Vision Tulsa 2020 by Langdon Publishing, Co.

2020

VISION TULSA

Forbes names Saint Francis Health System one of America’s Best-in-State employers. In a nationwide market-research study conducted by Forbes, Saint Francis Health System was named one of Oklahoma’s best employers. We are the only Tulsa-based private employer to receive this honor. Being named a best-in-state employer starts by employing those who are the best at what they do. Delivering the best care starts with the best people, and we firmly believe that we have the best healthcare team in the state. We are grateful to every employee for their efforts in providing awardwinning care, and for supporting the mission of Saint Francis Health System: To extend the presence and healing ministry of Christ in all we do. saintfrancis.com SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL | THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS | WARREN CLINIC | HEART HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS | SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL SOUTH | LAUREATE PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC AND HOSPITAL SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL MUSKOGEE | SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL VINITA | SAINT FRANCIS BROKEN ARROW | SAINT FRANCIS CANCER CENTER | SAINT FRANCIS HOME CARE COMPANIES | SAINT FRANCIS GLENPOOL

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Visit us at TulsaFCU.org/business to learn more.

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Contents Vision Tulsa 2020 is published for the Tulsa City Council, City of Tulsa, by Langdon Publishing. Copyright © 2020 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of information contained herein without prior written approval is prohibited. Vision Tulsa Magazine trademark copyright is registered with the State of Oklahoma. For additional copies of Vision Tulsa 2020 ($9.95 each plus tax and shipping costs) or for additional information about the City of Tulsa, please contact the Tulsa City Council Office, 175 E. Second St., Fourth Floor, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103; by calling 918-596-1990; or at the Council’s website at tulsacouncil.org, or contact the Director of Economic Development, City of Tulsa, 175 E. Second St., Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103, 918-596-7411, cityoftulsa.org. For information about relocating to Tulsa, write to Tulsa Regional Chamber, Economic Development Division, 1 W. Third St., Suite 100, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103; or by calling 918-585-1201. Information contained in this publication is produced for the Tulsa City Council by Langdon Publishing. All reasonable care has been executed to ensure the accuracy of information. All data are current as of October 2019. Publisher recognizes that printed material is subject to error and does not warrant or guarantee information contained herein. The Tulsa City Council and Langdon Publishing assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Introduction

47 Utilities

73 Manufacturing

4 City Council

48 Health care

6 Mayor of Tulsa

54 Faith in Tulsa

76 E nvironmental Management

7 Tulsa Global Alliance 7 Tulsa Regional Chamber

Assets 8 Route 66 11 People of Vision 13 The Arts 18 Live Music 21 Living and Lifestyles 28 Tulsa’s Gathering Place 30 Our Neighbors 32 Tourism

78 International Business

Business Highlights

79 Commercial Real Estate

56 Partner in Prosperity

82 Workforce Development

58 T he Business Case for Diversity

87 High Tech

62 Energy

Public Sector

65 Commerce

88 City Government

70 Aviation and Aerospace

90 Economic Profile

Credits 94 Acknowledgements 95 Advertiser Index

34 Housing 38 Demographics 40 Education 45 Transportation

The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Tulsa City Council or the City of Tulsa.

Publisher: Jim Langdon Editor: Anne Brockman

BOK CENTER, TULSA ZOO: MICHELLE POLLARD; PHILBROOK: MORGAN WELCH

Art Director: Morgan Welch Graphic Designer: Georgia Brooks Production Manager: Madeline Crawford VP Community Relations: Susie Miller Sales Executives: Andrea Canada Rita Kirk Betsy Slagle Research and Analysis: Martha Gregory Jennifer Pawlowski Printer: CP Solutions

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City Council

Vanessa Hall-Harper

Jeannie Cue

Crista Patrick

Kara Joy McKee

Cass Fahler

Councilor District 1

Councilor District 2

Councilor District 3

Councilor District 4

Councilor District 5

Connie Dodson

Lori Decter Wright

Phil Lakin Jr.

Ben Kimbro

Councilor District 6

Councilor District 7

Councilor District 8

Councilor District 9

City Council Staff Patrick Boulden Council Administrator Sarah Davis Director of Constituent Services Lori Doring Secretary to the Council Matt Martin TGOV Programs Administrator Megan Boyd Council Media Specialist Chris Baughman Council Aide Marissa Gomez Council Aide Elizabeth Tankard Council Aide

The City Council welcomed Brownies Troop 7026 for leading the Pledge of Allegiance at a November 2019 Council meeting in not one, not two, but three languages: French, Spanish and English. The Troop also made a Tulsa flag mosaic with pieces from Girl Scout Cookie boxes that now hangs in the Council office.

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COURTESY TULSA CITY COUNCIL

Simone Smith Council Support Assistant

Council Chair Whether you’re here for business, family, entertainment or historical exploration, you have made it to my favorite city, and I am glad you are here. There are dozens of reasons to love Tulsa, and while an exhaustive list of my personal, favorite haunts could fill volumes, it’s my hope that you will find your own spots while here. After all, I wouldn’t want to spoil some of the greatest surprises you have in store. What I do hope you note as you explore each new locale is the uniqueness of our people. Tulsans have always been warm, welcoming and absolutely invested in our community … and they prove it routinely. Tulsans choose to continuously grow and improve our already world-class city because from the beginning, our city’s founders have valued making rich cultural experiences, such as exceptional visual and performing arts, architecture, history and parks accessible to all. Walking tours, visual displays and many other meaningful experiences await you. Access doesn’t end there, however. We recently kicked off the implementation of Bus Rapid Transit, an innovative approach to transit that offers sustainable, reliable bus service connecting substantial numbers of residents to jobs, conveniently. In implementing BRT, Tulsa becomes one of only 12 such innovative cities in the United States. Tulsans overwhelmingly supported this investment in making choice ridership a priority. With the same enthusiasm, voters supported the passage of Improve Our Tulsa 2 in November 2019. I won’t bore you with too many figures from a local tax proposition for streets, public safety and infrastructure, but some of this is bragworthy. What makes me especially proud as a Tulsan is that not only did our voters say yes to this $639 million package, or that they said yes to a firstof-its-kind permanent funding stream for our rainy-day fund — ensuring future stability. The real message is that they said yes with such a united voice to caring about Tulsa’s continuous betterment. Welcome to my favorite place. Welcome to my favorite people. If you are returning to Tulsa, welcome back to a place and people I hope are becoming your new favorites. We sure are glad you are here! When you are ready to explore moving your family or your business to Tulsa, give me a call — I would love to help. Finally, a recommendation: Stop reading letters from politicians and get out and enjoy what Tulsa has to offer. Sincerely,

Ben Kimbro

CURTIS SPRAGUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Chairman, Tulsa City Council

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Mayor of Tulsa

In 2019, Tulsans voted in favor of three Improve Our Tulsa propositions by record margins to continue forward progress in our community. Improve Our Tulsa keeps funding in place for street maintenance and will add needed transportation infrastructure citywide. It also will provide renovations and upgrades to our parks with community input and make sure our facilities and capital equipment are in place for public safety personnel and our snow and ice crews. One of the items I am most proud of from Improve Our Tulsa is the Rainy Day Fund. Tulsa is now one of the first cities in the nation to have a dedicated funding source for its Rainy Day Fund, helping safeguard our finances for future recessions. When it comes to making Tulsa a safer city, police department staffing has been a priority. In my time as Mayor, we have seen the greatest surge in staffing for the police department in Tulsa history, and we now stand at 842 police officers — a 14.5% increase that represents 107 net additional officers keeping Tulsa safer. We also recognize we need to be smart on crime, too, which has led to several groundbreaking public safety initiatives under way such as our sobering center and the implementation of more than 75 community policing initiatives. To make Tulsa a globally competitive city, we are striving to make Tulsa a city of opportunity for everyone. We are implementing two major initiatives to help address inequities in our city through our Danny O’Connor with Councilors Phil Lakin Jr., Jeannie Cue, Vanessa Hall-Harper, Crista Patrick and Mayor G.T. Bynum outside the Outsiders House Museum on 918 Day.

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Resilient Tulsa Strategy and the New Tulsans Initiative. Both plans provide roadmaps with actionable visions and goals to create an inclusive future for all Tulsans. The City of Tulsa also is deploying a range of programs to assist our local schools. Thanks to Vision Tulsa, we are working to create safer routes to schools with improvements to crosswalks and lighting at schools across the city. We are funding a teacher recruitment and retention program to bring the best teachers to Tulsa and give them a rewarding environment that keeps them here. We are seeing a remarkable amount of investment in Tulsa. Amazon has completed construction of its massive fulfillment center in north Tulsa and plans to begin hiring in 2020. Greenheck Group is building a remarkable campus in north Tulsa and is currently hiring with plans to ramp up employment over the next year. We also have broke ground on many new projects across the city from new headquarters, tourist attractions and more. On the transportation front, we have launched the state’s first bus rapid transit line, which runs along the Peoria corridor from 56th Street North to 81st Street South, opening up access to jobs and amenities for people along that line. And, after 50 years of steady land accumulation, we broke ground on the Gilcrease Expressway, which will open west Tulsa for investment in a way it hasn’t been before. We are seeing the creativity and full potential of Tulsa unleashed across our region. Our community is working together in ways we never have before and the vision we are setting for our city is unmatched.

GT Bynum Mayor of Tulsa

MAYOR: SHANE BEVEL; 918 DAY: FACEBOOK.COM/GTBYNUMFORTULSAMAYOR

In our work to make Tulsa a globally competitive, world class city we focus every day on making Tulsa a safer city, making Tulsa a city of opportunity for everyone, and empowering this generation of Tulsans to build the city they want to leave to the next generation. By setting high expectations for our city and through the use of data and community engagement, we are implementing programs and processes that will leave a lasting mark on our city.

Tulsa Global Alliance

Tulsa Regional Chamber Tulsa is a city that inspires. It inspires investment. It inspires tourism. It inspires exploration, invention and engagement. And, as we are increasingly seeing, Tulsa inspires other cities hoping to generate the same level of energy and excitement that we experience on a daily basis.

Helping Tulsa become a vibrant community that thinks, acts and connects globally, we share the world with Tulsa and Tulsa with the world! Tulsa Global Alliance builds global community in northeastern Oklahoma by hosting U.S. State Department international visitors, facilitating international Sister City relationships, and promoting global education and international business. Please join us in practicing “citizen diplomacy,” and help us shape U.S. foreign relations, one handshake and one smile at a time. Recent benefits to Tulsa: Welcoming international visitors to northeastern Oklahoma Last year, 372 international visitors representing 90 countries visited Tulsa through TGA — many through the U.S. State Department International Visitor Leadership Program with an economic impact of $958,000. Tulsans are gracious people and proud to share our success and showcase our city. Sister Cities exchanges On behalf of the City of Tulsa, TGA coordinates exchanges and activities between Tulsa and our eight international Sister Cities: San Luis Potosi, Mexico; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Beihai, China; Tiberias, Israel; Utsunomiya, Japan; Zelenograd, Russia; Celle, Germany; and Amiens, France. Utsunomiya sent its 25th delegation of middle school students to visit Tulsa in March. Deputy Mayor Amy Brown represented Tulsa in Amiens at the “La rue est à Amiens” Cultural Festival in Amiens in June. Journalists from Zelenograd visited Tulsa in June, and Zelenograd runners participated in the Route 66 Marathon in November. Opportunities for businesses to build global partnerships TGA facilitates international business development, introducing Oklahoma companies to business and government leaders from global trading partners. Working with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Tulsa Regional Chamber, TGA and CCK Strategies presented “Doing Business with Mexico” seminar for more than 70 Oklahoma business representatives. In addition to presentations by Consul General of Mexico Rodolfo Quilantán Arenas and Oklahoma-Mexico Trade Representative Luis Domenech, representatives of three Tulsa businesses — Arrow Engine, Manhattan Construction Group and T.D. Williamson —spoke about their companies’ experiences working in Mexico. Promoting global education Over 1,000 Tulsan children and families attended World in a Box Day in August at Tulsa’s Central Library, receiving passports and stamps as they visited and experienced cultures around the world at the library. Sponsored by the Gelvin Foundation in cooperation with the Tulsa City-County Library, World in a Box Day offers live music and dance performances and free hands-on activities for all ages. TGA has entered a partnership with Union Public Schools Career Connect Program to provide workforce education opportunities for Union students, and we arranged a “Coffee with a Diplomat” reception at OSU-Tulsa for high school and college students to learn about careers in the U.S. State Department. In early 2020, TGA invites high school students to attend the Study Abroad Fair at the Tulsa Central Library.

Tulsa is many things to many people. Tulsa is vibrant, offering a diverse mix of architecture, activities and events, from arts and music to food and theater. From more than $1.5 billion in public and private investment in downtown, to quality of life improvements like the $465 million Gathering Place river development, to marquee venues such as the BOK Center and ONEOK Field, our community is one our children and grandchildren will want to live in. Tulsa is also active. Our citizens enjoy outdoor spaces like Guthrie Green and Turkey Mountain, and they compete in events like the Tulsa Run, Tulsa Tough and, new for 2020, the IRONMAN triathlon. Our city makes it easy to walk, bike, and run, or to simply relax and soak up the sun. Tulsa is creative. Our citizens pursue opportunities to push the envelope and expand the knowledge base. Tulsa’s creative thinkers are busy today imagining the jobs of tomorrow in fields such as computer science, aerospace, health care, and the arts. Tulsa is also entrepreneurial. Our citizens like nothing better than to find a better way, or a new solution. From our earliest days, we have been pioneers, and that pioneering spirit continues today in places such as The Forge, the Chamber’s business incubator, and 36 Degrees North, a co-working space funded in part by the Chamber, as well as through the Chamber’s own Small Business Connection, northeast Oklahoma’s leading network for connecting small businesses with the tools to grow in a competitive global market. Tulsa is family friendly. Our attractions — including our zoo, parks and amusements — appeal to young and old alike, making it easy for the entire family to enjoy our city. Tulsa is a great place to visit a fair, take in an outdoor concert, and splash in the water, no matter what your age. And last but not least, Tulsa is historic. From our treasure trove of art deco architecture to iconic Route 66, our city offers sights and sounds that will appeal to anyone interested in the history of our great land. We also have world-class museums — including Philbrook and Gilcrease — that bring the history of our region — and of other regions — to vivid life. Suffice to say, Tulsa is as multi-faceted as its citizens, and we are certain that our best days are still ahead of us. Take a look — we believe you, too, will be inspired by Tulsa.

Mike Neal President and CEO, Tulsa Regional Chamber

Bob Lieser Tulsa Global Alliance

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Route 66

By Rhys Martin, president, Oklahoma Route 66 Association

Route 66 has been called the “largest open-air museum in the world.” It’s arguably the most famous road in the world, too. You can see the familiar shield and doublesixes on the walls of pubs and restaurants in Europe, South America and Australia. Every year, tens of thousands of tourists from across the globe fly into Chicago, Illinois, rent a car or motorcycle, and head west toward the Pacific Ocean. Route 66 is an American story, but it’s also a story vital to the city of Tulsa. It’s part of our past, our present and our future. Cyrus Avery, known as “The Father of Route 66” was an adopted Tulsan. As the county commissioner in 1914, he oversaw the project that built the

11th Street Bridge across the Arkansas River. Twelve years later, he had a seat at the table when the Joint Board of Interstate Highways was designing the country’s first organized highway system. He lobbied for the main east-to-west roadway to use Tulsa’s state-of-the-art concrete span as the most reliable way across the Arkansas. He was successful, and because of his contributions U.S. Highway 66 came through Tulsa (and Oklahoma as a whole) rather than central Kansas and Colorado. U.S. Highway 66 quickly became much more than just a road. It became a symbol. When the Dust Bowl decimated a swath of the Midwest, it was the path to California and a better life for migrant farmers. When John Steinbeck published his novel, “The Grapes of Wrath,” in 1939 he called the long stretch of highway Buck Atom Cosmic Curios unveiled its new “muffler man” in May 2019 along East 11th Street.

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“The Mother Road.” As the United States geared up to enter World War II, the paved highway was integral to troop movement exercises in the west. When the war was over, Route 66 entered a Golden Age. Bobby Troup wrote the famous song, “Get Your Kicks on Route 66.” Families loaded up the station wagon and used it to visit our national parks. There was even a TV show with the name and setting, though most of the show was filmed far away from the actual highway. The road wasn’t just filled with vacationing tourists; it also became a primary artery for commerce. For most towns along Route 66, it became Main Street. With the rise of the automobile came the rise of automobile-related businesses: service stations, garages, motor hotels and quick-service dining institutions. Before long, city segments of 66 were lined with neon signs and roadside attractions, designed to encourage folks to stop a while and enjoy the community. Maybe it was a 20-foot-tall fiberglass

By the 1960s, the nature of travel had begun to shift. The interstates offered a faster lane of travel; they cut through the land rather than weave with it. The Turner Turnpike, which connects Tulsa to Oklahoma City, opened in 1953 and was the first major bypass of Route 66. It was heralded as a great step forward. Cars could drive faster and the straightened road was safer to travel. Soon, the “super-slab” interstate highways were popping up along the entire length of the Mother Road. As each new segment opened, the communities that thrived around Route 66 saw a drastic decrease in traffic from tourists and truckers alike. Towns that had built underground pedestrian walkways to account for the traffic could stand on the yellow line in the middle of the road, with

no cars visible as far as they could see in either direction. The impact to Tulsa wasn’t as severe to the city as a whole, but many of the businesses that catered to the traveling public were affected. The number of motels decreased, mom-and-pop diners transitioned to a more fast-food centric culture, and many neon signs were replaced with backlit plastic boxes to save money. In 1985, U.S. Highway 66 was federally decommissioned. It seemed like the story of the Most Famous Road in the World had come to an end. But all was not lost. In 1990, another adopted Tulsan made a huge contribution to the future of Route 66. Author Michael Wallis released the book, “Route 66: The Mother Road.” The book looked at the Route 66 of the present, educating readers about the road’s importance and encouraging them to take a trip of their own. It told the world that the famous highway was still there and worth exploring. Route

The historic Meadow Gold sign now sits at East 11th Street and South Quaker Avenue and anchors the Meadow Gold district.

BUCK ATOM: VALERIE WEI-HAAS; PLAZA: EVAN TAYLOR; MEADOW GOLD: MICHELLE POLLARD

“East Meets West” is a sculpture that resides at Cyrus Avery Plaza along Route 66 near downtown Tulsa.

Paul Bunyan statue, or a series of rhyming signs that advertised Burma-Shave, or a motel made up of 15 concrete teepees. It was a wonderland of natural and man-made splendor.

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People from all over the world started looking to Route 66 as a vacation destination, seeking an authentic American experience. In 2005, Tulsa developed a plan to enhance the historic route within city limits, which included projects to highlight Cyrus Avery, create gateways on the east and west sides of town, and develop several roadside attractions. A year after the plan was put in place, Disney/Pixar’s film “Cars” came out and introduced Route 66 to a whole new generation. As you might imagine, this had a tremendous positive impact all along the road that continues today. Tulsa is the home of the Route 66 Alliance, founded in 2009 by Michael Wallis and Rick

Albuquerque artist Eric Garcia designed “Route 66 Rising,” a 70-by-30-foot sculpture located at the Avery traffic circle at East Admiral Place and South Mingo Road, to celebrate the spirit and vibrancy of Tulsa and Route 66.

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Freeland. The Alliance works to support organizations and people along all eight states that have a piece of Route 66. Executive Director Ken Busby is developing the Route 66 Experience, an interpretive center designed to educate locals and travelers alike about the Route 66 of today using interactive technology. In 2016, the Tulsa Route 66 Commission was formed and began further work to preserve and promote the historic highway. A neon sign grant program was established to help small business owners restore old signs or build new ones. More than a dozen historic markers were developed for installation on both alignments of the road within the city. Preservation success stories, such as the relocation and restoration of the Meadow Gold neon sign, were highlighted to encourage more of the same.

In line with these developments, sections of the road that had become associated with derelict properties and used car dealerships teemed with new development. A 21-foot-tall Muffler Man statue was installed next to a former gas station. A brick warehouse was converted into Tulsa’s first food hall. People took the nostalgic feeling that Route 66 was known for and added a 21st century twist to it. And it’s working. Today, you can cruise the Mother Road in Tulsa and meet people from around the world. That’s where the real experience is; it’s the people that make it special. Not just business owners that sell wares and operate vintage motels, but travelers that experience the former Oil Capital of the World through the lens of that old highway. They all have their own story; don’t be afraid to add yours to the mix.

MICHELLE POLLARD

66 has been enjoying a period of revitalization ever since.

People of Vision By John Tranchina

Alison Anthony

ANTHONY: COURTESY TULSA AREA UNITED WAY; MATTHEWS; COURTESY OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE; RAMSEYER: MICHELLE POLLARD

People of Vision: Alison Anthony Alison Anthony has held many leadership roles throughout her career, but none have had the capability to impact as many people as her current job as president and CEO of the Tulsa Area United Way. After serving as the president of the Williams Foundation and director of strategic outreach at Williams, Anthony took over at the United Way in April 2018 and has overseen the organization enriching the lives of countless local citizens. “We unite people and resources to improve lives and strengthen the community. That really is exactly what we do,” said Anthony, who grew up in Enid, attended Oklahoma State and moved to Tulsa in 1993. “In order to do that, we raise over $25 million every year for the community and that funds a variety of different things. We have over 30,000 donors in the community, so we try to make it fun and engaging to empowering people to be philanthropists for their community in an easy, painless way. We support 59 partner agencies in the building block areas of education, health and safety, and financial stability. “It’s this huge fundraising machine, that is also volunteer-driven. We are only a staff of 30 full-time employees. But we work with armies of volunteers to get things done.” The effort and input of the volunteers is invaluable to the United Way’s operation.

State Sen. Kevin Matthews

Roger Ramseyer

“We have a group of between 170 and 200 volunteers every year, and from the first of the year through May, they spend over 5,000 hours in community investment panels,” explained Anthony, who has five children between the ages of 19 and 30. “Groups of panels go out and take on a set of five to eight partner agencies, and they look at their financials. They look at the application that the agency fills out and says, ‘This is how much money we need for these programs,’ and we may not fund the whole agency, we may just fund a specific program within an agency, and so (the volunteers) study that in depth and then visit with the board and they might say, ‘This is an amazing program, we’re seeing excellent outcomes and yes, they not only need this money, if they had more money, they could get better outcomes.’ Or we might say, ‘We need to help this organization raise more money on its own and not just rely on United Way.’”

be authentic and do this in the best way I can, and find a way to say yes?’

Anthony views her role as a leadership figure with reverence and tries to apply principles with every decision she has to make based on her values, which are written on a whiteboard in her garage that she sees every time she leaves the house and returns home. “For me, leadership is about authentically embodying your values and being intentional about that, being disciplined about that,” Anthony said. “I think one of my superpowers has been, over time, I ask myself, ‘Is this aligned to my values? Is this aligned to my skills? And how can I

“I would say leadership is about influencing for what’s right for this community, embodying the values for me is connection, of leading from a place of authenticity and empathy, knowing that we’re all in it together, and then thinking about ways to empower the success of others and trust other people and the team to do what’s right for the community.” For more information on the Tulsa Area United Way, visit tauw.org.

People of Vision: State Sen. Kevin Matthews As the chairman of the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission, State Sen. Kevin Matthews has a very important job that he believes could impact the future of race relations in Tulsa and around the country. “For many, many years, this has been Tulsa’s dirty secret,” said Matthews, 59, a native Tulsan that attended Booker T. Washington High School and lives in the Greenwood District, just north of downtown, where the Massacre occurred. “We have never acknowledged the significance of the 1921 Race Massacre, and it is part of our Tulsa history, our state history and our national history. So, the story needs to be told. You can never have

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reconciliation without transparency and telling the truth. The first part of healing is revealing, to admit what happened, and tell the story.” Matthews has been instrumental in getting some schools to teach the story of the incident and has established a standard curriculum for it. And as the chairman of the commission, he is a central figure in determining the ways in which the event will be commemorated in the Greenwood District. For many years, it had been known as the Tulsa Race Riot, but that title was misleading, so it was changed. While the word “riot” implies that both sides partook of the mayhem, which is not an accurate portrayal of what actually happened, the real reason the events of 1921 took on that name is even more insidious. “The way that the name changed from ‘Riot’ to ‘Massacre’ is the fact the word ‘Riot’ was used because it’s one of the exclusions of insurance,” Matthews said. “That was not given by our community, it was given by another community to keep black people from being able to cash in on insurance policies. So, they rebuilt with their own money, after paying insurance policies. We had law enforcement and officials that were part of the Ku Klux Klan and other groups that tried to hide this, and we can’t move forward if those wounds and the symptoms of what happened are still affecting us today. “So, we feel that just coming clean and telling the story, being transparent and honest about what happened, is the only way that we’re going to move toward healing and turning that tragedy into triumph and reconciliation.” Before being elected to the Oklahoma State House of Representatives in 2012 and then the State Senate in 2015, Matthews served 25 years in the Tulsa Fire Department. He retired in 2010 as Administrative Fire Chief (Chief of Personnel), in charge of a 694-person department with budget responsibility of $52 million. Matthews, who is now the chairman of the Democratic Caucus of the Oklahoma State Legislature, believes his various leadership roles have helped set him up for success in his role with the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission. 12

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“I believe that leadership causes you to have responsibility,” Matthews said. “And the way that I’ve been able to use it is to build relationships with those other folks in leadership, whether they’re in my party or not in my party, and be able to use those relationships and what we have in common as humans to get things done. I believe that as an elected official, it’s about using your relationships and influence to make others that don’t understand, understand what your constituents need from your perspective, and that’s what I try to do every day.” For more information on the commission, visit tulsa2021.org.

People of Vision: Roger Ramseyer As the chairman of the Tulsa Regional Chamber, Roger Ramseyer is entrusted with carrying on the organization’s mission of “the principal businessdriven leadership organization improving the quality of community life through the development of regional economic prosperity,” according to the Chamber’s website, tulsachamber.com. It is a challenge he takes very seriously and one that Ramseyer is eager to implement. “During my tenure as Chamber chair, I will strive to be an enthusiastic salesman for Tulsa as we all endeavor in attracting and retaining businesses of all sizes which choose our great community as the location in which to grow and prosper,” said Ramseyer, who currently serves as the vice president and market leader for Cox Communications in northeast Oklahoma. “I will be an advocate in fighting unproductive and overly burdensome regulation, and support all efforts to ensure that our diverse community is one of inclusion.” Ramseyer and his wife, Terri, have only been in Tulsa for four years, but have fallen in love with the community. Enjoying the city and all it has to offer, specifically locations like Gathering Place and Turkey Mountain among many others, has resulted in Ramseyer becoming an avid advocate for Tulsa. “Tulsa is not only welcoming, it is the perfect size for us,” said Ramseyer, who is a member at

the Rotary Club of Tulsa and is also a trustee of the Tulsa Community College Foundation, as well as actively involved at Life.Church of south Tulsa. “It is a big enough community to offer almost everything that much larger cities offer, but small enough that commutes are easy, the cost of living is low, and the cultural landscape features just about anything one would want to see or do. Tulsa is the perfect match of convenience, friendliness, amenities, community engagement, cost, and size. “With Gathering Place, a thriving downtown, a vibrant arts community, one of the top-ranked arenas in the country, a broad array of educational institutions, and the support of a thriving Chamber, Tulsa is dressed up and ready to go. It is fun to get to be a part of the growth.” As Chamber chairman, Tulsans can get a glimpse of the impressive leadership style that Ramseyer has honed over the course of his career, featuring his thorough process of relationship-building, information collection and open consultation with others. “In preparation for the opportunity of chairing the Chamber, I systematically met with key civic, business, nonprofit and government leaders and asked open-ended questions about how our community can capitalize on our strengths, continue to enhance the quality of life, create opportunities for all, and enhance the economic prosperity of the region,” said Ramseyer, who was the managing director of global government and public affairs/corporate communications for INVISTA and Koch Industries in Wichita, Kansas, before coming to Tulsa. “When I concluded the informal endeavor of gathering input and analyzing the feedback, the challenge was to prioritize and weave the findings into the Chamber’s well-defined strategic plan. It is exciting and invigorating. “Leadership involves developing, fine-tuning, and executing upon a vision that can be successfully implemented to meet the ever-evolving needs of the community.”

The Arts By Ken Busby, Route 66 Alliance

Tulsa had to be in the room where it happened! “Hamilton” The Musical took center stage for three weeks with sold-out houses at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center as Celebrity Attractions brought one of the most anticipated performances of the decade to our community. The timing of this particular musical couldn’t have been better as the nation began to set its sights on the 2020 presidential election. And this was a very big year for the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trust, as it took over the management of the Performing Arts Center with a 25-year agreement with the City of Tulsa, designed to strengthen this economic and cultural asset for the community.

