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Resource Campaign tops $3 million
Chamber staff gathered with campaign volunteers and sponsors Thursday night at the Tulsa Country Club to celebrate the end of its 10-week Resource Campaign and announce the final total – more than $3 million.
Twenty-nine corporate teams consisting of 180 volunteers sold 1,264 sponsorships to the Chamber’s programs, meetings, events and publications raising $3,071,238 to support 25 percent of the Chamber’s annual budget.
The revenue generated underwrites the Chamber’s program of work in the areas of small business and entrepreneurship, education, workforce attraction, advocacy, and member services such as referrals and networking events.
Matt Pivarnik, executive vice president of the Chamber, said the campaign is considered a top model program by peer chambers and is among the top five in the nation.
“What volunteers accomplished this year means the Chamber can provide more programs and services to help business, or lobby for a greater return on tax dollars, or do more to improve the quality of life for our families,” said Pivarnik.
The Chamber’s Resource Campaign remains the second largest of its kind in the nation.
“Each year, the campaign reports significant revenue growth, which is returned to the Chamber’s members and the community in the form of economy-building initiatives,” said Becky J. Frank, chairman and CEO of Schnake Turnbo Frank | PR, Resource Campaign chair and chair-elect of the Chamber. “Now in its 17th year, the continued growth of the campaign is sustained directly through the positive return on members’ investments and dedicated volunteers.”
U.S. Men’s Volleyball Team arrives in Tulsa Wednesday
Show your patriotism: bring USA flags and wear red, white, and blue to support team
The USA Men’s National Volleyball Team, ranked fifth in the world, will arrive in Tulsa on Wednesday, June 22 in preparation for its two FIVB Bama World League matches against the No. 1 ranked Brazil team on June 24-25 at the Reynolds Center at The University of Tulsa.
The Brazilian team will arrive on Tuesday.
U.S. Men is the defending Olympic champion, winning its first World League title in 2008 and finishing third in 1992 and 2007. Brazil is ranked No. 1 in the world and has won the last two World League titles and nine World League titles overall. It also won the 2010 World Championship.
According to the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), volleyball in the USA is second in popularity only to basketball with an estimated 29 million people playing indoor or beach volleyball.
“We are honored to host this class of extremely talented, dedicated Olympic athletes,” said Ray Hoyt, senior vice president of VisitTulsa and Tulsa Sports Commission executive director. “Besides bringing international visitors to Tulsa, this is an opportunity for us to expose the community to a growing sport and one that many residents already participate in recreationally.”
Matches begin at 7 p.m., both nights. Click here to purchase tickets online or buy them in person at TU's box office inside the Reynolds Center, 3208 East Eighth St., between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Groups of 20 or more can purchase tickets by calling 918.631.4688. Both nights' matches will start at 7 p.m.
Prices are:
Upper Bowl (General Admission) - $8
Ends of Lower Bowl - $12 ($8 for group of 20+)
Reserved Lower Bowl - $15
Reserved Lower Bowl Padded Seats - $20
TYPros big wheel race raises funds for community partner
Tulsa’s Young Professionals raised more than $13,000 for its 2011 community partner, the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, over the weekend at the Tulsa Big Wheel race. The benefit paired adults with kids’ big wheels for a fun twist on a typical summer fundraiser.
More than 50 participants put their pride on the line for a good cause Saturday, mounting custom-made or tyke-sized big wheels for the races down the hill at Veteran’s Park at 18th and Boulder. Winners of the 11 heats received awards, along with special prizes in fun categories like Slowest Racer and Coolest Costume.
Congratulations to the corporate race winner, Nichols Company, and the overall “Big Wheel Champion” Brian Easlon. John and Julie O’Connor won “Biggest Fundraiser” while Mod’s Crepes and Café won “Best Big Wheel.”
To make a donation, please visit www.firstgiving.com/foodbankok.
BOK Center wins top arena venue excellence award
The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) has awarded the BOK Center the 2011 Venue Excellence Award. This prestigious award is given annually to only one arena in the world.
Judging was based on four criteria used to demonstrate the ways in which the venue has excelled in the management and operation of a public assembly venue. The criteria for the award includes: operational excellence, teambuilding/professional development, safety and security, and service to the community.
“The BOK Center and SMG, in receiving this award, put themselves at the pinnacle of venue management. What the BOK Center has accomplished in just three short years is truly phenomenal,” said Dexter King, president and CEO of the IAVM.
“This recognition is absolutely well-deserved by John Bolton and his staff,” said Tulsa Metro Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal. “He has put together a phenomenal team and they have consistently managed this beautiful venue at a level of unparalleled excellence.”
