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Make informed decisions at the polls Nov. 8
The city of Tulsa general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For those who want to vote early, in-person absentee voting will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday at the Tulsa County Election Board, 555 N. Denver Ave. You can find your voting location here, and view a sample ballot here.
Voters will decide whether the city of Tulsa's government structure should be changed. The Tulsa Metro Chamber recommends greater study and dialogue across the city regarding the proposed changes. After thorough review, we ask the citizens of Tulsa to make the following choices Nov. 8:
City Charter Proposition No. 1
City council-city manager form of government, with the mayor as a member of the city council.
“Shall the existing Charter of the city of Tulsa, as amended, be further amended to change from a mayor-council form of government to a city council-city manager form of government?”
The Tulsa Metro Chamber opposes this proposition.
Placing the mayor on the city council seemingly alters the checks and balances of the legislative body. Under this type of system, the executive body would also manage the legislative body.
Special Election Proposition No. 1
The mayor serving as a member of the council, with the addition of three at-large councilors.
“Shall the amended Charter of the city of Tulsa be further amended to re-structure the council to provide that the mayor shall serve as a member of the council, but shall vote only if required to break a tie vote; to provide for the election of three at-large councilors, at a special election called for that purpose…?”
The Tulsa Metro Chamber opposes this proposition.
This proposal would create a mayor with both executive and legislative authority, which would upset the existing system of checks and balances. The proposed addition of three at-large councilors could potentially dilute the political voice of Tulsa’s minority districts.
Additional recommendations
The Chamber supports non-partisan elections. A non-partisan ballot will allow more voters to participate in those situations where a primary-only election occurs. The best outcome in choosing those to represent us in city government comes when we have as many voters as possible participate in elections. With the challenges we see today in municipal government, it is more important than ever to have maximum public input in the process, and operate in a process free from the pitfalls partisanship can bring.
The Chamber supports city council elections on even numbered years for two year terms. Undoing the staggering of council elections and placing council elections on even year cycles will enhance voter participation because of the coinciding state and federal elections. Having our councilors face the voters every two years is fundamental to the principles our founding fathers envisioned over 200 years ago.
TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND EMPLOYEES
By talking to your friends, family and employees about the Nov.8 ballot proposals, you can help us make a difference in encouraging city-wide dialogue about the best direction to move our city forward.
For questions regarding the Tulsa Metro Chamber’s positions on the Nov. 8 ballot proposals, please visit our web site at www.TulsaChamber.com or call the Government Affairs Division at 918-560-0232.
TYPros honors locals with inaugural Boomtown Awards event
Tulsa’s Young Professionals recognized local organizations, individuals and businesses for their commitment to the TYPros mission and values in front of a crowd of over 300 attendees Thursday night with the inaugural Boomtown Awards event. Nine honorees received awards in categories based off of TYPros nine areas of focus at a chic event in the Crystal Ballroom of the Mayo Hotel.
Boomtown award recipients partner and support the TYPros initiative of attracting and retaining young professionals in the Tulsa metro region, while working to incorporate, engage and promote young professionals within the community.
“Without the support of these businesses and individuals who partner with us, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” said Brian Paschal, executive director of Tulsa’s Young Professionals. “This is our chance to honor them, and recognize their continued commitment to championing the TYPros mission, which positively affects our local economy, work force, quality of life and so much more. In its sixth year, the TYPros membership has grown to over 8,000 and continues to be the fastest growing YP organization in the nation- none of which would be the case if it weren’t for the people in this audience.”
The Boomtown Awards went to:
The People People – people who work to promote Tulsa
Kathy Taylor, former mayor of Tulsa
The Visionaries – Support young professional-friendly businesses, entrepreneurs
George Kaiser, Bank of Oklahoma and local philanthropist
The Recruiters – positively represent Tulsa to college and university students
Teach for America
The Inclusives – champion and exemplify the value of diversity and inclusion
Shane Fernandez, Crafton Tull
The Politicians – consider and engage young professionals in issues affecting city growth
INCOG
The Take-Charge People – embody the role of “mentor” for young professionals
Wendy Thomas, Leadership Tulsa
The Green Team – makes Tulsa a sustainable community for generations to come
Stuart Solomon, Public Services Company of Oklahoma
The Social Igniters – work to develop events and activities popular with young professionals
John Bolton, BOK Center
Urbanists – make Tulsa a community of progress that attracts young professionals
Elliot Nelson, McNellies Group
Honorees received a Boomtown Award made out of repurposed scraps of granite donated by Countertop Solutions with a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind piece created at Tulsa’s Fab Lab.
