In February, the University of Oklahoma College Alumni Association hosted the annual Evening of Excellence. Since the event started in 1985, the Evening of Excellence has provided over $1 million to establish the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine Research Fund.

This year’s event honored one community organization and two individuals. The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber was the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Oklahoma Institution Award. On behalf of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Joseph J. Ferretti, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Provost at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, honored the Chamber for its “work and genuine friendship.”

“The last 15 years have been a period of unprecedented growth, even an explosion, at the Health Center campus,” said Dr. Ferretti. “Tonight we honor an organization that has been a partner in our growth, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. They recognized early the increasing economic impact the Health

Center was having on Oklahoma City, as well as the state, and they became a strong partner in our efforts.

Roy H. Williams, Chamber President and CEO, was on-hand to accept the award on behalf of the Chamber and its membership.

“I want to accept this award not as the President of the Chamber, but on behalf of our Board of Directors and on behalf of the more than 5,000 Chamber members,” said Williams. “I can tell you that our leadership is serious about this community. We are just beginning to understand where the opportunities in this area are, and we will engage whomever we can – institutions such as the Battelle Institute, the individuals in this room and those in our state – to do what we can to move our

state and this community forward.”

Also receiving awards were Dr. Russell Postier, who was honored with the Distinguished Medical Service Award, and Michael Samis, who received with the Distinguished Community Service Award.

March 2010 www.okcchamber.com

Cellu Tissue Holdings, Inc., a manufacturer and converter of tissue products for the private-label and away-from-home industries, will open a 325,000-square-foot facility in the former Lucent Technologies building in June 2010. When fully operational, the facility will manufacture private label napkins, paper towels, bath and facial tissue for nationally known retail stores.

“Oklahoma City has one of the most progressive business climates in the nation, and I’m glad Cellu Tissue recognized what we could bring to the project,” said Robin Roberts Krieger,

Executive Vice President for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “We are thrilled that they chose Oklahoma City, and the fact that they are bringing new jobs as well as bringing new life to the former Lucent facility is outstanding.”

Cellu Tissue conducted a national location search before choosing Oklahoma City for its new facility. The site selection process was highly competitive and was finalized in December. Oklahoma City’s low cost of doing business and central location were both major factors in Cellu Tissue’s decision.

CELLU TISSUE CHOOSES OKC FOR NEW FACILITY

Continued on Page 5

CHAMBER HONORED AT EVENING OF EXCELLENCE

Dr. Joseph J. Ferretti presents the Distinguished Oklahoma Institution Award to Roy H. Williams.

MooreOklahoma City ChoctawDel City Edmond Midwest City StillwaterNorman Yukon

Glenn Reynolds, V.P. Mortgage Loan Manager with Mortgage Loan Offi cers Elaine Hightower, C.J. Baxendale, Martha Vaught and Linda Scott.

Leaders in banking.

Arvest is full-service banking the way it’s meant to be:

Arvest is in business for your business. See for yourself at any of our 28 Oklahoma City metro locations.

Complete relationship banking from Arvest Bank.

APPROACHABLE CREATIVE EXPERIENCED RESPONSIVE

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CONT

ENTS

Roy H. WilliamsPresident & CEO

7 U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS 8 GROW IN OKC

9 2010 U.S. CENSUS 10 THE CHANGING FACE OF DOWNTOWN

13 NCAA® MEN’S REGIONALS 19 ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Sincerely,

Roy H. WilliamsChamber CEO & President

LEADERSHIP NOTES 2010 OFFICERSDAVID THOMPSON

OPUBCO Communications Group2010 Chairman

J. LARRY NICHOLSDevon Energy CorporationImmediate Past Chairman

CARL E. EDWARDSPrice Edwards & Company

Treasurer / Corporate Secretary

CLAYTON I. BENNETTDorchester Capital

Vice Chair, Strategic Planning

PETER B. DELANEYOGE Energy Corp.

Vice Chair, Economic Development

RHONDA HOOPERJordan Associates

Vice Chair, Convention and Visitors Bureau

KIRK HUMPHREYSThe Humphreys Company

Vice Chair, Aerospace

BRADLEY W. KRIEGERArvest Bank Group

Vice Chair, Government Relations

DAVID R. LOPEZAmerican Fidelity Foundation

Vice Chair, Education and Workforce Development

MARK FUNKEBank of Oklahoma, N.A.Vice Chair, Biosciences

BRYAN GONTERMANAT&T Oklahoma

Vice Chair, Forward Oklahoma City

ROGER N. MITCHELLOklahoma Natural Gas Company

Vice Chair, Marketing & Communications

BRUCE LAWRENCEINTEGRIS Health Inc.

Vice Chair, Membership

TOM J. MCDANIELOklahoma City UniversityVice Chair, Transportation

ROY H. WILLIAMSGreater Oklahoma City Chamber

President & CEO

THE POINT!ISSUE #3421 - March 2010

EDITORIAL STAFFCynthia Reid, Jennifer Seaton, Stefanie Appleton, Jill Harrison

DESIGNERElyse Fair297-8900

thepoint@okcchamber.comwww.okcchamber.com

The Point (ISSN 1075-6264) is published monthly by the

Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, 123 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Point!, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber or e-mail thepoint@okcchamber.com.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $5 per year included in Chamber membership; nonmembers, $25 per year within the U.S.

