Conan brought up a good point in another thread.
I've looked at a few sites including the chamber's own FB wall.
I've found nothing touting their accomplishments.
What have they done to help Tulsa lately, metro area or not? I can't find much of anything.
<crickets chirping>
Quote from: Floyd on June 04, 2010, 10:58:50 AM
<crickets chirping>
Yeah, I wasn't sure if it was just a boring topic or if there isn't a damned thing to list.
Well, since I have been directly involved for two years now I'll nominate the "One Voice" Lobby (continuing) effort as being highly effective for Tulsa and the entire Metro region and I predict it will continue to gain strength next year (this was only the 3rd year).
Quote from: Vision 2025 on June 04, 2010, 11:06:54 AM
I'll nominate the "One Voice" Lobby (continuing) effort as being highly effective for Tulsa and the entire Metro region and I predict it will continue to gain strength next year (this was only the 3rd year).
Can you elaborate? What has the effectiveness been?
For the budget our CoC has, I've been incredibly disappointed with the leadership and results ever since Clyde Cole retired in 1998. Of course, The Chamber will blame opinions like mine as being "typical anti-chamber rhetoric" and that "we don't understand what The Chamber" does. Perhaps they should listen to their critics and try to learn from it.
When the owner of our company died, ownership went to his widow. One of her sons set about trying to figure out how to get the company certified as a woman-owned business which carries with it certain advantages in bidding on governement work. The son was told by someone in a business-development function at The Chamber that they had no clue how to do that and that really wasn't their function. Needless to say, my company has not been a CoC member for six years.
Generally the function of a CoC is to help existing business grow and to attract tourism and new business.
I deal almost daily with the CVB/Tulsa Sports Commission arm of the Metro Chamber, and they work their butts off selling the city to outside groups. Unfortunately, they're leaderless and woefully understaffed. The Tulsa Sports Commission is about to be leaderless, too, now that Mike Dodson has resigned. Combine that with chronic underfunding for both groups, and the CVB is in what I would call something of a funk.
One of the senior guys I work with had an interesting take on Tulsa's relationship with tourism and hospitality. He said that Tulsa's money and interest tends to gravitate towards making the lives of people who already live here better, rather than gravitating towards being a tourism destination or a draw on a regional/national level. In other words, the city still looks inwards rather than outwards, and you can see that at all levels of the hospitality/tourism game, from how the CVB is prioritzed (it's not), to the lame "I AM" marketing campaign, to the lack of followthrough with it.
There's also the sense that a general plan is lacking, and that even though we're investing in stadiums and arenas, a revamped convention center, etc, we aren't helping make them truly work with infrastructure ranging from good parking to a convention hotel, etc. So because we won't invest entirely in tourism/hospitality, the investment that we do make doesn't pay off fully.
Note: Senior Guy isn't from here, but 1) has been here long enough to get a feel for the place and 2) has done work in other similar sized cities and knows what he's talking about.
So in other words, it's our fault that the CVB is lame...
Quote from: Conan71 on June 04, 2010, 11:32:09 AM
So in other words, it's our fault that the CVB is lame...
Well . . . sorta. It's actually the Chamber's fault that the CVB's underfunded/understaffed, but it's the City's fault that there's no real major push for a tourism infrastructure or a general plan.
I was a member. Some observations.
It is a fraternal type organization in that they merely provide a framework to meet other like minded business people who want to network with each other. That seems to work okay.
The small entrepreneur may feel it is obligatory but not too helpful. Mainly because it is skewed towards established medium to large corporates, fast rising organizations and mainstream businesses. IOW, if you are a small guy with a new idea that needs help in the early stages, they are not suited.
It would be a really good idea to have a COC that specialized in these non-conforming, small, entrepreneurial enterprizes. They could help with promotional efforts and pass on contacts with full CoC members who can help them grow.
I think people expect too much from them. For instance, on another topic they were criticized for not helping to promote Green Country outdoor activities, along with the Ozarks in Arkansas and SW Missouri. They really aren't going to do that.
I can't say much bad about them though. They tried to help me and even steered business to my boat operation. But when it came to functions that they sponsored I had no one much to relate to.
Vision 2025 that is a very "company man" answer.
Can we discuss the ca$h the TMCC gets to do... dodooo.
What you get for your money. and the fact that we have duplication of Economic Development in our City.
We need companies to move to Tulsa and the TMCC "One Voice" is just a lobbying effort. The money they receive is a sin.
Have a look.
sorry about the size of the pdf - but worth the look
http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/1952827/metro-chamber-09-10-contracts-pdf-9-9-meg?da=y
I said something about the chamber near a former board member and he went off. Said that if not for the chamber, the Drillers would be playing in Jenks.
Quote from: sgrizzle on June 04, 2010, 12:41:04 PM
I said something about the chamber near a former board member and he went off. Said that if not for the chamber, the Drillers would be playing in Jenks.
Did you offer to call the Whaaaambulance for the board member?
Having seen the same discussion for quite some time regarding the Drillers...I just want to add my two cents. Having spoken at length with City of Jenks leaders, and in particular one of their planners, Tulsa was never really in jeopardy of losing the Driller's to Jenks. The idea was thrown out there by the developer of a parcel (that has yet to start) as an interesting addition to the overall development, but nothing more. There wasnt any money being offered to build an entire park out of pocket on the part of the developer, or Jenks, for the Driller's to lease.
Just wanted to clear that up since it seems to be a common misconception.
