D.C. Fly-In deadline Wednesday
Help advocate for pro-business legislation on Chamber-led trip to D.C. presented by AT&T, George Kaiser Family Foundation and Webco Industries.
Join the Tulsa Metro Chamber, area chamber partners and surrounding municipalities to present a comprehensive federal agenda with a unified voice at the Tulsa Regional Washington, D.C. Fly-In on Tuesday, Feb. 8 - Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011.
Deadline to take advantage of the special room rate negotiated by the Chamber and for accommodation arrangements to be handled by Chamber staff is Wednesday, Jan. 5.
"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 four 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 provides 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 spend three days with fellow business and political leaders from the Tulsa region providing an opportunity for strengthening relationships and encouraging future partnerships.
Among top priorities to be addressed include the timely reauthorization of the federal surface transportation programs including measures to permanently and adequately fund the Highway Trust Fund as well as efforts to end Oklahoma's status as a donor state; the adoption of a more reasonable time frame for the implementation of the new more stringent ozone emission standard; and the right of workers to voluntarily join unions under fair and democratic rules.
Attendees will be supplied a complete agenda with scheduled meetings and provided materials on legislative agenda issues and priorities. Cost to attend is $500 and includes meals. To register, contact LToya Knighten at 918.560.0278 or ltoyaknighten@tulsachamber.com, or register online at TulsaChamber.com.
The Chamber has arranged for a special room rate at the Liaison Capitol Hill, An Affinia Hotel, at a rate of $339 per night. The Chamber will handle hotel reservations for all attendees, but airfare must be booked separately by the attendee.
Create relationships with key staff members, learn more about the federal legislative process and advocate on behalf of the top priorities in the region. Your participation is a critical component to the continued advancement and success in the greater Tulsa region.
Nominations open for 2011 Small Business Awards
The nomination process for the Chambers esteemed Crystal Star Small Business Awards has begun. Business members are invited to nominate rising stars of Tulsas small business community to receive recognition. The awards include 10 categories, including:
Small Business Person
Entrepreneurial Success
Small Business Exporter
Young Entrepreneur
Family Owned Business
Financial Services Champion
Home-Based Business Champion
Minority Small Business Champion
Veteran Small Business Champion
Women in Business Champion
Nominees must be Chamber members and in business a minimum of three years. Nominations will close Friday, Jan. 28, and awards will be presented at the Chambers annual awards luncheon Tuesday, May 17. For a complete list of categories and instructions, click here to visit the Chamber website.
Chamber seeking volunteers for Oklahoma Scholars program
In 2004, the Tulsa Metro Chamber launched an intensive education program in partnership with Tulsa Public Schools called Oklahoma Scholars, which encourages eighth grade students to enroll in more rigorous courses in high school to better prepare them for post-secondary education and training. And now, the Chamber has partnered with Union Public Schools to offer the program to its eighth-grade students beginning this semester.
Students who enroll in the courses defined in the Oklahoma Scholars program are better prepared for college and careers upon graduation, said Susan Harris, the Chambers senior vice president of education and workforce. We are pleased to form this new partnership with Union to ensure their students are able to benefit from this valuable program.
Oklahoma Scholars enlists area business leaders to volunteer as classroom presenters. With the addition of Union Public Schools, the Chamber is seeking new volunteers and will offer training sessions in January. For more information about Oklahoma Scholars or to become a presenter in Tulsa or Union Public Schools, contact Heather Johnson at 918.560.0218 or heatherjohnson@tulsachamber.com.
Drillers announce change in ownership
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Chuck Lamson, a name synonymous with Tulsa baseball, has announced his departure from the Drillers franchise with the sell of his shares to minority owner Went Hubbard.
Hubbard's sons, Dale and Jeff Hubbard will replace Lamson and serve as co-Chairmen of the club. Jeff has previously played and coached for the Drillers.
"I knew this day would eventually come, but it has arrived a little quicker than I imagined, said Lamson. It is a bittersweet day for me as I have loved my 30-plus years with the Drillers, but I am excited about the new challenges that await me."
Lamson began his career with the Drillers as a pitcher and stayed with the franchise long after his playing days to eventually buy the majority interested from Hubbard in 2006. One of his greatest legacies will perhaps be the beautiful ONEOK Stadium in downtown Tulsa that he worked tirelessly to see built.
