Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc. (REI) has released its 2007 report on activities and impact. We are pleased to report that 2007 was a very successful year for the organization, said Tom Seth Smith, President & CEO. Working with our statewide economic development partners and opening more offices, REI has greatly enhanced the business climate and the lives of Oklahoma citizens.
The financial impact of all REI services totaled $170,424,543 for the year and 6,143 clients were served through the organizations highly diversified services. This was a 74 percent increase in financial impact over the previous year and a 19 percent increase in clients assisted, Smith said.
REI services include business financing, equipment program, business incubators, affordable housing programs, international trade assistance, training and education targeted to women entrepreneurs and tax credit programs.
The organization has also expanded its outreach with additional offices. REI now offers services from five locations, Durant, Alva, Lawton, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. A Native American Business Enterprise Center was also opened to serve minority entrepreneurs statewide.
REI has a 25-year history of providing economic development with a mission to create jobs through business and community assistance services.
We give much of the credit for our success to our statewide network of partners, legislators, a visionary board of directors and 40 economic development professionals who work at REI and believe in our mission, said Smith.
For more information about REI services, call 800-658-2823.