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   09.27.10

IN THIS ISSUE

Voter Drive starts Wednesday
Register by Oct. 8 to vote in the November election

Chamber launches political action committees
SQ 744 opposition grows
Tulsa Sports Commission launches revamped site
Prosperity Project offers voter toolkit for employers
Tulsa company plans expansion, qualifies for state incentives
Career Access College Readiness program kicks off tomorrow
Chamber’s director of talent strategies named Woman of Distinction
What we’re working on:
Chamber welcomes new businesses

 

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Ace Cuervo

Brookside Studios website

GTR Logo MM sponsor

Tulsa Airport Authority

Whistler Outdoor


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Voter Drive starts Wednesday
Register by Oct. 8 to vote in the November election

 
The Tulsa Metro Chamber will co-host a Voter Drive with Samson this Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 29 and 30, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the plaza level of the Williams Tower II building at 2nd Street and Boulder Ave.

Downtown workers are encouraged to stop by in order to register to vote in the November elections.

Deadline to register to vote is Friday, Oct. 8. If unable to attend the Voter Drive, individuals can register in person at the Tulsa County Election Board at 555 N. Denver Ave. or follow the link to download the voter registration form and instructions for submission.



Chamber launches political action committees

 
This fall, Oklahoma will experience an unprecedented change in state leadership. These positions include a new governor, lt. governor, attorney general, state superintendent, state senators, state representatives, and more.

It is critical to fill these and future positions with pro-business individuals who understand the critical roles business and economic development play in the prosperity of Oklahoma.

The Tulsa Metro Chamber has made tremendous strides in legislative efforts since identifying legislative success as one of its top priorities in its long-term strategic plan. Now, the Chamber’s next step is to further its political involvement by establishing two Political Action Committees (PAC).

The Chamber’s OklahomaBizPac and TulsaBizPac allow individuals to collectively participate in the political process. Each year, hundreds of laws, rules and regulations are adopted by state and local officials, which affect the bottom line of businesses in the Tulsa region. Investing in the Chamber’s OklahomaBizPac and TulsaBizPac will help identify and support individuals who are concerned with reforming issues which impact business’ competitive edge.

The bi-partisan leadership of these PACs will identify candidates to support based on his and her stance on business tax incentives, job creation programs, and programs which attract capital investment.

We need to begin making a difference this election year. With your support and investment, OklahomaBizPac and TulsaBizPac will become a major factor at the ballot box by backing candidates who back business; candidates who not only say they want to move Oklahoma and the Tulsa region forward, but actually act to make it happen.

Click here to donate.



SQ 744 opposition grows

 
The Tulsa Metro Chamber, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, and the State Chamber of Oklahoma are working with the One Oklahoma Coalition to defeat SQ 744. In a very revealing move, Gov. Brad Henry is serving as honorary chairman of the Vote NO campaign. Furthermore, both gubernatorial candidates, U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin (R) and Lt. Gov. Jari Askins (D), have publicly opposed SQ 744.

State Question 744 is a constitutional amendment which places Oklahoma’s state budget in the hands of surrounding states by requiring common education to be funded at the regional average. This constitutional amendment allows the actions of other states to set the budget in Oklahoma.

According to the Oklahoma Policy Institute, funding per-pupil spending to the regional average would cost more than $1 billion in the first three years, and one-billion dollars or more each year thereafter. There are only three ways to fund such a significant increase: dramatically raise taxes, cut spending in all other areas of government, or a combination of both. The amendment would not allow for a tough economy, nor does it replace funding for transportation, public safety, health care, and higher education.

We need your help to combat this heavily-funded campaign through education of your employees, friends and neighbors. Please visit www.VoteNoSQ744.com to learn how you can help or contact Gwendolyn Caldwell, vice president of Government Affairs, at 918-560-0211 or email GwendolynCaldwell@TulsaChamber.com.



Tulsa Sports Commission launches revamped site

The Tulsa Sports Commission just launched a revamped website to serve as the premier source for news and information about attracting, hosting and attending sporting events in Tulsa.

The modern design reflects the energy and enthusiasm that surrounds sports in Tulsa and uses rotating images on the homepage to highlight upcoming events.

