Holiday Party was Great Fun for Good Cause

2009 Holiday Party Pictures!

This year's Holiday Party was another success!  We had almost 250 people in attendance this year.  It was a perfect night; no snow or ice and the weather was a chilly 28 degrees, with clear skies!  The see pictures from the party click here. 

This year's charitable beneficiary was Meals on Wheels.  THANK YOU to all those who brought canned food items for the "Blizzard Bags".  You all brought enough items to fill nearly 200 bags! 

Above is part of the 2009 Membership Committee.  Pictured left to right:  Dawn Melton, Tracie Leonhart, Stacie Wilson, Kent Inouye, Lori Sears, Julian Brewer, Mickie Bingham, Val Fimbres and the committee VP, Nichole Trantham.  Not pictured are: Carolyn Stewart, Paula Huck and Renee Jacobs.  Way to go Membership Committee, for a job well done! 

Leadership Tulsa Supplies "Blizzard Bag" Donation

Leadership Tulsa hosted their annual holiday party on Thursday, December 10^th and this year's beneficiary was Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa.

 Leadership Tulsa Members brought items of food that will be used to make "blizzard bags" and then those bags will be delivered to the homebound recipients of Meals on Wheels. "Blizzard Bags" are an emergency sack of food items which is provided to Meals on Wheels recipients to hold in reserve for a winter day when snow and ice make regular meal delivery impossible. 

The bags contain shelf-stable, easy-to-fix items which insure that the homebound, elderly and disabled will at least have something good to eat until the next regular Meals on Wheels delivery day.

With winter quickly approaching and Oklahoma's unpredictable weather, these food items are important to give the homebound something to fall back on so that they do not go hungry when the weather does not permit our meal delivery. Meals on Wheels and the homebound we serve are grateful for the generosity of Leadership Tulsa members.

Wendy Thomas, Executive Director
918-477-7079

 

 

LT Members Discover their Strengths

Two dozen Leadership Tulsa members gathered at OU Tulsa to "discover their strengths" during a special workshop with Adam Seaman.   It is no surprise to those who know Leadership Tulsa members that "responsibility" and "achiever" topped the list of strengths present.   This fun "wordle" art gives you a sense of the power in the room.    We are thinking of offering another workshop in the spring.  If you would have an interest please let wendy@leadershiptulsa.org know!

Thanks to Our December Class Sponsors

Special thanks to our sponsors of December's Class Day focusing on Business & Industry at the Tulsa Port of Catoosa.   We thank these Tulsa business leaders for stepping up to enhance community leadership development in our community.  If you are interested in becoming a Class Day sponsor call Wendy at 477-7079.

Meals On Wheels Holiday Collection

Continuing our tradition of collecting donated items for charity at our annual Holiday Party, items are being sought this year for Meals on Wheels Blizzard Bags.   Items may be brought to the party or dropped off at the Leadership Tulsa office before Dec 10.

A "Blizzard Bag" is an emergency sack of food items which is provided to Meals on Wheels recipients to hold in reserve for a winter day when snow and ice make regular meal delivery impossible.  The bags contain shelf-stable, easy-to-fix items which assures that the homebound, elderly and disabled will at least have something good to eat until the next regular Meals on Wheels delivery day. If possible, canned food in an "easy-open" or flip-top container is preferred.  Many of our recipients have severe arthritis or other physical problems which makes opening a can difficult.  Single serving items or items that can be easily packaged into single servings are also preferred.

• Single can serving of heat & serve items such as: Soup, Beef Stew, Spaghetti, Chili, etc. (items that can be heated to form the basis of a meal; ready to serve)
• Any brand shelf-stable heat-and-serve meal
• Small can of tuna fish
• Small, easy open can of vegetables
• Canned or dried fruits (small packages, or individual serving pack)
• Individually packaged crackers or cookies
• Small jar of creamy peanut butter
• Small can or package of non-refrigerated fruit juices
• Single serving dessert cup, pudding, or fruit cup (non-refrigerated type)
• Instant Hot Chocolate Mix, tea, or coffee (packets)
  

Participate in a Survey for Downtown's Housing Needs!

