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Tulsa’s Future II will create jobs, investment in the region
The Tulsa’s Future II Campaign Cabinet has announced a new funding goal for the five-year regional economic development plan.
In this new era of economic development, workforce attraction and aggressive competition among peer cities, the Tulsa Metro Chamber has created its second five-year phase of an ongoing regional economic development plan, Tulsa’s Future II. The plan will pick up where Tulsa’s Future I ended and is more expansive with two primary goals: 1) create 10,000 primary, high-value jobs with salaries of $50,000 or greater, and 2) generate a capital investment of $1 billion.
The Tulsa region is experiencing immense momentum as the Chamber and its Tulsa’s Future II investors and regional partners work to create jobs, attract talent, strengthen the quality of life and compete for investment.
“We want to ensure that positive momentum continues, and so I think Tulsa's Future II will allow us to do so,” said Steve Malcolm, chair of the Tulsa’s Future II Campaign Cabinet and retired chairman, president and CEO of Williams, in an interview with the Tulsa World. “Tulsa has a lot to offer… The more we’re out being able to tell the northeast Oklahoma story, the better off we’ll be, and the better the area will grow over time.”
The funding campaign’s success to date has proven business, education and government leaders in the Tulsa region support the plan. The campaign began in September and has secured $11.8 million in pledge commitments toward the $12.5 million minimum goal.
The Campaign Cabinet has now announced a stretch goal of $13.5 million in order to bring the Chamber closer to the budget recommended to successfully execute the goals outlined in Tulsa’s Future II. Additionally, the Campaign Cabinet hopes to broaden the investor base from the 72 current private and public investors to more than 100.
Tulsa’s Future II will focus on a number of programs, including:
• Business retention and expansion
• Business attraction marketing
• Entrepreneurship and small business development
• Education and workforce attraction
• Advocacy and outreach
• Community development
Tulsa’s Future II will focus on the following target industries: energy; aerospace and aviation; health care; regional headquarters and professional services; machinery and electrical equipment manufacturing; transportation, distribution and logistics; and two emerging sectors: information security and entertainment/tourism.
The Tulsa’s Future II campaign will continue through Monday, Feb. 14. For more information about this regional economic development plan or to learn how you can invest, please contact Allison Walden at allisonwalden@tulsachamber.com or 918.560.0271.
Click here to read an article about Tulsa’s Future II in the Tulsa World.
Chambers announce unified jobs agenda
The presidents of the Tulsa, Oklahoma City and State Chambers unveiled a joint jobs agenda to help move Oklahoma forward and create a more business-friendly environment in the state.
The agenda highlights the need to spark private investment in order to sustain a vibrant and diverse economy and ensure justice and opportunity for all Oklahomans.
Reform to the state’s burdensome tort system, expensive workers’ compensation system, bureaucratic health care system and faltering education system are a few of the top issues legislators need to address this session to grow Oklahoma’s economy.
Support for effective tax incentives that work to attract and retain businesses and jobs in Oklahoma will also be critical. Continued support for infrastructure and transportation funding, as well as promotion of a consistent regulatory environment that creates business certainty, creates jobs and encourages economic growth for all domestic energy sources wrap up the joint agenda.
“Given the current budget climate, it has never been more important to grow Oklahoma’s economy, create jobs and promote a business environment that helps attract and retain companies to our state,” said Fred Morgan, president and CEO of The State Chamber of Oklahoma. “It is important that the business community has a united pro-growth message. We have an opportunity to position Oklahoma as one of the most business-friendly states in the nation. We cannot let this chance slip away.”
The agenda calls for comprehensive reforms that will work to break the economic status quo in Oklahoma.
"There is nothing more important in this legislative session than improving our economy and creating an environment where businesses can thrive and more Oklahomans are working and creating wealth," said Roy Williams, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. "The perennial need to reform our workers' compensation system and pass significant tort reform simply must be addressed. Incremental change is not generating results and we call on bold and meaningful reforms."