Tulsa Opera also made history in a big way this year when it presented a trans woman, acclaimed baritone Lucia Lucas, in the title role of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Don Giovani.” This was the first time a trans woman has appeared in a title role of any opera for any professional opera company in the United States. On the literary/movie/architecture front, The Outsiders House Museum opened to much acclaim, as the renovated house in which Francis Ford Coppola filmed the movie adaptation of author S.E. Hinton’s novel, “The Outsiders,” had its big reveal. The movie’s

original Pony Boy, C. Thomas Howell, and S.E. Hinton were on hand for the dedication. Sponsored by the George Kaiser Family Foundation, the Tulsa Awards for Theatre Excellence (TATE Awards) encourage Tulsabased theater groups to produce their finest performances of straight plays, with the possibility of winning cash awards — $10,000 for Outstanding Production. This year’s Mary Kay Place Legacy Award was presented to an individual who has been a friend, booster and voice for the arts in Tulsa for more than 30 years: James D. Watts, Scene writer and arts reviewer for the Tulsa World. Theatre Tulsa’s

HAMILTON: JOAN MARCUS

Shoba Narayan, Ta’Rea Campbell and Nyla Sostre performing on the “Hamilton” National Tour

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production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time” was this year’s Outstanding Production. First Runner-Up went to American Theatre Co.’s, “Circle Mirror Transformation.” And Second Runner-Up went to Theatre North’s, “The Green Book.” Clark Youth Theatre continued its unbroken series of wins in the Outstanding Youth Production category with its version of William Shakespeare’s, “As You Like It.” The Tulsa Library Trust presented the 2019 Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award to Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer and journalist Stacy Schiff. Awarded a 2006 Academy Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, Schiff was inducted into the academy in 2019. Her most recent nonfiction work, “The Witches: Salem, 1692,” was hailed by The New York Times as “an almost novelistic, thriller-like narrative.” Writing in the Wall Street Journal, Brad Gooch

called Schiff, “perhaps the most seductive writer of nonfiction prose in America in our time.” The Anne V. Zarrow Award for Young Readers’ Literature was presented by the Tulsa Library Trust to author Rita Williams-Garcia. Williams-Garcia was recognized for writing bestselling novels for young adults that inspire imaginations, dreams and pride in all ages. Her books encourage cultural awareness and the importance of believing in yourself. “One Crazy Summer,” the first book in the Gaither Sister series, was awarded the National Book Award, Coretta Scott King Award, Newbery Medal Honor Book and the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction. The sequels, “P.S. Be Eleven” and “Gone Crazy in Alabama,” were both Coretta Scott King Award winners. The Tulsa Symphony welcomed its new executive director, Keith C. Elder, who previously

served as the general manager of the Aspen Musical Festival in Colorado. With classics and pops concerts, chamber music, outdoor concerts and music education programs, Tulsa Symphony is a true service organization for this community. Internationally acclaimed violinist Sarah Barton Pine performed at this year’s opening night gala of the Tulsa Symphony’s 14th season. Proceeds from the gala support the Symphony’s partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute. Together, they present Link Up, a highly participatory program in which students in grades 3-5 perform repertoire on recorder and voice, and take part in creative work such as composing their own pieces inspired by the orchestral music they have studied. This year, the Tulsa Symphony has helped teachers integrate the Link Up program into the curriculum of every elementary school in Tulsa, Union, Jenks, Broken Arrow,

Lucia Lucas performing with the Tulsa Opera

Tulsa Symphony Executive Director Keith Elder

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LUCIA LUCAS, KEITH ELDER: VALERIE WEI-HAAS; TULSA BALLET: JEREMY CHARLES

Bixby, Owasso and Sand Springs public school districts — reaching more than 24,000 students in the Tulsa area. Tulsa Ballet continues to wow audiences and bring international attention to this stellar dance company. With another highly acclaimed world tour to Italy, Spain and Switzerland in the spring, Tulsa Ballet presented two world premieres in the fall, “Escaping the World of Darkness,” by resident choreographer Ma Cong, and “Fading Figures” by Garrett Smith. And back by popular demand was Val Caniparoli’s “Prawn-watching.” This thrilling work is set to the music of awardwinning British composer Michael Nyman (of the Academy Award winning film “The Piano”).

about his important role in American history. This year it explored the work and life of Arlo Guthrie, Woody’s son and a renowned songwriter, musician and activist in his own right, in the exhibit, “In Times Like These: Arlo Guthrie, Friends and Family.” Curated by the

Woody Guthrie Center, the exhibit featured rare, never-before-seen photographs, artifacts and writings from Arlo that tell the story of his youth and the memories of his father, Arlo’s own breakthrough in the music world, his rise to international renown, and the continuing musical tradition through his children and grandchildren.

The Woody Guthrie Center marked its seventh anniversary in the Tulsa Arts District in 2019. The Center is dedicated to celebrating Woody’s life and legacy and educating a new generation

Tulsa Ballet performing “Dorothy and the Prince of Oz”

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Gilcrease Museum presented “Bob Dylan: Face Value and Beyond,” the culmination of efforts by the museum in partnership with the Bob Dylan Center to create a temporary home for the center’s collection until its opening in the Tulsa Arts District in 2021. This exhibition offered an array of fresh avenues to explore the many facets of Bob Dylan’s artistry, featuring the first regional showing of Dylan’s renowned Face Value portrait series from the Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey collection, as well as drawings, filmed performances, writings, personal effects and ephemera exclusive to the archive. Philbrook Museum of Art hosted multimedia artist Sharon Louden who created a site-specific installation fostering interaction between her art, the exhibit space and the viewer. Her work, which she describes as “drawing in space,”

First Friday Art Crawl in the Tulsa Arts District

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consisted of warped, crumpled, highly polished aluminum suspended in space. The organic and dynamic shapes reflected light, visitors and the surrounding architecture, breaking down barriers between the art object, its environment and those inhabiting the museum. Between June and November of 2018, Jason Lee explored Tulsa and other parts of Oklahoma with his film cameras, creating a new series of photographs for a 2019 Philbrook Downtown exhibition and forthcoming book. Known widely as an actor (“Almost Famous, “Chasing Amy”) and skateboarder, Lee also has spent the past two decades immersing himself in the art of pre-digital photography. His photographs capture the haunting remnants of the past, often starkly juxtaposed against the enduring landscape.

The Tulsa Community Foundation and the George Kaiser Family Foundation continued an important arts-funding initiative, Arts Alliance Tulsa, a United Arts Fund that strengthens and supports the arts through fundraising, support services, audience development and allocations of resources. In Tulsa, 39 cultural organizations are benefiting from this program designed to raise awareness of Tulsa’s rich arts scene. 108|Contemporary welcomed a new executive director, Susan Baley, who returned to Oklahoma after several years in Terre Haute, Indiana, where she was executive director of the Swope Art Museum. And it hosted an engaging exhibition, Roadside Neon, featuring works created by neon artist Todd Sanders that celebrate the often-underappreciated American art form that paints the iconic Route 66

Gilcrease Museum

landscape. Rooted in 20th-century pop culture, Sanders’ pieces are considered energetic, powerful and completely unforgettable, celebrating and continuing the American legacy of past artisans. Exhibits like these support the efforts of the Route 66 Alliance, headquartered in Tulsa, that is working with entities around the city and across the state to celebrate Route 66 and promote economic development through cultural tourism. These organizations, along with Magic City Books, Gilcrease Museum’s Zarrow Center for Art and Education, Living Arts of Tulsa and Tulsa Artists Coalition, continued to attract thousands of visitors to downtown Tulsa each month during the First Friday Arts Crawl. The success of the Tulsa Arts District, as well as the resurgence of downtown Tulsa in general,

truly showcases the arts as an economic engine for our city. Tulsa truly is an arts and culture city! And 2019 saw growing development focused on Route 66 — offering new opportunities for selfies with public art like “Route 66 Rising” at the traffic circle at East Admiral Place and South Mingo Road, the original alignment of Route 66, and a 22-feet tall Buck Atom “muffler man” at Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on East 11th Street, the current alignment of Route 66. All of these efforts, along with the world-class Gathering Place park, are designed for visitors and residents alike to have fun and meaningful experiences exploring everything that Tulsa has to offer.

The arts are meant to inspire, entertain, and awe, but, more importantly, they offer an opportunity for us to reevaluate our perspectives and challenge the status quo. Tulsa’s Thomas Gilcrease Institute of American History and Art, commonly known as Gilcrease Museum, offers a mirror to America’s past and a window to our future, challenging our thoughts on the American experience. Home to a collection of 400,000 art and artifacts as vast as the American experience itself, including an unparalleled collection of Native American art and material, Gilcrease is world-renowned for the preservation and study of American art and history. The museum experience also includes The Restaurant at Gilcrease, widely known for Sunday Brunch, and Museum Store that houses some of the finest Native American jewelry Tulsa has to offer.

FIRST FRIDAY ART CRAWL, GILCREASE: VALERIE WEI-HAAS

The Helmerich Center for American Research on the museum’s campus houses the vast archival collection that Thomas Gilcrease amassed. In it are more than 100,000 items that chronicle history—from the Spanish exploration and conquest of the Western Hemisphere to the founding of democracy in the United States and the American Indian attempts to maintain home territories during the 19th century, including rare books, documents, maps, and unpublished material related to the history of the North American continent. Located five minutes from downtown Tulsa and nestled in the scenic Osage Hills, Gilcrease Museum has 23 acres of themed gardens open to the public. The grounds also include 10 bronze sculptures and Stuart Park, perfect for hiking, running, and enjoying nature. The grounds are open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. with tours by appointment. The museum is owned by the City of Tulsa, which has partnered with The University of Tulsa to steward the museum. Susan Neal, executive director of Gilcrease Museum, studies “Three Ghost Figures,” a painting by T.C. Cannon.

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and is closed on Mondays. For more information, please visit gilcrease.org or call 918-596-2700.

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Live Music By Julie Wenger Watson

From a world-class arena and a timeless honkytonk to the corner bar, music is everywhere in Tulsa. If oil built this city, steel guitars, fiddles and horns were the soundtrack. Seated at the geographical crossroads of the nation, Tulsa has produced talent as diverse as the funky rhythms of ’70s rhythm and blues innovators the Gap Band to the perennially pleasing pop of the Hanson Brothers and everything in between. On any given night, music is just around the corner.

plus-seat, multi-purpose facility has hosted two concerts from Sir Paul McCartney, seven consecutive sold-out performances with Oklahoma country crooner Garth Brooks, farewell tour stops from megastars Elton John and Bob Seger, and blockbuster events with Metallica, Imagine Dragons and Bruno Mars. Named “Arena of the Year,” by the International Entertainment Buyers Association, the venue is ranked one of the world’s busiest concert destinations. bokcenter.com

BOK Center

Cain’s Ballroom

Designed by world-renowned architect, César Pelli, the BOK Center opened in 2008 with a sold-out show from legendary California rock band The Eagles. The arena’s stark, modern silhouette is a striking addition to the skyline of downtown Tulsa. Since opening its doors to the public, the 19,000

Built in 1924, Cain’s Ballroom served as a garage and a dance academy before becoming a top performance venue, beloved by musicians and fans alike. This revered honky-tonk is steeped in history. From 1935-1942, Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys hosted weekly dances, a midnight radio

show and a daily noon hour radio program from the Cain’s stage, popularizing a new sound called Western swing, a form of country and Western music that combines jazz, hillbilly, blues and big band swing. Today, the Ballroom still boasts its wooden dance floor, and oversized photographs of country music icons like Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams and Tennessee Ernie Ford remain on the walls. While the Cain’s is proud of its legacy as the “Home of Western Swing,” it continues to make history. Bob Dylan, the Sex Pistols, Van Halen, Sonic Youth and even a very young U2 have graced this stage. The venue’s 2019 calendar included three sold-out shows with Jack White’s band The Raconteurs and concerts with Ben Harper, the Violent Femmes and Death Cab for Cutie. In 2020, performances at the venue include Tori Kelly on

Duet Local musician Wink Burcham

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Feb. 19, Railroad Earth on March 26 and Brian Culbertson on May 7. cainsballroom.com

Casinos For those who like a side of gambling with their music, Tulsa is home to many first-class casinos housing excellent music venues. Hard Rock Live, formerly The Joint, in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is a state-of-the-art 2,600-seat amphitheater with an intimate feel. hardrockcasinotulsa.com On the banks of the Arkansas River, River Spirit Casino Resort features Paradise Cove, a music destination booking nationally touring acts. riverspirittulsa.com

Guthrie Green Located in the heart of the Tulsa Arts District, Guthrie Green is an urban park that regularly features free, live music. In addition to plenty of local bands, this beautiful green space has a number of signature events, including the extremely popular Soul Fest. guthriegreen.com

musicians, along with Tulsa’s great local talent, in a cozy, intimate setting. Patrons can enjoy a drink from the bar and order a variety of small plates from the kitchen of the restaurant above. duetjazz.com For those wanting a taste of Tulsa’s original music, The Colony at 2809 S. Harvard Ave. is a favorite of local musicians. Don’t be surprised to find an occasional special guest sitting in with one of the Tulsa bands. This bar is home to many after-hour jams and a frequent stop for nationally touring performers after their own concerts have concluded. colonytulsa.com

Clubs Tucked in a basement at the corner of East Archer Street and North Detroit Avenue, Duet is a beautifully appointed jazz bar that regularly features well-known, nationally touring jazz

Whether your tastes run to arena rock or singersongwriter sets, Tulsa has it all.

DUET: PHIL CLARKIN; WINK: PAUL WELCH; CAIN’S: MICHELLE POLLARD

Set in the beautiful Osage Hills in north Tulsa, the 45,000-square-foot Skyline Event

Center at the Osage Hotel and Casino boasts an impressive lineup of entertainment. osagecasino.com

Posters adorning the walls at historic Cain’s Ballroom

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Public Service Company of Oklahoma PSO servicers conduct an electrical safety discussion and demonstration for a group of kids at Jenks East Elementary School. PSO employees hold electrical safety talks for kids and adults throughout the year.

Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) provides electricity service to approximately 554,000 customer accounts in 232 cities and towns across Oklahoma. The company, a unit of American Electric Power (AEP), is headquartered in downtown Tulsa. PSO’s team of 1,600 Oklahomans is committed to delivering safe, reliable and affordable power to customers. And the company is equally committed to building strong, sustainable communities throughout the state. PSO is honored to have received two prestigious awards in 2019: The Bellmon Award from Sustainable Tulsa and the Top Catalyst Award from the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s Diversity Business Council. The Bellmon Award was given based on the “Scor3card,” which is a business sustainability assessment tool designed to help track and measure sustainability efforts. In 2019, PSO achieved a gold-level rating, which identified the company as a leader in sustainability. The Top Catalyst Award was presented by Mosaic at the Chamber’s 2019 State of 20

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Inclusion annual event, which recognizes local businesses and organizations that celebrate diversity, champion equality and cultivate inclusion. The Catalyst Award is presented on the basis of diversity, equity and inclusion being demonstrated with excellence. PSO’s Diversity Roadmap to 2020, the unconscious bias training provided to all leaders, and established accountability measures, were factors that led to PSO’s recognition. A significant achievement for PSO in 2019 was the ownership transfer of PSO’s Inola River-Rail site to the City of Tulsa-Rogers County Port Authority, which plans to develop the site to attract large-scale economic development projects. The property is located along the Verdigris River and connects to the Port Authority’s existing facilities at the Tulsa Port of Catoosa. The location is ideal for much-needed expansion of Port operations and for future industrial development. “We are very thankful to PSO for having faith in the Port Authority as the right partner to bring development experience to this property and assist industrial and manufacturing facilities

to locate and thrive in the region,” said David Yarbrough, director of the Tulsa Port. PSO, which has owned the Inola property for decades, will continue to be the property’s electricity provider, co-develop a master plan with the Port and help in co-marketing efforts. Also in 2019, PSO announced a $1.25 million grant from the American Electric Power Foundation to provide funding to Gathering Place for learning opportunities for an estimated 75,000 regional students over the next five years. “At PSO, we recognize the value of experiential learning in improving literacy and STEM-related skills,” said Peggy Simmons, president and COO of Public Service Company of Oklahoma. “We are excited to collaborate to provide engaging and educational field trips and curriculum for area students. It’s an honor for us to invest in our community’s future leaders.” Visit psoklahoma.com for more information.

Living and Lifestyles By Kyle Johnson, marketing and promotions manager, Downtown Coordinating Council

Downtowns are special. They are the economic engines of their regions. They provide a collective identity to a place and its citizens. Denser development breeds a creative energy, while supporting regional entertainment and cultural destinations. Their carbon footprints are smaller, while providing all the amenities needed for a vibrant and walkable lifestyle. But perhaps more than anything, downtowns are special because they are everyone’s neighborhood — to live, work and play.

Numerous projects are set for the district, such as the Adams Hotel apartment building, with first floor retail and dining options. The new 111 Lofts are redefining luxury living in downtown.

DOWNTOWN BY DISTRICTS

The Arena District Master Plan was completed in early 2019 and will be the guiding document behind making the western portion of downtown Tulsa a more walkable, thriving center of commerce to complement the existing world-class entertainment, restaurant and office space.

Arena District cityoftulsa.org/arenadistrict The BOK Center, in 2018 named “Arena of the Year” by the International Entertainment Buyers Association, has consistently received high-ranking numbers compared to numerous venues in the United States and overseas. Every season, the BOK Center and neighboring event space Cox Business Convention Center promises phenomenal experiences for Tulsa. The renovation of the Cox Business Convention Center will add 40,000 additional square feet to the structure and also reorient its main entrance toward downtown, improving accessibility as well as Tulsa’s ability to compete for larger convention business.

Blue Dome District bluedomedistrict.com The Blue Dome District is the site of many daily, weekly and seasonal events including arts, shopping, dining and culture. People of all ages come to rack up strikes at the retro Dust Bowl Lanes and Lounge; consume brats, beer and duck fat fries at Fassler Hall; get authentically fresh seafood at Peacemaker Lobster and Crab Co.; a locally sourced meal at Juniper; munch

GREG BOLLINGER

Downtown Tulsa is the innovative fusion of big city amenities and small-town comforts. Locals and visitors can go to world-class concerts at the BOK Center, watch a movie or participate in numerous healthy activities at the Guthrie Green urban park, explore the city’s historic Route 66 and art deco architecture, shop for local, quality goods, or take in scenic views at numerous dining establishments. Whatever calls someone to downtown Tulsa, they can expect great food, friendly conversations, and enough events to fill a weekend or even a lifetime.

Find some of the latest information on additions to the downtown landscape at downtowntulsaok.com.

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restaurant and rooftop bar. A renovation of a 13-story high-rise on South Boston Avenue also is scheduled for the soon-to-be-completed Hyatt Place Hotel, with 103 new hotel rooms in downtown. In addition to new retail businesses, hotels and living choices, both visitors and native Tulsans enjoy the annual festivals within this area, including events at the H.A. Chapman Centennial Green, the Christmas Parade, and the ever-popular Luchadores and Cinco de Mayo events presented by Elote Cafe. The downtown districts are located within the Inner Dispersal Loop traffic corridor.

on gourmet donuts at Hurts Donut Co.; or enjoy classic arcade games at The Max Retropub.

continue to accommodate growth by expanding their presence.

Two city blocks, to be called Santa Fe Square, bordered by South Greenwood and Elgin avenues and East First and Second streets, is scheduled to break ground on 600,000 square feet of new construction consisting of retail space, office space and 291 more living units. A highlight of this project, the 93-room Hotel Indigo (a national boutique brand) opened in fall 2018 with a first-floor restaurant and rooftop bar with scenic downtown views. Each new component of this development will be added bit-by-important-bit.

The Cathedral District officially formed in late 2017 and is comprised of churches, businesses and educators to promote the diverse and walkable community. Tulsans all over town can seek higher education goals at the Tulsa Community College’s Metro Campus. Public Service Co. of Oklahoma is a cornerstone of the district, and a neighboring community partner.

The Tulsa Performing Arts Center, located on the edge of the district, has four theaters and continues to provide tremendous opportunities and impact to downtown and the Tulsa region. With more than 500 events hosted each year, the Tulsa PAC is home to the Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera and Tulsa Symphony as well as more than a dozen local theater and performance groups.

Cathedral District tulsacathedraldistrict.com Downtown Tulsa is home to many beautiful and historic churches, cathedrals and chapels, some of which are on the National Registry of Historic Landmarks. Thousands of Tulsans visit downtown weekly for services and programs as the churches 22

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New businesses are finding scenic office spaces for their new headquarters across the district. And historical tours are offered regularly for some of downtown Tulsa’s most iconic buildings and landscapes. The annual Tulsa Christmas Parade ends at the front door of the Cathedral District, where a block party kicking off the holiday season is drawing interest in the district and its future development.

Deco District downtowndecodistrict.com Adding to the list of new downtown hotels is quite the undertaking, but the Deco District makes it happen. The Tulsa Club, completely renovated and renewed for life, is one of downtown’s most historic buildings. A part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, it is now a boutique hotel featuring 98 rooms plus a ground floor

Downtown Tulsa has some of the greatest examples of art deco architecture in the nation. These cultural treasures bring people from all over to marvel at what we may take for granted. Tours led by the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture regularly fill up exploring the historical architecture, the underground tunnel system and the beauty of some of Oklahoma’s most memorable skyscrapers.

East Village District eastvillagetulsa.org The East Village District, centered at East Third Street and South Kenosha Avenue has emerged with a variety of new opportunities, including residential and commercial, as well as dining and entertainment experiences. Like its surrounding districts, the East Village is experiencing a boom in residential living, retail and office options. The Boxyard opened in 2017 and is a very popular shopping destination with unique shops and aesthetics that have helped dozens of entrepreneurs open up shop in one of the most individualized shopping hubs in the state. The Hartford building concluded a visible transformation in 2019, opening its doors to Clarion Events and The HQ Tulsa occupying over 30,000 square feet of redeveloped office space. Adjacent development 111 Greenwood broke ground recently, and will be a 50-unit, mixeduse project further enhancing the district. Owned and operated by Oklahomans for Equality, the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center has served the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 24

Osage Casino & Hotel Tulsa

Osage Casino Tulsa expanding new hotel to meet demand, provide more luxurious accommodations. The new Osage Casino in Tulsa, located near downtown Tulsa, is expanding its high-end hotel after completing a $160-million hotel, casino, event space, pool and fully operational brewery in 2018. Osage Casino in Tulsa is expanding again with a $28 million hotel tower slated to open in the summer of 2020. This addition will bring 141 new hotel rooms to the entertainment complex, bringing the total available to 282 rooms. “This needed expansion to our hotel will meet the ever-increasing demand we’ve experienced since the grand opening back in 2018,” said Osage Casino CEO Byron Bighorse. “With the expansion, we will be able to accommodate additional guests and show off our high-end entertainment complex to even more Tulsans and out-of-town visitors.”

Osage Casino began the construction on the new section of the hotel in July 2019, and the casino expects the additional rooms to be available this summer. Like the rest of the hotel, each room has high-end amenities, original art created by Osage artists and immediate access to the twostory, 247,000-square-foot casino, resort-style pool, event center and restaurants. “It was always in the plans to continue to grow this property and increase the size of the hotel,” Bighorse said. “We knew the offerings on the casino gaming floor combined with the event space, on-site brewery and other indulgent amenities would demand a bigger hotel for our guests. We’re pleased that we’re presenting this additional upgrade to the public this year.” Besides blackjack, roulette, craps and more than 1,600 electronic games, Osage Casino Tulsa also has a fully operational, 4,000-square-foot brewery, featuring locally brewed, award-winning beer from Nine Band Brewing Co. specially crafted on-site in large vats and a 20-barrel Prospero brewery system.

“Nine Band Brewing Co. is a hip, young brewery bringing craft beer to Oklahoma,” Bighorse said. “We’re so pleased to be the first – and only – distributor of Nine Band beer in Oklahoma.” If all that isn’t enough, guests can also enjoy the 97-by-60-foot, 120,000-gallon pool with a 15-seat chaise lounge ledge. On cool nights, they can enjoy a 15-person hot tub and fire pit with 14 surrounding chairs that stands adjacent to the pool. “Since the summer of 2018, guests have indulged in our extravagant amenities spread throughout the complex,” Bighorse said. “And now, this summer, we’re proud to offer them even more with this hotel expansion. Plan your stay this summer in our brand-new rooms and rediscover all there is to enjoy at Osage Casinos.” For more information or to plan your stay at any Osage Casino, visit osagecasino.com.

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Historic Greenwood District greenwoodculturalcenter.com Dubbed America’s “Black Wall Street” by Booker T. Washington, the 35-block Greenwood District surrounded the corner of North Greenwood Avenue and East Archer Street and became a prosperous center for commerce in the early 1900s. When the tragic and devastating Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 destroyed much of the district, the community rebuilt from the ashes. Today, the historic Greenwood District

Tulsa Club

showcases its heritage through the Greenwood Cultural Center, the Mabel B. Little Heritage House, the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park, Black Wall Street Art Gallery, and numerous memorials and murals depicting reconciliation and resilience. ONEOK Field, home to Tulsa Drillers baseball and FC Tulsa soccer, is in the Greenwood District and attracts visitors from all areas of the region. One block south, development is nearing completion by Ross Group for a five-story, mixed-use Vast Bank development that broke ground late 2018. In summer 2019, Tulsa-based WPX Energy announced the construction of a $100 million, 11-story headquarters, bringing hundreds of new parking spaces and numerous workers into historic Greenwood.

Land also was cleared for a 200-unit apartment development, The View, located on the southeast corner of Archer Street and Elgin Avenue. Other major new developments include the former Evans-Fintube site to house the national BMX Headquarters, Green Arch II with office space and parking features, and a revamped and renovated Greenwood Cultural Center.

Tulsa Arts District thetulsaartsdistrict.org The Tulsa Arts District is one of the oldest sections of Tulsa, rich with cultural icons like Cain’s Ballroom and the Tulsa (Brady) Theater. Buildings in the area that are still standing are primarily red brick and were utilized as warehouses. In the past few decades, the

Beer flight at New Era Fine Fermentations, located in the East Village District

Mabel B. Little Heritage House

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TULSA CLUB, NEW ERA, LITTLE HOUSE: MICHELLE POLLARD; ADMIRAL TWIN: VALERIE WEI-HAAS; EQUALITY CENTER: BHADRI VERDUZCO

Transgender (LGBT) and allied community since its opening in 2007. It regularly hosts events, such as the Equality Gala, Pride Parade and Rainbow Run. It also has a lending library and community wellness center.

Admiral Twin Drive-in

Not too long ago one would pose the question, “Now ... why are we going to Tulsa?” Today the question has changed to, “How fast can we get there?!” Tulsa, no longer a drive-through city but a vacation destination, is making big waves in the entertainment industry. Smoky bingo halls of yesteryear have morphed into lavish, high-rise pleasure palaces. The downtown area is a consortium of entertainment, musical history, art crawls and amazing cuisine. Tulsa’s Gathering Place, declared USA Today’s Best New Attraction in 2019, sits along the Arkansas River and headlines an impressive list of family friendly parks. Two world-class museums deliver national attention to our city. It’s truly a “one-cityfits-all” vacation environment. It would make one wonder, “Why would we even need to vacation somewhere else?”

city skyline. Then, the Osage Nation debuted its $160 million expansion into the casino destination/staycation business, branding the property as “Downtown Tulsa’s Casino Hotel.”

In addition to the three big-time casino destinations, a multitude of new boutique hotels have now opened in the entertainment district of downtown Tulsa, offering rooftop bars, fine dining, scenic city views and easy access to all the varied places to eat, drink, shop and enjoy the prime jewel of Tulsa’s downtown: the BOK Center. The BOK Center hosts a multitude of live performances to keep anyone entertained. Not to mention, the unique architecture of the venue that helped it earn the title of Arena of the Year by the International Entertainment Buyers Association in 2016 and 2018. The BOK center also received the Venue Excellence Award from the International Association of Venue Managers in 2011 and 2018. Most recently, it was nominated for Arena of the Year by Pollstar in 2019.

district has morphed into an eclectic collection of entertainment, restaurants, offices, retail, residential and arts establishments. The First Friday Art Crawl continues to be a major monthly event, with many galleries and museums participating by hosting free open houses, special exhibits or demonstrations. Visitors can find as unique a block in all of downtown Tulsa by visiting Guthrie Green. This hugely popular pocket park is designed for live performance and community gatherings where families come to watch movies, children play in the fountains, or couples enjoy the Tulsa Symphony playing under a shower of fireworks. Guthrie Green also is the site for local and C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 6

The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is the home of Oklahomans for Equality.

Vacation. Staycation. Tulsa is now your easy choice destination.

The quick answer is, you don’t. Three Native American tribes — the Cherokee, the Creek and the Osage — have built impressive casino-based properties that offer Vegas-style fun. The Cherokees started it all by partnering with the Hard Rock brand and constructing a fabulous high-rise hotel next to a tough-as-nails, 18-hole golf course. The Creek Nation followed by tying in with the iconic Jimmy Buffet “Margaritaville” theme and creating a visionary destination on the Arkansas River complete with its own high-rise hotel featuring a view of the

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Tulsa Botanic Garden

A rendering of WPX Energy’s 11-story headquarters in downtown Tulsa’s Greenwood District.

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The Children’s Discovery Garden is a 2-acre wonderland featuring interactive elements for all, including the Spring Giant, a one-of-a-kind 15-foot fantastical cave. Masterpieces are painted daily on the Art Wall, butterfly wings let imaginations take flight and carnivorous plants catch everyone’s eye. Groups from pre-K to college utilize the Garden as an outdoor classroom for hands-on STEM investigations. Innovative programming year-round sparks curiosity in the natural world for families, children and adults. As a nonprofit organization, the Botanic Garden serves to engage and enchant all ages with the wonders of plants and nature. For information on programs, volunteering or hosting an event at the Garden, visit tulsabotanic.org or call 918-289-0330.

Popular spots on North Main Street are 36 Degrees North, a basecamp for entrepreneurs; Prairie Brewpub, featuring artisan ales that can be enjoyed on an open-air patio; Ida Red, a vintage general store; and Chimera Cafe, using responsibly sourced ingredients for amazing coffees, meals and cocktails. Perhaps the most exciting thing to happen in 2019 was the groundbreaking of the OKPOP Museum, directly across from historic Cain’s Ballroom. The 50,000-square-foot OKPOP Museum will be devoted to Oklahoma music, film, comics, TV and literature. Here, the Oklahoma Historical Society will showcase the talents of local singers like Garth Brooks, the Hanson brothers, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Kristin Chenoweth, Leon Russell, Chet Baker and many others. The Bob Dylan Center will open in 2021, adding to Tulsa’s culture of music and art. Under construction now, the Davenport Lofts bring luxury condominiums to the Arts District. And more major projects are on the horizon. A number of exciting annual events also call the Tulsa Arts District home, such as Glow on the Green, Saint Francis Health System’s Tulsa Tough bicycle race, Tulsa Mayfest and Hop Jam.

