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Northeastern Oklahoma gears up for enVision Summit
The enVision Summit will convene regional leaders and the community-at-large to collaborate, inspire and construct future plans for the region.
Hosted by Tulsa County, and co-chaired by the regional cities and area mayors in partnership with regional chambers, this event will engage citizens in self-motivated and vigorous deliberations about how to galvanize the region for the future. enVision Summit is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to noon, Friday, April 27 at Central Park Hall at Expo Square, 4145 E. 21st St.
For more than a century, the business community has advanced change and initiated development in the Tulsa region. As we move into the second decade of the 21st century, regional chambers, elected officials and business leaders are leading the effort to develop WHAT’S NEXT? for the region. Business and community leaders have researched best practices in Indianapolis and Louisville regarding regional cooperation, branding and shared services. The Tulsa region is on the cusp of regaining its foothold as Oklahoma’s center for culture and quality of life. New ideas will be gathered at the Summit, and those interested in the future of the region are encouraged to attend.
There is no cost to attend. Register online at www.envisionsummit.org.
Day at the Capitol provides opportunity to advocate issues important to Tulsa region
The Tulsa Metro Chamber invites Tulsa-area business leaders, small business owners, OneVoice partners, regional chambers of commerce, Tulsa-area elected officials and young professionals to hear from state officials and Chamber leaders on issues affecting the Tulsa region.
The 2012 Tulsa Regional Day at the Capitol will provide all who attend the opportunity to advocate OneVoice state priorities on behalf of the Tulsa region. The day will include issue briefings, a lunch and group lobbying activities with legislators.
The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., next Wednesday, April 25, at the State Capitol’s second floor rotunda. Cost to attend the event is $49 for members and includes lunch. Group rates are available.
A charter bus from Tulsa to Oklahoma City will be provided at no cost to attendees on a first-come, first-served basis; seating is limited. To reserve your seat, e-mail events@tulsachamber.com with "bus" in the subject line.
For more information about the event or to register, call 918.560.0212 or email events@tulsachamber.com. To register online, visit TulsaChamber.com.
Tulsa’s Young Professionals hosts second annual Street CReD
Tulsa’s Young Professionals (TYPros) hosted its second annual Street CReD in West Tulsa's Red Fork area over the weekend. This year's event, entitled Red Fork Revival, focused on reviving the area's rich history and building on the growing enthusiasm for Route 66.
Over the past three weekends, TYPros volunteers have worked countless hours, cleaning up old buildings and store fronts in Red Fork, creating a spruced up venue for vendors to set up temporary shops, booths and exhibits. The area received a total makeover for the event, complete with a pop up Route 66 museum, mock old-style Movie Theater and several spruced-up store fronts. With historic Red Fork as a backdrop, the event reflected the potential for the area to become a Route 66 tourist destination, with a diverse mix of people and culture.
Hundreds of attendees traveled by trolley up and down Southwest Blvd, visiting three distinct areas set up for the event. Although some of the changes were temporary, TYPros plans on the event having a long-term impact, according to Brian Paschal, executive director of TYPros.
“Our goal has been to work with community partners and businesses to revitalize the Red Fork area through beautification, attracting new businesses and emphasizing and marketing the Route 66 connection for a tourist draw,” Paschal said.
Those interested in being a part of TYPros or next year’s Street CReD can find more information on TYPros’ website at www.typros.org.
Resource Campaign goal $2.9 million in 10 weeks Last week, 2012 Resource Campaign chair Mike Thornbrugh, QuikTrip Corp., campaign co-chair Dave Kollmann, Flintco, LLC, and Tulsa Metro Chamber chair Becky J. Frank kicked off this year’s Resource Campaign and challenged its more than 180 volunteers to raise $2.9 million.
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, and provides 25 percent of the Chamber’s annual budget.
“Every year, our Resource Campaign offers more and more opportunities for Chamber members to get involved by sponsoring events, publications, websites and programs,” said Matt Pivarnik, the Chamber’s executive vice president and COO. “We couldn’t accomplish our goal each year without a team of hard-working, passionate volunteers and sponsors who believe in the Chamber’s mission.”
The 10-week campaign will end June 21. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Karen Humphrey, Resource Campaign director, at karenhumphrey@tulsachamber.com or call 918.560.0250.
Chamber presents results of diversity and inclusion assessment
The Chamber recently completed its internal diversity and inclusion assessment. The assessment began in October 2010 and proceeded through a three-phase process, whereby the Chamber received feedback from staff, leadership and volunteers, and finally, Chamber members as well as the general community.
