Tourism and workforce development take center stage in Oklahoma Lt. Governor's Miami visit

MIAMI, Okla. — Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell makes a stop in Miami, asking local business leaders, "How do we keep the good times rolling?"

We caught up with him at a luncheon held by the Miami Regional Chamber of Commerce. Earlier in the day, he spoke in Grove. Pinnell says he’s in northeast Oklahoma focusing on two topics: economic development and tourism. He says speaking with community and business leaders is key to developing strategies for creating and growing a strong workforce. And he’s also bringing them a message.

"Thankfully, I’m kind of here to bring great news, you know, our economy is really good right now. We welcomed more visitors, more tourists to the state of Oklahoma last year than any year previous, so we have a responsibility, because of all of this growth and momentum, to really reinvest in our communities. And so I’m here really to listen as much as I’m talking to these community leaders, and small business owners and taxpayers, what should we be doing next legislative session to keep the good times rolling?" said Pinnell.

A release from Pinnell’s office says earlier this year, Moody’s Investors Service raised Oklahoma’s credit rating to the second-highest possible level. That same release says S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings also both revised the state’s outlook to "positive."