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Chamber launches new Let’s Do Business website
Tulsa Metro Chamber has launched a redesigned Let’s Do Business website featuring a new brand, streamlined interface, a direct link to the Chamber’s database and information about the program’s 900-plus participants.
Let’s Do Business is a buy-regional initiative started in 2006 through a collaboration of the Chamber’s Small Business Council and its economic development plan, Tulsa’s Future. The program asks area companies to identify, where possible, purchases that can be made from a business in the Tulsa region.
“According to research, a 5 percent shift in purchasing could mean as much as $1.3 million returned to the regional economy every day, benefiting local businesses and our community’s tax base,” said Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal.
In addition to returning money to the region, Let's Do Business helps businesses:
• Generate new customers
• Find new business contacts
• Post requests for proposals
• Respond to area RFPs
• Increase visibility
• And find quality products and services
Whether a single-person operation or one of the area's largest employers, companies can benefit from participating in Let’s Do Business. To learn more, visit the new website at LetsDoBusinessTulsa.com.
Tulsa recognized for family-friendly economy
Parenting Magazine named Tulsa the No. 5 city with the strongest economy in its 2010 “Best Cities for Families” issue.
“This publication recognizes what all of us who are raising families in Tulsa know and appreciate,” said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Metro Chamber. “Tulsa is a great place to live.”
The publication ranked U.S. cities with the most robust economies based on commute times, unemployment rates, property values and more. The publication said, “home values actually rose in Tulsa, where the travel time to work is only about 18 minutes.”
Oklahoma City also made the list of strongest economies at No. 6 and was named the No. 10 city with the best recreation. Additionally, Parenting Magazine assigned an overall ranking to cities based on a comprehensive look at health, safety, education, economy and recreation. Tulsa was listed at No. 38, and OKC came in at No. 37.
To view the article and the complete list, click here.
VisitTulsa encourages Tulsa to “Bring it Home”
VisitTulsa, the convention and visitors program of the Chamber, is encouraging citizens to recommend Tulsa as a site for their next convention or meeting through the "Bring it Home Tulsa" campaign.
"The goal of the campaign is to encourage Tulsans to recommend their hometown as the site for their next professional, civic or recreational group or organization's national meeting or conference," said Amy Huntley, vice president of VisitTulsa. "It's our hope that more individuals will take a cue from others who have helped us bring groups, meetings, conferences and events to Tulsa."
Whether individuals are able to secure the group themselves or need a CVB representative to follow up on a lead, they can help in the effort to bring more tourism dollars to Tulsa that translate into much needed public service projects and programs. To learn more about the campaign, or submit details about a possible event or group you could help bring to Tulsa, log on to www.VisitTulsa.com/BringItHome.
Tourism produces more than $1.3 billion in economic impact in Tulsa County annually and employs more than 24,000 individuals.
For more information about the campaign, view the KJRH Channel 2 story here.
Drillers extend partnership with Rockies
The Tulsa Drillers and the Colorado Rockies have announced the extension of their Player Development Contract for an additional four years.
“We couldn’t be happier for Chuck Lamson and the Tulsa Drillers,” said Tulsa Metro Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal. “Their new home in downtown Tulsa has brought new energy to an already dynamic team and we’re happy to see they’re receiving the same support from the top down.”
The new agreement between the two organizations means the Drillers will continue to operate as the Double A affiliate of the Rockies until at least through the 2014 baseball season.
“The Drillers are extremely pleased to be able to continue our affiliation with the Colorado Rockies,” said Drillers President Chuck Lamson. “We joined their organization at the right time in terms of their focus on player development, and we have seen many great players come through Tulsa on their way to the major leagues. The Rockies player development staff has provided a very positive working relationship with us, while balancing the development of players with the building of competitive teams. We look forward to four more productive years as part of their organization.”
"The Colorado Rockies are very proud to continue the partnership with such a great organization," said Rockies Senior Director of Player Development Marc Gustafson. "The fans and community have embraced our players and staff as one of their own, and it will be an honor and privilege to be associated with the Tulsa Drillers for years to come."
The Drillers became the Double A affiliate of the Rockies in September of 2002, with this year marking the eighth season of the partnership. In the seven previous seasons as a Rockies' affiliate, the Drillers have suffered only one losing season. Three times in that span Tulsa has finished with the best overall record in its division and has qualified for the Texas League playoffs on four different occasions.
A number of current major league stars have played for the Drillers during the eight seasons, including 2010 All-Stars Ubaldo Jimenez, Matt Holliday and Troy Tulowitzki. Other former Drillers from the Rockies' era that are currently in the majors include Jeff Francis, Dexter Fowler, Ryan Spilborghs, Seth Smith, Ian Stewart, Many Corpas, Chris Iannetta and Brad Hawpe.
British company establishes U.S. headquarters in Tulsa
Octavian Security USA, an arm of United Kingdom-based security firm Octavian Security, has selected to establish a U.S. headquarters in Tulsa, Okla., and will hire 21 security officers to start Aug. 1.
