2012 Accolades
Accolades are sorted by most recent.
What Recession?
December 27, 2012 - Brookings Institute
In a recent report from the Brookings Institute, OKC ranked 3rd on the list of “Metro Areas' Recovery From Pre-recession Peak - Best and Worst”. The study looked at factors such as employment growth, unemployment rate and Housing Price Growth. OKC ranked highest in housing growth and low unemployment.
Oklahoma City Tops Economic Strength Ranking for Fourth Straight Month
November 12, 2012 - On Numbers Economic Index
For the fourth consecutive month, Oklahoma City has ranked first in the On Numbers Economic Index. The index measures the economic health of metro areas above 500,000 in population. OKC's low unemployment rate, growth in the retail sector and stability in the housing market garnered the metro the top spot in the ranking.
OKC-headquartered Devon Energy Named One of America's Most Community-Minded Companies
November 12, 2012 - Businessweek
Devon Energy, headquartered in Downtown Oklahoma City, was recently named to Businessweek's inaugural Civic 50. Devon ranked No. 41 in the new program designed to recognize the most community-minded companies in America. The Civic 50 recognizes companies that commit their time, talent and resources to empower and improve local communities.
OKC Ranks in Top 10 for Job Growth
November 2, 2012 - CareerBuilder.com
More and more national publications are starting to notice Oklahoma City's resilience during the recession. This time its CareerBuilder.com, as the website ranked Oklahoma City 6th in job growth between 2010 and 2012 (among large metros). According to the site, OKC added nearly 29,000 jobs during that period of time, ranking right above Dallas and San Francisco.
Oklahoma Rated as One of the Top States for Doing Business
October 26, 2012 - Area Development
Oklahoma ranked No. 10 in Area Development's annual "Top States for Doing Business" report. The ranking surveys location consultants on a multitude of factors. Oklahoma ranked high in incentives and workforce development programs. These two areas show continued strides the region has made in its economic development platform over the past decade.
ESPN Ranks the Thunder the Top Franchise in Sports
October 18, 2012 - ESPN
The Oklahoma City Thunder have done more than take the NBA by storm as ESPN has named them the top franchise in all of pro sports. The magazine looked at a host of factors to see what franchises offered the most to their fan base. The Thunder scored particularly high in fan relations and the likability of its players.
OKC Continues its Streak as Nation's Economic Leader
October 8, 2012 - The Business Journals
For the third month in a row, Oklahoma City has ranked #1 on the On Numbers Economic Index. The article highlighted OKC's unemployment rate, job growth, wage increases and housing sector as reasons for economic success.
OKC is the Place for Engineers
October 4, 2012 - New Geography
A study by New Geography ranked Oklahoma City No. 3 on its "Best Cities for Engineers" list. Engineering jobs have increased more than 10 percent since 2009. According to the study, "With nearly 14,000 current jobs, OKC is a good spot for engineers to be looking."
OKC Ranks as One of the Best Cities for College Students
October 1, 2012 - American Institute for Economic Research
The American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) recently ranked Oklahoma City as the third-best mid-sized metro for college students. The report looked at 12 factors such as academic environment, quality of life and professional opportunities. OKC scored high marks for cost of living, student concentration and low unemployment.
Housing Revival No Problem in OKC
September 14, 2012 - The Business Journals
While many cities are still trying to regain their housing market, data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency shows Oklahoma City is not having that problem. From 2007 to 2012, Oklahoma City saw a 2.88 percent increase in its housing index. This index represents housing prices. The increase was good for fifth best in the U.S. and boasts the stability of the metro's housing market.
Metro Area Makes Best Communities for Young People
September 13, 2012 - America's Promise Alliance
For the sixth time, Oklahoma City was named one of the "100 Best Communities for Young People" by America's Promise Alliance. According the ranking Oklahoma City "continues to serve as a national model for making youth a citywide priority by offering a variety of programs to help support their academic success and overall well-being.
Oklahoma Outpaces the Nation in Household Income Growth
September 13, 2012 - U.S. Census Bureau
Few states has been as resilient as Oklahoma during the recession and proof continues to come in. According to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Oklahoma had the highest rate of median household income growth in the nation last year. From 2010 to 2011, Oklahoma's median household income 12.4 percent. The next closest state saw their income rise by 10.5 percent.
OKC Ranks No. 1 in Economic Strength
September 10, 2012 - The Business Journals
Oklahoma City continues to attract attention for its low unemployment and high private-sector job growth, ranking No. 1 on the On Numbers Economic Index for the month of September. The index awarded Oklahoma City with an overall score of 91.042, which topped the next-ranking city by more than five points.
Philanthropy Thrives in OKC
September 6, 2012 - New Geography
According to a new report by How America Gives, Oklahoma City ranks as the seventh most charitable major metro area. The reports shows that residents in OKC are donating 5.5 percent of their income to charity. In term of raw dollars actually given, Oklahoma City ranked No. 1 in the state.
