Outlook 2024

Native American Energy: One-stop shop

Bringing

“We coordinate all the scheduling to make the project happen,” Adair said. “We’ve gotten residential and small generator projects done in a little over a day for customers who were told by someone else that it will take a month.”

EXPERT TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

Native American Energy employees have completed the additional training and certification required to be a factory-authoriz ed dealer of Generac, Cummins and Briggs & Stratton equipment for generators Chargetronix, Tesla and Blink for EV stations and Stellantis for solar energy

“Some companies can only sell the equipment and that’s it. We sell, install and service the products Adair explained. In addition, Native American Energy is sometimes called on to rescue a project that another company started and couldn t complete “We make the process smoother and quicker with our work ethic and communication, he said.

SPEEDIER CHARGING

As more auto dealerships are required to have EV charging stations and as more consumers decide to add these stations to their homes, Native American Energy is positioned to provide its customers with everything they need. “The new charging stations are extremely fast,” Adair said. “With old-school stations you had to sit there for two or three hours The new stations take only 10 to 15 minutes.”

TOP CUSTOMER SER VICE

A new charging station, adding solar panels or putting in a new generator is a significant investment that warrants the top customer service Native American Energy prides itself on. “Our commitment and reliability are the same for all our customers, whether they’re a big-box store, a commercial space or a residence Our customers know they can trust us, because we keep our word. When we say we’re going to do something, we do it,” Adair said.

VALUES IN AND OUT

OF THE SHOP

Native American Energy is 100% Native American owned, and more

Firms

expect employment to remain steady

CEO of ONEOK says company’s core businesses benefit from robust products platform

“Our expanded products platform will present additional opportunities in ONEOK’s core businesses and further enhance the resiliency of our company.”

— PIERCE H. NORTON II ONEOK president and chief executive officer, after last year’s purchase by ONEOK of Tulsa’s Magellan Midstream Partners

MICHAEL DEKKER

Tulsa World

An $18.8 billion buyout of one Tulsa energy giant of another and the 10-year anniversary of another company breaking away from its parent are among major local energy industry headlines moving forward this year.

Last year’s purchase by ONEOK of Tulsa’s Magellan Midstream Partners for $18.8 billion was believed to be the largest private transaction in state history.

“Our expanded products platform will present additional opportunities in ONEOK’s core businesses and further enhance the resiliency of our company. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition aimed at delivering on the many benefits of this combination for our customers, employees and shareholders,” ONEOK President and CEO Pierce H. Norton II said in a statement after the buyout was finalized in September.

The combined Tulsa-based companies will have an estimated value of $60 billion.

ONEOK is a leading midstream (storing and transporting) energy services provider with an approximately 40,000-mile network of natural gas and natural gas liquids pipelines.

Magellan primarily transports, stores and distributes refined petroleum products and crude oil.

It owns the longest refined petroleum products pipeline system in the country, with access to nearly 50% of the nation’s refining capacity, and can store more than 100 million barrels of petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel fuel and crude oil.

Magellan is now a wholly owned subsidiary of ONEOK.

Another company that was once a part of ONEOK — ONE Gas — is marking its 10th anniversary this year of becoming an independent company.

“There are two emerging ... products, as much as technology,” in the natural gas area, ONE Gas CEO Sid McAnnally told the Tulsa World earlier this year.

The first is renewable nature gas, which is the gas that comes from decaying biological material, as opposed to thermogenic gas, which is created by pressure from under ground, he said.

“Biogenic gas has just vented into the atmosphere, and now there’s an effort to try to capture that. There are projects all over the country to generate more RNG.”

The second is hydrogen. “While RNG is still pretty much a methane molecule ... hydrogen can be manufactured in any number of ways. You have to have an energy source to start ... the manufacturing process for hydrogen.

“But hydrogen is also a very small molecule, so that makes it difficult to compress and that makes it difficult to move over long expanses.

“So what we’re going to see is a hydrogen economy that springs up where you’ll have hydrogen manufacturing facilities that could be powered by stranded electrons from a wind (turbine) that can’t get grid access, or from another manufacturing facility, or from the refineries across the country. There’s just a lot of ways you can generate hydrogen,” McAnnally said.

Meanwhile, the latest regional survey of energy leaders by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City shows most (57%) believe the price of oil will be about the same this year as in 2023.

Expectations for capital expenditures heading into the new year were mixed, with 33% each reporting expectations of a slight increase or slight decrease and 23% reporting they will remain close to 2023 levels.

The Fed branch in Kansas City includes Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming; the western third of Missouri; and the northern half of New Mexico.

The Fed’s survey contains several anonymous comments from industry leaders:

„ “World demand is rising; investment hasn’t kept pace.”

„ “Consolidation in the Permian will lead to more orderly development.”

Survey respondents were also asked what they thought the price of oil would be in six months, one year, two years, and five years.

The average expected West Texas Intermediate prices were $76, $79, $84, and $88 per barrel, respectively.

The average expected Henry Hub natural gas prices were $2.55, $3.04, $3.42, and $3.96 per million Btu, respectively.

A strong majority of firms also expect employment to either increase slightly in 2024 (43%) or remain close to 2023 levels (50%), the Fed survey said.

„ “Worldwide capital expenditures remain relatively low.”

„ “Any meaningful rise in gas price will be met with dry gas drilling.”

„ “It’s very hard to predict gas prices. Most operators just try to be efficient and make money at low costs.”