Its my understanding, and according to various media articles, that the Drillers were convinced to stay in Tulsa by the Taylor administration and those leading the ballpark trust effort, but I saw no mention of the Chamber's involvement in any of those articles.
The question posed is still a very valid one...what accomplishments has the Chamber provided in terms of actual job growth, corporate relocations to Tulsa, job retention, etc. As for the CVB, I have to agree there as well. Tulsa could be much further ahead with skilled leadership in place to actively promote and secure increased convention and entertainment business while taking advantage of the recently built BOKCenter and remodeled convention center while they are in their best shape and up-to-date.
Quote from: Townsend on June 04, 2010, 11:09:54 AM
Can you elaborate? What has the effectiveness been?
Last year-
They greatly assisted with successful efforts to obtain the first appropriation of federal funding ($50,000,000 authorized) for the Arkansas River Master Plan projects.
The chamber led the effort to successfully secure $25,000,000 from the State for the Low Water Dams which primarily benefits the City of Tulsa.
This year-
The again led efforts necessary to provide continued funding (second appropriation request) for the Arkansas River projects.
The One Voice agenda is noticed, having 50-100 in a lobby groups makes a big difference and the Chamber facilitates that quite well.
Quote from: Rico on June 04, 2010, 11:51:49 AM
Vision 2025 that is a very "company man" answer.
Can we discuss the ca$h the TMCC gets to do... dodooo.
What you get for your money. and the fact that we have duplication of Economic Development in our City.
We need companies to move to Tulsa and the TMCC "One Voice" is just a lobbying effort. The money they receive is a sin.
Have a look.
sorry about the size of the pdf - but worth the look
http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/1952827/metro-chamber-09-10-contracts-pdf-9-9-meg?da=y
Rico,
You're a Chamber hater. OK, I can respect that as not that long ago I had no use (for what I call) "the previous chamber" but today I believe the current Metro Chamber leadership is effective, taking new directions, is making a positive impact, and most importantly listens and adjusts.
Do I always agree, NOPE, Company Man; Hardly, I work out on them pretty hard when they don't go the right direction on my issues.. otherwise I wouldn't have joined.
Quote from: Vision 2025 on June 04, 2010, 01:44:06 PM
Last year-
They greatly assisted with efforts to obtain the first appropriation of federal funding ($50,000,000 authorized) for the Arkansas River Master Plan projects.
The chamber led the effort to secure $25,000,000 from the State for the Low Water Dams.
This year-
The again led efforts necessary to provide continued funding (second appropriation request) for the Arkansas River projects.
The One Voice agenda is noticed, having 50-100 in a lobby groups makes a big difference and the Chamber facilitates that quite well.
The Chamber really needs to say something. "We've done this and that." I can't find accomplishments listed. Is there a face to look for? Do they ever have any media meets? The FB page doesn't clarify anything.
Maybe if more people knew the Chamber was accomplishing something they'd have more faith in it and it would be more effective.
Right now when the Chamber comes up in conversations I hear scoffs and bronx cheers.
Waterboy- ironic, but here's their mission statement from their web site:
"Our Mission
The Tulsa Metro Chamber is the principal business-driven leadership organization improving the quality of community life through the development of regional economic prosperity. "
Well understood they don't exist to exploit NWA or SW Mo. but highlighting the close proximity doesn't hurt. Much like Denver or Colorado Springs touting their proximity to skiing in the Rockies.
I think the Chamber used to put more physical effort into attracting business and I also don't remember them being such a political tool (take that how you like) 20 to 30 years ago. The leadership has changed and the image has changed along with it to something of being more aloof and existing to serve local government as a cheering section on tax increase votes instead of helping incubate new business and assisting with the expansion of existing ones. If that's a myopic view, then I seem to share it with many others. I also feel they've blown their credibility with some of the outrageous figures they came up with for revenue generation from the River Tax smash and grab.
Looking over the executive committee these days, it's pretty much a who's/who of other community boards and leaders of prominent Tulsa businesses. Not bad to have that accumen on board, but the list reads like donors to the annual Opera Ball. There's very few smaller business owners represented.
http://ww3.tulsachamber.com/general.asp?id=447&siteuse=11
Clyde Cole commanded a fair amount of respect in the community and The Chamber seemed to be more accessible and in tune with business in the days he was in office. He was also a very visible member of the community. Unfortunately, I had to check the web site to refresh my memory that Mike Neal is the current President. If you'd put a gun to my head, I could not have told you.
Here's one example of how they engaged in creativity to attract employers here, even going overseas 30 years ago to attract Hilti.
"...The final decision, however, was helped by good German.
Tulsa's long relationship with the European toolmaker was cemented when someone in the local chamber of commerce came up with the idea of making the city's pitch in Hilti's native tongue. Guten morgan, and here they go.
"It's true," Hilti Chairman Pius Baschera, who worked in Tulsa three years during the 1980s, said during the company's Innovation Day celebration last month. "That was not the only reason, but it did happen.
"The Tulsa chamber made a great job," Baschera added. "They went a long way."
Michael Hilti, a company executive board member, former chairman and the son of founder Martin Hilti, remembers that his father and other executives had looked at about 80 locations and were down to the last three before deciding on Tulsa.
"We said the people there were really trying hard," Hilti recalled.
