AT&T to Expand Tulsa Back Office Operation
AT&T Oklahoma announced its plans to hire more than 100 people to expand its customer and business call center in Tulsa. The new hires will be responsible for sales and support for both AT&T business services and residential customers. AT&T employs more than 4,000 people in Oklahoma.
Area Companies Accepted into Quality Jobs Incentive Program
Three local energy-related companies could receive more than $8 million in payroll tax rebates if they hire a total of 335 people over the 10-year incentive period. Area companies include Unit Petroleum Co. which announced 75 new jobs, Fisher Products which announced 67 new jobs and Exterran which announced 195 new jobs.
FlightSafety Opens New Manufacturing Facility
FlightSafety officials hosted more than 500 people at the grand opening of its new $42 million, 375,000-square-foot flight simulator manufacturing facility in Broken Arrow in late August. Up to 1,000 people could be employed at the facility located on 17 acres south of 71st Street and Lynn Lane.
Regional Chambers Sign Economic Development Pact
The Tulsa Metro Chamber and five area chambers of commerce signed a commitment in late August to collaborate on regional economic growth. The compact follows one signed earlier with Broken Arrow in April. The compact was created to leverage the region’s industrial concentrations, labor pools, infrastructure and governments in order to compete globally for a talented workforce, capital investment and jobs.
West Corp. Announces Tulsa Expansion
West Corp., a provider of outsourced communications services, announced it plans to hire more than 150 people at its back office center in Tulsa. The new employees will provide customer service for Alltel Corp. West currently employs 425 people at the location in east Tulsa which originally opened in 1997.
State Continues to Show Growth
The Oklahoma Business Conditions Index advanced to 61.9 in July from 54.7 in June. A number above 50 points indicates the state will expand in the next three to six months, while a number less than 50 indicates the economy will shrink. July marked the 19th consecutive month for growth in Oklahoma. The index is produced monthly by Creighton University in Omaha, Neb.
Two Downtown Grocery Markets Announced
Two local businessmen announced plans to open separate grocery stores in downtown Tulsa this fall. Daniel Cameron announced plans to open a 7,000-square-foot market, Cam’s Grocery, in the Blue Dome District. Blake Ewing announced plans to open a grocery store called Archer Market in the Brady District. Both entrepreneurs are looking to the booming condominium and housing projects downtown to stimulate business.
State Revenue Up 6.8 Percent in July
Gross state revenue collections for July showed moderate growth with collections up 6.8 percent from July 2010 and 14.4 percent above July 2009 numbers. Revenues for the past 12 months generated $10.259 billion, the highest level since July 2009 when collections for the previous 12 months were $10.402 billion.
Resort Being Considered for Lake Keystone
Plans were discussed in early August for a Keystone Lake resort similar to the CrossTimbers development on Skiatook Lake. Ron Howell, CrossTimbers' developer is proposing a similar development for Keystone Lake involving a private-public partnership similar to the one established by the Skiatook Economic Development Authority. Plans call for 450 boat slips, a restaurant, a marine supply store and eventually cabins.
Owasso to Hold $25 Million Bond Election in Early October
The Owasso City Council approved the calling of a special municipal election on October 11th for public improvement propositions totaling $25 million. The ballot would contain three propositions addressing youth sports complexes, road improvements and park/festival site improvements.
Tulsa’s Personal Income Rises 2.2 Percent in 2010
The seven-county Tulsa Metro Area recorded growth in personal income during 2010. Metropolitan Tulsa had personal income rise 2.2 percent to $38.3 billion, up from a revised forecast of $37.5 billion in 2009. Personal income is a comprehensive measure of the income received by all residents from all sources. In addition to wages and salaries, it includes pension and insurance funds, dividends and interest income.
Area School Test Scores Improved
Student proficiency rates in reading and math appear to be rebounding at most Tulsa-area schools. The Jenks and Union districts posted significant gains in nearly every subject and grade level of the Oklahoma Core Curriculum Test, which are given to all public school students in grades 3 through 8. Tulsa Public Schools, as well as Broken Arrow, Glenpool, Sand Springs and Skiatook districts all saw rates improve too.
Three Proposals for Downtown Housing Advance
The former YMCA, Vandever store and Bill White Chevrolet sites were all selected to enter into contract negotiations with the Tulsa Development Authority for a portion of $3 million in sales tax funds for downtown housing. The three projects selected will all refurbish existing vacant downtown buildings into housing and mixed commercial use.
BOK Center Continues Profit Growth
The BOK Center posted a profit of nearly $1.6 million in its third fiscal year. The profits are comparable to the $1.6 million profit last year and the $1.1 million profit for the inaugural season. The surplus dollars, minus the budgeted profit dollars, are deposited into the BOK Center’s reserve fund, which has a balance of more than $3 million.