REI announces new representative

Laura L. Girty will be heading up the efforts of Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc. (REI) to provide economic development services to the people in northwestern Oklahoma.

“We are excited about having Laura join our team” said Tom Seth Smith, President & CEO.

“She brings a lot to the table with her diversified experience in the field of economic development and we encourage entrepreneurs to contact her about their needs.”

Girty, formerly a Rural Development Specialist for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, attained her Bachelor of Arts Degree, Criminal Justice, from Chapman College, Travis AFB, CA. She is also a graduate of the Economic Development Institute. As a Rural Development Specialist, Girty assisted businesses with retention and expansion, processing, and exporting. She also provided start-up assistance and new business location. Other experience includes serving as the economic development representative for Farmers Exchange Bank, Cherokee, OK and the Development Association of Cherokee.“I am very pleased to have someone with Laura’s expertise filling this important role for future growth and economic development in northwest Oklahoma,” said State Representative Jeff Hickman.


“We are fortunate to have an REI office in this area and its potential to bring new jobs and help our local businesses expand is almost limitless.  That is why I fought so hard to help get the funding for this service in northwest Oklahoma and why I am so excited Laura will be leading the efforts to make REI’s programs accessible to every business and entrepreneur in our region.”
Laura and her husband, Ken, live in Cherokee, OK with their son, Josh.


REI’s Alva office is located at Northwest Technology Center, 1807 11th Street, in Alva.  Call Laura Girty at 580.748.1375 for more information or to schedule a visit.


REI is a statewide economic development firm with a mission to create jobs and promote economic growth through business assistance services. For a complete overview of REI services, visit www.ruralenterprises.com.