The Tulsa chamber's shot hit the bull's-eye that year, as Hilti moved its North American headquarters from Stamford, Conn., and its manufacturing plant from Minnesota. The company still employs about 800 people at the Tulsa campus at 5400 S. 122nd East Ave. "
http://www.tulsaworld.com/site/printerfriendlystory.aspx?articleid=071110_5_E5_spanc43808
i don't disagree with anything there, with the exception of the "regional" quote. Our region is acceptable. Start promoting Arkansas, Missouri and La as a part of our region and they would be roundly criticized by those who think our tourism dollars should stay in our state.
THey pretty much behave like the corporations they are dominated by. No big surprise.
I've been involved in some projects out in Jenks and feel pretty confident city folks were involved on some level in the Drillers to Jenks talk. If Tulsa was run like Jenks is run folks would have a conniption. But, because it is small town it gets a pass.
My company has been involved with the Chamber. I would say it serves two primary functions, networking together local businesses to do business together and working behind the scenes for the betterment of the region. I would say they don't get credit for everything they do and sometimes take credit for things they don't do.
Having done some lobbying myself for various issues over the years I've seen a marked increase in their lobbying activity in the last 3 years. The new leadership at the top has taken a great role in that area. I know its a two edged sword to go get money from state & federal governments but they are doing a better & better job getting it.
I know they are trying to hire a director of downtown development. I hope they nail that hire and the momentum downtown gets even greater.
I can't fault anyone for having some of the comments I've seen, because of the layers and enormity it can be hard to get a true picture of what the Chamber does.
Quote from: Vision 2025 on June 04, 2010, 01:50:40 PM
Rico,
You're a Chamber hater. OK, I can respect that as not that long ago I had no use (for what I call) "the previous chamber" but today I believe the current Metro Chamber leadership is effective, taking new directions, is making a positive impact, and most importantly listens and adjusts.
Do I always agree, NOPE, Company Man; Hardly, I work out on them pretty hard when they don't go the right direction on my issues.. otherwise I wouldn't have joined.
Ok... Point taken you have your own opinion.
I don't hate the Chamber of Commerce. The TMCC is not the Chamber of Commerce. They are something akin to the City having another Department that has access to a tremendous amount of cash. Taxpayer cash.
We don't direct their action.. more like they have their own agenda.
My point has always been that the City of Tulsa has some very good minds
perfectly capable of doing as good and most likely a whole lot better at Economic Development for the City.
When the Mayor is elected they give the State of the City address to the Chamber not the citizens that elected them.
I have heard one laughable explanation as to why this is so.
Kathy Taylor, prior to her becoming Mayor, said "If she were Mayor the State of the City address would be given to the citizens of Tulsa... not the Chamber". She failed to act on this promise.
It seems that we do not have anyone in power that will stand up to them and take their
"slush" fund away and put it to better use.
We have an Economic Development Department, that in my opinion, has some of the brightest, innovative, and creative, minds that can be found in it.
Put the money that goes to the Metro Chamber to running the City of Tulsa more effectively... that would be the greatest accomplishment the Tulsa Metro Chamber could ever hope to accomplish.
My spouse and I were discussing this issue yesterday and we both agreed on this:
The Tulsa Chamber needs to hire Natasha Ball and let her do what she wants there.
http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/
^ ^ ^ ^ ^
How about the "City of Tulsa hires Tasha"....
Cut the Metro Chamber back to what it needs to be.
Unemployed by the City of Tulsa
Speaking of the Chamber of Commerce....
It's on fire...
Well.. the fire dept has put it out by now...
News @ 5
Yes...it was on fire.
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1277/4679699682_70e93f402b_b.jpg)
Quote from: BKDotCom on June 07, 2010, 12:08:43 PM
Speaking of the Chamber of Commerce....
It's on fire...
Well.. the fire dept has put it out by now...
News @ 5
Wonder if it started when someone threw their computer monitor at the wall after reading some of our comments on here.
Quote from: Conan71 on June 07, 2010, 02:14:16 PM
Wonder if it started when someone threw their computer monitor at the wall after reading some of our comments on here.
Or someone else who read the comments and decided to get back at em for not doing enough.
1. What's up with the flag?
2. that's not their building anymore is it?
Quote from: Townsend on June 07, 2010, 03:30:11 PM
1. What's up with the flag?
Set-and-forget Patriotism.
Dont raise or lower it, just shine a floodlight on it and let it rot.
The Chamber moved out of that building years ago. They now reside in the Williams towers at 3rd and Main
Quote from: RecycleMichael on June 07, 2010, 03:40:40 PM
The Chamber moved out of that building years ago. They now reside in the Williams towers at 3rd and Main
See, that's another PR problem they have! No one can
find them!!
Quote from: Conan71 on June 07, 2010, 04:14:44 PM
See, that's another PR problem they have! No one can find them!!
Probably smart to hide.
Funny timing
Tulsa Metro Chamber finalist for national honor
by: STAFF REPORTS
Monday, June 07, 2010
The Tulsa Metro Chamber announced Monday it is one of two finalists for the Nation's Best Chamber award, an honor it already has received twice in the past four years.
The award is given annually by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, which is based in Alexandria, Va., and represents more than 7,000 chamber professionals. It recognizes excellence in operations, member services and community leadership. The other finalist is the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.
The winner will be announced Aug. 5 at ACCE's annual conference in Milwaukee.
The Tulsa Metro Chamber qualified for the award when it scored favorably in a national overall operations survey. It became a finalist when its programs and operations were selected as being among the best in the nation by a panel of chamber-industry professionals.
"Tulsa's chamber is predominantly one of the strongest in the nation and an industry leader," said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Metro Chamber.
