Oklahoma loves GM

Today Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry held a rally at the State Capitol in support of the General Motors Oklahoma City Assembly Plant. Partnering with Kathy Taylor, secretary of commerce and tourism, Fred J. Hall, chairman, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, and GM Plant Manager Tyree Minner, Governor Henry discussed the importance of rallying around GM during this pivotal time. While current events have affected GM, Governor Henry said it is paramount to recognize and take pride in a superior product that is made in Oklahoma.

"This campaign is about celebrating one of Oklahoma's great corporate citizens, as well as its hard-working and dedicated work force," said Henry. "GM has a tremendous impact on our economy, but its role in our state goes even deeper. This company is a major contributor to Oklahoma charities and various philanthropic organizations, and its commitment to Oklahoma is unparalleled. I look forward to working with GM and United Auto Workers officials as the company continues to play a pivotal role in our economy for many years to come."

According to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the direct and indirect economic impact of the GM Oklahoma City facility to the state is in excess of $1 billion.

New Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, and the GMC Envoy Denali XL, models, which are produced at the Oklahoma City GM plant, were on display on the Capitol Plaza for the rally while state and chamber employees distributed bumper stickers and window-clings emblazoned with "OK Loves GM."

It's not the first time Oklahoma has rallied to support GM. After one of Oklahoma's most devastating tornados tore through the GM plant on May 8, 2003, only optimists believed the plant could reopen in under a year. But thanks to a drop-everything-and-rebuild mission, production resumed just seven weeks later.

Recent media articles speculated on the closing of the plant. "Something like that is pure speculation," said Pam Reese, GM's production spokesperson. "I have not seen anything or heard anything about this being it for Oklahoma City. This is a production and sales issue. It's a market-driven decision and not anything reflective of the people at Oklahoma City."