 

Your input is needed! An online survey is now available that considers Tulsa's Downtown Housing Needs. The survey is being conducted as part of a study for the Tulsa Economic Development Commission.

 

The study will be used as a tool to attract urban housing developers to the community. It will also serve as supporting evidence of need for proposed projects. The online survey is key to data collection for the study, and will be available through November 23.

 

Your input is critical to the accuracy and success of the study. To participate, go to http://www.cdsmr.com/surveymaps/tulsasurvey.html  At the website, please complete the web-based survey and then click submit. A telephone survey will also be conducted through November.

 

Tulsa's Economic Development Commission determined that a survey of downtown housing was among the greatest current downtown development needs, and decided to commission the survey at the Fall 2008 retreat. Downtown urban neighborhoods that will be the focus of the study include: Brady Heights/OSU, Owen Park/Crosby Heights, Riverview/Uptown, Central Park and the Urban Core.

 

Smash Up was a Smash Hit

SmashUp was a Smash Hit

 

On Tuesday, Nov 3, there was a standing room only crowd at the Jewel on Brookeside for the Mayoral SmashUp.  Hundreds attended the live event and thousands others followed via twitter, live web feed at the News On 6, and on KRMG talk radio.   Questions ranged from the serious to the tongue in cheek.  You can listen to the broadcast at this link.  Or read the Tulsa World Story about the event here.

EVENT SPONSORS:

Wendy Thomas, Executive Director
918-477-7079

 

 

Discover your Strengths

Adam Seaman, past president of Leadership Tulsa and the author of the Positive Leadership Model used in the LT Flagship program will host a limited attendance workshop designed to help you leverage your strengths for powerful personal and professional development.

Learn the anatomy of a strength, discover your unique combination of strengths and how to leverage them for maximum impact, and put them to work immediately in a series of interactive exercises.

The workshop will be held on December 2 from 7:30 - 10:30 am at the OU-Tulsa Schusterman campus at 41st & Yale.  Deadline for registration is Wednesday November 25.   $50 Dues paying members/$60 all others.  Get your Registration Form Here. 

Each participant will receive: Strengthsfinder 2.0 by Tom Rath and the related online StrengthsFinder assessment.

Wendy Thomas, Executive Director
918-477-7079

 

 

Leadership Luncheon - Friday, October 16

Leadership Luncheon - Friday, October 16

 

Come hear about the exciting things going on in the Brady Arts District!  A satellite museum run by Philbrook Museum will help anchor the new development.  Philbrook's Executive Director, Rand Suffolk, will update us on this new initiative. 

 

The luncheon will be held in the Williams Conference Room at Philbrook Museum.  It will start at 11:30 and conclude by 1:00.  Reservations are required.  The cost is $20 for dues paying members and $25 for non dues paying members.  Payment can be made online or at the door.  Please call 477-7079 or email nancy@leadershiptulsa.org to make your reservation.

Leadership Tulsa newsletter!

Keep up to date on all the happenings at Leadership Tulsa by visiting our website at www.leadershiptulsa.org.  All the news is updated weekly and sometimes even daily.  Here are a few highlights!

 

• The Critical Skills Advantage Program - This newly redesigned program offers valuable insight on key leadership techniques from some of Tulsa's most successful leaders.  Three afternoon sessions will be held at the Tulsa Technology Center Lemley Campus on October 28, November 4 and November 11.  Speakers include Howard Barnett, David Rutkauskas, Larry Wofford, Malcolm McCollam, Colonel Anthony Funkhouser and Wendy Thomas.  See attached agenda for details on topics covered at each session.  Participants will receive a bibliography of the speakers' favorite management and leadership books, as well as the chance to win copies as door prizes.  To sign up for the program or for more information please call 918 -477-7079 or visit www.leadershiptulsa.org.

 

• Leadership Luncheon, October 16 – Exciting things are happening in the Brady Arts District.  A satellite museum run by Philbrook Museum will help anchor the new development.  Philbrook's Executive Director, Rand Suffolk, will update us on this new initiative.  This luncheon will be held in the Williams Conference Room at Philbrook Museum.  It will start at 11:30 and conclude by 1:00. Reservations are required.  The cost is $20 for dues paying members and $25 for non dues paying members.  Payment can be made online or at the door.  Please call 477-7079 or email nancy@leadershiptulsa.org.

