http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GJIHhypBmU
That was powerful marketing. Well done and very inviting. It doesn't exactly fit the OKC many of us have experienced, but was factual nonetheless and put OKC's best face to the public.
I would want to live in that city. Tulsa better get its game on. Something other than Ritze from Broken Arrow trying to make Obamacare a felony or consistently voting down river development efforts.
Note: What I mean is that Tulsa is way too political. Everything here seems to be about politics, guns, conservatism, golf, beer and restaurants. Ok, we get it. Conservative is king in green country. But pragmatism should be king when it comes to business and economic growth. When we spend so much time "living" our politics with visceral hate for Obama and his policies, making sure our gun shows are the biggest and the best...we miss the growth opportunities. All one has to do is read these forums, talk to strangers and watch our area politicians to get that image of Tulsa. One of cynicism, fanatical religion and radicalism. I am so tired of people blurting out their opinions on guns and Obama to me as a perfect stranger and as though I obviously must agree.
The funny thing is, that OKC is probably more conservative, fundamentalist and rural in nature yet that image isn't the one projected. The community image thrives in spite of Fallin and her cohorts, because they separate their politics and religion from their business development.
Just an observation from a progressive who isn't too happy with OKC outshining us.
That video was very impressive and hard hitting. Low cost of living & Strong recession proof economy are hard to beat that tag lines. The outdoor sports are attention grabbing too with lakes and trails all around the city. 20 years ago OKC was jealous of Tulsa, today it's flipped around. Tulsa needs to get on the ball and fast. WoW that was something!
The state of Oklahoma has a strong economy so there should be enough left over for Tulsa... Look at the bright side A booming OKC will boost Tulsa too. I'd rather have it be the other way around but what can you do. Tulsa has that mayor election mess coming up - two people running for mayor and both are bad news for the residents of Tulsa... Too bad we can't vote "None of the above" and do without any mayor if those two are our only choices. It looks like OKC is leaving Tulsa in the dust and even a new "brand" may not be enough to boost Tulsa up.. :-\
I will tell ya what that video was. That was someone with some brains and talent (or perhaps luck), hiring someone with a lot of talent and brains.
I could make a video of Tulsa that would blow you away.
That video, I give it about an 85-90 grade. We are just so used to crap that we can be almost surprised when someone does something decently well.
Last Tulsa video promo I saw made me cringe, it was a worthless, rapid paced barrage of images that even the most die hard Tulsan, intimately familiar with what's in Tulsa, would have a hard time telling you what you just saw. Anyone else in the country would have been left with the impression, "What the heck was that?", at best.
Kudos to OKC
Now, I am a Tulsa cheerleader and do think we have a lot going for us, a lot of nice new things that have recently wrapped up and that are in the works (thank goodness for Mr Kaiser or I would be hesitant to say even that). But, we seem to be lacking in vision, talent, brains and gusto at the top.
A while back I was in OKC for a fundraising event. Granted it could have just been the company I was with and the particular crowd at the fundraiser... but there really was a different feeling in the air that was different than what I have run into in Tulsa. Very professional, full of positive energy, dare I say "classy", a go get em big city vibe. But, again perhaps I have just missed running into that crowd here? I am trying to be part of that crowd or at least trying to not only point out faults but be someone trying to make a difference. I am "told" I am a talented artist and often get told that I would make a lot more money elsewhere and people wonder why I am here. But I choose to stay here, well, because so many talented people do leave and it hurts Tulsa, and I want to see Tulsa succeed. Not enough things to see or do? Lacking in things like museums (and we do rank low compared to other cities our size)... well, it may not be much yet, but gosh danged it I have at least STARTED a museum lol. And we will get there. Working with the folks in the Deco District to start a fall festival downtown (may hear more on that down the road). Now I am trying to open a retail shop downtown and turn an eyesore into something positive. etc. But I am a nobody. I am a little guy living in a working class neighborhood driving a small, beat up, old Ford truck, struggling to pay the bills. But sometimes I look at the people in power who have much more influence and ability to make positive changes than I do and wonder "WHAT THE FRACK! ARE YOU PEOPLE DOING!" For every step forward, and we are making many, there seem to be an equal number of steps back or roadblocks thrown in the way. It's like we are having to make strides "in spite of" the local government, rather than them being as talented and visionary and walking hand in hand with others who are as well.
They did a great job.
I'd love it if our chamber could come up with a marketing plan as attractive.
Top Youtube comment: "Proud to be a Oklahoman!"
*facepalm*
OKC: QuoteIt starts with our revitalized downtown which radiates outward... And check out what we've down with our river.
TulsaQuotethe parking hassle, closed streets. Why go to a business downtown when you find a business that is not downtown and has plenty of free parking? If I was looking for a place to open up my business I would not think of making the downtown area of any city my location. I for one never go downtown and I have no need to
Quotequit trying to develop our river
The Tulsa scuttle butt has turned back to finding Tulsa a "Brand"... Tulsa needs to get it's rear in gear we're already being left behind by OKC. We need to make something first out of Tulsa and the Tulsa brand will follow. Let's build up our river front for one thing it can be a world class place for running & cycling. Ban dogs from River Parks Trails let the dogs use the Tulsa dog parks. Going for a run on the Riverside jogging trails and seeing dog poop all over is not saying much for our city.
