Tulsa Metro Chamber :: Newsletter Archive

03.07.11
IN THIS ISSUE U.S. Chamber awards Blue Ribbon to three Tulsa companies NCAA Tournament Map Expo Square, VisitTulsa announce new contract American Airlines donates MD-80 jet to Tulsa Tech OU-Tulsa reaches construction milestone on Wayman Tisdale Specialty Health Clinic TYPros to host Street CReD What happens when community redevelopment meets urban revitalization? U.S. Chamber study shows relationship between jobs and regulatory action Tulsa companies support Commission at Strike Night fundraiser What we’re working on Chamber welcomes new businesses		PRESENTING SPONSORS

U.S. Chamber awards Blue Ribbon to three Tulsa companies

The U.S. Chamber will honor Tulsa-based Part-Time Pros, Eloté Café & Catering and The Persimmon Group with the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award at America’s Small Business Summit May 23-25 in Washington, D.C. Tulsa Metro Chamber nominated the three companies for the national award, and each has the opportunity to be selected as a finalist for America’s DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year. Seven DREAM BIG award finalists will be announced March 14, and the winner will be unveiled at the summit in May.

“It is an amazing honor for these three Tulsa jewels to receive national recognition for their achievements and shows the strength of our entrepreneurial community,” said Kinnee Tilly, vice president of business retention, expansion and small business for the Tulsa Metro Chamber.

To be eligible for the Blue Ribbon Award, businesses must have fewer than 250 employees and gross annual revenues of less than $20 million. Applicants for the award are judged on staff training, community involvement, customer service, business strategies and goals. The awards ceremony will take place during the Small Business Summit, a well-attended annual event featuring a guest list that often includes the president of the United States.

Please Vote
The Chamber encourages everyone to vote for one of Tulsa’s Blue Ribbon winners to receive the Community Excellence Award, which is selected by popular vote via the U.S. Chamber website. Voting takes place between March 1-11; the winner is announced at the summit.

NCAA Tournament Map

The 2nd and 3rd Rounds of the NCAA Tournament will be in Tulsa March 18 and 20. To accommodate the influx of visitors and guests, the city of Tulsa, Tulsa Sports Commission, The University of Tulsa and other city partners are operating shuttles throughout downtown and the Cherry Street and Brookside entertainment districts.

A map of the bus routes is available for download and will be distributed at area restaurants, bars, venue, hotels and on city streets leading up to and during the tournament. Please be advised that traffic in and around the downtown area will be heavy that weekend and we ask for all Tulsa citizens to practice patience and understanding, and also encourage them to participate in the game-day festivities by taking advantage of the free shuttles.

Click here to download the NCAA Tournament map.

Expo Square, VisitTulsa announce new contract

Mark Andrus, president and CEO of Expo Square, and Ray Hoyt, interim senior vice president of VisitTulsa, were joined by Bob O’Bannon, executive director of Breeder’s Invitational, and Tulsa County Commissioner Fred Perry at a press conference to announce the signing of a three-year contract between Breeder’s Invitational and Expo Square.

“I am excited our facility has solidified additional event years with one of our great partners,” said Andrus. “The Breeder’s Invitational enables us to provide Tulsa County with a quality attraction, while fulfilling our mission to create a significant economic impact. Being able to develop partnerships with our clients and Visit Tulsa has allowed us to grow and retain business, resulting in a higher quality of life for our community.”

Breeder’s Invitational made its debut in Tulsa two years ago when they signed their original three-year contract through 2011. As a result of the show’s success in Tulsa, the group elected to sign another three-year contract good through 2014.

“Their decision to sign a second three-year contract is truly a testament to the wonderful facilities, dedicated staff and accommodating space at Expo Square as well as the hospitality only Tulsa can offer,” said Hoyt. “As a representative of VisitTulsa it is my honor and duty to work with these fine men and women of the Breeder’s Invitational to ensure the two weeks they spend in Tulsa each year is a success both for their organization and for our region.”

Annually, the Breeder’s Invitational brings an estimated $3.3 million economic impact during their two-week stay in Tulsa. As a result each three-year contract provides a nearly $10 million economic boost to the regional economy.