Oklahoma City Sees Increase in Population with Bachelor Degrees
August 9, 2012 - New Geography
A new study by New Geography shows that Oklahoma City is battling "brain drain" as the metro ranked in the top 20 for "increases in population with Bachelor Degrees". The study, using census data, showed that OKC actually ranks four points higher than the national average. Oklahoma City is seeing an impressive influx of talented workers to its labor market.
Oklahoma Ranked No. 1 Spot for Oil & Gas Investment
August 3, 2012 - Fraser Institute
Oklahoma is the best place on earth for oil and gas investment, according to the Fraser Institute and their annual Global Petroleum Survey. Oklahoma jumped to the top spot after being ranked No. 4 in 2011.
Two OKC Institutions Named Best Places to Work in Academia
August 1, 2012 - The Scientist
The Scientist magazine ranked the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundations (OMRF) and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHCS) among its 25 "Best Places to Work in Academia" list. OMRF was ranked 21st and received high marks for job satisfaction and pay. OUHSC came in 25th with high scores in teaching and mentoring as well as tenure and promotion.
Oklahoma Ranks First for Cost of Living
July 12, 2012 - CNBC
In their "America's Top States for Business 2012" ranking, CNBC ranked Oklahoma the top state for cost of living. Oklahoma also placed fourth in cost of business, proving that in Oklahoma the value you get for your dollar exceeds almost anywhere else in the country.
Oklahoma Bucks the Trend with Retail
July 12, 2012 - The Business Journal
According to The Business Journal, Oklahoma is one of only six states who have recovered their retail jobs lost during the recession. Oklahoma ranked fourth on that list, not only recovering the lost jobs but adding 2,000 additional more in the retail sector.
Millennials Will Find a Home in OKC
July 9, 2012 - Moving.com
There are not many cities in the U.S. better to live in if you are a Millennial, according to the website Moving.com. The site ranked Oklahoma City No. 6 in its "Best City for Millennials" due to its low unemployment rate, affordable housing and good nightlife.
OKC Ranks as the Most Business-Friendly City
June 11, 2012 - CNN Money
Thumbtack surveyed more than 6,000 small businesses nationwide and found that Oklahoma City is the "Most Business-Friendly City" in the United States. The metro area's low cost of living and rising college graduate retention rates helped take the top spot in the survey.
Men's Fitness Ranks OKC Among the Fittest
June 1, 2012 - Men's Fitness
Men's Fitnessranked Oklahoma City the 23rd "Fittest City" in the United States and called Oklahoma City the biggest success story of the year. The fitness magazine pointed to Mayor Mick Cornett's effort to put Oklahoma City on a diet as evidence of the city's commitment to healthier living.
Recent College Grads are Happy in OKC
May 25, 2012 - Forbes
Forbes recently set out to find what cities are great for college graduates looking for a job and Oklahoma City made the cut at No. 9. The study looked at numerous data points including job growth, compensation and working environment.
OKC Ranks in Top 10 for Best Big Cities for Jobs
May 1, 2012 - Forbes
Forbes once again took notice of Oklahoma City as it ranked the metro the 10th "Best Big Cities for Jobs". OKC has been climbing the ranking of the annual report each year. Last year Oklahoma City ranked 22nd but moved up the ranking with an employment growth of 1.7 percent.
OKC Ranked No. 1 for Highest Annual Earnings Growth Rate
April 27, 2012 - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Greater Oklahoma City metro’s average weekly earnings are growing faster than any other metro of its size, according to a report issued by Garner Economics LLC. As of February 2012, Oklahoma City had an annual growth rate of 11.3 percent, the highest rate among cities with more than 1 million residents.
Oklahoma City Named Least-Costly City by KPMG Study
April 17, 2012 - KPMG
Oklahoma City was named the least-costly city to do business among 13 midsized U.S. cities according to a study by KPMG LLP. Oklahoma City had a cost index of 95.5, representing business costs 4.5 percent below the U.S. national baseline of 100.0
OKC Ranked No. 3 for Small Business
April 13, 2012 - The Business Journal
Small business is the backbone to any healthy economy so it is no surprise Oklahoma City ranks at the third "Best U.S. City for Small Business. The Business Journal created a formula to analyze small business climates across the country. The metro area has 26.27 small businesses per 1,00 residents.
Standard & Poors Give OKC AAA Rating
April 4, 2012 - Standard & Poors
Conservative financial management, strong retail sales and a deep and diversified employment base are three of the factors that led Standard & Poor's rating service to confirm Oklahoma City's General Obligation debt rating of 'AAA.' Moody's Investor Service also confirmed the City's 'Aaa' bond rating.