Quote from: sauerkraut on January 29, 2013, 02:52:41 PM
The Tulsa scuttle butt has turned back to finding Tulsa a "Brand"... Tulsa needs to get it's rear in gear we're already being left behind by OKC. We need to make something first out of Tulsa and the Tulsa brand will follow. Let's build up our river front for one thing it can be a world class place for running & cycling. Ban dogs from River Parks Trails let the dogs use the Tulsa dog parks. Going for a run on the Riverside jogging trails and seeing dog poop all over is not saying much for our city.
Funny, I'm on the trails quite a bit and never see dog crap on them, not even up on Turkey Mountain when I go there on my mountain bike. I don't have a problem with people running or walking with their dogs so long as they keep them on a leash.
As far as OKC leaving
us behind, their river trail system is light years behind ours. They don't have anywhere close to the network we already have in place. As far as building up the river front, that requires higher taxes, which you don't appear to like.
Quote from: Conan71 on January 29, 2013, 03:57:02 PM
Funny, I'm on the trails quite a bit and never see dog crap on them, not even up on Turkey Mountain when I go there on my mountain bike. I don't have a problem with people running or walking with their dogs so long as they keep them on a leash.
As far as OKC leaving us behind, their river trail system is light years behind ours. They don't have anywhere close to the network we already have in place. As far as building up the river front, that requires higher taxes, which you don't appear to like.
Remember, SK doesn't know the difference between dog poop and goose poop. Let's ban geese.
Lets eat them instead. Pate'
They do have a nice trail and recreation area around their urban lake, Lake Hefner. However, the drought cycle we are in as let to it being at historic lows. The lake is also OKC's water source. They've begun water rationing as a result.
I agree this is a slick ad. What is most frustrating is not that Tulsa has not done a similarly slick ad, but that our failure to do so is more a product with where we are currently than our inability to hire the necessary creative minds. One of our problems is we are 10 years behind OKC and our political and business leaders have generally not been up to the challenge of developing a plan to close the gap.
While OKC was passing MAPs and building a river through Bricktown, a baseball stadium, a downtown arena and setting off a wave of public pride and private investment that culminated in an NBA franchise, Tulsa's political class was debating a floating convention center and drawing up plans for consultant driven projects like aerodromes, aquatic centers and other far flung sports venues that left out the central ingredient – the interests of the voters. After two failed votes, Tulsans finally realized that what was happening down the turnpike was pretty amazing and that downtown development really did require a vision paired with a public financial commitment in order to attract private investment.
Vision 2025 was a good start, but before the crowning jewel project could even be completed and allowed to prove its value to a wary populace, our political class decided that focusing on downtown development wasn't interesting enough and instead diverted its small pool of political capital and the public's limited attention away towards remaking the river. Indeed, not one but two plans were put forward. One was reasonably sensible, well thought out and was partially bankrolled by some serious players. The other must have been birthed over a few too many glasses of grand cru wine by people who clearly had no engineering training, political sense or financial comprehension beyond of the value of their trust funds. Alas, it didn't really matter which plan went before a skeptical public, many of who's communities stood to gain little from river development, because the voters were not prepared to tax themselves some more to create a "build it they will come" paradise on the Arkansas River, particularly when V2025 had yet to prove itself and deliver on its promises.
Meanwhile, while our leaders largely left us rudderless during the 1990s and early 2000s, a number of private entrepreneurs took leaps of faith and invested in downtown. What today seems like obvious good ideas and investments, at the time were thought foolhardy at best. Now, with what seems like an overnight revival of once forgotten downtown neighborhoods, downtown is rising from the ashes and beginning to take on a life and vibrancy not seen since Tulsa's heady oil capitol days.
Yet, still, our political class fails to grasp the opportunities staring them in the face for capitalizing on this momentum and moving Tulsa forward to fulfill its potential as a regional leader in business, entertainment and culture, and attract those companies and dynamic young workers all cities crave. We could be focusing on connecting our developing downtown work and entertainment districts with higher density housing and entertainment near downtown, and in doing so lead the way as a forward thinking city on the rise. Truly, "A New Kind of Energy" – one of those past new "branding" slogan collecting dust on a shelf somewhere in City Hall.
Instead, fueled by envy of the latest doings of our Capital city big brother, the siren song from the water once again tugs at the coat strings of our leaders and the soft chants of "river development" are rising. Never mind it is not clear what is really meant by this prosaic and amorphous phrase, as we head into a mayoral election season the chorus is only likely to grow louder – "we need to develop the river." Too bad few notice, much less comment on, the fact that the east side of the river is well "developed" from SW Boulevard to south of the Creek Turnpike with parks, trails, entertainment and housing creating what should be the envy of OKC, not the other way around. The west bank from SW Boulevard to I44 is covered by a sprawling apartment complex, a park, a concrete business (ugh!), a city maintanence facility, a power plant, and a refinery. Just where is this "development" we seek to go?
Perhaps instead of searching for a new "brand" that surpasses all the old new brands we have lying around, we first step back and try to develop a vision and a plan to carry out that vision around which a brand can be something more than just a slogan – but instead a unified concept of what Tulsa is and where it is headed. When we have that accomplished, the slick ads practical write themselves.
Quote from: rdj on January 30, 2013, 11:44:33 AM
They do have a nice trail and recreation area around their urban lake, Lake Hefner. However, the drought cycle we are in as let to it being at historic lows. The lake is also OKC's water source. They've begun water rationing as a result.