For media coverage of the event, please see the following stories:
Breeder’s Invitational signs three-year extension with Tulsa’s Expo Square
Expo Square signs horse show for three more years

American Airlines donates MD-80 jet to Tulsa Tech

American Airlines, the largest private employer in Tulsa, donated one of its MD-80 aircraft to Tulsa Tech. The plane, which American retired from its MD-80 fleet, provides students in the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program at Tulsa Tech with an opportunity to gain practical experience from working on a commercial aircraft.

Gov. Mary Fallin participated in the donation ceremony and thanked American Airlines on its continued investment in growing the aerospace industry in Oklahoma. Furthermore, she listed reinstating the aerospace engineering jobs incentive as a priority this legislative session.

“At American Airlines, we are committed to helping future mechanics and engineers have access to the latest technology and services,” said Bill Collins, American’s Vice President – Base Maintenance. “We are thrilled to donate one of our MD-80 aircraft to Tulsa Tech, which will help them provide a new generation with new opportunities for world-class training and practical experience.”

Dr. Kara Gae Neal, superintendent of Tulsa Tech, accepted the donation and said, “Tulsa Tech offers a cutting-edge, FAA-approved curriculum to train certified technicians who can repair, maintain and inspect aircraft. The donated MD-80 will provide students with hands-on experience as they hone their newly acquired skills.”

OU-Tulsa reaches construction milestone on Wayman Tisdale Specialty Health Clinic

Gov. Mary Fallin and University of Oklahoma-Tulsa President Dr. Gerard Clancy, Tulsa Metro Chamber 2011 chair, marked a milestone in the construction of the OU Wayman Tisdale Specialty Health Clinic on Friday during a “topping off” ceremony to signify construction has reached the maximum height of the building.

The Tisdale Clinic, scheduled for completion in spring 2012, will offer specialty health services to patients in north, east and west Tulsa. Research conducted by OU-Tulsa shows that life expectancy in those areas of Tulsa is 14 years less than in midtown and south Tulsa neighborhoods. There is also a significant shortage of physicians in north, east and west Tulsa. The Tisdale Clinic is being built to help address those health disparities.

The $20 million cost of the Tisdale Clinic is provided from a variety of public and private sources including $6 million from the Oklahoma State Legislature, $4 million from other state agencies, $3 million from the George Kaiser Family Foundation, $3.5 million from anonymous donors, $1 million from the Morningside Healthcare Foundation, $1 million from Saint Francis Health System, $1 million in medical equipment from the St. John Medical Center, $750,000 from the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, and $750,000 from the Helmerich Foundation.

Facilities planning placed emphasis on hiring north Tulsa contractors in construction, and to date, 24 percent of the construction thus far was awarded to those builders.

TYPros to host Street CReD
What happens when community redevelopment meets urban revitalization?

Tulsa’s Young Professionals will host its inaugural Street CReD event April 15-16 in the Pearl District to give the intersection on Sixth Street between Peoria and Quincy a “weekend makeover.” The annual event was created to visually articulate the potential any area has of becoming a dense, transit-oriented neighborhood with a diverse mix of people and culture.

This approach to development benefits shop owners and local merchants whose products and services can more easily be observed. TYPros presents the initiative to offer citizens a clear vision of what Tulsa could become through community redevelopment and urban revitalization. Each year, TYPros will choose a different part of the city to highlight.

TYPros is currently seeking vendors, performers and community organizations to get involved. The following opportunities are free, but space is limited:

• Community Organizations
Organizations interested in promoting their services and support for community redevelopment and urban revitalization can reserve a spot in the “Community Village.”

• Vendors
Entrepreneurs, business owners and restaurateurs are invited to set up shop along Sixth Street for the weekend.

• Entertainers
Street performers of all kinds are encouraged to join the festivities. A diverse cross-section of entertainers is needed, including musicians, break-dancers, mariachi bands, performance artists and glee clubs.

When no area of Tulsa is neglected, the entire city benefits. Join TYPros for the kickoff 5-9 p.m., Friday, April 15 and the day of the event, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday, April 16. The event is free and open to the public. For more information or to reserve a vendor/partner/entertainer spot, contact Brian Paschal at 918.560.0286 or brianpaschal@typros.org.