OKC Ranks as Top City for Job Creation
March 30, 2012 - Gallup
Gallup's Job Creation Index ranked Oklahoma City as the number one city for job creation in 2011 out of the nation's 50 largest metro areas. According to the study, Oklahoma City had a job creation index score of 25, outplacing other top-performing cities by at least 3 points and beating the national job creation score by 12 points.
Oklahoma Ranks in the Top 5 for Personal Income Gains
March 28, 2012 - Wells Fargo Securities
Oklahoma's personal income grew by 6.2 percent in 2011 ranking it as one of the five-fastest growing states in 2011. Wells Fargo contributed the gains to the energy and agricultural sectors.
U-Haul Names OKC a Top 50 City for Movers
March 27, 2012 - U-Haul International
U-Haul knows a thing or two about moving and they know OKC is a great destination. Oklahoma City came in at No. 27 in their list of "Top 50 Cities for Movers". The ranking reflects destinations for movers traveling more than 50 miles. The study looked at every city in the country regardless of size.
OKC Tech Company Makes Best Places to Work List
March 17, 2012 - Business Insider
OKC-based a la mode was recently named the fifth-best Tech Company to work for in the U.S. by Business Insider. Companies like a la mode and others who frequent "Best Places to Work" lists are just more examples of OKC being a great place to recruit and retain employees due the metro areas' business climate and growing creative-class.
Survey Finds OKC One of the Best Cities for Jobs in 2012
March 13, 2012 - Manpower Group
Manpower Group, an employment service firm, recently surveyed 18,000 employers across the country and tabbed Oklahoma City fourth in the their "Best City for Jobs in Spring of 2012". The metro area had a net employment outlook of 20 percent for the second quarter. In total, 24 percent of the OKC companies surveyed expected to increase hiring in the Spring.
Arts and Entertainment a Big Boon For Oklahoma City
March 6, 2012 - The Business Journals
Year after year, Oklahoma City sees growth in both tourism and general recreational spending. In fact, Arts and Entertainment are starting to become a significant sector of the OKC economy. According to stats recently released by The Business Journals, Oklahoma City ranks in the top 10 percent of all metros in Arts and Entertainment employment. This sector has more than 8,000 employees and that number continues to grow.
OKC is a Great Place for Manufacturing
February 20, 2012 - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
As the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics continue to release their 2011 data, OKC continues to get good news. It was revealed today that Oklahoma City ranked in the top 10 in manufacturing growth. The metro saw a 5.20 percent job increase in that sector over the past year.
Retail Continues to Grow in OKC
February 9, 2012 - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
As 2012 kicks off, Oklahoma City continues to see the retail sector gain momentum. In fact, according to stats from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OKC ranked third in the nation in percentage increase in retail jobs. Oklahoma City saw a 3.68 percent increase in jobs in 2011.
U.S. Cities Bouncing Back from the Recession
February 7, 2012 - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
According to recent statistics released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oklahoma City is one of 13 cities in the United States to have bounced back from the recession. The list includes major markets that have recovered all jobs lost during the recession.
Three OKC Companies Make 100 Best Place to Work List
February 6, 2012 - Fortune
Three Oklahoma City headquartered companies recently made Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work for List". American Fidelity Assurance, Chesapeake and Devon are all repeat winners and all not only made the list for 2012 but ranked in the top 50.
Three OKC Companies Make 100 Best Place to Work List
February 6, 2012 - Fortune
Three Oklahoma City headquartered companies recently made Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work for List". American Fidelity Assurance, Chesapeake and Devon are all repeat winners and all not only made the list for 2012 but ranked in the top 50.
OKC is Surging in Private-Sector Gains
February 6, 2012 - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
A lot has been made about Oklahoma City's economic strength during the Recession and the numbers continue to back up the praise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, OKC ranked seventh in the nation for private-job growth between 2010 and 2011. The metro saw a 12,000 job increase which represents a 2.75 percent increase in one year.
Oklahoma City is One of the Happiest Cities to Work In
January 17, 2012 - CareerBliss.com
People are just happier when going to work in Oklahoma City, at least according to CareerBliss.com. The company recently surveyed 43,000 workers nation wide and found that Oklahoma City was the third "Happiest City for Work", proving once again that OKC is the perfect place to work, play and live.
OKC Makes List of Cities with Best Real Estate Appreciation Potential
January 11, 2012 - Forbes
Forbes recently released their list of cities they felt had great real estate potential and Oklahoma City made the top 10. OKC's steady home prices the past three years and four percent population growth helped the metro make the renowned publication's ranking.
Study Finds OKC Ranks High for IT Activity
January 6, 2012 - Zinnov
Leading management consulting company Zinnov recently looked at the best economically emerging mid-sized cities. Among other things, their study showed Oklahoma City ranked second among these top cities in back office outsourcing. The study went on to show that companies can save 20 to 25 percent by headquartering in places like Oklahoma City.
