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Chamber announces five-year job, capital investment goal in Tulsa’s Future plan
Leaders reveal amount invested to fund regional economic development program

The Tulsa Metro Chamber recently announced job creation and capital investment goals for the second five-year phase of its ongoing regional economic development plan, Tulsa’s Future. Officials also announced the plan’s list of investors and total amount invested following a seven-month campaign to fund the aggressive plan.


Under the leadership of campaign chair Steve Malcolm, retired chairman, president and CEO of Williams, and campaign co-chair Stuart Solomon, president and COO of Public Service Company of Oklahoma, the Tulsa’s Future campaign secured $16.2 million in pledge commitments from 126 investors, including 26 Oversight Committee members. The total is 108 percent of the Chamber’s $15 million campaign stretch goal and well above the campaign cabinet’s original baseline goal of $12.5 million.


“Like any business, a program will only succeed if it is properly funded,” said Solomon. “And as is the nature of our community, when asked, leaders in our region stepped up to the plate to establish Tulsa’s Future as a professional and competitive economic development program.”


Tulsa’s Future is a five-year, public-private economic development plan with a goal to create 10,000 primary, high-value jobs with salaries of $50,000 or more and generate a capital investment of $1 billion in the Tulsa region. It is designed to leverage diverse strategies to enhance the greater Green County region’s standing as a place for business, residents, visitors and students of all ages. High-value growth in existing and new businesses, thriving public and private educational institutions, and flourishing communities and downtowns will make the Tulsa region a national model for quality and sustainable regional development.


“It has been said competition fuels opportunity and growth, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for the region’s businesses and communities,” said Jake Henry, vice chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors for economic development, a Tulsa’s Future Oversight Committee member and the president and CEO of Saint Francis Health System. “Tulsa’s Future is a multi-purpose, regional-centric strategy that better positions the entire Northeast Oklahoma region to take full advantage of improving economic conditions.” 

Gov. Mary Fallin addressed investors at its annual meeting and shared her priorities to assist with the proactive work Tulsa’s Future seeks to accomplish.

“Congratulations on your accomplishment and let me say, thank you for your investment in economic development,” said Gov. Fallin.  “I hope pro-business legislation such as the reinstatement of the engineering tax credit, the creation of a quick action deal-closing fund, and meaningful tort reform will assist in your efforts to create jobs in Oklahoma.”


Read more about this announcement and the Tulsa’s Future plan, target industries and goals online.

Resource Campaign adds to momentum, surpassing last year’s numbers

In its third week, this year’s Resource Campaign continued the record-breaking trend with a 6 percent increase in cash and a 5 percent increase overall. Campaign volunteers gathered at Dave and Buster’s for a reward session, networking and good food.

Many checks and trips were handed out to the top rock star volunteers while LToya Knighten, program manager of government affairs, offered insight to sponsorship opportunities within her division including legislative forums, luncheons and the D.C. Fly-in.

While working on the Campaign, volunteers earn cash incentives and trips to places like Big Cedar Lodge or Barbados through the sale of sponsorships and memberships. The Campaign supports around 23 percent of the Chamber’s annual budget. This money is returned to member businesses through business-building events, forums, initiatives, support and more.

For more information on the Resource Campaign, sponsorship or membership opportunities or how to volunteer for next year’s campaign contact Karen Humphrey, campaign director, at karenhumphrey@tulsachamber.com or call 918.560.0250.

Chamber highlights aerospace industry to international and national journalists

The Tulsa Metro Chamber partnered with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to host twelve journalists from the United States, France, the UK and Italy for an informational tour of the Tulsa region’s aerospace industry.

Tulsa’s Future, the Chamber’s regional economic development program, funded the Tulsa leg of the tour by providing air travel, hotel accommodations, transportation, and meals.

“We have to tell our story.  Highlighting our workforce creation training at Tulsa Tech, innovations in new technology at FlightSafety, the high caliber of workmanship at American Airlines, and the national headquarters of NORDAM is just part of the story,” said Mike Neal, president and CEO.  “We are also featuring Oklahoma’s job creation incentives and our region’s famous hospitality.”

“Tulsa’s Future is committed to providing more resources and seeking more opportunities to showcase why Northeast Oklahoma is primed for growth in our target industries,” said Neal.

Visit these links for news coverage of the tour and blogs by the journalists:

Tulsa World.com

KOTV – Ch 6

NewsOK.com

Airline Business Blog

Christine Negroni – Flying Lessons

Outstanding business partners honored at Partners In Education recognition reception

Award for Excellence:
A Pocket Full of Hope 

Champions Award:
Webster High School Class of 1952

Dedicated Partnership Award:
Congregation B’Nai Emunah

Outstanding District Partner:
T.D. Williamson 

Outstanding Faith-Based Partner:
First Baptist Church of Tulsa

Outstanding Small Business Partner:
Sagebrush Pipeline Equip. Co., Inc.

