AGP Executive Report

Manufacturing Deal: Broken Arrow-based Paragon Films is set to be acquired by Atlantic Ridge Capital and Grafine Partners in a deal valued at about $900 million. The packaging maker produces stretch and shrink films for food, retail and e-commerce. Tulsa Business Growth: A new entrepreneurship center aims to expand opportunities for small businesses, while the city is weighing a hotel-tax increase to improve venues and compete for major events. Airport Expansion: Will Rogers International Airport has unveiled a plan to handle up to 20 million passengers. Industrial Investment: Greenheck Group plans a major Oklahoma expansion. Economic Indicators: Oklahoma tax revenue rose 7.1% to $18.18 billion over 12 months, and the Oklahoma State Fair generated an estimated $93 million for Oklahoma City’s economy. Industry Cleanup: Oklahoma’s active medical marijuana grower licenses have fallen from a 2021 peak of 9,402 to 1,703, leaving abandoned sites and cleanup costs for landowners and public agencies.

Tourism Investment: Tulsa leaders are proposing a hotel-tax increase from 5% to 9.9% to upgrade venues and compete for conventions and major events. The rate has been unchanged for 40 years. Small Business: A new Tulsa entrepreneurship center aims to widen opportunities for local small businesses. Consumer Compensation: Attorney General Gentner Drummond is urging Oklahomans who bought certain generic drugs to check whether they qualify for payments from a multistate settlement over alleged price-fixing. Cattle Markets: Oklahoma auction volumes since July 1 are down 23.2% from a year earlier, while drought strains pasture and producers weigh herd cuts. Feeder prices have recovered about 5.5% to 6% since Labor Day. State Finances: Oklahoma tax revenue rose 7.1% to $18.18 billion over the past 12 months.

Major Deal: Atlantic Ridge Capital agreed to buy Broken Arrow-based Paragon Films for about $900 million, in one of the largest deals by a newly launched private-equity firm. The stretch-film maker says its products can cut customer costs and material use. Data Centers & Utilities: Oklahoma Corporation Commission candidates differ on data-center regulation as projects expand across the state. AARP survey findings point to residents’ concern over data centers and utility costs. Local Economy: The Oklahoma State Fair generated $93 million for Oklahoma City’s economy despite triple-digit heat. Business Climate: Oklahoma tax revenue rose 7.1% to $18.18 billion over 12 months, while Greenheck Group plans a major state expansion.

Data Center Debate: Oklahoma has 64 data center projects operating or in development, as Corporation Commission candidates offer sharply different approaches to regulation. Brad Boles says the commission should enforce rules set by lawmakers; Rhonda Eastman wants a pause while the state studies the issue. Residents are also raising concerns about electricity costs and accountability. Economic Impact: The Oklahoma State Fair drew about 825,000 visitors and generated an estimated $93.4 million in direct spending for Oklahoma City, despite extreme heat. Business Growth: Oklahoma City-based INSURICA acquired WorkCompOne, adding its online workers’ compensation business and customer-acquisition tools to the insurance firm’s digital operations. State Finances: Oklahoma tax revenue rose 7.1% to $18.18 billion over the past 12 months, according to a recent state report.

Tribal Gaming: Oklahoma’s tribal gaming association says prediction-market apps threaten tribal sovereignty and compact revenue, which topped $221 million in 2025. Utility Costs: An AARP survey found 92% of older Oklahomans want data centers to pay their own utility costs. PSO customers already face an $11 interim rate increase as regulators consider a permanent hike. Child Care: Providers warn subsidy changes could squeeze families and centers. Starting Feb. 1, income eligibility drops from 70% to 55% of the state median, though current recipients keep their terms until renewal if they remain eligible. Industrial Permitting: Attorney General Gentner Drummond says proposed air-quality rules could ease the way for a controversial northeast Oklahoma aluminum smelter, despite DEQ’s position that the update would not apply to it. Oklahoma Business: Tulsa’s Ten-Nine Technologies has partnered with South Korea’s MIN N JUNE Chemical to market and test its battery additive with manufacturers. HTeaO named Brian Wise CEO and opened stores in Altus and Bixby.