Honoree Stuart Solomon said, “Let me first say thank you to the TYPros organization. I’m fortunate enough to be on the TYPros advisory committee and I’ve been able to see firsthand the positive difference that TYPros has made in this community and its been incredible. I thank each person in this room and the entire TYPros organization for really moving the needle in a positive way and changing this community for the better.”
For a full list of nominees and participating supporters, go to www.typros.org.
TPS and Tulsa Drillers hold Partners In Education signing ceremony
Tulsa Public Schools announced a partnership 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.
Tulsa Drillers mascot Hornsby will visit children in grades K-6, accompanied by The Parent Child Center of Tulsa’s “Kids on the Block” puppets. These child-sized puppets, accompanied by performer Jacqueline Gallegos and Hornsby, will present a bully awareness skit. Kids on the Block are frequent visitors to classrooms, teaching children how to protect themselves in difficult situations, including bullying, “stranger danger” and physical abuse.
“TPS is thankful to the Tulsa Drillers and the Tulsa Chamber for helping us to shed light on bullying in our schools,” said Dr. Keith Ballad, superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools. “Our teachers and principals are always on the look-out for bullying behavior, as it takes many different forms. As vigilant as we are, however, the sad fact is that we have to equip students to be supportive of each other and to seek help before trouble escalates. Our goal is to create a safe learning environment for all students.”
To learn more, click here.
TulsaBizPac supports candidates for the Nov. 8 general election
The bi-partisan leadership of TulsaBizPac has identified candidates to support in the Nov. 8 city of Tulsa general election.
TulsaBizPac endorsed and provided additional financial contributions to candidates in six of the seven contested general election races:
Endorsements in the general election and financial support
Jeannie Cue (R), District 2 ($2,500)
David Patrick (D), District 3 ($2,500)
Byron “Skip” Steele (R), District 6 ($2,500)
Tom Mansur (R), District 7 ($2,500)
Phil Lakin (R), District 8 ($2,500)
G.T. Bynum (R), District 9 ($2,500)
Support both candidates in the general election
Blake Ewing (R), District 4 (None)
Ken Brune (D), District 4 (None)
Candidates successful in the primary election (no challenger from other party)
Jack Henderson (D), District 1 (Nothing further at this time)
Karen Gilbert (R), District 5 (Nothing further at this time)
With your support and investment, TulsaBizPac will play an active role at the ballot box by backing candidates who back progress; candidates who not only say they want to move the city of Tulsa forward, but actually act to make it happen.
For more information or to contribute to the PACs, please contact Tulsa Metro Chamber Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Chris Benge (918) 560-0211 or email chrisbenge@tulsachamber.com.
Chamber leaders nominated for Men of Distinction Award
Dr. Gerry Clancy, chair of the Tulsa Metro Chamber and president of the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa, and Matt Pivarnik, executive vice-president of the Chamber, have been selected as Tulsa Business Journal’s “Men of Distinction”. The event recognizes Tulsa's most successful and highly regarded men. Those chosen to receive the distinction have proven to be leaders that serve to better the community and inspire other men. Honorees will also be recognized at an event Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Tulsa hotel, 100 E. Second St.
Please join the Chamber in congratulating Dr. Clancy and Matt Pivarnik for receiving this prestigious award for their dedication and service to the Tulsa region.
Tulsan named chairman of American Bankers Association
Albert "Kell" Kelly, Jr., longtime Tulsa Metro Chamber volunteer, has been elected chairman of the American Bankers Association for the 2011-2012 association year. Kelly is president and CEO of SpiritBank, in Bristow, Okla., where he has been with the bank for 25 years.