The project, which has been 18 months in the making, involved intense work and market analysis. Octavian USA was attracted to Tulsa by its competitive business rates and its cooperative, pro-business atmosphere for new companies. Tulsa Metro Chamber assisted the company with locating to Tulsa.
“We are delighted to welcome the Octavian Security USA team to Tulsa,” said Mike Neal, the Chamber’s president and CEO. “The company has shown great initiative in bringing their business to Tulsa, and the Chamber looks forward to assisting them in further growth and expansion here.”
Sam Sangha, co-owner of Octavian, said the company considered other U.S. cities for its headquarters, but Tulsa’s advantages made the decision an easy one.
“We aim to create many jobs and to establish new training initiatives to increase the overall skills of operatives in the security and facilities management markets,” said Sangha.
Octavian Security USA has impressive plans for growth in the USA, beginning with a contract with Kanbar Properties to manage the entire security of its 2 million square feet of office space.
BOK Center ranks No. 9 in U.S.
The BOK Center ranked No. 9 in the United States and No. 24 in the World in ticket sales for January 1 – June 30, 2010, by Pollstar Magazine, a leading industry publication.
“To be ranked in the top 10 arenas on the eve of our second anniversary is a great credit to our fans who continue to support the BOK Center by purchasing tickets,” said General Manager John Bolton.
Other arenas nationwide making the Top 10 list include:
1. Madison Square Garden Arena – New York, NY – 336,482
2. Philips Arena – Atlanta, GA – 326,053
3. Sprint Center – Kansas City, MO – 312,569
4. St. Pete Times Forum – Tampa, FL – 231,868
5. The Palace of Auburn Hills – Auburn Hills, MI – 225,139
6. Staples Center – Los Angeles, CA – 206,207
7. American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX – 189,901
8. Bank Atlantic Center – Sunrise, FL – 188,908
9. BOK Center – Tulsa, OK – 180,280
10. Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT – 168,462
The BOK Center has reached its prestigious ranking by booking a wide array of acts that appeal to purchasers. The arena has hosted nine out of 10 top North American tours.
Primary elections July 27
Primary elections will be held on Tuesday, July 27 and the last day to request an absentee ballot is Wednesday, July 21. Early voting takes place on Friday, July 23 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, July 24 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; and Monday, July 26 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Other resources that may be helpful as you prepare to head to the polls:
• District locator
• Tulsa County Absentee Ballot Request Form
• Federal Voting Assistance Program ( Military and overseas voters only)
• Tulsa County Precinct List
• Elected Officials List
For more information about how and where to register to vote, visit the Tulsa County Election Board office located at 555 North Denver Ave. or call the Tulsa County Election Board office at 918.596.5787.
What we’re working on:• Finalizing submission of I6 Challenge Grant
• Implementing cash forecasting plan for Chamber and Tulsa’s Future
• Analyzing custom database companies and costs with Database Task Force
• Finalizing capital budget plan
• Beginning first phase of 2011 budget
• Managing the sales and set up for the Tulsa Sports Commission Golf Tournament on July 28
• Brainstorming marketing and sales techniques for the 2011 NCAA Men's Basketball tournament
• Facilitating nine legislative taskforces
• Preparing for the Regional Legislative Summit on August 12
• Scheduling Congressional Forums
• Monitoring legislative interim studies
• Reviewing feasibility of anniversary recognitions
• Preparing membership verification forms for printed membership directory
• Finalizing new script for membership orientation video
• Alerting media to events attracted by VisitTulsa
• Assisting with hospitality and preparations for Palomino Horse Breeders of America World Show and Reichert Celebration
• Drafting “Bring it Home Tulsa” campaign materials
• Building lists of Tulsa companies with headquarters in 20 key cities for targeted Business Retention and Expansion visits.
• Organizing the TYPros Next/Now Art Show at Living Arts Gallery.
• Beginning content for the 2010-2011 Partners In Education Handbook.
• Planning the Talent Dividend Adult Enrollment Blitz event to encourage working adults to complete a degree.
• Working with OSU Riata Center on “Entrepreneurs Bootcamp” to be hosted at OSU-Tulsa in October
• Hosting a Mayor’s Retention Breakfast focusing on green companies
• On-site Business Retention and Expansion visits to area companies
• Touring the Cherokee Nation Industries operations in Stilwell
• Updating content for the 2011 Entrepreneurs Guide
• Pitching Tulsa economic development stories to national media outlets
• Recruiting volunteers for College Access Career Readiness, a new education program set to launch in 2011
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.
Welcome New Members:
• Aspen Realty, LLC
• Boyd Machining
• Dolphin Bay Fundraising, LLC
• Megasys Hospitality Systems
• Sadie's Fine Things
• Superleggera Cycling & Motorsport
• Sweepstakes Today, LLC
• Tornado Studios
Tulsa Press Club & Benevolent Association
Andrea Myers, Club President
415 S. Boston Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74103
Phone: 583-7377
www.tulsapressclub.com
Panera Bread
Herbert Rapier, General Manager
5601 E. 41st
Tulsa, OK 74135
Phone: 663-1600
www.panerabread.com
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