 

• The Deadline for LT Class 43 is Fast Approaching!  Applications for LT 43 must be postmarked by the U.S. Post Office by October 16, 2009.  If you know of someone who has a genuine interest in getting more involved in the Tulsa community, please encourage them to apply.  Applications are available on our website, by emailing nancy@leadershiptulsa.org, or by calling 477-7079.

 

• Congratulations to members of LT Class 41!  Members of LT 41 will be officially inducted into the LT family on October 20^th!  It's been a great year and we look forward to seeing them at many of our LT functions.

 

• The Rotary Club's Mayoral Debate - The Downtown Rotary Club of Tulsa cordially invites all Leadership Tulsa members to the mayoral debate between Tom Adelson and Dewey Bartlett on October 14th from 11:30 to 1:00 pm.  The event will be hosted by John O'Conner.  Mr. O'Conner will ask each candidate the same question and allow the candidates equal time to respond.  The event will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 1115 S. Boulder, Tulsa at 12:00 (noon).  We suggest arriving between 11:30 and 11:45 to allow plenty of time to park and find a seat.  Lunch will be served during the Mayoral Debate.  The event is free to Leadership Tulsa Members.  Please RSVP to attend at drew.casper@wellsfargoadvisors.com or Brenda.Melancon@mail.secureagent.com.

  

As always, share your news with us, so we can share it with the Leadership Tulsa network!

 

Hope to see you soon!

Invitation to Mayor Debate

To All Leadership Tulsa Members:

 

The Downtown Rotary Club of Tulsa cordially invites all Leadership Tulsa members to The Rotary Club's Mayoral Debate.  This debate between Tom Adelson and Dewey Bartlett will be held on October 14th from 1130 to 1 pm. The event will be hosted by John O'Conner.  Mr. O'Conner will ask each candidate the same question and allow the candidates equal time to respond.  The event will be held at the First United Methodist Church: 1115 S Boulder Tulsa, OK 74119 at 12:00 (noon).  We suggest arriving between 11:30 and 11:45 to allow for plenty of time to park and find a seat. Lunch will be served during the Mayoral Debate. 

 

Please RSVP to attend drew.casper@wellsfargoadvisors.com or Brenda.Melancon@mail.secureagent.com. Hope to see you on October 14th. 

 

Regards,

 

Drew Casper

 

Drew D. Casper, CRPC

Financial Advisor

Wells Fargo Advisors

2431 E 61st Street Suite 400

Tulsa, OK 74136

 

Office: 918/293-7253

Facsimile: 918/746-1099

 

Email: drew.casper@wellsfargoadvisors.com

Webpage: www.wfadvisors.com/drew.casper

 

 

 

2009 Critical Skills Advantage program offered

 Leadership Tulsa has newly redesigned its 2009 Critical Skills Advantage program to meet the needs of today's busy leader.   Three afternoon sessions featuring high profile community leaders will be held at the Tulsa Technology Center Lemley Campus on October 28, November 4 and November 11.   Participants will be able to sign up for one session or multiple sessions at a discount.  There will also be discounts for organizations sending multiple participants. 

 

Participants will have the opportunity to gain valuable insight on key leadership skills from some of Tulsa's most successful leaders.

 

Howard Barnett, the newly selected President of OSU-Tulsa, will speak on "Visioning in the real world: scars, successes and visionary leaders I have known."   A life-long Tulsan, Barnett served as chief of staff for Gov. Frank Keating and as the Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce. Earlier this year, Barnett was the chief negotiator for the OSU Medical Center Trust in its acquisition of the OSU Medical Center from Ardent Health Systems. He is also a former chairman of the Tulsa Metro Chamber and president of Leadership Oklahoma.

 

David Rutkauskas is Founder, President & CEO of Beautiful Brands International (BBI) and Tulsa's Entrepreneurial Success Person of the Year in 2007.  David will speak on "growing your business during America's longest and deepest recession since the great depression."   David knows what he is talking about!  BBI's first concept, Camille's Sidewalk Café was founded by David and his wife Camille at Woodland Hills Mall in 1996.  Since then, the franchise has become a regional and worldwide success story with double-digit sales growth, penetration into the global marketplace, and projected sales of over $100 million by 2008.