The Diversity and Inclusion Assessment stems from the Chamber’s commitment to the belief that a diverse and inclusive community improves the economic and social climate in the Tulsa region. The selection criteria for companies looking for a new location or to expand have changed, and today, openness, diversity and inclusiveness are an essential part of a healthy business climate.
The assessment was conducted under the guidance of diversity and inclusion consultant, Hannibal Johnson.
“Taken together, phases one, two and three of the assessment process provided data that may serve as the basis for fostering and leveraging diversity and inclusion at the Chamber and, by extension, in the Tulsa community, in optimal ways,” Johnson said. “This information presents the Chamber with a golden opportunity to lead change in the arena of diversity and inclusion.”
To access a complete copy of the Chamber’s diversity and inclusion assessment, click here.
Tulsa region's economic development news remains positive
Tulsa sales and use tax for April 2012 up from 2011
The City of Tulsa’s sales tax revenue for mid-February to mid-March is 13 percent above the same period last year, the Oklahoma Tax Commission reports.
The City received $18,485,049, based on a 3.167 percent tax rate from the Oklahoma Tax Commission for April 2012. That compares to $15,504,703, based on a 3 percent tax rate in April of 2011. Use taxes received in April 2012 totaled $1.7 million, compared with $1.4 million received during the same period last year.
Tulsa area jobless rate below 7 percent
The Tulsa areas jobless rate dipped to 6.9 percent in February, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. The rate fell from 7 percent in January and was well below the 7.5 percent figure recorded in February 2011.
A survey shows that the metro area's labor force, which includes people working and looking for work, grew while the number of unemployed dropped. A survey taken among businesses showed that nonfarm employment in the area expanded by 4,600 jobs over the month to total 413,700. That represents 16,200 more nonfarm jobs than a year ago, or a 4.1 percent increase.
Home sales increase in Tulsa region
Tulsa-area home sales started 2012 at a good pace, with January’s transactions far ahead of the same month a year ago. The Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors reported in early March that 678 homes sold in January, up 16.5 percent from the previous January.
January’s sales were the highest recorded for that month since 2007, when 728 homes were sold. In addition, a new study indicates that the area has the third-highest rate of home price increases in the nation. The study, compiled by real estate website Zillow, indicated home prices in Tulsa rose 4.9 percent from February 2011 to February of this year.
What we’re working onExecutive Offices
Hosting Chamber Board of Directors meeting
Hosting Tulsa’s Future Annual Meeting
Presenting at City of Tulsa Economic Development Commission meeting
Presenting at Tulsa City Council meeting
New Business Development
Attending 2012 Spears School of Business Energy Conference
Hosting Tulsa's Future Annual Meeting
Attend IEEE Green Technologies Conference
Existing Business Development
Meeting with manufacturer regarding facility and expansion needs
Working with OCAST (Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science and Technology) on Technology Venture Summit
Meeting with EVOC committee members regarding mentoring program
Downtown Development
Attending the International Downtown Association (IDA) Spring Conference in Orlando
Giving presentation for Metro Tulsa Hotel Association, (MTHA) regarding recent downtown development
Marketing and Communications
Working on press conference and announcement
Assisting with first 2012 Resource Campaign rewards lunch
Continuing planning for the enVision Summit
Tulsa Sports Commission
TSC staff to attend National Association of Sports Commissions symposium in Hartford, Conn.
Preparations for AC Milan Heartland Cup soccer tournament in June
Finalizing a number of event bids and continued work on owned and operated events
Education and Workforce
Contact Center calling event
Hosting annual Partners In Education awards
U.S. Chamber LEADS Roundtable
Resource Development
Kicking off Resource Campaign 2012
Concluded final training sessions for volunteers
Sent box-mailing to all new and existing members
Tulsa’s Young Professionals
Hosting Arts Initiative meeting
Planning Big Wheel fundraiser
Developing a TYPros legislative calendar
Government Affairs
Preparing for Tulsa Regional Day at the Capitol
Continuing to advocate for OneVoice priorities at the State Capitol
Attending the Tulsa’s Future Annual Meeting
VisitTulsa
Welcoming SKILLS, USA to the Tulsa Convention Center
Preparing appointments with corporate meeting planners for next week’s Collaborate Marketplace in Las Vegas Preparing to promote Tulsa at the International Pow Wow 2012 in Los Angeles
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
Ceva Logistics
Express Lawn Services of Tulsa, LLC
OKStorm Shelters LLC
RECO Enterprises
Rehabilitation Physicians of Oklahoma
Spoke House Bicycles
Workspace Resource, Inc.
Fidler Wealth Management
Venture Industries
ribbon cuttings
Lolli & Pops
Mr. Sid Gupta, CEO
7021 S. Memorial Dr., Space 273,
Tulsa, OK 74133
918.250.9916
www.lolliandpops.com
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