Chamber selected Economic Development Organization of Year by global organization

The Tulsa Regional Chamber was named the Economic Development Organization of the Year by the International Economic Development Council during IEDC’s annual conference this week in Dallas.

IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders. The Chamber, winner of a Silver Award last year and a Bronze in 2021, was a Gold Award recipient in this year’s Economic Development Organization of the Year category (population of 500,000 or greater).

“We want to congratulate the Tulsa Regional Chamber and Tulsa’s Future on earning the Gold Award and being named the Economic Development Organization of the Year,” said Nathan Ohle, president and CEO of the IEDC.

“The Tulsa Regional Chamber continues to distinguish itself as an international leader in the economic development realm.”

The Economic Development Organization of the Year Award is presented to organizations that have demonstrated long-term strategic planning, organizational development, and significant community impact and innovation.

Awards are judged by a diverse panel of economic and community developers.

“This award means as much to our region and all our economic development partners as it does to Tulsa’s Future,” said Arthur Jackson, senior vice president of economic development for the Tulsa Regional Chamber.

“Our staff strives daily to raise the profile of existing companies and attract young talent and new companies to the region, and we will continue to represent the Tulsa region as a vibrant and innovative destination for businesses.”

Since its inception in 2005, Tulsa’s Future has generated more than 72,500 jobs and more than $4.25 billion in capital investment.

“This is a tremendous honor for the Tulsa Regional Chamber and our Tulsa’s Future regional economic development partnership,” said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber.

“We would like to extend a special thank you to all our private, public, regional, and tribal partners who have contributed to our outstanding collective success. I also applaud Arthur Jackson and his extraordinary economic development team.”

IEDC represents more than 4,800 members and is the largest association for professional economic developers in the world. Thousands of economic development professionals attended IEDC’s Annual Conference in Dallas this week to learn from experts on topics such as leadership development, supporting entrepreneurship, and economic transformation.

“The Tulsa Regional Chamber is an incredible asset to the City of Tulsa, and I can’t think of a better organization to receive the IEDC Economic Development Organization of the Year award,” Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum said.

“The Tulsa Regional Chamber continuously works to increase economic development opportunities in our city, and I’m proud to have them as champions of our region.”
Tom Biolchini is chair of Vast Bank and the Chamber Board of Directors.

“Serving as chair of the Tulsa Regional Chamber has allowed me to witness first-hand the dedication and drive of the people who represent the organization,” Biolchini said.

“For that reason, I’m so proud that the IEDC has chosen to recognize the singular leadership of the Chamber and the economic impact it continues to make in the community.”
Cliff Robertson, president and CEO of Saint Francis Health System in Tulsa, is vice chair of Tulsa’s Future.

“The Tulsa Regional Chamber and Tulsa’s Future are the epitome of professionalism and high standards,” Robertson said.  “The IEDC got it right. Hats off to a Chamber that perpetually seeks to improve the quality of lives through economic prosperity.”