U.S. Chamber study shows relationship between jobs and regulatory action

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently released a study revealing that states with the largest burden of labor and employment regulation are sacrificing opportunities to reduce their unemployment rate and generate new business startups.

The study shows if each state were to improve their regulatory climates to the level discussed in the report, the effect would be equivalent to a one-time boost of 746,462 net new jobs nationwide. Moreover, the rate of new business formation would increase by 12 percent, resulting in the creation of 51,590 new firms nationally each year. Reducing the burden of labor and employment regulation in the states could act as a free shot of economic stimulus — equal to approximately seven months of job creation at the current average rate.

Click here to view the full copy of the study including methodology. Click here to see a report on Oklahoma.

Tulsa companies support Commission at Strike Night fundraiser

The Tulsa Sports Commission held its annual fundraiser, Strike Night, last week at the Andy B’s RiverLanes where 22 teams participated in the bowling and games event.

Taking first place as Strike Night king was Mazzio’s Pizza. Best ball winner went to Dale Hubbard while the Best Dressed Team award belonged to Dairy Divas from Borden Dairy.

Also winning that evening was Duke Welsh who won courtside seats to an NBA Thunder game in the raffle.

“We are thrilled with the event’s growth after only three years,” said Ray Hoyt, executive director of the Tulsa Sports Commission. “It has become a great opportunity for us to not only raise money for the Sports Commission, but also continue to educate the community on our mission of attracting premier sports and entertainment events to Tulsa to help provide an economical boost and increase the overall quality of life.”

What we’re working on

Executive
• Hosting small group board luncheon.
• Meeting with metro K-12 superintendents and business leaders.
• Quarterly meeting with regional college presidents.
• Hosting Resource Campaign top cash producer dinner.
• Attending Governor’s Economic Development marketing team meeting and Oklahoma Economic Development Council executive committee meeting and luncheon with Secretary of Commerce Dave Lopez.
• Presenting at City of Tulsa Economic Development Commission meeting.
• Hosting the Mayor’s Business Retention Breakfast.
• Attending Rotary Club Luncheon and serving as the Rotarian of the Day.
• Attending Tulsa Sports Commission nominating committee meeting.
• Hosting a Tulsa Metro Chamber special board meeting.
• Presenting at board of Tulsa County commissioners’ meeting.
• Hosting small group city councilors’ Luncheon.
• Speaking at American Chamber of Commerce Executives Circle of Champions Sales Conference and hosting reception.
• Hosting Legislative Briefing Breakfast with Northeast Oklahoma delegation.

VisitTulsa
• Conducting hospitality training with frontline employees for NCAA Tournament.
• Having a sales meeting with SMG and VisitTulsa.
• Making final preparations for NCAA 2nd and 3rd Round Men’s Basketball Tournament.
• Hosting joint ACCE Sales Conference with Tulsa Metro Chamber staff.
• Processing housing requests for SKILLS USA 2011 Leadership Conference.
• Attending the Society of Government Meeting Professionals luncheon.
• Attending Meeting Professionals International meeting in Stillwater.
• Processing leads received at Destination Showcase in D.C.
• Securing industry partners for the Dallas/Fort Worth Sales Blitz in April.

Tulsa Sports Commission
• Continued preparations for NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Rounds 2 and 3.
• Creating site visit plans for future business with AC Milan.
• Creating site visit plans and further negotiations for hosting USA Fencing.
• Follow up from TSC fundraising event Strike Night.

Membership
• Making final preparations for ACCE National Membership sales conference on March 10-11.
• Following up on Minority Business Champion referrals.
• Making monthly retention contacts.
• Sending letters to dropped members.
• Contacting new members to attend Member Briefing and Breakfast Network.
• Completing ACCE national chamber’s operations survey.
• Updating chamber staff leads and processing payment for incentives.
• Prospecting for new members.

Marketing and Communications
• Distributing monthly VisitTulsa enewsletter.
• Distributing weekly Legislative Update.
• Managing media relations leading up to NCAA Tournament.
• Monitoring legislative issues for needed communications.
• Promoting upcoming Chamber events.
• Finishing content for TYPros relocation guide.
• Continuing drafting content for new downtown website.
• Planning website updates to GrowMetroTulsa.com economic development website.
• Working on earned media opportunities for TYPros’ Street Cred event.

