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Oklahoma

Advantageously located near the heart of the nation, Oklahoma has been diversifying its economy in the last 20 years. Oil remains important, but oil production and prices are less and less the make-or-break factor for the state's economy that they once were.

Indeed, in 1999 Oklahoma saw 92 companies expand or come to the state, adding an investment of $584 million and 6,272 new jobs. The state is running ahead of those figures this year.

Generally, Oklahoma is moving, like most other states, toward a service economy. Job creation in recent years has largely focused on the service and manufacturing sectors rather than on the earlier mainstays of energy and agriculture. In the last year, the growth in new and expanding industry has focused on companies that produce industrial and commercial machinery and computer equipment, as well as fabricated steel products.

While the state continues to promote initiatives for new and expanding local industry, it is launching a program to promote exports and lure overseas investment. Dubbed the International Strategic Plan for Oklahoma and unveiled in March, it was created by bringing together a broad segment of the state's economy. Sponsors hope that fragmented programs now will be consolidated and made more effective on a statewide basis.