A Jobs Agenda gives Oklahoma a chance to propel itself ahead of other states economically.
“Oklahoma has the opportunity this year to leap-frog past other states in the competition for jobs and people. We’re prepared to join with Gov.-elect Mary Fallin, her administration, and both parties at the State Capitol to achieve these goals," said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Metro Chamber. "Our economy is simply not expanding fast enough. There is still a great deal of uncertainty for business owners here and across the nation. We’ve been diagnosing our problems for years and a dramatic decrease in burdensome regulations, coupled with an increase in business incentives, will put in place smart policies that allow Oklahoma businesses and the economy to grow."
To download the full agenda, click here.
Oklahoma inaugurates first female governor
Oklahoma Congressional delegation takes oath
Volunteer leaders and members of the Tulsa Metro Chamber staff joined thousands of Oklahomans at the State Capitol today for the inauguration of Oklahoma’s first female governor, Governor Mary Fallin.
“This is a very exciting time for our state,” said Tulsa Metro Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal. “We’re swearing in our state’s new leader and a team of men and women who are charged with leading our state at a time when difficult decisions will need to be made. As representatives of the Tulsa business community, we at the Chamber are committed to, and have already begun, working with the entire delegation at the state and federal level to ensure Tulsa’s needs are at the forefront and business-friendly legislation is passed to ensure we move Oklahoma’s economy forward."
Along with Governor Fallin, Lt. Governor Todd Lamb and the rest of the recently elected statewide officials were sworn-in during the inaugural ceremonies.
Oklahoma’s Congressional delegation was formally sworn into office last week in a ceremony held in the U.S. House of Representatives Chamber.
The Tulsa Metro Chamber congratulates the following as they begin their service in the 112th Congress:
• Congressman Dan Boren (OK-2)
• Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4)
• Congressman James Lankford (OK-5)
• Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-3)
• Congressman John Sullivan (OK-1)
Neal selected as Tulsan of the Year by TulsaPeople magazine
Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Metro Chamber, was selected as the 2011 Tulsan of the Year by TulsaPeople magazine for his “limitless energy, can-do optimism and tireless efforts toward making Tulsa a better place.”
The nine-page spread in the January edition of TulsaPeople chronicles a full day of Neal’s schedule which included as many as 15-20 meetings with volunteers, staff, and regional elected officials. In his four and a half years leading the Tulsa Metro Chamber team, Neal has been credited with establishing a successful regional legislative program, leading the Chamber to its highest levels of membership investment, and significantly increasing funding of the Chamber’s annual Resource Campaign and its regional economic development program, Tulsa’s Future II.
Under his leadership, the Chamber was also selected twice as the Chamber of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives for a record total now of three times.
The article continues with quotes from the Chamber’s most recent leaders and an ongoing dialogue about the similarities between Neal and Ken Levit, executive director of the George Kaiser Family Foundation. The two leaders are often mistaken for one another at community events.
Members of the Tulsa Metro Chamber should also take note of the article titled, “Not business as usual --what is now the Tulsa Metro Chamber has a storied history that mirrors the growth of Tulsa, and today’s organization continues to shape the city.” Writer Bob Haring provides a synopsis of the top accomplishments of the Chamber since its inception in 1903 as the Tulsa Commercial Club.
The January edition is now on newsstands or click here to view the TulsaPeople magazine’s online edition.
Deadline nears to present at Technology Ventures Summit
Twelve Oklahoma companies will be selected to present plans for commercializing their technologies.
The Oklahoma Capital Investment Board will host its third Technology Ventures Summit in Tulsa. The two-day networking event offers training to both angel investors and entrepreneurs and showcases the state’s top commercial technology.
Scheduled for February 15-16 at the Doubletree Hotel Tulsa-Downtown, the Technology Ventures Summit will feature concurrent one-day workshops providing practical advice and training for entrepreneurs and angel investors. The second day will include presentations by a dozen local technology ventures to venture capital and angel investors.
