HENRYETTA, Okla. — The Henryetta Economic Development Authority (HEDA) held its regular December meeting Monday morning, December 15, 2025, covering leadership changes, financial matters, major development updates, and new economic incentives aimed at supporting local business growth.

Leadership Transition and 2026 Calendar Approved

The meeting opened with roll call, followed by acknowledgment of a leadership change. The board formally voted to seat a new chairperson following the resignation of the long-serving chair, who was recognized for years of service to the authority.

Board members also approved the 2026 HEDA meeting calendar, confirming regular meetings will continue on the fourth Monday of each month. Minutes from the November 2025 meeting and the November financial report were unanimously approved.

City Project Updates and Hotel Development Progress

City Manager David provided several key updates on infrastructure and development projects:

• Spillway repairs have been completed and reopened.

• Water tower projects are continuing as scheduled.

• A significant hotel development was announced on the west end of Henryetta, at the former Hungry Traveler location.

According to city officials, developer Ken Patel has received franchise approval to build a four-story, 66-room Holiday Inn Express–style hotel, with surveyors already on site. The project is expected to represent an investment of approximately $6–8 million. Utility improvements, including a future six-inch water line, are being planned to support this and future west-side growth.

Board members expressed optimism, noting the project would fill a long-recognized shortage of hotel rooms along Interstate 40.

Trustee Vacancy Postponed for Broader Consideration

The board discussed filling an unexpired trustee term following the departure of a board member. Two local candidates spoke publicly about their interest in serving, highlighting their business backgrounds and community involvement.

However, the board voted to postpone a final decision until the January meeting, allowing time for an additional candidate to submit a resume and for trustees to conduct further discussion in executive session before making a recommendation to City Council.

CD Rates and Financial Decisions

HEDA approved renewing an expiring certificate of deposit with First Family Bank, selecting a 12-month CD at a 4% interest rate, citing expectations that rates may decline in the coming months.

Business Incentive Approved for Local Training Expansion

One of the meeting’s most substantial actions involved approval of a financial incentive package for Native Arms, a Henryetta-based firearms training and retail operation associated with the Three Bears family of businesses.

The board approved:

• A $5,000 grant to support facility improvements for classroom training space

• A city sales tax reimbursement incentive of up to $30,000, capped over two years, pending City Council approval

The proposal supports expansion of firearm safety training, professional certification courses, and a planned youth handgun safety initiative, which organizers emphasized would be offered free to participating youth and focused on education, safety, and community standards.

Interest From Marriott Corporation and Future Growth

During other business, board members revealed that a representative from Marriott Corporation’s Lodging & Development division had contacted the city following an outreach letter promoting Henryetta as a potential hotel market.

Officials discussed Henryetta’s strategic location between Tulsa and Oklahoma City, strong interstate traffic counts, proximity to recreational assets such as Lake Eufaula, and upcoming statewide demand driven by major events, including Olympic-related activities in Oklahoma City.

City leaders noted that utilities, water, sewer capacity, and available land — particularly on the west and north sides of town — position Henryetta well for future commercial development.

Adjournment

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned. The next regular HEDA meeting is scheduled for January 2026, where trustee appointments and additional development discussions are expected to continue.