5/14/2012 | Oil and gas sector adds 12,000 jobs during past two years
The state’s thriving oil and gas industry added 12,000 jobs in the last two years, according to a newly-released study commissioned by the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board. Of those jobs, about a third were added in the Tulsa region.
5/14/2012 | Awards honor Tulsa region’s small business stars
The Tulsa Metro Chamber honored emerging entrepreneurs and Tulsa-area small business leaders at the 2012 Crystal Star Small Business Awards luncheon May 14 at The Tulsa Convention Center. Behfar Jahanshahi, CEO and president of InterWorks, Inc., was named Small Business Person of the Year.
“The small businesses in our region create two out of every three jobs and have an estimated economic impact of $1.4 billion,” said Billy Kulkin, chair of the Chamber’s Small Business Council and president of Cubic, Inc. “The entrepreneurial achievements of the Tulsa region’s emerging businesses and small business leaders make a significant contribution to our regional economy.”
The Small Business Awards luncheon featured a keynote speech by Paul J. Corson, acting director of the U.S Department of Commerce’s Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
The Crystal Star awards are presented annually following a rigorous nomination, application and judging process. Award winners potentially can go on to compete for state and national honors. The Chamber’s awards were created to recognize that small business is the foundation of the American economy. In the Tulsa area, 84 percent of all businesses are small businesses.
5/14/2012 | Partners In Education names Asbury United Methodist Church Partner of the Year
Asbury United Methodist Church has been named the 2011-12 Partner of the Year for the Chamber’s Partners In Education program.
5/14/2012 | Chamber hosts State of Education, pushes for increased education funding
The Chamber hosted its 11th annual State of Education Address last week. The luncheon serves as an annual display of the Chamber’s commitment to education as part of its long-term strategic plan for the region.
5/9/2012 | Tulsa Metro Chamber, partners support contract that would save local American Airlines jobs
The Tulsa Metro Chamber hosted a press conference May 9 at which dozens of regional partners and elected officials showed their support for a contract that would save jobs at American Airlines’ Tulsa MRO facility.
5/1/2012 | VisitTulsa secures significant contract with local partners
Ray Hoyt, senior vice president of VisitTulsa and the Tulsa Sports Commission, announced at a press conference today that the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) recently signed a new five-year agreement with VisitTulsa and Expo Square.
4/26/2012 | Tulsa Metro Chamber, regional partners join to promote OneVoice legislative agenda
With a little more than four weeks left in the legislative session, the Tulsa Metro Chamber and its OneVoice partners met at the State Capitol yesterday for the annual Tulsa Regional Day at the Capitol to advocate the top issues for the Tulsa region.
4/17/2012 | Chamber’s economic development division earns international recognition
The Tulsa Metro Chamber’s economic development division has received one of the highest distinctions for a program of its kind, accreditation through the International Economic Development Council’s Accredited Economic Development Organization process.
4/4/2012 | Chamber, OneVoice partners advocate federal priorities in D.C.
More than 60 Tulsa-area business leaders and regional elected officials last week accompanied the Tulsa Metro Chamber for its fifth annual Tulsa Regional Washington, D.C. Fly-In.
4/4/2012 | Four Chamber employees honored at Tulsa 40 awards
The Tulsa 40 is the Tulsa Business Journal’s annual event to recognize outstanding up-and-coming professionals under the age of 40 in the Tulsa area.
3/19/2012 | OklahomaBizPac endorses Henke for Oklahoma House District 71 special election
OklahomaBizPac announced today its endorsement of Katie Henke (R) for State House District 71. A special election to fill the open seat is scheduled for Tuesday, April 3.
3/12/2012 | Tulsa Metro Chamber one of only two in U.S. to earn highest accreditation
At its board meeting held Wednesday, March 7, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded the Tulsa Metro Chamber with its highest recognition, five-star accreditation, making it the only five-star accredited chamber in Oklahoma.
3/2/2012 | U.S. Chamber honors three Tulsa-area companies
Three Tulsa-area businesses are being honored with awards from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognizing excellence in small business. The honorees are members of the Tulsa Metro Chamber’s Small Business Council.
