WELCOME TO THE TABLE

CHEROKEE NATION, Tahlequah. Cherokee Nation Businesses is the economic engine of the Cherokee Nation. CNB owns companies in the gaming, hospitality, personnel services, distribution, aerospace manufacturing, telecommunications and environmental service industries. They employ more than 4000 people and yield nearly $500 million in revenue every year. Brad Carson is their representative.

FORBES REVELATION

Forbes Magazine recently announced the results of their study to identify The Best Cities for Jobs in the U. S.

Tulsa ranked 6th in the survey compared to 35th the previous year. Oklahoma City ranked 10th after a ranking of 67 the previous year. Both obviously represented considerable improvement.

Forbes used five data points, weighed equally for their survey results: unemployment rate, job growth, income growth, median household income and cost of living for the full year.

DISNEY FESTIVAL

The Oklahoma exhibit at the 2007 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival came to a close on November 11. Disney reports, and other sources as well, indicate the Oklahoma exhibit was one of the most successful displays it has ever presented at this festival in its 14 years. ODOC has been very pleased with the results of the event from a business contact standpoint.

One of the major events at the festival was The Regional Feast for some 130 attendees. This event celebrates 100 years of statehood with an elegant menu specially created for the occasion by The Coach House Chef, Kurt Fleischfresser. Special entertainment included a Native American storyteller and music by Horseshoe Road.

OKLAHOMA MEETING

Over 600 people, including judges, legislators and governors from around the country are in Oklahoma City to attend The Council of State Governments meetings this month. Business sessions will include discussions on education, health care, energy, aging and criminal justice. Governor Brad Henry is serving as the president of the organization this year.