RIED report evaluates local legislator voting records
The Research Institute for Economic Development evaluates business, industry and economic growth issues considered by the Oklahoma legislature and scores legislators creating a profile of their individual voting record pertaining to those issues.
In an effort to keep members well-informed and versed on local and statewide elected officials’ agendas and voting records, the Chamber is making available the most recent RIED report.
Each legislator was graded with respect to his or her position on each of the bills related to legislation introduced during the session regarding the issues listed below:
• Taxes
• Energy
• Workforce Development
• Tort Reform
• Job Growth
• Technology
• Small Business
• Insurance & Health Care
• Housing
• Manufacturing
• Rural Economic Growth
• Military Impacts
• Education
• Worker Compensation
• Transportation
• Unemployment Compensation/ All other Business & Economic Growth Issues
Top RIED scores from the state House, Tulsa area, include:
2009 Cumulative
Rep. Kirby, Dan
Rep. Watson, Weldon
Rep. Sullivan, Daniel
Rep. McCullough, Mark
Rep. Jones, Tad
Rep. Tibbs, Sue
Rep. Benge, Chris
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Tulsa
Tulsa
Tulsa
Tulsa
Tulsa
Tulsa
Tulsa
|
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
|
100
100
98
97
92
91
89
|
Bottom RIED scores from the state House, Tulsa area, include:
2009 Cumulative
Rep. McDaniel, Jeannie
Rep. Shoemake, Jerry
Rep. Shumate, Jabar
Rep. Rousselot, Wade
Rep. Hoskin, Chuck
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Tulsa
Tulsa
Tulsa
Tulsa
Tulsa
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15
13
12
10
-1
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60
58
42
57
53
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Top RIED scores from the state Senate, Tulsa area, include:
2009 Cumulative
Sen.Bingman, Brian
Sen. Ford, John
Sen. Brown, Bill
Sen. Crain, Brian A.
Sen. Stanislawski, Gary
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Tulsa
Tulsa
Tulsa
Tulsa
Tulsa
|
100
100
97
94
93
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98
90
82
97
93
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Bottom RIED scores from the state Senate, Tulsa area, include:
2009 Cumulative
Sen. Sweeden, Joe
Sen. Eason McIntyre, Judy
Sen. Garrison, Earl
Sen. Ballenger, Roger
Sen. Adelson, Tom
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Tulsa
Tulsa
Tulsa
Tulsa
Tulsa
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8
6
4
-2
-4
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44
43
58
40
51
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2009 RIED scores for other Tulsa area state representatives are: Ron Peters (96), Steve Martin (91), Skye McNiel (89), Pam Peterson (89), Eddie Fields (85), John Wright (84), John Trebilcock (77), David Derby (72), Lucky Lamons (60), Rex Duncan (52), Mike Ritze (50), Eric Proctor (24), Ben Sherrer (24), Jerry McPeak (23), Steve Kouplen (21) and Seneca Scott (16).
2009 RIED scores for other Tulsa area senators are: Dan Newberry (84), Randy Brogdon (77), Mike Mazzei (70), Sean Burrage (23) and Mary Easley (9).
View the entire RIED report online at http://www.probizok.com/RIEDINDEX.asp.
Tulsa Metro Chamber announces position on proposed charter changes
In a press conference Friday, the Tulsa Metro Chamber announced its position on three proposed amendments to the city of Tulsa’s charter, which will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
“As the primary organization serving the Tulsa regional business community, the Chamber has a vested interest in the public policies shaping this community as well as the state and nation,” said David Page, chairman of the Tulsa Metro Chamber and market president for JP Morgan Chase. “We aim to take a proactive approach in advocating for policies, issues and amendments affecting the business community and our citizens.”
The Chamber is in support of the proposed change requiring the city auditor be certified either as an internal auditor or a public accountant. This change will help establish a minimum professional requirement for a public office that has a crucial role in the city’s financial well-being.
The second proposed change is to replace current two-year terms for councilors with three-year staggered terms. The Chamber opposes this change because two-year terms keep elected officials close to voters while three year-terms diminish accountability and add to election costs by requiring annual elections versus elections on alternate years.