 

Other speakers include:  Colonel Anthony Funkhouser of the US Army Corps of Engineers, A highly decorated leader and West Point graduate with a civil engineering background.  Wendy Thomas, Executive Director of Leadership Tulsa, a frequent consultant with non profit organizations will speak on the differences in attitudes, motivations and values among and between the generations.  Malcolm McCollam a self-employed attorney with MalcolmLaw PC and a founder of the Oklahoma Academy of Collaborative Professionals who is also well known for his leadership in the biking community and his role as Event Director of the Tulsa Tough Ride & Race.  Larry Wofford, Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies at the University who also owns and operates the highly successful Route 66 Harley-Davidson and 5&Diner restaurant in Tulsa.

 

Get a registration form and read more about the program, speakers and presentation topics at http://leadershiptulsa.org/index.cfm?pageID=3&AID=411

Wendy Thomas, Executive Director
918-477-7079

 

 

Leadership Luncheon - September 18th!

Leadership Luncheon - Friday, September 18th!

 

What would you do if you found out a friend or co-worker was seriously depressed?  Suffering a serious mental health disorder?  Abusing drugs or alcohol?  Glenda Armstrong and Kelly Perry from the Long Term Care Authority will speak to us about Mental Health First Aid, a new program to train lay citizens to better support those having mental health emergencies. 

 

This luncheon will be held at OSU-Tulsa (located at 700 N. Greenwood Ave.) in the North Hall, Room 140.  It will start at 11:30 a.m. and conclude by 1:00 p.m. Reservations are limited to the first 40 who sign up.  The cost is $20 for dues paying members and $25 for non dues paying members.  Payment can be made online or at the door.  Please call 477-7079 or email nancy@leadershiptulsa.org to make your reservation.

 

Leadership Tulsa News!

Keep up to date on all the happenings at Leadership Tulsa by visiting our website at www.leadershiptulsa.org.  All the news is updated weekly and sometimes even daily.  Here are a few highlights!

 

• September Newsletter – Catch up on all the latest news!

 

• Leadership Luncheon – September 18 - What would you do if you found out a friend or co-worker was seriously depressed? Abusing drugs or alcohol? Suffering a serious mental health disorder?  Glenda Armstrong and Kelly Perry from the Long Term Care Authority will present on Mental Health First Aid, a new program to train lay citizens to better support those having mental health emergencies.  This luncheon will be held at OSU-Tulsa (located at 700 N. Greenwood Ave.) in the North Hall, Room 140.  It will start at 11:30 and conclude by 1:00. Reservations are limited to the first 40 who sign up.  The cost is $20 for dues paying members and $25 for non dues paying members.  Payment can be made online or at the door.  Please call 477-7079 or email nancy@leadershiptulsa.org.

 

·        Free Informational Breakfasts - September 10^th and September 22^nd! – Prospective candidates for Leadership Tulsa Class 43 will have a chance to learn more about the program at either of these two breakfasts.  The breakfasts will be held at the Aaronson Auditorium at the Central Library and run from 7:30 until 9:00 a.m.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling the LT office at 477-7079.  If you would like to nominate someone for LT 43, please submit a Nomination Form by September 15th.  Applicants will have until October 15^th to complete and submit their applications.

 

·        Leadership Tulsa is forming work teams for the United Way "Day of Caring" on Friday, September 11.  The event will kick off at H.A. Chapman Stadium at the University of Tulsa.  Breakfast will be served at Thomas Plaza, (west of the stadium) at 6:30 a.m. with the Campaign Kickoff at 7:30 a.m.  At 8:15 a.m., volunteers will leave for their assigned projects at one of TAUW's 63 partner agencies.  Our volunteer skills could be used for painting, yard work, light duty repairs, spending time with the elderly or reading to children, just to name a few.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact membership committee member Tracie Leonhart at tracieleonhart@yahoo.com.

 

As always, share your news with us, so we can share it with the Leadership Tulsa network!

 

Hope to see you soon!

 

Help Wanted - Women in OK Legislature

Interesting blog from the Oklahoma Policy Institute about the lack of women serving in Oklahoma's State Legislature.  What do you think are the reasons for this?  Is there anything Leadership Tulsa could do to nurture more woman talent for public service positions?

