Oklahoma's business climate said to be hot

TULSA - Oklahoma's business climate is on the move.

Site Selection Magazine ranks the state 13th in the country, up 10 spots from last year.

The Tulsa Metro Chamber says this week is a good reflection of those numbers.

Dick's Sporting Goods opened its first stores in Oklahoma and Whole Foods announced that it's adding a location at 91st and Yale.

In Tulsa Hills, some businesses are under construction while others are just about ready to open.

"Opening a business can be really, really, scary in the beginning," said Jeffrey Cook, the newest business owner in downtown Tulsa.

Cook's salon and spa, London Pavement, is in the Philtower.

"We've got stuff opening up everyday, everywhere," said Cook.  "So that was part of my motivation to open up a salon down here."

Companies are taking a closer look at the state.

Tulsa's Metro Chamber says Site Selection's rankings will help that.

"We're very confident that the momentum right here in the Tulsa region played a key role in that ranking," Chamber Spokesperson Ltoya Knighten said.

Knighten said companies take into consideration all sorts of things when making a decision to move, including taxes, income, job growth and housing prices.

"Our competitive advantage in business in the Tulsa region, I think, will continue to make us an attractive location for businesses to relocate as well individuals," said Knighten.

Cook looks forward to seeing more businesses move in, especially in his new downtown neighborhood.

"We've already taken off, I can only see it getting better," said Cook.

Tulsa and Oklahoma City's chambers are working together to help boost growth.

Both say the competition is with other states, not with each other.