The site also features links to Tulsa’s five professional sports teams, events and facilities as well as links to the lodging, dining, culture and shopping tabs found on VisitTulsa.com. The goal of the site is to act as an online directory of information and point visitors to the appropriate places for detailed information as it relates to sports in Tulsa.

The site includes several interactive features like the Community Board where community groups and sports events organizers can post information about upcoming games and events. Visitors can also sign up to volunteer for the Commission and to receive the TSC newsletter launching soon.

The new site is part of the Commission’s mission to create a positive economic impact in the Tulsa region through attracting, developing and facilitating amateur sports events, sports-related conventions and other sports ventures enhancing the community’s quality of life.

Since its inception, the TSC has accounted for more than $250 million in economic impact to the Tulsa region. The TSC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and a founding member of the National Association of Sports Commissions.



Prosperity Project offers voter toolkit for employers

 
Sponsored by The State Chamber of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Prosperity Project is a partnership of nearly 2,000 leading businesses, trade associations, and local chambers of commerce dedicated to helping Oklahomans “vote smart” on election day.

The Prosperity Project encourages every employee to register to vote, be informed and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 2.

To aide in these efforts, the Prosperity Project offers employers a free election toolkit with click-and-print voter registration and get-out-the-vote break room posters, email messaging, payroll stuffers, staff meeting talking points, and other useful tools to keep employees informed before election day.

Click here to sign up to receive a free election toolkit or follow the link to download an election toolbox with free posters, graphics and other cool stuff.

For more information and resources provided by the Oklahoma Prosperity Project including voter guides for candidates, visit OneVoiceTulsa.com.



Tulsa company plans expansion, qualifies for state incentives

 
Spartan Engineering Inc., announced last week at a press conference hosted by the Tulsa Metro Chamber it has been accepted into the Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program and will create 200 high-value jobs over the next five years. Spartan, an engineering and design company focused on energy and utility projects, opened in Tulsa in January with plans to expand quickly.

“Companies like Spartan Engineering can choose any city in America to do business, and we must work hard to ensure companies around the world know Tulsa is not only a great place to do business but also where business grows,” said Mike Neal, the Chamber’s president and CEO. “We congratulate Spartan for taking advantage of state incentives and look forward to assisting them in further expansion and talent recruitment.”

Through its participation in the Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program, Spartan Engineering plans to add 150 jobs over the next three years and up to 200 by 2015. The 200 jobs support an economic impact of $84.3 million on the Tulsa region.

“The Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program shows the commitment our state has to creating a business environment that fosters job growth, and we are proud to be included,” said Lagorin. “Spartan Engineering believes our abilities, industry contacts and timing for expansion will allow us to quickly develop into a major service provider in the energy and utility industry.”

The Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program, through Senate Bill 909 passed in 2009, offers enhanced incentives for job creation in Oklahoma, allowing existing and new businesses in Oklahoma to take advantage of both tax rebates and tax credits providing they meet the criteria for payroll and job creation.



Career Access College Readiness program kicks off tomorrow

 
The Tulsa Metro Chamber is launching a new program called Career Access College Readiness (CACR) to build upon its existing education programs, Partners In Education and Oklahoma Scholars, further helping students prepare for college upon graduation. The program is a partnership among the Chamber, the OU-Tulsa Community Engagement Center and Tulsa Public Schools and will provide coaches to seventh and 10th grade students to help them understand the countless college and workforce options post-high school.

Through the program, volunteers from the local business community are matched with small groups of students to help them learn about and plan for college through a variety of subjects, including how to apply for college, how to acquire funding for college and knowing which courses to take.

The Chamber is currently seeking coaches for CACR, which will launch in January 2011, and invites business professionals to the CACR kickoff, scheduled for tomorrow, Sept. 28, to learn more about the program and upcoming training sessions. Join us for the kickoff at OSU-Tulsa, 700 N. Greenwood, in the auditorium. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the program begins at 8:30. For information or to become a coach, contact Heather Johnson at heatherjohnson@tulsachamber.com or 918.560.0218.




Chamber’s director of talent strategies named Woman of Distinction

 
The Tulsa Business Journal selected Denise Reid, the Chamber’s director of talent strategies and recruitment, as one of 20 honorees for its inaugural Women of Distinction awards. Reid and fellow recipients were honored at a special luncheon last week and appeared in a special issue of Tulsa Business Journal on Sept. 13.

