News

 

5/24/2013 | 2014 OneVoice Legislative Agenda
Regional OneVoice Legislative Task Force Meetings Set

The Tulsa Regional Chamber is working with our OneVoice partners to outline priorities and issues for the 2014 OneVoice Legislative Agenda.




5/23/2013 | Community supercomputer dedicated
Officials participated in a dedication ceremony May 23 for the community supercomputer, which is housed at One Technology Center in downtown Tulsa. The Tandy Supercomputing Center contains the largest community supercomputer in the United States.


5/22/2013 | Businesses can help disaster recovery efforts
Many Chamber members have organized relief efforts to assist the countless Oklahomans impacted by the recent severe weather. Please feel free to share the information below with your employees on how they too can assist our friends in Shawnee and Moore.

1. Make a monetary donation to the Red Cross disaster relief fund by clicking here.

2. Donate blood. Contact the Tulsa American Red Cross office here for dates and locations.

3. The following Chamber members and partners have also organized relief efforts:
• The Salvation Army in Tulsa is using their warehouse to store donations until they are needed. Relief items such as bottled water, wet wipes, individually wrapped snacks, sanitary items, etc. will be accepted at 924 S. Hudson, Tulsa, OK 74112. No clothing or furniture donations will be accepted until a later date.
• The Tulsa Home Builders Association will be delivering items for cleanup efforts and is accepting donations of rakes, shovels, cleaning supplies, buckets, tote bags, etc. at their office located at 11545 E. 43rd St. Tulsa, Ok 74146. Item sill be delivered tomorrow, May 23 to the Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association, who will distribute as needed.
• American Airlines and the Transport Workers Union Local 514 have a collection trailer set up at their Main Guard Office located at 36th Street North and Mingo. Donations such as Gatorade, shovels, rakes, batteries, trash bags, storage containers, flashlights, etc. will be accepted from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day until further notice.
• Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association (OH&LA) is collecting donations, such as toiletries, sheets, blankets, etc. MTH&LA members may drop off their donations at the Holiday Inn Express Tulsa Central located at 3215 South 79th East Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74145, which is located at 31st and Memorial near the I-44 and Hwy 51 intersection.
• Tulsa-area Walgreens locations are collecting donated items until 10 a.m .tomorrow for a Friday afternoon delivery.
• ScottRice is offering to deliver items as needed via their large trucks that have regular routes to the Oklahoma City area every week. To contact them, call 918.893.5122 or go to scottriceok.com.


4. Click here for additional ways to donate.

If your organization has organized a relief effort, please let us know by contacting amandamcconnell@tulsachamber.com



5/17/2013 | SWEP opens North American headquarters in Tulsa
SWEP, a leading manufacturer of brazed plate heat exchangers, celebrated the grand opening of its North American headquarters in Tulsa May 16.


5/16/2013 | Oklahoma receives national attention for early childhood education thanks to George Kaiser
Through its strategic plan and working with community partners, the Chamber is committed to identifying strategies for moving Tulsans up the education pipeline and increasing the number of citizens with a college degree.


5/8/2013 | Awards honor Tulsa region’s small business stars
Tulsa Regional Chamber honored emerging entrepreneurs and Tulsa-area small business leaders at the 2013 Crystal Star Small Business Awards Dinner May 7.


5/6/2013 | Chamber supports Smart and Secure Bond
Tulsa Public Schools’ technology and school safety bond issue will increase technology in classrooms and ensure students are prepared for the workforce.


5/6/2013 | Tulsa Regional Chamber lauds passage of SB 1062
The Tulsa Regional Chamber and its OneVoice partners applaud Governor Fallin for signing SB 1062 into law today.


5/6/2013 | Report shows increased degree attainment
A preliminary Talent Dividend First Year Report shows Tulsa increased overall secondary degree attainment by more than 14 percent in the 2010-2011 academic year.


5/2/2013 | Brien Thorstenberg named V.P. of Economic Development for Tulsa Regional Chamber
The Tulsa Regional Chamber announced that Muskogee City-County Port Authority Director of Business and Economic Development Brien Thorstenberg will assume the role of V.P. of economic development effective May 20. 


