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Benge to lead Government Affairs program
The Tulsa Metro Chamber’s President and CEO Mike Neal announced last Wednesday the selection of Chris Benge as the new senior vice president of government affairs leading the Chamber’s local, state and federal legislative agendas.
“Chris’ admiration at the state Capitol is without equal,” said Neal. “His diplomacy and ability to create a unified alliance across party lines is a valuable asset as the Chamber continues to grow our leadership coalition in Northeast Oklahoma.”
Benge was first elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 1998 and concluded his legislative service in November 2010 due to term limits.
During his legislative career he served as chair of the Appropriations and Budget Committee for three years. Benge led the House of Representatives for approximately three years after he was selected Speaker of the House in 2008.
“Joining the Chamber staff presents a unique opportunity to develop policy that will help the region build on its successful accomplishments over the last few years,” said Benge.
As senior vice president of government affairs for the Chamber, Benge will oversee the development and management of the Chamber’s government affairs program and the two political action committees, OklahomaBizPac and TulsaBizPac.
A large focus of the government affairs program is the annual creation and endorsement of the OneVoice state and federal legislative agendas. Task forces are currently meeting to draft prospective policies for presentation at the Chamber’s Regional Legislative Summit on Aug. 11 at the DoubleTree Hotel at Warren Place.
Benge begins his new role at the Chamber on Monday, August 1.
Editorial lauds volleyball, Sports Commission’s efforts
Today’s editorial in the Tulsa Business Journal commends the Tulsa Sports Commission in their efforts to bring Olympic sports and teams to Tulsa most recently enjoyed with the FIVB World League Volleyball matches hosted by The University of Tulsa.
“Kudos to the Tulsa Sports Commission for its ongoing and successful efforts to put Tulsa, one of only three sites across the country to host the FIVB Bama World League tournament, on the map,” states the editorial. “The volleyball matches were yet another chance for Tulsa to show its spirit of hospitality and good-natured fun.”
Tickets to the internationally televised matches were sold to residents in more than 20 states including New York and total estimated economic impact is approximately $400,000.
To read the editorial, click here.
U.S. Rep. John Sullivan speaks to business community at Congressional Forum
U.S. Rep. John Sullivan addressed regional partners, business leaders and community members at a Congressional Forum hosted by the Tulsa Metro Chamber last Tuesday.
Sullivan, who represents Oklahoma’s First District and serves on the influential House Energy and Commerce Committee, briefed the group of approximately 400 people on his bi-partisan NAT GAS Act and current issues at the nation’s Capitol.
To read more about Sullivan’s presentation, visit the Tulsa World story here.
Appaloosa Show premieres in Tulsa today
Competitors of all ages from around the country will compete for cash prizes and prestigious awards at the 64th National Appaloosa Show and World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show kicking off today, July 4, at Expo Square.
The excitement continues for 13 days expecting to draw 3,000 attendees at an estimated economic impact of $9.3 million. VisitTulsa and Expo Square worked together to attract the event to Tulsa, which was announced last year with the signing of a two-year contract. This is the first year of the two-year contract.
Stop by and check out all the action of the longest-running single-breed horse show in the United States. The show’s first six days will be centered on competition and social events for contestants 18 years of age and younger. Open and adult non-pro competition will round out the show’s second week. Spectators can expect to see Appaloosas performing in classes ranging from cutting and jumping to horse-against-horse races and most colorful classes.
In conjunction with the National Appaloosa Show, the Cowboy Way Trading Post will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from July 4-16. Vendors include Schneider’s Saddlery, Dale Chavez Saddles, Featherlite Trailers and John Deere showcasing trucks, trailers, boots, hats, furniture and home décor, fine jewelry, saddles, tack, Western & English show clothing and accessories, fine art, and much more.
Vendors will be located in the Built Ford Tough Arena and on the Esplanade at Expo Square. Parking and admission for the show and shopping are free.
Promote events on VisitTulsa.com and TulsaDowntown.org
Since the launch of VisitTulsa.com, interested parties have been invited to post their events free of charge to the online calendar and now their listing can also appear on the newly launched TulsaDowntown.org website.
The Tulsa Metro Chamber’s newest website focuses on economic development in the downtown area to leverage the progressive growth and public investment in the BOK Center, ONEOK Field, expanded Convention Center, new hotel and residential properties and more.
TulsaDowntown.org includes information for Tulsans, visitors, developers and site consultants, and has quickly become a popular online destination for individuals seeking information about downtown Tulsa.
There are two ways to submit an event:
1. Go to VisitTulsa.com, enter the event details and include “downtown” in the location field. Once approved, the event will then appear on bothVisitTulsa.com and TulsaDowntown.org.
2. Go to TulsaDowntown.org and enter the event details. Once approved, the event will appear on TulsaDowntown.org’s calendar section.
Chamber’s workforce attraction efforts create ongoing relationships across metro
The Tulsa Metro Chamber has created an expansive network of workforce and talent information available to the community with dedicated staff ready to assist.
Denise Reid, director of talent strategies and recruitment, works to facilitate the needs and opportunities of employees and employers, by researching what resources exist in and out of Tulsa for companies and organizations.