Bolton, general manager of the SMG-managed facility, accepted the award on behalf of the venue at a press conference last Thursday.
“To be recognized as the best takes an amazing team and I’m proud to say we have that team with SMG both here in Tulsa and in our corporate headquarters in Philadelphia,” said Bolton. ‘This award recognizes the hundreds of part-time and full-time employees who work every day to ensure our guests have an amazing experience.”
Siegfried elected as 2012-2013 chairman of State Chamber
The State Chamber of Oklahoma elected a new slate of officers at its annual meeting in Lawton last week, including Tulsan T. Hastings Siegfried, COO of NORDAM, as the chairman-elect for the 2012-2013 term.
“I am excited about the direction of our State Chamber over the long-term as we bring in our next chairman-elect, Hastings Siegfried,” said State Chamber President Fred Morgan. “Hastings brings new blood to our organization just at a time when we are looking at innovative ways to move our state forward economically.”
Siegfried is excited about the opportunity and is sure to give the State Chamber a fresh perspective as he transitions into the chairman role over the next year.
“I am eager and optimistic about the opportunity to chair the State Chamber Board,” Siegfried said. “The team at the Chamber has generated so much momentum in the Legislature and in the Oklahoma business community. I’m looking forward to contributing to continued success.”
Wyndham Hotels enters Tulsa market
Adding to its expanding portfolio of hotels in key travel hubs across the country, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC, announced the addition of the 315-room Wyndham Tulsa to the Wyndham® brand. The hotel becomes the second Wyndham® property in Oklahoma, joining sister property Wyndham Garden Hotel Oklahoma City Airport.
The hotel, located at 10918 E. 41st St. in southeast Tulsa, was formerly under the Radisson banner. The rebranded property will feature a Beachwood’s Restaurant, Mulligan’s Sports and Spirits and Leapin’ Louie’s Lagoon, an indoor water park for kids.
“A fast-growing market like Tulsa attracts a variety of travelers looking for convenient lodging with upscale services and amenities,” said John Green, brand senior vice president of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. “We are proud to welcome the Wyndham Tulsa to the Wyndham® family and introduce the city’s visitors to the brand’s signature style of personalized hospitality.”
The full-service hotel offers more than 14,000 square feet of meeting and event space; a 24-hour business center and fully equipped fitness center; indoor and outdoor pool; free high-speed, wireless Internet access; and private, in-room spa services, including customized massages and body treatments, through local spa Omni Oasis.
State unemployment rate continues to drop
Oklahoma's jobless rate continued to fall in May to 5.3 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. May’s rate is the lowest since January 2009 and is significantly lower than the national jobless rate of 9.1 percent.
“It’s good news that the recession hit us last, and it’s good news we are beginning to emerge sooner than the rest of the nation,” said Mike Neal, the Chamber’s president and CEO. “This is in line with what we predicted for Oklahoma vs. the national economy.”
Oklahoma and the Tulsa region should continue to see more jobs created in various sectors, including manufacturing. Neal said he has been hearing from area CEOs that hiring is picking up, and many companies anticipate adding jobs in the coming months.
Click here to read more about the unemployment rate in the Tulsa World.
Additional economic development news
Tulsa-based Laredo Petroleum LLC announced last week it was purchasing Broad Oak Energy Inc., for $1 billion. Headquartered in Dallas, Broad Oak will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Laredo and be paid for with newly issued units of the buying company, according to a Tulsa World article.
“Broad Oak is a great company with an impressive track record of success,” Laredo CEO and founder Randy Foutch said in a statement to the Tulsa World. “This transaction is a significant event for Laredo, as it meaningfully increases our scale while also de-leveraging our balance sheet and adding incremental liquidity.”
Read more in the Tulsa World.
Additionally, Tulsa-based aerospace manufacturer NORDAM Group announced last week its current CEO, Bill Peacher, will resign in mid-July. NORDAM President Meredith Siegfried, daughter of NORDAM founder Ray Siegfried II, is expected to replace Peacher as CEO.
Siegfried, also chairwoman of the Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust and the Tulsa Airport Authority, has a degree in finance from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago.
Read more in the Tulsa World.
What we’re working onExecutive
• Attending Tulsa Sports Commission executive committee meeting.
• Attending Oklahoma Academy Salute planning committee meeting.
• Meeting with Chuck Prucha, new president of Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance.
• Meeting with state legislative leaders and Dr. Bob Blackburn to discuss OK Pop.
• Presenting at City of Tulsa Economic Development Commission meeting.
• Meeting with Bill Fournet of The Persimmon Group.
• Meeting with Oklahoma Department of Labor and Sharp Presentation to Air Power Systems and Larry Mocha.