Periodicals Postage paid at Oklahoma City. ADVERTISING RATES UPON REQUEST.

Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising.

Let’s Continue Our Economic Growth

MooreOklahoma City ChoctawDel City Edmond Midwest City StillwaterNorman Yukon

Glenn Reynolds, V.P. Mortgage Loan Manager with Mortgage Loan Offi cers Elaine Hightower, C.J. Baxendale, Martha Vaught and Linda Scott.

Leaders in banking.

Arvest is full-service banking the way it’s meant to be:

Arvest is in business for your business. See for yourself at any of our 28 Oklahoma City metro locations.

Complete relationship banking from Arvest Bank.

APPROACHABLE CREATIVE EXPERIENCED RESPONSIVE

In the early to mid-1990s, the Chamber’s leadership made a number of smart decisions regarding the future of Oklahoma City’s economic development. The first was the support of MAPS, which as we now know, led to $5 billion in private investment. The second was the creation of the Forward Oklahoma City initiative.

Forward Oklahoma City was established to create quality jobs, increase capital investment, retain existing business and improve our region’s per capita income. Through three five-year cycles, these initiatives have laid the groundwork for a dynamic economic development effort that has produced incredible results and repositioned Oklahoma City as one of the top economic development site locations in the country.

There’s no doubt our city has felt the positive effects from Forward Oklahoma City. From the NBA Thunder to Dell, from Tinker to AAA, from the activity along the Oklahoma River to the creation of more than 67,000 new jobs, the items on our city’s list of successes over the past 15 years are all in some way connected to Forward Oklahoma City.

It is again time to look ahead to our city’s future. The national and global economic pressures we face require that we continue to address the changing economic development landscape. Over the next five years, Forward Oklahoma City IV will do just that, focusing on four major areas:

• Grow Oklahoma City companies and industries• Maximize Oklahoma City’s competitive advantage• Market to attract new companies and investment• Seize Oklahoma City’s opportunities

As we continue into unchartered economic waters, we are confident that these cornerstones will allow us to sustain, grow and position our city for the next five years as one of the premier and most competitive business locations in the United States. I hope that you will join us in this initiative and keep moving our city forward.

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On newsstands Sunday, April 25

Ad Copy Deadline: Friday, April 9, 2010

To advertise, call (405) 475-3338 or your OPUBCO Communications Group representative.

Reach over half a million potential customers

with The Oklahoman.Source: Scarborough 2009

Don’t miss your opportunity to advertise in this year’s

Outlook,one of The Oklahoman readers’

favorite special features.

The 2010 Outlook will feature four sections with thorough and fascinating reporting:n The Way We Live n Business & Technologyn Advancements in Healthn Education & Careers

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Gerald Gamble, President/Owner of Gerald L. Gamble Co., Inc., managed the real estate aspects of the project for the company. Gamble’s involvement was key in completing the negotiations.

“We were asked by Cellu Tissue to show buildings in Oklahoma City and Arkansas. The space leased, part of the former Lucent Technologies facility, is a high-quality manufacturing/distribution building and is ideal for Cellu Tissue Holdings’ use,” said Gamble. “The building’s close proximity to I-40 offered an attractive combination of features for this company. The immediate availability of the building and the opportunity to negotiate a long-term lease added to the desirability of the property.”

“The addition of our new Oklahoma City converting facility is perfectly aligned with Cellu Tissue’s key growth strategy and ensuring we deliver to our valued customers the broadest range of converted private label tissue products that they require on time and complete,” stated Russell C. Taylor, president and chief executive officer of Cellu Tissue.

“This facility will include state-of-the-art converting equipment and we believe this addition will further enhance the product offerings and services for both our current and the future private label customers of Cellu Tissue,” said Chief Operating Officer Steve Ziessler.

Cellu Tissue is currently accepting applications for employment, and will continue to hire until the plant begins operations in June 2010. The company is headquartered in Alpharetta, Ga., and has manufacturing locations in Wisconsin, Mississippi, Michigan, Georgia, Ontario, New York and Connecticut. Oklahoma City is the first Southwestern location for the company.

Cellu Tissue Holdings, Inc. is a leading North American producer of consumer-oriented private label tissue products with a growing presence in the value retail tissue market.

CELLU TISSUE CHOOSES OKC FOR NEW FACILITY CONT. FROM PAGE 1

Cellu Tissue will convert a portion of the former Lucent Technologies building into a manufacturing facility.

The Right Fit Is Everything.

To do a job right, you need tools that fit the

task. In business, you need a CPA firm that fits

you. As one of the largest CPA firms in the

region, HoganTaylor has the experience you

need … but we haven’t forgotten our roots,

which is why we still deliver all the care and

personal attention you’d expect from a smaller

firm. Remember, size can cut both ways. Get a

CPA firm that fits.

HoganTaylor. Big enough to know.Small enough to care.

HoganTaylor.com

OKLAHOMA CITY 405.848.2020 / TULSA 918.745.2333NW ARKANSAS 479.521.9191

SM

SM

7.5 x 4.75 OKC Chamber Ad:Layout 3 11/25/09 10:57 AM Page 1

On newsstands Sunday, April 25

Ad Copy Deadline: Friday, April 9, 2010

To advertise, call (405) 475-3338 or your OPUBCO Communications Group representative.

