The Oklahoma Farm Bureau (OKFB) has expanded its economic development team by appointing Garrett Saunders as the new special programs manager for economic development. In this role, Saunders will focus on advancing rural entrepreneurship through the organization’s Grassroots Rural and Ag Business Accelerators Program. n nSaunders began his tenure with OKFB in early November and will concentrate on supporting business owners and innovators in eastern Oklahoma. His responsibilities include offering technical guidance, mentorship, and facilitating connections to state-based resources. A key goal is to strengthen outreach for the accelerator initiative across Oklahoma’s rural communities. n n“I’m enthusiastic about joining this team and contributing to the growth of small enterprises in areas that are deeply meaningful to me,” Saunders remarked. n nOriginally from Binger, Oklahoma, Saunders was actively engaged in the Future Farmers of America (FFA), where he served as Southwest Area Vice President from 2016 to 2017. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from Oklahoma State University. Prior to this appointment, he worked at Herc Rentals, gaining experience in business operations, and also taught agriculture at Moore and Sentinel High Schools. n
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OKFB names Saunders economic development special programs manager
Oklahoma Farm Bureau has added a new employee to the organization’s economic development division to bolster the organization’s rural business development efforts. n nGarrett Saunders will serve as the economic development special programs manager working with OKFB’s Oklahoma Grassroots Rural and Ag Business Accelerators Program. n nSaunders joined OKFB in early November, and he will work with rural business owners and innovators across the eastern part of the state. n nIn his new position, Saunders will provide technical assistance, coaching and networking for rural Oklahoma innovators. He will work to connect entrepreneurs with Oklahoma-based business resources while also promoting the accelerators program throughout the state. n n“I’m excited to join the economic development team and see how I can play a role in further connecting rural Oklahomans growing small businesses in a place that matters,” Saunders said. n nA native of Binger, Saunders grew up heavily involved in FFA serving as the Southwest Area Vice President during 2016 through 2017. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural education at Oklahoma State University. n nSaunders joins OKFB from Herc Rentals with a background in business operations. He also served as an agriculture educator at Moore and Sentinel High Schools.