Corps begins water release at Canton Lake for OKChttp://kwgs.com/post/corps-begins-water-release-canton-lake-okc (http://kwgs.com/post/corps-begins-water-release-canton-lake-okc)
QuoteOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Army Corps of Engineers has begun releasing water from Canton Lake in northwestern Oklahoma to help replenish the drinking water supply in Oklahoma City.
Debbie Ragan, a spokeswoman for the city's utilities department, says the release began Wednesday morning. Ragan says 30,000 acre-feet of water will be released into the North Canadian River and captured in Lake Hefner to replenish the drinking water supply that serves about 1.2 million people. It should take about two weeks for the water to reach Oklahoma City.
The water release has been criticized by state Sen. Bryce Marlatt of Woodward, who says the city should impose stricter conservation efforts before taking water from western Oklahoma.
Marlatt says removing the water will devastate Canton Lake's role as a regional fish hatchery.
Quote from: rdj on January 30, 2013, 11:44:33 AM
They do have a nice trail and recreation area around their urban lake, Lake Hefner. However, the drought cycle we are in as let to it being at historic lows. The lake is also OKC's water source. They've begun water rationing as a result.
Ever driven around there when all the sailboats are laying on their side on the dried up mud? Pretty sad.
I've ridden it, and it feels more dense and crowded, especially on the east side than Tulsa's Rivertrails, it's a fairly short loop at about 9 miles. It also doesn't really connect anything like Tulsa's trails going all the way to Sand Springs, Skiatook, or NSU in BA. Though you can make a good ride by riding either from Hefner to Overholser or vice versa. Draper is actually a better and somewhat safer ride. The perimeter road loop is about 14 miles. Venturing off onto the rural roads nearby you can do a 20+ mile loop with very little traffic.
Quote from: TheArtist on January 26, 2013, 02:17:34 PM
I will tell ya what that video was. That was someone with some brains and talent (or perhaps luck), hiring someone with a lot of talent and brains.
I could make a video of Tulsa that would blow you away.
That video, I give it about an 85-90 grade. We are just so used to crap that we can be almost surprised when someone does something decently well.
Last Tulsa video promo I saw made me cringe, it was a worthless, rapid paced barrage of images that even the most die hard Tulsan, intimately familiar with what's in Tulsa, would have a hard time telling you what you just saw. Anyone else in the country would have been left with the impression, "What the heck was that?", at best.
Kudos to OKC
Now, I am a Tulsa cheerleader and do think we have a lot going for us, a lot of nice new things that have recently wrapped up and that are in the works (thank goodness for Mr Kaiser or I would be hesitant to say even that). But, we seem to be lacking in vision, talent, brains and gusto at the top.
A while back I was in OKC for a fundraising event. Granted it could have just been the company I was with and the particular crowd at the fundraiser... but there really was a different feeling in the air that was different than what I have run into in Tulsa. Very professional, full of positive energy, dare I say "classy", a go get em big city vibe. But, again perhaps I have just missed running into that crowd here? I am trying to be part of that crowd or at least trying to not only point out faults but be someone trying to make a difference. I am "told" I am a talented artist and often get told that I would make a lot more money elsewhere and people wonder why I am here. But I choose to stay here, well, because so many talented people do leave and it hurts Tulsa, and I want to see Tulsa succeed. Not enough things to see or do? Lacking in things like museums (and we do rank low compared to other cities our size)... well, it may not be much yet, but gosh danged it I have at least STARTED a museum lol. And we will get there. Working with the folks in the Deco District to start a fall festival downtown (may hear more on that down the road). Now I am trying to open a retail shop downtown and turn an eyesore into something positive. etc. But I am a nobody. I am a little guy living in a working class neighborhood driving a small, beat up, old Ford truck, struggling to pay the bills. But sometimes I look at the people in power who have much more influence and ability to make positive changes than I do and wonder "WHAT THE FRACK! ARE YOU PEOPLE DOING!" For every step forward, and we are making many, there seem to be an equal number of steps back or roadblocks thrown in the way. It's like we are having to make strides "in spite of" the local government, rather than them being as talented and visionary and walking hand in hand with others who are as well.
OKC video 85-90 grade....YOU on the other hand get a 100 and a gold star! Absolutely dead on! If I had the money, I would pay you to go do that Tulsa version you mentioned! (Maybe we could start a fundraising here...?)
As for the people you met, I suspect we have similar ones here - I think I have met a few. And I have met plenty in OKC that don't have all that positive energy. The entire spectrum exists in both towns, I suspect.
But they also have Sally Kern. That coupled with a nationwide reputation as a state will lead to a certain amount of "dismissal" of the message in that film after the first "glow" fades. Like where we stand in education. And healthcare - at the bottom with Mississippi. Roads...we definitely have a national reputation there!
These are exactly the kind of things the people OKC (and Tulsa!) wants to attract are gonna look at first! And that kind of people, when already here, are too often leaving because of those issues and others.
That video will get someone's attention, as would a good one for Tulsa, but when they start looking deeper, there are other things that are considered to "close the deal".
Would love to see what you would do with that video thing! I got a pretty decent camera that takes good video - know anyone with a helicopter we could "borrow"?? Or an airplane for some 'riding around time' ??
