By Andrew Knittle
Despite the ongoing economic struggles in Oklahoma and the rest of the nation, Norman's job market has only shed about 250 positions in the last year.
That's what Don Wood, executive director of the Norman Economic Development Coalition, told the Cleveland County Business and Industry Council earlier in the week at a breakfast in the Moore Norman Technology Center's campus on South Pennsylvania.
Wood said the unemployment rate in Norman is 4.5 percent, less than half the U.S. average.
"That's pretty healthy," he said. "Especially compared with what's going on in the rest of the country."
Wood also said some relief may be in sight.
"All the things we're seeing are positive," he said. "I think we've weathered most of this, but we'll see."
Wood discussed a high-end office park he's hoping to develop in University North Park, saying he has one sale but needs a second before he can move forward on the project. He said the NEDC has 60 acres in the area that he hopes will attract corporations and businesses seeking headquarters.
Moore still growing
Deidre Ebrey, director of marketing and economic development for the City of Moore, said the city that employs her also is doing better than most in today's challenging economic environment.
She said Moore's unemployment rate is an estimated 5.3 percent, still just about half of the national figure.
Ebrey said Moore's population and business growth is "fast but manageable," adding the city has 317 homes that have been permitted this year. She said 180 of those are under construction.
"I think we might hit 325 by the end of the year," she said.
Ebrey also announced that Convergys, which provides customer service for other businesses, recently said they will be adding 250 positions to its Moore location. With 1,300 employees, she said Convergys is Moore's largest employer other than Moore Public Schools (2,552 workers).
Ebrey said Moore is seeing plenty of construction projects, it's just that most of them are public. She said the poor economy and favorable bidding environment is helping the city do more building for less money, including the construction of a new fire station and a new police station and emergency management center.
Moore Public Schools also will grow in the future, Ebrey said, with plans to build a pair of new elementary schools.
"This will help on the elementary level, but they'll be looking to add another junior high by that time," she said.
Andrew Knittle 366-3540 aknittle@normantranscript.com