Reach over half a million potential customers

with The Oklahoman.Source: Scarborough 2009

Don’t miss your opportunity to advertise in this year’s

Outlook,one of The Oklahoman readers’

favorite special features.

The 2010 Outlook will feature four sections with thorough and fascinating reporting:n The Way We Live n Business & Technologyn Advancements in Healthn Education & Careers

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UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Register securely online at www.okcchamber.com/events

Register securely online for Chamber events at

www.okcchamber.com/events or e-mail

register@okcchamber.com with questions.

TRDC PROSPECTIVE VOLUNTEER INFORMATION SESSION: MARCH 24Curious why more than 100 volunteers participate in the Total Resource Development Campaign (TRDC)? TRDC is the Chamber’s annual fundraising

campaign and membership drive. Find out more about this great opportunity at the Prospective Volunteer Information Session, Wed., March 24, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Chamber offices, 123 Park Ave.

Volunteers network with each other and meet key decision makers while selling sponsorships to Chamber events, advertisements in Chamber publications and new memberships. TRDC is a fun way to connect with Oklahoma City’s decision makers and improve your sales and networking skills.

MEGALUNCH: APRIL 14MegaLunch is a fast-paced networking event, held exclusively for Chamber members. With an intensive format organized by a computerized rotation schedule, attendees are given 90 seconds to pitch their organization at multiple tables in order to maximize the number of people participants meet.

MegaLunch takes place on Wednesday, April 14 from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at The Greens Country Club, 13100 Green Valley Dr. Due to the unique format of this event, only one person from each member company may attend. Reservations must be made within 72 hours of the event. Special thanks to The Greens Country Club, Host Sponsor, and YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, Series Sponsor.

March 24TRDC Prospective Volunteer Information SessionTime: 4 - 5 p.m.Location: Chamber offices, 123 Park Ave.Cost: No cost to attend. RSVP to Elena Listen at elisten@okcchamber.com

April 13Membership OrientationTime: 4:30 - 6 p.m.Location: Chamber offices, 123 Park Ave.Cost: Admission is free. RSVP to Cathy Cinotto at ccinotto@okcchamber.com

April 14MegaLunchTime: 11 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.Location: The Greens Country Club, 13100 Green Valley Dr.Cost: $35. RSVP to register@okcchamber.com

April 15Sunset ReceptionTime: 4 - 6 p.m.Location: The Lincoln at Central Park, 500 Central Park Dr. Cost: No cost to attend.

April 27SchmoozaPalooza PartyTime: 4 - 7 p.m.Location: State Fair Park, Travel & Transportation Building, 3200 StagecoachCost: $10 per person PaloozaSpecial: purchase 20 $10 tickets and receive 5 $10 tickets freeExhibitor single booths available for $300Double booths available for $600

HITSGREATER OKLAHOMA CITY CHAMBER 2010 TOTAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CAMPAIGN

TopChamber

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER & FACEBOOK:

HTTP://WWW.TWITTER.COM/OKCCHAMBER

HTTP://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OKCCHAMBER

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:

• Acrylic awards

• Plaques

• Trophies

• Ad Specialties

Dale Rogers Training Center Inc.

Since 1953

2501 NORTH UTAH • OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73107 • 405.946.1079ASSEMBLY & DISASSEMBLY • COLLATING & SORTING

SHRINK WRAP • PACKAGING • SHIPPING • REPETITIVE TASKS

2501 NORTH UTAH • OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73107 • 405.946.1079ASSEMBLY & DISASSEMBLY • COLLATING & SORTING

SHRINK WRAP • PACKAGING • SHIPPING • REPETITIVE TASKS

a caring company that means business!a caring company that means business!When you order from PrismPlace, you are helping peoplewith disabilities at Dale RogersTraining Center to earn apaycheck and work towardfinancial independence.

www.drtc.org

The Choice for Quality HealthcareDeaconess Hospital is a progressive, 353-bed acute-care hospital offering

a full range of health services to Oklahoma City and surrounding

communities. For over 108 years our dedicated staff of experienced

healthcare professionals has taken pride in providing the quality health

services you need. We are committed to continually improving the services

for you and your family.

5501 N. Portland Avenue • Oklahoma CityMain number (405) 604-6000 • Physician referral (405) 604-4444

www.deaconessokc.com

Anesthesiology

Cardiology

Dentistry

Emergency Medicine

Endocrinology

Family Care, with many Deaconess Family Care Clinics in Oklahoma City and the area

Gastroenterology

General Surgery

Geriatrics

Hematology

Internal Medicine

Neonatology

Nephrology

Neurology

Neurosurgery

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Oncology

Ophthalmology

Optometry

Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery

Orthopedics/Surgery

Otolaryngology

Pain Management

Pediatrics

Plastic Surgery

Podiatry

Psychiatry

Pulmonology

Radiation Oncology, TomoTherapy

Radiology, including a Women’s Imaging Center

Rheumatology

Sleep Studies

Thoracic Surgery

Urology

Vascular Surgery

Wound Care

Deaconess Hospital is a progressive, 313-bed acute-care

hospital offering a full range of health services to Oklahoma

City and surrounding communities. For over 109 years our

dedicated staff of experienced healthcare professionals has

taken pride in providing the quality health services you need.