2/20/2012 | Tulsa-area leaders announce launch of OklahomaBizPac
The nonpartisan political action committee will identify and support state-level candidates
Business and community leaders from the Tulsa region announced today the launch of OklahomaBizPac, a nonpartisan political action committee that will work to identify and support state candidates who demonstrate leadership and diplomacy, promote a pro-business climate, and serve as strong advocates for the state of Oklahoma.
2/14/2012 | Cherokee Nation economic impact in Tulsa region tops $1 billion
The Cherokee Nation’s economic impact in northeast Oklahoma tops $1 billion, according to a newly-released report. The Tulsa Metro Chamber joined the Cherokee Nation at a Tulsa press conference to announce the report’s findings.
2/2/2012 | Tulsa Metro Chamber and regional partners react to American Airlines restructuring plan
The American Airlines family has always been a great partner in the Tulsa community. It is important we come together to support the community's largest employer through the challenging restructuring process.
1/30/2012 | Tulsa Metro Chamber and regional partners announce 2012 legislative priorities
The Tulsa Metro Chamber and 54 regional partners announced today the top OneVoice state and federal legislative agenda items to advocate for the 2012 session.
1/25/2012 | Governor Fallin tours Baker Hughes in Claremore ahead of planned expansion
The Tulsa Metro Chamber and regional partners in economic development joined Gov. Mary Fallin Jan. 24 for a tour and briefing at Baker Hughes’ Claremore facility in advance of the company’s planned $36 million expansion in Claremore.
1/19/2012 | Chamber commends CMS approval of SHOPP
The state of Oklahoma received notification today that Center for Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the state plan amendment for the Supplemental Hospital Offset Payment Program (SHOPP).
1/11/2012 | Tulsa Metro Chamber inaugurates new chair and announces initiatives for 2012
The Tulsa Metro Chamber elected Becky J. Frank, chairman and CEO of Schnake Turnbo Frank | PR, as its 2012 chair of the Board of Directors. Frank succeeds Chair Dr. Gerard Clancy, president of the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa.
1/4/2012 | Local,state leaders pack Chamber press conference to support American Airlines' Tulsa operations
A record-setting number of partners have united with the Tulsa Metro Chamber in announcing a unified effort to retain American Airlines’ operations in Tulsa.
12/29/2011 | Tulsa region among nation’s top in 2011 job creation
The Tulsa region leaped ahead of the nation in 2011, earning accolades for its impressive job creation, economic performance and more.
12/16/2011 | Economic Outlook Conference provides forecast for state, local economies
The Economic Outlook Conference, presented Dec. 16 by the Tulsa Metro Chamber and the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University, attracted an audience of more than 700 people who gathered to hear a collection of dynamic speakers present a local and statewide economic forecast for the coming year.
12/16/2011 | Tulsa’s Limco Airepair announces plans to expand workforce
The Tulsa Metro Chamber hosted a press conference Dec. 16 at which Limco Airepair Inc., a leading name in heat transfer manufacturing and repair in the aerospace industry, announced plans to expand its workforce in Tulsa, adding 150 or more new jobs that will have a significant economic impact on the Tulsa metro area.
12/12/2011 | Tulsa Metro Chamber, regional partners oppose closure of USPS facility
The Tulsa Metro Chamber and regional partners announced a united effort Dec. 12 to retain Tulsa’s U.S. Postal Service mail handling facility-a modern, highly-efficient center that serves one of the nation's strongest metropolitan areas.
12/11/2011 | Education Forum
The Tulsa Metro Chamber’s next education forum brings the feature-length documentary American Teacher to the Tulsa community. The film is narrated by Academy Award-winner Matt Damon.
11/29/2011 | U.S. Small Business Administration meets with Chamber Small Business Council
Members of the Tulsa Metro Chamber’s Small Business Council met with U.S. Small Business Administration representatives, including Deputy Administrator Marie Johns, Nov. 29 at the Chamber offices.
11/29/2011 | American Airlines files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Chamber pledges support during the reorganization process
Statements applicable to Mike Neal, president and CEO, Tulsa Metro Chamber:
The company has experienced hard times before, but the Tulsa region has also witnessed the ability of its employees and leadership to rally around a common goal – and that is to reinvent processes, identify cost-reduction measures, and again make the company sound.
