Alan Armstrong Unveils Chamber Initiatives

NEW CHAIR: Alan Armstrong, center, Tulsa Regional Chamber’s 2015 chair of its Board of Directors, stands with Chamber President Mike Neal, left, and 2014 Board Chair Wade Edmundson at the Chamber’s annual meeting, held in January.

EMILY RAMSEY for GTR Newspapers

The Tulsa Regional Chamber welcomed Alan Armstrong, president and of Williams, as its 2015 chair of the Board of Directors at its annual meeting, held in January, where 1,400 business leaders, elected officials and citizens met to hear Armstrong speak about the chamber’s 2015 initiatives.

Those initiatives are focused on improving the region’s future through entrepreneurship, placemaking, regional collaboration and the attraction of young talent.

Armstrong elaborated on the current impact of young talent in the region and the importance of growing that skilled young workforce, stating that the energy and passion exhibited by Tulsa’s Young Professionals is what inspires him most about his chairmanship.

“The future health of our city will be measured by how effectively we are attracting and retaining the very best young talent regardless of where they may come from around the country,” Armstrong said. “Regions filled with young, diverse talent are the future economic powerhouses, and Tulsa is primed to lead. We must love our community if we expect others to see pride in it, and Tulsa is the place to be.

“Only through embracing these qualities and the authentic nature of who we are can we begin to achieve excellence in all areas and welcome others to enjoy the benefits we know exist from being a member of this community,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong began his speech with a look back to 1914, to the start of the 100-year history of the Tulsa Regional Chamber, and later challenged the audience to focus on a regional collaboration that ensures the Tulsa community can win the race in the global economy through job creation and skilled talent, attracted to the area by our vibrant quality of life and sense of place, in the next 100 years.

“Our approaches to economic development will continue to be guided by the ever present battle for talent across the country,” Armstrong said. “Everyone must engage together to position Tulsa as a location to attract the very best talent in the nation.”

Armstrong joined Williams in 1986 after graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

Armstrong also serves on the board of directors for the American Petroleum Institute, is a member of the National Petroleum Council and the Business Roundtable. He previously served as president of the Gas Processors Association and as a director on the Natural Gas Supply Association’s board. Armstrong is passionate about education, volunteering with organizations like Junior Achievement, Teach for America and the Oklahoma Business Education Coalition.

Armstrong succeeds 2014 Chair of the Board of Directors Wade Edmundson, , Oklahoma for Commerce Bank.

Edmundson spoke during Armstrong’s inauguration regarding the future of the region, issuing a challenge to the audience “to make decisions and register votes that prioritize making our state and this region a place to which talent will be attracted.”

“Take steps to show outsiders that we are an inclusive people,” he continued. “Demonstrate that we are serious about attracting talent by supporting issues ranging from building infrastructure that enhances walkability to funding education, specifically teacher pay.”

The annual meeting was presented by in Tulsa and Tulsa Community College and hosted by the Cox Business Center.

2014 Award Winners:
2014 Hospitality Club Volunteer of the Year:
Marvin Krueger

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