Resource Campaign on track for success
Four weeks into the Chamber’s 10-week Resource Campaign and volunteers have just under $500,000 left to raise to reach the $2.3 million goal.
Campaign Chair Wade Edmundson, president of Summit Bank, announced the Campaign’s progress to date at last week’s rewards session held at the Stokely Event Center.
“This was another huge week with more than $160,000 in sales keeping us at a record setting pace—well ahead of the four week total of any prior campaign,” said Edmundson.
With $1,807,763 raised, 33 volunteers have qualified for an incentive trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and are on track to raise the remaining $492,237 before the Campaign’s end in six weeks.
The Chamber’s annual Resource Campaign, which generates revenue by selling sponsorships and memberships, officially kicked off on April 6. Approximately 160 volunteers will help raise the $2.3 million goal amount by connecting businesses with Chamber sponsorship opportunities for maximum exposure and return.
If you would like to learn more about available sponsorships or trade opportunities with the Tulsa Metro Chamber, contact Karen Humphrey, campaign director, at karenhumphrey@tulsachamber.com or call 560-0250.
This annual campaign contributes approximately 23 percent of the Chamber’s total annual budget, all of which is directly returned to Chamber members in the form of business-building events and initiatives that benefit the entire community.
Tulsa CVB and THLA honor local heroes
The Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Tulsa Hotel & Lodging Association will celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week by honoring local business people who made an impact on the local economy by bringing meetings and events to Tulsa.
A luncheon, presented by QuikTrip, to recognize these efforts is Tuesday, May 11, 2010, 11:30 a.m. at the Tulsa Convention Center’s new ballroom.
Now in it’s 18th year, the Local Heroes program remains an important part of the Tulsa CVB recruitment effort for future convention and meetings business. This year the Bureau will honor three local citizens who, by working to place their group's meeting in Tulsa, will impact the future economy of the city with more than $1.2 million in delegate/attendee expenditures.
Honorees and their events/meetings include: Rev. Dr. Michelle Mouden, Vernon Chapel AME Church; Brad Craig, Association of Oklahoma Narcotic Enforcers; and Larry Ketcher, Council for Tribal Employment rights.
“THLA is proud to work with the Tulsa CVB in attracting and winning conventions and events that bring millions of dollars to our city,” said Michael Frimel, president of the board of THLA. “The Local Heroes and Tops in Tulsa awards honor those individuals who are instrumental in showcasing Tulsa, securing contracts and delivering Tulsa's warm hospitality to our thousands of visitors each year."
“We hope more and more citizens will think about ways they can assist us in attracting more visitors to the community, and join us in telling the good news about their home town,” said Amy Huntley, vice president, Tulsa CVB.
Also scheduled for recognition include the top five hotel employees, as nominated by their peers and managers. The “Tops in Tulsa Award” winners are announced live at the luncheon, and receive cash prizes in recognition of their dedication and professionalism in the industry.
Tourism produces more than $1.4 billion in economic impact in Tulsa County and employs more than 25,000.
Chamber, regional leaders return to Tulsa from advocacy trip to D.C.
The Tulsa Metro Chamber, area chamber partners and surrounding municipalities returned to Tulsa last week after spending three days in Washington, D.C., advocating a comprehensive federal agenda with a unified voice as part of the Tulsa Regional Washington, D.C., Fly-In.
“By taking our issues, concerns and priorities as a region straight to Washington, we make an undeniable impact and lasting impression on our federal delegation that will no doubt lead to greater success throughout the legislative session,” said Tulsa Metro Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal.
The Chamber began organizing the D.C. trip three years ago when it began counting legislative success among its top priorities. This also coincided with the formation of the Regional OneVoice Legislative Agenda and coalition of partners who had a common goal of seeing the region advance.
The Fly-In’s three-day agenda provided attendees with a direct connection to Oklahoma’s federal delegation through several private meetings, which play a crucial role in developing a positive business climate for the Tulsa region and Northeast Oklahoma. In addition to face-time with federal delegates, attendees spent three days with fellow business and political leaders from the Tulsa region providing an opportunity for strengthening relationships and encouraging future partnerships.
Top issues discussed included:
• Support of timely reauthorization of the federal surface transportation programs, including funding for high priority projects: reconstruction of the I-244 bridges over the Arkansas River, reconstruction of I-244, widening of I-44 east to the Will Rogers Turnpike and reconstruction to six lanes of US 169 north to SH 20.
• Support of Sen. Jim Inhofe’s request for funding for implementation of the Arkansas River corridor master plan.
• Opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act.
• Support of appropriations to deepen the McClellan-Kerr waterway to 12’ and to widen the last 50 miles to the Port of Catoosa.
• Securing public funding for hospital services, urgent care, outpatient and specialty care services, FQHC’s and graduate medical education at Tulsa-based medical schools to ensure appropriate access to care for the underserved patient population which relies upon the Tulsa health care network for services.
• Support of measures to ensure the Tulsa region avoids non-attainment status.
Downtown entrepreneur to discuss economic development, diversity
Elliot Nelson has been a major force in the revitalization of the Blue Dome District. His restaurants – McNellies, El Guapos and Dilly Deli – have become destinations for hungry visitors and residents in downtown. The success of his operations has had an economic and cultural impact on the area, providing jobs in the urban core. He’s not resting on his success either with plans for a bowling alley called The Dust Bowl.
Nelson will discuss the role of economic development in creating a diverse urban landscape in an upcoming TYPros event on Tuesday, May 18 from 6-9 p.m. at The Dust Bowl, 211 S. Elgin. Diversity and Dialogue events are designed to bring together young professionals from different cultural backgrounds to help address community challenges.
There is no charge to attend, and complimentary appetizers and a cash bar will be served. Reserve a spot now by contacting Brian Paschal at brianpaschal@tulsachamber.com .
April Hospitality Club
Volunteer of the Month
Carl Novara, Farmers Insurance*Novara Insurance Agency
Quota Masters
Darin Adams, Arvest Bank
Orlando Dumalag, callOrlando.com, LLC
Deb Karstens, Karstens Travel
Gloria Kelley, Jacobi Kelley Search LLC
Joy Kelly, SpiritBank
Marvin Krueger, Melaleuca, Inc.
Bryan Osborne, Huntington Learning Center
Julee Thomas, Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson LLC
Bob Wilson, 5R, Inc.
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.
Tulsa Shock
Steve Swetoha, President
1 West 3rd Street, Suite 1100
Tulsa, OK 74103
Phone: 949.9701
www.tulsashock.net
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