The William S. Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State Universary has released its Economic Outlook for 2008. Here is a summary:

- The Woodward area economy continues to exhibit remarkable growth, posting job growth of 5.1% for all of 2007. Only slightly slower job growth of 4.2% is forecasted for 2008.

- Woodward’s job formation will continue to significantly outpace the state and the northwest region of the state in 2008.

- Woodward continues to be fueled by the energy sector. Job growth in mining is expected to reach 22.6% for all of 2007, representing 420 new jobs. Growth in energy related hiring is expected to decelerate significantly next year with 9.9% job growth (225 new jobs) predicted.

- More than 50% of Woodward’s new jobs in 2008 are expected to come from the mining sector.

- Per capita personal income should grow by 4.6% for all of 2007 and by 8.2% in 2008. Woodward is expected to approach the state average in per capita personal income in 2008 and has gained significant ground on the nation.

> Download complete 2008 Economic Outlook Report (pdf)

From a recent Woodward News article:

Mutual of Omaha has been operating in Woodward since 1991 and announced in 2007 the office would be closing due to the company getting out of the employer-based health insurance business.

Since then, the company has decided the Woodward office will transition from a claims and customer service center to a short-term disability claims management center. Mutual of Omaha officials said in a news release he company has experienced strong growth in short and long term disability areas and other employer-based products.

“It’s a very positive statement for Woodward and its future,” said LaVern Phillips, President of the Woodward Industrial Foundation. “Mutual of Omaha is an exceptional company. We’ve had a long positive relationship with this company.”

Woodward's first Assisted Living Center opened at the end of 2007 and has been a huge success in it's first few months of operation. Providence Place is set in a peaceful, tree-lined area, and includes an in house beauty salon, a masculine lounge, a feminine parlor, a library, several commons areas, exercise sessions and other amenities.  The center is staffed around the clock with certified nursing assistants, making it the perfect residence for Woodward's elderly. 

In a recent Woodward News article, resident Lahoma Grunewald said she is glad she made the recent move to Providence Place.

“It’s fabulous here,” said Grunewald. “I love it. Everybody is so nice and the food is great.”

The Red River Transportation Service, Woodward’s new public transit system which announced its opening to the public in November, is now offering in-town rides Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.   Customers can contact the “demand response” service,  by calling 254-5482 and then the bus driver will come pick them up and take them where they need to go.


The rides are $1 per stop, he said, but senior citizens and those with disabilities can purchase a coupon for 25 rides at a discount of $17.50.

Brent Morey, executive director of Community Action Development Corporation which oversees the public transit organization, said Red River Transportation Service has been operating in Western Oklahoma since 1984 and currently provides services in 15 counties.  He said he is also thankful for the support of the Woodward Chamber of Commerce as well as Sen. Owen Laughlin who encouraged him to expand the business into the Woodward area.

By an overwhelming 81% margin, Woodward voters approved a $25 million improvement project for Crystal Beach Park to enhance our quality of life.

The plan will improve swimming facilities and will attract more events. City Manager Alan Riffel said through the election Woodward citizens have given their vote of confidence in the local government’s vision for the community.“They embraced this vision of what Woodward could be,” he said. “And now we are going to show the world what we can be.” Read the entire Woodward News article here.