Create Bridges in Oklahoma | Oklahoma State University

Contact

Any questions regarding CREATE BRIDGES can be directed to:

Sara Siems Assistant Extension SpecialistDepartment of Agricultural Economics(405) 744-9826

Celebrating Retail, Accommodations, Tourism and Entertainment by Building Rural Innovations and Developing Growth Economies (CREATE BRIDGES)

CREATE BRIDGES is a community development program designed for multi-county regions to raise awareness of the role retail, accommodations, tourism, and entertainment businesses play in the local economy; determine challenges, barriers, and opportunities related to those businesses; and develop and implement strategies to strengthen the retail, accommodations, tourism, and entertainment sectors within a region. It was created in response to job loss in rural communities and a lack of support for retail, accommodations, tourism and entertainment sectors (CREATE businesses), which make up a significant percent of the remaining jobs.

CREATE BRIDGES is a data-driven, locally-guided process to understand assets and challenges related to CREATE sectors and design and implement strategies to support these businesses and workers in practical ways. Building on lessons learned in pilot programs across 9 regions in 6 states, the CREATE BRIDGES curriculum is a valuable tool for community and economic development practitioners seeking to strengthen rural economies and quality of life.

The program is designed to:

Raise awareness of the role these important businesses play in the local economy;
Determine challenges and barriers negatively impacting those businesses; and
Develop and implement strategies to strengthen the retail, accommodations, tourism, and entertainment sectors within a region.

If you have questions about the program or are interested in hosting one in your community, please reach out.

Resources were developed for communities, businesses, and employees during the pilot of this program. They can be found in the News & Resources section of this page.