BIRMINGHAM, AL (January 9, 2026) – Four Oklahoma communities have selected Retail Strategies, a national community development firm, to provide professional retail recruitment and downtown revitalization services using grant funding awarded by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Miami, Moore, Tahlequah, and Woodward County are investing their economic development grants to strengthen local economies through strategic community development efforts.
The communities will utilize their grant funding for downtown revitalization (Moore) and retail recruitment initiatives (Miami, Tahlequah, and Woodward County). The communities’ decision to invest in professional retail development services reflects a strategic approach to economic growth and business attraction.
“For Oklahoma to truly be the most business-friendly state in the country, we have to give communities the tools they need to tell their story,” said Jared Cooper, Director of Rural Services at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. “When communities are empowered to market what they have to offer to a business looking to expand or grow, they’re able to compete for new jobs and investment. I’m excited to see these grant dollars go a long way toward revitalizing downtowns and bringing new economic opportunities to communities across the state.”
Through their grant-funded partnership with Retail Strategies, each community will receive comprehensive market analysis, targeted prospect identification, and strategic outreach support tailored to their specific economic development goals. Services include retail leakage analysis, site assessment, prospect research with decision-maker contact information, and ongoing consultation from Retail Strategies’ team of real estate professionals.
“We applaud the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for recognizing that strategic retail recruitment requires professional resources and expertise,” said Lacy Beasley, President at Retail Strategies. “This grant program is a game-changer for these communities. It jumpstarts the critical services needed to compete for quality retail and restaurant tenants – services that many communities simply cannot afford on their own. We’re honored that Miami, Moore, Tahlequah, and Woodward County have chosen to invest their grant funding in our services, and we’re committed to delivering results that will benefit Oklahoma families for years to come.”
Grant Recipients:
- Miami, Oklahoma – Retail recruitment services to attract new retail and restaurant businesses to the community.
- Moore, Oklahoma – Downtown revitalization services to strengthen the city’s commercial core and attract businesses to downtown.
- Tahlequah, Oklahoma – Retail recruitment services to identify and pursue targeted retail prospects.
- Woodward County, Oklahoma – Retail recruitment services to expand commercial opportunities throughout the county.
About the Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Oklahoma Commerce is the state’s lead economic development agency, working to grow and strengthen Oklahoma’s economy. The agency supports business recruitment, expansion, and retention efforts while promoting workforce development, international trade, and community growth across the state. Through strategic programs, partnerships, and resources, Oklahoma Commerce helps communities and businesses compete, create jobs, and build long-term economic opportunity for all Oklahomans.
About Retail Strategies
Retail Strategies is the national expert in recruiting businesses and strategically developing communities. Our mission is to provide the real estate expertise, tools, and human effort that position deserving towns as alluring locations for national businesses and destinations for tourism and quality of life amenities. With confidence, we pursue this mission by delivering unparalleled customer service as a unified team with unmatched real estate and community development expertise. Our activities pay a return in sales taxes, added jobs, and businesses that enhance and add to the unique qualities of your community.
