|
Chamber urges Tulsa residents to make informed decisions at the polls Nov. 8
Tulsans are at a critical crossroad for the city and the region as a whole. The Chamber urges citizens to review the resources provided here and make an informed decision at the polls Nov. 8.
"This election is quite possibly the most significant in the city of Tulsa in recent years and one that will impact the direction of the city for many more," said Mike Neal, president and CEO, Tulsa Metro Chamber.
The following council seats will be decided in the general election: Districts 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Two council districts seats have already been chosen. Jack Henderson won the seat in District 1 and Karen Gilbert won in District 5. Both claimed primary victories and had no opponent from the opposing party in the general election.
Additionally, important changes to the city's charter have been proposed, some of which the Chamber has reviewed and formed a position. Click here for more information on the Chamber’s position to proposed charter changes.
The voter ID law approved by Oklahomans last year requires all voters to provide identification from the federal or state government, or from a tribal government. The identification must include the voter's name, picture and an expiration date after the date of the election. Voters may also use their voter identification card or a temporary voter identification document issued by the Election Board.
For more information about how and where to register to vote, visit the Tulsa County Election Board office located at 555 North Denver Ave. or call the Tulsa County Election Board office at 918.596.5787.
KIPP Tulsa continues its success in preparing students for higher education
The Tulsa Metro Chamber will host an education forum highlighting KIPP Tulsa as part of its 2011-2012 Education Forum series.
Attendees will learn about KIPP Tulsa’s ambitious long range plan to add additional schools and serve children in more grades than their current 5th – 8th grades. Panelists will also discuss KIPP’s track record in Tulsa and how they manage to bring students who arrive doing work as much as two years below their grade level to achieving at levels that garner them scholarships to elite high schools out of state.
KIPP Tulsa has been serving fifth through eighth graders in a north Tulsa site since 2005. Their goal is to do whatever necessary to ensure that their graduates go on to college. For the most part, their students enter several grades behind in reading and/or math. The program includes an 8 am to 5 p.m. school day, alternate Saturdays and a summer session. Their success in preparing their students for a rigorous high school experience that leads directly to college enrollment is phenomenal. Join us to hear how they do it. You'll be inspired.
The forum will be held Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Tulsa Metro Chamber, second floor conference room.
Panelists will include:
John Wolfkill - Executive Director, KIPP Tulsa
Don Parker - Executive VP, CIO for Bank of Oklahoma & KIPP Vice Chair
Kendra Bramlett - KIPP Tulsa Principal
Please RSVP to Sharon Goswick sharongoswick@tulsachamber.com or 918-560-0276
Chamber Choice offers quality health care solutions for small businesses
As a business owner, you know that health care benefits are considered one of the most important tools in attracting and retaining a talented workforce. However, some small businesses often cannot afford traditional health care options.
Chamber Choice plans, a lower-priced alternative for groups of two to 50 employees, are offered through the Tulsa Metro Chamber and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. Small business members can benefit from the affordable health plan options. Members have a choice of seven PPO plans and two HMO plans and a total of five deductible plans. Other features include:
• No medical underwriting
• BlueOptions® PPO plans
• BlueOptimizeSM PPO plans
• BlueLincs® HMO plans
• Prescription drug coverage
• Coverage in all 50 states
• Office visit copayments
• Additional coverage available
Chamber Choice health plans are available to Tulsa Metro Chamber members. To learn more, click here, visit www.tulsachamber.com or contact a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma representative at 1-800-281-0446.
Tulsa hosts Governor’s Conference on Tourism
Tulsa recently hosted the Governor’s Conference on Tourism, where the state’s tourism industry leaders gathered to connect, engage and discuss the state’s tourism industry.
A number of Chamber staff attended the conference, including representatives from the Government affairs, communications, VisitTulsa and Tulsa Sports Commission departments.
Speakers included Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, Sen. Rick Brinkley, Maj. Dan Rooney, founder of the Folds of Honor Foundation, as well as best-selling author Kelly McDonald.
“The conference gives our staff, along with tourism staff and leadership from across the state, a chance to share best practices and work to develop our state’s industry,” said Ray Hoyt, senior vice president of VisitTusla and the Tulsa Sports Commission. “As part of the host community, VisitTulsa and the Chamber worked to ensure attendees enjoyed Tulsa and went home from this learning opportunity with a great impression of our metro.”