Innovators and companies interested in presenting their technology at the event are urged to submit an “application to present” no later than Friday, Jan. 14. A panel of seasoned experts will select the top 12 presenters. Mentors will be assigned to help each group prepare a presentation. During the conference, presenters will have 10 minutes to share their business concept with the audience.
The Tulsa Metro Chamber and Tulsa’s Young Professionals are sponsors for the summit.
“We are excited to participate in this event as the Chamber continues to focus on fostering entrepreneurs and start-ups in our region,” said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Metro Chamber. “Innovation and small business are critical to our regional economy.”
For more information about the Technology Ventures Summit, including registration and applications to present, click here or call 405.848.9456.
Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals celebrate silver anniversary in Tulsa
The Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals, a Tulsa Sports Commission supported event, will celebrate its silver anniversary January 11-15, 2011, at the QuikTrip Center at Expo Square.
More than 240 competitors have entered in what could be the largest field of competitors at the prestigious auto racing event to date.
The estimated economic impact of this highly attended event is $15 million. In their 25 years of organizing this event, it is estimated to have had a $200 million economic impact.
“We are honored to be the choice city for this nationally recognized event and look forward to helping them celebrate 25 years,” said Ray Hoyt, Tulsa Sports Commission executive director.
The current list of entries is available here.
Trade Show: Always a popular attraction at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals is the trade show, which is open to the public each day (Tuesday through Saturday) free of charge. All variety of racing products, apparel and more is available with well over 100 different vendors. The trade show covers approximately 20,000 square feet.
Tickets: A limited number of reserved seats for Tuesday night's Warren CAT Qualifying Event and the Third Annual Vacuworx International Chili Bowl Race of Champions are available for $43 per person and may be obtained by calling 918-838-3777 or at the gate if still available. Pit passes for all five nights are available at the gate as well.
Additional information regarding the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals is available at www.chilibowl.com or by calling 918-838-3777.
McLaughlin receives IOM designation
Justin McLaughlin, vice president of economic development at the Tulsa Metro Chamber, has received the designation of IOM (Institute for Organization Management) from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This professional development program of the U.S. Chamber is a comprehensive course of study consisting of four annual sessions focusing on professional growth and development for association, chamber, and other nonprofit professionals.
“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their communities,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”
Graduates of Institute receive the IOM recognition, signifying completion of 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit management. In addition, participants can earn points toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually.
The Chamber’s executive vice president, Matt Pivarnik, is the Immediate past chair of the Winter Institute in Tucson, Ariz. and serves on the U.S. Board of Regents.
Additional attendees of Institute included Sheila Curley, vice president of communications and marketing; Jessica Lowe-Betts, events manager; Gwendolyn Caldwell, vice president of government affairs; and Kris Grace, human resources manager.
What we’re working onExecutive
• Attending Governor-elect Mary Fallin’s Inauguration Ceremony and Reception.
• Attending various inauguration receptions for statewide elected officials.
• Attending Governor Mary Fallin’s Inaugural Ball.
• Having dinner with site consultants.
• Hosting the Governor’s Economic Development Marketing Team OEDC Meeting.
• Conducting senior staff’s yearly evaluations.
• Attending TYPros Art Around Town.
• Attending Mayor’s Business Retention Breakfast.
• Attending Tulsa’s Future II CEO calls.
• Attending strategic planning session for Government Affairs department.
• Speaking at the Building Owner’s and Manger’s Association.
• Attending VisitTulsa Executive Committee meeting.
VisitTulsa
• Attending VisitTulsa and SMG sales meeting.
• Attending DOS meeting.
• Meeting with the Tulsa Airport marketing team.
• Hosting VisitTulsa Executive Committee meeting.
• Attending the Downtown Task Force meeting.
• Preparing for the Oklahoma Music Educators Association Annual In-Service Workshop at the Tulsa Convention Center in January.
Tulsa Sports Commission
• Kicking off the Chili Bowl Midget Races with a press conference and introduction of race organizers.
