State Launches New Program To Attract Businesses After Tesla Decision

Nearly 2 weeks after Oklahoma missed out on attracting Telsa to build in Tulsa, the state is starting a new program to attract their suppliers and other businesses.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce calls it the Automotive Accelerator Program, a plan that will recruit automotive parts manufacturers to Oklahoma, including companies that will now need operations in the region to supply Tesla's Austin plant.

"Any automobile manufacturer has tons of companies that they subcontract the work too. Tesla is no different," said Sean Kouplen, the Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce.

Kouplen said many companies are also looking to shorten their supply chain during the pandemic.

The state will highlight that advantage to prospective companies as well as other incentives, like a relocation fund, tax credits and expedited permitting requirements.

Kouplen said the state's goal is to get high paying jobs for Oklahomans.

"It's just a very logical way to grow our economy," said Kouplen.

Kouplen said 116 companies are currently talking to the state about moving into Oklahoma, including many in the automotive industry.