State Rep. Fetgatter comments on House passage of Industrial Hemp legislation

Fetgatter Comments on Passage of Industrial Hemp Legislation

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 27, 2020) – Rep. Scott Fetgatter (R-Okmulgee) today commented on the passage of a concurrent resolution that promises to advance the industrial hemp industry in Oklahoma.

House Concurrent Resolution 1015 recognizes that research, development, processing, manufacturing and production of industrial hemp qualifies for Oklahoma state incentives.

“Oklahoma needs to be the center of industrial hemp manufacturing,” Fetgatter said. “Just like our new state logo shows our state as a multi-faceted hub, we believe this resolution will strengthen what our farmers are able to do with this product and attract new businesses such as biotech companies, industrial-grade producers and manufacturers to our state as well.”

Fetgatter said he worked with leaders from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the state Department of Agriculture on the legislation so the industrial hemp industry can utilize state commerce incentives for manufacturing and processing.

Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce Sean Kouplen said, “We are happy to help find incentives that hemp growers and manufacturers will qualify for. We can help find locations, whatever they need. We are excited to welcome this industry to our state.”

Jon Chiappe, director of research with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, said, “Our agency is a problem solver, ensuring we help our businesses address any barriers that would keep them from being successful in our state.”

Fetgatter said the resolution is a continuation of legislation passed in 2018 by House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols (R-Oklahoma City) and State Rep. Mickey Dollens (D-Oklahoma City), which allowed Oklahoma farmers to participate in a pilot program to grown industrial hemp.

Fetgatter said industrial hemp has been grown in America since the Colonial period and has been used for products ranging from textiles to paper and rope to modern-day construction materials and fiberboards. He said hemp is a protein that can be ingested by both humans and livestock. He said the product is low-cost and generally low-input as a crop and is believed to have strong market potential because of its diversity of uses.

He said Oklahoma is a perfect place to grow industrial hemp as a rotation crop, noting it increases soil fertility and nutrients and reduces soil erosion and crop stress from weeds as well as limiting concentration of pests.

“This will benefit our agriculture producers and give our farmers a way to add to their income,” Fetgatter said. “It also will prompt research institutions to further their studies of this product.”

HCR 1015 passed the House with a vote of 69-4 and now passes to the state Senate for consideration. State Sen. Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) is the Senate author of the resolution.

Rep. Scott Fetgatter represents District 16 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes parts of Muskogee, Okmulgee, Tulsa and Wagoner counties.

Stitt names Sean Kouplen as next Secretary of Commerce

GOVERNOR-ELECT KEVIN STITT ANNOUNCES SECRETARY OF COMMERCE AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, NAMES COMMERCE DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Oklahoma City, Okla. (Jan. 3, 2019) – Governor-elect Kevin Stitt announced today the appointment of Sean Kouplen as the next Secretary of Commerce and Workforce Development, a cabinet position that will require Senate confirmation, and the hiring of Brent Kisling as the next executive director of the Department of Commerce.

“Sean Kouplen is a proven business leader and entrepreneur, full of vision, energy and passion for seeing our state thrive and achieve Top Ten status. His reputation and network, both in the state and nationwide, will help propel Oklahoma forward to achieve a robust recruitment agenda,” said Stitt. “Brent Kisling will provide a dynamic partnership with Kouplen, bringing a successful record of developing rural economies, crafting and executing major infrastructure projects and recruiting new job creators to our state. With their leadership, the Department of Commerce will play an integral role in Oklahoma’s Turnaround as the agency’s mission will focus on growing our state and diversify Oklahoma’s economy.”

Upon confirmation, Sean Kouplen will serve on the governor’s cabinet in an unpaid capacity, casting vision for the Commerce Department and playing a strategic leadership role in recruiting business growth and in the development of Oklahoma’s workforce.

Kouplen will also continue his role as Chairman and CEO of Regent Bank in Tulsa. Under Kouplen’s leadership, the bank has grown in size from $72 million to almost $600 million in assets since 2008. Kouplen has been named Central U.S. Community Banker of the Year, Oklahoma Small Business Financial Champion, one of Journal Record’s Most Admired CEO’s, Citizen of the Year in Bixby, Top National Young Alumni by his fraternity, and Top 100 MBA of the Century by Oklahoma State University (OSU).  Kouplen has held numerous local and statewide leadership positions and currently serves on the Board of Directors for MetaFund, Hillcrest South Hospital, OSU Foundation, SouthPoint Church and is a member of Young President’s Organization and Oklahoma Bankers Association. Kouplen holds B.S. and M.B.A. degrees from OSU.