“It is an exciting opportunity to serve as ABA chairman this year. It’s critical that bankers be champions for the industry and have the industry be a champion of itself,” said Kelly. “The banking industry is important to the country. We need to stand up together to work to preserve charters, preserve capital and support businesses and communities.”
The Chamber congratulates Kelly on his prestigious appointment.
Read more
Tulsa’s Future chair among University of Tulsa hall of fame inductees
The University of Tulsa recently inducted three local business leaders at the Collins College of Business Hall of Fame ceremony. Steven J. Malcolm, chair of The Tulsa Metro Chamber’s Tulsa’s Future initiative, was inducted as the 2011 Outstanding Business Leader.
Brothers William Thomas and Robert Thomas were recognized as this year's Outstanding Entrepreneurs. TU's College of Business founded the Hall of Fame in 2000 as a community forum to honor the widespread contributions of outstanding Tulsa business leaders. With the inclusion of the three new honorees, a total of 35 individuals belong to the Hall of Fame.
Read more
Arabian Horse Association US Nationals competition brings $33 million in economic impact to Tulsa
The Arabian Horse Association U.S. National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show competition brought approximately $33 million in local economic impact to the Tulsa region last week.
Competitors represented at least 47 states, three Canadian providences and three international countries including Brazil, Australia and the United Arab Emirates. Nearly 2,000 horses competed, with stalls in three buildings on Expo Square grounds.
“Equestrian events brought to the region with the help of VisitTulsa create an annual economic impact of hundreds of millions of dollars,” said Ray Hoyt, senior vice president of VisitTulsa and the Tulsa Sports Commission. “Their national and international reach is great exposure for the Tulsa metro region and promotes us as a visitor’s destination and the premier location for equestrian competition.”
To view competition results, footage or coverage visit www.arabianhorses.org. For more information on VisitTulsa or upcoming events in the area, go to www.visittulsa.com.
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.
What We’re Working On Executive Office
• Attending Governor’s Economic Development Management Team meeting
• Attending Oklahoma Economic Development Council meeting
• Speaking at Journal Record’s Fast 40 Awards Dinner & Program
Communications, Events and Marketing
• Writing annual meeting content
• Planning upcoming news conferences
• Planning Circuit Series 5.0 Roundtable Connection
Downtown Development
• Participating in the International Council of Shopping Centers Webinar, “ A Pre-Holiday Primer – Retail and the Economy Going into the 2011 Holiday Season”
• Conducting the “Downtown Development Forum”, sponsored by Flintco and Dollar Thrifty, hosted by Tulsa Community College
• Attending the University of Oklahoma Center for Creation of Economic Wealth Kick Off at the Schusterman Learning Center
Economic Development
• Attending/participating in the Governor’s Unmanned Aerial Systems Council
• Attending/participating in the Oklahoma Sensor Summit
• Attending the Tulsa Airport Authority Board Meeting
Education and Workforce
• Working on H1B grant for technical training funds
• Attending Public Education Network conference on College Access Career Readiness
• Urban education initiative with Partners in Education to reduce drop-outs
Government Affairs
• Attending the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce's Luncheon with Governor Mary Fallin
• Presenting to the Tulsa's Future II Oversight Committee
Small Business
• Attending the 'Investing in Downtown Conference
• Attending the Tulsa Fast Forward' awards ceremony
• Attending Small Business Past Chairman's Luncheon
Tulsa Sports Commission
• Planning for press event major event announcement Thursday Nov. 10th
• Preparing event bids due Nov. 15th
• Planning for ABA BMX Grand Nationals
TYPros
• Hosting greenspeak event on faith and sustainability.
• Annual typros planning session for 2012.
• Planning diversity and dialogue event.
VisitTulsa
• Site Visit for Appaloosa Horse Club National Show for July 2012
• Site Visit for International Convention of Faith Ministries
• Attend and exhibit at Rejuvenate Marketplace
Chamber welcomes new businesses
Each 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
Bank of the West
Bristow Chamber of Commerce
Freebirds World Burrito
Holland Hall
Juniper Restaurant & Martini Lounge
Legacy Jet Center
NGL Energy Partners
Reporter Publishing Company
URS Corporation
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