The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is a department of the government of Oklahoma under the Oklahoma secretary of commerce. The department is responsible for the supporting local communities, stimulating growth of the existing businesses, attracting new business, and promoting the development and availability of a skilled workforce. The department is the lead agency for economic development in the state. The department is led by and under the control of a director appointed by the governor of Oklahoma, with the approval of the Oklahoma Senate, to serve at the pleasure of the governor.
The current cabinet secretary is Sean Kouplen, who was appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt in January 2019.
The Department of Commerce was established in 1987 during the term of Governor Henry Bellmon.
Mission
To increase the quantity and quality of jobs available in Oklahoma by:
Supporting communities;
Supporting the growth of existing businesses and entrepreneurs;
Attracting new businesses; and
Promoting the development and availability of a skilled workforce.
Business Development Services - responsible for the retention and creation of jobs in existing businesses
International Trade Promotion - responsible for promoting export trade and the attraction of foreign direct investment
Mexico City, Mexico Trade Office
Community Development Division
Community Development Services - responsible for providing technical assistance to and financial investment in local communities
Main Street Center - responsible for providing training and technical assistance for preservation-based commercial district revitalization
National Recruitment Division - responsible for recruiting new business investment
Research and Analysis Division - responsible for providing information and analysis on State's business climate, tax incentives, and business advantages
Deputy Director and General Counsel
Executive Services Division - provides administrative support services to entire Department
Human Resources Division - provides all personnel services for Department
Financial Affairs Division - provides financial services to the Department
Deputy Secretary of Commerce for Workforce Solutions
Workforce Development Division
Staffing
The Commerce Department, with an annual budget of $100 million, is one of the smaller employers of the state. For fiscal year 2018, the department was authorized 92 full-time employees in FY2014.[1]
Program
Number of Employees
Administration
Executive Services
Human Resources
Financial Services
43
Community Development
Community Development Services
Main Street Center
32
Business Promotion
Business Development Services
International Trade Promotion
20
Business Recruitment
8
Research and Analysis
10
Workforce Services
12
Total
125
Budget
The Commerce Department has an annual budget of several hundred million dollars, making it one of the smaller appropriated agencies of the State. For fiscal year 2011, the department's budget consists of 20% in annual appropriations and 80% in federal grants. The department's divisions have the following budgets:[2]
