New Liaison to Development Community, Small Business Hired

[Teatownclown]

You aren't suggesting???

NO!

Relationships refers to who is her daddy or what political contribution does this relate to.

[heironymouspasparagus]

Ah, yes.... right here in Business Development.  Yo' mama's gotta be sooooo proud!!  Oh, wait, is that... ?? 

[rdj]

Is she related to the Kellers that own Summit Bank and are big OSU donors?

[Gaspar]

Wow!  Small world. . .Bahahahahaha!

[we vs us]

I'm not finding any documentation linking Keller to Verrado (aside from Verrado being operated by DMB, her prior employer).  Still, if you look into what Verrado is (a master planned community, built in 2001) and what the Verrado Leadership program entails, Keller would seem to be quite qualified to work with local small business and developers in a community liaison role.  That's essentially what she did for Verrado, though with more focus on individual home-owners rather than business owners. 

"Verrado Leadership™ (VL) was created through the Verrado Assembly, in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) and a resident steering committee, to enhance the quality of life for Verrado residents. Its mission is to cultivate a leadership community.

Each neighborhood is represented by a Neighborhood Captain who is committed to four goals: 1.) community outreach through neighbor to neighbor engagement, 2.) being a neighborhood organizer for community events and activities, 3.) being an ambassador for the community and 4.) being a steward of charitable endeavors.

The VL program is a vital part of life in Verrado, creating a legacy that will not only touch the hearts and lives of the program participants, but will influence the greater community for years to come.

Verrado Youth Leadership
Verrado Youth Leadership Program is growing leaders in our community. A life changing experience for Verrado's youth, grades 6 – 9, participation in this program involves active learning sessions on basic leadership skills, effective communication and active listening skills, including guest speakers, various field trips, fundraising events and community projects."

Here's the City of Tulsa's press release, the nut of which, to me, is:

"Keller said she will support small business entrepreneurs with their development projects, assisting to resolve challenges that occur during the permitting and inspection processes while maintaining the integrity of the ordinances that are in place to ensure public safety.

"I look forward to working closely with Tulsa neighborhood groups and associations. Tulsa neighborhoods are the central part of who we are as a city. It is our responsibility to ensure the protection and sustainability of these neighborhoods through our services," she said.

[Gaspar]

She will support small businesses. . .challenges that occur during the permitting and inspection processes

With no experience in Civil Engineering, Planning, Architecture or Law, this will not be assistance.  When a business or developer has these issues, they typically seek a development consultant who can actually remedy what ever problem exists or is perceived to exist. 

Again, we will have to see what she will actually be involved in.  I just don't see the vacuum she is filling as present or important.