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Airgas Business Support Center announces 130 new jobs
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce, through the Tulsa Metro Chamber, has announced its approval of a Quality Jobs application from Airgas, Inc., the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases, and related hardgoods, such as welding equipment and safety products. Airgas plans to create approximately 130 new jobs in the Tulsa region, with most of the jobs created during 2012.
Airgas has begun to recruit for new positions at a Business Support Center (BSC) that will operate out of a 58,000 square foot office space at 110 W. 7th Street in downtown Tulsa. Slated to open in March 2012, the BSC will provide accounting and administrative services for Airgas’ Central Division, one of four divisions that make up Airgas’ distribution business.
“We congratulate Airgas on its growth and commend the company's selection of downtown Tulsa as the location for its expanded operations. We thank Airgas for its continuing commitment to the Tulsa area,” said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Metro Chamber. “Airgas is part of a strong legacy of quality employers who are making a significant contribution to our region’s future.”
“We welcome Airgas as a new downtown neighbor. As important, this is not just another business coming to Tulsa,” Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett said. “This is a significant symbol that reflects the strong job creation momentum we have in the region.”
Chamber and regional partners announce 2012 legislative prioritiesHealthcare, deal closing fund, transportation and POP museum top state, federal agendas
 The Tulsa Metro Chamber and 55 regional partners announced last week the top OneVoice state and federal legislative agenda items to advocate for the 2012 session.
“Each year the Tulsa Metro Chamber-led OneVoice Agenda gains more momentum in uniting the region and making an undeniable impact in the area of political gain for the region’s benefit,” said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Metro Chamber.
Senate Pro Tempore Brian Bingman and members of the Tulsa regional legislative delegation attended the OneVoice press conference to highlight their support for particular OneVoice agenda items. Rep. Skye McNiel encouraged support for the Quick Action Closing Fund to be fully funded; Rep. Ron Peters extolled the importance of the OK Pop Musuem; Rep. Glen Mulready advocated health care issues; and Sen. Gary Stanislawski encouraged support for transportation funding.
The Chamber began the process of identifying legislative agenda items during the Regional Legislative Summit in August 2011, where more than 300 community leaders and representatives selected their top issues for consideration.
To view the state and federal priorities a list of OneVoice partners, click here.
Tulsa Metro Chamber hosts Mayor’s Mentoring Breakfast Dr. John Michael Lee of College Board shares research and Mayor Bartlett honors four outstanding mentors in Tulsa
 “Nothing is better than being able to answer the dream of a child.” These words from Tulsa mayor Dewey Bartlett summarized the mood at last week’s Mayor’s Mentoring Breakfast hosted by the Chamber.
The breakfast featured guest speaker Dr. John Michael Lee of College Board. Dr. Lee is a leading researcher on student access, participation and success in higher education. His research includes multiple interviews with young men from various social, ethnic, racial and economic backgrounds. Lee discussed with breakfast attendees many of the challenges that young male minorities face in the pursuit of higher education. Mentoring is one way Lee suggests public education systems can help students overcome these challenges. “You really must have proactive measures to reach out to students … changing the trend requires not just a role model, but a mentor, someone who has walked in those shoes and will be proactive about offering support,” Lee said.
Following Dr. Lee’s presentation, Mayor Dewey Bartlett and the Tulsa County Mentoring Coalition honored four outstanding mentors from the Tulsa area. The recognized mentors were Charlotte Bell, Frankie Miamen, Justin Wilfon and Mike Whitson. Spokesperson for Mentoring to the Max Victoria Bartlett also emphasized the importance of mentoring and issued a call for more volunteer mentors in the Tulsa area.
The Mayor’s Mentoring Breakfast is an annual event held as part of Mayor Bartlett’s Mentoring to the Max initiative. The program highlights the importance of mentoring to college and career readiness for K-12 and post-secondary education.
Historic Red Fork to undergo revival
Tulsa’s Young Professionals (TYPros) announced Southwest Tulsa’s Red Fork as the next location for their community redevelopment event, Street CReD. Located along Southwest Boulevard, Red Fork is rich with history. Aside from being a part of historic route 66, the community is famous for being the location of the first oil well in Tulsa County. Many also recall the days of the Crystal City when classic cars lined the streets and patrons enjoyed a dance hall, bowling alley and an amusement park which featured Tulsa’s original Zingo rollercoaster.
The goal of this year’s Street CReD, titled Red Fork Revival, will be to bring back some of this history and show the community the potential of the area. Volunteers will clean up old buildings and store fronts, creating a spruced up venue for vendors to set up temporary shops, booths and exhibits. This will make way for a weekend long event featuring local businesses, street vendors, classic cars and even a carnival. Brian Paschal, executive director of TYPros, stated that, “Our goal is to work with community partners and businesses to pump life back into the Red Fork area through economic development and new business, emphasizing and marketing the tourist draw through the Route 66 connection and beautification.”
TYPros kicked off Street CReD in April 2011 with a makeover of the Pearl District on 6th street between Peoria and Quincy. The event was a huge success, leading TYPros to make it an annual event. For more information about Street CReD or to get involved, click here.
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.
The Claremore facility is Houston-based Baker Hughes’ global home for its artificial lift and electrical submersible pumping systems for oilfield wells. Baker Hughes plans to complete its expansion by early 2013. The plan includes a new research and development facility in Claremore.
“Work performed at this facility will have a reach far beyond our area,” Tulsa Metro Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal said of Baker Hughes’ planned expansion. “This will be a world-class operation that will benefit businesses around the globe as well.”
Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett stated: “The Tulsa area and the state of Oklahoma have had a tremendous partnership with Baker Hughes over the years, and we look forward to continued success and innovation from this wonderful company. The cutting-edge research planned at their new facility will have a global impact on their industry and will enhance our region’s standing as a research and development leader.”
Read more from the Tulsa World.
Tulsa Sports Commission to manage Tulsa Run
The Tulsa Sports Commission recently announced it will now manage the Tulsa Run. Ray Hoyt, senior vice president of VisitTulsa and the Tulsa Sports Commission will serve as race director.
“The Tulsa Sports Commission was incredibly honored when we were approached to steward this iconic race,” Hoyt said. “The Tulsa Run has a rich history spanning more than 30 years and, with TSC’s resources now committed to its development, will only continue to grow. The Sports Commission will champion the race's philanthropic efforts, enhance community engagement and build the Tulsa Run's well-established reputation as an outstanding race event.”
The Tulsa Run was previously managed by an executive committee made up of representatives of the event’s presenting sponsors and a race director.
“The Tulsa Run has been a great community event for more than three decades and the sponsors are certain that the Tulsa Sports Commission is going to make it even better,” committee member Leslie Paris of Bank of Oklahoma said.
To read more, click here.(hyperlink to: http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20120129_16_A28_TheTul880139)
Chamber participates in economic development summit in San Antonio
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Jim Fram
senior vice president for economic development
Tulsa Metro Chamber |
The Tulsa Metro Chamber’s economic development team is participating in the International Economic Development Council’s 2012 Leadership Summit, with Senior Vice President for Economic Development Jim Fram moderating a panel focusing on trade missions.
Fram, Tulsa Metro Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal, Kinnee Tilly, vice president, business retention, expansion and small business, and Justin McLaughlin, vice president, economic development, are participating in the IEDC event, which began Jan. 29 and concludes Jan. 31. Fram moderated “Going Abroad: How to Plan Effective Trade Missions.” The panel focused on how making the right contacts abroad can lead to new investments locally.
In October, the Tulsa Metro Chamber and partners in economic development are participating in the Governor’s Trade Mission, during which Governor Fallin and a group focused on economic development will travel to eight cities in Europe to strengthen partnerships abroad and build new contacts.
Healthcare Forum highlights OSU Medical Center: A One Voice Priority The Chamber will host a healthcare forum tomorrow, Jan. 31, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the OSU Medical Center, 744 W. Ninth St. The panelists, including Jan Slater, president and CEO of OSU Medical Center, will discuss the investments made to-date from the State of Oklahoma, the matching funds from the OSU Center for Health Sciences and private donations.
The forum comes less than a week after the Chamber announced its One Voice Legislative Agenda, which includes a call for continued support of the center. Previous investments have allowed OSU Medical Center to modernize its facility, provide higher quality medical services and offer an enhanced teaching environment to students. The legislative agenda calls for state funding to continue at $5 million annually. Susan Harris, senior vice president of education and workforce for the Chamber stated, “The continued funding of OSU medical center is critical to Tulsa’s healthcare system. In addition to providing exceptional care for countless patients, the center is the nation’s largest Osteopathic teaching hospital. Over 140 residents and fellows are trained there annually. With the shortage of physicians in Oklahoma, it’s now more important than ever to support our teaching hospitals.”
Tomorrow’s forum will include a tour of the most recently renovated areas in the center. To register for the forum, contact Sharon Goswick at 918.560.0276.
What We're Working OnExecutive Offices
Attending the International Economic Development Council Leadership Summit
Presenting at the Small Business Council meeting
Quarterly meeting with Dr. Keith Ballard, Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent
Attending the Oklahoma Speaker’s Ball
New Business Development
Attend Chamber healthcare forum
Attend tour of Tech Ridge with real estate company
Existing Business Development
Touring local manufacturing firm
Marketing and Communications
Coordinating annual mailer publication
Planning Business After Hours
Facilitating member branding campaign
Downtown Development
Coordination meeting with City of Tulsa staff to discuss progress on specific downtown projects
Small Business
Finalizing Small Business Awards nominations
Small Business Council meeting
Meeting with City of Tulsa development services coordinator
Tulsa Sports Commission
Preparing for site visit with Ron Jacobson, USA Gymnastics coach
Beginning work on building a volunteer database for upcoming events
Working on annual fundraising events
Resource Development
Recruiting volunteers for resource campaign
Investor relations visits
Preparation for new membership development team member
Education and Workforce
Workforce pathways meetings with CAEL
Healthcare forum at OSU Medical Center
Oklahoma Scholars kick-off
Tulsa’s Young Professionals
Planning summer Intern series events
Hosting leadership team meeting
Planning 360 orientation event
Government Affairs
Attending TYPros government relations crew meeting
Attending Oklahoma Speaker’s Ball Gala
Finalizing strategy on top regional priorities for the 2012 state legislative session
VisitTulsa
Staff attending Helms Brisco Partner Conference in Reno NV
Staff attending Religious Conference Managers Association, Kansas City, MO
Hosting site visit, for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
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
America's Best Value Inn & Suites Extended Stay
Comfort Inn Tulsa Airport
Mia Bella Art
SGA Design Group P.C.
tMOSS incorporated
Ribbon cuttings
West Termite & Pest Management
Eileen Imwalle, Office Manager
8634 S. Peoria
Tulsa, OK 74132
Phone: 918.446.0474
www.westtermite.com
Impact Tactical Airsoft
Adam Armstrong, Owner
8248 E. 71st St.
Tulsa, OK 74133
Phone: 918.286.6816
www.ITAirsoft.com
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