We are committed to continually improving the services for you

and your family.

CONFERENCE OF MAYORS COMING TO OKC

From June 10-14, mayors from across the United States will come to Oklahoma City for the 78th Annual Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. This event is the largest meeting of the year and is attended by 1,200-1,300 people, including mayors, their families, other city delegates, representatives from Washington, national media and Business Council members.

The Annual Meeting provides a forum for mayors to discuss issues, adopt policy resolutions and share best practices with one another. By hosting the meeting, Oklahoma City has the opportunity to provide the perfect backdrop. While here, the attendees will experience a number of Oklahoma City attractions,

including Bricktown, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and others. They will also witness the city’s new found adrenaline and robust economy.

The Presenting Sponsor for the 78th Annual Meeting is Chesapeake Energy Corporation. Other sponsors include Devon Energy, Waste Management, Veolia, AT&T and HNTB. If your company is interested in becoming a sponsor, contact Paige Gregory, Event Director, at pgregory@okcchamber.com.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCEThe U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan

organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are 1,201 such cities in the country today. Each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor.

The primary roles of the U.S. Conference of Mayors are to:

• Promote the development of effective national urban/suburban policy • Strengthen federal-city relationships • Ensure that federal policy meets urban needs • Provide mayors with leadership and management tools • Create a forum in which mayors can share ideas and information

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50% of Oklahomans

use newspapers

as a primarysource of

business news!

74% ofOklahomansread one

or morenewspapers

More than

200newspapersin Oklahoma

84% of

readers notice

fl yers and ads

in the paper!

33,000newspaper

pages printed

each month

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CHAMBER SITE OFFERS ENTREPRENEURS RESOURCESSince 2005, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber has offered entrepreneurs a convenient place to go to help their business: GrowInOKC.com. This no-cost site provides a comprehensive framework for starting and growing a business. Educational content illustrates the important points about entrepreneurial thinking, while helpful links put community resources nearby.

“Just last year, our city was named one of the top 10 cities to start a business,” said Roy H. Williams, Chamber President and CEO. “Entrepreneurs have always played a vital role in our economy, and they will continue to do so in our future. It is our job at the Chamber to ensure that they have the resources they need in order to succeed. GrowInOKC.com provides those resources.”

This one-stop-shop even includes a downloadable Business Launch Plan, a series of worksheets and questions designed to help entrepreneurs think through and organize the many varied decisions and details involved in the starting of growing a business.

GrowInOKC.com is the window into the entrepreneurial community in Greater Oklahoma City. It offers access to the many resources the region has that nurture the growing entrepreneurial culture.

Other GrowInOKC.com resources include:

• Interviews with successful Oklahoma City Entrepreneurs

• News of particular interest to the Oklahoma City entrepreneurial community

• An events calendar for entrepreneurs

Log on and check out the site for entrepreneurs, GrowInOKC.com.

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CENSUS PROVIDES STATE WITH FUNDING

With the start of a new decade comes the time to count all U.S. residents – citizens and non-citizens. This month, more than 130 million addresses throughout the United States will receive the 2010 U.S. Census form. Once received, households should fill out the form and return it in the pre-paid envelope.

WHY SHOULD OKLAHOMANS PARTICIPATE?

• The Census directly relates to the number of Congressional seats Oklahoma has in Washington, D.C.

• The federal government distributes more than $400 billion annually to state, local and tribal governments based on census data.

• Local agencies and cities lose approximately $1,300 in federal money for every census questionnaire that is not returned. This money directly affects school lunch programs, senior citizen centers, and new construction, such as highways and hospitals.

During the 2000 Census, only approximately 64 percent of the census questionnaires were returned from Oklahoma – with only a 60 percent participation rate in Oklahoma County.

“A high Census participation rate is incredibly important for our state,” said Roy H. Williams, Chamber President and CEO. “If Oklahoma County has a return rate similar to 2000, we could potentially lose hundreds of millions in funding from the federal government.”

Census participation is also important to businesses in Oklahoma, and those who might locate to Oklahoma in the future. Census data is used by businesses to market products, locate outlets and plan for future growth. By participating in the census, Oklahomans are participating in the state’s future economic growth opportunities.

Sending back the forms by the deadline also saves millions of taxpayer dollars. The Census Bureau expects that for every one percentage point increase in the national mail back rate, the federal government saves $85 million.

To boost Census return rates in 2000, the federal government launched its first-ever paid ad campaign for the census. While the ad campaign cost approximately $100 million, a higher response rate saved at least $305 million, a $205 million return on investment.

The Census also brings a national economic boost through the form of census jobs. Conducting the Census is an incredible undertaking and requires hundreds of thousands of census takers nationwide to help locate households and conduct brief personal interviews with residents. The U.S. Census Bureau is currently recruiting temporary, part-time census takers for the 2010 Census.

For more information about the 2010 Census, visit 2010.census.gov. Interested in a Census job? Visit www.2010censusjobs.gov.

WHY IS THE CENSUS IMPORTANT?• Census numbers are used to appropriate the number of seats in the U.S. Congress based on the population of each state.•$400 billion in federal funds are distributed each year based on census numbers.•State and local government use census data to plan new roads, schools, emergency services and senior services.•Businesses of every size use census data to market products, locate outlets and plan for future growth.