The final proposed charter change the Chamber also opposes is approval of expenditures from the sinking fund (for debt or legal judgments) in excess of $1 million by the council. This amendment would diminish the power of the mayor and take away the incentive for plaintiffs to enter into settlement discussions therefore increasing litigation, reducing settlements and likely increasing judgment size.
“The Chamber’s position on these proposed charter changes were given great consideration by all members of the government affairs division of the Chamber and we’re confident our stand on these issues is in the best interest of the city,” said Ken Levit, vice chairman of government affairs for the Tulsa Metro Chamber.
The Chamber is hosting a Mayoral Forum for the Tulsa business community on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7 a.m. at OSU-Tulsa.
The Chamber is a non-partisan organization and does not endorse particular candidates.
To see local coverage of the press conference, please view the following stories:
Charter changes on ballot
Chamber urges voters to nix two charter proposals
Tulsa Chamber: be informed about charter changes
Tulsa Chamber takes stand on City Charter amendments
Chamber opposes two proposed charter changes
Tulsa Chamber opposes proposals
Tulsa Chamber issues statement on ballot questions
Chamber, Cubic unveil iPhone app
Tulsa becomes first chamber in nation to be found in popular app store
The Tulsa business community is identified by its ability to create, grow and prosper through new technology, innovative tools and cutting-edge ideas.
And the Tulsa Metro Chamber is keeping pace.
In order to continue serving members and communicate in a number of ways, the Chamber has partnered with Cubic Creative to develop an iPhone application keeping news, events and information literally at members’ fingertips.
The new application features a membership directory, events listing, and updated news and information about the Tulsa Metro Chamber and its services. The membership directory not only offers information on the company, but also utilizes Google’s mapping technology to easily locate businesses. Additionally, it allows users to connect directly to the Chamber via phone or email should he or she need to speak with a staff member or require more information.
The development of the iPhone application is just one more communication tool adding to the Chamber’s new media presence including a Facebook page, Twitter account and traditional Web site.
As a mobile device, the iPhone crosses several different demographics. From business users and young professionals to artists and media moguls, a wide range of people use the iPhone in a variety of different ways. The iTunes app store is fueling this variation and now the Chamber can tout, in Apple’s words, “we’ve got an app for that.”
“It was Cubic’s innovation and vision that introduced the possibility the Chamber could have its own iPhone app,” said Sheila Curley, vice president communications. “They proactively did the research and sought the programming approval, and today, the Tulsa Chamber is the first chamber in the nation to have an iPhone app.”
And Cubic isn’t finished yet. The locally-based multimedia firm plans to produce a tourist-friendly app for the Convention and Visitors Bureau with way-finding capability and an edgy app for Tulsa’s Young Professionals. Cubic is a creative agency that has a passion for technology. The firm’s focus is delivering sales opportunities and building stronger relationships with the clients' audience.
“Cubic is always researching progressive technologies for our clients to ensure they remain on the cutting-edge,” said Billy Kulkin, Cubic’s president and managing partner. “iPhone programming and app development is yet another great product Cubic now offers clients.”
“An estimated 93 percent of all iPhone owners download additional applications for productivity and are considered heavy Web and email users. Of course, both are primary tactics for the Chamber to communicate with our various audiences,” said Curley. “Ideally, Chamber members, prospective businesses and regional citizens will download the app to increase awareness of news and events in Tulsa.”
The Chamber uses each of these new social media platforms to disseminate information, promote membership and engage in conversation with the Tulsa regional business community. It is part of the Chamber’s ongoing quest to provide the greatest benefits and services through new and traditional networking platforms.
To find us:
@TulsaChamber on twitter
Tulsa Metro Chamber on facebook
Tulsa Metro Chamber at your iTunes apps store
For more, read the Tulsa World story:
Tulsa Chamber creates iPhone app
Tulsa economy ranked one of America’s strongest
Business Week ranked Tulsa the No. 7 strongest U.S. metro economy in its list of the 40 top economies based on job growth, employment, home prices and economic growth. The stability of the oil and gas industry was credited for Tulsa’s economic strength, as were home prices and unemployment rate.