Valuable Investment Award:
University of Phoenix

Chittom Challenge Award:
Dan Keating 

Partner of the Year:
Williams Companies

Thank you to all of our Partners for your continued involvement and leadership. The Chamber greatly appreciates all that you do for your community to ensure not only the success of the students, but of Tulsa’s workforce and businesses. If you would like to get involved with Partners in education, please contact Heather Johnson at heatherjohnson@tulsachamber.com.

Monthly Capitol Luncheon offers update of legislative issues

Chamber leaders and regional businesses joined Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb and state legislators at the Jim Thorpe Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame last Wednesday for an up-to-date discussion of priority legislation and upcoming issues. The Chamber hosts a luncheon every month to give local business leaders a chance to network with their state representatives and develop a beneficial working relationship to better advocate for regional priorities.

The construction of an Oklahoma POPS Museum in downtown Tulsa was at the forefront of discussion as Chamber leaders work to bring another piece of economic progress to fruition. Many local leaders touched on the capability of our state government to equally-support the Tulsa metro as it does the Oklahoma City region, especially with the eagerness of Tulsa businesses to do their part in matching funds. 

“The musicians want this museum in Tulsa. Garth Brooks, Reba, Kristin Chenoweth, they’ve all pledged their support of this museum,” said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Chamber. “Businesses and organizations across Tulsa are behind this project. Now, we’ve got to gain the support of our delegation. It’s Tulsa’s turn.” 

Companies like Bank of Oklahoma and organizations like the George Kaiser Family Foundation are already involved, donating their own time and money while encouraging their peers to join them in making the POPS museum the next big impact to our local economy.

“With the multitude of incredible musicians from Oklahoma, and more specifically our region, Tulsa must act to keep their legacy at home,” said Neal. “That history doesn’t belong in Nashville. Establishing this type of museum would give the musicians something to be proud of in their home state and bring fans, memorabilia and the musicians back where they belong, in Tulsa.” 

Ken Levit, executive director of the George Kaiser Family Foundation, and Jeff Dunn, president of Mill Creek Lumber and vice chair of government affairs for the Chamber, hit on the economic impact of this project, saying its potential to bolster downtown matches that of the BOK Center or ONEOK field.

“This museum will have a tremendous draw,” said Levitt. “It fits directly into the vision of downtown, one of diversity that will draw an eclectic group of travelers and residents to our metro.”

Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb encouraged the project, tying its fundamental purpose into a larger picture for Oklahoma. Lamb said just like the musicians who left the state for big fame and flashing lights, businesses that continue to choose other states because of their incentives must be given a reason to come to Oklahoma. 

“We’ve got to start competing with these states economically,” said Lamb. “We’ve got to get a closing fund passed to compete with these states.” 

The establishment of a Quick Action Closing Fund is progress for Oklahoma economically and will encourage job growth and business development by ensuring when Oklahoma is recruiting a company, the state and its leaders have the tools to cross the finish line. 

Other legislators like Rep. Skye McNiel, Rep. Dan Sullivan, Rep. Guy Liebmann, Rep. Fred Jordan, Senator Bill Brown, Senator Dan Newberry, Senator John Ford, Senator Jim Halligan and Speaker of the House Kris Steele touched on education, transportation and economic development. Steele complimented the Chamber’s efforts to advocate and offer opportunities for membership involvement in the political process, encouraging the continued support of the organization and its members.

“I appreciate your involvement and leadership and the input you provide,” said Steele. “It allows us to do our jobs more efficiently.”

The Chamber and its regional partners work annually to develop the OneVoice agenda to identify priorities for the metro and Eastern Oklahoma. There have been many victories for the agenda during the 2011 session, including major economic development tools.

The Supplemental Hospital Offset Payment Program (SHOPP) and a Quick Action Closing Fund tool bills passed in the Senate last week by wide margins and now move forward in the legislative process. The Chamber encourages you to voice your continued support until both bills reach the governor. To read an editorial on SHOPP, click here.

To read an editorial on the Quick Action Closing Fund, click here.

The Aerospace Tax Credit, a top OneVoice priority, was signed by the governor on April 4 and will help continue to develop Oklahoma into a state with a strong business climate, ready to do business. The credit will incentivize the hiring of high-quality jobs averaging annual salaries of $55,000, resulting in a projected economic impact of $270 million. 

