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Lucas addresses Tulsa-area business community at Congressional Forum
U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas spoke to Tulsa-area elected officials and business leaders at a special meeting and addressed more than 250 attendees at the Chamber’s Congressional Forum this morning in Tulsa.
The congressman touched on a number of issues, including the tough political environment; the farm bill; federal transportation legislation; the Affordable Care Act; the U.S. and European debt issues’ impact on Oklahoma; the presidential election; and the impact of regulations on the nation’s businesses. A major theme that ran through Lucas’ comments was the difficulty of moving legislation through Congress because of the pre-election environment in Washington.
“It’s tough to make things happen in the current environment,” Lucas said. “Voters elected a group of folks where no one has control, and that makes the process to take something to vote rigorous.”
Lucas serves as chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and said 2012 is the year to write a new farm bill.
“If one is not passed this year, we will revert back to the 1949 law; there’s great impetus to move forward and create the next farm bill, but we have to do it in this current environment,” he said.
Following his comments, Lucas was commended by 2012 Tulsa Metro Chamber Chair Becky J. Frank on his recent recognition from the U.S. Chamber. Lucas received a “Spirit of Enterprise Award” for his support of pro-jobs, pro-growth policies during the first session of the 112th Congress.
Chamber to kick off 2012 Resource Campaign More than 180 volunteers will join the Tulsa Metro Chamber tomorrow to kick off the 2012 Resource Campaign, which will provide 25 percent of the Chamber’s annual budget. With the second highest grossing campaign in the nation, the Tulsa Metro Chamber’s Resource Campaign plays a major role in the organization’s strength and ability to deliver business-building events and benefits to members.
The Resource Campaign leadership has set a goal to raise $2.9 million during this year’s 10-week campaign. Campaign leaders include chair Mike Thornbrugh, QuikTrip Corp.; campaign co-chair Dave Kollmann, Flintco, LLC; and vice chairs Wade Edmundson, Summit Bank; Kirk Hays, Arvest Bank; Bruce Heine, Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.; Marilyn Ihloff, Ihloff Salon & Day Spa; and David Stratton, JPMorgan Chase.
Become a sponsor
A number of events, publications, websites, initiatives and more are available for sponsorship in this year’s campaign, which ends June 21. For sponsorship or trade opportunities, contact Karen Humphrey, Resource Campaign director, at karenhumphrey@tulsachamber.com or call 918.560.0250.
Chamber staff among Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40
Two Tulsa Metro Chamber staff members have been named to Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40 class of 2012. The 40 individuals named to the list represent diverse industries and businesses throughout the state.
Brian Paschal, executive director of Tulsa’s Young Professionals, and Kayvon Olomi, business retention expansion manager, were among the honorees. The Tulsa Metro Chamber congratulates Paschal and Olomi on this honor.
For the Oklahoma Magazine article, click here.
Apache opens CNG filling station in Tulsa
Apache Corporation recently celebrated the completion of a new compressed natural gas filling station in Tulsa with a grand opening event.
The Tulsa station, located near 51st and Yale, is part of a series of CNG filling locations to be opened by the company. Apache is converting many of its fleet vehicles to run on CNG, and the company recently donated a pair of CNG vans to Tulsa Transit for its Lift program. At the grand opening event, Apache presented the City of Tulsa with a $5,000 credit card for CNG.
Drillers kick off season, host Chamber Appreciation Day
Take advantage of a special offer for Chamber members and watch the Tulsa Drillers as they take on the Corpus Christi Hooks next Monday.
Tulsa Metro Chamber member businesses and individuals are invited to attend the first day game of 2012 at a special discount price. Reward your employees with a relaxing afternoon at ONEOK Field Monday, April 16 at 12:35 p.m. Tickets are available in sections 115-119 for field premium or field reserve at $5 each for groups of 10 or more. General admission tickets are available for $3 each for groups of 10 or more. To purchase tickets, call 918.744.5901.
The Tulsa Drillers announced its Opening Day roster of 25 this week after completing spring training workouts. Highlights from the announcement include new third baseman Nolan Arenado, who is rated the 22nd best prospect in all of Minor League Baseball by mlb.com; Tim Torres in the outfield, who played for Oral Roberts during his college career; and Parker Frazier, a native Tulsan and a graduate of Bishop Kelley High School who will be making his Double A debut this season.
