Building Connections & Gaining Insights: BAEDC at the 2025 SEDC Annual Conference
This month, the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation joined peers from across the South at the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) Annual Conference in Oklahoma City. As one of the largest gatherings of economic development professionals in the nation, #SEDC2025 offered invaluable opportunities to learn, collaborate, and bring new strategies back to our community.
Kicking Off with Community Transformation
The conference opened with an Oklahoma City FAM Tour, highlighting the transformative impact of MAPS projects and more than $3 billion in capital investment over the past 30 years. For BAEDC, it was an inspiring reminder of how long-term vision and investment in infrastructure and placemaking can set the stage for growth; something we’re working toward every day in Broken Arrow.
Sunday Sessions: From BRE to New Business Attraction
Day one featured sessions that hit close to home for our team’s mission, including:
- The Future of Economic Growth Starts Here – exploring how communities can better showcase value and secure critical investments.
- The Industrial-Retail Connection – a timely discussion on the importance of balancing industrial recruitment with retail development to build complete, sustainable communities.
- Upping Your Business Retention & Expansion Game – sharing strategies to strengthen BRE programs, a cornerstone of BAEDC’s work in supporting our local companies.
- New Business Attraction Trends in 2025 – an insightful, data-driven session on emerging sectors and investment trends across the South.
Monday Highlights: Leadership, Film, and Agriculture
Monday began with a moving Opening Ceremony featuring the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and an address from Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell. Throughout the day, the sessions reflected the diverse drivers of economic growth across the South:
- The $80 Billion Dollar Panel showcased the strategies that led to billions in new capital investment in 2024.
- A keynote from Daron K. Roberts, former NFL coach and Harvard Law graduate, challenged attendees to embrace resilience and “microwins” in our daily work.
- The Reel Ripple Effect explored the economic impact of the film industry, a sector Broken Arrow is well positioned to support with our growing creative economy.
- Cultivating Leadership: How Southern Agriculture is Driving Economic Growth highlighted agriculture’s continued role in innovation and regional prosperity, with Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur among the speakers.
Tuesday Takeaways: Energy, Resilience, and the Future
On the final day, BAEDC attended sessions focused on preparing for the future of our communities:
- United States Economic Outlook from the Federal Reserve offered perspective on national trends shaping local economies.
- Fueling the Future: American Development in the South emphasized the importance of energy infrastructure in supporting economic development.
- MidAmerica Industrial Park—Back to the Future showcased how long-term planning in Oklahoma has turned a regional megasite into a national success story.
- Building Resilient Economies and Accelerating Rural Economic Development underscored the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing environment.
The conference closed with the State of the #AmericanSouth, a forward-looking discussion of regional strengths, rankings, and future opportunities.
Looking Ahead for Broken Arrow
Our time at #SEDC2025 was more than just professional development, it was an opportunity to connect with leaders, learn best practices, and be inspired by the momentum across the South. From new approaches to BRE to innovative strategies in film, energy, and rural development, we’re bringing back actionable insights to strengthen Broken Arrow’s growth.
As the fastest-growing large city in Oklahoma, Broken Arrow is ready to put these ideas into action, ensuring our community continues to thrive, attract investment, and create opportunities for businesses and families alike.