11/28/2011 | U.S. Rep. Lankford addresses Tulsa business community
Congressman Lankford discussed critical issues facing the nation and Tulsa during his address at the Tulsa Metro Chamber’s third congressional forum, presented by Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. on Monday, Nov. 28 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tulsa Downtown.
11/16/2011 | Tulsa Metro Chamber announces Direct Energy will double its Tulsa area workforce
The Tulsa Metro Chamber hosted a press conference Nov. 15 at which Direct Energy, one of North America’s largest energy and energy-related services companies, announced plans to expand its customer operations center in Tulsa, bringing 115 new jobs and significant economic impact to the Tulsa metro area.
11/10/2011 | Tulsa Sports Commission, B.A.S.S. announce 2013 Bassmaster Classic in Green Country
B.A.S.S., and the Tulsa Sports Commission announced today its selection of Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees and the Tulsa metro region as the site and host of the 2013 Bassmaster Classic, Feb. 22-24, 2013.
11/4/2011 | Tulsa among nation’s best places to find a job
The Fiscal Times has named the Tulsa region one of the nation’s top areas for job seekers.
11/4/2011 | Tulsa Drillers team up with TPS for anti-bullying campaign as a Partner In Education
Tulsa Public Schools today announced it will team up with the Tulsa Drillers, in conjunction with the Tulsa Metro Chamber’s Partners In Education program, to deliver anti-bullying curriculum into elementary schools in the district.
10/14/2011 | Chamber announces more than 370 new jobs and hiring from four regional companies
The Tulsa Metro Chamber announced today a group of Tulsa-area companies’ plans to grow its respective workforces, resulting in a significant number of jobs created.
10/6/2011 | Tulsa Metro Chamber launches Mosaic, a program to foster diversity and inclusion in business
The Tulsa Metro Chamber launched a new program to assist businesses with embracing diversity and inclusion as organizational practices.
10/3/2011 | Tulsa aerospace industry surges
The aerospace industry is beginning cyclical upturns in employment, production and orders, industry executives said. In Tulsa, the resurgence is evident in job growth.
9/30/2011 | Saint Francis breaks ground on $200 million tower
Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa has broken ground on a $200 million trauma emergency center and patient tower.
The project will include an emergency center, as well as intensive care and surgery rooms. It also will include two helicopter pads.
9/28/2011 | Tulsa top in state for manufacturing jobs
Tulsa is the leader in Oklahoma in regard to manufacturing employment, according to industrial directory Oklahoma Manufacturers Register.
9/23/2011 | Career Access College Readiness Training
The Career Access College Readiness (CACR) program seeks coaches for the 2011-2012 school year.
The CACR program builds upon the Chamber's existing education initiatives, Partners In Education and Oklahoma Scholars, further helping students prepare for college upon graduation.
9/21/2011 | Tulsa Metro Chamber wins big with economic development awards
Jim Fram, senior vice president for economic development for the Tulsa Metro Chamber, was awarded Fellow Member status by the International Economic Development Council for attaining unusual stature in the field of economic development and closely related disciplines.
9/21/2011 | Forbes magazine showcases Tulsa’s own Mr. George Kaiser
The latest addition of Forbes magazine showcases Tulsa’s own Mr. George Kaiser. This feature story highlights Mr. Kaiser’s tremendous investment in early-childhood education, titled, “George Kaiser’s $10 Billion Bet.”
9/15/2011 | Tulsa Chamber’s Jim Fram appointed to board of economic development course
Jim Fram, senior vice president for economic development for the Tulsa Metro Chamber, has been appointed to the board of directors of Heartland Basic Economic Development Course.
8/29/2011 | Tulsa, six area chambers collaborate to create regional economic growth
Historic agreement to collaborate on projects and advocacy to benefit region
The Tulsa Metro Chamber and six area Chambers of Commerce signed a commitment to regional economic growth at a special ceremony on Friday. The compact includes the Chambers of in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Sapulpa, Sand Springs and Owasso.