LT forming teams for Day of Caring

Leadership Tulsa is forming work teams for the United Way Day of Caring, Scheduled for Friday, September 11.  If your company is not participating this year, please consider joining the Leadership Tulsa team! 

 

The event will kick off at H.A. Chapman Stadium at the University of Tulsa.  Breakfast will be served at Thomas Plaza, (west of the stadium) at 6:30 a.m. with the Campaign Kickoff at 7:30 a.m.  At 8:15 a.m., volunteers will leave for their assigned projects at one of TAUW's 63 partner agencies. 

 

Depending on the number of volunteers we can recruit, we may work at one facility or break up into groups and work at different facilities.  Our volunteer skills could be used for painting, yard work, light duty repairs, spending time with the elderly or reading to children, just to name a few.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact membership committee member Tracie Leonhart tracieleonhart@yahoo.com by September 1st. 

 

Once we have complete listing of volunteers, a listing of projects available to LT will be emailed to the volunteers.  Each volunteer will then select three projects and email those selected projects back to Tracie.  We will then place each individual on one of their three project choices. 

 

In addition, if anyone would like a Day of Caring T-shirt, you can go to the following website to order  a T-shirt http://www.tauw.org/tauw/Day_of_Caring_T-Shirt__Event_RSVP_Info.asp.  Orders placed by 4th of September will be received prior to the DOC.  Shirts ordered after this date will arrive AFTER the DOC event. 

 

If anyone has any questions, please contact Tracie directly at 289-6168. 

Leadership Tulsa now recruiting for LT Class 43!

Dear LT friends,

 

As many of you already know, Leadership Tulsa now offers two classes a year.  LT Class 42 has just begun and we are already looking ahead for possible candidates for LT Class 43.  As members and friends of Leadership Tulsa, you are our most important source for identifying potential participants.  If you know someone who is interested in getting involved in our community and helping to make Tulsa an even better place to live, please complete the attached Nomination Form and submit it to us by September 15, 2009.

 

Applications for LT 43 are now available on our website at www.leadershiptulsa.org and applicants will have until October 15, 2009 to submit their applications.  The class will begin in January of 2010 and run through September 2010. 

 

Prospective applicants will also have a chance to learn more about the program at one of two FREE Informational Breakfasts that will be held on September 10, 2009 and September 22, 2009.  Both breakfasts will be held at the Aaronson Auditorium at the Central Library.  Check-in will be at 7:45 a.m. and a light continental breakfast will be provided.  The program will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will conclude by 9:00 a.m.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling 477-7079.

 

If you have any questions regarding the program or the application process, please do not hesitate to call the Leadership Tulsa office at 477-7079.

 

Thank you!

 

Wendy Thomas

Executive Director

Leadership Tulsa now recruiting for LT Class 43!

Dear LT friends,

 

As many of you already know, Leadership Tulsa now offers two classes a year.  LT Class 42 has just begun and we are already looking ahead for possible candidates for LT Class 43.  As members and friends of Leadership Tulsa, you are our most important source for identifying potential participants.  If you know someone who is interested in getting involved in our community and helping to make Tulsa an even better place to live, please complete the attached Nomination Form and submit it to us by September 15, 2009.

 

Applications for LT 43 are now available on our website at www.leadershiptulsa.org and applicants will have until October 15, 2009 to submit their applications.  The class will begin in January of 2010 and run through September 2010. 

 

Prospective applicants will also have a chance to learn more about the program at one of two FREE Informational Breakfasts that will be held on September 10, 2009 and September 22, 2009.  Both breakfasts will be held at the Aaronson Auditorium at the Central Library.  Check-in will be at 7:45 a.m. and a light continental breakfast will be provided.  The program will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will conclude by 9:00 a.m.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling 477-7079.

 

If you have any questions regarding the program or the application process, please do not hesitate to call the Leadership Tulsa office at 477-7079.

 

Thank you!

 

Wendy Thomas

Executive Director

Leadership Luncheon - Friday, July 17th!