"The Tulsa chamber demonstrated our success in community leadership and organizational strength by being among the top in the nation for financial and membership growth as well as making a measurable impact on key community priorities in areas like economic opportunities, education, transportation, health care and cultural vitality," said Matt Pivarnik, executive vice president of the Tulsa Metro Chamber.
The local chamber qualified for the award in 2005 and won the award in 2006 and 2008. A chamber is not allowed to compete the year following the selection as winner.
The Tulsa Metro Chamber was established in 1903. It represents 3,000 member organizations, approximately 175,000 area employees and utilizes 3,400 volunteers.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/site/articlepath.aspx?articleid=20100607_298_0_TheTul474072 (http://www.tulsaworld.com/site/articlepath.aspx?articleid=20100607_298_0_TheTul474072)
Well I'm certainly glad they took this opportunity to fully outline everything they've ever accomplished.
All this talk regarding the City not having money for this, the City not having money for that, Simonson making more than the Mayor...
What's up with the Chamber's cut? Is it immune from scrutiny or, asking businessmen that benefit directly from a lot of the actions that we pay them to do, not being looked at as a possible new cash flow source?
Is that not thought from outside the box?
The current "status quo" agreement that we have with the Chamber does not work all that well.... Let's look at replacing it with something else for a while.
They can always be given their money tree back if we find they are truly all that and a bag of chips.
For the record: I have an alibi.... for the recent flammable money tree incident.
How do they quantify the following:
"The Tulsa chamber demonstrated our success in community leadership and organizational strength by being among the top in the nation for financial and membership growth as well as making a measurable impact on key community priorities in areas like economic opportunities, education, transportation, health care and cultural vitality,” said Matt Pivarnik, executive vice president of the Tulsa Metro Chamber."
IOW, how do they specifically tie chamber actions to improvements versus the community at large or corporations acting on their own? This isn't so I can throw more darts, I'm simply curious what the mechanism is for measuring such effectiveness. I'll gladly pipe down on my criticism, I simply find it ironic that their national peer group association finds them one of the best and yet they have a significant PR problem here at home. That's something they might want to address. This simple press release isn't what I have in mind. How about specific projects they shepherded through which improved "economic opportunities, education, transportation, health care and cultural vitality". I'm seriously curious how transportation improved recently, what the Chamber would have done to improve health care when St. John's & St. Francis regularly plough profits back into facilities and OU and OSU expanding their med school presence seems to have come from private donations and state level action.
I guess what I'm saying is I still have the notion that the Chamber is taking credit for things which would have happened with or without them. Please feel free to dispell that notion with some facts and figures.
http://www.acce.org/ (http://www.acce.org/)
QuoteEstablished in 1914, ACCE is the only national association serving the professional development needs of chamber professionals throughout the United States and Canada. Representing more than 7,300 individuals, ACCE enhances the knowledge, leadership skills, and management effectiveness of chamber executives and their staff through education, benefits programs, trend analysis, benchmarking, and network development. ACCE promotes the highest standards of professional excellence and integrity within the chamber profession.
So anyway, that's who keeps awarding our esteemed Chamber.
I have a feeling our Chamber members would say "the what now?" if we asked them how they felt about the ACCE.
The Tulsa Metro Chamber is very proud of itself.
http://ww3.tulsachamber.com/news.asp?id=327&newsid=519 (http://ww3.tulsachamber.com/news.asp?id=327&newsid=519)
(http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs138.snc4/37215_402185431087_58976886087_4570195_7340849_s.jpg)
(http://ww3.tulsachamber.com/upload/image/Campaign%20total%202010%20320.jpg)
$2.8 million was donated to them. What will they do with it?
I still have no idea.
Quote from: Townsend on June 22, 2010, 02:46:32 PM
The Tulsa Metro Chamber is very proud of itself.
http://ww3.tulsachamber.com/news.asp?id=327&newsid=519 (http://ww3.tulsachamber.com/news.asp?id=327&newsid=519)
(http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs138.snc4/37215_402185431087_58976886087_4570195_7340849_s.jpg)
(http://ww3.tulsachamber.com/upload/image/Campaign%20total%202010%20320.jpg)
$2.8 million was donated to them. What will they do with it?
I still have no idea.
They are good at self-back patting
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7IkVPs6AL4Q/S1oKBhYWlMI/AAAAAAAAAQo/e754B9iXEOE/s320/back-patting.jpg)
Quote from: Conan71 on June 07, 2010, 04:14:44 PM
See, that's another PR problem they have! No one can find them!!
The downtown wayfinding system directs you to roughly the area of the offfice building they're in.
Quote from: sgrizzle on June 23, 2010, 07:52:38 AM
The downtown wayfinding system directs you to roughly the area of the offfice building they're in.
Anywhere near the Tul Com Col?
http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=46&articleid=20100623_46_E1_Topara193475 (http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=46&articleid=20100623_46_E1_Topara193475)
QuoteTo paraphrase Johnny Cash, Dave Nolan has been everywhere, man.
He's been the head of convention and visitor bureaus in Milwaukee, Cleveland, Ohio, and currently Toledo, Ohio, and his past work for Marriott International moved him to Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles and six other cities.
Now Nolan is headed to Tulsa to be senior vice president of VisitTulsa, the convention and visitor program at the Tulsa Metro Chamber, and he says Tulsa compares well to cities where he has worked.
Anyone know if this is a step forward? How's Toledo doing under his leadership?
