OEDC Names Roggow 2019 Economic Developer of the Year

August 16, 2019

By Charlene Belew The Duncan Banner

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt (left) and Oklahoma Department of Commerce Executive Director Brent Kisling (right) present the 2019 Oklahoma Economic Developer of the Year award to Lyle Roggow, President of the Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation.

Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation President and CEO Lyle Roggow took home accolades earlier this week when he was named Oklahoma’s Economic Development Professional of the Year for 2019.

Oklahoma Economic Development Council (OEDC) released names of award winners, including Roggow, who was announced as the award recipient by Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Governor’s Economic Development and Workforce Summit earlier this week.

OEDC President Christy Elkins said the organization was happy to reward professionals for their efforts in the field.

“Economic developers are on the front line every single day, working tirelessly to help make Oklahoma a top 10 state,” Elkins said. “We are happy to recognize the hard work of these groups and individuals to move Oklahoma forward.”

This is the first year OEDC has presented this award. Selections come from peer nominations across the state and the award is given to a person who has gone far beyond necessary activities and accomplishments in the field. Candidates are required to have at least years of service in Oklahoma as a professional economic developer and must be a present or past member of OEDC.

Roggow was selected for “his efforts in creating positive change in his community and state, the economic development programs and partnerships he has formed, and because he is one of Oklahoma’s most influential leaders in the economic development industry.”

Roggow said earning the award was a huge honor, especially since it came from peer nominations and out of 150 professionals associated with OEDC.

“When you’re thought of that well, it resonates, and you thank your peers for appreciating what you do,” Roggow said. “I’m grateful for my staff that supports me and our economic development effort and my Board of Directors who supports my efforts in growing primary sector jobs.”

Brent Kisling, Executive Director of Oklahoma Department of Commerce, said Roggow’s extensive history in economic development and development of successful programs merited the award.

“Lyle Roggow has a long history in economic development: assisting farmers, small businesses and communities while at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and now serving as president of the Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation,” Kisling said. “He and his team have created a successful program that includes a certified incubator, owns families to encourage business growth and expansion and have a strong workforce development.”

For more information, visit OEDC or Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation on Facebook or at their respective websites, www.oedc.net and www.ok-duncan.com.