July 17^th Leadership Luncheon

 

July's Luncheon will feature Cathy Criswell of the City of Tulsa who will update us on the impact of recent government economic stimulus funds on the City of Tulsa.  The luncheon will be held at OSU-Tulsa (700 N. Greenwood Ave.), North Hall - Room 140.  The luncheon starts at 11:30 and will conclude by 1:00 p.m.  The cost of the luncheon is $20.00 for dues-paying members and $25.00 for non-dues-payers.  Reservations are limited to the first 40 who sign up.  To make a reservation, please respond to this email or call the LT office at 477-7079.  If you make your reservation via email and you do not receive confirmation, please call the office at 477-7079.  Payments can be made online or at the door.  We accept cash, checks, MasterCard and VISA.  If you have any questions, please call the LT office at 477-7079.

 

Hope to see you soon!

US Junior Chamber seeks members for new Tulsa club

The United States Junior Chamber of Commerce is in the process of establishing a new chapter in Tulsa.  The US Junior Chamber seeks to empower young men and women, age 18-40, to create positive change in their community.  Local chapters of the Junior Chamber focus on the following four areas of development:

 

1.      Individual Development (programs dealing with personal and professional development and leadership skills)

2.      Community Development (identifying needs in the local community to create positive change through hands-on projects)

3.      Business Development (to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit while empowering men and women to best utilize their talents)

4.      International Development (getting connected with young professionals across the world through the vast international network while getting involved with the development goals of the United Nations and the UN Foundation)

 

The Greater Tulsa Junior Chamber is inducting its founding members on Tuesday, July 14.  This new organization will serve as an important addition to the Tulsa community and its future growth.  The focus of the Junior Chamber (Jaycees) has always been one of identifying needs in the community and then actually going out into the community to produce positive change via community action projects.  The primary goal of this organization is to create projects that directly impact the community.  Our members work alongside those in need to create a better tomorrow for ourselves, the community, and all those around us.

 

The group of men and women that have been identified in Tulsa thus far are amongst the best and brightest young citizens. While their backgrounds and professions are varied, they all share the common interest in wanting to take an active and hands-on role in the community. All activities in our organization are voluntary for our members.  They only have to participate in those events that they have the time and interest for.  With our diverse mission and development areas, there is something for everyone.  NEW MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOMED TO JOIN- YEAR ROUND!

 

The US Junior Chamber of Commerce has had close to 10 million members since its inception in 1920 and currently has chapters in close to 1,000 communities in the US and more than 6,000 worldwide in more than 115 countries.  We are the only international network of young active citizens.

 

We are looking for community-minded individuals interested in creating the premier organization for young people in Tulsa.  We recruit year-round and anyone is able to attend our membership meetings.

 

Check out the US website at:  www.usjaycees.org and the international site at www.jci.cc.  Feel free to also contact Laurence A. Bolotin, executive vice-president, at evp@usjaycees.org or at 918-584-2481.

 

We look forward to hearing from you.

 

Sincerely,

 

Laurence A. Bolotin

Executive Vice-President

The U.S. Junior Chamber

 

Non Profits Need Extra Support During Economic Downturn

In a new Business Viewpoint article published on July 2 in the Tulsa World, I had the opportunity to highlight the significant needs at Tulsa area non profits during this current recession and urge Tulsans to make a special effort to remember them during this summer season.  What are some of the outstanding examples you know of non profits making a difference during this recession?

Read the article here.

Philbrook Seeks New Docents

Philbrook is currently accepting applications for a new class of docents. Please join them for a docent recruitment breakfast on Monday, July 13 at 10 am. To apply or RSVP, contact Roselle Tyner at 748-5309 or rtyner@philbrook.org. 

United Way Announced New Goal

 The Tulsa Area United Way volunteer Board of Directors has approved a goal of $23,898,673 for its 2009 fundraising campaign that officially kicks off Friday, September  11, 2009. Don Walker, President of ARVEST and 2009 Campaign Chair, announced the goal following a meeting of the Board early this morning.

  "As we prepare for the annual campaign, we see both challenges and opportunities ahead," said Walker. "The volunteer-led Campaign Cabinet has been hard at work assessing the community's overall economic climate. In spite of the current economic difficulties, we are confident that area companies and citizens will once again generously step forward to help their families, friends and neighbors through their gifts to the Tulsa Area United Way. Our 63 partner agencies' programs are seeing greatly increased needs and your help is even more important in times like these."

