Unique tradition spurs Oklahoma's economic growth

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Unique tradition spurs Oklahoma’s economic growth

6 May 2025

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK —New jobs, sustained economic growth and a stronger community are just a few reasons why attracting businesses to a state is vital. Grabbing the attention of companies isn’t easy, but Oklahoma has found a sustainable strategy — an annual turkey hunt — for which two prominent baking industry companies are sponsors.

Every year, rural Oklahoma communities gear up for an influx of hundreds of visitors flocking to their towns from all over the country for the Lt. Governor’s Turkey Hunt. The decades-long tradition helps recruit development partners to communities across the state while supporting the local economy. The event is sponsored by dozens of organizations, two of which are familiar partners in the commercial baking industry: Value Added Products (VAP) and European Process Concepts (EPCO) Ltd.

“Supporting the annual turkey hunt is especially important to us as it was where the concept of VAP was originally initiated,” said Steve Sterling, CEO of Alva, OK-based VAP, an Oklahoma food processing cooperative specializing in frozen dough. “Over the years the hunt has served as a conduit for introducing new customers to our facility, the community and to meet some of the great people in northwest Oklahoma. In addition, there is always value ‘showcasing’ with our state and local leaders in the room. Their presence and support send a positive message to out-of-state visitors who might consider investing or doing business in the area.”

“Over the years the hunt has served as a conduit for introducing new customers to our facility, the community and to meet some of the great people in northwest Oklahoma." — Steve Sterling | CEO | Value Added Products

EPCO provides product development, engineering and process development, and project validation services to food manufacturers.

“Supporting Oklahoma farmers and communities and celebrating this tradition has been an honor for EPCO the past 20 years when the VAP bakery was first built,” said Danny Kelly, principal partner at EPCO. “It’s a pleasure to sponsor such an influential event that brings business to Oklahoma and supports the community.”

This year’s turkey hunt, held April 16-25 across seven communities, marks the event’s 37th year.

“More companies than ever are moving or expanding to Oklahoma for a reason: We have a skilled workforce, healthy economy and low cost of doing business,” said Lt. Governor of Oklahoma Matt Pinnell. “Oklahoma is an incredibly pro-business state, and this event gives out-of-state companies a chance to see that for themselves.”

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