Major events throughout downtown The BOK Center, apart from being a world-class concert venue, hosts major sporting events, such as Oklahoma City Thunder pre-season 26

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games and Tulsa Oilers ice hockey. In the fall, it is the site of numerous fundraisers and festivals, including the annual Winterfest, complete with an outdoor ice-skating rink. Other downtown events include Tulsa International Mayfest, Tulsa Greek Festival and a number of competitive runs and races. The Tulsa Run draws in runners from around the world. Oktoberfest and the Tulsa State Fair provide locals and visitors a chance to enjoy Tulsa’s colorful autumn weather. Speaking of weather, Tulsa is known for its unexpected climate changes. As many locals say, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes!” Another nationally recognized athletic race is Saint Francis Health System’s Tulsa Tough, with the largest prize money purse in the nation. The last leg of the race culminates into a party on a hill that famously has become known as Cry Baby Hill. Tulsa’s Great Raft Race also is a fun, community-wide event held on the Arkansas River during Labor Day weekend, complete with sand sculpture activities, food trucks and family events. In 2020, look for the inaugural Tulsa Ironman competition and continued construction of the National BMX Headquarters.

Beyond the loop! If a downtown area is considered the heart of a city, then the arteries that feed it live in a symbiotic relationship. One could easily say Brookside, Cherry Street, the Pearl District, SOBO, North Greenwood and Kendall Whittier have very cool vibes representing an eclectic

COURTESY CITY OF TULSA

Tulsa Botanic Garden is an all-season oasis blooming just eight miles northwest of downtown. Each spring the Garden celebrates Tulsa Botanic BLOOMS with over 100,000 tulips, daffodils and other spring flowers. Summer brings lush greenery and even more blossoms including hibiscus, lilies and more. Autumn festivities adorn the Garden with pumpkins and scarecrows and Garden of Lights offers a holiday escape with family and friends.

international film festivals, yoga, workshops and classes, and Food Truck Wednesdays.

Tulsa Zoo The Tulsa Zoo has spent more than 90 years inspiring, engaging and enriching the Tulsa community and is forging a bold new path with Phase 2 of Building Beyond. In a few short years Phase 1 of Building Beyond has treated zoo guests and animals to the Mary K. Chapman Rhino Reserve, Lost Kingdom exhibit complex, the Osage Casino & Hotel Giraffe Barn and St. John Family Den, plus additional smaller-scale enhancements. Starting in Spring 2020, children will mimic zoo animal behaviors and movements at the new Helmerich Behaving Like Animals Playground. The first project of Phase 2 of Building Beyond is designed to create empathy between animals and children through shared experience. Children will also experience important aspects of socialemotional learning paramount in our world today. The next project of Phase 2 of Building Beyond will place Tulsa at the forefront of elephant care with the creation of a multi-acre facility – one of the largest of its kind in the United States and one of the world’s largest in a zoo.

mix of everything from boho to Rodeo Drive with each having a unique soul of its very own. They, too, are seeing their fair share of revitalization and new construction. Brookside, or “The Place to Be,” has seen a major facelift in the last few years with facades that seem to blend seamlessly together creating a sense of sophistication while shopping, dining or visiting. Cherry Street is another staple for those who frequent or live in midtown Tulsa. It, too, saw new construction in 2019 while enhancing its timeless charm. Great food, specialty shops, and well-planned renovations and new construction sum up this perfect place to stroll the day away. The Pearl District has seen a true polishing. Its bohemian feel is a huge attraction, and renovation of existing buildings seems to be the key. With the addition of new businesses and rehabbing of historic buildings, the highlight of 2019 might have been the continued construction of Church Studio. Keep an eye on this area. More change is coming, including numerous brewpub and brewery headquarters in the immediate area. South Boston (SoBo) is taking on some infill and doing it right. We see some amazing

Funding from the 2025 Vision package – and private donors – will support the renovation and expansion of the elephant exhibit and front entry. The City of Tulsa, which owns the Tulsa Zoo,

and Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc., the non-profit who manages the day-to-day zoo operations, are working together to build the world-class exhibits the community and animals deserve.

transformations starting in this area; perhaps the best-known is that of the new DoubleShot Coffee House.

Each of these branches of the downtown experience continues to evolve and enhance unique experiences.

The Greenwood District hosts the last remaining block of buildings, as well as the Mount Zion Baptist Church and Vernon AME Church, that survived or were rebuilt after the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Further north on Greenwood Avenue is the Oklahoma State University-Tulsa campus, along with the Greenwood Cultural Center, which will be renovated and expanded in prelude to the centennial of the massacre.

But as we hear in every infomercial between midnight and 5 a.m., “But wait, that’s not all, there’s more!” Beyond the loop, Tulsa is blessed with yet more and more quality destinations that truly make our city one-of-a-kind. Its 135 parks dot the metro area highlighted by Gathering Place, the iconic Woodward Park and Tulsa Rose Garden, Mohawk Park (replete with golf courses and the Tulsa Zoo), the Tulsa Botanic Garden and more.

The Kendall Whittier District has taken on new energy entirely. That energy may have started with the resurrecting of another Tulsa treasure, Circle Cinema, or a Tulsa favorite, Ziegler Art and Frame. The cinema is highly popular, to say the least. The latest addition is TPC Studios with a total renovation of the former Swinney Hardware store located on South Lewis Avenue. This district is now home to new art studios, coffee shops and growing businesses. Abutting the district is the newly opened Mother Road Market, a nonprofit development featuring more than 20 restaurant and retail business concepts. It’s worth the short trip to see how creative Tulsans can restore life and passion into a neighborhood.

Today, Tulsa continues following the steps of those great visionaries who made downtown a true destination to be visited. It is our job, our challenge to continue that dream of making downtown Tulsa a destination and a place to live, work, and be entertained. While Tulsa is known for one of the shortest commute times for its size and population, this is not a city that visitors want to drive past. As Tulsa continues to surpass expectations of what a small city can provide, it will never lose its Midwestern hospitality and family-friendly sentiments.

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Gathering Place By Judy Langdon

It has only been a short time since Tulsa’s new iconic public park on the Arkansas River — Gathering Place — opened on a sunny early September Saturday in 2018 to record crowds and jubilant festivities. It has definitely put Tulsa on the map. But Executive Director Tony Moore still can’t stop beaming about its activities, attendance and numerous national awards already won, proving it is no longer Tulsa’s own unusual place to play. The $465 million park, which is the largest donation to a public park in U.S. history, is a tax-free gift to Tulsa from local billionaire George Kaiser and the George Kaiser Family Foundation, plus 80 private contributors. Gathering Place, located on Riverside Drive between East 35th Place and John W. Williams Way, covers 100 acres and employs 300 people. Ground was broken in 2014, and during its four years of construction, the section of Riverside Drive where it is located was closed to regular traffic and hidden to curious onlookers.

Since opening in September 2018, Gathering Place has already welcomed nearly 3 million visitors.

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“The Tulsa community patiently waited with great expectations wondering what Gathering Place was going to be like,” Moore says. “Now we reflect on the impact of the park. Did we deliver, did we meet or exceed expectations? My viewpoint, albeit from an internal perspective and admittedly biased, nevertheless, as I have had the opportunity to be a part of this project from the planning and designing stages and now on the daily execution.” On any given day, Gathering Place is buzzing with activity from Chapman Adventure Playground, Williams Lodge, boaters on Peggy’s Pond, the ONEOK Boathouse, a splash playground, concerts on the stage at the QuikTrip Great Lawn, the bounce of basketballs on outdoor sports courts, skateboards whizzing through the skate park and numerous trails. Activities include children’s story times, fitness classes, Dog Play Wednesdays, movie nights, STEM Saturdays and a weekly concert series. More recently, Trucktoberfest, Tulsa in Harmony, and “Move, Groove and Gather” brought out crowds during fall 2019.

“The love and ownership the community has shared for their beloved riverfront park is unlike anything that I have ever witnessed.” Moore says. “We see a lot of repeat visitation and that is a sure sign of value. We see out-of-market visitation from drive-markets.” But what about its economic success so far, as well as its attendance forecast prior to its opening? Moore gives a resounding yes, to both questions. “Gathering Place is having an economic impact and is bringing tourist dollars into the community. (It) has more than doubled its attendance forecast of 1 million visitors; and not only are they coming, they are sharing their Tulsa experiences.”

MICHELLE POLLARD, GREG BOLLINGER

Moore’s validations include “an exclamation of awards” from both national and international sources. Recognition includes USA Today’s Best New Attraction, Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places, National Geographic’s MindBending Playgrounds, Urban Land Institute Global Award for Excellence and American Planning Association’s Great Places Award. But that doesn’t mean Gathering Place is resting on its proverbial laurels, when he says, “While these awards are flattering, we have to stay humble. It has only been one year of operation and we are learning a lot and adjusting as we grow. We still have a very far way to go.” Moore shared three of his favorite memories at

Gathering Place during its opening year. “Spring Break Week. We averaged 20,000 visitors per day, it was totally unreal and the park handled the crowds in such an efficient manner,” he says. Another favorite is when Rob Walker from the Oklahoma National Guard landed a Black Hawk helicopter on the QuikTrip Great Lawn on the Fourth of July. And on July 11, “we hosted our very first naturalization ceremony at the park, where 39 immigrants became U.S. citizens, one of which was one of our very own employees, Daiva Neal.” Mother Nature’s brief dent forced the park to close for two weeks during Tulsa’s extensive flooding in May 2019, but “we have had the privilege of serving just under 3 million park visitors,” Moore says .“We also have had the opportunity of providing over 100 different and unique special events. I am so pleased to note that that 99% of these events have been at no charge to the public.”

Right now Gathering Place is gearing up to begin construction on Phase Two, which includes a brand new facility for Tulsa Children’s Museum Discovery Lab (currently located in Owen Park, at 560 N. Maybelle Ave.), “to be constructed on 5.2 acres on the southeast corner of 31st Street and Riverside Drive, to be completed in 2020,” says Katie Bullock, vice president of marketing for Gathering Place. The construction will result in a loss of about 300-400 parking spaces, she says, “It will be offset by additional parking south of Crow Creek, adding about 300 spaces.” And if you prefer to park and ride? “Another 700 (parking) spaces are available on the west side of the Arkansas River, with shuttles provided on weekend and for events.” The final construction, Phase Three, continues Bullock, will be constructed on approximately 12.5 acres just south of the Children’s Museum site. It has yet to be determined what that piece of the park will look like.

Gathering Place was awarded Time for Kids Magazine’s World’s Coolest Places in 2019.

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Our Neighbors Bixby Anyone who has ever seen Bixby’s open fields and green spaces will sing the city’s praises as a pleasant, peaceful place to visit and live. Bixby households have a median annual income of just over $80,000. New housing developments are keeping with the city’s population growth as Bixby continues to be one of the fastest-growing communities in the state. The Bixby Public School system is well-rounded in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. Classes in agriculture, foreign language, and vocational and technical education also are available.

The Bentley Sports Complex is one of the most all-encompassing youth parks in Oklahoma, featuring baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, a playground and splash pad. Walking paths nearby connect to trails along the Arkansas River. People from surrounding communities come to Bixby each year to participate in its festivals. The Green Corn Festival, held by the Bixby Optimist Club since 1975, is a local favorite with a youth talent show, parade, eating contests and plenty of grilled corn. The Bixby BBQ ’n Blues event draws equally large crowds with rows of flavorful baked beans, coleslaw, and, of course, barbecue pork, beef and chicken.

Broken Arrow Broken Arrow is the second largest city in Tulsa County. Shortly after the city’s founding at the turn of the 20th century, civic leaders urged citizens to adorn the streets with rose bushes in order to beautify the dusty, frontier landscape. Now, the city has honored its history with the creation of the Rose District, a pedestrianfriendly cultural center in downtown BA for those seeking great art, local music and unforgettable dining experiences. One of the Rose District’s grandest attractions is the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center. This 1,500-seat venue hosts local professional shows and touring performers, in addition to all

MICHELLE POLLARD

Broken Arrow’s Rose District

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of the concerts and productions put on by the Broken Arrow Public Schools’ fine arts program. It is also home to the Kristin Chenoweth Theatre, which was named after the Broken Arrow native in 2012. To this day, Chenoweth remains engaged with the BAPAC through theatre, music camps and mentorships. Broken Arrow Senior High School is the largest high school in Oklahoma, aside from virtual charter schools. It has a history of athletic excellence and is home to the Pride of Broken Arrow, one of the foremost competitive marching bands in the country. One of Northeastern State University’s three campuses resides here, which offers health science, mathematics and business among its degrees to more than 18,000 students.

Jenks Jenks was ranked by Money magazine as one of the top 50 places in the country to live. It is home to active, civic-minded citizens who nearly doubled the population from the years 2000 to 2010. While Jenks has access to many of the amenities of a larger city, it’s full of the personable charm, hospitality and a quaint atmosphere typical in small town USA. One can get a taste of this just strolling down Main Street, shopping for treasures in its many antique shops, or chatting with friends at local cafes.

Owasso Northeast of Tulsa is the friendly and thriving city of Owasso. Tulsa’s Port of Catoosa is just a short drive away. American Airlines, Macy’s Distribution Center and Whirlpool Corp. are Owasso’s largest employers. Owasso has a bevy of shopping options, from large retailers to one-of-a-kind specialty stores. It is home to a wealth of dining options and a great early education system as well, making it an ideal place to start a family. Owasso is home to three golf courses. Bailey Ranch Golf Course, a 400-acre public course, features creeks, lakes and native grassland. The Owasso Golf and Athletic Club, an 18-hole course on about 145 acres, hosts the annual Lindsey Cup tournament. The Patriot Golf Club was named by Golfweek as one of the nation’s top modern courses in 2017. With incredible vistas from atop cliffs, the club hosts the annual Patriot Cup Invitational tournament during Memorial Day weekend, benefiting the nonprofit Folds of Honor.

Sand Springs Founded in 1911 by philanthropist Charles Page, Sand Springs is a bustling community with nearly 20,000 residents that has deep roots in the past and a bright future ahead.

The Jenks Public School system is widely recognized as one of the best in Oklahoma and has been the recipient of the prestigious Malcolm Baldridge Award for quality and organizational performance excellence. In addition, Jenks High School is known for its strong athletic programs, and has one of the most heated high school football rivalries in the country with Union, in what is known as the Backyard Bowl Series.

Located within a short drive to Keystone Lake and just a stone’s throw away from the Arkansas River, Sand Springs is an idyllic location for those who love to fish or spend a day out on the water. Home to the 1,360-acre Keystone Ancient Forest, 500-year-old cedars and 300-year-old post oak trees thrive in the preserved wilderness area. More than 80 species of butterflies can be seen in the forest, as well as eagles, deer and bobcats. Keystone State Park is another scenic spot full of fun for the whole family.

Jenks has a booming housing market with many contemporary homes. Residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful sights, as well as the shopping and dining opportunities at Riverwalk Crossing. The South Lakes Golf Course serves golfers from the city and the nearby communities.

Nearby Osage Casino and the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge golf course provide entertainment if you’re looking to get away for the weekend. In the springtime, Sand Springs celebrates its annual and ever-popular Herbal Affair and Festival, one of the largest gatherings in celebration of gardening, herbs, and outdoor

arts and crafts in the state. In the meantime, check out the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum, a prime example of art deco architecture from the 1920s which preserves and promotes the city’s heritage and arts. Sand Springs’ economy is proudly based on promotion of small businesses; however, they also are home to Webco Industries, one of North America’s largest suppliers of industrial tubing products. With state-of-the-art early childhood education programs, the city’s largest employer is Sand Springs Public Schools.

Sapulpa Sapulpa was founded as a trading post in 1850 by Chief Sapulpa of the Kasihta tribe. Fifty years later, oil was discovered just six miles away, and the resulting economic boom put the town on the map. The town has a history of a thriving manufacturing industry and became well-known regionally as a producer of brick and glass. Perhaps best known of its local companies was Frankoma Pottery, famous for its distinctive use of local red clay. Within a nine-block area encompassing Sapulpa’s downtown, 90% of the buildings were constructed from 1905-1952. Many of these were designed by Belgian architect Joseph Foucart, who also worked on several notable buildings in Guthrie, Oklahoma. The Sapulpa Historical Society and Museum contains information about this and other elements of the town’s cultural past, and is located on three floors of the 1910 Willis Building. To the delight of Route 66 enthusiasts, the heart of Sapulpa contains several miles of the original two-lane road. In June, the annual Route 66 Blowout Car Show and Festival entertains tourists and locals with vintage cars, familyfriendly activities, and great dining.

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Tourism

By Ray Hoyt, senior vice president, Regional Tourism, Tulsa Regional Chamber

Some might wonder why the business community cares so much about tourism. The answer is simple: every event and every visitor benefits the regional economy. In 2018 alone, 9.3 million people visited Tulsa and spent $1.2 billion in the community, according to an annual study by Tourism Economics. Those visitors — some visiting for a day, others staying one or more nights — generated more than $500 in state and local tax dollars for every Tulsa household. In fact, visitor spending has increased by more than 10% in the past five years, largely due to the increase of visit-worthy offerings within our region.

Saint Francis Tulsa Tough is held each June.

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For example, Buck Atom’s 21-foot space cowboy on Route 66 is rapidly becoming a must-see roadside attraction. The newly renovated Harwelden Mansion showcases historic Tulsa in a brand new way. The Outsiders House Museum celebrates the beloved literary classic by S.E. Hinton and the film by Francis Ford Coppola. The 66-acre Gathering Place riverfront park continues to gain accolades, with USA Today naming it the best new attraction in the country in 2018.

Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture (Tulsa FMAC), an accredited film commission; and the Tulsa Sports Commission, which markets Tulsa as a destination for amateur sporting events. Tulsa Regional Tourism assists in the community’s bidding for and hosting of signature events such as NCAA Division I men’s basketball, the Big 12 Wrestling Championship, the Arabian Horse

The cycle of economic success from the Tulsa region’s tourism industry is strong, and growing stronger. Thanks to the hard work of Tulsa Regional Tourism staff, board members, volunteers and investors, Tulsa has gained distinction as a welcoming city for diverse events and visitors. Housed at the Tulsa Regional Chamber, Tulsa Regional Tourism is an umbrella organization that includes VisitTulsa, the city’s convention and visitors bureau; the

Tulsa will host its first Ironman in 2020.

TULSA TOUGH: CHRIS BARNES; IRONMAN: COURTESY TULSA REGIONAL CHAMBER

For decades, much of Oklahoma’s economic identity has resided within the energy and aviation/aerospace industries. Today, thanks to attractions such as Route 66 and annual events such as the USA BMX Grand Nationals, tourism is increasingly becoming a significant economic driver for Tulsa and the entire region.

Association’s U.S. Nationals, the Pinto Horse Association World Championship Show, the SeneGence International Evolve Seminar, and many more events and conferences.

IRONMAN’s selection of Tulsa validates what the community has known about itself for years: northeast Oklahoma is a destination for adventure sports.

For fiscal year 2018-2019, the total economic impact of the 275 conferences and events Tulsa hosted was more than $308 million. The best news is that we are continuing to add to our tourism portfolio as a region.

In 2020, Tulsa’s Ironman will be May 31 with Tulsa Tough, a three-day cycling festival, following on June 12-14. These top-tier events, combined with others such as the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals indoor car racing and USA BMX Grand Nationals, have built a self-sustaining critical mass during the past two decades.

Case in point: in June 2019 it was announced that Tulsa will host a full-distance IRONMAN triathlon beginning in 2020, making Tulsa the 42nd city in the world to host such an event. Tulsa beat out Des Moines, Iowa; Memphis, Tennessee; and Fayetteville, Arkansas; to host the event, which is expected to attract more than 2,400 triathletes and more than 10,000 spectators. This one event will have a $13 million estimated economic impact for the region.

Beyond adventure activities, Tulsa is also gaining a reputation as a hub for creativity of all types, including music, film and the visual arts. To better support the growing creative community, Tulsa FMAC maintains a regional creativity database and promotes Tulsa’s assets at events like South by Southwest and the Sundance Film Festival.

Tulsa FMAC is also Oklahoma’s only accredited city film commission through the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI), and that distinction is paying huge dividends. Tulsa hosted 32 film productions in the past year alone, with more in the pipeline for 2020 and beyond, including major motion pictures and television. Also in 2020, Tulsa Regional Tourism will roll out the “Tulsa Inspires” branding campaign to further reinforce to the world that Tulsa is a destination of choice for the arts, outdoor adventure and tourism. Developed collaboratively with the help of community stakeholders, this brand further reinforces that Tulsa is a place for those who seek more. Like the IRONMAN athletes themselves, Tulsa aims to perform at the highest level.

The BOK Center has hosted numerous rounds of college championships, including first and second rounds of the 2019 NCAA® March Madness® Tournament.

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Housing

By Erin DeWeese, president, Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa and Jeffrey Smith, executive officer, HBA of Greater Tulsa

The Tulsa housing market is one of the most exciting in the nation, as growth and housing starts are up, and cost of living is down. In 2019, growth and recovery continue from the market crash a decade ago, and while the numbers have been lower than previous years, the Tulsa housing market is still strong and growing. While new homes are being built in many parts of the Tulsa Metropolitan Statistical Area, activity is now primarily centered in the cities of Bixby, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Owasso and Tulsa, with the latter showing the most growth. The National Association of Home Builders has an index for tracking the economic health of the

Downtown living at Urban 8

housing market for major metropolitan areas throughout the country. Known as the NAHB/ First American Leading Market Index (LMI), this index tracks building permits, home prices and employment. The goal of the LMI is to determine where a community stands in relation to a normal, sustainable market. Tulsa continues to be on the upswing in most categories and is a growing city. By the end of the second quarter of 2019, Tulsa was already at 104% of normal overall, with home prices at 136% (up from 130% during the second quarter of 2015) of normal. Employment is largely the same as 2018 remaining at 94% and does not have a

TULSA METRO HOME SALES YEAR

HOM E S SOL D M EDI A N S A L E S P R IC E1

2002

10,756

113,500

2003

11,698

111,000

2004

11,625

115,000

2005

13,200

119,900

2006

13,741

120,200

2007

11,945

119,000

2008

10,539

108,000

2009

11,693

126,000

2010

10,003

126,000

2011

10,132

124,500

2012

11,839

129,000

2013

12,918

136,000

2014

13,488

139,000

2015

13,697

145,000

2016

14,347

149,100

2017

14,624

156,462

14,877

162,500

11,821

158,000

2018 2019

URBAN 8: TIM LANDES; MICHELLE POLLARD

1 INCLUDES SINGLE-FAMILY AND CONDO SALES. DECEMBER YEAR TO DATE MEDIAN SALES PRICE. 2 AUGUST YEAR-TO-DATE. SOURCE: GREATER TULSA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS.

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COMPARISON OF MEDIAN HOUSING PRICES METRO ARE A

Tulsa, OK

178,400

Memphis, TN

194,000

Kansas City, MO – KS

227,000

Albuquerque, NM

228,300

Houston, TX

249,400

Charlotte, NC

266,100

Dallas, TX

275,400

Orlando, FL

278,000

Chicago, IL

278,300

Phoenix, AZ

285,500

Minneapolis – St. Paul, MN

294,100

Austin – Round Rock, TX

343,700

Sacramento, CA

385,000

Denver, CO

471,400

Seattle, WA

542,700

significant (or any) impact on the ever-growing housing market. January to May 2019 saw 1,481 housing starts in the Tulsa MSA, which is a 7% increase from January to May 2018. It was a strong year in 2018 for housing in Tulsa, and the market is currently ahead of last year. May 2019 had 317 housing starts, which is the highest individual month in the last 10 years. Needless to say, the housing market and local economy are booming, and Tulsans are very excited about the economic future of the city and her residents. While home values continue to rise at a rapid pace, homes in Tulsa also are some of the most affordable in the country. U.S. News publishes an annual cost of living index and in 2019 Tulsa was ranked the 18th Most Affordable Place to Live in the United States, ahead of Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina, and just behind Greenville, South Carolina. Residents

in the greater Tulsa area only spend 21.45% of their income on living expenses, down from 28.41% in 2018, which was already well below the national average. The possibilities for the housing market are endless, as recent Oklahoma college graduates have among the lowest levels of debt in the nation, at seventh overall. At 977,869 residents in the greater metro area, Tulsa is a big town with a small-town feel. The average commute is just 21.5 minutes to work, the average home price is just under $150,000, and Tulsa enjoys some lovely weather, with an average high of 71 and an average low of 51. Combined with the low cost of living, Tulsa is a wonderful place to live, which speaks to the strength of the housing market. The health of the Tulsa housing market is anchored by a strong local economy. While C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 3 7

AMOUNT IN DOLLARS. MEDIAN SALES PRICE FOR EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES. SOURCES: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS. SECOND QUARTER 2019, PRELIMINARY

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McGraw Realtors® McGraw’s Leadership Team: Drew Dossey, Rachel Hicks, Holli Woodward, Kathy Stacy, Bill McCollough, Kim Cavin, Rodger Erker, Amy Bors, Lindsey Schlomann, Neil Dailey, Susan Walker.

McGraw REALTORS ® has been serving Tulsa and northeastern Oklahoma’s real estate needs since 1938. What started as an independent residential real estate company helping Tulsans find a place to call home has become the state’s largest independent real estate company, offering a full range of services to meet any and every real estate need.

Residential real estate With over 750 active residential agents, we are still dedicated to helping current and future Tulsans find a place to call home. We want to make real estate simple for our clients so they can have confidence during one of the largest transactions they will make in life. Our years of experience, innovative technology, and our collaborative network of industry professionals that know and love this city help us take the complexity out of the entire process. Visit mcgrawrealtors.com.

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Residential property management and leasing

Commercial property management and leasing

Through our Residential Property Management division, we have spent years serving property owners and investors by finding the right tenants for their investment properties. By handling the leasing process and daily maintenance tasks, we take the hassle out of residential property investing. We are also able to serve renters, for whom an apartment may not be suitable but aren’t in a position to buy a home, by connecting them with great property owners. Visit mcgrawpropertymanagement.com.

McGraw Commercial Property Management and Leasing boasts one of the most experienced property management teams in northeast Oklahoma, with 664,936 square feet under management. We help investors receive a greater return on their most valuable asset — their time — by managing day to day operations. As your agent, we are your partner in maximizing asset value by acting in your best interest to provide a space for quality tenants to grow their business. Visit mcgrawcp.com.

Commercial real estate

Winfield Property Management

Since 2008, McGraw Commercial Properties has been helping commercial real estate investors, corporations and business owners buy and sell their properties. From the large, industrial manufacturing plant to a start-up’s first storefront space, our expert team of commercial real estate agents has the knowledge and experience to remove the headache from your company’s next move. Visit mcgrawcp.com.

In June 2019, McGraw REALTORS ® completed a merger with Winfield Property Management, a Tulsa-based property management company with over 2,500 units under its care. For the past 14 years, Winfield has been serving multi-family residential investors and its tenants with dedication and excellence. Together with Winfield Property Management, McGraw Commercial Properties is able to increase the services offered to multi-family investors from the beginning. Visit winfieldliving.com.

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 5

Tulsa has historically been a major beneficiary of the oil industry, the economic downturn of the last decade brought a diversification of industry, including finance, aviation, telecommunications and technology.

MICHELLE POLLARD

Gathering Place on Riverside Drive is already one of the hottest spots in Tulsa, and we are seeing a surge in midtown home sales and remodeling as a result. We expect home prices in this area to continue rising at a rapid rate, and we are excited about the possibilities Gathering Place affords Tulsa. The local events scene also has exploded, with Oktoberfest, Hop Jam, Rocklahoma and many other events throughout the year gaining national recognition. The low Cost of Living Index makes Tulsa a good value for what is available. Tulsa has historically been one of the best-kept secrets in the United States, but it likely wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remain that way for long. Low cost of living combined with a booming metropolitan area is sure to attract many people wanting to flee the high cost of other areas in the country. Over the next 10 to 20 years, a record number of prospective homebuyers will be entering the market. The long-term outlook for the housing industry is bright. It is a great time to consider buying a new home or investing in an existing one in Tulsa.