KEY DATESMarch – Census forms are mailed or delivered to householdsApril 1 – National Census Day. You should have mailed back your completed form by this dayApril - July – Census takers will visit households that did not return their form by mail

Forms for the 2010 U.S. Census should arrive in early March.

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Downtown Oklahoma City is changing. From the construction of Devon Tower to Project 180 to the makeover of SandRidge’s downtown campus, downtown may be unrecognizable in as little as five years – but in a good way.

Each of these projects will incorporate the same theme of more open, public spaces into its efforts. Project 180 will create a cohesive look for downtown while also increasing safety for pedestrians. Both Devon and SandRidge are working to create spaces that are not only effective working environments for their employees, but also spaces that can be utilized by the community.

“We are excited to be a part of downtown Oklahoma City,” said Tom Ward, SandRidge Energy CEO. “This city is undergoing a rejuvenation unseen anywhere else in the country, which was initiated by the MAPS projects and is now continuing with the arrival of the Oklahoma City Thunder and corporate participation, including SandRidge Commons.”

Devon kicked off the downtown progress with the start of construction of its new headquarters, as well as renovations to the parking garage. Since October, as many as 180 people have been working on the site Monday through Saturday.

And while the new Devon facility will ultimately benefit the company by housing all of its employees in one building – instead of five – the community will benefit from more public space, including a dry-cleaning drop-off in the parking garage, a retail store with Devon-branded

THE CHANGING FACE OF DOWNTOWNThe Devon construction ultimately led to Project 180 through the creation of a Tax Increment Financing District (TIF).

Plans for SandRidge’s six-story building include a , day care facility outdoor climbing wall and rooftop basketball court.

Project 180 will reconstruct the streets from building face to building face.

Included in the renovations of the Myriad Botanical Gardens are the creation of a children’s discovery garden and play area.

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merchandise and several restaurants in the “Podium.” The site will also offer indoor and outdoor seating for public dining in the building or in the two-acre park.

Project 180, which kicks off four years of construction this May, will build a “world-class central business district” while also improving walkability and appearance. In total, the plans cover 8.5 miles, 63 intersections and 50 blocks, and will renovate Bicentennial Park, City Hall Plaza and the Myriad Botanical Gardens. The project calls for the addition of landscaping, public art, marked bike lanes, decorative street lighting, on-street parking spaces and a few electric car recharging stations. The entire project is scheduled to be completed by January 2014 and, according to Cathy O’Connor, Assistant City Manager, will “reconstruct the streets from building face to building face.”

“Project 180 is one of the most ambitious downtown transformations in the country,” said Laura Story, Project 180 Project Engineer. “When it is completed in 2014, downtown will be more visitor friendly and better poised for economic growth.”

Project 180 stems from the construction of the Devon building. Larry Nichols, Devon Chairman and CEO, requested that the city use the funds from the tax increment financing (TIF) to improve downtown.

Renovations at the Gardens will start immediately after the 2010 Festival of the Arts completes its run. The dramatic transformation will include a grand performance lawn, a children’s discovery garden and play area, water features, an ice skating rink, a restaurant and café, a dog release area and the addition of a new grand entrance to the Crystal Bridge Conservatory.

“These kinds of enhancements will elevate the gardens to make it a destination everyone must see downtown,” said Allen Storjohann, Myriad Botanical Gardens Manager. “Our goal is to make it more visitor-accessible, beautiful and usable – a central location for downtown events all during the week.”

In January, SandRidge Energy unveiled plans for an extraordinary makeover of its headquarters. A two-block campus will surround the 30-story building, renamed the SandRidge Building, that once housed Kerr-McGee Corp. The complex, including a new six-story mid-rise building with a day care facility, an outdoor climbing wall outside the fitness center and a rooftop basketball court as well as the renovated Braniff Building, will be called the “SandRidge Commons.”

“The goal is to bring people back to the streets,” said Ward. “The reason for the Commons is for it to be a coalition of public and private space. We didn’t want to build a campus that had walls; that you couldn’t be a part of. We want visitors to be able to come across our space and use our space. We want our people to be out on the street.”

When the projects are completed, Oklahoma City will have more than a new skyline and freshly paved sidewalks. Companies such as Devon and SandRidge are showing their confidence in the city’s future. Economic development opportunities are sure to increase as the transformation is completed. With more open public spaces, downtown will certainly become a favorite place for not only the employees who work downtown, but for individuals and families every day of the week.

Project 180 includes an overhaul of the downtown streetscape as well as renovations at the Myriad Botanical Gardens.

Learn more about the CVB and upcoming events in Oklahoma City at www.visitokc.com.13

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CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU SPOTLIGHT:

215 OK Chamber_PR.indd 1 7/24/09 3:09:53 PM

March brings another round of national collegiate basketball to town as the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship returns to Oklahoma City. The first and second rounds of the tournament are Thursday, March 18 and Saturday, March 20 at the Ford Center with all sessions nationally televised. Teams will be decided in mid-March after conference tournaments are completed.

This year will mark the fourth time in the past five years Oklahoma City has hosted a NCAA Division I Basketball Championship with the women competing in regional play in 2008 and 2009 and men’s first and second round action in 2005. The NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships filled the basketball void in 2006 and Oklahoma City is proud to host the NCAA Division I Women’s College World Series® softball tournament each year.