• Supporting the Chili Bowl races, which begin Jan 14, 2011, and bring an estimated $3 million economic impact to Tulsa.
• Attending NCAA Marketing meetings and discussing strategies.
• Initial planning stages for upcoming fundraising event, Strike Night.
• Planning site visit for USA Fencing opportunity late in January.
Economic Development
• Coordinating three major job creation projects – two in Aerospace, one in Transportation/Manufacturing.
• As a result of the KPMG study, developing a strategy for regional HQ recruitment.
• Facilitating work of the Economic Development Incentives Task Force.
• Working with a state and local entrepreneur organization to determine and address duplicative efforts.
• Making Tulsa’s Future II funding calls and meetings.
• Hosting the Oklahoma Governor’s Economic Development Marketing Team meeting.
• Hosting the Oklahoma Professional Economic Development Council meeting.
• Working with the planning committee for the 2011 Oklahoma Aerospace Summit.
• Meeting with a consultant to discuss an online property search engine.
• Meeting with a local company to assist with workforce needs.
• Meeting with small business owners regarding workers comp issues.
• Touring a local manufacturing company with legislators.
• Meeting with the Small Business Council Nomination Committee to evaluate and recruit candidates for the Small Business Awards.
• Making a presentation to SCORE leadership regarding partnership through the SourceLink program.
• Meeting with the city’s EDC Entrepreneurship Committee to plan next year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week.
• Assisting a company with marketing and recruiting ideas to help attract candidates to Tulsa.
• Attending BRE meetings with a new member to get engaged in the BRE program.
• Presenting to the Sustainable Tulsa group about the Let’s Do Business program.
Government Affairs
• Attending Inaugural Ceremony and Reception.
• Attending State Chamber Legislative Boot Camp event.
• Finalizing D.C. Fly-In preparations.
• Preparing for 2011 Legislative Reception.
• Preparing for Congressional Luncheon featuring Congressman Frank Lucas.
Tulsa’s Young Professionals
• Hosting an Art Around Town: movie screening of Duncan Christopher.
• Hosting a Leadership Education Development series on social media.
• Planning two new events for the spring.
• Beginning the search process for program coordinator.
Education and Workforce
• Working on Partners In Education forum.
• Working on CACR Briefing.
• Coordinating Mayor’s Mentoring Breakfast.
• Coordinating the Oklahoma Scholars - Union Public Schools kickoff.
• Working on the Oklahoma Scholars presentations for Union and Tulsa Public Schools.
• Recruiting volunteers and planning the second training session for CACR program.
• Working on Partners In Education winter newsletter.
• Planning the next Adult Enrollment Blitz event for February.
• Attending the Tulsa Area Employer Council meeting.
• Attending the Tulsa Area HR Association meeting.
• Meeting with reps from State Regents to discuss workforce/economic development in the state.
Marketing and Communications
• Finalizing agenda for the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011.
• Scheduling media interviews.
• Developing marketing and media plan for NCAA.
• Compiling end of year media reports.
• Assisting company with expansion announcement.
• Completing a direct mail piece targeting site consultants across the country.
• Development a marketing plan for the Chamber’s Talent Dividend initiative.
• Promoting the next Adult Enrollment Blitz event.
• Completing a site consultant e-newsletter.
Membership
• Attending the CEO reception.
• Completing staff evaluations and 2011 goals.
• Hosting member briefing.
• Recruiting and marketing for Minority Business Champion program.
• Writing wiki template about resource campaign for ACCE website.
• Working on details for ACCE Sales Conference.
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:
AAA Vending Corporation
Business Resource Unlimited, Inc.
Campbell Design Associates
Switchgear Search & Recruiting LLC
Tulsa Land Surveying LLC
United-Tech Inc.
Ribbon Cuttings:
My Dentist
Parnam Mohanna, D.D.S. , Dentist
9146 S. Sheridan Rd.
Tulsa, OK 74133
Phone: 794-0099
www.mydentistinc.com
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