Tulsa Metro Chamber of Commerce

[Townsend]

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

[dbacks fan]

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.

[Townsend]

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."

[Conan71]

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.

[dbacks fan]

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....

[Townsend]

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.

[Rico]

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

[we vs us]

#1 again:


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."

[Conan71]

#1 again:


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. 

[we vs us]

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!

[Townsend]

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

It'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?

[TheArtist]

  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.  

[Townsend]

The Chamber's European economic development trip

Hamburg



Liechtenstein



Zurich



Brussels



Paris



London



Heck of a trip.  I hope they're able to produce something with it...maybe better pictures.

[Conan71]

I'm starting to worry about myself.

All I could think was: "So many pints to sample.  So little time".

[Townsend]

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.