5/2/2013 | Taylor Forge constructs new Tulsa facility, plans workforce expansion
Taylor Forge Engineered Systems is marking its expansion in the Gas Processing and Heat Transfer business with construction of a new manufacturing center in Tulsa.


4/26/2013 | Chamber leads group to Washington D.C. for lobbying, learning
The Tulsa Regional Chamber hosted the 2013 Tulsa Regional Washington D.C. Fly-In this week with nearly 100 representatives from across the metropolitan area traveling to the nation’s Capitol for three days of legislative learning and discussions with Oklahoma’s Congressmen.




4/22/2013 | Energy industry leaders travel to Tulsa for DUG Midcontinent
VisitTulsa and the City of Tulsa welcome Hart Energy to Tulsa this week. Hart Energy, a leader in energy news, data, analysis and conferences for 30-plus years, is hosting the latest in its successful series of DUG (Developing Unconventionals) conferences, focused on developing unconventional gas and other resources. The conference will take place at Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center, April 22-24.


4/19/2013 | Tulsa Regional Chamber hosts 2013 Tulsa Regional Day at the Capitol
The Tulsa Regional Chamber hosted legislators, regional partners and local leaders today as the Tulsa region traveled to the state Capitol for Tulsa Regional Day at the Capitol.


4/15/2013 | Tulsa’s Future economic development plan bolsters state economy, Governor says
The Tulsa region is integral to Oklahoma’s economic success, with the Tulsa Regional Chamber-led Tulsa’s Future plan playing a leading role in the state’s economic development. 
 


4/15/2013 | Chamber names new Sr. VP of Economic Development
The Tulsa Regional Chamber promoted Justin McLaughlin to the role of Sr. Vice President of Economic Development.


4/11/2013 | Health Care Forum discussing effects of "Silver Tsunami"
The Tulsa Regional Chamber hosted a health care forum Thursday, April 11 delving into issues concerning the aging population in Tulsa. The so-called “Silver Tsunami” of maturing baby-boomers will require adjustments in health care, housing and other health services.


3/21/2013 | Tulsa named a top city for entrepreneurs
Tulsa is a leading city for entrepreneurs, ranking No. 7 among the top mid-sized city, according to a recent survey conducted by “Under 30 CEO.” The publication touts Tulsa’s Vision 2015 initiative as a catalyst for small business development. In addition, the area’s many institutions of higher learning and other attributes are highlighted.




3/20/2013 | Air travel survey assesses airline market potential in Tulsa region
The Tulsa International Airport, in partnership with the Tulsa Regional Chamber and the Direct Flights Task Force, have launched the Tulsa Regional Air Service Initiative, a coordinated effort to gather input from regional businesses and air travelers to gauge Tulsa’s potential of increased direct flights to cities across the nation.  





3/19/2013 | River Spirit Casino announces major expansion in partnership with Margaritaville
River Spirit Casino has announced its plans for a phase II development project that will feature a Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Casino and Restaurant, a 500-room upscale hotel tower, a spa, convention and meeting center and other new restaurants. The announcement was made at a March 19 news conference. 







2/28/2013 | Tulsa Sports Commission welcomes “Tulsa’s Tournament” to BOK Center, Tulsa Convention Center
Tulsa’s hometown team, the Golden Hurricane, will compete for the men’s and women’s Conference USA championship titles with a home court advantage this month as the C-USA men’s and women’s basketball championships travel to Tulsa March 13-16.




2/28/2013 | Tulsa’s Young Professionals members lobby, learn at State Capitol event
A group of Tulsa’s Young Professionals spent the day in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, Feb. 27 hearing from Gov. Mary Fallin, Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb and numerous legislators.


2/15/2013 | Business, community leaders show support of American Airlines-US Airways merger
Business and community leaders packed a Tulsa Regional Chamber news conference room Feb. 15 to announce their support for the merger between American Airlines and U.S. Airways – a move that would form the nation’s largest air carrier.


2/14/2013 | Local businesses enter Tulsa Sports Commission’s Bassmaster Classic Commemorative Challenge
With the Bassmaster Classic right around the corner, the Tulsa Sports Commission is offering local businesses the chance to hang the biggest bass in town on their own walls by participating in the Bassmaster Classic Commemorative Challenge.