“We are proud one of our own was recognized for excelling in business and community service,” said Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal. “Denise is to be commended for being recognized as one of Tulsa’s most accomplished women professionals.”

Reid dedicates much of her time to various volunteer roles, and in an article with the Tulsa Business Journal, she said she loves living and working in Tulsa.

“Green Country is a little known gem in the grand scheme of things, and I’ve grown up introducing, defending, educating and selling Tulsa to recruits, colleagues, friends and family for over 20 years,” Reid said.

Click here to read the article about Reid in the Tulsa Business Journal.



What we’re working on:

Executive
• Attending the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 Annual Meeting in Ojai, Calif.
• Meeting with Tulsa Metro Chamber and Lowell Chamber of Commerce leaders.
• Speaking at Dynamic Dads at Jenks Southeast Elementary.
• Meeting with Dr. Jim Rogers, owner of Cain’s Ballroom, to discuss Oklahoma Pop Museum.

VisitTulsa
• Preparing to welcome the 2010 Arabian Horse Association US Nationals to Expo Square.
• Coordinating VIP welcome activities.
• Updating the Tulsa Attractions Map for 2011.

Economic Development
• Attending the CoreNet London event with site location consultants and corporate real estate executives.
• Submitting an RFP for a manufacturing project with 125 jobs projected.
• Following up with leads acquired at CoreNet last week in Phoenix.
• Completing an agenda for the Small Business Council annual retreat.
• Speaking to the Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership about business retention and expansion strategies.
• Meeting with the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission to discuss NBAA and the 2011 MRO Conference.
• Attending the International Economic Development Council annual conference in Columbus, Ohio.
• Attending the Tulsa Area Partnership board meeting.
• Attending an update presentation on “The American.”
• Attending International Downtown Association (IDA) annual conference in Ft. Worth.

Education and Workforce
• Hosting the kickoff for a new program, College Access Career Readiness.
• Planning for several upcoming forums.
• Implementing accountability measures for Partners In Education participants, while increasing community awareness.
• Finalizing details of the Return On Inclusion Summit general session and breakout sessions.
• Preparing for the Talent Dividend Network meeting and presentation in Cincinnati.
• Planning the Workforce Roundtable Series kickoff.

Membership
• Recruitment strategy for new members.
• Finalizing member information for 2011 directory.

Marketing
• Site updates to new Tulsa Sports Commission site.
• Site updates to OneVoiceTulsa.com.
• Writing letter for Vision Tulsa publication.
• Drafting VisitTulsa monthly e-newsletter.
• Conducting creative session for next Chamber spot.
• Finalizing content for Visitor’s Guide.
• Creating a collateral piece for The Forge business incubator.
• Updating the SourceLink brochure.
• Revamping the Let’s Do Business brochure to reflect new brand.




Chamber welcomes new businesses

Each 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:

ADL Senior Support Services, LLC
Bonus Building Care
City Glass of Okmulgee
Crating Solutions of Tulsa, LLC
Diane White Public Relations & Events
Eliot Management Group
Family Security Mortgage
Fleener Minnix Real Estate Inc.
Gibson RV Park
IMAX Worldwide Imports
Impact Engineering & Planning PLC
J J J R Enterprises, LLC
PIC-Med of Oklahoma
Sandite Billiards and Grill
Stonebridge Academy Institute
T-Town Fitness Gallery
The T.R.U.S.T Road & Bridge Coalition
Three Leaves Landscape

Ribbon cuttings:

Freedom Valley Church
Jason Fitch, Lead Pastor
6323 S. 109th East Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74133
Phone: 519.0938
www.freedomvalleytulsa.com


Komara Marketing Group LLC
Vanessa Komara, President
7633 E. 63rd Place, Suite 300
Tulsa, OK 74133
Phone: 729.2616
www.komaramarketinggroup.com


 
McDonald’s
Michelle Buckley, Marketing Coordinator
4935 S. Memorial
Tulsa, OK 74145
Phone: 664.6085
www.mcoklahoma.com


 
Rodan+Fields Dermatologists
Cynthia Mabry, Independent Consultant
Phone: 615.202.9765
www.cynthia.myrandf.biz


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