Now, for something completely different - a friend has a new car (Hyundai) that has Braille on the steering wheel control buttons for windows and radio!! Think about that for a few seconds..... I wonder if it is in Korean?
Kern? Fallin?
We have Bridenstein, Mullin, Ihofe, Coburn and Ritze. Its a draw there.
Its our culture in Tulsa boys and girls. I spoke to a young high school kid the other day and threw in a little French phrase because I had it in grade school through high school and love the language. My youngest has taken Spanish since middle school and my oldest took German all the way through college. It gives you some perspective and the "class" of which Artist speaks.The young person told me that she had wanted to learn French but her mother forbade it, telling her, "I don't want you to learn other languages because if people from other country's come here they need to learn our language or leave". That's a classic mix up of politics and education. The same way those listed above mix up their politics, science, business and religion. It starts with the education and we don't seem to be progressing there. In spite of some notable exceptions, its private school or go fish here.
Any marketing of Tulsa has to rigorously separate its marketing from that culture and expect to spend a lot of time defending doing so.
Quote from: AquaMan on January 31, 2013, 09:47:03 AM
Kern? Fallin?
We have Bridenstein, Mullin, Ihofe, Coburn and Ritze. Its a draw there.
Its our culture in Tulsa boys and girls. I spoke to a young high school kid the other day and threw in a little French phrase because I had it in grade school through high school and love the language. My youngest has taken Spanish since middle school and my oldest took German all the way through college. It gives you some perspective and the "class" of which Artist speaks.The young person told me that she had wanted to learn French but her mother forbade it, telling her, "I don't want you to learn other languages because if people from other country's come here they need to learn our language or leave". That's a classic mix up of politics and education. The same way those listed above mix up their politics, science, business and religion. It starts with the education and we don't seem to be progressing there. In spite of some notable exceptions, its private school or go fish here.
Any marketing of Tulsa has to rigorously separate its marketing from that culture and expect to spend a lot of time defending doing so.
Sad. Too bad she is learning foreigner words in spite of her Mother's commands. Au contraire, she uses french every time she orders ala mode or ala carte or is blase about au gratin.
Or if she buys her Chic jeans at a boutique, goes to the prom(enade) with her corsage, in her boyfriend's Chevrolet coupe, (maybe a Corvette, maybe a Grand Prix) and toasts their graduation with a bit of champagne. Then they could have some American Fries to go.....
That is so bougie (Aspiring to be a higher class than one is. Derived from bourgeois )
I have enjoyed this little tete a tete.
Tulsa has much to offer but you have to parse out just what we offer and for who. I thought OKC's promo did that. We have yet to come to grips with the reality that a small group of people are "classy" here. Terrible word anyway. But think of it this way, once you subtract out those with 2 years or more post high school education or specialized technical training (not to mention the quality of that education), families with large inheritances, foundations, oil wealth, under 18, over 65, there isn't much left in Tulsa. Our geographic size, our single purpose politics and regional demographics limit us in many respects... imo.
Quote from: AquaMan on January 31, 2013, 01:38:50 PM
I have enjoyed this little tete a tete.
Tulsa has much to offer but you have to parse out just what we offer and for who. I thought OKC's promo did that. We have yet to come to grips with the reality that a small group of people are "classy" here. Terrible word anyway. But think of it this way, once you subtract out those with 2 years or more post high school education or specialized technical training (not to mention the quality of that education), families with large inheritances, foundations, oil wealth, under 18, over 65, there isn't much left in Tulsa. Our geographic size, our single purpose politics and regional demographics limit us in many respects... imo.
Putain de merde! That's a depressing paradigm.
Zoot alor! I am too lazy to find the right stroke on the keyboard.
Yes, Conan, fortunately not everyone shares my view.
1) I am on the trails a lot, very rare to see dog poop. Haters hate.
2) Great ad by OKC. OKC has for nearly 25 years now had their wagons circles and concentrated on making the city something. Tulsa, and the greater Tulsa community, fights for scraps from each other. There are many reasons for this:
OKC has major government money (FAA, Air Force, State, Fed, IRS, OU, etc.). Major intersection of freeways (with no toll access). Centrally located downtown. Clear central City with clear suburbs (OKC in the center, Edmond as growing city/suburb, others as just a suburb, Norman as the college town + suburb). Perhaps more importantly, OKC has NEW MONEY.
Tulsa, on the other hand, has very few government jobs per capita (government jobs are more secure, highier paying, and draw money in to the local economy as opposed to circulating it). We have a single interstate that is tolls both ways and limited north/south access. Our downtown was crippled by the Osage lands and is not central. We fight with our neighboring cities in many respects and with ourselves more frequently - trying to be both the hub and the suburbs. We have the University of Tulsa... but also Rogers State, NSU, OSU, OU and NSU all offering partial degree programs. AND... we have OLD MONEY.
Not THE cause, but I think a huge portion of our problem is that we have a perception that we WERE great. Our city DID generate great wealth. We DID build great institutions, buildings, and infrastructure. That is reinforced by old money that has already left their mark and has already set up a system in which they are royalty. While they still contribute greatly to Tulsa, they are not generate new wealth at the pace they did in the heyday and their ambition to leave a mark or develope Tulsa to be something great is dimished - and we lost much of our old money resources (Citgo, Sinclair, Skelly/Standard Oil, etc.). Whenever Tulsa starts finding new money it dies (Worldcom, CFS, City Services, SemGroup). So we generally elect leadership from the old gaurd who ally themselves with the established order and we get the status quo of moderate improvement. But if we are improving at a slower pace than others we are falling beyond and the perception is we are not improving at all.