  Walker said the Campaign Cabinet has spent the past five months carefully assessing last year's campaign, evaluating the economic climate while building a strong volunteer base. "In developing this year's goal, we have reviewed the state of the local economy and the ever increasing needs of the six-county area," Walker said. "With our remarkable campaign team and the support of all of our communities, we will do our best to not only meet, but hopefully exceed the $23.89 million goal."

  "In the last five months, over 200 volunteers contributed more than 8,000 hours to assess each of the 63 agencies' funding requests and determine the best investment strategy for funds raised by the 2009 campaign," said Bill Grant, President of The Holmes Organization and 2009 TAUW Board of Directors Chair. "The resulting recommendation is balanced with input from the Community Investments Steering Committee, the Campaign Cabinet and TAUW's Board of Directors."

  "The Tulsa area has a remarkable history of stepping forward in economically challenging times to help its residents," said Mark R. Graham, TAUW President and CEO. "TAUW has an amazing 85 year history in this community and has invested over $545 million in those 85 years. We know that the demand for our agencies has increased dramatically in 2009 and we all need to do our best to ensure that those needs are met."

  "In addition to a historically strong base of companies who conduct campaigns every year, last year we welcomed 198 new campaigns, most of which are small and growing businesses. There is the potential for many more businesses of all sizes to run first time campaigns," Graham said. "We will work to ensure that everyone – companies, organizations and individuals - is a part of this community-wide effort."

  The Tulsa Area United Way provides services to more than 740,000 annually through its 63 partner agencies in Creek, Okmulgee, Osage, Rogers, Wagoner and Tulsa counties and is celebrating its 85th anniversary. For more information, call TAUW at 583-7171 or visit www.tauw.org.

News from Leadership Tulsa!

Keep up to date on all the happenings at Leadership Tulsa by visiting our website at www.leadershiptulsa.org.  All the news is updated weekly and sometimes even daily.  Here are a few highlights!

 

• Leadership Luncheon, July 17 (11:30AM-1:00PM) - Cathy Criswell of the City of Tulsa will update Leadership Tulsa members on the impact of recent government economic stimulus funds on the City of Tulsa.  The luncheon will be held at OSU-Tulsa, North Hall - Room 140.  Reservations are limited to the first 40 who sign up.  The cost is $20 for dues paying members and $25 for non dues paying members.  Payment can be made online or at the door.  Please call 477-7079 or email nancy@leadershiptulsa.org to make your reservation.

   

• Renew your Leadership Tulsa Membership Today!  It is the beginning of a new fiscal year for Leadership Tulsa and membership renewals are now due.  We are offering a special 10% discount to all members who pay dues before July 31!  Check the benefits associated with each dues level, decide which level best suits your needs and then pay before July 31^st to receive your discount!  You can pay online, mail in a check, or call us at 477-7079 with your credit card information.  Your support enables Leadership Tulsa to continue providing top quality programs and events.

 

• Leadership Tulsa has entered the "RSSfeedLinkedInBlogTwitter" Zone!  Social networking is here and you now have the opportunity to get your LT news updates in a number of different ways.  Just go to www.leadershiptulsa.org and check out the home page for your networking options.

 

• Now Accepting Nominations for LT Class 43!  Although we have just selected LT Class 42, we will soon be looking for candidates for LT Class 43, which will begin in January of 2010.  If you know of someone who has a genuine interest in serving the Tulsa community, please let us know.  Nomination Forms are now available.

 

• For more details on what's happening at LT, don't miss the July Newsletter!

 

As always, share your news with us, so we can share it with the Leadership Tulsa network!

 

Hope to see you soon!