To see a full roster, including new names and many returnees, click here.
The Drillers Home Opener is this Thursday, April 12 at 7:05 p.m. Don’t miss the “Elgin Street Experience” with live music, free Drillers Jupiter Jump, a rock climbing wall and discounted food and drinks until the first pitch. Plus, there will be an Opening Night parade that begins at 6:20 p.m. For full details, click here.
Members can save money on office supplies
Tulsa Metro Chamber partners with Office Depot to offer a members-only benefit that allows companies to participate in the nation’s largest office supply discount program. Benefits include access to a private website for order placement; free next-day delivery of in-stock items for orders over $50; no contract or sign-on fees; and local account manager representation. Plus, participants can shop online or in-store to receive the savings.
Discounted items include office supplies, technology, furniture, digital print services and coffee and break room supplies. A special April offer includes discounts on bannerstands and business cards. To sign up, visit TulsaChamber.com/officedepot and follow the link to the Office Depot portal.
For questions regarding the sign-up process or problems with your account, contact Bobby Bingham at 918.845.5845 or bobby.bingham@officedepot.com.
Tulsa makes list of top cities for finance jobs
Tulsa is among the nation’s best cities for setting up a wealth management practice, new studies show. Tulsa ranked among the top 10 cities in the finance sector.
The list was recently released by Accounting Principals, a staffing provider for financial service and accounting positions.
Click here to read more.
Tulsa-based manufacturer recognized for safety practices
The Tulsa Metro Chamber congratulates Tulsa-based McElroy Manufacturing on receiving federal recognition through the Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program. The SHARP program, designed by the U.S. Dept. of Labor-Occupational Safety & Health Administration, encourages and recognizes leading companies in safety and health practices.
Employers who attain SHARP status are recognized as a model for occupational safety and health. McElroy Manufacturing has received SHARP recognition multiple times. The commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Labor presented the company with their SHARP certificate at a ceremony April 4.
What we’re working onExecutive Offices
Hosting Congressional Forum with U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas
Attending Governor’s Economic Development Marketing Team meeting in Oklahoma City
Attending 2012 Resource Campaign Kickoff
Attending Intermodal Workshop
New Business Development
Attending tour of local industrial facility
Meeting with health care representative to discuss doctor shortage in Oklahoma
Discussing scheduled appointments for the near future
Existing Business Development
Attending Startup Cup Kickoff Event
Attending Oklahoma Venture Forum monthly meeting
Working with manufacturer on expansion and workforce needs
Marketing and Communications
Assisting with Resource Campaign kickoff event
Attending Public Relations Society of America southwest region annual conference
Continuing planning enVision Summit
Downtown Development
Providing a tour of downtown development for Tulsa high school students
Attending the Congressional Forum featuring U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas
Education and Workforce
Meeting with Tulsa County Health Department, Ident-A-Kid and LiteSpeed Flight Demonstration Team regarding joining program and expanding partnerships
Developing Rapid Response (service response to corporate downsizings) framework with regional partners
Continuing work with statewide career pathways initiative
Tulsa’s Young Professionals
Hosting Street Cred: Red Fork Revival April 13 -14
Hosting meeting for The Forge advisory team
Planning Unplugged and family-friendly series
Government Affairs
Hosting Congressional Forum with U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas
Attending forum on the economics of water with The Oklahoma Academy
Continuing to advocate for OneVoice priorities at the State Capitol
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
CMC Construction
MC + W Design
Midcon Data Services
Oklahoma Disaster Restoration
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Yonzo, LLC
Ribbon cuttings
Apache Corporation
Robert Johnston, Vice President–Central Region
6120 S. Yale, Ste. 1500,
Tulsa, OK 74136
918.491.4900
www.apachecorp.com
Brain Balance of Tulsa
Isaac Johnson, Owner
6022 S. Yale Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74135
918.488.8991
www.brainbalancecenters.com
Native Mist, LLC
Joe D. Vogle, Owner
10 E. Archer, Ste. 1-103
Tulsa, OK 74103
918.960.3030
www.nativemist.com
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