8/29/2011 | Tulsa Metro Chamber announces opposition to city charter ballot proposals
The Tulsa Metro Chamber announced today its opposition to the Save Our Tulsa and Tulsa City Council proposed ballot changes to the Tulsa city charter.
8/22/2011 | TulsaBizPac announces endorsements, contributions for City Council primary
The political action committee provides support for 12 candidates
TulsaBizPac announced today its endorsements and campaign contributions for 12 candidates on the City of Tulsa City Council September 13 primary ballot.
TulsaBizPac is a bi-partisan political action committee formed in 2010 by current and previous leaders of the Tulsa Metro Chamber.
8/19/2011 | Over 700 attendees gather for Restaurant After Hours
Over 700 attendees gathered at the Oklahoma Aquarium Thursday night to network and connect with local businessmen and women.
8/2/2011 | Partners In Education assists in school uniform drive for TPS students
TPS recently announced that all elementary and junior high schools will implement a school uniform policy this school year. Partners In Education companies KJRH and Project Elf are working with TPS and the Partners In Education program in an effort to encourage the community to donate uniforms.
7/28/2011 | HR forum: new drug testing regulations to be enforced Nov. 1
A Chamber HR forum last week recapped the recent overhaul of Oklahoma’s Workplace Drug Testing Act, which affects many of the regulations and rules Oklahoma employers follow for hiring and employee management practices.
7/20/2011 | Fallin addresses business community at annual State of the State address
Gov. Mary Fallin joined the Tulsa Metro Chamber at its annual State of the State address Monday, presented by Spirit AeroSystems and Tulsa Community College.
7/8/2011 | Tulsa Sports Commission announces international soccer tournament
Ray Hoyt, senior vice president of VisitTulsa and executive director of Tulsa Sports Commission, was joined by Eddie Marles, AC Milan Youth Program coordinator for North and Latin America, at a press conference today to announce the creation of an international youth soccer tournament in Tulsa.
The Tulsa Sports Commission is creating and hosting the tournament in partnership with A.C. Milan, an international soccer club. The tournament is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, May 25-28, 2012, and will feature three Milan Junior League Elite teams comprised of youth ages 11-14.
7/7/2011 | Oklahoma college graduates necessary for economic success of state
A recent article in the Tulsa World written by Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Metro Chamber, discusses the importance of college graduates to Oklahoma’s economy and quality.
6/30/2011 | Tulsa Metro Chamber announces Benge to lead Government Affairs program
Former Speaker of the House joins Chamber's staff
The Tulsa Metro Chamber's President and CEO Mike Neal announced today the selection of Chris Benge as the new senior vice president of government affairs leading the Chamber's local, state and federal legislative agendas.
"Chris' admiration at the State Capital is without equal," said Neal. "His diplomacy and ability to create a unified alliance across party lines is a valuable asset as the Chamber continues to grow our leadership coalition in Northeast Oklahoma."
The former speaker of the House and 12-year state representative is currently serving as Mayor Dewey Bartlett's director of intergovernmental and enterprise development since November 2010.
"Joining the Chamber staff presents a unique opportunity to develop policy that will help the region build on its successful accomplishments of the last few years," said Benge. "I appreciate Mayor Bartlett's objectives and vision in leading the City of Tulsa. His focus on energy, aerospace, river development, and creating a business-friendly climate will position Tulsa to prosper in the future. My role on his staff provided a great number of lessons on the inner workings of a municipal government and this insight will certainly assist me in the future."
6/24/2011 | ONE PLACE TOWER BREAKS GROUND
Downtown Tulsa’s skyline is set to have a new addition. Developers broke ground today on the 18-story One Place Tower.
6/17/2011 | Chamber exceeds $3 million in Resource Campaign
Sponsorships and memberships sold to support Chamber initiatives and programs
Chamber staff gathered with campaign volunteers and sponsors Thursday night at the Tulsa Country Club to celebrate the end of its 10-week Resource Campaign and announce the final total- over $3 million dollars.
6/17/2011 | World Volleyball League - USA vs. Brazil
In less than two weeks, two of the world's top volleyball teams comprised of Olympic athletes will be competing live in Tulsa in matches that will be broadcast to an international audience.