Gov. Fallin also signed two Chamber priorities, worker’s compensation and lawsuit reform, which will help to cut costs and balance the budget. For more information on worker’s compensation reform, click here.

For more information on lawsuit reform, click here.

The Chamber offers multiple opportunities for legislative education and advocacy. For details on Chamber or OneVoice agenda priorities or to attend the next event, please visit www.tulsachamber.com or call 918.585.1201. 

Chamber leaders attend public hearing in support of Project Schoolhouse

Eight Chamber leaders attended the Project Schoolhouse public hearing last Tuesday in an effort to show the community and school board their support of the initiative, which aims to give students across Tulsa equal opportunities for quality education while cutting costs and making Tulsa Public Schools more efficient.

All eight attendees spoke during the hearing, offering their encouraging input as business and community leaders interested and involved in the process. President and CEO of the Chamber Mike Neal was among the speakers. Neal stressed the importance of quality public education when attracting and growing businesses, what developing a well-educated workforce means to the economy and how this initiative will positively affect the future of Tulsa.

“We want to have the finest schools in the country,” said Neal. “We appreciate the many steps you are taking to make systematic changes that will result in a better education for all our kids.”

Tuesday night was the final public hearing before Dr. Keith Ballard, superintendent of TPS, recommends a plan of action to the school board. Project Schoolhouse began as a cost-cutting initiative to assist with the budgetary issues during the economic downturn, but turned into an efficiency effort after the information gathered brought education inequalities across the district to Ballard’s attention.

The Chamber supports Project Schoolhouse’s goals and continues to give Ballard, the school board and the entire TPS community its unwavering encouragement.

“Thank you for being leaders in this community and confronting your fiscal difficulties,” said Neal. “We know this process has not been easy and you cannot make everyone happy, but it will result in a better educational experience for our kids and that will make all of Tulsa stronger.”

The school board is currently reviewing Dr. Ballard’s recommendation to close 14 school buildings and convert an addition eight into other uses, saving TPS around $5 million a year. The board plans to announce its decision today.

Development, marketing company plans expansion

Majeska & Associates, a new Tulsa-based development and marketing company to the mid-continent paving industry, announced it has been accepted into Oklahoma’s 21st Century Quality Jobs Program, an incentive created to attract growth industries and sectors through a policy of rewarding businesses with a highly skilled, knowledge-based workforce. 

“Innovation is the key to success for our business; it is the economic engine that drives Tulsa, Oklahoma and our country,” said Brian Majeska, CEO and one of the Majeska & Associate’s principals. “The 21st Century Quality Jobs Program is a valuable aid in expanding our team in a manner that helps foster growth through talent.”

Through its participation in the 21st Century Quality Jobs Program, Majeska & Associates anticipates creating up to 26 new jobs in the next three years. The 26 new jobs support an additional 60 indirect or induced jobs and an annual economic impact of almost $8.5 million in the Tulsa region. As a 21st Century enrollee, Majeska is eligible to receive a cash rebate of up to 10 percent of the new taxable payroll it adds to the state. For the company to qualify for the state incentive package, the average wage of the jobs created must be at least $94,418.

Majeska is the third Tulsa-based company to receive the 21st Century Quality Jobs incentive; statewide, four companies have qualified for the program since its inception in 2009.

Read more about this announcement online.

Tulsa company up for national small business award

Cheryl Cohenour (center), president of Cherokee CRC, and her staff accepted the 2011 Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year award at the state and regional competition held at the Oklahoma History Center in April.

Tulsa’s Cherokee CRC, LLC, won the 2011 Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year for Oklahoma and the region and will compete for national recognition during the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Week, May 16-20 in Washington, D.C.           

“We congratulate Cherokee CRC on this tremendous achievement and are proud to have a company of its stature representing not only Tulsa or Oklahoma, but our region, at the national level,” said Kinnee Tilly, vice president of business retention, expansion and small business for the Tulsa Metro Chamber.

Cherokee CRC, LLC, part of the Cherokee Nation Businesses family,  is a diversified small business offering services in consulting and engineering, predominately in markets of aerospace industries, construction, environmental and professional services.  

Click here for more on National Small Business Week.

Four-state chamber leaders convene at conference
Tulsa Metro Chamber staff present on panels

Matt Pivarnik, executive vice president, welcomes attendees at the MAKO Conference.

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·       Attending and speaking at the MAKO (Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma) Conference.

·       Attending Junior Achievement dinner honoring Dick Williamson of TD Williamson

·       Speaking at Small Business Council meeting.

·       Attending monthly meeting with Mike Bunney.

·       Attending Rotary Club luncheon.

