This article originally was published in the Examiner-Enterprise. Click here to read the original story.

The Bartlesville Regional Chamber and presenting sponsor, the Bartlesville Development Corporation, announce its third annual Economic Forum with guest speakers Russell Evans and Chad Wilkerson.

The Economic Update Forum will be held Jan. 21 with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Bartlesville Community Center.
Evans is the current director for the Center of Applied Economic Research at the Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business. The center continues the long-standing tradition of OSU economists of applying economic analysis to existing and proposed public policy measures, questions of business and government efficiency and effectiveness and the issues of regional economic development and forecasting.

This article originally was published in the Tulsa World. Click here to read the original story.

While many people hope for a better economy this year, some forecasts point to a continued slowdown for the metro area in 2010.

The good news is that the slowdown is not projected to be as strong as it was in 2009, and by next year things could start to pick up slightly.

In December, while speaking at the Tulsa Metro Chamber's annual Economic Outlook Conference, state economist Russell Evans forecast a 0.3 percent drop in the metro area's job total for 2010. That is an improvement, however, from the 1.7 percent drop he predicted for 2009.

He forecasts a slight job gain next year of 1.4 percent for the metro area.

While many people hope for a better economy this year, some forecasts point to a continued slowdown for the metro area in 2010.

The good news is that the slowdown is not projected to be as strong as it was in 2009, and by next year things could start to pick up slightly.

In December, while speaking at the Tulsa Metro Chamber's annual Economic Outlook Conference, state economist Russell Evans forecast a 0.3 percent drop in the metro area's job total for 2010. That is an improvement, however, from the 1.7 percent drop he predicted for 2009.

He forecasts a slight job gain next year of 1.4 percent for the metro area.

This article originally was published in the Tulsa World. Click here to read the original story.

Unemployment rates have steadily risen across the country, with some areas posting double-digit jobless rates.

The stock market has struggled, plunging to a distressing low of 6,547 by March 9 before inching its way back and closing at 10,520 on Thursday.

Between Jan. 2 and early March of this year, many feared that the financial system was going to implode and trigger a Depression-like scenario before a multi-billion stimulus package was developed to help avert any catastrophe.

This article originally was published in the Journal Record. Click here to read the original article.

TULSA – A New Jersey engine developer on Wednesday announced plans for a manufacturing plant in Miami, Okla., to the surprise and consternation of some state economic development officials.

Coates International of Wall Township, N.J., reported signing a joint venture for a $300 million bond offering to start two manufacturing and production facilities, one in Miami and one near its headquarters.

No timetable or method was disclosed for raising the money or launching the plants, which would build two proprietary products, the Coates CSRV Industrial Electric Power Natural Gas Generator and the 18 Wheeler Tractor Trailer Diesel CSRV Engine.

In a press release, the company said it had reached an agreement with the state of Oklahoma enabling it to qualify for up to $750 million in business and tax incentives.

Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce Natalie Shirley said no such formal agreement exists.