GROW ADA TEAM
CAROL ERVIN CEO & PRESIDENT
OUR PARTNERS
• THE CITY OF ADA
• VISION BANK
• CITIZENS BANK
• FIRST UNITED BANK
• MERCY HOSPITAL
• LEGAL SHIELD
• PEOPLE’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
• ADA MAIN STREET
• ADA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
DANIEL CASTANEDA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
• ADA TIRE CENTER
• ANDERSON QUARRIES
• CRISWELL FUNERAL HOME
• GEM JEWELERS
• HOME TITLE GUARANTY CO.
• HORNE & COMPANY PC.
• MOON-BAKER AGENCY
• RAM JACK
• REDLAND-CHILDERS ARCHITECTS
WHO WE ARE
BUSINESS SUPPORT & ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT
Grow Ada strengthens the local entrepreneurial pipeline by connecting businesses to regional partners such as Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, expanding access to capital and technical assistance. The team also hosts an annual Pitch Competition for high school, collegiate, and adult entrepreneurs, providing mentorship, business development experience, and seed funding opportunities. In addition, Grow Ada offers direct business assistance to help entrepreneurs navigate financing, site selection, and local processes.
SITE DEVELOPMENT & INVESTMENT ATTRACTION
Grow Ada leads the marketing of available commercial and industrial properties, working directly with site selectors, developers, and prospective employers to position Ada for new investment. The team actively promotes priority sites at regional and state trade shows and through targeted outreach. In partnership with the City of Ada, Grow Ada is advancing recruitment efforts for the Ada Airport Eastside Development Project—strategically positioning the area for commercial and industrial expansion.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES & INCENTIVES
Grow Ada administers the Business Improvement Grant (BIG) program, providing matching funds to support storefront enhancements, property rehabilitation, and upper-story residential development in Downtown Ada. The program has leveraged private investment and strengthened the district’s long-term viability.
In addition, Grow Ada pursues state and federal grant opportunities in coordination with local partners to fund strategic infrastructure, workforce, and community development initiatives.
DATA-DRIVEN INSIGHTS
Grow Ada collects and analyzes key economic, workforce, and demographic data to help businesses, investors, and community leaders make informed decisions. This information supports strategic planning, business development, and targeted growth initiatives in the Ada region.
We strive to keep information accurate and up-to-date; however, details may change. We recommend confirming all information prior to use.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS FOR IMPACT
Grow Ada collaborates with local, state, and national partners to develop programs encouraging business recruitment, retention, and expansion. Key partners include:
• The Chickasaw Nation
• Select Oklahoma
• Oklahoma Department of Commerce
• Pontotoc Technology Center
• East Central University
• Oklahoma Small Business Development Center
• U.S.Economic Development Administration
• Center on Rural Innovation
• OKA’ Institute
• REI Oklahoma
• Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance
ADA, OK
ABOUT
PONTOTOC COUNTY
Located in south-central Oklahoma, Pontotoc County sits just east of the line dividing the state into its eastern and western regions. Spanning 725.4 square miles of land and water, the county is bordered by Seminole, Hughes, Coal, Johnston, Murray, Garvin, McClain, and Pottawatomie counties, with the Canadian River marking its northern boundary. Pontotoc County is home to the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer, a vital natural resource that provides water to the region and supports surrounding communities and industries. Ada, with its agricultural roots, has transitioned into a healthcare and innovation hub, with the region’s economy being driven by industries such as manufacturing, STEM, and information technology. Known for its entrepreneurial spirit, Ada fosters a thriving culture of innovation. Institutions such as East Central University and Pontotoc Technology Center play a pivotal role in developing the area’s workforce, particularly in technology and entrepreneurship. With a rich history and a forward-thinking mindset, Ada continues to be a center of innovation, economic growth, and opportunity.
TOP EMPLOYERS BY INDUSTRY
MANUFACTURING
RAM JACK
ROBERT S. KERR LAB
214,377 POPULATION
$56,156 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
$135,287
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
TRANSPORTATION ACCESSIBILITY
HIGHWAYS
Ada businesses have a variety of transportation options having access to U.S. Highway 75 and Interstates 40 and 35, each located 45 minutes away.
RAILROADS
The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad bisects Ada, traveling between Fort Worth, Texas and Tulsa, Oklahoma.
PORTS
DRIVE TIMES
• Oklahoma City- 1 Hour
• Tulsa- 2 Hours
• DFW- 2 1/2 Hours
The Port of Muskogee and the Tulsa Port of Catoosa are both located in Eastern Oklahoma along the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River. Both ports are located approximately 130 miles from Ada.
ADA AIPORT EAST SIDE DEVELOPMENT
$26 Million in Infrastructure Expansion Projects
Located on a 750-acre airport property
250 acres available for shovel-ready development
Two Zones: Aviation-related and Nonaviation related industries
This project is designed to create a self-sustaining airport campus, attract new businesses, and drive long-term economic growth for Ada and surrounding communities.
LOCATION
www.adaok.com/Departments/Airport/
THREE PILLARS OF ADA’S WATER CLUSTER
LAND STEWARDSHIP RESEARCH
SUSTAINABILITY
EAST CENTRAL UNIVERSITY
EPA ROBERT S. KERR LAB
OKA’ INSTITUTE
CHICKASAW NATION
GROW ADA
ADA AIRPORT EAST SIDE DEVELOPMENT
CENTER FOR UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH & LEARNING (CURL)
CITY OF ADA
Ada relies on collaboration across various organizations to support economic prosperity in water research and innovation, aiming for sustainable water sources and job creation. This thriving innovation cluster builds on a foundation of research, land stewardship, and sustainable community efforts, making Ada a leader in addressing global water challenges. Grow Ada plays a role in this ecosystem by driving business growth and innovation. Through initiatives like the Build to Scale award from the Economic Development Administration (EDA), Grow Ada actively supports the growth of local tech startups, fostering entrepreneurship and strengthening the regional economy.
STATE & LOCAL INCENTIVES
Businesses locating to or expanding into Pontotoc County can gain an advantage from several state and federal incentive programs including: Oklahoma Enterprise Zone, Foreign Trade Zone, Rural Targeted Employment Area Program, and Former Indian Lands Tax Credit area.
QUALITY JOBS INCENTIVE
Incentive is a job creation incentive that is based on the number of new employees hired each quarter over a period of 5 years. This incentive is paid quarterly upon review of hiring each quarter.
The final agreement for any local incentive program is contingent upon submitting all necessary information to the Ada Jobs Foundation and the approval of the Ada Jobs Foundation Board of Directors and the Ada Public Works Authority.