A projected 80,000 fans, spectators, athletes and officials are expected to be in Oklahoma City throughout the three-day event. Nearly 10,000 room nights are predicted with approximately 2,700 in peak room nights. High profile events, such as this, play an important role in the development and growth of Oklahoma City’s national image.

“We are thrilled to have the NCAA back in Oklahoma City,” said Mike Carrier, president of the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It is always exciting to host a national sporting event to show the country that Oklahoma City is a true sports destination. We have so much to offer ranging from basketball at the Ford

Center to rowing events on the Oklahoma River. This national coverage is the perfect way to showcase our ever-growing city.”

The men’s first and second rounds pulled in big numbers in 2005. Oklahoma City was the first tournament site of the eight across the country to sell out of advanced tickets, keeping with the trend that was set during previous championships in 1994, 1998 and 2003. More than 18,750 spectators attended each session in 2005 creating an economic impact of $7-9 million over the course of the weekend. Two teams from the Oklahoma City regional advanced to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen® with Oklahoma State University heading to Austin, Texas and the University of Wisconsin moving on to Syracuse, N.Y. where they made it to the Elite 8®.

Fans can expect the same excitement around downtown Oklahoma City and Bricktown as with previous NCAA and Big 12 sporting events. Pre-game pep rallies and street activities will take place on Reno Avenue, just north of Ford Center. This one block stretch of Reno Avenue between Robinson and E.K. Gaylord will be closed beginning March 17 and will remain closed through March 20. Team practices taking place on March 17 will be open to the public for fans to experience some behind-the-scenes action.

For more information on the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championships including ticket information and an event schedule, go to www.okcallsports.org. Information on Oklahoma City and Bricktown can be found at www.visitokc.com or www.welcometobricktown.com.

MADNESS RETURNS TO OKLAHOMA CITYFor the first time since 2005, Oklahoma City plays host to the NCAA® Division I Men’s Basketball Championships

The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship returns to Oklahoma City for the first and second rounds of the tournament beginning Thursday, March 18.

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Today’s college graduates are young, smart and results-oriented. They bring indispensable skills to the table – creativity, versatility and technological dexterity.

With the spring semester well underway, now is the time for companies to line up their summer interns. Internships can be offered by any employer – large corporations, start-up firms, non-profit organizations and government agencies. They not only provide students with real life work experience, but can also directly impact a company’s productivity and bottom line. Internships also:

• Are an inexpensive way to get energized workers • Provide an avenue for incorporating new ideas and skills

into a business• Offer an effective way for companies and organizations

to locate and train motivated students to fill immediate needs

• Create a pipeline of talent for a future workforce• Have positive effects on the regional economy

The Chamber’s Greater Grads Summer Internship Program, Intern in the City, is a vital tool in encouraging these talented workers to stay in Oklahoma. College students who complete

an internship in Greater Oklahoma City are more likely to stay here after graduation. Intern in the City is a series of four weekly lunches and a kick-off session where interns network with peers and discover why Oklahoma City is the perfect place to live, work and play.

For more information on how to create an internship or to find out more about Intern in the City, contact Joyce Burch at jburch@okcchamber.com.

“I participated in the Summer Internship Program because I knew it would be a wonderful opportunity to make professional contacts. And I was right; some of the people I met through Greater Grads have been instrumental in my professional life. In my field (advertising and marketing), so many graduates want to move to Chicago, New York or even Dallas. Greater Grads taught me that we have great businesses based right here in Oklahoma City, and the numbers are growing every day.”

Christa Copeland, Distribution Coordinator for Eastword News, former intern for Visual Image Advertising and the Oklahoma Gazette

INTERNS OFFER COMPANIES CREATIVITY, VERSATILITY

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Join more than 1,000 Oklahoma City business leaders as they gather at Oklahoma State Fair Park for some early evening networking and fun at the SchmoozaPalooza Networking & Trade Show Event. Since its inception, this evening has become a favorite with Chamber members and the public.

SchmoozaPalooza offers a fun and casual networking experience and gives local companies the opportunity to showcase their businesses. SchmoozaPalooza aisles are lined with live entertainment, interactive activities and exhibit booths covering a wide range of industries in the Greater Oklahoma City region.

This bash is open to the public, but only Chamber members can exhibit their businesses. With a variety of networking activities,

SchmoozaPalooza exhibitors make this trade show unlike any other.

EXHIBITOR BOOTHS STILL AVAILABLEBooths for SchmoozaPalooza are still available for Chamber members only. Single booths include a 10’x10’ draped booth space, with an eight-foot table, two chairs and a professionally printed sign and cost $300. Double booths include the same with a 10’x20’ draped booth space and cost $600.

Special thanks to Host Sponsor, State Fair Park, and Pipe & Drape Sponsor, Conventions & More. For more information about SchmoozaPalooza or to register a booth, contact Meredith Manley, Events Manager, at mmanley@okcchamber.com.

