendations for directing Oklahoma's economic future.
Regional public forums were conducted November 4, 2003, at 29 locations across the state. Nearly 2,400 business, education and community leaders met to share their reactions to the initial proposals. In addition, there were more than 12,200 visitor sessions to www.okedge.org between September and December 2003.
Four major EDGE recommendations were submitted to the governor on January 9, 2004:
Transform Oklahoma into the Research Capital of the Plains®
“Investments from a $1 billion endowment will fund all key actions that will allow Oklahoma to become a center of powerful research that will support a vigorous economy.”
Dramatically Update Oklahoma’s Public Education System
“For Oklahoma’s public education system to graduate successful students in today’s technology-driven, knowledge-based global economy, the state must increase its investment in its schools, colleges and universities.”
Reverse Our State’s Health Trends – Now
“Oklahoma has a number of significant health challenges including alarming rates of obesity, tobacco usage, Type II diabetes and high numbers of medically uninsured. The state must take a comprehensive and coordinated approach toward preventing poor health and providing health care when it is needed.”
Immediately Reform and Improve Our Business Climate
“Throughout the EDGE process, Oklahomans recommended more than 350 actions that could be taken to improve the economic conditions in the state. The following areas are of the highest priority and must be addressed if Oklahoma is to keep jobs in the state and create more jobs.”
With the tireless leadership of Governor Brad Henry and the hard work of many, an impressive number of the specific action plan items have been acted upon since January 2004. There is still work to be done, but we can be confident that we will achieve our goals with a continuation of the cooperative spirit that has been a hallmark of the EDGE process from the beginning.
All of the EDGE action items, taken together, will fundamentally change Oklahoma, moving all parts of the state into the modern economy that is technology-driven, knowledge-based and global.
This update is intended to keep Oklahomans engaged in this process of change and to continue to demonstrate our willingness to break new ground and take bold actions.
Please take a moment to review the progress that has been made and feel free to provide any additional input or suggestions you may have.
Kathryn L. Taylor
Secretary of Commerce and Tourism
Paul G. Risser
Chancellor, Oklahoma State System of Higher Education