Sorry for the ramble/rant, but it is frustrating. Tulsa has so much more going for it than OKC:
higher per capita wage
access to real lakes
an actual river
the navigation channel
trees and terrain
a huge industrial base
a historic core in oil and aviation
a nice skyline
a good local/regional highway system
Museums and institutions that are NOT simply vassals of the State of Oklahoma or the Federal Government
a music scene and a history of music
diversity (Indian community, black community, gay community... all strong in Tulsa)
architecture
More than a few neighborhoods or areas of the city with character and charm
But again, those assets are mostly legacies. Things we have going for us that for whatever reason we can't get our sh!t together and use in our favor. Instead of concentrating on really exploiting those assets we have been competing to draw in "jobs." In some constructive ways; but mostly in a race to the bottom with tax incentives, a cheap labor force, lax zoning, etc. Conentrating on jobs is what every other 3rd tier city is doing (and the entire state of Texas) - and companies are exploiting us to make the most money (rightly so from the companies perspective).
But Tulsa will never again proposer like we once did if we try to compete in a race to the bottom. Trying to be as "business friendly" as possible draws in jobs, but also explains why we rank so high in jobs below the poverty level (OKC does too, the entire state does poorly). NO! Make Tulsa a place where people want to live. Just retain the young, talented, educated, or creative people and we will be just fine. Start drawing them in and we take off. A lot goes into that: an urban landscape, education opportunities, reasonable laws and regulations, and a business environment with sensible laws that encourage entreprenurship as well as business growth - while NOT castrating workers or sacrificing all revenue or regualtion. It's a tough balance, but if many other places can figure it out so can we (it is much harder if we have 3 or 4 agencies doing every job. Come on small government people!).
If we do that and create an environment where business are allowed to thrive (sensible regulation, zoning, small business association, etc.) and we dominate the region. Portland, Minneapolis, Boulder, Seattle – they didn't become hubs of commerce and the envy of many a city by racing to the bottom. They made destinations exploiting what they had to draw people in. People want to live there, those people either start companies or employers want to hire them and move in.
We have things going for us. Let's emphasize them, use them, and allow them to grow. If that starts with a good ad, great!
/incoherent frustrated rant
Not an incoherent rant at all. In fact pretty astute for someone not reared here.
Ditto. What AquaMan said....
Quote from: AquaMan on January 31, 2013, 07:26:26 PM
Not an incoherent rant at all. In fact pretty astute for someone not reared here.
Sometimes those of us that aren't reared here have a better perspective and appreciation of what Tulsa has to offer than those that were.
When I first moved here about ten years ago I was amazed at how poorly the city was viewed by the people I met.
Tulsa has a real self esteem problem. OKC did as well. The bombing was a great start to improving that, the Thunder has increased it exponentially.
I watched "Modern Marvels" about the making of the St. Louis Arch, they told how the city of St Louis got "branded" The city was always known for being the "gateway to the west", so in 1947 the city offered any professional designer $125,000 to come up with a structure to be built on the St Louis Riverfront. The arch project won out and today St Louis and the arch go together. St Louis has pictures of the arch on coffee mugs to post cards to motel names. Tulsa needs to find what it's known for and IMO it's Oil, Gas and Power- so Tulsa should work to build a structure that highlights that industry. That could be a giant oil rig with a musium and things like that. Seattle got the Space Needle I dunno the history behind that one. If Tulsa can do something big with this brand thing we can beat OKC. BTW I just read in the TulsaWorld that OKC's airport is overtaking Tulsa's airport- big time.. Some flights are just going to OKC.
Quote from: sauerkraut on February 03, 2013, 02:28:52 PM
I watched "Modern Marvels" about the making of the St. Louis Arch, they told how the city of St Louis got "branded" The city was always known for being the "gateway to the west", so in 1947 the city offered any professional designer $125,000 to come up with a structure to be built on the St Louis Riverfront. The arch project won out and today St Louis and the arch go together. St Louis has pictures of the arch on coffee mugs to post cards to motel names. Tulsa needs to find what it's known for and IMO it's Oil, Gas and Power- so Tulsa should work to build a structure that highlights that industry. That could be a giant oil rig with a musium and things like that. Seattle got the Space Needle I dunno the history behind that one. If Tulsa can do something big with this brand thing we can beat OKC. BTW I just read in the TulsaWorld that OKC's airport is overtaking Tulsa's airport- big time.. Some flights are just going to OKC.
Insert the sum of all facepalm images on the interwebz *here*.
Quote from: sauerkraut on February 03, 2013, 02:28:52 PM
I watched "Modern Marvels" about the making of the St. Louis Arch, they told how the city of St Louis got "branded" The city was always known for being the "gateway to the west", so in 1947 the city offered any professional designer $125,000 to come up with a structure to be built on the St Louis Riverfront. The arch project won out and today St Louis and the arch go together. St Louis has pictures of the arch on coffee mugs to post cards to motel names. Tulsa needs to find what it's known for and IMO it's Oil, Gas and Power- so Tulsa should work to build a structure that highlights that industry. That could be a giant oil rig with a musium and things like that. Seattle got the Space Needle I dunno the history behind that one. If Tulsa can do something big with this brand thing we can beat OKC. BTW I just read in the TulsaWorld that OKC's airport is overtaking Tulsa's airport- big time.. Some flights are just going to OKC.