“This ranking, as have the many accolades Tulsa has received this year, validates what we’ve been saying about the strength of our regional economy,” said Mike Neal, the Chamber’s president and CEO. “Tulsa’s low cost of doing business, our low cost of living, positive job creation, development projects like the BOK Center and downtown ballpark, and announcements including Holly Corporation, the WNBA and Arena Football 1 headquarters are announcing to the world that Tulsa is open for business and we are thriving despite the national recession.”
Recognitions from national publications give Tulsa a competitive edge for recruiting new businesses and workforce talent to the region.
“The Chamber’s economic development team is leveraging this competitive edge by assertively pursuing relocation projects, stepping up efforts to assist our existing businesses and helping entrepreneurs see success,” Neal said.
Business Week compiled the list using data from the Brookings Institute. Click here to read about Tulsa in the article.
Holly Corporation purchases Sinclair refinery in Tulsa
Just months after closing on its purchase of the 85,000 barrel per day Sunoco refinery in Tulsa, Holly Corp. announced Oct. 20 that it will purchase Tulsa’s other refinery, owned by Sinclair Oil Corp., for $128.5 million. The Dallas-based firm plans to operate the two facilities as one large, integrated facility, utilizing existing third-party pipelines and, if needed, new pipelines, to link them together.
“Holly Corp’s acquisition of Tulsa’s Sinclair and Sunoco refineries are among the largest economic development transactions in the nation this year,” said Tulsa Metro Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal. “Holly Corp. is an aggressive, proactive energy leader and their presence in Tulsa is already returning huge dividends to the community. We thank Holly Corp for choosing to invest in Tulsa and retain hundreds of high-paying jobs.”
Once the Sinclair transaction is closed, the company could employ more than 600 refinery workers between the two Tulsa facilities.
Chamber to host Mayoral Forum Oct. 29
The Tulsa Metro Chamber will host a mayoral candidate forum featuring Dewey Bartlett, Tom Adelson and Mark Perkins on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7 a.m. at the OSU-Tulsa Auditorium, 700 N. Greenwood Ave.
For more information or to reserve a seat today, contact Jessica Lowe-Betts at 918.560.0278 or
jessicalowe-betts@tulsachamber.com.
The general election is Nov. 10.
Click here for a map of OSU-Tulsa campus
Click here for a map of I-244 construction detour
For more information about each candidate and their campaign platform, please click on the candidate's picture to visit their campaign Web site.
Legislative Benefactors
Informational meeting about Tulsa in China trip tomorrow
To learn more, attend a free information session on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 4 p.m. in the second floor conference room at the Tulsa Metro Chamber, Two West Second St.
To reserve a seat, contact Karen Humphrey at 918.560.0250 or karenhumphrey@tulsachamber.com
This unique trip is offered in partnership with WorldTravel Services and Collette Vacations. Click here to view the entire itinerary and associated cost.
Join the Tulsa Metro Chamber, business leaders and friends for a trip-of-a-lifetime to experience the wonders of China. Fuel the growth of international business and enjoy an amazing cultural exchange during a nine-day, adventure-filled itinerary in Bejing.
Departing on March 21, 2010, trip attendees will visit the Great Wall of China, walk among palaces, gardens and temples, see its famous Panda bears at the Bejing Zoo, partake in a traditional tea ceremony and enjoy the experience of the famed Peking Opera. Entrance to these attractions and more are part of this all-inclusive package.
Tour managers will help Tulsa in China guests discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. With help from an interpreter, you will learn about a local family’s history and way of life when you share lunch with them in their Hutong home. Travelers will also visit a kite master and learn the history of the favorite pastime of many locals.
Opening Asian markets to Tulsa is critical in today’s global economy. According to the office of Gov. Brad Henry, China and southeastern Asia were among Oklahoma's top export markets in 2008, accounting for more than $350 million in transactions. The Tulsa Metro Chamber will schedule visits with Bejing businesses for Tulsa in China participants tailored to your needs.
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.
LaQuinta Inn and Suites Tulsa Hotel
Keri Millerd, Director of Sales
23 N. 67th East Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74115
Phone: 949.3600
Corevault
Dan Raines, National Account Executive
13900 N. Portland Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73134
Phone: 619.7369
www.corevault.com
Tulsa Tech Health Sciences Center
Dr. Kara Gae Neal, Superintendent and CEO
3550 S. Memorial
Tulsa, OK
Phone: 828.5000
www.tulsatech.edu
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