The 2023 Oklahoma Venture Forum Economic Impact Award winner is the Cattlemen's Congress, a 16-day annual event for breeders across North America to showcase their top genetics and connect with fellow beef producers in Oklahoma City, the heart of cattle country. The Cattlemen's Congress was formed in the fall of 2020 to present an opportunity for cattlemen and women across North America to exhibit their cattle and showcase the highest quality genetics the cattle industry can offer. In each of the event's first two years, $10M of cattle were sold on the OKC Fairgrounds, and the entire state benefited from an estimated $40M in economic impact. https://cattlemenscongress.com/
We discuss how the Cattlemen's Congress came to be in Oklahoma City with Bray Haven, Executive Vice President. Haven gives us insights and background into the magnitude of the Cattleman's Congress and the public/private partnership that brought the inaugural event to OKC. We also discuss the cascade effect of people, trucks and 10,000 head of cattle coming into Oklahoma from all over the US and beyond. The Cattleman's Congress and the economic benefits it creates has found a forever home here in Oklahoma City.
The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. www.OVF.org