TULSA POPUL ATION TREND YEAR

CIT Y OF TULSA TULSA COUNT Y

TULSA MSA

1900

1,390

N/A

1907

7,298

21,693

121,878

1910

18,182

34,995

159,588

1920

72,075

109,023

321,213

1930

141,258

187,574

416,847

1940

142,157

193,363

400,584

1950

182,740

251,686

422,350

1960

261,685

346,038

503,090

1970

330,350

399,982

572,548

1980

360,919

470,593

711,652

1990

367,302

503,341

761,019

2000

393,049

563,299

859,532

2010

391,906

603,403

937,478

2011

393,111

609,392

945,882

2012

394,875

615,594

952,916

2013

398,649

624,173

962,403

2014

400,162

631,441

969,986

2015

403,733

640,979

981,521

2016

404,182

646,396

989,256

2017

402,119

646,727

991,610

2018

400,669

648,360

993,797

TULSA MSA REPRESENTS CREEK, OKMULGEE, OSAGE, ROGERS, TULSA AND WAGONER COUNTIES. SOURCES: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU AND OKLAHOMA STATE DATA CENTER PREPARED BY RESEARCH WIZARD, TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY

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Demographics By Barbara Gibson, Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG)

The Tulsa Metropolitan Statistical Area is made up of Tulsa County and six surrounding counties: Creek, Okmulgee, Osage, Pawnee, Rogers and Wagoner. According to the Census Bureau, the 2018 population count for the Tulsa MSA was 993,797, an increase of over 56,000 people since 2010 and just over 6,000 people short of achieving the 1 million-person count. Tulsa County claims over 65% of the MSA population, with a population estimate of 648,360 in 2018. The City of Tulsa’s 2010 population was reported by the Census Bureau to be 391,906. The 2018 population estimate for the City of Tulsa shows our area growing by over 8,700 people to a total of 400,669. Reports for several of the surrounding communities, based on 2018 estimates, list population in Bixby, 27,454;

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Broken Arrow, 109,171; Collinsville, 7,069; Glenpool, 13,931; Jenks, 23,354; Owasso, 36,722; Sand Springs, 19,897; and Sapulpa, 20,802. Many of the bedroom communities in the Tulsa area have been growing. The most recent data from the American Community Survey 2018 estimates the City of Tulsa’s population has over half (51.7%) within the working-class years of 25-64 years of age. The elderly comprise over 14% while the youth make up 24% of the population. The age groups with the largest gains since 2010 are the elderly, specifically 67- to 69-year-olds with a 67% growth and the 62- to 64-year-olds and 65- and 66-year-olds both with a 31% growth. Over time the teenage population has seen a decline with the 15- to 17-year-olds declining

by 13% and 18- and 19-year-olds declining by more than 13% from 2010 to 2018. The biggest decline at 20.8% has been the 50- to 54-yearold population. It appears the City of Tulsa’s population is following the national trend with our residents continuing to age. Minorities represent over 34% of the City of Tulsa population. African American (16%) and two or more races (8%) are the largest proportionate groups. The Hispanic community accounts for over 16% of the City of Tulsa’s population and has increased by more than 21% from 2010 to 2018. The bigger picture reflects the continued diversity among our race groups as they continue to grow from 2010 to 2018.

Population Density Tulsa County 2019 Census Block Groups DATA ACS 2013-2017

PERSONS PER SQUARE MILE / DENSITY

10 0 500 1,0 0 0

5,0 0 0

10,0 0 0

SOURCE: US BUREAU OF THE CENSUS COUNTY AND PLACE POPULATION ESTIMATES 2018, AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 2018 1 YEAR DATA SET â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AGE AND RACE DATA.

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Education By Christopher Payne, Union Public Schools

Education is gaining momentum in Oklahoma. Gov. Kevin Stitt has expressed his desire for Oklahoma to become a “Top 10” state in education, and state leadership has made it a priority. In 2019, teachers received a $1,220 pay raise just one year after receiving an unprecedented $6,100 average pay raise. An additional $74 million for classrooms was added to the state funding formula — the largest oneyear infusion in Oklahoma history. Many districts have used these new operational dollars to hire additional teachers and decrease classroom sizes, which will improve student experiences and outcomes.

All eyes are on Tulsa, as “the 918” continues its renaissance. As the accolades stack up for the Gathering Place — Best New Attraction by USA Today and TIME Magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places” — Tulsa is primed for educational excellence with an incredible array of choices to meet the workforce needs of a growing, thriving community. Currently, Oklahoma ranks 11th in the nation with more than 3,117 teachers who are National Board Certified. Tulsa County serves more than 170,000 students in 14 districts: Berryhill, Bixby, Broken Arrow, Collinsville, Glenpool, Jenks, Keystone, Liberty, Owasso, Sand Springs, Skiatook, Sperry, Tulsa Public Schools and Union Public Schools. Seventy-two students in northeastern Oklahoma were recently named 2020 National Merit Semifinalists.

TULSA COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS S C H OO L D I S T R I C T S

E N RO L L M E N T

Tulsa

35,676

Broken Arrow

19,437

Union

15,814

Jenks

12,522

Owasso

9,799

Bixby

6,729

Sand Springs

5,080

Collinsville

2,876

Glenpool

2,836

Skiatook

2,352

Berryhill

1,176

Sperry

1,046

Liberty

510

SCHOOLS WITH GRADES K-12. DATA BASED ON OCTOBER 2019 ENROLLMENT. SOURCE: DIRECT CONTACT WITH SCHOOL DISTRICTS. COMPILED BY RESEARCH WIZARD, TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY. C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4 3

Monte Cassino Academic Bowl and more. Because experiential learning is important, the school offers learningbased field trips, service days and project work. Eleven sports and ongoing development clinics are offered. Monte Cassino’s commitment to Catholic religious instruction focuses on eight universal Benedictine values: Love of Learning, Seek God, Prayer, Community, Simplicity and Balance, Hospitality, Service and Stewardship. These values enable students of all faiths to build life skills and grow in their own spirituality while serving their community.

Since 1926, Monte Cassino has been committed to academic excellence while educating the whole student. This Catholic Benedictine school, which serves grades PreK3-grade 8, offers small class sizes, has an average 13-to-1 student-toteacher ratio and boasts a dedicated faculty. The school, located at 2206 S. Lewis Ave., excels in the traditional subjects of reading, writing, math 40

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and the sciences, but students also take music, art, foreign languages and physical education. The Monte Cassino educational experience is complemented by a diverse co-curricular program of more than 25 activities such as robotics, rocketry club, coding club, drone club, chess club, Makerspace, musical theater,

Monte Cassino provides this rigorous, challenging and focused curriculum to help develop wellrounded and morally grounded students who emerge prepared for high school and life beyond. With almost $1 million in financial assistance available, attaining a Monte Cassino education is possible. Call 918-746-4238 to schedule a tour. Visit montecassino.org.

Holland Hall

What makes Holland Hall unique? Start with the exciting possibilities of AND— an array of electives, an apprenticeship in self-reliance, dozens of individual and team sports, transformative arts programming, flexible instructional approaches, and active learning opportunities—and connect them to the solid assurance of ALL—the complete educational experience that prepares students exceptionally well for college, work, and the world beyond. Holland Hall students are encouraged to choose boldly from ALL it offers—to embrace adventure, take new paths, dare greatly, AND engage fully with the exceptional opportunities at Holland Hall. Located on an impressive 162-acre campus, Holland Hall offers a lively, loving community that honors the individual integrity of each child while providing the bedrock education every student needs. AND and ALL highlight Holland Hall’s inscribed values. It’s a commitment so strong, it’s quite literally who it is. Holland Hall—the possibilities of AND, the assurance of ALL.

Holland Hall “by the numbers.” Compared to other four-year high schools in Oklahoma, Holland Hall has the highest SAT scores with an average of 1366 (1600 scale) and the highest ACT scores with an average of 27.2.

Holland Hall graduates have a 100 percent matriculation rate. 90 percent of graduates receive a significant college scholarship. 10–20 percent of the senior class is recognized in the National Merit program—that’s the highest percentage out of four-year high schools in Oklahoma. 90 percent of its students who take an AP exam earn three or above. Holland Hall is the only Cum Laude Society School in Tulsa and one of only three Cum Laude Society schools in Oklahoma. Having a Cum Laude Society chapter is seen by colleges as the most critical mark of academic excellence. Holland Hall’s student-teacher ratio is 9:1, and on average there are 25 seniors per full-time college counselor. 70 percent of the Upper School faculty has an advanced degree, including six doctorates. In the Upper School, Holland Hall offers 62 different art courses, 18 different individual and team sports, and more than 30 different clubs and honor societies.

Holland Hall’s overall tuition is less than comparable schools in Oklahoma City and across the country. It’s higher than other local private schools, so it can attract and retain the best teachers, fostering a culture of excellence that results in amazing college and life outcomes for its graduates. 29 percent of Holland Hall students receive some form of tuition assistance—36 percent in the Upper School, 28 percent in the Middle School, and 23 percent in the Primary School.

Are you ready to learn more about Holland Hall? The Office of Admission is always eager to work with families who are moving to Tulsa from other cities. Students may take the ISEE entrance exam at Holland Hall or in their home city, private tours are available at any time of year, and prospective students may shadow for an entire school day. The school also offers convenient open houses every other week on “Welcome Wednesdays.” To learn more, please visit hollandhall.org or call 918-481-1111.

Holland Hall’s Pre-K tuition is up to $3,000 less per year than other comparable programs in Tulsa.

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Tulsa Tech

Make your own path. Tulsa Tech is the state’s oldest and largest career and technical education institution in Oklahoma’s highly acclaimed CareerTech System. Tulsa Tech provides quality technical training to thousands of high school and adult students, as well as corporate clients annually at six campuses and several satellite training sites. Tulsa Tech offers full-time career training programs to high school students from 14 partner districts throughout Tulsa County, as well as private, parochial, home-school, charter and adult students. Classes for high school students meet for three hours in the morning or three hours in the afternoon, with several foundational courses offered at area high schools. Programs specific to adults may have additional hour requirements. Ranging from health care to aviation, information technology to construction, all courses offer hands-on activities in modern classroom, lab, shop and/or clinical settings. High school students attend tuition-free and transportation is provided. Hundreds of part-time evening, weekend and continuing education courses help 42

V I S I O N T U L S A 2020 tulsacouncil.org

adults train for new careers, upgrade job skills and keep current on certification and licensures.

Major accomplishments in the past year include: Enrollment: Enrollment in full-time career training remains strong at Tulsa Tech with more than 6,000 adult and high school students. More than 20,000 adults take advantage of our part-time evening classes that are designed to help adults upgrade job skills or retrain for a new career in a short amount of time. Accelerating Independence Scholarship: The Accelerating Independence Scholarship covers 100% of tuition for students with a GED or high school diploma from any of Tulsa Tech’s in-district public, parochial or home-schools through the age of 23. Academic Credits: Tulsa Tech offers high school students the opportunity to earn math and science credits, including Advanced Placement courses for many programs taken at Tulsa Tech, which fulfills their high school graduation requirements.

Corporate Training: Tulsa Tech provides customized training and support services to more than 750 Tulsa-area businesses through the Business and Industry Services (BIS) Department, as well as small business management and entrepreneurship classes. These customized services are provided to area companies at Tulsa Tech’s state-of-the-art campus locations, as well as onsite client facilities. Student Leadership Opportunities: Tulsa Tech has celebrated many national winners, with several capturing first-place gold medals, and hundreds of local and state winners in career and technology student organizations (CTO’s) skill and leadership competitions. The seven student organizations include Marketing Education DECA, SkillsUSA, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Oklahoma Society of Radiologic Technologist (OSRT), Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), Business Professionals of America (BPA) and the Technology Students Association (TSA). For more information, visit tulsatech.edu.

Mingo Valley Christian

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 0

H IG H E R EDUC AT ION I N S T I T U T ION S I N T U L S A 2019 -2020 BUDGE T ( $ ) ENROLLMENT FACULT Y FALL 2019 2019-2020 FALL 2019 1

INSTITUTION Langston University 2 Northeastern State University 2

N/A3

2,190

141

95,845,742

7,496

413 281

N/A3

4,163

OSU Center for Health Sciences

227,417,366

1,126

165

OSU-Tulsa

19,141,248

2,077

265

OU-Tulsa (Includes School of Community Medicine)

156,000,000

1,230

290

Rogers State University

34,781,267

3,585

236

Oral Roberts University

N/A3

593

Tulsa Community College

119,425,559

822

16,283

University of Tulsa

168,996,349

4,403

357

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology

I NCLUDES FULL AND PART-TIME FACULTY, EXCEPT THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA DATA IS FULL-TIME FACULTY ONLY. 2 DATA FOR ALL CAMPUSES. 3 NA: NOT AVAILABLE SOURCE: RESEARCH WIZARD, TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY, 2019. 1

HIGHER EDUCATION DEGREE PROGR AMS IN TULSA INSTITUTION

Langston University – Tulsa

ARTS BUSINESS SCIENCE

Northeastern State University – Broken Arrow Oral Roberts University

EDUCATION & SOCIAL SCIENCES GR ADUATE

OSU Center for Health Sciences OSU-Tulsa

OU-Tulsa Rogers State University Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology

A school for the whole family.

Tulsa Community College1

University of Tulsa

1 INSTITUTION GRANTS ASSOCIATE DEGREES ONLY. SOURCE: RESEARCH WIZARD, TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY, 2019

Among public school options, Tulsa Public Schools is the largest district in northeast Oklahoma, serving about 37,000 students (K-12), across 82 school sites. TPS has 49 schools offering nationally recognized full-day pre-K programs. The district also offers a wealth of language enrichment options, with five neighborhood elementary schools offering dual language programs in Spanish and three magnet schools offering dual language in Spanish or French. Mandarin is also an option at two elementary schools, and three of the district’s middle schools offer opportunities to expand fluency. TPS recently awarded 39 graduates with the Seal of Biliteracy, a new program that recognizes students who are proficient in more than one language. Tulsa Public Schools has a strong cadre of awardwinning schools, including the prestigious Booker T. Washington High School, which was named a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Edison Preparatory School —ranked No. 10 in the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best High Schools” in Oklahoma (2019) — offers a comprehensive liberal arts, pre-AP and AP curriculum, and is one of only four high schools in the state to offer the AP Capstone Diploma. There are seven lottery magnet schools (elementary through high school) that require

student application and acceptance: Eisenhower, Dual Language Academy, Zarrow International, and Mayo (elementary schools); Thoreau Demonstration Academy (middle school); and Will Rogers College Junior High and High School. Five of the district’s magnet schools are criteriabased, meaning applicants must meet academic requirements in order to be accepted. TPS is also home to the state’s first public Montessori School at downtown-serving Emerson Elementary. Also notable in 2019 was the opening of John Hope Franklin Elementary, named for the famous Tulsa historian with links to Tulsa’s Greenwood District, after the consolidation of two schools. Monroe Demonstration Academy nearly quadrupled in size this year after it became the district’s central middle school serving 950 students in the McLain community.

Mingo Valley Christian provides a place where learners of all types can be supported, challenged and led on to excellence. With smaller classes and a student-to-teacher ratio of 11-to-1, MVC faculty can know the hearts and minds of students and craft an educational experience that engages each child’s natural gifting and learning style. “We define success as pursuing the fullness of God’s created intent for each child. With every one of our students, that’s where we start, and that’s where we want to get to,” Superintendent Dr. Boyd Chitwood says. For more than 40 years, Tulsa parents have trusted Mingo Valley Christian as a partner in the important work of preparing kids for a bright future by providing academic excellence, authentic Christian discipleship and a nurturing community. Mingo Valley Christian serves grades PreK-12. To learn more, visit mingovalley.org or call 918-294-0404.

TPS sponsors six charter school options, including the Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences, which serves grades 7-12. TSAS was recognized in 2015 as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. For students seeking non-traditional pathways to personal, academic and social success, TPS offers six specialized alternative school options. C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4 4

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Metro Christian Academy

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 3

MAJOR PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN T U L S A C OU N T Y 2019 -2020 S C H OO L

GR ADE LEVEL

E N RO L L M E N T

Holland Hall School

Preschool (age 3)-12

998

Lincoln Christian School

Pre-kindergarten-12

985

Bishop Kelley High School

9-12

931

Metro Christian Academy

Preschool (age 3)-12

908

Victory Christian School

Kindergarten-12

876

Pre-kindergarten-8

772

Riverfield Country Day School

Infant-12

635

Cascia Hall Preparatory School

6-12

543

Summit Christian Academy

Kindergarten (age 5)-12

452

All Saints Catholic School

Pre-kindergarten-8

396

Marquette Catholic School

Kindergarten-8

389

St. Pius X Catholic School

Pre-kindergarten-8

353

Monte Cassino School

Mingo Valley Christian School Kindergarten (age 4)-12

321

School of Saint Mary

240

Pre-kindergarten-8

PRIVATE SCHOOLS WITH GRADE LEVELS FROM INFANT TO SIXTH GRADE OR HIGHER. SOURCE: RESEARCH WIZARD, TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY.

“We like to say around here that you can tell a lot about something by its name,” says Keith Currivean, Ph.D., Head of School at Metro Christian Academy. “Metro is where we are, Academy is what we are, and Christian is who and how and why we are.” Located on a 60-acre campus in the heart of Tulsa at East 63rd Street and South Trenton Avenue, Metro Christian Academy is an independent Christian school serving students age 3 through 12th grade. They’re all under one roof but with distinct areas for preschool, elementary, middle and high school. In addition to robust academic programs, Metro offers activities for students of all ages including 11 varsity sports, debate, leadership, missions and fine arts classes like studio art, drama, band and choir. At the heart of Metro is a sense of community. Students, parents, faculty and staff work together to educate and nurture students to reach their full potential. “We work to develop this culture in which everyone knows who you are,” says Athletic Director Adam Taylor. “You are somebody here. You are someone important.” Visit metroca.com or call 918-745-9868 for details on curriculum, activities and more.

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Union Public Schools, the eighth largest district in Oklahoma, is a popular suburban option, serving 16,000 students in southeast Tulsa and a portion of Broken Arrow. In August 2019, the district completed the rollout of “1-to-1” at Union High School, eliminating the digital divide by providing every student in grades 9-12 with a laptop computer for use 24/7, as well as portable MiFi 4G wireless access for high-speed internet at home. For those needing more flexibility, Union Virtual is a new online/virtual option for students in grades 6-12. Launched in fall 2019, the pilot program enables students to take as many as 100% of their courses online. They also have the option to take one elective course — like Fine Arts or athletics — in a face-to-face setting. The program is free of charge. Participating students are issued a schoolowned laptop for use while enrolled. In partnership with Tulsa Community College, Union launched an Early College High School pilot program in 2017. The program provides eligible students the opportunity to earn 60 college credits concurrently while attending Union High School. Students engage in a rigorous college prep curriculum in ninth grade before entering the program. Early College High School is a nationally recognized high-impact practice for economically challenged, underrepresented populations, and first-generation college students. TCC faculty teach courses on-site at Union Collegiate Academy. Tulsa also includes a number of private schools that provide specialized offerings from both a spiritual and academic approach. Seven Catholic schools offering a pre-kindergarten through eighth grade education — focusing on the development of reading, writing and the sciences for students of all faiths and backgrounds — include Saint Catherine, Saints Peter and Paul, Holy Family

Cathedral School, the School of Saint Mary, Marquette School, Saint Pius X School and Monte Cassino School. San Miguel School of Tulsa serves grades 6-8. Two Catholic high schools — Bishop Kelley and Cascia Hall — provide rigorous college preparatory environments for their students. Other private schools include Holland Hall, Metro Christian Academy, Lincoln Christian School, Mingo Valley Christian School, Peace Academy, Regent Preparatory School, Victory Christian School, Wright Christian Academy, Augustine Christian Academy, Tulsa Adventist Academy, Town and Country School, and Riverfield Country Day School, all offering pre-K through high school programs. Tulsa also is home to the Mizel Jewish Community Day School, three private Montessori schools, and two schools that focus on students with different learning needs: The Little Light House (primarily for students living with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other challenges) and Town and Country, a school designed to specifically help students with learning disabilities, ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Tulsa boasts many secondary education options including more than a dozen universities and a variety of career and technology schools. The University of Tulsa is consistently top-ranked among state colleges, with more than 60 undergraduate degrees, 40 master’s programs and 16 doctoral degree options available. Oral Roberts University was recently rated by Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report as one of the best universities in the west. Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma maintain Tulsa campuses, which provide health care-related classes and degrees, as well as graduate studies for a wide variety of professions. Northeastern State University and Langston University-Tulsa also have a significant presence in the Tulsa area. Tulsa Community College remains one of the best values in the state. Through the Tulsa Achieves program, every high school graduate residing in Tulsa County can earn an associate’s degree from TCC at no cost, provided certain academic qualifications are met. It covers 100% of tuition and fees for up to 60 credit hours. Tulsa Tech, with six campuses in the Tulsa metro area, offers career training for high school students from 27 public high schools and 24 private schools throughout Tulsa County as well as for parochial, home-schooled and adult students. Through the Accelerating Independence Scholarship, students ages 18-23 living within the district can attend tuition-free. Students can choose from a variety of programs including health sciences, aerospace, pre-engineering, automotive/alternative fuels and information technology. Overall, Tulsa provides an educational system that is rich in diversity and opportunity.

Tulsa Community College

Transportation By Viplava Putta, Indian Nations Council of Governments

Tulsa’s comprehensive planning efforts ignited initiatives related to livable, context-sensitive design options surrounding public infrastructure that can be sustained with available funding. The Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG) has been studying these efforts as public interest seems to be at its peak for making a change in transportation investments and finding real alternatives to personal transportation to keep up with mobility needs.

Tulsa Community College (TCC) is a premier two-year college that combines campus life with the academic excellence to prepare students for a four-year university or new career. With four campuses in the Tulsa area, along with community campuses and satellite locations throughout Tulsa County, TCC serves 23,000 students annually.

The recently completed GO plan, an update to the original Trails Master Plan, is helping with the Bicycle-Pedestrian Planning within the region to help communities better strategize in implementing alternative transportation projects. The study provides a blueprint at the planning level for a regional connectivity and focus to TULSA ME TROPOLITA N STATISTICA L A RE A TR A NSPORTATION INDUSTRY EMPLOYMENT1 I N D U S T RY

Through partnerships with educational institutions, businesses across the city and a network of regional constituencies, TCC has connections to programs, resources and industries that provide opportunities befitting of the state’s third largest college. As Oklahoma’s largest community college, TCC reports the state’s largest enrollment of high school concurrent students, and leads in offering online credit.

AV E R AG E E M P LOY ED I N 2 019

Transportation Industry

28,811

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

11,444

Trucking

5,344

Warehouse and Storage

3,379

Transportation Support Activities

2,425

Couriers and Messengers

1,583

Pipeline Transportation

1,374

Air Transportation

861

Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation

401

OES NOT INCLUDE WATER, RAIL, POSTAL OR SCENIC TOUR D TRANSPORTATION. SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, OCTOBER 2019. 1

bicycle travel as well as pedestrian treatments in the region. The Tulsa Transportation Management Area (TTMA) Trails Master Plan, first developed in 1999, identified 44 corridors for trail development throughout the metro area, comprised of 283 miles of off-road multiuse trails and 207 miles of on-road linkages. This plan has been used by communities throughout the metropolitan area as a tool for trail location and design. The updated GO plan nearly quadruples the extent of the infrastructure planned for the Tulsa region. City of Tulsa voters approved a first-ever dedicated operational funding for the public transportation system. It enables Tulsa to move forward with implementing the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on Peoria Corridor, which launched on Dec. 19, 2019. The 11th Street corridor also will be further studied for BRT implementation. These efforts are the results of the regional transit system plan, the fast-forward plan for transit. These projects, once implemented, will foster economic development along the Peoria Avenue corridor and significantly improve the mobility needs of all Tulsans. The Regional Transit System Planning also included the recommendation of various corridors to connect Tulsa with the surrounding cities and address commuter travel within the metropolitan area. As a result of this study, the Peoria BRT corridor has been identified as a transformational

Tulsa County graduating students can take advantage of the Tulsa Achieves program, which offers up to 63 hours of college credit at no cost. TCC offers an honors program, study abroad opportunities and more than 100 transfer programs.

Groundbreaking at Gilcrease Expressway

COURTESY INCOG

Visit tulsacc.edu for more.

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An update to the regional long-range transportation plan, Connected 2045, was adopted at the end of 2017. The new plan features all modes of transportation, including public transportation, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and future roadway infrastructure based on needs. Gilcrease Expressway has been studied by the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) and it was included as a part of a part of the Driving Forward Oklahoma turnpike package. More recently, these partnerships with the Department of Transportation as well as INCOG and City of Tulsa has enabled the OTA to break ground on the project. The 2045 Plan update improvises on the choices for roadway expansion and maintenance. The 2045 Plan also incorporates the vision for Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and safety for all transportation users in the Tulsa metropolitan area. The plan calls for the detailed study of several high-traffic and high-growth corridors, and the implementation of commuter-choice options, such an enhanced bus transit using existing rights-of-way. INCOG has helped the Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority (MTTA) in conducting a

Bus Rapid Transit began in winter 2019 along the Peoria Avenue Corridor.

V I S I O N T U L S A 2020 tulsacouncil.org

BARGE TONNAGE YEAR

B A RG E TO N S

1997

2,160,948

1998

2,417,537

1999

2,242,850

2000

2,210,061

2001

2,046,692

2002

2,223,103

2003

2,250,139

2004

2,220,871

2005

1,819,905

2006

2,321,448

2007

2,010,505

2008

2,050,394

2009

2,058,191

2010

2,266,893

2011

2,160,624

2012

2,702,464

2013

2,700,990

2014

2,367,127

2015

1,551,807

2016

2,260,837

2017

2,553,990

2018

2,085,113

2019

1,358,592

SOURCE: TULSA PORT OF CATOOSA.

robust operational analysis and a final routing and scheduling changes were recently approved, that were implemented in 2019. One major objective of the plan is to encourage suburban communities to connect with community facilities via the new and improved trails system. Once connections are established, citizens will

have an alternative transportation option to travel between communities and the City of Tulsa by bicycle or on foot. Tulsa Port of Catoosa, located five miles from Tulsa, opened in 1971 and has supplied services to more than 30,000 barges and transported 48 million tons of cargo. Oklahoma is linked to national and international ports with 445 miles of waterway, which is easily accessible by the interstate highway system. The port industrial complex covers 2,000 acres and is home to more than 50 companies employing nearly 3,000 people. More than 2 million tons of cargo are shipped through the port annually on 1,300 barges. The Port of Catoosa is responsible for returning $2.6 billion in annual benefits to the regional economy. Tulsa International Airport, established in 1928 and located just 10 minutes northeast of downtown Tulsa, also plays an important role in the economic vitality of the region with an impact of more than $3 billion annually. The airport employs more than 15,000 people and provides not only commercial benefits (moving more than 31,000 tons of cargo each year), but also services business and leisure travelers. More than 3 million passengers travel through the airport each year. Improvements continue at the airport. The security area and the outside passenger arrival section improvements have been completed as well as taxiway improvements and runway extensions.

MICHELLE POLLARD

project for the City of Tulsa and the region. City of Tulsa was awarded $6 million in federal funds to improve connectivity along both the 11th Street and Peoria corridors, that will include signal upgrades, transit signal priority and fiber connectivity.

Utilities

By Ed Bettinger, Public Service Company of Oklahoma

Adequate, reliable sources of electricity, natural gas and water are essential to a community’s quality of life and to its economic prosperity. Tulsa’s utility needs are met by dedicated providers attuned to the future.

PSO is an operating company of American Electric Power (NYSE:AEP), which is based in Columbus, Ohio. AEP is focused on building a smarter energy infrastructure and delivering new technologies and custom energy solutions to its customers. AEP’s approximately 18,000 employees operate and maintain the nation’s largest electricity transmission system and more than 219,000 miles of distribution lines to efficiently deliver safe, reliable power to nearly 5.4 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation’s largest electricity producers with approximately 32,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including nearly 5,300 megawatts of renewable energy.

Electricity is provided by Tulsa-based Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO), which serves Tulsa, the Tulsa metropolitan area, and a total of 232 towns and cities across 30,000 square miles of eastern and southwestern Oklahoma. PSO has approximately 3,800 megawatts of generating capacity to supply its 554,000 customers statewide, including 300,000 in the Tulsa metropolitan area. PSO is a significant provider of clean wind energy in the state, and its long-range plan is to increase reliance on natural gas and renewable energy. PSO also has expanded into solar power, putting the sun to work at several PSO facilities and at the University of Tulsa’s Case Tennis Center.

Natural gas service is provided by Oklahoma Natural Gas Company (ONG), which has served Tulsa since 1906. ONG serves approximately 877,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oklahoma, including the Tulsa

2019 TUL SA UTILIT Y COSTS / T Y P IC A L MON T HLY BIL L

N AT U R A L G A S S E R V I C E C O M M E R C I A L A N D I N D U S T R I A L S E R V I C E 50 1

100 2

500 2

1,000 2

5,000 2

10,000 2

$306

$380

$1,412

$2,757

$12,508

$23,232

DTH/MMBTU PER MONTH

Monthly Costs

E L E C T R I C I T Y: C O M M E R C I A L S E R V I C E 3

100

500

Kilowatt Hours ( KWH: CONSUMPTION )

375

750

1,500

6,000

12,500

30,000

150,000

Cost

$64

$91

$143

$448

$1,155

$2,512

$12,267

KILOWATT

( KW: BILLING DEMAND)

E L E C T R I C I T Y: I N D U S T R I A L S E R V I C E KILOWATT

( KW: BILLING DEMAND)

Megawatt Hours ( MWH: CONSUMPTION ) Cost

150

300

500

1,000

5,000

125

350

1,800

3,500

$2,766

$5,263

$9,615

$23,049

$116,212

$228,065

WAT E R A N D S E W E R C O M M E R C I A L S E R V I C E 3 INSIDE CITY

OUTSIDE CITY

Water

$3.68

$4.75

Sewer

$8.80

$12.99

WAT E R A N D S E W E R I N D U S T R I A L S E R V I C E 3 INSIDE CITY

OUTSIDE CITY

Water

$2.68

$3.37

Sewer

$8.80

$12.99

10,000

area, and has 19,300 miles of distribution mains and service lines statewide. ONG is a division of Tulsabased ONE Gas Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a natural gas distribution company and the successor to the company which became ONEOK Inc. (NYSE: OKE) in 1980. ONE Gas Inc. (NYSE:OGS) is one of the largest publicly traded, 100% regulated natural gas utilities in the United States. ONE Gas provides natural gas distribution services to more than 2 million customers in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. Its companies include the largest natural gas distributor in Oklahoma and Kansas, and the third largest in Texas, in terms of customers. The City of Tulsa supplies drinking water to approximately 144,000 metered accounts in the City and more than 500,000 people in the metropolitan area. Treatment plants, distribution lines and other infrastructure have been built and upgraded over the years to keep pace with Tulsa’s growing need for high quality drinking water. Tulsa’s water delivery system is ready to handle future needs, with a treatment capacity of 220 million gallons per day. Average daily use is 100 million gallons per day.