“My job is to assist employers, employees, companies and organizations with finding whatever tools or resources are needed to create a successful workforce and a strong pipeline of opportunities within our community,” said Reid.
Reid said this could be anything from helping create training program or connecting a company with an institution to recruit skilled workers, to facilitating Tulsa’s entry into the CEOs for Cities Talent Dividend Prize Network.
The Chamber also maintains the website choosetulsajobs.com as an information source for recruiters, employers or potential employees to utilize when looking for the best path in creating the strong workforce that will benefit Tulsa for decades to come.
Reid encourages companies to reach for assistance or information by visiting ChooseTulsaJobs.com, emailing denisereid@tulsachamber.com or calling 918.560.0255.
What we’re working on:Executive
• Hosting Dr. Don Betz and Northeastern State University’s management team at ONEOK Field for Driller’s baseball game.
• Speaking at Small Business Council meeting.
• Monthly meeting with INCOG.
• Attending Rotary luncheon featuring guest speaker Phil Lakin.
• Hosting Tulsa Public School Foundation Golf committee meeting.
• Making Tulsa’s Future II CEO calls.
• Having dinner with O’Reilly Hospitality Management.
• Meeting with Tulsa Police Chief Chuck Jordan.
• Hosting Past Chairman’s Luncheon.
• Hosting meeting with Mayor Dewey Bartlett and energy sector businesses.
• Attending Center for Legislative Excellence Stars & Stripes An Evening with Speaker of the House Kris Steele.
• Hosting Tulsa Sports Commission press conference.
Economic Development
• Working with a company on expansion efforts in regard to incentives.
• Meeting with regional partners to discuss regional BRE program.
• Making BRE visits to companies that have been nationally recognized for their efforts.
• Attending Downtown Coordinating Council, Deco District and Brady Owner’s meetings.
• Participating in FAST Forward Regional Transit Task Force meeting.
• Meeting with Admiral Corridor small business owners.
• Working with several local manufacturers on expansion needs.
• Meeting with City of Tulsa regarding local purchasing protocol.
• Attending Small Business Council meeting.
• Meeting with local manufacturer regarding new facility needs.
• Meeting with the Sapulpa economic development director.
• Participating in One Voice sessions.
• Meeting with the director of the Port of Catoosa.
• Participating in the Oklahoma Governor’s Economic Development Team planning session.
• Meeting with local energy company executives.
• Scheduling consultant visits for Dallas trip.
• Making lead development calls.
• Completing health care employment by NAICS Code for Tulsa bio industry.
• Meeting with CBRE consultants about data center project.
• Hosting a site visit.
VisitTulsa
• Meeting with Appaloosa Show organizers.
• Preparing year end final sales reports.
• Preparing to attend and exhibit at the Oklahoma Society of Association Executives’ annual conference.
• Follow-up on traces.
Tulsa Sports Commission
• Sending thank you letters following USA Volleyball.
• Completing letters of intent for new sporting events.
• Preparing budget for new sporting event in Tulsa.
• Wrap-up of the successful BAMA World League Men’s Volleyball event that hosted the USA Olympic team vs. #1 Brazil
• Making event preparations for a new tournament that will bring international teams to Tulsa in 2012.
• Closing BIDs and new business for year end.
• Creating new fundraising event for summer 2011.
• Wrapping up final TSC board nominations.
• Welcoming new director of sales for the TSC, Alex Alston, to Tulsa.
• Research and due diligence on bringing new niche and traditional sporting events to Tulsa.
Marketing and Communications
• Compiling media reports for clients.
• Planning press conference to announce new sporting event coming to Tulsa.
• Making content updates to websites.
• Submitting news to industry publications.
Education/Workforce
• Facilitating Project Schoolhouse transition for Partners In Education.
• Developing content for two Partners In Education collateral pieces.
• Writing Partners In Education July e-newsletter.
• Attending education and health care task force meetings.
• Developing strategic plan from Workforce Advisory Panel meeting.
• Attending Workforce Tulsa meeting and discussing potential strategies with Monster representative and Workforce Tulsa.
• Meeting with consultants/partners to discuss H1-B Grant development.
• Attending Diversity and Inclusion meeting.
• Participating in Teacher Effectiveness Commission.
• Organizing Tulsa’s Talent Dividend initiative.
TYPros
• Working with The Forge advisory and selection committee to review new tenants.
• Hosting the third summer intern series.
• Reviewing new website design.
• Planning new family-friendly event.
Government Affairs
• Hosting three OneVoice taskforce meetings.
• Attending Small Business Council meeting.
• Meeting with INCOG.
• Attending FAST Forward (Transportation) meeting.
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:
Andolini's Pizzeria
Benefits Technologies, LLC
CAVU Resources, Inc.
Clare Bridge of Tulsa
GuRuStu Group
Hubbard Family Medicine
Send Out Cards - Independent Distributor
Stan Frisbie Real Estate, LLC
Sterling House of Broken Arrow
Sterling House of Claremore
Sterling House of Owasso
Super 8
Vanco Flooring, LLC
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