·       Hosting Tulsa Public School Foundation Cup committee meeting.

·       Attending TYPros leadership meeting.

·       Attending Oklahoma Scholars Graduate Recognition Reception.

·       Hosting Mayor’s Retention Breakfast.

·       Attending Tulsa’s Future Oversight Committee meeting.

·       Attending hotel and lodging tax meeting.

·       Hosting senior staff at Tulsa Drillers game.

·       Attending Legislative Briefing Breakfast.

·       Hosting lunch and golf with site selection consultants.

·       Hosting city councilors at Tulsa Drillers game.

Economic Development 

·       Attending a Downtown Coordinating Council meeting.

·       Attending Deco District meeting.

·       Attending the Brady Owner’s meeting.

·       Participating in meeting regarding downtown lighting.

·       Participating in Small Business day at the Capitol with Lt. Governor Todd Lamb.

·       Meeting with a regional partner to discuss partnership on Business Retention Expansion program.

·       Finalizing program to engage volunteers as well as regional partners in the Business Retention Expansion program.

·       Attending Tulsa Future Oversight Committee meeting.

·       Attending CoreNet in Chicago.

·       Meeting with Cherokee Nation reps to discuss economic development.

·       Attending industrial site meeting with local representatives.

·       Attending Industrial Asset Management Council to meet with site consultants and corporate real estate representatives.

·       Hosting Small Business Council monthly meeting.

·       Hosting Mayor's Retention Breakfast focused on health care.

·       Hosting Entrepreneurial Venture Oversight Committee meeting.

·       Attending rail crossing meeting.

·       Meeting on downtown property redevelopment.

·       Attending Jenks City Council to discuss economic development.

·       Meeting with a new company to discuss incentives.

·       Meeting with Tulsa International Airport director.

·       Meeting with the City of Tulsa economic development officer.

·       Meeting with the Catoosa Economic Development Council to discuss Tulsa’s Future.

·       Hosting two site consultants from Texas.

Education and Workforce

·       Meeting with Oklahoma Health Care Workforce Center.

·       Conference call to discuss WorkAdvance program location.  

·       Tulsa’s Future II Oversight Committee meeting.

·       Meeting with TYPros Diversity Crew leaders.

·       Attending Mayor’s Breakfast.

·       Finalizing prep for Oklahoma Scholars Dinner.

·       Training US Cellular employees for Oklahoma Scholars presentations.

·       Finishing Oklahoma Scholars 8^th grade presentations in TPS.

·       Attending TPS board meeting.

·       Attending Hamilton Middle School end of year Partners In Education ceremony.

·       Attending Global Vision Awards.

·       Attending CACR checkpoint meeting.

·       Attending D&I meeting.

·       Writing Partners In Education e-newsletter for May.

Tulsa’s Young Professionals

·       Hosting Toast to TYPros.

·       Planning Unplugged with Steve Malcolm.

·       Organizing 360˚ orientation. 

·       Planning Big Wheel fundraiser

·       Brainstorming new family friendly event. 

Government Affairs

·       Monitoring State and Federal legislation.

·       Attending State Chamber Legislative Affairs Committee meeting.

·       Attending Claremore Chamber Luncheon featuring Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb.

·       Attending Small Business Council regular meeting.

·       Presenting legislative report to Tulsa’s Future II Oversight Committee.

·       Hosting Legislative Briefing Breakfast.

·       Attending Resource Campaign Reward Session luncheon.

·       Planning May-June legislative events.

·       Preparing for OneVoice Legislative Task Force meetings.

VisitTulsa

·       Promoting Tulsa to more than 300 corporate meeting planners at Collaborate Marketplace in Houston May 3-6, 2011.

·       Attending a team sales meeting with SMG and VisitTulsa.

·       Attending the directors of sales meeting.

·       Hosting a site visit with BWI, Inc.

·       Attending the event, entertainment, and tourism advisory committee meeting.

·       Attending the OSAE monthly luncheon.

·       Attending the OSAE committee meeting.

Tulsa Sports Commission

·       Preparing for and attending the USA Volleyball local organizing committee meeting.

·       Gathering photos for USA Volleyball credentials.

·       Organizing USA Volleyball sponsorship information.

·       Finalizing hotel contract for USA Volleyball.

·       Coordinating entertainment for USA Volleyball.

Marketing and Communications

·       Finalizing Chamber Report copy and design.

·       Exploring next steps for VisitTulsa branding.

·       Updating content on Chamber websites.

·       Preparing marketing collateral for upcoming events.

·       Working with USA Volleyball marketing committee to promote event locally and regionally.

Chamber welcomes new businesses