Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition
Press release:
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February 26, 2025
CLEVELAND COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COALITION OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES
Cleveland County, OK — After two years of planning and discussion with business and government
leaders, the Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition has officially transitioned from the
Norman Economic Development Coalition (NEDC), marking a significant step in fostering economic
growth and collaboration across Cleveland County. Originally proposed at the 2023 NEDC Annual
Meeting, this evolution, 25 years in the making, reflects a commitment to uniting resources, engaging
private-sector leadership, and casting a shared vision to elevate the economy.
“Our transition to the Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition allows us to take a more
focused approach to economic development,” said Matt Clouse, 2025 incoming Chairman of CCEDC, and
Market President of Valliance Bank. “By serving the entire county, we’re creating opportunities for all
residents, businesses and communities to thrive. Not every city is the same, nor do they desire the same
types of economic development, so this transition represents an opportunity to better connect projects with
the right community, better aligning residents, businesses, and elected officials.” Outgoing 2024
Chairman, David Nimmo, recently retired President of Chickasaw Nation Industries added, “This idea has
been six or seven years in the making, when University of Oklahoma President Jim Gallogly challenged
NEDC and Norman Chamber of Commerce leadership to be bold. NEDC hired a pre-eminent national
firm, Market Street Services, to study our market and make recommendations, which they did in 2020.
Near the end of the COVID crisis, we hired a national executive search to find a bold leader who could
implement the Market Street plan. Lawrence McKinney, a national consultant at the time, was hired in
2021, and although it’s taken nearly two years to change our mission, bylaws, business model, and
structure - it’s paid off significantly already.”
Mr. McKinney was recently named the 2024 National Economic Developer of the Year, after being named
a TOP 50 Economic Developer in 2023, he just returned from accepting his award in Washington DC at
the organization’s leadership event February 23-25. The International Economic Development Council
(IEDC) press release cited McKinney’s exemplary leadership and impactful contributions to economic
development. "Economic development requires bold leadership to thrive, and Mr. McKinney exemplifies
this through his ability to cast a vision, inspire progress, and advocate for meaningful change. His personal
perseverance and professional commitment to innovation, collaboration, and community impact have set a
high standard for our profession. As for challenges, Mr. McKinney doesn’t just respond - he anticipates
them and forges solutions to strengthen economies and improve the quality of life of residents. This award
reflects his profound influence on both the industry and the people he serves."
“As a business leader in Cleveland County, I am thrilled to see this transition. The CCEDC’s county-wide
focus will bring the resources and strategy needed to foster innovation and attract talent to our region,”
said Ronda Dowding, President of DowAero, a locally owned Aerospace company with operations in south
Oklahoma City. My husband Bill and I live in Noble, and I can tell you talent attraction is the number one
issue facing our business and most others too. Lawrence understands what we’re dealing with and with
support from the Cleveland County Industrial Authority has initiated a countywide ai-enabled workforce
development platform that will help us find talent and help talent find us, too. As we expand our company
for the third time in three years, the timing couldn’t be better.”
“The Cleveland County Commissioners see the need for economic growth to meet the needs of citizens
throughout the county. We also recognize that what may be a good match in Norman may not fit Moore,
Noble, or South OKC, and vice versa. CCEDC has the experience and capacity to assist us in both rural
and urban areas, allowing each city to determine if they want a project, or not.” Said District 3
Commissioner Rusty Grissom.
The organization’s expanded scope will foster greater collaboration between municipalities, attract diverse
industries, and increase economic opportunities county-wide, said Noble Mayor Phil Freeman. “This new
collaboration represents a significant step forward in forging partnerships between the public and private
sectors. Bringing multiple cities together with business leaders and county officials can only improve
relationships. For our part, we are already in partnership with CCEDC as they work collaboratively with
City Manager Porton, market available public and private properties for Noble, and are currently investing
up to $225,000 in a local industrial site analysis.”
National site selection and incentive expert Didi Caldwell, CEO of Global Location Strategies is the
Keynote Speaker at today’s event. She will share her insights and best practices for Cleveland County
business leaders as we kick-off this new era in countywide economic development.
For more information about the Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition and its initiatives, visit
www.SelectClevelandCounty.com
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