From Toledo's ABC affiliate: (http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=7504519)
Destination Toledo leader steps down
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The man responsible for marketing Toledo is leaving at the end of July.
Dave Nolan has been with Destination Toledo for 15 months. He's leaving to take a new job amid a cut in funding for his operation.
With big attractions like the new Huntington Center and Fifth Third Field, Toledo has worked hard to get tourists to town. And it's worked.
The arena's attendance alone will be 50 percent higher than predicted this year and more conventions are coming to town.
But Lucas County cut funding for the convention and visitors bureau by $500,000 this year. And the man who runs marketing for Destination Toledo announced last week he's leaving for a job in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Nolan says, "It's not that I would suggest that I'm running away or desiring to leave the city. It's certainly nothing with negativity. It's just an opportunity to provide stability."
The local economy is always an issue and next year will probably bring another funding cut. Obviously Dave Nolan is trying to be diplomatic about this whole thing, but there's no denying that when you go from a budget of $1.2 million down to $700,000, about a 40 percent cut, it's going to have an impact on what you're able to do. Blame less revenue from the hotel bed tax for the cut.
County commissioner Pete Gerken knows he's losing a valuable asset, but he believes Lucas County can learn from what Nolan has done here. "He taught us a lot about how a convention and visitors bureau can work and we're certainly better off for having had him here and I wish him luck in Tulsa. I hope this is the opportunity to at least look at this with more interest and say 'Yes, this is about job creation, this is about revenue generation'."
Sometimes you have to spend money to make money, but right now Lucas County cannot afford to spend extra money.
Dave Nolan says he thinks Toledo can build on his success. He leaves the end of July. Gerken says an in-house candidate could soon replace Nolan."
My .02: I don't know the guy from Adam but at this point any leadership is good leadership. The CVB needs a definite direction and they've been on hold for awhile now. So it's a win (of sorts) in my book.
He sounds like a go-getter and did great work for Toledo. Welcome to Tulsa!
Quote from: we vs us on June 23, 2010, 11:59:03 AM
From Toledo's ABC affiliate: (http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=7504519)
Destination Toledo leader steps down
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The man responsible for marketing Toledo is leaving at the end of July.
Dave Nolan has been with Destination Toledo for 15 months. He's leaving to take a new job amid a cut in funding for his operation.
With big attractions like the new Huntington Center and Fifth Third Field, Toledo has worked hard to get tourists to town. And it's worked.
The arena's attendance alone will be 50 percent higher than predicted this year and more conventions are coming to town.
But Lucas County cut funding for the convention and visitors bureau by $500,000 this year. And the man who runs marketing for Destination Toledo announced last week he's leaving for a job in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Nolan says, "It's not that I would suggest that I'm running away or desiring to leave the city. It's certainly nothing with negativity. It's just an opportunity to provide stability."
The local economy is always an issue and next year will probably bring another funding cut. Obviously Dave Nolan is trying to be diplomatic about this whole thing, but there's no denying that when you go from a budget of $1.2 million down to $700,000, about a 40 percent cut, it's going to have an impact on what you're able to do. Blame less revenue from the hotel bed tax for the cut.
County commissioner Pete Gerken knows he's losing a valuable asset, but he believes Lucas County can learn from what Nolan has done here. "He taught us a lot about how a convention and visitors bureau can work and we're certainly better off for having had him here and I wish him luck in Tulsa. I hope this is the opportunity to at least look at this with more interest and say 'Yes, this is about job creation, this is about revenue generation'."
Sometimes you have to spend money to make money, but right now Lucas County cannot afford to spend extra money.
Dave Nolan says he thinks Toledo can build on his success. He leaves the end of July. Gerken says an in-house candidate could soon replace Nolan."
My .02: I don't know the guy from Adam but at this point any leadership is good leadership. The CVB needs a definite direction and they've been on hold for awhile now. So it's a win (of sorts) in my book.
Yeah sounds great.... Kinda like when they were being scrutinized another time and hired a fellow named "Gosnell"
praise for Mr Gosnell
Byline: John Stancavage
Mar. 30--Darryl W. Gosnell is senior vice president of economic development for the Tulsa Metro Chamber. He joined the chamber in October 2005 to direct its strategy for Tulsa's Future, a five-year initiative to create 10,000 jobs at an average $45,500 salary and an additional 16,000 secondary jobs. Prior to that, Gosnell managed economic development programs in Des Moines, Iowa; Dayton, Ohio; Greenville, S.C.; and Gainesville and Miami, Fla. He has also held positions with the Florida Department of Commerce and the West Virginia Department of Commerce. Gosnell was born in Martinsburg, W.Va., and received a bachelor's degree in ...
If you want another promise that the Chamber is going to really be worth what they are paid..... I'm quite sure they will make it. More than likely hire, (=spend part of the money we give them to hire someone that our tax dollars would allow us to hire without them) that will give the appearance that we may get a lot of bang for the bucks.
My opinion.. for what it is worth. We have local talent that could do the job equally as well if not better. We have other needs for the monies being given to a bunch of business people that make a promise equivalent to a "free lunch".
These business people benefit from their actions spending our money.
No chance of a conflict there.... is there?
We have very little if any control over their agenda. Just like having a City Department, City funded, yet they do not have to answer to the City.
More praise from the Tulsa World when they heralded the arrival of Mister Gosnell.
New chamber exec likes Tulsa potential
Darryl Gosnell, senior vice president of economic development at the Tulsa Metro Chamber, says he wants to create a buzz nationwide about the city. By LAURIE WINSLOW World Staff Writer
Published: 2/12/2006
Last Modified: 4/30/2008 12:34 AM
As a newcomer to Tulsa, Darryl Gosnell is excited by what he sees happening in the metro area.