2/6/2013 | 2013 USA Masters 15 km Championships Awarded to Tulsa
USA Track and Field and the Tulsa Sports Commission announced a five-year agreement that will bring the USA Masters 15 km Championships to Tulsa from 2013-2017


2/6/2013 | Chamber, regional partners announce 2013 OneVoice legislative agenda
The regional OneVoice legislative agenda was announced today by the Tulsa Regional Chamber and its partners, setting priority issues and regional advocacy in motion for the 2013 session.


2/4/2013 | Mayor, First Lady address importance of mentorship
Panelists from a variety of mentoring organizations including YMCA Black & Latino Achievers, College Access Career Readiness, Partners In Education Lunch Buddies and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma spoke about the importance of mentoring Wednesday at the Mayor’s Mentoring Breakfast.


2/4/2013 | Tulsa Regional Chamber launches new mobile app
New app gives Chamber members the ability to offer coupons and deals, and member directory makes it simple for users to do business regionally


2/4/2013 | Chamber and regional partners announce near-record 907 jobs in January
The Tulsa Regional Chamber, Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett, Tulsa County Comission Chair Karen Keith and regional partners in economic development reported at a Feb. 4 news conference that a near-record 907 primary jobs were added in January 2013.



2/1/2013 | Sawyer Manufacturing constructs new Tulsa facility, plans for continued growth
Tulsa-based Sawyer Manufacturing has begun moving into a newly-constructed facility as the company plans further growth in the Tulsa region. The designer and manufacturer of pipeline and welding equipment has hired about 10 employees in recent months, with plans to add at least five more in the near future.


1/28/2013 | Manufacturer chooses Tulsa for North American headquarters
SWEP, the world's leading supplier of brazed plate heat exchangers (BPHEs) for use in the heat transfer industry, announced it will begin operations in the Tulsa area in 2013 to support its growing customer demand. The company will initially hire 25 employees to staff the operation, with an additional 30 to 50 employees being added by 2015.


1/18/2013 | Verizon announces 500 Tulsa-region jobs
Verizon has announced plans to establish a financial services hub at its facility at Cherokee Industrial Park in Tulsa, bringing 500 high-paying jobs to the region. Chamber officials said Verizon’s hiring plans are among the largest Tulsa-area job-creation announcements in years.

Verizon currently employs more than 900 employees at its North Lakewood Avenue facility and plans to add hundreds more finance and accounting positions. The Tulsa office will handle accounts payable, accounting and select finance activities.

Tulsa Regional Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal said: “Today’s announcement is one of the most significant our community has seen in recent years. Verizon’s decision to build a new hub employing more than 500 skilled workers is a tremendous boost to our region’s economic development efforts and reflects the spirit and commitment of Verizon as they continue a tradition of growth and investment in Tulsa.

Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett stated: “The commitment of outstanding companies such as Verizon helps us solidify our place as a top city and region for many areas of economic development, and we congratulate Verizon on its continued success and growth.”



1/17/2013 | Tulsa Regional Chamber inaugurates new chair and announces initiatives for 2013
The Tulsa Regional Chamber elected Jake Henry Jr., president and CEO of Saint Francis Health System as its 2013 chair of the Board of Directors. Henry succeeds Chair Becky J. Frank, chairman and CEO of Schnake Turnbo Frank | PR. More than 1,200 area business leaders, local officials and citizens were in attendance when the Chamber formally inaugurated Henry at its annual meeting Jan. 16.


1/14/2013 | Borets-Weatherford breaks ground on R & D center, plans workforce expansion
Borets-Weatherford breaks ground on R & D center, plans workforce expansion Energy sector manufacturing firm Borets-Weatherford broke ground Jan. 14 on a new research and development center and announced plans to expand its Tulsa-region workforce. The Tulsa Regional Chamber assisted in the announcement.




1/11/2013 | Chamber to inaugurate new chair, announce initiatives for 2013
The Tulsa Regional Chamber will formally inaugurate Jake Henry Jr., president and CEO of Saint Francis Health System, to succeed Becky J. Frank, chairman and CEO of Schnake Turnbo Frank | PR, as the 2013 chair of the Chamber’s board of directors at its Annual Meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 16.