DTH REPRESENTS A UNIT OF HEAT EQUAL TO ONE MILLION BRITISH THERMAL UNITS (BTU) DRY. 1 DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR TRANSPORT AND WAS BASED ON OKLAHOMA NATURAL GAS COMPANY’S TWELVE-MONTH AVERAGE COMMODITY PRICE OF $4.33 PER DTH PLUS MONTHLY SERVICE FEES. 2 QUALIFIES FOR TRANSPORT AND THIRD PARTY GAS. COSTS WERE BASED ON INSIDE FERC OGT INDEX TWELVE-MONTH COMMODITY PRICE OF $2.06 DTH PLUS MONTHLY TRANSPORT FEES. (MAXIMUM DAILY QUANTITY ESTIMATED AT FLAT DAILY LOAD FOR 500 DTH/ MO AND ABOVE). LARGE CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT OKLAHOMA NATURAL GAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE FOR SPECIFIC COSTS. COSTS FOR 100 DTH/MONTH OR HIGHER APPLY TO TRANSPORT CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASE GAS FROM A THIRD PARTY SUPPLIER AND ONG TRANSPORTS IT FOR THEM. 3 WATER AND SEWER RATES ARE BASED ON COST PER THOUSAND GALLONS. ADDITIONAL CHARGES MAY APPLY. RATES DO NOT INCLUDE MONTHLY METER CHARGES, WHICH DEPEND ON THE SIZE OF THE METER. SOURCES: AEP-PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA NATURAL GAS COMPANY, AND CITY OF TULSA WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT, 2019. REPORT PREPARED BY RESEARCH WIZARD, TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY.

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Health care By Kim Archer

The strength of a community is inextricably linked to the well-being of its citizens, and that’s where Tulsa’s vibrant health care system plays a crucial role in its social and economic success.

Preventative care is foremost in keeping citizens healthy by catching diseases early and reducing overall costs to patients and consumers. According to Trust for America’s Health, there is a return of $5.60 for every $1 spent on preventative care in the United States.

A strong health care system consists of many parts, from quality preventative and primary care to specialized clinics and physicians. Access to health care, as well as availability and affordability, affects the health of the entire community. Access is vital to breaking down barriers to health care, particularly for those who live in medically underserved areas.

Hospitals provide necessary inpatient and outpatient treatment and life-saving medical care for community residents. Tulsa has three major hospital systems: Saint Francis Health System, Ascension St. John and Hillcrest HealthCare System. Together, the three systems operate 22

community and specialty hospitals throughout the Tulsa metropolitan area. Tulsa also is committed to producing physicians who are dedicated to serving their communities. The city is home to two medical schools, including Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and the OU-TU School of Community Medicine, a program of the University of Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa. Both programs are aimed at training and educating practitioners to improve the health of

Tulsa Hospital Facilities 13

14 1

OSU Medical Center 1

Helmerich Women’s Center 2 8

9 11

Oklahoma Heart Institute 3, 11 Hillcrest Medical Center 4 10

Ascension St. John 5 Saint Francis Health System/ The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis/ The Heart Hospital at Saint Francis 6 Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital 7 Cancer Treatment Centers of America 8 Hillcrest Hospital South 9 Saint Francis Hospital South 10 Oklahoma Surgical Hospital 12 Morton Comprehensive Health Service 13 Community Health Connection/La Conexión Médica 14

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Cancer Treatment Centers of America® with the objective of revealing new treatments supported by scientific and investigational research. Seventy seven percent of patients who visit CTCA Tulsa for an initial appointment choose to stay for treatment. Why? They can meet with experts from multiple disciplines all located under one roof. The many aspects of patient care — from answering financial questions to scheduling treatments and arranging follow-up visits — are focused on one thing: helping the patient get better. In addition, CTCA doctors work in close coordination with one another, communicating and collaborating on patient care throughout treatment.

As part of a comprehensive cancer care network of five hospitals, Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) has offered an integrative approach to cancer treatment for 30 years in Tulsa. CTCA® offers surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy with

advancements in precision cancer treatment and supportive therapies designed to manage side effects and enhance quality of life both during and after treatment. CTCA also offers a range of clinical trials for cancer patients who meet certain criteria

city and state residents. OSU Medical Center is located near OSU-College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Center for Health Sciences and is the nation’s largest osteopathic teaching hospital. Each school operates a clinic system — OSU Medicine and OU Physicians — that caters to families throughout the area. Tulsa has two federally qualified community centers with eight locations throughout the city, which help create a safety net for medically underserved populations or areas. Community Health Connection/La Conexión Médica and Morton Comprehensive Health Services provide comprehensive primary care regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. Tulsa’s health care sector is a significant contributor to the city’s economy and is one of the largest employers in the Tulsa metropolitan area. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly 174,620 Oklahomans work in health care and related fields, a number expected to grow. By 2023, the Tulsa Regional Chamber projects that almost 5,000 new jobs in health care and education will be added within the Tulsa area. Tulsa is committed to doing all it can to ensure its residents have access to quality health care. In 2017, the Tulsa Health Department partnered with more than 65 community organizations

CTCA patient satisfaction scores consistently rank among the highest for all cancer care providers in the country. Last year, CTCA Tulsa served patients from 36 states as well as the Bahamas, while reporting a mean score of 97.6 (on a scale of 0 to 100) that outpatients had a “likelihood of recommending their services to others.” For more information, visit cancercenter.com/tulsa or call 800-333-CTCA.

HE A LT H SER V IC E S M A R K E T A N A LYSI S 2020 R EP OR T DESCRIPTION

Physicians and Health Practitioners Nursing and Intermediate Care

C O M PA N I E S

EMPLOY EES

SA LES1

4,654

28,918

2,788.3

227

6,743

1,019.0

Hospitals and Clinics

170

14,813

3,212.0

Medical and Dental Laboratories

177

1,175

58.1

1,489

9,139

406.2

Other Health Care Services

ESTIMATED SALES IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS. 2 FACILITIES & SERVICES. GEOGRAPHICAL AREA: TULSA METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREA. SOURCE: DUN & BRADSTREET, 2019. 1

to create the Community Health Improvement Plan for Tulsa County (CHIP). The plan was designed to combat health disparities for citizens throughout Tulsa County.

Ascension St. John Ascension St. John was founded in 1926 with the opening of St. John Medical Center near downtown Tulsa. Owned by the nation’s most extensive Catholic and nonprofit health system, Ascension St. John is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, especially those living in poverty and who are most vulnerable. The health care system is recognized for excellence in cardiovascular, orthopedic, palliative and stroke care. Ascension

St. John operates hospitals in Tulsa, Owasso, Broken Arrow, Sapulpa, Bartlesville and Nowata, along with multiple urgent care locations and physician offices throughout northeastern Oklahoma and southeastern Kansas.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America As part of a national network of five hospitals, Cancer Treatment Centers of America® has offered an integrative approach to cancer treatment for 30 years in Tulsa. The experts at CTCA combine surgery, radiation, chemotherapy with nutritional counseling, naturopathic medicine, mind-body therapy and spiritual support to enhance quality of life and help C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 5 3

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Saint Francis Health System Saint Francis Health System, Tulsa’s only locally owned and operated health care provider, is a private, not-for-profit, Catholic organization founded in 1960 by Natalie and William K. Warren Sr. From the beginning, the health system’s mission to extend the presence and healing ministry of Christ has been a guiding principle for its staff, physicians and volunteers. With more than 10,000 employees, Saint Francis Health System is the area’s largest private employer.

include emergency and trauma services, cardiac care, oncology services, orthopedics, labor and delivery, surgical services, critical care and much more. Following the opening of the hospital’s Trauma Emergency Center and patient bed tower in 2014, the hospital continued facility expansions by renovating several major patient care units, adding a new observation unit, and updating operating room suites with innovative surgical design and technology previously unavailable in Oklahoma.

Saint Francis Health System is anchored by Saint Francis Hospital, eastern Oklahoma’s largest acute-care hospital. Licensed for more than 1,100 beds, the hospital consistently provides area families with outstanding medical care and a broad spectrum of services that

The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis continues to champion the health and well-being of children in the region. The 162-bed, 265,765-square-foot facility is recognized throughout the area for its advanced medical technology and team of skilled pediatric specialists. The hospital’s 58-bed Henry

Zarrow Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides the region’s most advanced treatments and services for premature infants and critically ill newborns. The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis is also home to Oklahoma’s only St. Jude Affiliate Clinic. This program enables local families to take advantage of the same clinical trials and protocols offered at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For adult oncology/hematology care, the Saint Francis Cancer Center is undergoing extensive expansion. The first phase of expansion, completed in January 2020, includes relocation of radiation oncology services, bringing all outpatient cancer services under one roof. The entire project, which will double the size of the original Saint Francis Cancer Center facility, is scheduled for completion in 2021.

Saint Francis Hospital

Saint Francis Glenpool

The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis

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Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital

Located near Highway 169 and East 91st Street, Saint Francis Hospital South continues to support its mission of providing families with quality health care in an easily accessible location. The 96-bed hospital provides residents of Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, South Tulsa, Wagoner and Coweta convenient access to many specialized services and programs, including a newly expanded emergency center, general surgery, radiology and imaging, cardiology, labor and delivery, orthopedics and primary care. With a dedicated team of cardiac physicians, surgeons, nurses and staff, the Heart Hospital at Saint Francis provides comprehensive cardiac services in one easily accessible facility. Located on the Saint Francis Hospital campus, the fivefloor facility provides patients with a welcoming environment, the latest in medical technology, diagnostic testing, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac rehabilitation and disease-prevention services. Warren Clinic is home to Saint Francis Health Systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extensive network of more than 400 primary care physicians, specialists and mid-level providers. As the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest provider of primary care, medical specialty and urgent

care services, Warren Clinic locations can be found throughout Tulsa and several surrounding communities, including Broken Arrow, Coweta, Jenks, Owasso, Sand Springs, Bixby, Glenpool, Vinita, McAlester, Muskogee and Fort Gibson. Over the past several years, Warren Clinic has extended its range of care by adding providers to its team of medical specialists. Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital is a private health care facility that is licensed for 75 inpatient beds. Clinical programs include comprehensive outpatient behavioral health services, adult inpatient and outpatient care, senior behavioral health, and a nationally recognized eating disorders treatment program. Located adjacent to the Saint Francis Hospital campus in Tulsa, Laureate is one of largest behavioral health facilities in the region. In 2016, Saint Francis Health System extended its commitment to the communities of eastern Oklahoma by establishing Saint Francis Hospital Vinita. With Saint Francis Hospital Vinita, Warren Clinic Vinita and the Saint Francis Health Center locations in Langley and Monkey Island, residents of this area now have access to a wide range of quality health care services, including 24/7

emergency care, and the support of Oklahomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest health care network. The health system expanded again in 2017 with the addition of Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee. With more than 300 beds, the hospital provides comprehensive, high-quality health care services to residents of a seven-county area in eastern Oklahoma, including a nationally accredited cancer program, Level III trauma center, robotic surgery program and a primary stroke center. The expansion also includes Warren Clinic primary care and physician specialist office locations in Muskogee and Fort Gibson. Saint Francis Glenpool opened in August 2018. This state-of-the-art facility features an emergency center and a wide range of outpatient services that include diagnostic laboratory and imaging services, CT, bone-density scanning, physical rehabilitation, and speech and occupational therapy. The campus also includes Warren Clinic Glenpool, which offers internal medicine, pediatrics, cardiology and OB/GYN services. For more information on any of the services provided by Saint Francis Health System, or to find a physician to meet your health care needs, visit saintfrancis.com or call 918-488-6688.

Warren Clinic

Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee

Saint Francis Hospital South

Saint Francis Hospital Vinita

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Oklahoma State University Medical Center In 2016, Saint Francis Health System, a locally owned and operated health system, signed a 10year management agreement with OSU Medical Center to solidify the stability and future growth of the medical center. Together, OSU Medical Center and Saint Francis Health System play an important role in providing health care to Oklahomans. As part of its plan to expand services and continue improving its facilities, OSU Medical Center recently opened a state-of-the-art, 20-chair outpatient dialysis unit equipped with the latest hemodialysis technology to meet the growing need for accessible dialysis. It also fully-renovated its labor and delivery wing with specialty suites that allow mothers to deliver, recover and rest with their newborns all in the same private room.

Oklahoma State University Medical Center (OSU Medical Center) is a 196 bed hospital located in downtown Tulsa. Its clinic network, OSU Medicine has locations across Northeast Oklahoma and offers specialties ranging from primary care to cardiovascular surgery. OSU Medicine is dedicated to providing compassionate care to every patient with same-day appointments offered at the primary care clinic locations.

OSU Medical Center works closely with OSU Center for Health Sciences to provide a superior training ground as one of the nation’s largest osteopathic teaching hospitals, training more than 170 medical residents in primary care and specialty care annually. As an academic medical center, patients at OSU Medical Center get a team of doctors with experienced lead physicians working on their treatment.

Plans for 2020 include going live with EPIC, an electronic medical record system that will enhance patient care delivery, improve work flows and quality of care, and increase productivity. The medical center will also be adding a 40-bed Skilled Nursing Facility. This will allow hospital patients and other patients in the community a temporary place to have post-acute rehabilitation if needed, instead of immediately having to go home. Visit osumc.com for more.

Hillcrest HealthCare System Hillcrest boasts many Tulsa “firsts.” The first closed-heart surgery in Tulsa was performed at Hillcrest, along with the first kidney transplant in Tulsa. Hillcrest operates the Alexander Burn Center, which opened in 1968 and is the only burn center in northeast Oklahoma and one of two in the state. Oklahoma Heart Institute opened in 2009 following significant expansion in cardiology services at Hillcrest. The system’s Bailey Medical Center is a leader in bariatric medicine and continuously receives awards and recognitions.

Hillcrest HealthCare System opened in 1918 as a small hospital named Morningside, which opened in response to a nationwide influenza epidemic. It has grown into eight hospitals, including Hillcrest Medical Center, Hillcrest Hospital South and Tulsa Spine and 52

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Specialty Hospital in Tulsa, as well as five regional hospitals. The system also has 80plus comprehensive primary and specialty care services through Utica Park Clinic and Oklahoma Heart Institute.

The Hillcrest HealthCare System electronic medical records system connects physicians and patients to fully integrate health care delivery across the Hillcrest network. The online patient portal enables patients easy access to their medical records, test results and allows communication with medical providers from a smartphone or computer. Patients also can schedule appointments online. Hillcrest employs more than 6,200 individuals and is a steadfast supporter in the Tulsa area, providing nearly $900,000 in community support in 2018. Visit hillcrest.com for more information.

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 9

MyHealth Access Network Tulsa

OSU Medical Center

reduce side effects for patients during cancer treatment. CTCA in Tulsa received approval from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.

MyHealth Access Network Tulsa is a nonprofit health information exchange organization that offers physicians and patients the most effective, state-of-the-art technology available in healthcare information. Because providers are able to access patient health information instantly through a secure connection, patients receive better health care and save on costs associated with redundant testing, hospital admissions and emergency room visits. MyHealth members include health systems, rural hospitals, medical practices, optometry, tribal organizations, long-term care facilities, hospice organizations, behavioral health organizations and specialty practices. MyHealth works with its members to collaboratively impact healthcare quality and information in Oklahoma.

OSU Medical Center is the nation’s largest osteopathic teaching hospital with 11 residency programs and nine fellowship programs. The hospital trains more than 150 residents in primary care and subspecialties each year. With full accreditation from the American Osteopathic Association, OSU Medical Center works to deliver high-quality care with compassion for patients and their families.

Community Health Connection/ La Conexión Médica Community Health Connection is a Federally Qualified Health Center committed to meeting the lifelong health care needs of the northeast Oklahoma community, particularly catering to the Hispanic population. The medical clinic is designed to provide the highest quality, affordable and accessible primary health care services in a culturally effective, languageappropriate and compassionate manner. Community Health Connection serves individuals who are uninsured by offering a sliding fee scale to those who qualify as well as those with Medicaid (SoonerCare) and Medicare, Insure Oklahoma or private insurance.

Hillcrest HealthCare System Hillcrest Medical Center is the city’s oldest medical facility, opening more than a century ago in 1918. Today, Hillcrest HealthCare System is recognized as a leader in health care, committed to “changing lives for the better, together.” HHS is comprised of Hillcrest Medical Center, Hillcrest Hospital South and Tulsa Spine and Specialty Hospital in Tulsa, as well as five regional hospitals in Claremore, Cushing, Henryetta, Pryor and Owasso. HHC also provides primary and specialty care services through Oklahoma Heart Institute and Utica Park Clinic, with more than 70 regional clinics across northeastern Oklahoma.

Morton Comprehensive Health Services Morton Comprehensive Health Services is a Federally Qualified Health Center offering medical services to patients regardless of ability to pay. Morton serves patients residing in more than 221 zip codes and 16 counties. Its mission is to provide quality, affordable health services to all people — along with dignity and respect — without regard to finances, culture or lifestyle.

Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences The Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences houses the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in addition to other crucial health care programs. OSU-COM trains physicians for Oklahoma while providing vital health care services in underserved areas of Tulsa and to patients across the state. Emphasis is placed on students from Oklahoma and those who want to practice primary care in rural Oklahoma. The college partners closely with OSU Medical Center, which serves as one of the largest osteopathic teaching centers in the United States. OSU-COM is consistently ranked in U.S. News and World Report as one of the nation’s top schools for primary care.

Oklahoma Surgical Hospital Founded in 2001 by a group of phsyicians, Oklahoma Surgical Hospital provides a wide variety of surgical procedures including orthopedics, neurosurgery, general surgery, colorectal, breast, gynecology, urology, ear nose and throat, cardiology and plastic surgery. OSH maintains their focus on providing premier medical expertise and technological resources to the provision of superior personalized health care.

OU-TU School of Community Medicine The OU-TU School of Community Medicine is an educational track within the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. Community medicine is focused on population-based health outcomes, with curriculum on the promotion of public health by education, early diagnosis and disease prevention. The OU-TU School of Community Medicine offers all four years of the Doctor of Medicine program and a 30-month physician assistant program on the OU-Tulsa Schusterman Campus. The University of Oklahoma and The University of Tulsa announced plans in 2009 for a joint four-year medical education program in Tulsa, building upon the OU School of Community Medicine established in 2008 with a $50 million donation from the George Kaiser Family Foundation.

Saint Francis Health System Founded by William K. and Natalie Warren in 1960, Saint Francis Health System is a notfor-profit Catholic organization committed to excellence, dignity, justice, integrity and stewardship. As Tulsa’s largest private employer with more than 10,000 employees, Saint Francis remains the only locally owned and operated health care system in the area. Saint Francis Health System includes Saint Francis Hospital, The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis, Warren Clinic, the Heart Hospital at Saint Francis, Saint Francis Hospital South, Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital, along with community hospitals in Muskogee, Vinita and Glenpool and multiple outpatient specialty centers.

Tulsa County Medical Society Established in 1907, the Tulsa County Medical Society is a professional organization for physicians in Tulsa County advocating for the practice of medicine, health care and patients. About 900 allopathic and osteopathic physicians are currently represented by the organization. Through the Tulsa County Medical Society Foundation, the organization offers programs aimed at health promotion, education, and disease and prevention treatment. It also provides scholarships for medical students and operates Project TCMS, a program designed to bridge the gap in access to nonemergent specialty care.

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Faith in Tulsa

By Gary Peluso, president emeritus, Phillips Theological Seminary; board member, Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice

Religion in Tulsa is what one might expect, but it also holds surprises. On the one hand, one would expect all religious communities to serve the spiritual needs of its members and engage in one or more community ministries such as: public school partnerships, parochial schools, food pantries, homeless ministries and summer camps. And that is the case. As one might also expect, prominent in the religious ecology are evangelical, charismatic or Pentecostal Christian megachurches. These congregations represent the most visible religious culture of the area, as evidenced by everything from Christiannamed businesses to newscaster references to conservative stances on political and cultural issues. In addition to these Christian churches, there are many others: • Roman Catholic congregations, which are increasingly populated with Latinx members, and which minister to Burmese immigrants and refugees

• Antiochian and Greek Orthodox churches •M ainline/ecumenical Protestant congregations, some large and many small in membership (e.g., United Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Disciples, Lutheran) • Dozens of African American congregations — Baptists, mainline, independent charismatics and Pentecostals — which share evangelical theological values with white congregations, but which differ markedly by leading social justice efforts regarding overincarceration, health care access, economic development, policing and addressing inequities in public schools. • An increasing number of Spanish-speaking congregations and ministries, Protestant and Catholic

Holy Family Cathedral

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• Native American religious communities include some Christian congregations and many traditional sacred rites and ceremonies. On the other hand, Tulsa’s religious landscape holds surprises. There are Buddhist and Hindu communities. The Jewish community is small but historic and powerfully represented through Reform and Conservative synagogues, as well as a Hasidic congregation. In addition, Jewish philanthropic leaders are prominent in a city known for its giving. They see themselves enacting Judaism’s commitments to social justice for all people and to tikkun olam — healing the world. The growing Muslim community is comprised of persons speaking dozens of languages and is building strong institutions: a mosque, a school, an interfaith dialogue institute, and several social service organizations that extend the reach of compassion, mercy, justice and love far beyond its community. Muslim and Jewish leaders are frequent interpreters of their faiths and providers

of hospitality for community gatherings. The other surprising elements of Tulsa’s faith communities are the presence of progressive religion and very warm interreligious relationships. The largest Unitarian-Universalist Church in the U.S. is in Tulsa (a recent documentary film, “American Heretics,” about liberal religion in Oklahoma, features this congregation). Several Protestant congregations, a congregation from a Catholic tradition, the synagogues, and Unitarian congregations teach and practice a public faith that promotes social justice, the value of science, honest histories, multicultural inclusion, hospitality for immigrants, and the full inclusion of LGBTQ persons (most are allies with Oklahomans for Equality).

desire to “know and love our neighbors” create overlapping interests with adherents of different religious traditions, as well as with persons who may not belong to any religious tradition but who desire a strong social fabric. That said, there is always need — and there are wonderful opportunities — in Tulsa to deepen one’s own faith by getting to know and work for a better Tulsa with persons of many faiths.

Tulsa enjoys a remarkably strong interfaith community. Interfaith relationships are manifest in ongoing dialogue groups, in times of celebration, and when there is a tragedy, locally or nationally. Social justice work and the

HOLY FAMILY: VALERIE WEI-HAAS; TEMPLE ISRAEL: MICHELLE POLLARD; TAM BAO: TIM LANDES

Tam Bao Buddhist Temple

Temple Israel

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Partner in Prosperity

By Jim Myers Morgan, senior vice president, Communications; vice president, Quality, Tulsa Regional Chamber

For more than 115 years, the Tulsa Regional Chamber has served as an integral part of what makes the Tulsa area a great place to live, work and play. Representing more than 2,150 member organizations and more than 178,000 area workers, the Chamber is the primary driver of regional and individual prosperity in northeast Oklahoma. The Chamber develops and delivers a wide variety of programs and services designed to bolster and benefit Tulsa-area businesses of all shapes and sizes, from large corporations to small startups.

GREG BOLLINGER

For companies looking to build business, the Chamber offers dedicated networking events hosted by the Tulsa Small Business Connection, northeast Oklahoma’s premier organization for companies with 50 or fewer employees. Small firms can gain valuable insights at education events such as Business Behind the Scenes and HR & Recruiter Roundtables. A listing in the Chamber’s online member directory can yield valuable business referrals. Organizations seeking access to resources can save on office supplies through a Chamber affinity program. Businesses can gain recognition through Chamber award programs, including the Top Inclusive Workplaces as recognized by Mosaic, the Chamber’s coalition of companies and nonprofit partners that celebrate diversity, champion equity and cultivate inclusion within the business community. Participation in the Chamber’s

Manufacturers Council offers chances to gain insights and collaborate with industry peers. Companies can advocate for the region as part of topical task forces that develop the OneVoice Regional Legislative Agenda, northeast Oklahoma’s unified business-driven policy platform. Interested firms also can help develop a long-term regional vision with other civic and community leaders by attending the Chamber’s annual Intercity Visit to a peer city to hear best practices. Those with expertise to share can mentor high-growth startups as part of a network of volunteer business leaders who coach tenants of The Forge, the Chamber’s certified business incubator. Others may encourage young employees to make a difference in the community through TYPROS, the Chamber’s young professionals organization. Those looking to enhance regional economic prosperity can invest in Tulsa’s Future, the Chamber-led regional economic development partnership of public and private investors. There are also opportunities to support Chamber programs that impact quality of life, such as the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture. More broadly, joining the Chamber’s Board of Advisors offers the chance to influence the organization’s strategic priorities, and, by extension, the future prosperity of the entire region.

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The Business Case for Diversity By Kuma Roberts, executive director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Tulsa Regional Chamber

Increasingly, companies around the globe are realizing there is a strong business case to be made for creating and maintaining diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces. In many cases, diversity of leadership drives profits. Research by the management consulting firm McKinsey and Co. finds that gender and ethnic diversity gives executive leadership teams an edge over their competition. According to the firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2017 study of 1,000 businesses in 12 countries, companies in the top 25% for gender and ethnic/cultural diversity on executive teams are more likely to outperform their peersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; profitability by 21% and 33%, respectively. Inversely, companies in the bottom 25% for both categories of diversity were 29% less likely to achieve above-average profitability.

Black Label Grooming co-owner AG Guipttons works with a client at the salon.

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Latoya Rose is the owner of Rose Tax Solutions.

VALERIE WEI-HAAS

Diverse teams tend to be more innovative, which impacts the type of revenue a company generates. A 2018 survey by Boston Consulting Group found that companies with above-average diversity on their leadership teams derived 45% of their revenue from innovation, compared to 26% by companies with below-average diversity.

Phillips Theological Seminary Phillips Theological Seminary invites you to join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitments, and give insights to how to faithfully lead in a changing world. Our nationwide network of students, faculty, churches, alumni/ae, trustees, and friends is committed to embracing the full diversity of creation with a gathering of scholars that takes very seriously the expression of God’s justice and shalom in the world. We embrace the full inclusion of all persons into a life of theological formation. Phillips strives to educate the whole church through programs dedicated to learning the way of Jesus in order to cultivate vital congregations, communities, conversations, and the public good. We lead in our communities as biblically and theologically responsible interpreters, unique in America’s heartland as an unapologetically progressive Christian seminary. Our fully online Ministry Training Program (MTP) provides affordable, high-quality education for those seeking to learn from our top-notch faculty and build a network of others engaged in ministry. The MTP is designed for those who

A pillar of carefully stacked stones in the Phillips Seminary chapel signals the beginning of a journey. The cairn marks a turning point along life’s path and represents an encounter with the divine.

want to do ministry without seeking a graduate theological degree. Founded in 1906, Phillips provides online and in-person courses for learners from 26 states and 16 denominations with 209 degree-seeking

students enrolled in the 2019 fall term and more than 230 student registrations in the Ministry Training Program. Learn more about Phillips at wherefaithleads.com or by calling 918-610-8303.

A company’s employee diversity can translate into improved customer service and a deeper understanding of consumer behavior. A 2013 study by the Center for Talent Innovation found that when a team has one or more members whose gender, ethnicity, culture, generation or sexual orientation matches that of their target customers, that team is as much as 158% more likely to understand their customers. The same study also found that publicly traded companies with rich diversity among their leadership teams were more likely to improve their market share and capture new markets than companies without similar diversity. Last but not least, diversity generates respect. According to the Gender Forward Pioneer Index, Fortune magazine’s “Most Admired Companies” have on average twice as many women in senior leadership positions as men. Gender diversity in the workplace increasingly matters to U.S. employees; a 2017 Pew survey found 78% of American adults ranked the issue as important. For all of these reasons, many companies find that — beyond simply being the right thing to do — developing diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces benefits their bottom line.

The American Indian Chamber of Commerce in Oklahoma named Blue Star Integrative Studio its Small Business of the Year in 2018.

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Mosaic recognizes companies demonstrating exemplary commitments to diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

The Chamber’s 2019 diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) award winners were:

Mosaic is the Tulsa Regional Chamber-led coalition of companies and nonprofit partners that celebrate diversity, champion equity and cultivate inclusion within the region’s business community. Mosaic educates, leads and influences businesses on creating diverse and inclusive workforce cultures to enhance their competitive advantage. Mosaic also seeks to leverage the region’s diversity to improve perceptions of our community and grow the economy. Ultimately, Mosaic wishes to catapult the Tulsa region into the forefront of diversity and inclusion

Celebrating at Mosaic’s 2019 State of Inclusion event.

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through talent recruitment initiatives and business retention and expansion efforts. Each year, Mosaic celebrates Chamber members successfully developing and implementing diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. During its annual State of Inclusion event, Mosaic honors individuals, companies and organizations demonstrating exemplary commitments to inclusive workplaces and equitable economic outcomes. The 2019 State of Inclusion attracted more than 450 attendees from across the Tulsa area to celebrate the importance and impact of diversity, equity and inclusion for the region’s economy. More than 50 companies completed the Chamber’s Inclusive Workplace Index, a tool that quantifies an organization’s progress toward inclusivity and equity, and provides tailored feedback for applicants to help them improve their efforts in this area.

Diversity Champion: Tulsa Tech This award recognizes a company demonstrating organizational change by accelerating the adoption of DEI best practices and linking cultural diversity to organizational goals. Equity Champion: American Airlines This award recognizes a company demonstrating strategic and measured collaboration with key partners both inside and outside the organization to ensure sustainable success. Inclusion Champion: Teach for America This award recognizes a company demonstrating a culture of inclusion that retains its workforce, maintains an environment of lifetime learning and maximizes the workplace satisfaction of all employees. Catalyst Award: Public Service Company of Oklahoma This award recognizes an organization that embodies all three of the above categories by demonstrating excellence in diversity, equity and inclusion. Leadership Award: Gabe Kalafat at Macy’s This award is given to a CEO, business owner or nonprofit leader who champions DEI as part of the competitive advantage for their organization.