The community over the next two to three years will experience a tremendous upswing, not only in business activity but in downtown revitalization as well, he believes.
And Gosnell looks forward to being here and doing his part to develop the metro area's economy.
In October, Gosnell became senior vice president of economic development for the Tulsa Metro Chamber. Over the last four months, his department has focused on developing a work plan, budget and staff realignment.
Gosnell arrived here from Des Moines, Iowa, where he worked as the economic development leader for the Greater Des Moines Chamber.
Last week, Gosnell sat down in a conference room at his new workplace to talk about his plans.
Although he had been in Oklahoma several times before his move, he had never set foot in Tulsa until he came for a job interview. But now that he's here, Gosnell hopes to stay a long time.
"I like everything about Tulsa, and I think we're going to be very successful over the next few years," he said.
Gosnell's work is not easy, however, because competition for jobs among metro areas is ferocious.
"Each year there are more communities competing for economic development, and there are fewer projects," he said. "So, this is about as competitive a field as you can be in."
Gosnell said 70 percent to 80 percent of all job
growth and new capital investment comes from the expansion of companies that already exist in a community.
"Your first priority needs to be to take care of what you already have," he said.
A lot of communities put more emphasis on recruiting companies rather than focusing on the ones they have. Groundbreakings and big job announcements may generate a lot of excitement, but it's those week in and week out job expansions of, say, 25 to 50 employees at smaller companies that are the bread and butter of local economies, Gosnell said.
"We want to be much more aggressive in working those small deals," he said.
With more than 30 years of experience in economic development, Gosnell brings with him an enjoyment for what he does.
"It's a job where you can, I think, get a certain degree of satisfaction from being able to see things that you worked on come to completion, whether it's new companies that you helped bring into the community or local companies that you've helped expand," he said.
The chamber's economic de velopment division has a staff of seven. Gosnell also leads the Tulsa's Future program, a five-year plan to raise $9 million from the business community.
The goal of the program, which includes five strategies, is to create 10,000 primary jobs in the metro area with a targeted average annual wage of $45,535, and 16,000 secondary jobs with an average annual wage of more than $28,600.
The capital campaign is close to being wrapped up, and Gosnell said he expects it will meet or exceed the $9 million target.
"It's a very good place for us to start, and if we're able to exceed that goal, that would be even better," he said.
Tulsa has a lot working in its favor right now, Gosnell said. With the passage of the Vision 2025 sales tax, many community projects are under way, and downtown is getting ready to rebound with the building of the BOK Center and interest by out-of-state investors who have purchased several buildings.
"We want to be part of helping generate a buzz around the country about what is happening in Tulsa," Gosnell said. "The more of that curiosity we can fuel, then the more opportunities we'll have for people to take a look at the community.
"If we can get people to visit here, we do a very good job of selling them, but we need to increase the amount of traffic, both for individuals and companies that look at the area."
Marketing efforts and one-on-one visits with corporations that have a vested interest in the community will be key to economic development, he said. The chamber has developed a list of major companies with headquarters outside of Tulsa that have operations here.
In addition to working with local companies to identify suppliers and vendors that might want to relocate to Tulsa, Gosnell advocates making more visits with corporate officials outside of the area, in part to thank them for their investment in the community. But, also, the chamber needs to be on the lookout for consolidations or acquisitions and to learn of layoffs before they occur, he said.
In January, Gosnell was in Dallas with representatives of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and other Oklahoma communities to help host a reception for site selection consultants and business executives. While there, he stopped by a company that owns a small manufacturing business in Tulsa to meet with the president.
"That was a great opportunity to thank them for their expansion plans here in our community and to offer our assistance in the future," Gosnell said. "There may be a couple of more expansions that come out of that same company over the next couple of years."
This month Gosnell, together with Department of Commerce and some corporate officials, heads for Singapore to attend an air and space show, where the Oklahoma contingency will have a booth.
"Those are the kinds of things that we think it's important that Tulsa is involved with," he said.
Marketing also will be important to Tulsa's growth and image throughout the country. And by marketing, Gosnell does not mean advertising. The chamber wants to be active with the Department of Commerce in statewide initiatives to market Oklahoma.
"We've done some of that in the past; we want to do even more of that in the future," he said.
The Tulsa area's list of selling points is long -- good schools, affordable housing, short commute times, and low costs for living and doing business. That is much different from the East and West coasts, where many corporations are based, Gosnell said.
"I think Tulsa is another one of these midsize metropolitan areas in the country that are becoming more and more in demand by people across the spectrum."
and where is Mister Gosnell these days anyway?
http://hamptonroads.com/2008/10/alliances-new-leader-has-been-all-over-map
Harley Davidson is looking to move from Milwaukee.
I wonder if the Chamber has thrown our hat in the ring. At least looked into it even if it's just a bluff to cut wages.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100804/ap_on_bi_ge/us_harley_milwaukee_breakup (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100804/ap_on_bi_ge/us_harley_milwaukee_breakup)
Sounds like they want to break the union by moving the manufacturing to a right to work state so they can cut down labor costs. Another thing was they wanted to move to a location with better weather so they can meet seasonal shipping demands.
Here are the states with right to work laws:
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Mississippi
Nebraska
Nevada
North Carolina
North Dakota
Oklahoma
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Wyoming
The ones in red seem like they fit two of the things they want to change. Although I think if they move, peoples perception of the brand will forever change.
