DT #499 Building a World Class Organization with Mike Neal President & CEO, Tulsa Regional Chamber

Develop This: Economic and Community Development

In this episode, Dennis is joined by Mike Neal - President and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. Mike presents a master class on how to build and lead a dynamic team of professionals and how to utilize strategic partnerships to build a world-class organization.

Mike Neal is in his 18th year as president and chief executive officer of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. In 2018, the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives (OCCE) inducted Mike into their Hall of Fame in recognition of his 30 years of service to the chamber industry. Tulsa People named Mike the 2011 Tulsan of the Year for his limitless energy, can-do optimism and tireless efforts toward making Tulsa a better place. Mike is heavily involved with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He serves on its Foundation Board of Directors, its Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, and its Transportation Infrastructure & Logistics Committee. Mike is also the current chairman of their Accrediting Board of Directors. He also serves on the boards of the International Economic Development Council and the Southern Economic Development Council.

Mike leads the Chamber's staff of more than 65 full-time professionals in the areas of economic development, regional tourism, government affairs and community development. The Chamber is a partner in prosperity to more than 2,200 member organizations across an 11-county region.

MISSIONWe transform the Tulsa region by attracting and retaining employers, talent, and tourism for long-term prosperity.

VISIONThe Tulsa region is a global destination for individual and community prosperity.

WE ARE...

• Positive – We exhibit positivity toward our colleagues and a passionate devotion to our community.
• Innovative – We seek fresh ideas and solutions to lead our region forward.
• Inclusive – We embrace diversity and foster collaboration.
• Engaged – We are fully attentive and focused in service to one another, our members and our partners.
• Accountable – We maintain integrity, strive for excellence, and seek continuous improvement in our work and ourselves.

Representing more than 2,150 member organizations and more than 178,000 workers, the Tulsa Regional Chamber is the primary driver of regional and individual prosperity in northeast Oklahoma. The Chamber develops and delivers a wide variety of programs and services designed to bolster and benefit Tulsa-area businesses of all shapes and sizes, from large corporations to small startups. For more than 115 years, the Chamber has served as an integral part of what makes the Tulsa region a great place to live, work and play.

Our strategic initiatives include:

Economic Development Collaborate with regional partners to position northeast Oklahoma for increased economic activity.

Regional TourismLeverage the region's competitive identity to market Tulsa as a destination for tourism, sports, and culture.

Government AffairsBuild coalitions to achieve pro-business public policy at the local, state and federal levels.

Community DevelopmentCreate vibrant places that support and enrich quality of life and regional economic activity.

Tulsa's Future is the Chamber's multi-county regional economic development partnership supported by public and private investors. Since 2005, Tulsa's Future has supported the creation of more than 80,000 jobs and more than $6 billion in capital investment.