COURTESY TULSA REGIONAL CHAMBER

Mosaic

Oklahoma Natural Gas With more than 100 years of experience, Oklahoma Natural Gas is a trusted energy company that serves more than 875,000 homes and businesses across the state. As the largest natural gas distribution company in Oklahoma, we have a proven track record helping businesses and customers successfully maximize cost savings through natural gas appliance rebates and programs. We can help you keep your costs low and save you money while providing unrivaled warmth, comfort and convenience in your home or business. Free energy assessments also are available to help business owners identify energy efficiency upgrades.

Led by a committed workforce that puts a priority on safety, reliability and satisfied customers, Oklahoma Natural Gas has earned the trust of more than 875,000 customers.

Whether you’re starting a new business, moving into a new home or just visiting Tulsa, you will find Oklahoma Natural Gas is always there delivering natural gas…for a better tomorrow! Learn more by going to oklahomanaturalgas.com today.

Exceptional Leaders Lab The business of teaching high impact skills, strategies, tactics and ideas to develop exceptional leaders within a business or organization is the mission and work of Tulsabased Exceptional Leaders Lab.

The books by Tracy Spears and Wally Schmader have been described “a blueprint for exceptional leadership.”

“Our work involves conducting workshops that teach immediately-actionable strategies to make people more effective leaders, managers or coaches,” said Tracy Spears, a founder of Exceptional Leaders Lab along with partner Wally Schmader. “Our high-energy, interactive sessions enable attendees to learn to be more prepared, confident and effective leaders”. Spears and Schmader have coached over 100,000 professionals through keynotes, conferences, webinars and broadcasts. Their powerful collaborative approach has helped professionals all over the world to improve

their leadership skills and their understanding of how to positively influence people and organizations. Tracy Spears is an internationally recognized speaker trainer, and thought leader. Her specialties include diversity and inclusion, workplace communication, organizational culture development, leadership coaching, and strategic planning. Wally Schmader is a highly experienced leadership trainer, facilitator and coach. His ideas and recommendations have been featured in dozens of publications and media outlets, and in his three game-changing books. The leadership skills taught in each day-long workshop come from their two best-selling books: What Exceptional Leaders Know and The Exceptional Leaders Playbook. The two books have been described as “a blueprint for exceptional leadership” by best-selling author Jim Stovall, and “a complete playbook to guide leaders” by Faith Popcorn, the thought leader and CEO of BrainReserve. For additional information about Exceptional Leaders Lab, call Melissa Siemens at 918-794-8181 or email Melissa@ exceptionalleaderslab.com. Or visit ExceptionalLeadersLab.com.

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Energy

By Alesia A. Bailey, Pinedale Energy Partners

Winston Churchill said, “A pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.” Tulsa’s energy leaders are keenly familiar with difficult times — most recently this past fall which saw declines in commodity pricing and rig count. Yet, they all remain optimistic and poised for future opportunities.

Environmental, social and governance One such opportunity is the growing trend of Environmental, Social and Governance reporting. Private energy companies are recognizing the benefit of sharing sustainable ESG practices that exceed local, state and national standards as many investors equate a robust ESG program with positive financial performance. Pinedale Energy Partners was named 2019 Overall Asset Sector Leader in the Global Real

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Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) Energy and Water Resources Superclass, earning the highest five-star rating and finishing ninth of 393 infrastructure assets worldwide. “ESG is truly a stakeholder partnership that is embedded in our culture of implementing best practices with an expectation of continuous improvement,” CEO Chris Jacobsen said. “We are committed to a high ESG standard, so our investors are assured their funds are deployed in assets operating in a globally responsible fashion.”

Health and safety Considering the difficulty and risk associated with the exploration and distribution of hydrocarbons, Tulsa companies remain focused on employee wellness programs and health and safety initiatives, as well as looking for additional opportunities to improve.

Bruce Heine, vice president of government and media affairs, shared that Magellan Midstream Partners, “facilitates an annual wellness competition where teams accumulate steps equaling 12,500 miles — roughly the length of our pipeline network.” He added, “We have an additional company-wide milestone of 1 million miles that nearly 1,400 employees surpassed in 2019.” Cypress Energy Partners’ Senior Vice President and General Counsel Richard Carson noted their receipt of several safety awards: the Cimarex Award for Outstanding Achievement in Safety; Antero’s Zero Award for Zero Incidents, Zero Harm and Zero Compromise; and recognition as a Vectren Top Five Contractor for excellent safety performance, policies and standards compliance. Carson added, “Cypress developed a new cloudbased management application for environmental, health and safety-related activities accessible

via smart phones, tablets and computers which was presented at the Phillips 66 Annual Safety Forum.” Ralph Hill, CEO for ETX Energy stated, “ETX holds the safety and protection of our employees, our neighbors and our shared environment as a top priority, always conducting ourselves to demonstrate our commitment to this goal.” Furthermore, “ETX has maintained 0.0 Total Recordable Incident Rates for the last three years while sustaining excellent performance with regard to safe driving, spill performance and contract workforce safety performance.”

Innovation Opportunity can be found in emerging technological innovations. Robotics, fiber optics, drone piloting, forward-looking infrared radar, cybersecurity, process automation and artificial intelligence are already part of daily energy operations.

Regarding process automation, Hill shared, “ETX monitors producing well performance via Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, for real-time data acquisition without the need for human interaction.” He added, “Similarly, during the drilling and completion of new wells, SCADA is utilized to capture and evaluate data.”

Eagle Resources Group CEO Steve Antry stated, “Several of our current projects would result in transaction consummations in Q1 of 2020 — the resulting hiring profile would be 50 to 100 new adds, with the same anticipated for the years beyond,” adding, “we currently find the Tulsa talent pool to be very robust.”

Jacobsen noted, “Pinedale employs machine learning to calculate Estimated Ultimate Recovery of reserves for our infill drilling locations of natural gas wells and we are using artificial intelligence to optimize our artificial plunger-lift system.”

Speaking to their recent acquisition of Roan Resources, Citizen Energy’s CFO Tim Helms assured they will always be a Tulsa-based company. “We are excited about Roan for the opportunity it represents, and our success lies in our ability to hire the masters of every discipline who share our appreciation for hard work and call Tulsa home.”

Hiring Energy leaders are well-acquainted with the challenge of rightsizing their organizations amid fluctuating price environments. However, several Tulsa-based companies expect a positive hiring outlook for the next several months and beyond 2020.

Community Tulsa energy companies are proud of their community partnerships. Several shared of

MAJOR PUBLIC OIL AND GAS FIRMS IN THE TULSA AREA 2020 C O M PA N Y

2 0 19 T O TA L A S S E T S 1

2 0 19 T O TA L R E V E N U E S 1

2 0 19 N E T I N C O M E 1

LIQUIDS2

2 0 19 W O R L D W I D E P R O D U C T I O N N AT U R A L G A S 3

ConocoPhillips

69,980,000

38,727,000

6,257,000

262.0

WPX Energy Inc.

8,203,000

2,310,000

143,000

38.0

757.0 63.8

Cimarex Energy Co.

6,062,084

2,339,017

791,851

19.23

205.8

Unit Corp.

2,698,053

843,281

-45,288

7.799

55.63

Laredo Petroleum Inc.

2,420,305

1,105,775

324,595

17.43

44.68

221,704

72,791

-22,495

1.112

0.457

Mid-Con Energy Partners LP THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. MILLION BARRELS. 3 BILLION CUBIC FEET. SOURCE: OIL & GAS JOURNAL, SEPTEMBER 2, 2019. 1 2

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their involvement in Tulsa Area United Way and American Heart Association annual campaigns. Additional philanthropic recipients prove to be as varied as their corporate benefactors. Tulsa’s Gathering Place received contributions from Magellan and Unit Corp. Heine shared that Magellan’s $5 million contribution was “a way to give back to the Tulsa community which has been a huge part of our success.” David Merrill, COO for Unit, added, “Our $3 million gift was an extension of our company culture to promote active lifestyles and allowed us to sponsor the Picnic Grove, an area for large school groups within the Chapman Foundation Adventure Playground.” Local and educational events are enjoyable ways to build community with employees outside of headquarter offices in Tulsa. ETX Energy supports

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the Madison County Mushroom Festival in Texas and Pinedale Energy sponsors the Sublette County Rendezvous Days in Wyoming. Moreover, both companies offer FFA and STEM scholarships to the school districts of these same counties. Supporting local environmental protection groups are important to Cypress and Unit. A Cypress executive officer holds a position on the board of Land Legacy, an organization devoted to the preservation and protection of greenspace around Tulsa and the Lake Spavinaw watershed from which Tulsa obtains its drinking water. And Unit donates to the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board to clean up orphaned and abandoned well-sites in Oklahoma.

Education A final opportunity for innovation involves education. Gov. Kevin Stitt’s office is working to

highlight careers in energy since it is Oklahoma’s second largest and highest paying job sector. OGE Energy’s Director of Workforce Planning and Development Molly Peters shared her engagement with legislators to add energy as the 17th Career Cluster for Oklahoma’s secondary education occupation framework. A separate energy track would further define available career options and entice our talented students to stay in Oklahoma.

Alesia A. Bailey is president-elect of Desk and Derrick Club of Tulsa, a local petroleum educational organization. Desk and Derrick furthers energy education and offers membership to those employed in or affiliated with the petroleum, energy and allied industries. Visit tulsadandd.net for information.

Commerce By Robert Evatt

In the early 1900s, Tulsa was known as “the oil capital of the world.” Energy still touches a large portion of Tulsa’s economy today, but the regional economy has branched out significantly, according to Michael Morris, a professor of economics at Oklahoma State University-Tulsa. “Oil and gas is still a major component that provides a lot of jobs and feeds a lot of industry, but our economy is much more diversified,” Morris said. Now, manufacturing, medical and finance make up large portions of Tulsa’s economy as well. Bob Ball, director of economic research at the Tulsa Regional Chamber, said many large companies are looking to either establish themselves in Tulsa

for the first time or expand their existing presence. “Being in the center of the country works well for support operations,” Ball said. Though Ball said the area economy is now relatively flat compared to boom times, that’s largely due to national and international influences that have cooled economies worldwide. Typically, Tulsa averages steady growth and relatively low employment over the decades. Even with the slowdown, the Tulsa area has experienced a number of big job announcements recently, the most high-profile of which is a new Amazon distribution center. Once finished, it will bring an estimated 1,500 positions to Tulsa. C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 6 7

BOK Financial BOK Financial has been dedicated to Tulsa’s success for more than 100 years because when the city thrives, we all thrive with it. We are focused on investing in the future to create a high quality of life in our community, supporting economic development activities that help our clients’ businesses grow and build sustainable change for our community. Headquartered in Tulsa since 1910, BOK Financial has grown to become a $40 billion regional financial services company with more than $80 billion in assets under management and administration. BOK Financial has been proud to play a major role in Tulsa’s Future, VisitTulsa, the Gathering Place and as title sponsor of the BOK Center. We continually promote an environment that is inclusive of diverse values, opinions, experience and cultures.

to teach financial literacy to children, and the annual company sponsorship of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. In addition, the BOKF Foundation and the bank provided more than $2.3 million in contributions to Tulsa nonprofits, and employee and company pledges to the Tulsa Area United Way topped $1.7 million in 2019.

The BOK Tower in downtown Tulsa.

BOK Financial remains grateful for the opportunity to support efforts that make Tulsa a better place to live, work and raise a family. Find out more at bokfinancial.com.

Our employees embrace inclusivity by engaging with local communities through initiatives including Learn For Life, a program designed

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Central Bank of Oklahoma Central Bank of Oklahoma is a $600 million community bank with eight locations in Oklahoma, including the communities of Tulsa, Sapulpa, Owasso, Stillwater, and Edmond. Central Bank of Oklahoma is part of Central Bancompany, a $13 billion holding company with 13 full-service community banks and more than 250 locations in 66 communities serving consumers and businesses in Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois. Secure. For the ninth year in a row, the prestigious business publication Forbes has recognized Central Bancompany as one of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Banks in its annual review of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 100 largest financial institutions. Central Bank of Oklahoma is safe and secure because of its strong roots and commitment to prudent banking practices. It is committed to being a leading financial services provider in the communities it serves by continuing to provide customers with quality financial solutions and exceptional customer service.

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Community. Integrally involved in its communities, you will find Central Bank of Oklahoma employees out in the community serving students in the classroom through several outreach programs, including Junior Achievement. Employees also are involved as members and leaders in local organizations, chamber of commerce, and local charities. Consistently recognized as a Gold level supporter of United Way, Central Bank of Oklahoma is proud to be part of each of its communities. Your Business. Our Resources. Central Bank of Oklahoma understands your business challenges, which is why it offers diverse lending options and deposit accounts to help you manage the day-to-day finances, as effortlessly as possible. Trust its experienced lenders to evaluate your needs and custom fit lending options. Local lenders. Local decisions. Discover deposit products and services to fit your company size, account balances, spending habits, and technology preferences. The bank will assist you in finding the perfect fit for your business.

Your Business. Your Rewards. Central Bank of Oklahoma will help you automate your accounts payable and turn your payments process into a time-saving, automatic process that adds incremental revenue to your bottom line; you earn cash when you pay your vendors electronically. Earn even more when you optimize your business travel expenses, purchasing, and fleet management with just one card. Personal Banking. Banking YOUR Way. Take your personal checking to the next level with an outstanding package of technology products that will help you manage your money on your terms with a package of financial tools that allow you to access your accounts, transfer funds, create budgets, and make deposits virtually anywhere, at any time. Let Central Bank of Oklahoma be your financial resource. Contact Central Bank of Oklahoma at 918.477.7400 for the financial tools and expertise you need to grow your business or handle your personal financial needs. More information is available on its website, centralbank.net.

COMMERCIAL BANKS IN TULSA COUNTY BANK NAME

DEPOSITS1

BANK NAME

DEPOSITS1

American Bank and Trust Company

199,745

Grand Bank

290,766

American Bank of Oklahoma

112,368

International Bank of Commerce (IBC) 2

283,057

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA 2

723,093

American Heritage Bank 2 Arvest Bank 2 AVB Bank

185,995 1,747,519 332,798

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BancFirst 2

Additionally, American Airlines recently announced it would expand its already sizable presence in Tulsa. What is already the world’s largest commercial aviation base maintenance facility will add an additional 400 jobs.

Bank of America 2

767,454 1,561,098 2,627

Bank of Commerce2

38,488

Bank of the West 2 Blue Sky Bank 2 BOKF, NA

123,802 8,645,417

Central Bank of Oklahoma

454,160

Aerospace comprises a large segment of Tulsa’s manufacturing, with NORDAM, Honeywell, Spirit AeroSystems and others established in the area. There are enough aerospace jobs to support an entire aviation institute — the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology.

Stride Bank, National Association

First Oklahoma Bank

In addition to being in the center of the country, Tulsa has another key advantage — the cost of living is relatively low, Ball said. Housing prices, tax burdens and other expenses all compare favorably to other areas.

First Pryority Bank 2

61,407

17,128

Mabrey Bank

761,587

MapleMark Bank 2

128,953

MidFirst Bank 2

860,379

Oklahoma Capital Bank

119,863

Peoples Bank

87,902

Prosperity Bank 2

824,703

RCB Bank 2

349,098

Regent Bank

379,082

Security Bank

504,707

Simmons Bank 2

220,181 415,072

Commerce Bank 2

272,130

SpiritBank

CrossFirst Bank 2

575,902

The City National Bank and Trust Company of Lawton, Oklahoma 2

Equity Bank

139,528

The Exchange Bank 2

382,889

The First National Bank and Trust Company of Broken Arrow

136,406

33,770

Triad Bank, NA

144,742

596,014

UMB Bank, NA 2

First Bank of Owasso First Fidelity Bank, NA 2

Firstar Bank, NA 2

143,451

15,549 23,198

30,653

Vast Bank, National Association

435,500

Yorktown Bank 2

69,105

T HOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. 2 B ANKS HEADQUARTERED OUTSIDE TULSA COUNTY. DATA NOTES: FINANCIALS REPRESENT TOTAL AMOUNTS OF ALL LOCATIONS WITHIN TULSA COUNTY FOR EACH BANK. SOURCE: FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, STATISTICS ON DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS. DATA AS OF JUNE 30, 2019. 1

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Tulsa Federal Credit Union For more than 75 years, Tulsa Federal Credit Union has worked alongside the community and its members to help serve and enrich the lives of others. And now we are helping business owners, too! As a not-for-profit, member-owned, community credit union, Tulsa FCU’s primary purpose is to support the common economic interests of its membership and the community. “We understand that even the smallest businesses are a big part of the economic fabric of our community,” says Brendon Maguffee, Chief Lending Officer. “Whether you are embarking on a new business venture, seeking support with day-to-day-operations, or growing to the next level, we are ready to partner with you and help your business succeed.” More importantly, Tulsa FCU recognizes what personalized attention means for businesses. Because of its unique focus on solutions — not sales — its support team takes the time to understand each business owner’s goals, industry obstacles and vision for the future. This tailored approach helps to cultivate trust as the

expert staff learn to anticipate your ongoing banking needs.

business service tools that help your business succeed.

Tulsa FCU now offers an expanded set of business solutions, from banking and lending to

Federally insured by NCUA. For more information, please visit tulsafederalcu.org or call 918-610-0200.

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First Oklahoma Bank As the leaders of First Oklahoma Bank know well, building a better bank takes many people working together to make a difference in the lives of customers and the communities they serve. In November 2019, First Oklahoma Bank celebrated its 10th anniversary by honoring hundreds of shareholders, customers and friends who have championed the bank’s growth and success. The celebration commemorated the achievement of a dream that began more than a decade ago when Tom Bennett III sat at a kitchen table and shared his idea of building a new and better community bank with his parents, veteran bankers Tom Bennett Jr. and Sue Bennett. The discussion soon expanded to a group of longtime bankers. More than 300 shareholders have invested $56.9 million in the bank since its inception, while over 10,000 customers have depended on First Oklahoma Bank to pursue their financial dreams of owning a home, starting a business or expanding one.

The bank has locations in Jenks, midtown Tulsa and Glencoe. These banking centers are staffed by more than 120 first-rate, hard-working bankers who are passionate about serving others, listening, following through on commitments and helping clients solve their financial challenges. “Building a better bank takes a lot of different people all working hard together. It takes employees. It takes shareholders. It takes customers, and it takes our regulators. All of us have worked together for 10 years to build this dream. It’s the fastest-growing new bank in Oklahoma history,” said President and Co-CEO Tom Bennett III. First Oklahoma Bank was established on Nov. 4, 2009, when First Oklahoma Holdings Inc., the bank’s parent company, acquired Glencoe State Bank and became a $9.6 million asset bank in the process. Since then, the bank has grown exponentially, consistently surpassing annual benchmarks. The bank exceeded $740 million in assets in 2019 and has plans to top $1 billion by 2023.

“We understand our local economy and make our decisions locally. We can adapt to the needs of our customers without all the bureaucracy of big banks,” Bennett III said. The locally owned and operated bank provides the same high-quality products as regional banks, while also offering free ATM services around the world, competitive CD rates and concierge-level services through its private banking division. The full-service bank is a leader in local deposits and Treasury services. “As I look back on the last 10 years of the First Oklahoma Bank journey, I just have an overwhelming feeling of thankfulness,” said Chairman and Co-CEO Tom Bennett Jr. “First of all, I’m thankful to God for blessing us with resources, with relationships, and with opportunities, for guiding us forward into areas of service, and helping to build the community …. I love this workplace. I think it’s exciting what we get to do.” First Oklahoma Bank invites Oklahomans to “Move up to Better Banking” by calling 918-392-2500 or visiting firstoklahomabank.com. Member FDIC.

Chairman and Co-CEO Tom Bennett, Jr. with President and Co-CEO Tom Bennett III standing in front of “Bank at the Intersection” by Mark Lewis, University of Tulsa, Associate Professor of Art, Design and Art History.

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CREDIT UNIONS IN TULSA COUNTY C R ED I T U N I O N N A M E

TOTA L ASSE TS1

Dowell Federal Credit Union

36,469,948

Employees Federal Credit Union

26,105,069

Encentus Federal Credit Union Energy One Federal Credit Union

28,979,398 233,949,658

Fire Fighters Credit Union

36,183,832

First Oklahoma Federal Credit Union

38,978,479

First Tulsa Federal Credit Union

12,824,292

Fraternal Order Of Police Federal Credit Union

37,956,712

Golden Eagle Federal Credit Union

15,843,200

Green Country Federal Credit Union

82,373,736

Morning Star Federal Credit Union OK Members First Federal Credit Union Oklahoma Central Credit Union Pearl District Federal Credit Union Red Crown Credit Union Saint Francis Federal Credit Union Space Age Tulsa Federal Credit Union

650,412 21,029,690 574,097,569 13,115,317 219,780,253 35,816,779 15,693,279

TTCU Federal Credit Union

1,957,773,030

Tulsa Federal Credit Union

772,980,458

United Members Federal Credit Union Western Sun Federal Credit Union

12,259,779 188,726,350

VALERIE WEI-HAAS

1 DOLLAR AMOUNT SOURCE: NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION, FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT. DATA AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2019. DATA NOTES: FINANCIALS REPRESENT TOTAL ASSETS OF ALL LOCATIONS FOR EACH CREDIT UNION.

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“The cost of doing business here is about 15% below the national average,” he said.

town back from the 1980s to now is just night and day.”

But one key factor isn’t as low. Average wages in Tulsa are disproportionately closer to the national average and have stayed steady in recent years. That makes it easier for companies to attract talented workers.

Ball said the secret ingredient to Tulsa’s economy is its entrepreneurial spirit. New businesses continue to get their start in Tulsa, and a number of programs are available to support them, including business incubators The Forge and 36 Degrees North. The George Kaiser Family Foundation also has supported worker retention initiatives, including Tulsa Remote, a program that got worldwide attention for giving remote workers $10,000 and other benefits to move to Tulsa.

Additionally, Tulsa now has various new amenities that make the area attractive to people looking for quality work. The Gathering Place, a massive 100-acre park built at a cost of $465 million, has attained nationwide recognition for its creative architecture and playgrounds. Tulsa’s downtown area has also grown, with an arena, baseball park, many new businesses and multiplying apartment and condo living options, Morris said.

“We’ve got a steady stream of businesses and people wanting to stay here,” Ball said.

“I’ve worked at OSU-Tulsa near downtown for decades,” he said. “The change in this area of

Adam Recvlohe, Aaron Bolzle and Nashaira Ofori at 36 Degrees North. Bolzle is the executive director of Tulsa Remote, which brought Recvlohe and Ofori to Tulsa to work remotely.

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Aviation and Aerospace By Alexis Higgins, CEO, Tulsa International Airport

When reviewing the history of aviation and anticipating the possibilities surrounding aerospace, one word provides insight into the journey these intersecting industries have taken: opportunity. According to Merriam-Webster, opportunity is defined as 1. A favorable juncture of circumstances; and 2. A good chance for advancement or progress. The foundation of aviation is based on two things coming together: preparation and opportunity. The Wright brothers and their first flight are a perfect example. They had the technical expertise to design an airworthy aircraft and when mixed with the perfect amount of wind and

thrust, were able to experience the first recorded thrill of flight. Fast forward to 1928 when Tulsa leaders joined together to buy land to build the city’s first airport — they knew the opportunity that awaited the citizens of Tulsa once an official airport and landing strip were constructed. Just five short years later, Tulsa Municipal Airport was one of the busiest in the world. In just a single generation, our nation transitioned from manned flight to manned space flight. By the 1960s, NASA assembled the most talented scientists, engineers and aviators to set their sights on a new opportunity — landing on the

moon. Currently, the mission has shifted focus to Mars, but the underlying theme revolves around the idea that these opportunities will improve humankind, making our lives more enriched and our connections more personal. Today, aviation and aerospace play a significant role in driving Tulsa’s economy. The industry is responsible for the employment of more than 59,000 local residents with the largest concentration of employment centered at Tulsa International Airport and R.L. Jones, Jr. Airport. In the past 15 years, we have invested over $150 million in our airport assets and we plan to invest an additional $95 million in the next five years. C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 7 2

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T U L S A R EG I O N M A JO R AV I AT I O N C OM PA N I E S 2019 COMPANY

INDUSTRY

American Airlines, Inc.

Airport terminal services

EMPLOYEES

5,400

The Nordam Group, Inc.

Aircraft parts and equipment, nec

1,543

Spirit Aerosystems, Inc.

Aircraft parts and equipment, nec

1,300

Triumph Aerostructures - Tulsa, LLC

Aircraft parts and equipment, nec

800

FlightSafety International, Inc.

Flight simulators

650

Cymstar, LLC

Flight training technology

492

Bizjet International Sales and Support, Inc.

Aircraft engines and engine parts

300

Waldenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Machine, LLC

Space vehicle equipment, nec

285

Orizon Aerostructures

Aircraft engines and engine parts

284

Cherokee Nation Businesses, LLC

Aircraft parts and equipment, nec

280

Navico, Inc.

Navigational systems and instruments

250

Accurus Aerospace Tulsa, LLC

Aircraft assemblies, subassemblies and parts, nec

210

Omni Air International, LLC

Flying charter service

200

Southwest United Industries, Inc.

Aerospace industry metal finishing

177

Ducommun LaBarge Technologies, Inc.

Space vehicle communication equipment

170

Pryer Machine and Tool Company

Search and navigation equipment

155

L-3 Aeromet

Aerospace electronics

150

Primus International, Inc.

Aircraft body and wing assemblies and parts

123

First Wave Aviation, LLC

Aircraft instruments, equipment or parts

120

Pratt and Whitney Engine Services, Inc.

Turbines, aircraft type

113

First Wave Aerospace, LLC

Aircraft equipment and supplies, nec

100

Prime Flight Aviation Services

Fixed base operator

100 100

Helicomb International, Inc.

Helicopter parts manufacturing

Pryer Aerospace, LLC

Ailerons, aircraft

Limco Airepair, Inc.

Aircraft parts and equipment, nec

Lufthansa Technik Component Services LLC

Air transportation equipment services

CSI Aerospace, Inc.

Aircraft parts and equipment, nec

LMI Finishing, Inc.

Aircraft parts and equipment, nec

Covington Aircraft Engines

Aircraft engine and engine parts manufacturing

Rajon, LLC

Aircraft parts and equipment, nec

Drake Air, Inc.

Aircraft servicing and repairing

Tulsair Beechcraft, Inc.

Aircraft and parts, nec

Mercury Air Center Tulsa, Inc.

Aircraft and parts, nec

Safety Training Systems, Inc.

Airline training devices manufacturing

Autopilots Central, Inc.

Avionic equipment and repair

Christiansen Aviation Maintenance

Aircraft servicing and Maintenance

SOURCE: DUN & BRADSTREET USA 2019. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES MAY BE ESTIMATED.

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C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 7 0

We understand the opportunity to continue to develop the City’s aviation assets relies on investments we make today, just as our founding fathers did in 1928. And just as we are investing in infrastructure, we are investing in our workforce. Our city’s aviation training programs are available to skilled workers looking to enhance their knowledge and expertise as new technologies emerge, as well as those just getting a feel for all that our industry has to offer in the form of a challenging, life-long career. Workforce programs now reach high school students throughout all districts of the city, offering courses in aircraft maintenance, flight training or engineering. Aviation and aerospace is growing its reach and reflecting boundless opportunity for the next generation of young pilots and rocket engineers.

A IR TR A NSPORTATION YEAR

T O TA L PA S S E N G E R S

AIR FRIEGHT

1995

3,143,042

41,360

1996

3,387,803

48,118

1997

3,414,301

49,673

1998

3,463,214

48,905

1999

3,419,975

51,418

2000

3,498,722

52,458

2001

3,243,965

48,294

2002

2,907,308

48,188

2003

2,747,203

51,059

2004

2,943,919

54,825

2005

3,132,962

53,578

2006

3,168,716

56,784

2007

3,218,429

60,103

2008

3,180,765

59,334

2009

2,812,295

58,975

2010

2,763,562

54,675

2011

2,707,668

55,743

2012

2,654,189

56,372

2013

2,647,889

58,148

2014

2,759,468

58,627

2015

2,739,429

59,857

2016

2,727,913

53,612

2017

2,865,824

58,618

2018

3,048,357

65,818

2019

2,025,887

44,453

Globally, aviation traffic is expected to double within the next 20 years. Tulsa’s role in the international marketplace will continue to expand as we prioritize investments in our aviation infrastructure and workforce. We will continue to build on the foundation that exists with our 200-plus industry partners to position Tulsa as a catalyst for continued growth in aviation and aerospace. Our past has driven nearly a century of success in one of the world’s most dynamic industries. Our future will be determined by our preparation for and participation in the next exciting opportunity.

American Airlines is one of six airlines to fly in and out of Tulsa International Airport. American’s Tulsa maintenance base is also the largest commercial aviation base maintenance facility in the world.

MICHELLE POLLARD

AIR FREIGHT IN TONS. 1 2019 IS YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL THROUGH AUGUST. SOURCE: TULSA AIRPORT AUTHORITY.