SCHMOOZAPALOOZA: APRIL 27 Tuesday, April 274 - 7 pm

State Fair Park, Travel &

Transportation Bldg

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!AT&T - Communication SolutionsTELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICESMr. Jeremy A. Madson ................................810-2933 1841 Belle Isle Blvd., Suite HOklahoma City, OK 73118www.communicationsolutions.net

Advisor Alliance, L.L.C.INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICESMr. Brent Harless .......................................659-1963 16428 Oconee Creek Dr.Edmond, OK 73013www.advisoralliance.us

The Ambassador Shop, Inc.CLOTHINGMr. Moe M. Javaheri ...................................755-1588 1001 W. Memorial Rd., Suite 1Oklahoma City, OK 73114www.ambassadorshop.com

Apple ChimneyCHIMNEY CLEANING & REPAIRINGMr. Jim Spengos .........................................843-9347 3824 Key PlaceOklahoma City, OK 73112www.ableapplechimney.com

Apposite Engineering, L.L.C.ENGINEERING SERVICESMr. Theron Smith .......................................478-9400 14220 Mt. Vernon PlaceEdmond, OK 73013-6413www.woodpatel.com

Aquariums-Tropical Fish and Supply, Inc.PET SHOPSMs. Leah Meade ........................................348-1070 1702 S. Kelly Ave.Edmond, OK 73013www.okcfishlady.com

Bank of OklahomaBANKSMs. Luciana Gibbons .................................272-2014 2701 S.W. 29th St.Oklahoma City, OK 73119www.bok.com

Bernhardt Oil CorporationOIL & GAS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTIONMs. Valerie Lorenz......................................701-3841 9413 Nawassa Rd.1000 Greenway CircleNorman, OK 73072

Brawe & CompanyACCOUNTANTS AND ACCOUNTING SERVICESMr. Keith Brawe .........................................947-4646 3545 N.W. 58th St., Suite 715Oklahoma City, OK 73112www.brawe.net

CTC, Inc.TRUCKING - MOTOR FREIGHTMs. Kelly Cox .............................................424-2825 4701 N.E. 23rd St.Oklahoma City, OK 73121

Collision Media, L.L.C.INTERNET - WEB HOSTING & WEB DESIGNMr. Tommy Bailey ............................. (866) 797-6656 6821 N.W. 22nd St.Bethany, OK 73008www.collisionmedia.tv

Contact Electric Heat & Air, Inc.AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING - COMMERCIALMr. Thomas M. Drapper, Jr. ........................672-7701 704 N. Villa Ave.Oklahoma City, OK 73107

Lead Investor BronzeCountry Leisure Mfg.HOT TUBS & SPASMr. Rusty Britton .................. 799-7745 3001 N. Service Rd.Moore, OK 73160www.countryleisuremfg.com

Coventon Law OfficesATTORNEYS / LAWYERSMr. Ryan V. Coventon .................................319-1800 901 N.W. 12th St.Oklahoma City, OK 73127

The Credit Card LadiesCREDIT CARD PROCESSINGMs. Shanne Cochran..................................948-2032 1621 N. May Ave.Oklahoma City, OK 73107www.creditcardladies.com

Davey Tree Surgery Co.TREE SERVICESMr. Jeff McCormick ....................................440-0061 7721 N.W. 10th St., Suite COklahoma City, OK 73127www.davey.com

Defiant Exterminators, Inc.PEST CONTROL SERVICESMr. Joe Dickerson .......................................478-4252 1321 Northgate TerraceP.O. Box 5473Edmond, OK 73083

Eye Care AssociatesPHYSICIANS & SURGEONSMs. Lana Odom .........................................947-3330 5320 N. Portland Ave., Suite 107Oklahoma City, OK 73112

Health Plans OklahomaINSURANCE - HEALTHMs. Susan “Shelli” Dawson .......................412-8030 3132 Shortgrass Rd.Oklahoma City, OK 73003www.healthplansoklahoma.com

Heritage Plaza Animal HospitalVETERINARIANSJames R. Jorgensen, DVM ..........................737-4000 351 N. Air Depot Blvd., Suites K-LMidwest City, OK 73110www.petwellvip.com

Integrated Psychiatry, P.L.L.C.MENTAL HEALTH SERVICESDr. Jeff Seaman .........................................254-3131 4200 W. Memorial Rd., Suite 306Oklahoma City, OK 73120

Kruger Investment CompanyINVESTMENTSMs. Saundra Booth ....................................235-9332 105 N. Hudson Ave., Suite 200AOklahoma City, OK 73102

Mary Kathryn Kunc, P.C.ATTORNEYS / LAWYERSMs. Mary Kathryn Kunc ..............................848-5534 6011 N. Robinson Ave.Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Lou Harris & Associates, Inc.HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES / CONSULTINGMs. Lou Harris ...........................................810-8459 6440 Avondale Dr., Suite 200Oklahoma City, OK 73116

Mashburn Faires HomesHOME BUILDERSMr. Shane Mashburn..................................793-8122 8510 S. Pennsylvania Ave.Oklahoma City, 73170www.mfhomes.com

The Michael GroupCOMMUNICATION CONSULTANTSMs. Barbara Ball........................................721-8875 7300 N.W. 23rd St., Suite 300Bethany, OK 73008www.michaelgroup.com

Miner & Petersen P.C., Inc.ATTORNEYS / LAWYERSMr. Joseph B. Miner ...................................848-0346 3035 N.W. 63rd St., Suite 200Oklahoma City, OK 73116

The Museum Cafe’RESTAURANTSMr. Ahmad Farnia ......................................235-6262 415 Couch Dr.Oklahoma City, OK 73102www.okcmoa.com

Nuestra ComunidadNEWSPAPER - PUBLISHINGMr. Franco R. Cevallos ...............................685-3822 2524 S.W. 44th St.Oklahoma City, OK 73119www.okspanishnews.com

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Your gift to united WaY

supports local programs

that change countless lives

in central oklahoma everY Year.

thank You for being

part of the change

and inspiring hope for a better tomorroW.