Energy Costs: Rural Oklahoma drivers are facing gas prices near $5 a gallon, while OG&E is seeking a rate increase that could add pressure on household and business budgets. Workforce: Cherokee Nation leaders say limited affordable childcare is keeping parents—especially women—from jobs and education, and worsening employers’ struggle to find workers. Industry: Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense sector generates an estimated $52.5 billion in economic impact, while a steel tubing manufacturer is expanding in the state. Business Roots: Actress Jennifer Garner’s family farm in Locust Grove, held by her family since 1936, helped inspire her organic children’s food company, Once Upon a Farm, which has grown into a national brand. Local Investment: Tulsa is weighing a hotel-tax proposal to fund upgrades at the BOK Center and other downtown venues; residents are also pressing county officials for more scrutiny of data center costs and cooling demands.

Utility Costs: OG&E is seeking a rate increase as rural Oklahoma drivers contend with gasoline prices nearing $5 a gallon in some communities. Industrial Investment: Greenheck Group plans a major Oklahoma expansion, while Webco Industries is investing millions to expand its Port Muskogee operations. Energy Deals: Devon Energy agreed to sell its Eagle Ford assets to Crescent for $4.2 billion, a significant portfolio move by the Oklahoma-based producer. Housing: The Oklahoma City Housing Authority has broken ground on a workforce housing project as affordability remains a challenge. Banking: Third Coast plans to acquire an Oklahoma bank in a $240 million deal.

Utility Costs: OG&E is seeking a $395 million rate hike that could add about $23.88 to the average residential bill each month. The company says the filing excludes data-center power use; a separate large-load tariff is pending. Investment and Growth: Greenheck Group plans a major Oklahoma expansion, while Webco Industries is investing millions to expand at Port Muskogee. But a proposed aluminum smelter in Inola faces a local moratorium and resident opposition, clouding prospects for the high-profile project. Banking: Third Coast Bancshares agreed to buy Oklahoma-based Great Plains Bancshares for $240 million. Simmons Bank, which operates in Oklahoma and five other states, plans to close 26 branches Dec. 4. State Finances: Oklahoma tax revenue rose 7.1% to $18.18 billion over the past 12 months.

Ethics and Accountability: The Oklahoma Ethics Commission is investigating Rep. Danny Williams over allegations he used his office to benefit a for-profit business, nonprofits and a family member. Williams has 10 days to respond. Local Business: Tidal Wave Auto Spa opened its sixth Oklahoma location, in Claremore, as the company expands its car-wash network. State Revenue: Oklahoma tax revenue rose 7.1% to $18.18 billion over the past 12 months. Data Center Growth: Tulsa County officials and residents are pressing for independent review of data-center plans, including their effects on power, water and utility costs. Childcare and Jobs: Oklahoma lawmakers are studying ways to address a childcare crunch that advocates say is making it harder for providers to stay open and families to work. Aerospace: Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industry generates $52.5 billion in annual economic activity and supports 250,000 jobs, according to a new industry study.

State Economy: Oklahoma tax revenue rose 7.1% to $18.18 billion over the past 12 months, pointing to stronger state receipts. Workforce: More than 115 Southern Glazer’s workers in Oklahoma voted to join the Teamsters, while lawmakers heard that childcare shortages are hindering employers’ ability to hire. Banking: Third Coast Bancshares agreed to acquire Great Plains Bancshares as it looks to expand in Oklahoma City and Dallas. Aerospace: Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industry generates an estimated $52.5 billion in annual economic activity, with industry growth adding about $9 billion since 2017. Energy Costs: Oklahoma residents are seeking answers on data-center power use and who will bear the costs as demand strains utilities.

Data Center Costs: Oklahoma residents are pressing officials for answers on data-center power use, cooling and accountability, as lawmakers weigh how to regulate the fast-growing industry. Travel Centers: LV Petroleum aims to grow from 106 locations to 140 by the end of 2027, after acquiring four TravelCenters of America sites in September, including one in Oklahoma. Industry Growth: Webco Industries announced a multimillion-dollar expansion at Port Muskogee, while a new report puts Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industry at a $52.5 billion economic impact. Energy: Devon Energy agreed to sell its Eagle Ford shale assets to Crescent for $4.2 billion. Workforce and Rural Development: Oklahoma lawmakers heard calls for more childcare subsidies as providers struggle to stay open; meanwhile, eight grant-funded broadband projects have brought fiber to 1,187 rural locations.**

