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Tulsa recognized for creating jobs, economic growth
Tulsa ranked 19th on the 2009 Milken Institute Best-Performing Cities Index, up from the No. 72 slot last year. The index rates the 200 largest metro areas by economic growth and how well they are creating and sustaining jobs.
According to the report, Tulsa ranked No. 11 for job growth between March 2008 and March 2009, losing only .25 percent of jobs, which is significant in the current economy.
“While Tulsa hasn’t been entirely insulated from the recession, our local economy has shown a resilience much of the country has not,” said Mike Neal, the Chamber’s president and CEO. “The fact that we have weathered the storm as we have shows the strength of the Tulsa economy with its diversified industries and low cost of living.”
Oklahoma City also fared well on the index, climbing to No. 26 from No. 50.
Click here to see the full list from Milken Institute.
Click here to read an article about the list in the Tulsa World.
Informational meeting about Tulsa in China trip November 16
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.
To learn more, attend a free information session on
Monday, Nov. 16 at 5:30 pm
DoubleTree Hotel at Warren Place
(61st and Yale) in the Aspen Room
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.
Limited edition Tulsa ornaments here
A limited number of 2009 Tulsa holiday ornaments have arrived and are available for purchase through the Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The two-dimensional ornament features the Arkansas River and comes individually packaged in a green perma-suede folder. The ornaments cost $18 each with optional stands available for purchase at an additional cost of $4.
Proceeds from the ornament will benefit the CVB, which works to promote the city to national meeting and convention planners as well as individual visitors.
Ornaments are available for shipping. The cost is $5 for one ornament and $2 for each additional ornament. To order, please call 560.1500 or pick one up at the Visitor Information Office located in the Williams Tower II building at Two W. 2nd St. or at Lyons Indian Store, 401 E. 11th St.
Affordable insurance options for members
For a fourth year, the Tulsa Metro Chamber is partnering with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma to provide more affordable insurance to small businesses as a member benefit.
Chamber Choice is available to members with two to 50 employees. There are currently more than 700 employers enrolled in the program.
Benefits include:
• No medical underwriting
• BlueOptions PPO
• Blue Optimize PPO (new this year)
• BlueLincs HMO
• Prescription drug coverage
• Network availability in all 50 states
• Dental coverage available
• Group Term Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment and disability coverage available
• Qualified Insure Oklahoma health plans
The Chamber expanded the program in 2006 to offer Chamber Choice to all surrounding Chambers of Commerce. The program is now offered in Bartlesville, Bixby, Broken Arrow, Claremore, Collinsville, Glenpool, Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber, Henryetta, Jenks, Muskogee, Okmulgee, Owasso, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Skiatook, Wagoner and Wynona. By partnering with the surrounding communities, the Tulsa Chamber is expanding the program’s availability with the goal of keeping the workforce healthy and increasing small business owners’ ability to provide for employees.
Today, nearly 700 employers are enrolled in the Chamber Choice plan covering more than 4,000 individuals.
Click here to download the 2009 Chamber Choice brochure.
To find out more about Chamber Choice, contact your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma representative or call (918) 551-3385 or visit http://www.bcbsok.com/chamber_tulsa.html.
Traditional media considered more influential
Fewer people may be reading offline newspapers and magazines these days, but those that do are more influenced by the medium’s advertising than its online counterparts, according to a consumer trend study by TargetCast TCM.
While 60 percent of consumers said newspapers need to change the most to stay relevant, most are nevertheless sticking with the media they’ve known for years. For example, those ages 35-plus still consider newspaper ads to be more influential in determining their purchase decisions.
Additionally, more than 40 percent of adults ages 18-64 said they prefer the experience of reading a printed newspaper vs. online sources, and just 15 percent of all respondents said they would rather read magazines online. Among those ages 45-plus, a solid 57 percent prefer the experience of reading a printed magazine vs. reading a magazine online. A significant number of adults aged 18-64 (41 percent) also indicate radio is still relevant in their purchasing decisions.
The study also discovered a divide between men and women in how each gender engages with both traditional and digital media. Overall, men generally are more willing than women to adapt their usage habits to incorporate more digital and online platforms as replacements for traditional media. In addition to increased willingness to trade in traditional newspapers, magazines and TV for digital, 34 percent of men — compared with just 23 percent of women — said radio is not as relevant to them today because there are so many other sources for music.
Source: MarketingCharts.com
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