Legislative leaders provide insight on the 2012 legislative session
Speaker Kris Steele and Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman provided insights on the upcoming legislative session at the Chamber’s annual Speaker/Pro Tempore forum. The leaders also discussed critical issues facing Oklahoma.
Speaker Steele outlined his priorities for the Oklahoma House, stating, “next session is Oklahoma’s chance to go from good to great. We have a unique opportunity to build on the momentum we have already established and we plan to do exactly that,” he said.
“We will focus on water policy, continued government modernization efforts and Department of Human Services, pension, tax code and criminal justice reforms," he continued.
In the Senate, legislators will maintain a focus on jobs and the economy.
Senator Bingman explained, “while Oklahoma’s economic indicators continue to point in a positive direction, we also know we have not yet fully recovered from the impact of this international recession. In the coming session we must continue to proceed carefully as we prioritize our budget while looking for new and innovative ways to grow the jobs that will make Oklahoma emerge even stronger."
To read more about the discussion, click here.
Heather Johnson named presidential appointee for Tulsa Ballet
Heather Johnson, program manager of education and workforce, has been named as a presidential appointee for the Tulsa Ballet board of directors. She became involved with the Tulsa Ballet board last year during her Leadership Tulsa internship.
The Tulsa Ballet board of directors is comprised of community and business leaders dedicated to the preservation of the tradition of classical ballet through internationally acclaimed artistic excellence and exemplary education and outreach.
What We’re Working OnExecutive Office
• Hosting small group board luncheon and breakfast
• Attending Oklahoma Spears School of Business Forum with Former Prime Minister, Tony Blair
• Attending American Chamber of Commerce Executives’ Benefits Trust Meeting
Communications, Events and Marketing
• Writing annual meeting content
• Hosting PIE press conference
• Planning Circuit Series 5.0 Roundtable Connection
Downtown Development
• Participating in ICSC Webcast – Downtown Retail Development Strategies
• Participating in meeting to discuss pop-up holiday retail in Deco District
• Attending meeting to discuss Public Relations/Marketing opportunities with downtown property owner
Economic Development
• Working with local company to relocate out of state employees to Tulsa
• Attend Oklahoma Spears School of Business Tulsa Forums Keynote Speaker Former European Prime Minister Tony Blair & Luncheon
• Continue Lead Development follow up Calls
Education and Workforce
• Diversity Expo, November 16
• Public Education Network Conference in DC
• Partners in Education announcement with Tulsa Drillers
Government Affairs
• Attending the OSU Spears School of Business Tulsa Forum with Prime Minister Tony Blair
• Participating in the ACCE’s Metro Cities Government Affairs Conference
• Attending the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce Gala
Small Business
• Attending Small Business Council Meeting on Nov. 2nd
• Attending OCCE (Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives) conference in OKC
• Meeting with manufacturer regarding expansion
Tulsa Sports Commission
• Big 12 Women’s Basketball Bid
• Follow up to TEAMS Conference
• Preparing for US Sports Congress Conference
TYPros
• Hosting inaugural Boomtown Awards
• Planning Diversity & Dialogue (D2) event
• New member program event, Toast to Typros
VisitTulsa
• Preparing for the Colored Breed Congress at Expo Square
• Preparing Visitor Information printed materials for 2012
• Finalizing content for visitors guide
Chamber welcomes new businessesEach month the Tulsa Metro Chamber's Hospitality Club welcomes new businesses and new Chamber members to the community by assisting with ribbon cuttings and groundbreaking announcements.
New Members
Alliance Fire & Security, Inc.
Beauty-Crete
Belly Busters
Brain Balance of Tulsa
CNG Auto Sales
International Council for Machinery Lubrication, In
London Pavement
Oklahoma Custom Courier, LLC
Robertson Tire Co., Inc.
Rock Whisperer, LLC
The Home Depot
The Spudder Inc.
Vanguard Equipment
Ribbon Cuttings
Hampton Inn & Suites Tulsa Central
Karen Scanion, General Manager
3418 S. 79th E. Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74145
Phone: 918.779.4000
www.tulsacentralsuites.hamptoninn.com
Enhanced Skin & Body Medical Spa
Kaye Sanders, CEO/Owner
6616 S. Memorial Dr.
Tulsa, OK 74133
Phone: 918.994-7444
|
|
|