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Manufacturing By Dave Rowland, president, Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance

Manufacturers tapped the brakes on an accelerating industrial economy in 2019 as output leveled off and intensity waned. But optimism prevails as innovative companies adapt to worldwide challenges and compete on a global scale from northeastern Oklahoma. “The local manufacturing economy is buoyed by strong oil and gas activity and solid aviationrelated work,” said Kinnee Tilly, vice president of the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance. “Overall production is slowing but is still quite brisk. There is some dismay over the effects of tariffs, however most are supportive of regulation adjustments and have an overall positive outlook.” The impact of a healthy manufacturing sector on Tulsa’s economy can’t be overestimated. There are about 62,000 manufacturing wage-earners in the 11-county metropolitan area, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Manufacturing pays 40% higher salaries when compared

to all other industries and every $1 million in manufacturing output supports the generation of $1.3 million in additional revenue for all businesses. Every 10 jobs in manufacturing supports 16.8 additional jobs and taxes collected on just manufacturing production in the area was $175 million in 2019. Overall, the regional value of manufacturing output is now more than $30 billion annually. “It’s also important to remember that even though large manufacturers often grab headlines when they are expanding or closing, the vast majority of production is done by small and medium-sized companies,” Tilly said. “These manufacturers are flexible and better able to conform to changing conditions. That’s a real advantage.” Brad Frank operates one of those small companies. Frank is president of Tulsa Tube Bending, a family-owned business and one of the most efficient pipe and tube bending

facilities in the United States. The company serves a diverse list of buyers with pieces varying from traditional petroleum applications to modern architectural designs. “We had a couple of record years as oil and gas business picked up,” Frank says. “Our bookings slowed by about 15%, but we are still at a very sound level of activity and are confident that will continue for the next year. Trade and tariff talks have had a somewhat negative effect on our business. But it’s the right thing to do to support our critical U.S. manufacturing base. A little pain now should be well worth it in the future.” Across town, Evan Hudson sees a similar landscape. His company, Tulsa Centerless Bar Processing, is home to about 40 employees. From its 35,000-square-foot factory, the company turns out grinding, straightening, sawcutting, sandblasting and heat-treating services for long bar products associated with the oil industry.

VALERIE WEI-HAAS

Tulsa’s EBSCO Spring Co. makes custom springs of all sizes.

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“Business is good, but it’s not the double-digit growth we’ve seen recently,” Hudson said. “We have worked with our long-time customers to be as efficient and responsive as possible. That helps them meet the demands of their markets, too. As a company, we are putting a lot more effort into innovation and into reaching different industries and geographic areas.” Like Hudson, others are seeking to diversify both the customers they serve and the products they offer. Doug Sullivent is director of operations at Muncie Power Products. His firm, with about 240 employees, manufactures components for the work truck industry. Muncie recently announced a $50 million expansion and move to Tulsa’s new Peoria-Mohawk Business Park. “We continue to invest in innovation as we know that is what will allow us to compete in the future,” Sullivent said. “We are fortunate to have

a diversified product line. That’s what it takes to be increasingly competitive. You have to find new ways to reach new customers. But Americans are innovators. That is what separates us from copycats and foreign corporations dealing in low-price commodities.” Over the past few decades, those diversification efforts have paid off for the Tulsa region. While the energy sector still dominates, aerospace manufacturing has become a significant part of northeastern Oklahoma’s economy. NORDAM bounced back quickly from a limited setback and other aerospace companies like Broken Arrow’s CymSTAR and FlightSafety International continue to expand. The Tulsa Regional Chamber says there is a 50% higher concentration of aerospace-related businesses in the area compared to the country as a whole. Aviation and aerospace add nearly $12 billion annually to the Tulsa economy.

TULSA MANUFACTURING MIX 2020 SECTOR

Primary and Fabricated Metal Industries

SIC

FIRMS

EMPLOY EES

33-34

696

17,886

Machinery (except electrical)

742

13,509

Transportation Equipment

181

10,403

20-21

173

4,830

Food, Beverage and Tobacco Measuring and Analyzing Instruments

194

4,705

Computers, Electrical and Electronic Equipment

226

4,305

Printing, Publishing and Allied Industries

721

4,142

Plastic and Rubber Products

125

3,772

Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries

544

2,929

Petroleum Refining and Related Industries

2,617

Chemicals and Allied Products

203

2,131

Glass, Stone, Clay and Concrete Products

138

2,047

Paper Products

1,621

22, 23, 31

252

1,209

Lumber and Wood Products

196

919

Furniture and Fixtures

684

4,552

7 7,7 0 9

Apparel, Textiles, Leather

T O TA L SECTORS ARE BASED ON SIC (STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION) CODES 20-39. GEOGRAPHIC REGION: TULSA METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREA. SOURCE: BASED ON DATA FROM DUN & BRADSTREET, OCTOBER 2019. COMPILED BY RESEARCH WIZARD, TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY.

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The economic cascade was reflected in a robust level of manufacturing expansions last year. Kimberly-Clark is making a $120 million investment in its Jenks facility. The multiphased project will expand the mill by 270,000 square feet and install high-tech equipment for manufacturing Kleenex-brand folded tissue products and Scott-brand bath tissue. Swedenbased Alfa Laval recently completed a $50 million expansion that included its Broken Arrow facility where the company employs about 240. Needing room to grow, Worthington Industries relocated its Oklahoma operations to a larger plant near the Tulsa Port of Catoosa. Milo Tea Co. recently broke grown on a new $60 million factory near Owasso. The 108,000-square-foot center, which will create 110 jobs, marks the first out-of-state expansion for the family-owned beverage maker. “When we came here, it was obvious this was a familycentric, philanthropic community and that was very attractive to us,” Milo’s CEO Patricia Wallwork said. “We also saw that our associates would have an amazing standard of living here. Then, we learned about the wonderful music culture and all the food. We knew that this was going to be a great fit.” Of course expanding business means increased competition for skilled workers. It’s a shrinking labor pool as life-long employees retire and fewer younger people are interested in manufacturing careers. There are several Tulsa-area organizations working on that “skills gap.” Tulsa Community College has specialized programs that offer students the opportunity to develop skills they need to enter the manufacturing workforce. The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance recently hired a director of workforce development. The new position is unique in facilitating workforce solutions driven by the manufacturers themselves. The Tulsa Regional Chamber also understands the importance of manufacturing. The Chamber

regularly consults with manufacturers when establishing its OneVoice Regional Legislative Agenda. A plethora of other local resources help maintain the city’s progressive atmosphere. Tulsa’s higher-education institutions provide strong support for industry. The University of Tulsa and Northeastern State UniversityBroken Arrow work closely with the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance and area firms to strengthen the workforce. Another valuable educational resource supporting manufacturing development is the Advanced Technology Center at Oklahoma State University-Tulsa. The Business and Industry Training Service at Tulsa Tech is among the most effective in the nation. Tulsa Tech recently joined with NORDAM

to help ease students into the workforce. The program will train and later match qualified Tulsa Tech graduates for advanced placement in careers at NORDAM. Students will learn skills using the same metal and composite-working tools found at NORDAM to fabricate, repair, modify, install and inspect aerospace structural components and assemblies. Evan Hudson reminds manufacturers not to take these local advantages for granted. “The Tulsa area has a lot going for it,” he says. “The revitalization of downtown is remarkable, the Gathering Place is now a national marvel, while a durable economy and a strong work ethic make it a great place to do business.”

Manufacturing Alliance’s Kinnee Tilly adds to the list of quantifiable advantages, “With a central location, the proximity keeps freight bills lower and insulates us from the overpriced functions of both coasts. The Port of Catoosa is a big plus with America’s most inland river-port right in our backyard. Beyond that, the manufacturing community seems to embrace each other and share ideas to make us all successful.”

Dave Rowland is president of the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, a not-for-profit economic development organization. In partnership with an array of experts, the Manufacturing Alliance connects companies to local, state and national resources.

Southern Sheet Metal Works, Inc. There aren’t many businesses in Tulsa — or anywhere — that can claim over 116 years of continuing operation, but Southern Sheet Metal Works achieved it in 2020. And, even more notable, the company has been continually owned and operated by the same family since 1904 when J.W. Tidwell launched the business during the early years of the Oklahoma oil boom. “My great-grandfather created a company that achieved early success as a supplier to the oil industry in Oklahoma, but boomed with the invention and fabrication of a counter-balance ventilator product that was used in industrial and commercial buildings during those early years,” said Mike Tidwell, company president. “Today, our highly-skilled and experienced craftsmen are able to transform ideas and concepts into functional metal pieces and products using laser-cutting, plasma-cutting, and shearing technology”. SSMW is a major supplier of fabricated duct work, for dust collection, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. Also, custom fabrication for the energy sector including stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized and carbon steel capabilities, plus industrial ventilation maintenance and fabrication.

Southern Cornice Works, the sheet metal business founded by J.W. Tidwell, circa 1906-10 at 116 South Cincinnati.

David Tidwell became the fourth generation member of the family to join the company in 2008. Mike and David teamed-up to create a new company division — Southern Safe Rooms. The division fabricates above-ground, reinforced steel storm shelters. “Our safe rooms are designed to be installed in garages, workshops or any location with a reinforced concrete slab floor that is at least four

inches thick,” noted CEO David Tidwell. “Each Safe Room is designed and manufactured to withstand the 250 mph winds of an EF5 twister, and can double as a safe haven from home intruders”. SSMW is located at 1225 E. Second St. For additional information call 918-584-3371 or visit southernsheetmetal.com.

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American Waste Control

Environmental Management By Michael Patton

One of the key buzzwords in environmental management is sustainability. This word is defined many ways, usually something along the lines of, “a quality of life that leads to an equally good quality of life for future generations.” A more direct definition of sustainability is “the capacity to endure.” It encompasses sustainable ecology, as well as a sustainable economy. Cities and regions should make decisions to reduce environmental impact, but they must also consider whether citizens will support investment in potential environmental solutions. Kenneth Burkett

American Waste Control is the product of more than 40 years in the waste collection business. Founded in 1970 by Kenneth Burkett, the company serves greater Tulsa with waste management solutions, both residential and commercial. Today, American Waste Control has a fleet of over 135 trucks, more than 250 employees, and operates its own recycling enter and waste-toenergy landfill. The company is the local source for Tulsa dumpster rentals. And as the home to Oklahoma’s only hybrid MRF (material recovery facility), AWC is known for innovation in recycling with over 600 free recycling centers in Tulsa.

Sustainability for a city is more perfectly defined as “the long-term maintenance of responsibility,” whether the responsibility is to deliver clean water, pick up the trash or offer green space for the health of the citizenry. Local governments can struggle to find the appropriate level of funding to accomplish their responsibilities. In 2019 the City of Tulsa experienced some environmental challenges but rose to meet them. The most significant challenge this past year was the flooding caused by late spring rains, when the watershed that drains to the Arkansas River west of Tulsa received 10-15 inches. This followed a wet spring when Tulsa passed the annual rainfall average for the entire

year by mid-June. The Keystone Dam upped the releases so significantly that Tulsa saw erosion of levees, closed roadways and closed local riverfront businesses. The rainfall in Tulsa opened sinkholes in sidewalks, parking lots and roadways and also exposed a creek side, decades-old landfill near Oxley Nature Center. Tulsa crews stepped up. City of Tulsa workers worked around the clock doing debris removal in all parts of town. Disaster information is crucial, with citizens needing everything from evacuation details and road closures to shelters for pets. The city and surrounding communities set up locations including one at Oral Roberts University where citizens could bring their own shovels and make sandbags. Volunteers from Church on the Move rallied hundreds of workers to go through the Nature Center to pick up debris. Tulsa was well prepared with a well-trained City workforce supplemented by citizen volunteers.

Clean water One of the largest impacts on quality of life for many American communities comes with drinking water quality and sanitary sewers. Tulsa’s water is provided by a combination of water from Spavinaw, Eucha and Oologah lakes. It also has contracts to obtain raw water from

As a locally owned and operated family of companies — American Waste Control, Tulsa Recycle and Transfer and American Environmental Landfill — they can tailor services to a customer’s specific waste disposal needs. AWC has repeatedly been named the “best operated landfill in the state” according to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, and a leading landfill in the industry by the Solid Waste Association of North America. In 2017, Burkett was inducted into the National Waste and Recycling Association Hall of Fame. American Waste Control is located at 1420 W. 35th St. For additional information call 918-446-0023 or visit americanwastecontrol.com. 76

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Flood water covering walking trail and pedestrian bridge at Gathering Place.

Blackshare Environmental Solutions

Lake Hudson. These different watersheds are abundant and the City of Tulsa has built and paid for waterlines as large as 72 inches in diameter. There are also two storage lakes in the city limits with another 2.1 billion gallons of raw water. This water services 500,000 people in the city limits and select suburban areas. The two water treatment plants — Mohawk and A.B. Jewell — have the capacity to treat 220 million gallons a day. This capacity is almost double the average daily usage of 114 million gallons a day, and well above the 183 million gallons per day average for July, the highest usage month. Tulsa has not had to enforce any water rationing since 1981. The water in Tulsa is not only abundant and plentiful, but also very clean and healthy. While many urban water providers have trouble complying with stringent limits because of fertilizers, erosion and corrosion in household plumbing pipes, Tulsa was below all the regulatory limits once again and met all the state and federal rules. To achieve this status, Tulsa has its own laboratory and collects over 5,000 samples per year for testing. But Tulsa also has to maintain over 2,200 miles of underground waterlines from treatment plants to household faucets. Keeping these functioning are only part of the job, while anticipating demand for new lines for future development that are essential to community growth.

Clean air Tulsa is continually trying to improve the airshed. Tulsa stayed off the dirty air list again, while other cities in the region — such as Dallas, Houston and Denver — remained. Tulsa’s air can exceed limits during certain hot, windless days. In 2019, Tulsa surpassed the regulatory ozone limit of 70 parts per billion only twice. One day an east Tulsa monitor read 72 parts per billion; another day one in west Tulsa read 71 parts per billion. This was a major improvement in air quality 10 of the last 12 years. Air quality is a challenge for any urban area. The levels are set by the fourth worst day in a three-year rolling average and Tulsa now has an average of less than 67 parts per billion. The last two years have been the cleanest air since

they started recording ozone levels worldwide in 1978. The credit does go to cleaner fuels, but Tulsa can also thank the volunteer efforts of so many who step up on ozone alert days to avoid driving by telecommuting, carpooling or riding city buses. To continue the better air quality campaign, Tulsa officials broke ground in January 2019 and later that year in November opened the first Bus Rapid Transit line. This line runs every 15 minutes with improved transit shelters along Peoria Avenue from 56th Street North to 81st Street South. This 14-mile route was chosen in part because one of seven Tulsans live within a mile of this route and it also passes some of the areas shopping and entertainment districts. Tulsa was one of the first 12 cities in America to go with this new style of bus service.

Visual improvements The most significant indication of Tulsa supporting environmental management was the passage of the “Improve Our Tulsa” funding package in November 2019. Voters approved $639 million in mostly street and road improvements, but the package also included $30 million for needed park maintenance, $5 million for another rapid transit line for 11th street, and another $5 million for bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure. The package also included $18 million for critical replacement of aging vehicles in the transit fleet. One of the visual impacts for Tulsa’s environment were in the new tree plantings done by the nonprofit Up With Trees, in a partnership with the City of Tulsa. Up With Trees has been in Tulsa for decades planting trees along city roads and highways, as well as in parks and school sites. In 2019 it completed a large-scale planting along the Osage Prairie Trail, which leads north from downtown Tulsa to area schools. This was done using private dollars. The group also began clearing fence lines and planting new trees along the two roads leading to downtown for the airport. City officials found funding to make a big difference to visitors of how Tulsa looks from the first impression.

For 20 years, Blackshare Environmental Solutions has provided environmental engineering and consulting services to privateand government-sector clients in the Midwest. Blackshare’s capabilities and experience include regulatory compliance, permitting, and reporting, as well as assessments of contaminated sites for matters such as real estate transactions, wetlands delineation, risk assessment, risk mitigation and expert testimony. Clients vary across industries, ranging from manufacturing and mining, to municipal and energy. Blackshare’s environmental services extend to soil and groundwater assessment and remediation, air quality permitting and consulting, NEPA clearances for projects involving federal funds, as well as Phase I, II and III environmental site assessments. “We take pride in our role as effective communicators when dealing with requirements and goals of a diverse client base,” says President and CEO Derek Blackshare. “We identify the needs of a client early on – listening first and focusing solely on the project’s objectives.” Visit blackshare-env.com for more information.

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International Business By Aaron Fulkerson, Schnake Turnbo Frank

I’m sitting at one of the most “Tulsa” of eating establishments: Ike’s Chill. Founded in 1908, it has moved locations a few times, currently on Route 66, but that recipe hasn’t moved an inch. Across from me is my grandpa, Bill Stanfield. He’s 95, a lifelong Tulsan and war veteran, and in better shape than I am. Not sure which one of us that says more about, but it’s true. Knowing I was going to write this article, I decided to take advantage of his wealth of knowledge. I asked “So grandpa, tell me about Tulsa when you were a kid. Can’t even imagine what you’ve seen in 95 years. It’s all probably really different”. A man of few words, he replied, “Everything’s changed.” “Wasn’t Tulsa the oil capital of the world back in the day,” I asked. “Yes, that’s true. And that mindset hasn’t changed, either.” I knew exactly what he was meaning. He was saying the entrepreneurial courage, the work ethic and the grit that put Tulsa on the map and made it a global force is still what drives the city’s success today. I instantly got it. The fact is Tulsa’s history lies in global economic impact. In 1901, local landowners first struck oil at Red Fork in southwest Tulsa. By 1912, Tulsa was flooded with entrepreneurs who brought innovation and prosperity to not just the surrounding area, but the globe. These industrialists transformed the rural prairie into a boom town. Local talent and work ethic instantly translated to world-wide visibility. Today, the city maintains global economic reach that creates a thriving environment for international business, and energy still plays a key role. Companies like Helmerich and Payne and T.D. Williamson are headquartered in Tulsa and have reach around the world. With operations in South and Central America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Far East, these energy companies continue to drive Tulsa forward. Economically Tulsa ranks high on desirability for international and domestic companies, boasting a 15% lower cost of doing business than the 78

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national average. So that means for Americanbased companies, or for internationally-based companies looking for an American presence, Tulsa is a compelling option. For example, Hilti, an international power tool manufacturer, chose Tulsa for its North American hub 40 years ago. Founded by two brothers in Liechtenstein, Hilti now operates in 120 countries with a large workforce located in Tulsa. Hilti’s Tulsa location still serves as a leadership training ground for the company. High-level employees from across the world come to Tulsa to share their insights and grow their careers. Additionally, Tulsa benefits from an international workforce that enriches our city with a variety of professional and cultural perspectives. According to a study published in 2017 by the New American Economy in partnership with the City of Tulsa and the Tulsa Regional Chamber, immigrants contributed $3.8 billion to the region’s economic output in 2015. These numbers have only grown in recent years, but the dollar amount is not the only contribution immigrants make to our economy. A diverse and inclusive work environment with team members of different backgrounds brings innovation and unique perspective into our city.

Greenheck, based in Wisconsin, has launched a major presence in Tulsa and is growing rapidly. Approximately 15% of its growing workforce is expatriates who relocated to Tulsa because of the favorable job climate and low cost of living. Greenheck is translating their employee handbooks and internal communication materials into multiple languages to better accommodate their diverse workforce. Tulsa has made a big international splash through cutting edge technology. The University of Tulsa’s groundbreaking cybersecurity program garners worldwide attention. Throughout their study, students work with the National Security Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation teams to dissect sensitive issues in national security and global diplomacy. Tulsa is good for international companies and it’s good for international employees wanting to build a solid life and career in the United States. That’s always been true since the oil boom days, and it will continue to be a defining characteristic into the future. So to anyone wanting to give Tulsa a shot, me and my grandpa will meet you at Ike’s and we’ll buy you a bowl of chili. And you’ll be hooked.

Commercial Real Estate Office | By Bob Pielsticker, first vice president, and Matt Reese, senior associate, CBRE Retail | By Ben Ganzkow, senior associate, CBRE

Industrial | By Dwayne Flynn, first vice president, and Ryan Shaffer, senior associate, CBRE Office Tulsa is home to a dynamic office market that is currently undergoing some significant transformations. In particular, the downtown Tulsa office market has recently seen two significant changes. First, over 500,000 square feet of under-utilized space has been removed from the downtown inventory and has been redeveloped into strong residential property. This strategic reuse of outdated office product was great for the market as it allowed property owners to better capitalize on the underperforming product and helped ease the need for housing in the area. Second, the Vast Bank development in the Greenwood District marks the first speculative office development in downtown Tulsa since One Technology Center, now home to Tulsa City Hall, was constructed in 2001. The Vast

Bank development, along with other significant investments from national firms, indicates investors feel the demand for new, Class A office space in Tulsa is high and will continue to remain steady. In addition to downtown Tulsa, the Tulsa Arts District continues to pave the way for new development, both in the office and multifamily residential sectors. The Blue Dome District, Pearl District, Cherry Street and Utica Square areas also are continuing to see interest from office occupiers with a new requirement or seeking a strategic relocation. Another trend making its way to Tulsa offices: The way office occupiers utilize their space. This continues to change drastically on a national level, and local companies are starting to take this on. Employers are realizing a number of things. First, that to attract and

retain a younger workforce they must invest in creating a workspace that provides interaction and collaboration with co-workers, as well as proximity to amenities that provide a work/life balance. Companies also are utilizing this new, creative office space as a marketing tool in itself by creating a place for clients to experience the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture. This is not limited to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;creativeâ&#x20AC;? industries. Energy companies, engineering firms and even the legal sector have started to adapt their spaces to these new trends in order to remain competitive. With low overall unemployment, low cost of living, low cost of doing business and aggressive moves at the state and local levels to attract new businesses, the Tulsa market is beginning to see more interest from both regional and national investors. Tulsa has made the jump to a second-tier market and is becoming a serious

COURTESY

The six-story Vast Bank headquarters opened in 2020 at 110 N. Elgin Ave.

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contender for tenants, developers and investors when contemplating new projects or relocations in the Midwest.

Retail Tulsa’s retail market is doing remarkably well and has a positive path forward, but, similar to other retail markets across the U.S. competing with e-commerce and a heavily evolving landscape, it’s not without its pains. The good news is Tulsa continues to embrace innovative development in the retail sector. This is without a doubt the road to a successful retail market in today’s world. Across the country, cities are seeing that the most successful retail products are the ones that can offer an experience anchor, such as

CBRE A Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company, CBRE has served Oklahoma’s diverse commercial and real estate needs of property owners, corporate users and institutions for more than a quarter century. In 2019, the company’s real estate professionals represented over 20.5 million square feet in sales and lease transactions within the Tulsa metro, and managed over 25.5 million square feet. With more than 360 employees across the state, CBRE is dedicated to helping retail, office, and industrial clients achieve their unique objectives, whether those are expansion, consolidation, acquisition, disposition, property management and asset enhancement. Our team is invested in helping our clients reach their commercial real estate potential—worth more than $724 million in the past year. Paired with CBRE’s global scale, we provide our clients with a world-class, comprehensive platform ensuring that we approach every assignment with an unmatched level of market intelligence and insight. For more information, visit cbre.us/Tulsa.

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a restaurant or a movie theater. Mother Road Market on Route 66 and downtown’s Boxyard are great examples of this shifting trend in Tulsa. Both are utilizing the swing in retail from products to experiences and this is resonating with Tulsans.

be seen at a former Reasor’s grocery store at East 51st Street and South Harvard Avenue. This space was leased by Urban Air Park, a trampoline and family entertainment destination, providing a new, experience-themed anchor tenant for the shopping center.

A challenge facing retail, both in Tulsa and nationwide, is what to do with empty big box stores such as Sears or Toys R Us. This is where innovation again comes into play for the retail sector. Strategic reuse of these facilities includes fitness facilities, call centers etc. There are numerous examples around town. The former Eastland Mall was sold to a New York real estate firm and has been repurposed into Eastgate Metroplex, a mega-office complex now housing thousands of employees. Another example can

Big news for Tulsa in 2019 was the confirmation that a Simon outlet mall is coming to the area. Along with this, Tulsa Hills and Owasso continue to showcase as strong surrounding Tulsa markets, along with the robust activity along Route 66 and 11th Street, downtown Tulsa and the Cherry Street development.

Industrial The Tulsa industrial market, comprised primarily of manufacturing and warehousing/distribution

facilities, has remained steady for the past couple of years, despite the challenges facing the oil and natural gas industry that is deeply tied to Oklahoma. In the manufacturing sector, many companies have made conservative decisions regarding significant expansion and some real estate expansion projects have been put on hold in favor of remaining in current facilities. However, the speculative warehouse/distribution segment has remained resilient as local developers have seen significant positive absorption with the highquality, concrete tilt up projects being leased during, or shortly after, completion. This has been great for the Tulsa economy as new construction fuels jobs and helps to keep the unemployment rate down.

Additionally, the recent legalization of medical marijuana has resulted in a number of B- and C-Class industrial properties being leased and repurposed as grow facilities. Tulsa also is seeing a significant delta between new construction lease rates of $7-$9/NNN, which is several dollars higher than quality second- and thirdgeneration facilities. Practically, the net result of the absorption, the pricing deltas and lack of movement in the industrial sector has resulted in very low vacancy rates, below 5%. In addition to the low vacancy rate, another bright spot for the market is itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beginning to receive more attention as a fantastic region for larger distribution and manufacturing facilities as the great workforce and low cost of living are proving to be very compelling. A few examples of this include Macyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Amazon, Sofidel, Greenheck Manufacturing and a host of other quality

businesses that have made significant build-tosuit investments in the Tulsa metro area. Given the strong local market dynamics, sizeable and well-qualified investors across the U.S. are actively looking at Tulsa for opportunities. Entry into the market is requiring either value-add propositions or significant dollar investments in order to secure well-positioned portfolios. Investors who currently have Tulsa holdings are comfortable in the environment and are typically unmotivated to sell unless the value is there, pushing some larger portfolio deals below an 8 CAP, which is the strongest the market has seen in a while. Looking forward, Tulsa is poised to remain a great place to live, work and play, and will provide real estate investors and occupiers a great place to call home for decades to come.

FORSYTHE CREATIVE

Mother Road Market, 1124 S. Lewis Ave., is Tulsaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first food hall with more than 20 different restaurant and retail concepts.

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Workforce Development By Rachel Hutchings, executive director, Workforce Tulsa

The Tulsa region recognizes “workforce development” as a top issue for business development, quality of life and the overall health of our citizens. The need for employees is high in every sector in the region. Whether it’s a matter of expanding, relocating or maintaining a successful business, employers need to know if they have access to a qualified workforce. Organizations like Workforce Tulsa are actively working to make sure the answer is “Yes!” That is done through partnerships with employers,

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workforce development, educational institutions, charitable organizations, cities, counties and with an interest in increasing the skills of our citizens with the intent of finding a career with sustainable wages and a possibility for upward mobility. When looking at the population of potential workforce in a region, a low unemployment rate is no longer viewed as a solution to economic problems. Today, workforce development is about labor force participation (how many of our working age population are looking for a job),

skills development and work readiness. While the labor force participation rate remains strong among those with an education beyond high school, many of our citizens get left behind in the conversation. Tulsa’s public, private, educational and philanthropic organizations are all working to solve this problem. Whether the desire is to put clients on a path to self-sustaining wages, better health outcomes or even reducing chronic homelessness, there is a common thread that the path to success in all these areas is the

ability to find a job. It isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t only about those who â&#x20AC;&#x153;want a job have a jobâ&#x20AC;? (i.e. low unemployment rate). Rather, the environment should foster a level of hope and belief among our fellow citizens that there is a place for them in the workforce. Regardless of barriers, success can be attained. Regional efforts to combat the stigma of disability or prior justice involvement are directly related to our ability to meet employer needs. Exposure to work through internships and onthe-job training are happening in and out of schools. Tested methods of how to best tackle

the issues and solve root problems are informing strategy. Organizations are working together to find creative solutions. With a focus on removing barriers to upward mobility and self-sustaining lifestyles, workforce development organizations implement innovative approaches. We are a solutions-based region. Our community can operate broadly enough to respond to different models. While there are multiple examples, here are a few ways that collaboration can address workforce shortage issues.

Combined resources Goodwill Industries, AAON and Workforce Tulsa collaborate to provide job readiness training and industrial certifications leading to an internship and possible full-time employment for students at Webster High School.

Different models Tulsa Community WorkAdvance, a fellow workforce development organization, operates with the traditional sector-based model, assessing the needs of key sectors and C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 8 6

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Cherokee Nation Businesses The Cherokee Nation and Tulsa have been neighbors since the day the city was founded, and we are proud of the modern, prosperous relationship that has grown across our historical boundaries. Tulsans never have to travel far to see the economic impact of the Cherokee Nation on their state. From tribal health care facilities — including the only tribally affiliated college of medicine ever built on tribally owned land — to road improvements, scholarships and many other programs, Cherokee Nation constantly works to create opportunities for families and communities in Tulsa and northeast Oklahoma, alike. The economic engine driving those opportunities also happens to be one of Tulsa’s largest employers: Cherokee Nation Businesses. More than 3,000 CNB employees live and work in the Tulsa metro area, comprising more than onethird of the company’s worldwide workforce. CNB is a diverse organization with humble beginnings. Cherokee Nation’s first business

enterprise was formed in 1969 in Stilwell, Oklahoma, where it manufactured aerospace components for Fortune 500 customers and the U.S. government. Today, CNB is a global company with annual revenue of more than $1 billion. But more importantly, we’re a company that will always remember the communities that helped us get to where we are today. In Tulsa, CNB’s Community Impact Teams have performed thousands of hours of volunteer work at respected organizations like Iron Gate, Junior Achievement and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. They are teams who step up in times of crisis to help victims of tornadoes and floods in Oklahoma. And each month, our Community Impact Teams find new opportunities to serve those in need. CNB’s business strengths are focused in three core areas: gaming and hospitality, federal contracting, and tourism and economic development.