Oklahoma and Kansas seem good choices being in the central US, but Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee have land the likes of Honda, Toyota, BMW and Mercedes, and with the end of the Saturn car line, there is a modern facility now sitting dormant that might be ripe for picking, just like Boeing and the GM plant in OKC.
Quote from: dbacks fan on August 05, 2010, 02:09:49 PM
The ones in red seem like they fit two of the things they want to change. Although I think if they move, peoples perception of the brand will forever change.
They'll still buy Harley's though. It'd be great to have it here.
"Tulsa, home of Harley Davidson and the burning pile of tires in the North of town. Believe it."
I'd heard this and don't think they will move. Harley has been building motorcycles in Milwaukee for 107 years, they are as much a part of Milwaukee as Milwaukee is a part of them. I would think the state and city will do whatever they can to keep them, plus I think this will turn into a PR nightmare for Harley should they move manufacturing.
Remember, Stillwater got played against some other town in Wisconsin with Mercruiser and lost.
They also presently operate plants in York, Pa. and Kansas City but I can't see consolidating operations at either of those facilities.
Quote from: Townsend on August 05, 2010, 02:12:44 PM
They'll still buy Harley's though. It'd be great to have it here.
"Tulsa, home of Harley Davidson and the burning pile of tires in the North of town. Believe it."
Now if the did the unthinkable and went overseas, it would be mass hysteria, dogs and cats living together....
Quote from: dbacks fan on August 05, 2010, 02:18:00 PM
Now if the did the unthinkable and went overseas, it would be mass hysteria, dogs and cats living together....
I would think you'd see gold bricks fall from the Statue of Liberty's backside.
Quote from: Conan71 on August 05, 2010, 02:17:24 PM
I'd heard this and don't think they will move. Harley has been building motorcycles in Milwaukee for 107 years, they are as much a part of Milwaukee as Milwaukee is a part of them. I would think the state and city will do whatever they can to keep them, plus I think this will turn into a PR nightmare for Harley should they move manufacturing.
Remember, Stillwater got played against some other town in Wisconsin with Mercruiser and lost.
They also presently operate plants in York, Pa. and Kansas City but I can't see consolidating operations at either of those facilities.
+1
#1 again: (http://www.tulsabusiness.com/article.asp?aID=51492)
The Tulsa Metro Chamber announced today its selection as the nation's best chamber by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. The Chamber of the Year award is the highest achievement in the chamber industry and was presented at a national conference in Milwaukee, Wis.
TMC President and CEO Mike Neal and Executive Vice President Matt Pivarnik clinched the title for a record third time in five years after participation in a panel interview at the national ACCE conference. This marks the first time a chamber has been selected as a finalist and award winner in three consecutive years of eligibility. Award winners are not allowed to apply the following year.
The award recognizes excellence in operations, member services and community leadership."
Quote from: we vs us on August 09, 2010, 03:54:30 PM
#1 again: (http://www.tulsabusiness.com/article.asp?aID=51492)
The Tulsa Metro Chamber announced today its selection as the nation's best chamber by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. The Chamber of the Year award is the highest achievement in the chamber industry and was presented at a national conference in Milwaukee, Wis.
TMC President and CEO Mike Neal and Executive Vice President Matt Pivarnik clinched the title for a record third time in five years after participation in a panel interview at the national ACCE conference. This marks the first time a chamber has been selected as a finalist and award winner in three consecutive years of eligibility. Award winners are not allowed to apply the following year.
The award recognizes excellence in operations, member services and community leadership."
Good for them. I'm sure it will give Tulsa much needed visibility on the national stage.
Since we've won three times in a row, when elligible, wouldn't it make sense for the TMCC to lobby to get the event moved here so their peers can see why Tulsa keeps winning the award? We've certainly got the facilities to house the event delegates and likely every bit as many things to do here as there is in Milwaukee. We could even let them tour Marshall's so they can see a "real" brewery for a change. ;)
Quote from: Conan71 on August 09, 2010, 04:10:36 PM
Good for them. I'm sure it will give Tulsa much needed visibility on the national stage.
Since we've won three times in a row, when elligible, wouldn't it make sense for the TMCC to lobby to get the event moved here so their peers can see why Tulsa keeps winning the award? We've certainly got the facilities to house the event delegates and likely every bit as many things to do here as there is in Milwaukee. We could even let them tour Marshall's so they can see a "real" brewery for a change. ;)
Not a shabby idea. Definitely worth some research.
I like how you think!
http://www.ktul.com/story/14433208/tulsa-broken-arrow-team-up-to-attract-business?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter (http://www.ktul.com/story/14433208/tulsa-broken-arrow-team-up-to-attract-business?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)
Tulsa & Broken Arrow Team-Up To Grow Business
QuoteIt's being called an historic day for our region's economy.
For years, Tulsa and Broken Arrow have worked against each other when it comes to attracting businesses to our area.
But now, Tulsa's Chamber of Commerce is joining forces with Broken Arrow's Chamber to strengthen the community.
They've signed a pact to work together to attract new jobs and to improve existing businesses.
Dr. Jerry Clancy is The Chair for Tulsa's Metro Chamber.
He says, "It's absolutely essential that our region works together more aggressively than other communities. And we must do so to strengthen our economy, and ultimately improve the quality of life for all of our citizens."
Both Chambers are also promising to raise the education levels of people throughout the region.