“I am excited to work with the outstanding professionals in the Department of Commerce to grow Oklahoma’s economy. Our goals are to aggressively target businesses to expand in Oklahoma and educate all Oklahoma business and community leaders about our excellent economic and community development programs,” said Kouplen. “As a business owner and CEO, I bring a very pragmatic, strategic approach to the position. We will target those businesses, inside and outside the state of Oklahoma, who are most likely to expand here. We will also work hard to tell our story to fellow Oklahomans.  Our state has many remarkable business success stories and we want to highlight those and inspire the next generation of Oklahomans to stay right here and do great things.”

As Executive Director, Brent Kisling will oversee the operations of the Department of Commerce and will report to the secretary of commerce. Kisling is currently the executive director of Enid Regional Development Alliance where he is has worked since March 2009. Previously, Kisling served 8 years as the State Director for the USDA Rural Development in Oklahoma, an appointed position under the George W. Bush Administration. From 2001 to 2009, he oversaw the rural housing, utilities, and business programs statewide. Kisling has also served as the Chair of Leadership Oklahoma, the Governor’s Economic Development Marketing Team, the Oklahoma Economic Development Council, the Career Tech Foundation Board, and the OSU Ag Alumni Board.  In 2008, he was named one of the Top 40 Achievers Under 40 in Oklahoma by The Journal Record. Kisling is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and a resident of Enid where he is raising his two children with his wife, Jennifer.

"Brent will do an amazing job as Executive Director,” said Kouplen. “He is a very well-respected leader and economic development professional in our state. Brent will direct the Department of Commerce on a day-to-day basis while I will provide strategic support and focus my time on telling Oklahoma's story and actively recruiting new business.  We will function together much like a Chairman and CEO in a business setting.”

“Sean and I have been friends for many years and I am thrilled to be working with him to help create an environment for businesses to grow in our state,” said Kisling. “Our vision for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce is to aggressively work with our state’s legacy companies to add jobs and investment and to actively pursue new industries to locate here.  We will work closely with local communities by providing creativity, support, and incentives to help them prosper.  Our job is to tell the world about Oklahoma’s many competitive advantages including our strong quality of life, low cost of doing business, low tax burden and excellent workforce.”

The following are quotes of support for the appointment of Sean Kouplen:

“Governor-elect Stitt has made an excellent choice in selecting Sean Kouplen as his Secretary of Commerce.  Sean is a creative and innovative leader.  Not only has he led his bank to dramatic growth, but he is also a devoted family man and serves his community in many capacities.  Sean will lead the way in developing new economic opportunities for Oklahoma and will provide wise counsel on the Governor’s cabinet.”
– President Burns Hargis, president of Oklahoma State University

“Sean Kouplen has been a close friend for many years and he is a person with tremendous integrity, energy and business acumen. He is a selfless community leader who has built one of the country’s top community banking organizations. His creativity and drive will undoubtedly propel Oklahoma into a top economic growth state.”
– Jim Bridenstine, administrator of NASA and former U.S. Representative from Oklahoma

"Gov.-elect Stitt's cabinet selection of Sean Kouplen as Oklahoma's Secretary of Commerce shows he is working diligently to select proven leaders in business. In addition to being a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Sean is passionate about Native American issues and I know he will strengthen our Nation's partnership with the State of Oklahoma. We look forward to working with him in his new role and with Gov.-elect Stitt to grow our economy together."
– Principal Chief James Floyd of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation

“I have worked with Sean Kouplen for several years and know him to be a tremendous supporter of this Hispanic business community. His company actually won a top award this year for their tremendous support of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and our partner businesses. We are looking forward to working closely with Kouplen in his new role as Secretary of Commerce to expand existing Hispanic-owned businesses and attract new ones to our state.”
– James E. Sanchez, chairman of Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

“Sean Kouplen is an outstanding business and community leader who cares deeply about our state.  Over the last ten years, he has built a tremendous company known for its nation-leading growth and amazing corporate culture.  Faith is a very important part of Sean’s life and he treats everyone he encounters with respect.  He will undoubtedly do an excellent job as Secretary of Commerce and I can’t think of anyone better to lead us toward top 10 economic growth.”
-- Piyush Patel, author of Lead Your Tribe, Love Your Work and Angel Investor, founder of Digital-Tutors

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Sean Kouplen for over ten years, and in that time have watched him be a man of integrity in business, a wonderful father, and a strong leader in his church. As Secretary of Commerce, he will bring not only his knowledge of business, but also the knowledge that it is people and relationships that are the true key to success in any endeavor. The tools he will bring with him to this role will position the Department of Commerce and our state to be the best possible in the country. Our businesses will thrive and those looking to start a business or relocate will notice and want to tap into what we have.”
– Krystal Crockett, president/CEO of Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce

“Much of Oklahoma’s economy originates in rural communities across the state. It is heartening to have a person like Sean Kouplen named to lead economic development efforts, knowing that he brings great insights from his work in serving rural residents, businesses, farms, ranches and community organizations.  With his background in agricultural economics and his demonstrated acumen in leadership, Sean is well suited to ensure that all of Oklahoma’s economy grows and thrives.”
– Thomas Coon, vice president of agricultural programs at Oklahoma State University

Gov.-elect Stitt announces Oklahoma's Turnaround transition team

GOVERNOR-ELECT KEVIN STITT ANNOUNCES TRANSITION TEAM

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (Nov. 13, 2018) – Governor-elect Kevin Stitt today announced formation of Oklahoma’s Turnaround, the transition team for the Stitt administration.

The transition team will work with Governor-elect Stitt to recruit Oklahomans to serve in a Stitt administration and to build out Oklahoma’s Turnaround transition team to include issue-centered advisory committees on the following seven topics: Education, Economic Growth, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, Health, Public Safety, and Native American Partnerships.

Oklahoma’s Turnaround Team will develop policy proposals for the upcoming legislative session, prepare the governor-elect’s budget proposal, and ensure an orderly transition to the new administration.

"I am grateful for the talented Oklahomans who are rolling up their sleeves and already getting to work on making our state Top Ten. The transition team will be focused on recruiting fresh, new leadership to assist in Oklahoma’s turnaround,” said Governor-elect Kevin Stitt. “Over the next week, we will be expanding the team to include committees focused on policy priorities for the first Legislative session.”

For those interested in applying for Oklahoma’s Turnaround or to serve in a Stitt administration, Oklahomans are encouraged to visit www.OklahomaTurnaround.com.

The executive team is as follows:

Marc Nuttle will serve as chair of the transition team. Nuttle is a lawyer, author, consultant and businessman who has had a varied career. He has represented and advised Presidents of the United States, leaders of foreign countries, state officials and corporations. Nuttle has worked on government policy and has predicted economic trends.

Matt Pinnell is Lieutenant Governor-elect. Pinnell is a small business owner with his wife, Lisa. Most recently, Pinnell was tapped to lead the transition team for Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel. Prior, Pinnell served as Director of State Parties for the Republican National Committee from 2013 to 2017 and served as Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party from 2010 to 2013.

Melissa Houston serves as Labor Commissioner, appointed in 2015. Before serving as labor commissioner, Houston was chief of staff and policy adviser in the state attorney general's office. She has also served as the chief of staff for the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security for nine years and an attorney for the Truth in Sentencing Policy Advisory Commission.

Aamon Ross was the Campaign Manager for Stitt for Governor 2018. Before serving as Campaign Manager, he was a consultant to a variety of companies and industries and negotiated large scale contracts. Additionally, Ross has owned several small businesses and led numerous teams while working in medical device sales for over 14 years.

Sean Kouplen is Chairman and CEO of Regent Bank in Tulsa. Kouplen holds numerous statewide leadership positions including Chairman of the OSU-Tulsa Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Hospitality House of Tulsa, and Board of Directors for MetaFund, Salvation Army of Tulsa, and SouthPoint Church. 

Mike Mazzei is the President of Tulsa Wealth Advisors | Raymond James. Mazzei is a former member of the State Senate, representing Senate District 25 from 2004 to 2016. Mazzei previously served as the Senate Finance Chairman from 2008 to 2016.

Corbin McGuire served as Chairman for the Stitt for Governor campaign. McGuire started RNM Recruiting 14 years ago and serves as Managing Director. RNM Recruiting is a technology search firm that focuses on permanent placements nationwide. Corbin graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1995 and currently resides in Tulsa.

Geoffrey Long was general counsel for the Stitt for Governor campaign and will serve as the General Counsel to the transition team. Before entering private practice, he previously served as an attorney for the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, Oklahoma Attorney General, and other state agencies.

Donelle Harder was Deputy Campaign Manager and spokesperson for the Stitt for Governor campaign. Before joining the campaign, Harder was Vice President at the Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association and had previously served as Communications Director for U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe and for the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. She comes with more than 10 years of experience in political advising, strategic communications, and government relations.

The transition office is scheduled to open on Thursday. The office is located on the first floor of the State Capitol and will be open Mondays thru Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for on holidays. The transition office phone number is 405-522-8804.