Gaming and hospitality CNB helped pioneer Oklahoma’s gaming industry. Our gaming and hospitality arm, Cherokee Nation Entertainment, operates 10 gaming properties in Oklahoma. We have partnered with recognizable brands, like Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill, to create memorable experiences for the more than 7 million guests who walk through our casino doors each year. With concert venues, golf courses, spa services, fine dining, and fun table and e-games, we offer something for everyone. Each property demonstrates our commitment to creating exceptional and memorable experiences for our guests. Behind the scenes, you’ll find state-ofthe-art surveillance and security to protect the safety of all who walk through our doors.

Federal contracting Through the Cherokee Federal team of 32 companies, featuring expertise across dozens of industries, CNB is a government contractor that competes on a global scale. We manage

CNB employs more than 7,000 talented people around the world, and the company maintains two corporate offices in Tulsa.

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more than 1,000 projects and support more than 60 federal agencies — from information technology and health to mission support and manufacturing. Our employees have the technical skills and drive to build next-generation technologies, solve complex challenges and serve clients around the globe. And since 2012, we have been awarded nearly $5 billion in government contracts. How do these contracts help our country? To scratch the surface, America’s military counts on us for facility support, logistics and security. Through our state-of-the-art clinical research, we protect soldiers against infectious diseases such as Zika, malaria and dengue fever. We build base infrastructure that can thwart bombings and other terrorist attacks. And we facilitate American diplomacy through support services and staffing at consulates and embassies. Whatever the project, you will find CNB’s commitment to performance and service at its core.

Cultural and economic development The importance of preserving local culture and developing local economies simply cannot be overstated. That’s why CNB actively promotes cultural and economic development through a variety of programs and initiatives in each community we serve. Our tourism organization, Visit Cherokee Nation, provides visitors with opportunities to enjoy the many cultural touchstones and historically significant places of our tribe. We operate the newly opened Cherokee National History Museum in Tahlequah, with a collection of Smithsonian-quality artifacts, as well as five other museums. Our website, visitcherokeenation.com, brings many excellent resources to guests who want to plan their next trip in Cherokee Nation. Last, but not least, our Emmy-award winning TV show, “Osiyo: Voices of the Cherokee People,” is now in its fifth season and has shared more than 200 short documentaries on the Cherokee Nation and its citizens. You can watch this show, free of charge, at osiyo.tv and on RSU-TV and OETA.

CNB has a proven track record when it comes to attracting economic development to the area. We provided financial incentives and administrative support to help Macy’s build a $170 million fulfillment center in Owasso. We also helped bring Italian paper company Sofidel to Inola, generating 300 jobs. These partnerships highlight our ability to ignite positive cultural and economic change through effective communication and recruitment.

Looking to the future Tulsa’s diverse and skilled workforce has played a major role in the success of Cherokee Nation Businesses. On our current trajectory of growth, we know we will be hiring in Tulsa for years to come. CNB is proud of this city for its many successes over the past decade, and we look forward to doing our part to help Tulsans achieve their vision in 2020.

We offer a variety of career opportunities in a diverse set of industries. To find out more, visit cherokeenationbusinesses.com.

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C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 8 3

responding with training programs. However, it recently launched a place-based program to provide workforce solutions within a specified community. This work is done with input from local citizens and public and private partners.

Charitable organizations Many of Tulsaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charitable organizations, like the Mental Health Association Oklahoma and A New Leaf, specialize programs for the populations they serve, often leading to a work experience to fit their client needs.

A New Leaf provides individuals with developmental disabilities (including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder) with vocational and residential services to increase their independence and individual choices.

Our local chambers of commerce, city governments and higher education intuitions also are engaged in this work. Workforce Owasso is an example of how city government partners with various organizations, including Workforce Tulsa, for solutions to their local workforce shortages and needs. Most importantly, employers are willing to work with all of us to test new solutions and hiring practices.

MICHELLE POLLARD

We are all in this together. Workforce development does not work without partnerships and collaboration. The success of our employers depends on their ability to find a qualified workforce. In our case, it does not just take a village. It takes a whole region. It is an exciting time to be in the workforce development field.

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High Tech By Jim Sluss, Ph.D., University of Oklahoma-Tulsa

“The innovation environment of the 21st century is characterized by disruption, accelerated technology development and globalized access to information…” This is the opening statement to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine proceedings of a recent February 2019 workshop, entitled “Adapting to the 21st Century Innovation Environment,” that examined how companies, universities and the U.S. government are changing in response to the accelerated pace of innovation in the present-day information age. Shortly following these proceedings, the McKinsey Global Institute released a July 2019 report, entitled “The Future of Work in America,” that noted technology is altering the day-to-day mix of activities associated with more and more jobs over time as automation is increasingly introduced into the workplace. The point is made clear that communities need to prepare for this wave of change by producing an educated citizenry that has the skills and training to meet the needs of sophisticated, high-tech job creators. With the foresight to begin responding to this need more than a decade ago, Tulsa’s private, public and nonprofit sector leaders came together with the higher education community in a forward-thinking and collaborative way to address the challenges of producing a globally competitive high-tech workforce. As a result, regional access to higher education, particularly

in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, has never been better. The Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance, with a vision of providing “an abundance of diverse STEM talent fueling a more globally competitive northeastern Oklahoma,” was created to ensure an inquisitive supply of pre-K-12 students who are academically ready to pursue higher education, whether at the college level or with a focus toward a skilled high-tech trade. This next-generation workforce will not only meet the needs of present and future job creators, but will also produce the cadre of future innovators that ensure the prosperity of our economy. Another facet of fostering an innovative environment is to promote the existence of a vibrant research and entrepreneurial community led by partnerships between comprehensive universities, businesses, governments and nonprofit organizations. Tulsa’s regional high-tech strategic research focus areas include information security and technology, aerospace, health and biosciences, advanced materials, alternative energy sources and telecommunications. A key player in facilitating the research component of Tulsa’s innovation ecosystem is the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology, an Oklahoma state agency established in 1987 with a mission to grow and diversify Oklahoma’s economy. Much of OCAST’s impact is evident

through the investments it makes in sponsored research and internship programs between companies and universities, for example, the OK Applied Research Support, OK Health Research, and Intern Partnership programs. Since its creation, OCAST has achieved an amazing historical return on investment of 22-to-1, funded more than 2,800 projects, made investments of more than $300 million in research and development, which has attracted more than $6.6 billion in private sector and federal funding. Key nonprofit exemplars that foster the entrepreneurial component of Tulsa’s innovation ecosystem include the George Kaiser Family Foundation and the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation, supporting entities such as 36 Degrees North — Tulsa’s basecamp for entrepreneurs — that offers highquality workspace, community resources and meaningful programming for entrepreneurs at all stages. Tulsa is prepared for the dynamic, high-growth 21st century innovation environment that is upon us. The high-tech researchers and innovators — engineers, scientists, technologists and health care professionals — necessary for global competitiveness are today in the classrooms and laboratories of our comprehensive research universities, regional universities, community colleges and technology centers.

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City Government By City of Tulsa staff

The City of Tulsa serves 401,352 citizens in our community, which is the 47th largest city in the United States. The City strongly pursues an organization-wide commitment to continuous improvement, but our deeper commitment is to bring all Tulsans along on our journey to excellence. Incorporated nine years before Oklahoma statehood, the City operates under a home-rule charter, amended by Tulsans in 1989 to establish a mayor-council form of government. With a total annual budget approaching $1 billion, the City manages over $4 billion in capital assets, from a complex network of underground water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure to the world’s most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts of the American West at Gilcrease Museum. MISSION Build the foundation for economic prosperity, improved health and enhanced quality of life for our community.

VISION Tulsa will be a globally competitive, world-class city.

VALUES Committed teamwork — we work together toward common goals. High expectations — we expect excellence in our work, our organization and the city we are building.

Mission, vision and values We rally around a clear mission, share an ambitious vision for our future and resolve to live and work by unwavering organizational and community values. Our values reflect what unites us. We excel at representing different (even competing) interests across our diverse community and bringing people together — in a spirit of high expectations — to address critical challenges.

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Public service The City establishes local laws and public policies, builds and maintains the basic infrastructure that enables commerce and quality-of-life and delivers a variety of services and programs. These operations are managed through administrative and operating departments in addition to public trusts and public-private partnerships. We work every day across silos to provide quality services to all those who live, work and play in Tulsa. City leaders have identified four key outcome areas for creating a globally competitive, worldclass city: Opportunity, Well-Being, the City Experience and Inside City Hall. These goals form the basis of our Action and Implementation Management Plan (AIM). All departments, from public safety entities to those enhancing our cultural development, work toward these common goals.

Organizational relationships and structure Tulsa has a strong-mayor form of government. Responsible governance is ensured through checks and balances among three separate elected offices: the Mayor, the City Council and the City Auditor. The Mayor executes municipal laws and administers City operations, while the City Council and City Auditor are responsible for financial oversight and governance. In effect, the City Council and City Auditor act as governance board members. The City’s Authorities, Boards and Commissions (ABCs) are empowered in different ways to achieve Citywide objectives. The ABCs assist in oversight and management of City operations, but also provide a citizen perspective. This ensures that residents have a voice in the prioritization of resources and delivery of services and products.

ORG ANIZ ATIONAL STRUCTURE OVERVIEW ENTITY

MAJOR RESPONSIBILIT Y

Mayor (elected at large)

Execute municipal laws. Administer City operations.

City Council (9 members; elected by district)

Adopt municipal laws and policies. Appropriate City funds.

City Auditor (elected at large)

Provide government oversight. Ensure adequate protections are in place to manage risk.

City Department (directors hired by Mayor)

Manage personnel. Execute strategies and plans.

Authority (appointed)

Acquire and manage or oversee management of assets.

Board or Commission (appointed)

Review and recommend policy changes to Mayor and City Council.

Citizens hold the leaders of all three branches of City government accountable through the election process. Elections are non-partisan, which gives Tulsa’s citizens a strong voice in each election. This power, along with the rights of initiative and referendum, provides citizens a strong governance role. The Mayor is elected a four-year term; City Councilors and the City Auditor are elected for two-year terms. Our elected officials consistently work to ensure public confidence and accountability. Tracking key performance indicators in the City’s AIM Plan and publishing results on the City’s website is one process used to achieve this goal. The Mayor monitors progress toward goals weekly and results are published on dashboards available for public view. The Mayor also provides an annual update on strategies during the Mayor’s State of City address and weekly briefings on city activities

and efforts during open and televised City Council meetings. The City of Tulsa also takes great strides to protect its financial health. In its June 2018 report, Moody’s Investors Service assigned the City of Tulsa an Aa1 rating with a stable outlook. Standard and Poor’s assigned an AA rating with a stable outlook for the City’s general obligation bonds in its September 2018 report. Reports of internal audit findings and financial reports, such as City Budgets and Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports, are published on the City website. Transparency in operations is achieved through open records and open meetings. The City maintains records for public inspection and agendas with all items of business to be conducted are posted 24 hours in advance of public meetings. The City’s television channel, TGOV, broadcasts all City Council meetings and select ABCs to give interested parties a window into decision-making processes. Meetings are broadcast live, and once recorded, can be viewed anytime on the TGOV website; meetings are also broadcast via Facebook Live.

Workforce profile The City is one of the largest employers in our community, with 3,557 public servants who are as diverse as the community they serve. In addition to a paid workforce, the City engages hundreds of citizen volunteers as well as unpaid interns to assist with special assignments and initiatives. The annual employee survey helps identify how best to engage employees in achieving our mission and vision. The survey also provides feedback on employee satisfaction, morale and information on specific areas leaders need to focus on for improvement. A 2017 report

by the City Auditor found that a quarter of our workforce (and rapidly growing) are Millennials, who most value flexibility, meaningful work and advancement opportunities. We have a vigorous commitment to safety. We require all employees to renew safety promises annually, carefully analyze and communicate injury data trends and provide a robust health and safety-training program with specific courses offered for different business functions.

Assets Providing excellent services to citizens, visitors and businesses depends on reliable facilities, fleet, equipment and technology. Major facilities include: • One Technology Center (including City Hall) • 4,348 lane miles of city streets and 526 signalized intersections • Lake Yahola, Unruh Reservoir, Lake Spavinaw, Lake Eucha and associated dam and transmission infrastructure • Mohawk and A.B. Jewell water treatment plants, with the capacity to treat 220 million gallons of raw water per day, to be distributed through 2,350 miles of water lines • 1,960 miles of underground sewer lines and 62 lift stations, moving wastewater to the Northside, Southside, Haikey Creek and Lower Bird Creek treatment plants

• 35 fire stations and related facilities • Tulsa Performing Arts Center with five performance spaces, designed by Minoru Yamasaki, architect of the former World Trade Center towers • Gilcrease Museum and its world-class collection • Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum • Cox Business Convention Center • BOK Arena, designed by Cesar Pelli • Tulsa International Airport and Air Force Plant No. 3. The City owns a fleet of 2,519 on-road vehicles, 1,406 pieces of off-road equipment and 112 fire engines, ladders and other apparatus. The Fleet Management Steering Committee and Equipment Management team utilize national standards to schedule preventative maintenance and replacement of fleet vehicles and equipment.

Customers and Stakeholders The City has the privilege of serving residents, businesses, visitors and even our surrounding communities. A single person can be a City customer for many different services, each with different methods of delivery, providers and expectations.

• 135 parks covering 8,278 acres, including 186 sports fields and 88 playgrounds

To serve these many needs, businesses expect excellent City services and a high quality-of-life for their employees, including safety, well-maintained infrastructure and low taxes. Feedback from customers is a key part of the City’s strategy for continuous improvement, and we employ multiple methods to receive and respond to customers’ input, such as our consolidated 311 system.

• 10 major police facilities, a municipal courthouse and jail

For more information, visit cityoftulsa.org and tulsacouncil.org, or call 918-596-2100.

• 121 stormwater detention facilities and 64 miles of improved drainage channels

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Economic Profile TULSA ECONOMIC INDICATORS PERSON A L INCOME1 ( MIL L IONS OF DOL L A RS )

2006

2007

2008

2009

2 0 10

Tulsa MSA/Current

36,424.9

37,483.1

42,667.8

37,167.9

38,833.8

Tulsa MSA/Real

40,847.0

40,992.9

45,304.5

39,500.8

40,576.6

Tulsa County/Current

27,511.5

27,891.1

32,383.6

26,981.8

28,336.6

Tulsa County/Real

30,851.4

30,502.8

34,384.8

28,675.4

29,608.3

Total labor force (thousands)

443.3

438.6

441.8

441.4

462.9

Wage & salary employment (thousands)

426.8

435.0

440.6

420.6

413.5

3.9

4.0

3.7

6.8

7.3

693

664

429

372

340

399

344

8.81

8.85

6.00

4.58

3,168,716

3,218,429

3,180,765

2,812,295

2,763,562

56,784

60,103

59,334

58,975

54,675

2,321,448

2,010,505

2,050,394

2,058,191

2,266,893

201.6

207.342

215.303

214.537

218.056

89.174

91.438

94.18

94.094

95.705

15,338.3

15,626.0

15,604.7

15,208.8

15,598.8

L A B O R M A R K E T-T U L S A M S A

Unemployment rate (percent)

CONSTRUCTION /CIT Y OF TULSA

Single-family units Multifamily units

FINANCE ( PERCENT )

Tulsa prime rate

T R A N S P O R TAT I O N

TUL passengers TUL air freight (tons)

PORT BARGE TONNAGE ( TONS )

CONSUMER PRICE IINDEX - ALL URBAN CONSUMERS

(1982-1984=100) (points)

P E R S O N A L C O N S U M P T I O N E X P E N D I T U R E S - I M P L I C I T P R I C E D E F L AT O R

(2012=100) (points)

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT / U.S.

Real GDP in billions 2012 inflation adjusted dollars

1 2018 PERSONAL INCOME ESTIMATES. REAL = DEFLATED DOLLARS. PERSONAL INCOME SERIES IS EXPRESSED IN 2012 DOLLARS USING THE IMPLICIT PRICE DEFLATOR AS AN ADJUSTMENT FACTOR. TULSA MSA IS COMPRISED OF CREEK, OKMULGEE, OSAGE, PAWNEE, ROGERS, TULSA AND WAGONER COUNTIES. SOURCES: TULSA CITY COUNCIL; RESEARCH WIZARD, TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY.

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2 0 11

2 0 12

2 0 13

2 0 14

2 0 15

43,488.8

48,479.5

44,317.1

48,479.5

32,390.1

36,852.8

33,007.0

36,852.8

459.0

466.9

415.5

425.3

6.2

2 0 16

2 0 17

2 0 18

53,543.8

57,525.6

53,148.4

52,832.7

55,942.4

51,577.9

47,650.9

51,358.8

57,090.2

45,778.1

48,484.2

52,791.4

41,590.7

44,977.4

40,366.2

34,822.0

38,119.8

42,479.4

41,038.4

43,739.6

39,173.3

33,453.5

35,986.1

39,280.7

466.8

466.0

475.6

476.5

477.7

479.9

432.3

440.2

447.7

446.0

448.1

454.8

5.4

5.3

4.5

4.4

5.0

4.4

3.5

320

420

429

382

349

432

389

440

695

744

902

611

584

313

452

4.58

3.44

3.46

4.96

4.56

5.13

2,707,668

2,654,189

2,647,889

2,759,468

2,739,429

2,727,913

2,865,824

3,048,357

55,743

56,372

58,148

58,627

59,857

53,612

58,618

65,818

2,160,624

2,702,464

2,700,990

2,367,127

1,551,807

2,260,837

2,553,990

2,085,113

224.939

229.594

232.957

236.736

237.017

240.007

245.120

251.107

98.131

100

101.346

102.83

103.045

104.091

105.929

108.143

15,840.7

16,197.0

16,495.4

16,912.0

17,403.8

17,688.9

18,108.1

18,638.2

tulsacouncil.org V I S I O N T U L S A 2 0 2 0

VISIONTULSA 2020 | BUSINESS PROFILES

Travis Jones, CEO

Nathan Nelson, President

Sandra Mullins, President

Career Development Partners helps organizations recruit, develop and transition employees to create a long-term sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace, emphasizing the belief that “people are worth the investment.” The Tulsa company is an equity owner of Career Partners International, which has more than 380 global offices to deliver services to a wide range of clients with high-touch and high-tech ability. “We work to serve our market with relevant talent management services and that includes search, leadership development, career transition, practical retirement coaching and personality assessments,” said CEO and owner Travis Jones, an experienced entrepreneur and business owner of more than 30 years. “Our team has a combined total of over 350 years of Human Resources and Recruiting experience.” “At Career Development Partners, we support employers locally and globally throughout the employee life cycle — beginning with identifying, selecting and on-boarding the right people, developing their leadership skills and, ultimately, exiting the organization,” Jones said. CDP is the only Oklahoma-owned and operated Career Transition Assistance provider. Visit careerdevelopmentpartners.com to learn more.

Things are “solid as a post” at Empire Fence Company as the company celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2020. As the new decade dawns, owner and founder Bob Richison has officially passed-the-baton of business leadership to grandson Nathan Nelson, who serves as company president. “We have always done business the old-fashioned way since Bob opened Empire Fence back in 1955,” said Nelson, “and we remain committed to a foundation of integrity by offering customers quality products and excellent service at a fair price.” In an effort to ensure customers are pleased with their product and service, Empire Fence Company continues a policy of not requiring a down payment when fencing is ordered. “It is our belief that we need to deliver on our services before requiring final payments from our customers,” noted Nelson. “We believe this policy is a major reason we are the largest residential fence company in northeast Oklahoma.” The company offers all types of fencing for both residential and commercial properties, including wood privacy, ranch rail, ornamental iron, and chain link. Gate automation services are also available. Empire provides a one-year comprehensive warranty on every install and a three-year warranty on steel posts. “After 65 years, we are truly proud of our Empire Fence brand and that means making every effort to connect with our customers and serve them well throughout the entire process,” noted Nelson. “We appreciate every opportunity to be of service to those with fencing needs.”

“It’s a perfect time for a woman to be an entrepreneur,” says Sandra Mullins, owner and president of Final Touch, a commercial janitorial provider that has been in business 35 years. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Mullins has learned to embrace the difference and maintain her steadfast work ethic. “If you are a woman and just starting out, my best advice is to surround yourself with the best people you know,” she says. “Tulsa is full of great resources and amazing people who are eager to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs and help them learn the ropes, as well as helping them deal with the disappointment that sometimes comes along with it.” While the company started as a way for Mullins to provide for her family, Final Touch has blossomed into a multi-million-dollar legacy enterprise that also partners with charitable organizations throughout the Tulsa area. “It is our mission to provide our clients with exceptional service while providing our team members a great place to work,” Mullins says. Final Touch employs more than 200 individuals who clean 7 million square feet each night. “We take pride in helping clients look their best, knowing that an attractive outward appearance contributes to a healthy inward confidence and a better recipe for success,” Mullins says.

4137 S. Harvard Ave. • 918-293-0500 careerdevelopmentpartners.com

22 N. Garnett Road • 918-437-1671 empirefence.net

10404 E. 55th Pl., Suite C • 918.663.1919 finaltouchcleaning.com

V I S I O N T U L S A 2020 tulsacouncil.org

Bob Stuart, Jr., CEO

Jeannie Murphy, President

Eric Bohne, CEO

“It’s hard for us to believe that nearly 70 years have passed since Joe Young first opened the doors of JD Young in Tulsa,” says Bob Stuart, CEO, and co-owner with Doug Stuart, Patty Stuart, and Deni Stuart. “Who could have known over 60 years later that his vision of serving Oklahoma’s business community would still be alive and thriving as it is today.” Today, JD Young succeeds by adapting and evolving with the times, and staying on top of the ever-changing document management industry and needs of clients. “Companies all over the state contact us for direction and ideas on how to be more efficient in their workflow practices,” says Stuart. “We are skilled at offering the best products and services to our customers, and backing-up our sales with excellent maintenance by our highly-skilled service teams.” JD Young’s mission is to help businesses better manage the flow of information and data through a more efficient usage of hardware systems, software solutions and advanced IT technology. “Specifically, we are skilled in providing information-handling processes that increase performance and reduce the cost of input, output and management,” noted Stuart. “It’s all about creating a document strategy for a business to identify how the company is managing its paper files. The strategy is a needed step toward managing documents more efficiently.” The company was managed for years by Bob Stuart, Sr., a legendary halfback for Will Rogers High School, and played for TU and Army on the academy’s 1945 national championship team.

A visit to Murphy Sanitary Supply quickly reveals why the business has been a success for nearly 18 years: Founder and president Jeannie Murphy is enthusiastic about her business, its employees, and its customers. “I love the people side of being in business,” Murphy says. “It’s interesting and fun to develop business relationships, and knit things together to come up with solutions for customers that are cost effective and work to their benefit.” Murphy Sanitary Supply distributes a complete line of cleaning chemicals, janitorial products, commercial paper and cleaning equipment. The company also facilitates customized training, and maintains an equipment and repair division for industrial, institutional, commercial, and retail customers. The company serves a 13 county area from its 15,000-square-foot facility in northeastern Oklahoma. “Many of our customers are non-profit entities such as schools and churches, along with government facilities,” notes Murphy, “and the balance range from large manufacturing to hospitality and healthcare companies. The price a customer pays for an item is only part of the value. How well the product works, how much is the cost per use, and how well it is used are bigger components to the value proposition. We work very hard to offer the highest quality products and service and training to each and every customer, and truly believe in going the extra mile to help our clients maximize their budget and labor dollars.”

Security Bank takes pride in building relationships and communities. Located centrally at East 51st Street and Highway 169, one can be assured the bank and its experienced team members are all about Tulsa. Security brings customers the highest level of attention and service, hometown convenience, and local decision-making. “We are a locally-owned community bank that is committed to providing exceptional customer service and finding banking solutions for business customers,” said Eric Bohne, chairman and CEO. While the bank brings customers cutting-edge accounts and modern technology, “we are still old-fashioned in our desire to put our customers first.” Security bankers are empowered to provide financial advice and support to small business customers, including those with unique requirements. “We partner with the Small Business Administration to offer loans specifically designated for small or growing businesses,” added Bohne. “Our focus on the small business segment comes from our belief that the success of small businesses is important in building local economic vitality and shaping our community for the better,” noted Dawne Stafford, president and CFO. “We offer a full suite of Treasury Management Products for businesses, allowing each to utilize cash in a manner which is consistent with the overall strategic objectives of one’s company.”

Murphy S A N I TA R Y S U P P LY

116 W. Third St. • 918-582-9955 jdyoung.com

13105 E. 61st St. S. • 918-461-2200 murphysanitary.com

10727 E. 51st St. • 918-664-6100 sbtulsa.bank

tulsacouncil.org V I S I O N T U L S A 2 0 2 0

Acknowledgments Principal Contributors Patrick Boulden, Council Administrator, has served the City of Tulsa for more than three decades as a Tulsa police officer, an attorney in the City Attorneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, and currently as lead of the Tulsa City Council Office and as Associate Judge in Tulsaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Municipal Court. Megan Boyd, Council Media Specialist, received her B.A. in Journalism and an M.B.A. from Oklahoma State University. She is a contributor to and content coordinator of Vision Tulsa. Martha Gregory and Jennifer Pawlowski Economic Development Information Center, Tulsa City-County Library, have been instrumental in gathering information for Vision Tulsa. Without their able, cheerful assistance, the publication would not have been possible.

Very Special Thanks Pinedale Energy Partners

Ray Hoyt Tulsa Regional Chamber

Bob Pielsticker CBRE

Ed Bettinger Public Service Company of Oklahoma

Rachel Hutchings Workforce Tulsa

Ken Busby Route 66 Alliance

Kyle Johnson Downtown Coordinating Council

Viplava Putta Indian Nations Council of Governments

Dwayne Flynn CBRE

Judy Langdon Langdon Publishing

Aaron Fulkerson Schnake Turnbo Frank

Rhys Martin Oklahoma Route 66 Association

Erin DeWeese Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa

Jim Myers Morgan Tulsa Regional Chamber

Alesia A. Bailey

Ben Ganzkow CBRE Barbara Gibson Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG) Alexis Higgins Tulsa International Airport

V I S I O N T U L S A 2020 tulsacouncil.org

Christopher Payne Union Public Schools Michael Patton Land Legacy Gary Peluso Phillips Theological Seminary, Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice

Kuma Roberts Tulsa Regional Chamber Dave Rowland Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance Jim Sluss, Ph.D. University of Oklahoma-Tulsa Jeffrey Smith Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa Kim Archer, Robert Evatt, John Tranchina, Julie Wenger Watson Contributing writers

Sponsor Index American Waste Control, 76

Gilcrease Museum, 17

BOK Financial, 65

Hillcrest HealthCare System, 52

Blackshare Environmental Solutions, 77

Hilti, Back Cover

Cancer Treatment Centers of AmericaÂŽ, 49

Holland Hall, 41

Career Development Partners, 92

JD Young, 93

CBRE, 80

McGraw RealtorsÂŽ, 36

Central Bank of Oklahoma, 66

Metro Christian Academy, 44

Cherokee Nation Businesses, 84-85

Mingo Valley Christian, 43

Cox Business Convention Center, 96

Monte Cassino School, 40

Empire Fence Co., 92

Murphy Sanitary Supply, 93

Exceptional Leaders Lab, 61

Oklahoma Natural Gas, 61

Tulsa Regional Chamber, Inside Back Cover

Final Touch Commercial Cleaning, 92

Osage Casino & Hotel Tulsa, Inside Front Cover, 23

Tulsa Tech, 42

First Oklahoma Bank, 68

Oklahoma State University Medical Center, 52 Phillips Theological Seminary, 59 Public Service Company of Oklahoma, 20 Saint Francis Health System, 1, 50-51 Security Bank, 93 Southern Sheet Metal Works, Inc., 75 Tulsa Botanic Garden, 26 Tulsa Community College, 45 Tulsa Federal Credit Union, 2, 67

Tulsa Zoo, 27

ANNE BROCKMAN

Tulsa Botanic Garden

tulsacouncil.org V I S I O N T U L S A 2 0 2 0

TULSA IS ON POINTE COX BUSINESS CONVENTION CENTER OFFERS OVER 275,000 SF OF RENTABLE EVENT SPACE IN A CITY WITH A TOP BALLET COMPANY, SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY, ART DECO ARCHITECTURE, AND LIVELY FOOD AND MUSIC SCENES

@COXCENTERTULSA

Congratulations Diversity Champion: Tulsa Tech

Awarded to a company demonstrating organizational change by accelerating the adoption of DEI best practices and linking cultural diversity to organizational goals.

Equity Champion: American Airlines

Awarded to a company demonstrating strategic and measured collaboration with key partners both inside and outside the organization to ensure sustainable success.

Inclusion Champion: Teach for America

Awarded to a company demonstrating a culture of inclusion that retains its workforce, maintains an environment of lifetime learning and maximizes the workplace satisfaction of all employees.

Catalyst Award: Public Service Company of Oklahoma Awarded to an organization that embodies all three of the above categories by demonstrating excellence in diversity, equity and inclusion.

Leadership Award: Gabe Kalafat at Macyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Given to a CEO, business owner or nonprofit leader who champions DEI as part of the competitive advantage for their organization.

Learn more @ mosaictulsa.com

GROWING WITH TULSA FOR OVER 40 YEARS

Our 550 Tulsa-based team members are the backbone of our Hilti North America operation. They empower, train and support the nearly 4,000 people throughout North America who provide hardware, services and software to the professional construction industry. A recent major investment modernizing our Tulsa Operations Center campus provides our team the latest in technology and comfort to excel at what they do.

5400 S 122nd E Ave, Tulsa, OK 74146 www.hilti.com • 1-800-879-8000

BC • 01/20

You’ll also find our team away from the office and in the community — building houses for Habitat for Humanity, rolling up our sleeves for the United Way, supporting our neighbors with developmental disabilities at A New Leaf, and countless other ways.