Chamber highlights workforce initiatives, data center activity and retail investment in quarterly report

At the council’s May 4 meeting the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce presented its quarterly economic development update, outlining workforce programs, regional collaboration, and local investment.

A Chamber representative said the office is pursuing three workforce paths: immediate recruitment through partnerships such as Make My Move, long-term pipeline work including ACT WorkReady certification with local schools, and a district-wide fifth-grade career exploration event that signed up 48 businesses. The presenter said these programs aim to address immediate labor needs while building a future workforce.

The Chamber reported continued activity around the regional data-center project, saying the municipality is seeing local contractor engagement and on-site spending tied to construction; the presenter noted hundreds of workers and many local contractors have been involved. The chamber representative also confirmed Bradford Plaza was acquired by Dunhill Partners and that Barnes & Noble is planning a Stillwater location.

The presenter flagged childcare as a concern for workforce sustainability, noting statewide closures of childcare facilities and the Chamber’s work to promote quality childcare services locally. The report closed with an ask to the council to consider more sustainable long-term revenue streams to support economic development capacity.

Councilors thanked the Chamber for outreach and noted workforce and housing will be priorities as new industry investments continue.