Economic Development Summit

The 2025 Economic Development Summit brought together local leaders, entrepreneurs, non-profit champions, and students for a powerful day of insight, inspiration, and collaboration focused on Shawnee’s economic future.

We opened the day with a moving keynote from Taylor Doe, titled “And Then Moments.” Taylor spoke about the seemingly overlooked moments in life—the quiet pivots, the background experiences, the subtle encouragements—that actually help people succeed. He challenged us to reflect on our own “and then” moments, and recognize how they’ve shaped our paths. More importantly, Taylor emphasized that when we do the work of uncovering these moments in our own stories, we are then called to unlock opportunity for others—especially those who have historically been left out. Only by doing this can we begin to build more equitable communities and cities where more people not only survive, but truly thrive.

Next, a panel of local home builders took the stage for “Constructing Attainable Community.” They shared strategies and real-world examples on how we can create housing options that are both affordable and attainable across a broad spectrum of income levels. It was a conversation centered on solutions—focusing on how intentional development can support growth while ensuring that no one is left behind.

Following that, Daniel Mitchell brought a fresh perspective on The Power of Generosity. His talk invited us to abandon the mindset of scarcity and consider how generosity—both personal and organizational—can spark a ripple effect of economic impact. From mentorship to community investment, he reminded us that giving isn’t just good—it’s strategic.

Kathy Laster of the Avedis Foundation led a compelling session on Collective Impact: Non-Profits in Pottawatomie County. Through the release of a new annual report, we gained powerful insights into how local non-profits are aligning their efforts to tackle complex community challenges and drive meaningful, measurable change.

The energy continued with our ED Talks—a fast-paced, TED-style showcase of local entrepreneurs sharing the real stories behind their businesses. These talks highlighted the grit, creativity, and community spirit that fuel innovation in our region. Each speaker offered a unique lens into the realities of building something from the ground up in Shawnee.

Finally, we closed the summit with an insightful panel called “Beyond the Tassel: Building a Community Worth Staying For.” Oklahoma Baptist University students opened up about what makes Shawnee feel like home—or what’s missing. They talked career opportunities, lifestyle, and belonging, offering candid advice to employers and leaders on what it really takes to retain young talent.

From beginning to end, the 2025 Economic Development Summit was a celebration of progress, a challenge to grow smarter, and a call to action. The conversations started here won’t end today—they’ll shape Shawnee’s tomorrow.

We extend a special thank you to our 2025 Economic Development Summit presenting sponsors: 

Avedis Foundation, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, CLEAResult, and Pottawatomie County. 

Their generous support made this event possible and greatly contributed to its success.

The 2024 Economic Development Summit was a remarkable event, bringing together leaders and community members to explore and strategize on vital economic development topics. Hosted at the Gordon Cooper Technology Center Safety Center, the summit featured a day full of insightful discussions, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities.

Opening Keynote: Workforce Development Update

• The summit kicked off with a powerful keynote session from Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. He provided a comprehensive update on workforce development across the state, highlighting ongoing initiatives, achievements, and future plans to strengthen our workforce.

Interactive Lunch Session: Community Development is Economic Development

• John Bobb-Semple, Executive Director of Pogo, led an engaging and interactive lunch session. Through dynamic activities and thought-provoking discussions, he demonstrated the critical link between community development and economic growth, showing how vibrant communities drive economic success.

Breakout Sessions: Focused Discussions on Key Areas

• Infrastructure: This session delved into the importance of infrastructure in fostering economic growth. Participants learned from the success stories of other Oklahoma towns that have effectively grown their communities through strategic infrastructure projects.
• Education: The education breakout session explored how educational initiatives and collaborations can support and enhance the workforce pipeline, ensuring a skilled and prepared future workforce.
• Growing the Workforce Pipeline: Focused on strategies to develop a robust workforce, this session addressed the challenges and solutions in attracting, training, and retaining talent in Oklahoma.

We extend a special thank you to our 2024 Economic Development Summit presenting sponsors: 

Citizen Potawatomi Nation, OG&E, and Vyve Broadband. 

Their generous support made this event possible and greatly contributed to its success.