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GE Oil & Gas Research Center Announces Investment in Oklahoma
GE Oil & Gas, a world leader in advanced technologies, announced that it will build a global research center in the Greater Oklahoma City region that will drive technological development and innovation in the oil and gas field, while establishing Oklahoma City as a global center in the energy sector. The facility—GE Research’s first sector-specific center—represents an initial $110 million investment and an expected employment of 125 positions. The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber is working with our state and local partners to provide support on the final site selection and serving as an overall resource for the GE team as needed. View Oklahoma City job openings or read the release. More information.
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Senator Inhofe Awarded for Economic Development
U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe was awarded the 2013 Congressional Leadership Award from the International Economic Development Council for promoting policies and legislation that enhance economic development. Roy Williams, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, nominated Sen. Inhofe for the award in recognition of his tireless fight to fund the U.S. military, to strengthen nation-wide transportation systems and to empower impoverished rural communities.
“Senator Inhofe has been a leader for developing our nation’s transportation infrastructure, which is so critical to business growth; for supporting our nation’s military, which is so important to communities across the country; and to the continued leadership of the Economic Development Administration,” Williams said. “He is not just a friend to Oklahoma, but to every economic developer in the nation.”
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Century Chest Reveals History in the Making
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Exactly 24 years after the Land Run of 1889, Oklahoma City’s First Lutheran Church preserved a significant part of our history on April 22, 1913. Enclosed in a copper chest protected by double cement walls under the floor of the First Lutheran Church, “The Century Chest” will be unearthed exactly 100 years later by members of the church and preservation specialists.
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Did you know? Virginia Sohlberg, the wife former Chamber Chairman George G. Sohlberg, is credited with gathering relics for the chest and overseeing the preservation and burial of the items. |
Experience part of our heritage at a public event commemorating the opening of the chest and catch a rare glimpse into the life of some of the first Oklahomans on Monday, April 22 at 10 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 1300 N. Robinson Ave. The event will feature the live opening of the chest, guest speakers and refreshments, all free and open to the public. More information.
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Stay Up-to-Date on MAPS 3
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Stay up-to-date on the exciting developments of the MAPS 3 projects by subscribing to the MAPS 3 e-newsletter. Updates in the most recent edition include:
- Several improvements to the race course at the Oklahoma River are underway. The starting systems are installed, the lighting improvements are nearing completion, and the public white-water facility is in the design phase.
- Construction of the first phase of the trails project from Lake Overholser to the Oklahoma River is scheduled to begin this summer.
- Development of a MAPS 3 sidewalks master plan is complete, and construction of the first project is slated to begin in late spring 2013.
- The final selection of the operating partner—the group that will plan the day-to-day programming of the facility—for the Senior Wellness Centers will take place in summer of 2013.
Receive regular updates on all eight of the MAPS 3 projects by subscribing to the newsletter here.
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OKC Sports Consortium Created to be the Ultimate Team Player
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The Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and 14 other organizations have banded together to support and enhance the ever-growing number of sporting and special events in Oklahoma City. The Greater Oklahoma City Sports Consortium is an oversight committee focused on promoting the Oklahoma City metro area as a prime location for sporting events—which average 60 per year in Oklahoma City. More information.
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Take Action on Legislative Issues
With less than six weeks left in Oklahoma’s legislative session, it is crucial for Oklahoma City residents to speak up for legislation that maintains Oklahoma City’s economic growth and secure business climate. Sign up for emails from the Business Advocacy Center and stay informed on issues that impact Oklahoma City businesses, and visit OKCBusinessAdvocate.com to contact your elected representatives.
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Are You One of the Fastest Growing Companies in the Metro?
Get recognized for your company’s growth at Metro 50, an event recognizing the Oklahoma City metropolitan area’s fastest growing local and private businesses. Applications are due Friday, May 31. View qualifications and apply online.
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Tee Off for a Networking Extravaganza
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Great for beginners and golf enthusiasts alike, the Chamber’s Golf-a-Palooza takes your business to the links in this scramble-format mixer. 19 two-person teams are still needed, so come join the fun at the Lake Hefner Golf Club on Tuesday, May 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. Register your team. If golfing is not your style, the Palooza-After-Party has all the fun with none of the four-letter words (G-O-L-F, that is).For a $10 admission ticket, attendees will enjoy food from Swadley’s BBQ, drinks, live music and door prizes. Get tickets.
Special thanks to Signature Sponsor Riviera Tanning Spa.
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Friday Forum Covers All Things Flight
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Aviation and air service is a key economic driver in Oklahoma City, but its impact is often overlooked. Hear an update on the three airports that act as Oklahoma City’s front door and how the development of air service in the region is essential to growth during the Chamber’s Friday Forum on Friday, May 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Renaissance Oklahoma City Convention Center Hotel & Spa. A panel of speakers will discuss the new consolidated rental car facility, east side development projects and the ever-changing airline industry. Register.
Special thanks to Signature Event Sponsor Cox Business and Host Sponsor the Renaissance Oklahoma City Convention Center Hotel & Spa.
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Keep Oklahoma’s Brightest Students in Oklahoma
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Does your company have summer internships? Invest in your interns by enrolling them in InternOKC, an award-winning leadership development program that teaches students about the benefits of staying in Oklahoma City after graduation—and turns Oklahoma students into Oklahoma City’s next leaders. Register your interns.
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VentureSpur Program Boosts Startup Companies
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If you have a startup company but need a little help getting it off the ground, apply for the VentureSpur acceleration and seed investment program. The 12-week, mentor-driven program helps startups raise venture capital and culminates with entrepreneurs pitching their companies in front of venture capitalists, angel investors and other entrepreneurs. Startups from anywhere are invited to apply, but teams must be on-site during the program. Apply.
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Speak Up for Small Business
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Did you know that 98 percent of Chamber member companies are considered small businesses? On Wednesday, May 1, small businesses will have the opportunity to get support and voice their opinions at the State Capitol during the Chamber-sponsored Small Business Day hosted by Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb. More information.
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Check out the Greater Oklahoma City's Chamber Flickr page
Check out the Greater Oklahoma City's Chamber YouTube page