6/16/2011 | Chamber VP receives Certified Chamber Executive designation
Ruth Littlefield, vice president of membership development and retention, recently attained her Certified Chamber Executive certification.
6/9/2011 | Nominations for Tulsa’s Fast 50 due July 15
Nominations for the Journal Record’s Tulsa’s Fast 50 awards are due Friday, July 15. Honorees will be featured in the Tulsa’s Fast 50 publication and be celebrated at an awards dinner Tuesday, November 8.
6/8/2011 | New downtown website launches
The Tulsa Metro Chamber has launched a new website, TulsaDowntown.org, focused on economic development to leverage the progressive growth and public investment in the BOK Center, ONEOK Field, expanded Convention Center, new hotel and residential properties and more.
6/3/2011 | Pinto World Championship Show begins June 7
The Pinto Horse Association of America will host the World Championship Horse Show June 7-18, 2011, at the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex at Expo Square.
5/19/2011 | VisitTulsa honors local heroes
Luncheon recognizes citizens’ efforts to bring convention dollars to Tulsa
5/18/2011 | Tulsa Chamber presents annual Small Business Awards
Tulsa Metro Chamber honored emerging entrepreneurs and the best in small business at the 2011 Crystal Star Small Business Awards luncheon, May 17 at The Hyatt Regency.
5/18/2011 | WPBA to hold Championship in Tulsa
Event will be broadcast live on ESPN
Representatives from River Spirit Casino, the Women’s Professional Billiards Association and VisitTulsa announced today Tulsa’s selection as the site for the WPBA U. S. Open 9-Ball Championship June 15-19 at the River Spirit Event Center in Tulsa.
5/13/2011 | Governor Fallin signs SHOPP legislation
advocacy for lead Tulsa regional OneVoice priority successful
Advocating the development of a funding mechanism for quality healthcare in Oklahoma is now complete.
5/12/2011 | Chamber’s Partners In Education program pairing
Oklahoma State University’s School of Entrepreneurship will now pair with East Central High School as part of the Tulsa Metro Chamber’s Partners in Education program.
5/9/2011 | Oklahoma Museum of Music and Popular Culture comes to center stage, brings widespread support
The Chamber is seeking local and legislative support for the Oklahoma Museum of Music and Popular Culture, a 67,000 square-foot museum dedicated to the creative spirit of Oklahomans.
With a potential site identified in the downtown Brady Arts District, the OK POP Museum has quickly become less of an idea, and more of a hot issue.
The two major motivational factors for establishing the museum are simple: honor the people and culture of Oklahoma, and give Tulsa another economic impact gem similar to ONEOK Field and the BOK Center.
According to the Chamber’s economist, Bob Ball, the economic impact could be as much as $56.5 million in the first year of construction, which would also create approximately 213 jobs supporting another 178 jobs. Ball estimates the museum, once up and running, will create 549 jobs, ranging from food service and restaurants to museum staff. These 549 jobs would support an additional 187 positions. Plus, total sales taxes are estimated at $1.8 million.
5/6/2011 | Breeder’s Invitational Derby begins May 16
Two-week long event brings estimated $3.3 million economic impact to city
The ever-popular Breeder’s Invitational returns to Tulsa May 16-28 at the world-class Expo Square in the heart of Tulsa. This event offers one of the largest payouts of any competition sanctioned by the National Cutting Horse Association and promises to deliver the finest cutting horses and riders in the country. And, for the second year in a row, the BI will run in conjunction with one of the Mercuria World Finals qualifying shows kicking off May 14.
4/21/2011 | Tulsa-based development, marketing company plans expansion, qualifies for state incentive
Majeska & Associates, a new Tulsa-based development and marketing company to the mid-continent paving industry, announced today it has been accepted into Oklahoma’s 21st Century Quality Jobs Program, an incentive created to attract growth industries and sectors through a policy of rewarding businesses with a highly skilled, knowledge-based workforce.