More than 1,200 area business, community and civic leaders will attend as Frank passes the torch to Henry. Also planned for the annual meeting is a video presentation featuring a review of 2012 accomplishments, an awards presentation and Henry’s inaugural address unveiling the Chamber’s primary initiatives for 2013.

Annually, almost 3,100 businesses support the activities of the Tulsa Regional Chamber through membership investment. Chamber members represent 150,000 area employees.



12/13/2012 | Conference highlights forecast for state, local economies
The Economic Outlook Conference, presented Dec. 13 by the Tulsa Regional 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. 




12/10/2012 | Panel of education administrators discuss reading sufficiency, retention
“Reading as a whole is the core of education,” said panelist Dr. Diane Hensley, director of Community Schools at Tulsa Public Schools, Thursday at a Chamber forum discussing the reading sufficiency act and upcoming changes due to the No Social Promotion law.



12/6/2012 | VisitTulsa, Tulsa Regional Chamber announce key energy conference coming to Tulsa
VisitTulsa and the Tulsa Regional Chamber announced today that a key energy conference will soon call Tulsa home. Next April, Hart Energy, a leader in energy publications and conferences for over 30 years, will launch the latest in its successful series of DUG conferences, focused on developing unconventional gas and other resources.



11/20/2012 | Chamber announces new name
In an effort to continue the momentum toward creating synergy for a unified commitment to the success of all communities in Northeast Oklahoma, the Tulsa Metro Chamber board of directors has unanimously voted to change the organization name to Tulsa Regional Chamber effective Dec. 1, 2012.


11/12/2012 | Vision2 unsuccessful on election day
Along with regional partners and civic and community volunteers, the Chamber will continue its work to ensure jobs and quality of life projects remain priorities for our region.


11/1/2012 | Tulsa Sports Commission secures 2014 NCAA Division I women’s golf championships finals
The NCAA announced today that Tulsa will host the 2014 Division I Golf Championships Finals to be held May 20 through 23, 2014.



10/30/2012 | Tulsa Metro Chamber office move
Your Tulsa Metro Chamber is pleased to announce it will move to a new location in the coming weeks.


10/20/2012 | Tulsa Sports Commission directs 35th annual Tulsa Run
More than 9,800 runners filled downtown Tulsa Saturday as the Tulsa Sports Commission put on its first Tulsa Run with 2k, 5k an 15k races. The final total of participants for all races was 9,807 runners.




10/15/2012 | Governor, Chamber lead trade mission to Europe
Today’s global, knowledge-based economy is creating an environment where regions must be proactive or risk falling behind. With this in mind, the Chamber, through its Tulsa’s Future regional economic development plan, has partnered with Governor Fallin and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to present the 2012 Governor’s Trade Mission to Europe, Oct. 14-19.




10/8/2012 | Global consulting and solutions firm capSpire to expand Tulsa workforce
Global commodity trading and risk management consulting and solutions firm capSpire, in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Tulsa Metro Chamber, has announced plans to bring 30 new jobs to Tulsa over the next three years through the state’s 21st Century Quality Jobs Program.




10/4/2012 | City of Tulsa, Tulsa Metro Chamber and Tulsa County announce downtown development effort
City, Chamber and County officials today detailed how a consultant group will work to implement the downtown master plan approved by the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission and the Downtown Coordinating Council and adopted in 2010 by the Tulsa City Council.




9/27/2012 | The Forge hosts grand opening of new space
TYPros small business incubator, The Forge, finds permanent home in Wright building




9/21/2012 | Chamber unites industry education and commerce to advance demand-driven aerospace training
The Tulsa Metro Chamber, Tulsa Community College and other regional partners in industry and education announced that Tulsa Community College is part of a consortium receiving nearly $15 million in federal grant funding to establish a nationally-recognized aerospace certificate program.


9/19/2012 | VisitTulsa funding campaign secures $3.6 million in support
VisitTulsa, the convention and visitors division of the Tulsa Metro Chamber, celebrated the success of the recent funding campaign with a formal announcement and reception today where more than 100 individuals representing the local hospitality industry, campaign investors and regional leadership gathered in support of the organization.




