A Letter from President Southard

I want to take this time to thank everyone for all their hard work. It has been 12 months since I arrived at the Ada Jobs Foundation and many things have changed. The Ada community has accomplished a lot over that period and I look forward to what goals we can attain in the future. Some of the highlights include:

1.       The unemployment rate continues to remain low. Practically everyone who wants a job is working. The unemployment rate in July 2008 (3.6%) is 1.3% less than it was a year ago.

2.       As national employment figures decline, the Ada workforce continues to increase and has remained in excess of 20,000 for the last 21 months.

3.       Ada businesses continue to increase their annual retail sales. In fact, Ada has one of the highest per capita retail sales in Oklahoma ($18,600).

4.       The four industry classifications that have seen the highest increases in 2007 sales taxes are general merchandise, eating establishments, building materials and hotels/lodging.

Things in Ada continue to look strong for 2008/09 and I look forward to seeing the community grow.

Michael Southard, AICP

President and CEO