Tulsa Venues: Voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to raise the hotel tax from 5% to 9.9% to fund upgrades at the BOK Center and other city venues, which generated nearly $150 million in direct economic impact last fiscal year. Aerospace: Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industry now has a $52.5 billion economic impact and supports more than 250,000 jobs, with the Artemis II mission showcasing local expertise. Corporate Moves: Devon Energy is selling its Eagle Ford shale assets for $4.2 billion, while Third Coast Bank plans a $240 million purchase of an Oklahoma bank as it pursues growth in Oklahoma City. Investment: A $57 million mixed-income housing project has broken ground in Oklahoma City, and Webco Industries is expanding at Port Muskogee. Workforce: Oklahoma lawmakers are weighing childcare policy changes and more subsidy funding, as advocates warn that care costs and shortages are keeping parents from work.

Energy Deals: Oklahoma City-based Devon Energy agreed to sell its Eagle Ford assets for $4.2 billion, planning to use the proceeds to buy back shares and reduce debt. Farm Costs: Gov. Kevin Stitt is seeking a temporary break on taxes and penalties for dyed diesel as record fuel costs squeeze Oklahoma farmers; any relief depends on federal approval. Tribal Business: Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town joined three California tribes in partnering with Kalshi on prediction-market apps, a move that has widened divisions over tribal gaming and new revenue opportunities. Aerospace Growth: Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industry generates $52.5 billion in annual economic activity and supports 250,000 jobs, with Tulsa a major contributor. Utilities: OG&E is seeking a $395 million rate increase, while AARP Oklahoma urges lawmakers to keep data-center costs off household bills. Manufacturing: Webco Industries plans a multimillion-dollar expansion at Port Muskogee, adding to investment in the state’s industrial base.

Startup Investment: Ten Latin American startups have relocated to Tulsa in 18 months through a program offering help with visas, housing and settling in. Tulsa company Bioeutectics says it secured $4 million and is seeking more to expand production. Industrial Growth: Webco Industries is expanding at Port Muskogee, investing an undisclosed multimillion-dollar sum and expecting to add up to 10 jobs in six months. Aerospace: Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense sector generates $52.5 billion in annual economic activity and supports more than 250,000 jobs; the Tulsa region accounts for $11 billion and nearly 43,000 jobs. Tulsa Development: A proposed $200 million, 40-acre North Tulsa project would include a medical facility, apartments, coworking space and a farmers market. Housing: West Haven Flats broke ground in Oklahoma City, adding 132 income-restricted apartments in a roughly $57 million development. Utilities and Finance: OG&E is seeking a $395 million rate increase, its first filing since 2023. Third Coast also plans to acquire an Oklahoma bank for $240 million.

Health Care Growth: Oklahoma City-based Integrity Care Group acquired 15 NextCare clinics across Oklahoma, Missouri and Nebraska, expanding its network to 100 locations in five states. About 200 employees joined the company, which plans facility and equipment upgrades. Aerospace Industry: Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense sector generates $52.5 billion in annual economic activity, a new report says—$9 billion more than in 2017. State Senate leaders are highlighting the industry’s growing economic footprint. Data Center Debate: An Oklahoma City data center campus is investing in an off-grid power plant as tribal leaders and gubernatorial candidates weigh development, energy costs and regulation. The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes have approved a three-year data center ban. Energy Deal: ONEOK completed its acquisition of Brazos Midstream’s Permian Midland Basin assets, expanding the Tulsa-based energy company’s operations.

Aerospace boom: Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industry generated $52.5 billion in annual economic activity and supports more than 250,000 jobs, according to a new 2026 economic impact study unveiled Tuesday by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. The report also puts annual payroll at $16.6 billion, and state leaders say the sector has grown about $9 billion since 2017. Defense manufacturing: The McAlester Army Ammunition Plant in southeastern Oklahoma is set to produce warheads for former Google CEO Eric Schmidt’s drone company, Perennial Autonomy, under a partnership tied to counter-drone systems. Housing policy: Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt is pushing an interim study on land banks as a way to redevelop more than 200,000 vacant housing units across Oklahoma. Ballot and courts: The Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down State Question 843, which would have progressively exempted owner-occupied homes from property taxes. Energy and costs: Oklahoma lawmakers also heard about rural drinking water needs, while federal action on tax-free dyed diesel is stirring debate over fuel prices and trucking impacts. Food safety: Flowers Foods recalled Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread in multiple states, including Oklahoma, due to undeclared milk.