4/19/2011 | Chamber announces five-year job, capital investment goal in Tulsa’s Future plan
Leaders reveal amount invested to fund regional economic development program
The Tulsa Metro Chamber announced today job creation and capital investment goals for the second five-year phase of its ongoing regional economic development plan, Tulsa’s Future. Officials also announced the plan’s list of investors and total amount invested following a seven-month campaign to fund the aggressive plan.
4/12/2011 | Tulsa, Broken Arrow chambers collaborate to create regional economic growth
The Tulsa Metro Chamber and Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce signed a commitment to regional economic growth at a special ceremony held today in Broken Arrow.
3/29/2011 | Tulsa Metro Chamber names new senior vice president of VisitTulsa
Ray Hoyt accepts position to lead convention and visitors program
The Tulsa Metro Chamber’s President and CEO Mike Neal announced the selection of Ray Hoyt to lead VisitTulsa, the convention and visitors program at the Tulsa Metro Chamber.
3/29/2011 | Local hotel industry reports NCAA impact
Recent report shows effect of the NCAA Tournament on occupancy numbers
The Tulsa Hotel and Lodging Association have released preliminary numbers showing hotel occupancy rates were up by 30 percent to average market occupancy of 75 percent during the NCAA Tournament. The tournament was hosted during spring break, a notoriously slow week for local hotel business.
3/28/2011 | Chamber opposes additional budget cuts for education
An additional two percent cut in funding for education discussed by legislators today was met with concern and opposition by the Tulsa Metro Chamber and many of their regional partners, who united to develop the OneVoice agenda earlier this year in an effort to bolster the fight against issues important to the future of our region.
3/2/2011 | U.S. Chamber honors three Tulsa-area companies
Three Tulsa-area businesses are being honored with awards from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognizing excellence in small business. The honorees are members of the Tulsa Metro Chamber’s Small Business Council.
3/2/2011 | U.S. Chamber honors three Tulsa-area companies
Three Tulsa-area businesses are being honored with awards from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognizing excellence in small business. The honorees are members of the Tulsa Metro Chamber’s Small Business Council.
3/1/2011 | U.S. Chamber awards Blue Ribbon to three Tulsa companies
The U.S. Chamber will honor Tulsa-based Part-Time Pros, Eloté Café & Catering and The Persimmon Group with the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award at America’s Small Business Summit May 23-25 in Washington, D.C.
1/28/2011 | HVAC accessories company establishes facility in Tulsa
Ductmate, the largest heating, ventilation and air conditioning accessories manufacturer in North America, announced today it has chosen Tulsa for its new distribution warehouse location. The company leased a 61,520-square-foot facility located on 9.4 acres in North Tulsa with plans to expand quickly.
1/19/2011 | Tulsa-based tech company plans expansion
GWACS Defense, Inc. (GDI), a Tulsa-based research and technology company specializing in sniper and gunshot detection systems for the military, announced today it has been accepted into Oklahoma’s 21st Century Quality Jobs Program.
1/10/2011 | Tulsa's Future II will create jobs, investment in the region
The Tulsa’s Future II Campaign Cabinet has announced a new funding goal for the five-year regional economic development plan.
1/10/2011 | Neal selected as Tulsan of the Year by TulsaPeople magazine
Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Metro Chamber, was selected as the 2011 Tulsan of the Year by TulsaPeople magazine for his “limitless energy, can-do optimism and tireless efforts toward making Tulsa a better place.”
1/4/2011 | Local,state leaders pack Chamber press conference to support American Airlines' Tulsa operations
A record-setting number of partners have united with the Tulsa Metro Chamber in announcing a unified effort to retain American Airlines’ operations in Tulsa.
Dozens of individuals and groups, including business leaders, elected officials, numerous state and local government representatives and area chambers of commerce, packed a press conference Jan. 3 at the Tulsa Metro Chamber offices, voicing their unwavering support both for American’s local operations and the region’s vital aerospace sector.
“It takes a region and a state that is supportive of business and that promotes a business-friendly climate to ensure that our area companies are given every opportunity to succeed,” Tulsa Metro Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal said while addressing the impressive crowd that gathered at the press conference. “This tremendous show of support, exhibited by the numerous representatives here today from across multiple sectors, is evidence that our region and our state are willing to do whatever is in their power to help business thrive.”