So, since our biggest cash products are oil, airline, cattle and marijuana related, we should have a statue built of a cow walking next to a drilling derrick, on his way to the loading steps of an American Airlines Embraer RJ145 to fly over to Dallay, munching on some "loco weed".
Got to ride with American Airlines again last week - on that jet, to that location. In spite of being an uncomfortably tiny jet, it was a good experience. The 737 on the second leg helped! Thanks, Ed!! And to all your co-workers there who are doing the best they can - and it's pretty darn good - in spite of a horrendous, incompetent-management induced catastrophe!! I am down to about 30,000 miles on my frequent flyer account, from using up points. Haven't rebuilt the account as in past years.... Am looking forward to getting on your planes more often!! (Wish some of them were bigger!)
I wonder if maybe there is some effect from having gone into bankruptcy that has raised moral a little bit, since people have some expectation that something will now change?? Everyone I interfaced with was friendly, helpful, and at least gave the impression that they didn't hate being there having to deal with me. (But they don't know me, either!) So, I would have to rate them in this order of preference for my personal flying experience - with a bigger gap between 2 and 3 than can be shown here;
Southwest Airlines (sorry Ed, they still give me free drinks - even if they had to have a class action lawsuit to make them carry over to next flight!!)
American Airlines
Delta
United
Quote from: sauerkraut on February 03, 2013, 02:28:52 PM
I watched "Modern Marvels" about the making of the St. Louis Arch, they told how the city of St Louis got "branded" The city was always known for being the "gateway to the west", so in 1947 the city offered any professional designer $125,000 to come up with a structure to be built on the St Louis Riverfront. The arch project won out and today St Louis and the arch go together. St Louis has pictures of the arch on coffee mugs to post cards to motel names. Tulsa needs to find what it's known for and IMO it's Oil, Gas and Power- so Tulsa should work to build a structure that highlights that industry. That could be a giant oil rig with a musium and things like that. Seattle got the Space Needle I dunno the history behind that one. If Tulsa can do something big with this brand thing we can beat OKC. BTW I just read in the TulsaWorld that OKC's airport is overtaking Tulsa's airport- big time.. Some flights are just going to OKC.
(http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q55/71conan/TN/2695722541_6d68d8423f_o.jpg)
Quote from: Conan71 on February 04, 2013, 10:50:24 AM
(http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q55/71conan/TN/2695722541_6d68d8423f_o.jpg)
Make a few adjustments to "The American" and I think we could get that motherscratcher built.
Quote from: sauerkraut on February 03, 2013, 02:28:52 PM
I watched "Modern Marvels" about the making of the St. Louis Arch, they told how the city of St Louis got "branded" The city was always known for being the "gateway to the west", so in 1947 the city offered any professional designer $125,000 to come up with a structure to be built on the St Louis Riverfront. The arch project won out and today St Louis and the arch go together. St Louis has pictures of the arch on coffee mugs to post cards to motel names. Tulsa needs to find what it's known for and IMO it's Oil, Gas and Power- so Tulsa should work to build a structure that highlights that industry. That could be a giant oil rig with a musium and things like that. Seattle got the Space Needle I dunno the history behind that one. If Tulsa can do something big with this brand thing we can beat OKC. BTW I just read in the TulsaWorld that OKC's airport is overtaking Tulsa's airport- big time.. Some flights are just going to OKC.
You're really Gary Busey aren't you?
Quote from: rdj on February 01, 2013, 08:52:41 AM
Sometimes those of us that aren't reared here have a better perspective and appreciation of what Tulsa has to offer than those that were.
When I first moved here about ten years ago I was amazed at how poorly the city was viewed by the people I met.
Tulsa has a real self esteem problem. OKC did as well. The bombing was a great start to improving that, the Thunder has increased it exponentially.
Agreed, but I think our self-esteem is on the rise. Downtown is certainly an example of a once scary place that is now a destination, getting better every day. We need much more housing in downtown, we need to fill in those surface parking lots with new businesses and buildings, we need to alter the belief that TPS is sub-par.
Tulsa is going be stuck in 2nd place with OKC riding high in first place if we don't get moving on something now. Anyone see the article in the Sunday business section of the "Tulsa World" Feb. 03, 2013 about Tulsa airport losing flights to OKC? What has happened to Tulsa? We at one time were the best place to live. Tulsa lost American Airlines with the buildings from the 1940's still standing empty. OKC is running circles around "T" Town. I thought this forum is about being pro-Tulsa not attacking Sauerkraut. We are all Tulsaites what kind of city do we want to live in?
Quote from: sauerkraut on February 04, 2013, 02:58:49 PM
Tulsa is going be stuck in 2nd place with OKC riding high in first place if we don't get moving on something now. Anyone see the article in the Sunday business section of the "Tulsa World" Feb. 03, 2013 about Tulsa airport losing flights to OKC? What has happened to Tulsa? We at one time were the best place to live. Tulsa lost American Airlines with the buildings from the 1940's still standing empty. OKC is running circles around "T" Town. I thought this forum is about being pro-Tulsa not attacking Sauerkraut. We are all Tulsaites what kind of city do we want to live in?
