Resource Campaign volunteers raise $2.5 million

Tulsa Metro Chamber Resource Campaign volunteers celebrated a $2.5 million triumph at a Victory Celebration held to represent the conclusion of the Resource Campaign.

Campaign Chairman John Bowen, vice president of Cox Communications, and Co-Chair Wade Edmundson, CEO of Summit Bank, along with Chairman of the Board David Page, market president for JP Morgan Chase, and Executive Vice President Matt Pivarnik, unveiled the campaign grand total $2,540,290 to volunteers and sponsoring company representatives at the Silo Event Center. The total was nearly $250,000 more than the original goal of $2.3 million set at the campaign's kickoff in March.

"We are overwhelmed by the response and support from this regional business community," said Chamber CEO and President Mike Neal. "This is obviously an enormous vote of confidence in the chamber's strategic direction established by our board of directors and the extraordinary work being conducted by the professional staff and civic volunteers."

Now in its 15th year, the Chamber's Resource Campaign has continued growth each year and is looked at as a model for chambers across the nation.

"Each year, the campaign reports significant revenue growth-all of which is returned to our members and the community in the form of economy-building initiatives," said Page. "Even in today's economy, investment in the chamber's program of work remains high. In times like these, no one is expecting the chamber to do less, but in fact the chamber is seeking ways to do more."

The 10-week campaign is an effort to secure business sponsors for chamber programs, events and publications as well as attract new members and member renewals.

This year, 26 corporate teams consisting of 150 volunteers sold 1,183 sponsorships to the Chamber's programs, meetings, events and publications.

"The campaign is considered a top model program by chamber peers and is among the top five in the nation," said Pivarnik. "What volunteers accomplished this year means the chamber can provide more programs and services to help business, or lobby for a greater return on tax dollars, or do more to improve the quality of life for our families."
Several volunteers were recognized at last night's event for contributions to the successful campaign including vice chairs:
• Mike Cooper, AT&T
• Becky Frank, Schnake Turnbo Frank PR
• David Lamb, Bank of Oklahoma
• Bill Schonacher, IBC Bank
• Mike Thornbrugh, QuikTrip Corp.
• Lynda Wingo, Miss Helen's Private School

Additionally, the top overall producing volunteer was David Lamb of Bank of Oklahoma. Other top producers included Mike Cooper, AT&T; Shirley Bailey, Bama Companies; and Tony Heaberlin, Tulsa Tech.

The Resource Campaign is a significant contributor to the Chamber's operating budget each year providing approximately 24 percent of the Chamber's annual revenue.

"This financial support provides the opportunity to examine new and better ways to continue to support the growth and development of this community," said Neal.