9/12/2012 | Tulsa, state economies strengthen
The Tulsa region ranks among the 10 national leaders in the September edition of the On Numbers Economic Index (ONEI).



9/7/2012 | Clear Edge Filtration building new global headquarters, expanding workforce in Tulsa
Clear Edge Filtration Inc., a leading producer of integrated industrial process filtration solutions, is constructing a new global headquarters in Tulsa, with plans to increase its Tulsa workforce under way.


9/6/2012 | Mayor Bartlett presents State of the City address
Almost 1,000 business and community leaders gathered today for the Tulsa Metro Chamber's State of the City event featuring The Honorable Dewey F. Bartlett Jr., mayor of Tulsa.




8/27/2012 | Tulsa Metro Chamber reacts to Hertz acquisition of Tulsa-based Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group (DTAG) has maintained a significant presence in Tulsa since launched in 1958.


8/8/2012 | Chamber President and CEO earns prestigious honor from national economic development organization
Tulsa Metro Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal is being honored as an Honorary Life Member of the Southern Economic Development Council, the oldest and largest regional economic development association in North America.




8/7/2012 | Tulsa Metro Chamber communications earn national honors
The Tulsa Metro Chamber is being honored with multiple awards from a national organization, the Southern Economic Development Council, recognizing excellence in communications materials related to economic development.




7/31/2012 | Lufthansa Technik expands Tulsa region operations, workforce
Lufthansa Technik Component Services (LTCS), headquartered in Tulsa, has significantly expanded its local operations and workforce, with plans for further growth under way, the Tulsa Metro Chamber and state and local officials announced Aug. 1.




7/25/2012 | Gov. Fallin presents State of the State address in Tulsa
Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin addressed attendees at the Tulsa Metro Chamber’s update on the State of the State, presented by Spirit AeroSystems and Tulsa Community College, today at the Tulsa Convention Center in downtown Tulsa.




7/11/2012 | Golden Hurricane Kickoff Luncheon
The Tulsa Metro Chamber and The University of Tulsa invite you to join them to celebrate the start of the 2012 Football Season.


7/9/2012 | Chamber hosts member favorite Restaurant After Hours
Make plans to join us for what has become one of the Tulsa Metro Chamber's most highly attended events each year - Restaurant After Hours - to network, eat and enjoy the company of more than 700 attendees in a sports-themed atmosphere.


6/28/2012 | Tulsa Metro Chamber reacts to Supreme Court decision on Affordable Care Act
"The Tulsa Metro Chamber has worked with policy makers and our regional partners to ensure our state has the flexibility to provide Oklahoma solutions to Oklahoma's health care challenges.


6/26/2012 | Chamber hosts Summer Golf Classic
Some 224 golfers joined the Chamber for its 2012 Summer Golf Classic on Monday, June 25 at the Tulsa Country Club.


6/22/2012 | Chamber exceeds $3.5 million, sets another record for annual Resource Campaign
Tulsa Metro Chamber staff gathered with volunteers and sponsors Thursday night at The Mayo Hotel to celebrate the end of its annual 10-week Resource Campaign and announce the final total of more than $3.5 million. 
 



6/20/2012 | Chamber wins international honor for business retention and expansion program
The Tulsa Metro Chamber’s economic development division has garnered an international honor, earning recognition for its business retention and expansion program from Business Retention and Expansion International.


6/18/2012 | Tulsa region remains a top U.S. hub for manufacturing
As the Tulsa region continues a trend of economic growth and lowering unemployment, the area’s strong manufacturing base is playing a significant role.




5/30/2012 | Tulsa region jobless rate continues to drop
The Tulsa region’s unemployment rate dropped significantly in April, falling to 4.9 percent. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate decreased from 5.3 percent in March and is considerably lower than the 6.2 percent rate the region had at the same time last year.

 



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.


5/1/2012 | 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.




2/2/2012 | 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.


1/19/2012 | 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).



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.




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.




10/3/2011 | 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.


7/7/2011 | 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 | 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.






6/17/2011 | 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.




6/16/2011 | 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.



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.