Sharpening Our Tools – Preparing for a Successful Year with Public Ethics

MEMBERSHIP MEETING RECAP ”” ETHICS, ENGAGEMENT, AND REPRESENTING OKLAHOMA

October 7th, 2025

Select Oklahoma’s October Membership Meeting focused on sharpening the professional tools economic developers rely on every day. The session featured Meggie Froman-Knight and Andy McMillan, who led a workshop-style discussion on the ethics and responsibilities that shape official engagement with prospects, partners, and site selectors. Their presentation emphasized the importance of representing the state first while navigating complex conversations during call trips and recruitment efforts. Participants explored practical guidance on handling difficult questions, maintaining professional integrity, and ensuring accurate representation of community capabilities. 

A key framework discussed was the TRUST model””Transparency, Respect, Unity, Service, and Truthfulness””which helps practitioners navigate ethical decision-making and maintain credibility with prospects and partners. The speakers highlighted common ethical challenges in economic development, including confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and the need to communicate truthful information during recruitment efforts. Through practical examples and guidance drawn from the IEDC Code of Ethics and Select Oklahoma’s own standards, members gained tools to strengthen professional conduct and reinforce trust across the state’s economic development network. 

If you weren’t there, you missed an interactive Call Trip workshop where members practiced responding to real-world questions they face when representing their communities and the state.

If you’re eager to learn more or connect with fellow practitioners, Select Oklahoma members continue these conversations through networking events, call trips, and industry gatherings across the state and beyond. Members can stay connected, register for upcoming events, and access meeting materials through the Select Oklahoma GlueUp platform.

Take the next step””apply now and help shape what’s next for Oklahoma!