Boom Continues For Owasso

By Craig Day, The News On 6

OWASSO, OK -- There is progress despite the slumping economy.  Communities nationwide are being impacted by the economic downturn, but commercial building is still booming in Owasso.  Why is that town seeing so much success?

From new restaurants to retail, from the hospitality industry to banking, there is a lot going on in Owasso.

"It is kind of bucking the trend that we've heard nationally, but I think it is still good news in the Owasso market and really for the Tulsa metro as a whole we're in a good area," said Gary Akin with the Owasso Chamber of Commerce.

Part of that good news is the most visible project in town:  a new JC Penney's store.  The company opened nine new stores nationwide on the same day the 104,000 square foot store in Owasso opened.

"Owasso is a good place to invest in, and Owasso is a good place to make a return on your investment," said Gary Akin with the Owasso Chamber of Commerce.

Construction is also underway on a fifth hotel, with one more on the way.

Gary Akin with the Owasso Chamber says the city benefits from a good location.  Plus, the dramatic growth in population, which is predicted to be a 4% to 5% increase in the coming year, has prompted many retailers to invest in Owasso.

"You go back to the basics:  great school system, friendly environment.  A good place for investors to have a good return on their investment," said Gary Akin with the Owasso Chamber of Commerce.

An OSU Economist also recently predicted despite the recession, Owasso will have positive growth in retail sales, jobs and population in the future

Business Week also recently studied every state and selected a boomtown based on population growth.  Owasso was named as Oklahoma's Boomtown.