The impact Chuck has had on baseball in Tulsa is no short of game-changing, said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Metro Chamber. He led the fight to see Tulsa and the Drillers get the stadium they deserved and his efforts have paid off ten-fold. We will miss him greatly, but wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
Mike Melega will remain as the team's general manager, while the rest of the front office staff will also remain in place.
"We want to express our thanks to Chuck Lamson for everything he has done for the Tulsa Drillers and the Tulsa Community, said Chairman of the Stadium Trust Stan Lybarger. We are looking forward to working with the Hubbards and Mike Melega, and building upon the outstanding success the Drillers have enjoyed at ONEOK Field."
Lamson added, "This change allows me to pursue new opportunities, but more importantly, it ensures a positive future for the Drillers. Went has been an important figure for professional baseball in Tulsa, and I know Dale and Jeff want to continue in that manner."
"I hope that my own legacy is that of helping to secure the future of the great game of professional baseball in the city of Tulsa with the opening and success of ONEOK Field. My family and I love Tulsa, and we will continue to be great fans of the Drillers," said Lamson.
Oklahoma teams fair well in bowl games
Congratulations goes to all three Oklahoma college football teams for successful showings in three nationally-televised bowl games.
The University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane spent the holiday season in Honolulu with their appearance in the Hawaii Bowl on Dec. 24 ending in a 62-35 win over Hawaii.
Next, Oklahoma State University played Arizona in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 29 adding another win to their stellar season defeating Arizona 36-10.
Finally, The University of Oklahoma did their fans proud with a 48-20 domination over Connecticut in the Fiesta Bowl on New Years Day.
Tulsa area legislators appointed to House leadership Oklahoma House Speaker Kris Steele announced key leadership appointments for the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions.
Given the significant challenges facing our state, it is critical the Legislature focus on conservative, pro-growth policies that will move Oklahoma forward, said Steele, R-Shawnee. I believe that we have chosen a team of effective leaders who will ensure the upcoming legislative session is conducted professionally and efficiently to maximize our accomplishments.
Leadership appointments for the Oklahoma House of Representatives from the Tulsa region are:
George Faught, R-Muskogee, assistant majority floor leader
Steve Martin, R-Bartlesville, assistant majority whip
Fred Jordan, R-Jenks, assistant majority whip
What were working on:Executive
Meeting with Wes Smithwick at the Broken Arrow Chamber.
Evaluating direct reports.
Meeting with Terry Simonson.
Attending the Legislative Organizational Day in Oklahoma City.
Being interviewed by KFAQ.
Attending the IC Navistar Bus Plant Tour.
Making Tulsa's Future II CEO fundraising calls.
Hosting a monthly meeting with Mayor Dewey Bartlett, Terry Simonson, Chris Benge and Mike Bunney.
Government Affairs
Attending Chamber Institute
D.C. Fly-In Preparations
Finalizing 2011 Political Directory
Preparations for 2011 Spring legislative events
Marketing and Communications
Drafting and recording the Annual Meeting highlights video script.
Finalizing the Annual Report.
Reviewing marketing opportunities for the 2011 NCAA Championship.
Reviewing advertising plans for 2011.
Updating content on OneVoiceTulsa.com.
Updating a number of collateral materials.
Completing website updates to the GrowMetroTulsa.com economic development website.
Education and workforce
Planning the years first Adult Enrollment Blitz.
Working on school board candidate fundraising.
Meeting with consultants and others about the state workforce system.
Meeting with self-insured company CFOs regarding new Tulsa health information
system.
Economic development
Attending a planning session for the 2011 Renewable Energy Forum.
Hosting a Small Business Council meeting.
Touring a local manufacturing facility with legislators.
Attending a Downtown Coordinating Committee meeting.
Attending a Deco District meeting.
Meeting with the Education Committee of the Small Business Council to discuss the curriculum for the 2011 Small Business Forum series.
VisitTulsa
Making preparations to promote Tulsa to more than 400 religious planners in January.
Hosting a site visit for a group looking at Tulsa for a 2012 conference.
Updating events page on VisitTulsa website.
Getting ready for the Association of Convention Operations Managers Annual Conference Jan. 7-9, 2011.
Preparing for the Oklahoma Music Educators Association Annual In-Service Workshop at the Tulsa Convention Center in January 2011.
Welcome new members: Bacchus Vineyaard
Best Dressed Frugality Boutique
Brookside Market Insurance Agency (Allstate)
DHL Express
Green Country Associates of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
HOA Management, Inc.
Shawn M. Parks in care of East Central High School
TARC
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