You might want to go and check out American Airlines before you proclaim them "lost".
What do you think should be done? Ideas?
Quote from: sauerkraut on February 04, 2013, 02:58:49 PM
Tulsa is going be stuck in 2nd place with OKC riding high in first place if we don't get moving on something now. Anyone see the article in the Sunday business section of the "Tulsa World" Feb. 03, 2013 about Tulsa airport losing flights to OKC? What has happened to Tulsa? We at one time were the best place to live. Tulsa lost American Airlines with the buildings from the 1940's still standing empty. OKC is running circles around "T" Town. I thought this forum is about being pro-Tulsa not attacking Sauerkraut. We are all Tulsaites what kind of city do we want to live in?
What are you doing to help Tulsa?
Have you volunteered anywhere? Are you a member of any organizations to further the city? Do you vote?
Quote from: Townsend on February 04, 2013, 03:04:28 PM
What are you doing to help Tulsa?
Have you volunteered anywhere? Are you a member of any organizations to further the city? Do you vote?
Can't believe Mary got back here so fast after the State of the State address to post that. Must have had an OHP escort.
Quote from: sauerkraut on February 04, 2013, 02:58:49 PMWe are all Tulsaites what kind of city do we want to live in?..
Wow.
Quote from: sauerkraut on February 03, 2013, 02:28:52 PM
I watched "Modern Marvels" about the making of the St. Louis Arch, they told how the city of St Louis got "branded" The city was always known for being the "gateway to the west", so in 1947 the city offered any professional designer $125,000 to come up with a structure to be built on the St Louis Riverfront. The arch project won out and today St Louis and the arch go together. St Louis has pictures of the arch on coffee mugs to post cards to motel names. Tulsa needs to find what it's known for and IMO it's Oil, Gas and Power- so Tulsa should work to build a structure that highlights that industry. That could be a giant oil rig with a musium and things like that. Seattle got the Space Needle I dunno the history behind that one. If Tulsa can do something big with this brand thing we can beat OKC. BTW I just read in the TulsaWorld that OKC's airport is overtaking Tulsa's airport- big time.. Some flights are just going to OKC.
How about a giant orange barrel with a blinking yellow light that can be seen from Oklahoma City!
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7i8uZFjV1_k/SBZaIBSWp9I/AAAAAAAAAHc/UWoJtOTVMyo/s320/orange_barrel.jpg)
It could be 200 stories tall and filled with gravel.
Quote from: Gaspar on February 04, 2013, 03:58:58 PM
How about a giant orange barrel with a blinking yellow light that can be seen from Oklahoma City!
It could be 200 stories tall and filled with gravel.
While fitting, gravel is surprisingly costly.
Quote from: Hoss on February 04, 2013, 03:12:44 PM
Wow.
Yeah. Disappointing to know he has access to the internet.
Quote from: Gaspar on February 04, 2013, 03:58:58 PM
How about a giant orange barrel with a blinking yellow light that can be seen from Oklahoma City!
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7i8uZFjV1_k/SBZaIBSWp9I/AAAAAAAAAHc/UWoJtOTVMyo/s320/orange_barrel.jpg)
It could be 200 stories tall and filled with gravel.
Schneider eggs.
(Schneider truck company - orange trucks....)
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on February 04, 2013, 08:28:58 PM
Schneider eggs.
(Schneider truck company - orange trucks....)
Last job I worked for I was very cognizant of transportation companies. JB Hunt, Swift (many drivers said that stood for 'sure wish I'd a faster truck'), Schneider the Pumpkin, Con-Way, et al.
Quote from: Hoss on February 04, 2013, 09:32:26 PM
Last job I worked for I was very cognizant of transportation companies. JB Hunt, Swift (many drivers said that stood for 'sure wish I'd a faster truck'), Schneider the Pumpkin, Con-Way, et al.
A lot of them govern the company drivers at 63 or 64 mph. If you are lucky, the company will give you an extra 5 mph if you can keep mileage above some level, like 6 mpg or so. When I was driving, I could always get the extra 5 mph, even with a heavy load, except in the western mountains. Usually got about 7 mpg. One of my favorite's was a load of pillows from a company in Bartlesville going to Wisonsin or Michigan. FULL trailer - right up to the roof - of pillows was about 6,000 lbs load. Easy driving.
Quote from: Townsend on February 04, 2013, 04:00:49 PM
Yeah. Disappointing to know he has access to the internet.
Um....T & H? Enough already. :P
(http://sergioiacobelli.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/get-a-room-03.jpg)
Quote from: guido911 on February 06, 2013, 12:28:37 AM
Um....T & H? Enough already. :P
Relax Guido. Find something constructive to do.
Quote from: Townsend on February 06, 2013, 08:40:46 AM
Relax Guido. Find something constructive to do.
He's got this infatuation, doesn't he?
QuoteOklahoma City Fears an End to Chesapeake's Largess
http://www.rigzone.com/news/oil_gas/a/124165/Oklahoma_City_Fears_an_End_to_Chesapeakes_Largess
OKLAHOMA CITY - At the 100-acre headquarters of Chesapeake Energy Corp., cranes continue to erect new glass-walled buildings and the company is seeking a sushi chef for what will be the fifth restaurant on its campus.