 

RSVP seeks board volunteers

RSVP, a United Way agency serving 55 + individuals and area non-profit and public agencies through volunteer recruitment, placement and special program development,  is recruiting board members for our 2010 class.   The board meets every other month from January though December at 4pm on the second Monday of the month.  Members set policies, serve on committees, assist with fundraising and advise the Executive Director on administrative and organizational issues.  As part of a network of 760  RSVP projects throughout the nation, the Tulsa project has been in service since 1971 and currently operatives offices in Tulsa, Sapulpa, Wagoner and Bartlesville.  Your service on this board will connect you to a vibrant group of "vintage volunteers" as well as our area agency partners.  Visit our website at www.rsvptulsa.org Interested parties should contact Claudia Meiling, Executive Director at 280- 8656 or Claudia@rsvptulsa.org

Global Alliance Seeks Host Families

Tulsa Global Alliance will be hosting nine economic development professionals from Serbia July 8-29 that will be here on a program funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).  They are looking for host families. Families are welcome to host for the whole 2 ½ weeks, or for the first or second half of the period.  If interested, please call Bob Lieser at 591-4750 or email blieser@tulsaglobalalliance.org.

 

Oasis Adult Day Services seeks new board members

OASIS Adult Day Services is looking for two Board members, one with a strong marketing background the other with a strong fundraising background. OASIS  provides day services for individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia, or other physical impairments. Our service allows caregivers a safe and nurturing environment for their family members to stay during the day allowing the caregiver the ability to continue with their daily activities such as work. If you are interested please contact Board co-Chair Bill Savage at 918.587.2282.

 

 

Thinking about the Healthcare Debate

Class 41 will soon be exploring the topic of healthcare and of course the healthcare debate is much in the news..  The following link crossed my desk and while I have not yet perused the resources mentioned, I find the Oklahoma Policy Institute to be a trusted source of good information. 

 

http://okpolicy.org/blog/health/summer-reading-health-care/

 

 

Tulsa Area Independent Business Association

Our Leadership Lunch last week featured a start up organization, the Tulsa Area Independent Business Association. TAIBA is a non-profit organization of locally owned and operated independent businesses that have joined together to promote the cultural and economic benefits of shopping locally. They are modeled after similar programs nationwide, and are particularly looking to an organization in the city of Austin. Austin found statistics that said that for every $100 spent at a chain store only $14 stays in the local community, but for every $100 spent at a locally owned store, $45 stays in the community. For purposes of their new organization, TAIBA is defining locally owned independent businesses as 1) private ownership, 2) majority of owners live within 40 mile radius of Tulsa 3) full decision making function for the business lies with its owners, and 4) no more than 6 outlets with basis of operation within Tulsa metro area. As a start-up however, they are still in the process of further defining their organization goals, programs and membership requirements. They are looking for board members as well as new members of the organization. For more information www.buylocaltulsa.com or email buylocaltulsa@gmail.com

Also in attendance at the event was a representative of the Tulsa Chamber's "Let's do Business" program whose goal is to bring 5% of out-of-area business spending back home. The chamber states that the Tulsa region loses approximately $29 million a day to out-of-area purchases. "Let's do Business" focuses more on business to business purchases where TAIBA is trying to impact consumer/retail decision making. For more information about the chamber program go to www.letsdobusinesstulsa.com.

The economic vitality of Tulsa is hugely dependent on the success of small business. Both these organizations are to be commended for the work they are doing to highlight the advantages of shopping at home. What are your favorite local independent businesses?

New Voices Applications Due July 1

Leadership Tulsa and the Tulsa Area United Way are launching a new board internship program called "New Voices."  This initiative is designed to increase the diversity on Tulsa United Way Agency boards. 

Leadership Tulsa is seeking candidates with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds that have the commitment to serve the non profit sector in a leadership role, but have not previously served on more than one non profit board of directors. 

Participants in the program will gain training and support through an opening full day educational session and quarterly breakfasts with board mentors. 

Participants will be chosen based on application and letters of reference but there is no charge for the program once an applicant is selected.  Applications are due July 1, 2009.   For more information www.leadershiptulsa.org.

Wendy Thomas, Executive Director
918-477-7079

 

 

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Leadership Tulsa Joins The Blogosphere!

On behalf of the Leadership Tulsa staff and Communications Committee, welcome to the Leadership Tulsa blog!

As a response to the requests of our membership, we've created a new blog (along with RSS feeds and other goodies) for those of you who are looking for new, improved and customizable ways to keep up with the happenings of our organization.

Please add this blog to your "blog roll" and stop by often for updates!