• Meeting with Regional K-12 superintendents and business leaders.
• Meeting with TulsaBiz PAC board.
• Hosting area hotel general manager’s meeting.
• Speaking at Tulsa Hispanic Chamber luncheon.
• Meeting with Chairman of the Tulsa Pipeline Expo to discuss 2011 show.
• Monthly economic development meeting with Mayor Dewey Bartlett, Terry Simonson, Chris Benge and Mike Bunney.
VisitTulsa
• Meeting with the Tulsa Historical Society.
• Consultant meeting with Renaissance Tulsa Hotel.
• Hosting travel writers.
• Attending Economic Development Council meeting.
• Attending THLA monthly board meeting.
• Providing visitor information for the National Letterwinners Association National Conference at the University of Tulsa.
• Finalizing preparations for Appaloosa Horse Club’s National Horse Show and World Junior Championships at Expo Square.
Economic Development
• Meeting to discuss downtown streets.
• Participating in the Residential Task Force meeting.
• Meeting to discuss future downtown development opportunities.
• Attending the IEDC Webinar, ‘Creating a Balanced Scorecard for Organizational Success.’
• Attending OneVoice taskforce meetings.
• Meeting with local manufacturer regarding expansion needs.
• Attending Tulsa Mosaic meeting.
• Hosting site visit for company expansion.
• Attending Hispanic Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
• Completing data center request.
• Continue lead development follow-up calls.
• Contact consultants for Dallas call trip.
• Hosting local aerospace companies at Tulsa Drillers game.
• Attending a rural workshop with Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
• Meeting with BNSF Railway representatives.
• Site visit for prospective company.
• Attending groundbreaking for new project.
• Attending Tulsa Area Partnership meeting.
• Attending the OCAST board meeting.
• Meeting with the owner of a commercial property.
• Meeting with a local venture capital provider.
• Meeting with officials of an energy event.
• Meeting with a funding group to discuss economic development in North Tulsa.
• Meeting with Tulsa Mayor and staff to discuss economic development.
• Meeting with officials from Tulsa Tech.
Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce
• Working on internal D&I vision statement and immediate action items.
• Meeting with Greg Hinton, senior director and chief diversity strategist for U.S. Cellular.
Education/Workforce
• Coordinating two Partners In Education forums.
• Writing copy for July Partners In Education e-newsletter.
• Writing copy for Partners In Education summer newsletter.
• Working on Partners In Education 2011-2012 handbook.
• College Access Career Readiness (CACR) meeting with Junior Achievement.
• Recruiting CACR coaches.
• Attending meeting with K-12 superintendents and business leaders.
• Attending YWCA forum on SQ759.
• Hosting CACR committee at Tulsa Drillers.
• Attending Downtown Rotary meeting.
• Speaking to Summer Youth Program participants.
• Attending YWCA Racial Justice Retreat.
• Giving workforce report to Economic Development Council.
• Attending Diversity Business Council meeting.
• Meeting with Tulsa World to discuss partnership.
• Touring the completed Fab Lab.
• Meeting to discuss Health care Roundtables.
Tulsa’s Young Professionals
• Hosting Development Series on public leadership.
• Hosting Art Around Town at Gilcrease Museum.
• Reviewing website redesign.
• Coordinating committee for The Forge tenant interviews.
Government Affairs
• Hosting several OneVoice taskforce meetings.
• Attending City Council District 5 and 6 Town Hall meeting on City Form of government.
• Attending City of Tulsa Economic Development Commission meeting.
• Attending monthly regular meeting with chair of Tulsa County Board of Commissioners.
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.
new members:
Cam's Grocery
Cole, Hargrave, Snodgrass and Associates
Dave Bryant Agency, Inc. - Farmers Insurance Group
Dyna Service of Oklahoma LLC
Elite Roofing Systems
Face to Face Photography
Gateway Mortgage
Greenwood Healthcare Specialists for Women, PLLC
Hollywood Fitness Repair
Home-Mart, Inc.
Houston Interests, LLC
Keller Williams Realty - Jill Fleischner
Palliative Drug Care
Pawcasso's Academy of Animal Arts
Peoples Bank
Regional Hyundai
Riverside Toyota
Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park
Superior Finance Company
The Insurance Crew
Tulsa Pipeline Expo
Urban Tulsa Weekly
Xtreme Performance Center
ribbon cuttings:
Go West Restaurant and Saloon
6205 New Sapulpa Road
Tulsa, OK
Phone: 918.446.7546
Owner: Mr. John Wimpy
www.gowestrestaurant.com
Big Blast
17516 W. 8th St
Sand Springs
Melissa Torkleson, Partner
Phone: 918.640.1869
www.bigblastfireworks.com
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