But the buzz here is that the nation's second-biggest natural-gas producer is cutting back on spending. And that worries some of its 5,000 employees here, as well as local government officials, nonprofit leaders and even some sports fans, all of whom have benefited from the largess of Chesapeake and its co-founder and chief executive, Aubrey McClendon.
Mr. McClendon, a native son of Oklahoma City, was ousted last week by directors insisting on financial austerity. His departure follows Chesapeake's decision to cut in half its charitable contributions, which totaled more than $56 million in 2010 and 2011 combined, within three years and to chop $190 million in overhead within 24 months.
The natural-gas company's finances have suffered from low prices for natural gas, compounded by its heavy spending to find and pump greater amounts of more-lucrative oil.
The company plans to sell assets to raise at least $5 billion this year to pay for its drilling and to reduce debt, which at the end of September exceeded the company's current $13 billion market capitalization.
Directors of local nonprofits, from food banks to arts organizations, that have received donations for years from Chesapeake and from Mr. McClendon say they are worried.
"It's hard not be concerned," said Lori Dickinson, president of the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools, which doles out school supplies and pays for programs for city schoolchildren. Chesapeake accounts for 15% of its budget.
Energy companies, including Devon Energy Corp. (DVN), SandRidge Energy Inc. (SD) and Continental Resources Inc. (CLR), have helped drive an economic expansion here in recent years. The companies have recruited workers from across the country and have built big headquarters. Unemployment in the metro area was 4.7% in December, compared with the national average of 7.8%.
But Chesapeake has taken a leading role in transforming a city that used to be dismissed as a cow town. Its name is on the arena that is home to its professional basketball team, the Thunder, a major source of civic pride. The team reached the finals of the National Basketball Association's championship last year, losing to the Miami Heat.
Mr. McClendon, who helped bring the team from Seattle and owns 19% of it, has pledged to donate to Oklahoma schools the amount of fees Chesapeake pays for naming rights multiplied by his ownership stake in the team for at least this year and last.
"Oklahoma City's national and international perception has changed because of the Thunder," said Jim Couch, the city manager. A framed team jersey, autographed by the players, hangs on the wood paneling of his office.
"It's been pretty public that they're going to shed some assets," Mr. Couch said of Chesapeake. "How that goes and what means for Oklahoma City, I don't know."
Michael Kehs, a Chesapeake spokesman, said: "Our commitment to being a helpful and engaged corporate citizen will continue." Chesapeake employees will continue to volunteer their time local organizations, and the corporation will make financial and in-kind contributions, he added. A spokesman for Mr. McClendon declined to comment.
Mr. McClendon has his own financial issues to contend with. He owed at least $846 million in loans at the end of 2011, according to a regulatory filing in April.
He used most of the proceeds to participate in a perk that allows him to acquire a small stake in every well Chesapeake drills as long as he pays his share of the costs, which totaled $457 million in 2011.
The perk sparked controversy last year after disclosures that Mr. McClendon borrowed from firms that invested in Chesapeake, and he and the board of directors agreed to end the practice next year.
A board review hasn't found any misconduct, the company said last week.
Despite an exit package of almost $50 million, to be paid out over four years, Mr. McClendon's cash needs are likely to remain high. He is again investing in the company's new wells this year. A state filing in January indicated that he and his wife have repaid a 2009 loan from George Kaiser, a Tulsa oil magnate. Mr. McClendon has pledged as loan collateral many of his assets, including a wine collection and a warehouse full of old gasoline pumps and oil memorabilia, and has plans to develop lakefront property in Michigan.
Mr. McClendon's departure, coupled with Chesapeake's spending cuts, have prompted anxiety among some employees, which Chairman Archie Dunham moved to address last week. He told employees in an email that the board isn't planning to eliminate its child-care facility, shut down its 72,000-square-foot gym or sell its campus restaurants.
Except for a recent increase in the gym-membership fee, which the company won't divulge the size of, the flagship campus isn't showing signs of a financial squeeze.
Modern, glass-walled offices are going up next to Chesapeake's red-brick, Georgian-style buildings and will house employees currently working elsewhere in the city. A fifth restaurant called Skyline, will be perched on the top floor and offer a view of downtown six miles away. Chesapeake has posted job openings for a sushi chef and cooks to serve Mongolian and Italian offerings.
But some members of Chesapeake's board, controlled since June by directors nominated by its largest shareholders, have raised eyebrows at the company's amenities. Chesapeake, however, has long argued that they are key to attracting talented employees and maximizing productivity.
Some Thunder fans have speculated Chesapeake's spending diet could hurt the basketball team it sponsors. But the company has a sponsorship agreement that runs for at least a decade under which it pays between $6 million and $7 million a year in sponsorship fees and naming rights to the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
The team is a big hit with Oklahomans like Gary May, who drove an hour to see the Thunder play the Dallas Mavericks here on Monday. The 57-year-old contract driller pumped his fist as the hometown team scored, en route to a 112-91 victory.
Mr. May said he is sorry to see Mr. McClendon leave Chesapeake. But taking in the glitz of the arena, and thinking of his glimpses of Chesapeake's sprawling campus, he marveled at all the funds that went to things other than producing oil and gas.
"There's probably a lot of money spent where it didn't need to be spent," he said.
so much for their marketing campaign.
Don't become co dependent on one industry or one company....1984.