Economic Development
• Submit two Industrial RFPs.
• Follow-up phone call to six lead development companies.
• Working on legislative strategies for MOSAIC for 2011.
• Hosting Mayor’s Breakfast for TYPros attendees.
• Attending Education Committee meeting for the Small Business Council.
• Touring Broken Arrow Tulsa Tech Facility with TAMA.
• Attending the presentation of the ORU SIFE committee’s latest projects.
• Attending the OK Business Incubator Association quarterly meeting.
• Attending Oklahoma Economic Development Council and Governors Economic Development Team.
• Presenting at Economic Development Commission meeting.
• Attending NAIOP.
• Hosting a site visit with an out-of-town developer.

Education and Workforce
• Attending TAHRA College Relations committee meeting and TAHRA board meeting.
• Working on the Return On Inclusion Summit with TAHRA board.
• Meeting with Borets-Weatherford to discuss upcoming job fair and hiring needs.
• Community Care College meeting to discuss programs, placement numbers and partnership.
• Attending Higher Ed Forum meeting.
• Recruiting volunteers for Oklahoma Scholars presentations at TPS.
• Planning Health Care forum on EMSA; tentative date April 7.
• Attending Partners In Education ceremony at Lee Elementary.
• Attending meeting with Tulsa area school superintendents.
• Participating in U.S. Chamber conference call on “Waiting for Superman.”
• Attending School Innovations Task Force meeting.
• Attending Tulsa Ballet Strategic Planning meeting.
• Planning upcoming health and education forums.

Tulsa’s Young Professionals
• Planning for GreenSpeak series on Tulsa’s trash plan.
• Working on details for Street Cred event in April.
• Attending the Mayor’s Business Retention Breakfast with Leadership Team.

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.

Welcome new members:
360 Sports, Inc.
Afterhours Mobile Repair
Assurance Restoration LLC
BAG Holdings, LLC
Behles Van Staden PLC
Billie's Town West Tag Agency
Borets-Weatherford U.S., Inc.
Boston Avenue Tax & Accounting Service
Brune Law Firm
Chemtrade Refinery Services Inc.
Christine Wilson Agency
Cognitio Consulting
Court Appointed Special Advocate For Children
Douglas W. Alford Agency
Edward Jones - Carla Bailey
Eye Restoration Clinic
Fab Lab Tulsa, Inc.
Farmers Insurance Group - Cunningham Insurance Age
FindLaw
Five Hour Sample, LLC
GK Home Furnishings, Inc.
Goodies Catering
Hardnox Inc.
Hemphill, LLC
Hey Mambo Italiano
Ident-a-Kid Services of America
Ion Solar, LLC
Jessica's One Tiny Cafe
Ladner, Little & Eldredge Law Firm
Learfield Sports
McDonald, McCann and Metcalf, L.L.P.
Melaleuca
Metal Management Services, Inc.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney - Jane Mudgett
Oklahomans for Equality
Orange Sky
Peggy Merrill, DDS
Relay Health (Board of Advisors level)
Schlotzsky's
Security Pest Control, Inc.
Stork Vision
Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tulsa Affiliate
Sustainable Tulsa
Swank Audio Visuals
The Goddard School in Jenks
The Spaghetti Warehouse
Transitions Home Staging, LLC
Trinity Staffing
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
Wholesale Auto Paints of Tulsa
Windstream Communications
Women's Business Council - Southwest
Worldwide Express

Ribbon cuttings

Bandon Trails
Toni Patterson, Manager
2505 E. 88th Street
Tulsa, OK 74137
Phone: 918.299.4451

Grogg’s Green Barn, LLC
Kelly Grogg, Manager
10105 E. 61st Street
Tulsa, OK 74146
Phone: 918.994.4222
www.groggsgreenbarn.com

Schlotzsky’s
Tina Harris, Human Resources
4905 E. 41st Street
Tulsa, OK
Phone: 918.622.4053

IN THIS ISSUE

PRESENTING SPONSORS