Stilwell, Oklahoma, a predominantly Native American community located near the Oklahoma-Arkansas border has experienced tremendous hardship. With the shutdown of a large food processing facility and unemployment rising into the double-digit levels, the city hired AngelouEconomics in 2005 to develop a roadmap to guide recovery and economic growth. AE accepted the challenge. During a four-month process, AE worked to develop a bold new economic development and marketing plan for Stilwell. The plan focused on increasing awareness of Stilwell as a good business location while helping the community recover from its recent dramatic job losses. The city received a new mission statement and vision for economic development, identification of target industries, community development recommendations, and a marketing plan containing a new marketing theme, internal and external communication strategies, and public relations recommendations.
OK
