The Journal Record

Since 1996, the Norman Economic Development Coalition (NEDC) has been dedicated to building the city's economic base, enhancing earnings opportunities of area residents by retaining and expanding existing business and industry and attracting new employers that are consistent with the city's high quality of life.

It is a joint effort of the University of Oklahoma, the City of Norman and the Norman business community through the Norman Chamber of Commerce.

In 2007, the coalition took a giant leap of faith in what may well become a national model for partnering with a start-up company. When Norman-based SouthWest Nanotechnologies Inc., a leading producer of single-wall carbon nanotubes, needed to dramatically expand its manufacturing capabilities, NEDC came up with a proposal that would enable the company to do just that.

With the help of the coalition committing its resources, SouthWest Nanotechnologies will complete its 18,000-square-foot, $3.9 million manufacturing plant on eight acres at the Norman Business Park this spring. The company's target markets include displays, military and aerospace, energy, medicine, automotive and semiconductors. Combined, these represent a multibillion-dollar market opportunity for carbon nanotubes.

Through this partnership, the NEDC has secured the company's prosperity as well as created much local wealth and opportunity. It will serve as the hub for further growth and expansion of Oklahoma's emerging nanotechnology industry.

In addition, NEDC continues to creatively lead its other incubator clients by locating facilities available at an affordable cost; reviewing business plans; engaging clients in a network of banking, university and other business leaders; introducing and assisting with participation in educational support programs and offering regular business coaching sessions.

 Foremost, the NEDC board of directors understands that Oklahoma has an opportunity to shape its own economic destiny and that to do so it must invest in its people and technology as well as in the infrastructure and support systems that keeps the best companies and most talented workers.

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