So how's this going to work?
Yes, would like to hear what they have planned, what they will be doing differently and how they think this will be better. I have actually enjoyed watching BA start to turn into a more "full fledged" city (one that has more shopping, unique venues, a growing downtown, a budding university, that is attracting and growing new businesses, etc.) versus just a bedroom community of Tulsa. One thats even big enough to keep Tulsa on its toes and upping its game (Bass Pro).
I like the thought that BA, on its own and of its own merits and creativity, is going out in the nation and the world to try and bring jobs and companies to the area. Its not just Tulsa doing that, but these growing suburbs as well. I like the competition, it helps us all become better and learn. If we are both doing the same thing, taking the same approaches, approaching the same people and companies in the same manner,,, what if what we are doing is wrong? But with two different sets of minds and approaches reaching out, my thought would be that we would increase our chances of attracting new businesses and residences. Surely we both mention the other city, and other sububerbs and their unique assets in our pitches. Its nice that Tulsa isn't going it alone, BA is out there in the world, fighting to bring in jobs and growth too.
Sure I would think it great that both cities share some information on contacts they have made and help each other on some pitches that alone they may not be able to pull off. But I sure don't want them so joined at the hip that we now only have one voice, one approach, one set of attitudes, effort, etc. when imo I think its better to have two.
The Chamber's European economic development trip
Hamburg
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/c67.0.403.403/p403x403/545518_10151094922996088_1638197716_n.jpg)
Liechtenstein
(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/c68.0.403.403/p403x403/375955_10151094223091088_1356478164_n.jpg)
Zurich
(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/c67.0.403.403/p403x403/66544_10151093627121088_1972225762_n.jpg)
Brussels
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/c73.0.403.403/p403x403/150386_10151092629666088_1400382399_n.jpg)
Paris
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/c67.0.403.403/p403x403/251231_10151090766366088_996410177_n.jpg)
London
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/c67.0.403.403/p403x403/526049_10151089437766088_1803852597_n.jpg)
Heck of a trip. I hope they're able to produce something with it...maybe better pictures.
I'm starting to worry about myself.
All I could think was: "So many pints to sample. So little time".
Quote from: Conan71 on October 19, 2012, 10:08:24 AM
I'm starting to worry about myself.
All I could think was: "So many pints to sample. So little time".
I'm going to assume all the "stuff" has rendered the mayor's mind blown.
Quote from: Townsend on October 19, 2012, 10:16:42 AM
I'm going to assume all the "stuff" has rendered the mayor's mind blown.
I wasn't aware they stopped in Amsterdam.
Tulsa Metro Chamber to undergo name changehttp://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=46&articleid=20121119_46_0_Starti716290 (http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=46&articleid=20121119_46_0_Starti716290)
QuoteStarting Dec. 1, the Tulsa Metro Chamber will officially become known as the Tulsa Regional Chamber.
The chamber's board of directors unanimously voted to change the organization's name to better reflect its regional focus.
In a written report to the chamber's board and investors, Mike Neal, the chamber's president and CEO, says, "We understand that today's fastest growing economies across the country are taking a regional approach to economic development success. To tap the enormous potential of the Tulsa region, we must continue to pool our assets and resources."
In 2010, the Tulsa, Bixby, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Owasso, Sand Springs and Sapulpa Chambers signed a compact to collaborate on regional economic growth.
This seems even less promising for the city of Tulsa.
Thought they were waiting until the first to announce it. I guess since V2 didn't pass, no reason to space the two apart anymore.
Quote
In 2010, the Tulsa, Bixby, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Owasso, Sand Springs and Sapulpa Chambers signed a compact to collaborate on regional economic growth.
Only one of those doesn't have it's own city chamber.....
Quote from: sgrizzle on November 19, 2012, 12:57:32 PM
Thought they were waiting until the first to announce it. I guess since V2 didn't pass, no reason to space the two apart anymore.
Guess they figured out they weren't doing the City of Tulsa any good so maybe they can help NW Arkansas.
Quote from: sgrizzle on November 19, 2012, 12:57:32 PM
Thought they were waiting until the first to announce it. I guess since V2 didn't pass, no reason to space the two apart anymore.
Only one of those doesn't have it's own city chamber.....
I guess now that they've given up the name we can go get our very own Tulsa Chamber of Commerce that we don't have to share. The mission creep into the burbs has been going on for a long time.
Chamber FB post:
QuoteThe Chamber and VisitTulsa just announced Hart Energy will host a new energy conference in Tulsa in April 2013, bringing over 400 energy professionals to the Tulsa region as increasing our visibility as a North American energy hub!
They do one every month it seems:
http://www.hartenergyconferences.com
That means 75% of the visitors will likely be from Oklahoma/Texas
Quote from: sgrizzle on December 06, 2012, 10:12:20 AM
They do one every month it seems:
http://www.hartenergyconferences.com
That means 75% of the visitors will likely be from Oklahoma/Texas
Especially so since this particular conference focuses on "the red-hot Mississippi Lime play in north-central Oklahoma and south-central Kansas."
I think this convention will be good for the topless bar portion of our economy. Now all those girls can pay for another semester of college.
Quote from: RecycleMichael on December 07, 2012, 12:55:56 PM
I think this convention will be good for the topless bar portion of our economy. Now all those girls can pay for another semester of cosmetology school.
Fixed it for you.
Quote from: rdj on December 10, 2012, 09:53:19 AM
Fixed it for you.
Mind the big words. We just call it "beauty school."