Press - North Tulsa Economic Development Program Announced

In the summer of 2007, an invitation went out from the Mayor's office to business, community and faith leaders in North Tulsa. The letter was a call to action from Mayor Kathy Taylor to those willing to step forward and find solutions that could turn the economy around for the area.

"What I knew, was that a top-down approach was not feasible," said Taylor. "We needed a grassroots effort that engaged the people most vested in the success of this area."

NTedi was born. NTedi, North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative has been meeting for a year, focusing on three priority areas: economic development, education and workforce.

After a year of working together, many plans and initiatives are now in the works and the committee voted on three presentations to begin phase one.

•    1) The FORWARD Project by Rose Washington Rentie, chair of the economic development funding group,

•    2) A Retail Development Project, headed by Katie Plohocky, chair of the economic development retail group and

•    3) Risha Grant’s firm Xposure was hired to handle all external marketing and public relations for nTEDI and north Tulsa.

The FORWARD (Franchising Opportunities Reinforced with Assistance Rewards Development) was designed to encourage business ownership of franchises in north Tulsa. Being selected means that participants can start a franchise business with all necessary support -- financing, coaching, technical assistance, office space, etc. Ten businesses will be selected and, all the projects have been grassroots initiatives with NTedi leaders putting an enormous amount of time and energy into these projects; including the fundraising portion.

"Today, we are standing on a site that offers real opportunity for development," said Taylor. "These programs and these engaged citizens are making the difference. Rose Washington Rentie has raised nearly a million dollars for FORWARD and Risha Grant of Xposure has raised $185,000 of their $300,000 goal from various corporations and educational institutions," added Taylor.

"I am excited," said Councilor Jack Henderson. "Good tings are going to happen."

The proposed projects can stimulate economic development in north Tulsa which can then generate employment and revenue for the area as well changing the image and perception of north Tulsa. Laying misconceptions to rest in north Tulsa will begin to alleviate negative feelings about the area and encourage more private and public investment.