At the Women in Agriculture Conference, Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Intern, Cheyenne Leach sat down with the Made in Oklahoma Program Coordinator, Jenna Brinlee and talked about the MIO Program and upcoming events.
“We really focus on economic development for our Oklahoma small businesses,” Brinlee said. “So, these could be startups, small businesses, and really those who grow, process or manufacture a product in our state. We just want to help promote them, help brand awareness, help generate income for them and just help our local economy by growing those small businesses.”
Anyone who grows, processes, or manufactures a product in Oklahoma is welcome to join the Program, Brinlee said, but they cannot accept companies operating under the Food Freedom Act.
The Made in Oklahoma Program includes more than just food and drinks, Brinlee said. They have everything from candles, soaps, lawn and garden items and more, she added.
The Made in Oklahoma Program also aims to benefit Oklahoma retailers as well. Required to carry up to three different brands of Made in Oklahoma items, Brinlee said retailers can join the program free of charge. This allows for product spotlights as well as MIO store branding, made available for them to use.
“It is just an application on our website they can fill out, and then we want to help promote them, so we will highlight them on our social media,” Brinlee said.
The store branding offered for retailers to use, Brinlee said, included items such as tabletop tins and window clings that say the products in the store are made in Oklahoma.
“We are part of several major events starting in the spring,” Brinlee said. “We do the Tulsa Home and Garden Show and then several smaller events throughout the summer. In the fall, we are part of the Oklahoma State Fair, Tulsa State Fair and this year for 2022 we will be in the Oklahoma Christmas show. “
To become a member of the made in Oklahoma Program, visit the website, and access the online application by clicking here.
Too visit the Made in Oklahoma website, click here.
Click the LISTEN BAR below to hear more from Cheyenne Leach and Jenna Brinlee talking about the Made in Oklahoma Program.
