Diversification ends century of economic extremes

Monday, December 27th 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oil and agriculture are still important Oklahoma staples but as the state's centennial draws closer, other job areas are rapidly growing -- especially in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. These days, manufacturing employment in the state is growing at five-to-six times the national average. Service companies, telecommunications and aviation are also big names.

In a word, the state's economy is more diverse -- and economist Robert C. Dauffenbach says that's a good thing. He says the new industries and a strong national economy have brought the state virtually full employment and a new identity. But Dauffenbach says the state's incomes still lag behind the national average, and some rural areas have been hit by oil company downsizing