OKLAHOMA CITY - The House Economic Development, Tourism and Financial Services Committee heard presentations Tuesday from several business development entities as part of an interim study on promoting economic activity in the state.

State Rep. Joe Dorman (D-Rush Springs) requested the interim study. He said a politician who says they created jobs, in his opinion, is exaggerating the truth.

"Elected officials only help the private sector through providing incentives or ith proper regulation which does not have excessive burdens," Dorman said.

"We must have some areas of oversight, but we must also weigh all sides when looking at the law."

Great Plains Technology Center Economic Development Director Keith Bridges told the House panel consistent branding is crucial to selling the state to businesses across the U.S. and the world.

"We hear it all the time from site locators, 'we don't stick it out," Bridges said.

"I know there have been several efforts to come up with a branding of our state. This is something that needs to be done."

Norman Economic Development Coalition Executive Director Don Wood told lawmakers he'd love to see states compete for business entirely on their merits, but when other states offer incentives, Oklahoma must as well.