Thank You for Living uniTed.

OFS, Inc.WATER TREATMENTMs. Kelly Cox .............................................424-1101 4901 N.E. 23rd St.Oklahoma City, OK 73121www.ofs-inc.net

Oklahoma One Call System, Inc.UTILITIES UNDERGROUND LOCATING SERVICEMr. Doug MacMillan ...................................840-9955 2831 N.W. 59th St.Oklahoma City, OK 73112www.callokie.com

PM Group Artist Representatives, Inc.ENTERTAINERS / SPEAKERS / PROMOTERSMr. Howard Pollack ....................................364-3700 124 W. Main St.Norman, OK 73069www.zooamp.com

Palmco, L.L.C.LANDSCAPE - ARCHITECTS / CONTRACTORS / SERVICESMr. Homayoon Ahmadirahdari ....................632-5600 2812 S. Walker Ave.Oklahoma City, OK 73109

R.T. Medical, P.L.C.PHYSICIANS & SURGEONSHeather R. Tipsword, D.O. ..........................722-1110 8105 N.W. ExpresswayOklahoma City, OK 73162

S.D. Pool Health Brokers, L.L.C.INSURANCE - HEALTHMr. Steve Pool ............................................409-4385 2087 County Rd. 1237Tuttle, OK 73089www.sdpoolbkr.com

Thinking Cap, Inc.PUBLIC RELATIONSMs. Shawn McBride ...................................843-9696 2801 S.W. 136th St.Oklahoma City, OK 73170

WED, L.L.C. dba Volvo RentsEQUIPMENT RENTAL & LEASINGMr. David Evans .........................................512-5931 8003 S. Eastern Ave.Oklahoma City, OK 73149www.volvorents.comLead Investor ..................................................Bronze

WCA Waste CorporationWASTE MANAGEMENT & DISPOSALMr. Douglas Goldsmith ...............................495-0800 1001 S. Rockwell Ave.Oklahoma City, OK 73128www.wcamerica.com

Recognizing members who take a special leadership role in financing the Chamber’s operations at significantly higher levels.

Each Lead Investor is highlighted with a BLUE BOX and identified as a Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze Lead Investor. Board of Advisor members are identified as well.

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GRAND OPENINGSTo view more photos and see the schedule of upcoming Grand Openings, visit www.okcchamber.com/grandopenings.

Congratulations to the following Chamber members on their recent Grand Openings!

All Chamber members are welcome to attend Grand Openings.

Becky’s Hallmark 133 W. Main St., Suite 102

Oklahoma City, OK 73102-9036

Oklahoma Goodwill Industries, Inc. 316 S. Blackwelder

Oklahoma City, OK 73108

IBC Bank 3817 N.W. Expressway, Suite 100

Oklahoma City, OK 73126

Oklahoma Heart Hospital South Campus 5200 East I-240 Service Road

Oklahoma City, OK 73135

Leadership Oklahoma City Chesapeake Community Plaza

730 W. Wilshire Blvd., Suite 116 Oklahoma City, OK 73116

Phone A Clone 723 N. Hudson Ave., Suite 300

Oklahoma City, OK 73102

New Leaf Floral 2500 N. May Ave.

Oklahoma City, OK 73107

University of Phoenix - Oklahoma City Campus

6501 N. Broadway Ext., Suite 100 Oklahoma City, OK 73116

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ECONOMIC INDICATORS

How Are We Doing OKC?What Occupations Have the Highest & Lowest Unemployment Rates

in the Oklahoma City Metro?

Make yourself comfortable

5x6 Ad

Oklahoma Citywww.warrenproducts.comOklahoma owned & operated since 1983

Highest Unemployment by Occupation in OKC MetroOccupation OKC Metro % State % National %Production 8.1% 10.1% 15.5%Construction and extraction 7.4% 8.9% 15.9%Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance 7.0% 8.2% 8.5%Food preparation and serving related 5.8% 6.7% 9.3%Sales and related 5.6% 6.4% 7.6%

Lowest Unemployment by Occupation in OKC Metro

Occupation OKC Metro % State % National %Healthcare practitioners and technical 0.9% 1.1% 2.1%Management 1.2% 1.5% 5.7%Business and financial operations 1.4% 1.6% 3.4%Legal 1.8% 2.1% 4.3%Education, training, and library 1.9% 2.2% 3.9%Source: Local Area Unemployment Statistics; EMSI estimates; 7 County Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

Periodicals

PAIDOklahoma City, OK

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LOOK INSIDE!7 U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS 8 GROW IN OKC

9 2010 U.S. CENSUS 10 THE CHANGING FACE OF DOWNTOWN

13 NCAA MEN’S REGIONALS 19 ECONOMIC INDICATORS