Tulsa Chamber Reaches Funding Goal
TULSA, Okla. – Following one of the hardest economic years in recent times for the Tulsa region, the Tulsa Metro Chamber Resource Campaign volunteers broke every previous campaign record when they raised $2,822,509 million during the Chamber’s annual 10-week campaign.
Campaign Chairman Wade Edmundson, CEO of Summit Bank, and Campaign Co-chair Becky Frank, chairman and CEO of Schnake Turnbo Frank PR, along with Chairman of the Board Don Walker, president and CEO of Arvest Bank, Tulsa Metro Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal, and Executive Vice President Matt Pivarnik unveiled the campaign grand total $2,822,509 to volunteers and sponsoring company representatives at ONEOK Field prior to the Drillers game against Arkansas.
The campaign’s original goal of $2.3 million set at the campaign’s kickoff in April was increased to a stretch goal of $2.55 million set by Walker in the final week of the campaign.
“We had an outstanding group of volunteers this year who consecutively raised more than $100,000 each week so we knew if anyone could make those numbers it would be this group,” said Walker. “But of course none of this would be possible without the support of our regional business community and the individuals who recognize the value of being part of the Chamber.”
Now in its 16th year, the Chamber’s Resource Campaign has continued growth each year from the original total of $106,743 raised in 1995. It is looked at as a model for chambers across the nation.
“Each year, the campaign reports significant revenue growth-all of which is returned to our members and the community in the form of economy-building initiatives,” said Neal. “In today’s economy, investment in the Chamber’s program of work is more important than ever as we work for our members to ensure the tools, resources, programs and opportunities are in place so they may flourish.”
The 10-week campaign is an effort to secure business sponsors for chamber programs, events and publications as well as attract new members and member renewals.
This year, 29 corporate teams consisting of 160 volunteers sold 1,209 sponsorships to the Chamber’s programs, meetings, events and publications.
“For the third year in a row this is the second largest campaign of its kind in the nation; second largest to Charlotte, North Carolina,” said Pivarnik. “We are still amazed each year at what our volunteers are able to accomplish and excited at the business-building opportunities and programs we’re able to offer our members as a result.”
Several volunteers were recognized at last night’s event for contributions to the successful campaign including vice chairs:
- Kelli Bailey, MATRIX Architects Engineers Planners
- Mike Cooper , AT&T
- David Lamb, Bank of Oklahoma
- Bill Schonacher, IBC Bank
- Mike Thornbrugh, QuikTrip Corp.
- Lynda Wingo, Miss Helen’s Private School
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Additionally, the top overall producing volunteer Lynda Wingo, Miss Helen’s Private School, was recognized. Other top producers included Shirley Bailey, Bama Companies; David Lamb, BOK; and Tony Heaberlin, Tulsa Tech.
The Resource Campaign is a significant contributor to the Chamber’s operating budget each year providing approximately 24 percent of the Chamber’s annual revenue.
“This financial support provides the opportunity to examine new and better ways to continue to support the growth and development of this community,” said Neal.
Updated 06-18-2010
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