James Bell, President and CEO of the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation, leads efforts to support business growth and strengthen the economy. His background spans chambers of commerce, economic development and entrepreneurship. A veteran of both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army, he has advised more than 1,000 entrepreneurs and brings a service-driven approach to building strong, thriving communities. We caught up with Bell and got his thoughts on …
… why he put down roots in Broken Arrow.
Broken Arrow has the rare combination every economic developer looks for: momentum, character and room to grow. Professionally, I saw a city with strong schools, a serious manufacturing base, engaged civic leadership and tremendous economic potential. Personally, it was important that we find a place where our family could plant roots, grow and thrive. With a young son and daughter, we wanted to be part of a community where they could be surrounded by opportunity, strong values and people who genuinely care about the future. Broken Arrow felt like a place where I could contribute professionally while we also built a meaningful life for our family.
…business advice he often imparts.
Focus on the customer’s problem, and make sure you are seeing it through their lens, not yours. Too often, leaders fall in love with their own idea, strategy or solution before fully understanding the problem they are trying to solve. And “customer” does not only mean the person who pays for a product or service. For a leader, your customers include your board, partners, stakeholders, senior leadership team and staff. The people you serve will tell you what is working, what is missing and where the real friction exists. The best leaders listen closely, stay humble and build solutions around the needs of the people they serve.
… influential lessons from his military service.
Military service teaches you discipline, adaptability and the importance of mission. It also teaches you that leadership is not about title, it is about responsibility. You take care of your people, communicate clearly and keep moving forward even when conditions change. Those lessons still shape how I try to lead every day.
…misconceptions about Broken Arrow.
They often underestimate how dynamic it is. Broken Arrow is not simply a suburb or a bedroom community. It is a thriving economic center with industry, talent, culture and quality of life. It is one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in the state, and it is a destination city. There is a strong foundation here, but also a real appetite for innovation and progress. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Broken Arrow the No. 6 best medium-sized city in the country and No. 1 in Oklahoma, while Bill.com ranked our city No. 5 in the nation for small business growth. Those recognitions reflect what people here already know: Broken Arrow has real momentum.
… what energizes him.
Seeing people realize what is possible. Whether it is an entrepreneur taking the next step, a young professional finding their place or a community rallying around a bold idea like the Arrow Forge Innovation District, I enjoy helping turn potential into progress. This role is fulfilling because I get to play my part in building a community abundant with opportunities, where our children do not have to leave to thrive, but can stay and be part of something bold, meaningful and game-changing.
… what ‘success’ would look like for BA in ten years.
If Broken Arrow is known as a place where families thrive, businesses grow, young people stay and new ideas are welcomed, then we got it right. Success would mean we honored what makes this community special while building the kind of future the next generation deserves. It would mean we protected the character of Broken Arrow, strengthened its economy and created more opportunities for the people who call this place home.
… how his background shapes his leadership.
My background has taught me to look at chamber work through both an entrepreneurial and economic development lens. A chamber should be more than a membership organization; it should be a convener, strategist and builder of opportunity. At our best, we connect people, solve problems and help create the conditions for businesses and communities to thrive. Because I also lead the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation, which works hand in hand with the Chamber, I see chamber and economic development work as deeply connected. Recruitment matters, but so does building the ecosystem that helps existing businesses scale, entrepreneurs launch, talent choose to stay and the community compete for the future.
… what makes Broken Arrow stand out.
Broken Arrow is what happens when city leadership, school systems, business leaders and the Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Corporation are in sync, truly work together and build together. Our edge is the alignment between community pride and economic potential. We have strong schools, a skilled workforce, available opportunity and leaders who care deeply about the city’s future. That kind of alignment is powerful, and it gives Broken Arrow a real advantage.
… economic development initiatives with everyday impact.
Business retention and expansion often happens quietly, but it is one of the most important things we do. Helping an existing company solve a workforce challenge, find resources, make connections or grow in place may not always make headlines, but it protects jobs, creates new ones and strengthens the local economy. When our existing businesses are healthy, the whole community is stronger.
… what he loves about Oklahoma.
I appreciate the authenticity. People here are direct, generous and deeply connected to place. There is a sense that relationships still matter, and that makes both life and work feel more meaningful. I also appreciate the pride people have in their communities. In Oklahoma, people do not just talk about caring, they show up.