„ “There is an abundant supply of natural gas, driven mostly as a by-product of oil drilling.”

„ “Lack of infrastructure will prohibit being able to develop and connect supplies to growing markets.”

equipment finance solutions, as well as treasury management,

international lines of credit, purchasing cards and credit cards

COMMITTED TO SMALL BUSINESSES

Small businesses are the backbone of any community playing a vital role in the local economy As a community-focused bank, Arvest uniquely positions itself to meet the challenge of lending to small businesses with deep insights into local economic conditions and business opportunities in the Tulsa region. Arvest is an SBA-preferred lender and offers several accounts and services to support small businesses including checking and savings accounts and credit cards

A PARTNER TO HELP

NAVIGATE AND GROW

Today’s high interest-rate environment doesn’t mean business owners should cancel much-needed expansions or projects While the lending landscape is different for business owners, it’s different for banks, too With liquidity tightened across the industry, banks are being more strategic, making

relationship-based lending decisions rather than transactional ones

As a top lender in the region, Arvest has helped business owners navigate various economic challenges for decades The bank relies on building a strong relationship with the customer to help provide appropriate guidance not just a single focus on closing the next loan, but ensuring its customers are financially healthy and able to deal with different business and economic scenarios

Business owners with plans for growth or expansion need a bank that can accommodate their changing financial needs Scalability ensures that the bank’s services can grow as they grow At Arvest, customers can start the transaction and know they can finish their plans with the bank rather than piecemeal future capital needs through more than one institution.

Business owners should mandate a higher level of service and a banking partner that understands the economy with a vision to assess, plan and pivot together to accomplish business objectives

Learn more at arvest.com.

Ar vest Bank is a Member FDIC.

This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its crea tion or display

content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more informa tion contact sales@branda vestudios.com.

ads special event management and beyond.

Another way Tulsa World Media Company helps support and grow businesses is through recruitment efforts and a robust online jobs board. The company hosts a popular career fair that helps connect businesses with talent.

TARGETED REACH, MEET YOUR CUSTOMERS WHERE THEY ARE

The full functioning digital agency is equipped with data and insight tools that can reach niche audiences in any market across the United States and across the globe

“We have a strong readership and it’s a very affluent audience But we also can reach any place in the

U.S nationwide that a client wants to reach, Rinehart said. This capability extends to global markets as evidenced by her recent interaction with a client based in Italy, highlighting The Tulsa World’s ability to connect businesses with audiences far beyond the local scene

An increasingly popular way to target audiences, she observed, is distributing ads on streaming services “We can help get you in front of those who are now streaming on different platforms,” she said. This service is particularly relevant in today’s media landscape, where traditional marketing channels are increasingly supplemented or even replaced by digital streaming platforms

SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY BUDGET

Customers needing help with small to comprehensive campaigns can count on Tulsa World Media Company

“We can help customers with a range of budgets and we stretch your dollars as far as they can go Rinehart said.

A NEW ERA “From crafting digital campaigns that spark engagement to creating print materials that leave a lasting impression, we offer a comprehensive suite of services, said Rinehart. “Think of us as the storyteller you’ve always known, now ar med with a multimedia toolbox and a passion for helping your brand thrive

So, let’s rewrite the narrative together.” With a broad array of services, from digital advertising to event management, and a commitment to leveraging data for client success, The Tulsa World stands ready to meet the advertising needs of businesses both locally and globally The Tulsa World, where its heritage as a trusted news source is just the beginning of what it has to offer

To learn about how Tulsa World Media Company can help grow your business send an email to advertising@tulsaworld.com, call 918-581-8510 or complete the for m at tulsaworld.com/for ms/advertise and someone will be in touch with you.

vestudios.com.

Startup success: Advice for older entrepreneurs

KATHLEEN FURORE Tribune News Service

Starting a small business is an exciting but stressful venture — especially if you’re considering doing it after turning 50. What are some obstacles older entrepreneurs face, and how can they decide if the time is right to launch a business when many people are beginning to plan for retirement?

While an older entrepreneur will face some obstacles, the thing to remember is that anyone who launches a business always will, according to Mike Shapiro — himself an entrepreneur and a co-founder and CEO of EQTY Forbes Global Properties and of startup Plunk.

“Obstacles are always the same — capital, knowledge, passion and physical capacity,” Shapiro says. “An older entrepreneur probably has more of the first three and less of the last. If an older person wants to start a business, they are always in a better position because of their experience and exposure as well as fewer of the fears that younger people have associated with entrepreneurship.”

In fact, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, “People who start businesses in their 40s, 50s and even into their 60s typically succeed as well if not better than younger entrepreneurs.”

Maurizio Petrone, founder and CEO of MustReadQuotes.com, understands the frame of mind many older entrepreneurs are in; he launched his digital media startup company after turning 40 and says he can share firsthand experiences on late-age entrepreneurship — “the major roadblocks” that these people face, “especially post-50”:

 Reluctance to adopt and embrace new technologies.

 Health considerations.

 Concern for financial security.

 Fear of failure.

So how can someone who wants to launch a business later in life increase the chances of success? Business experts weigh in with some advice.

 Begin with self-assessment.

“This includes evaluating personal strengths, weaknesses and motivations,” explains Travis Kliever, global business development adviser at RemotePad. “Why do you want to start a business at this stage in your life? Is it for financial reasons, a passion project or a desire to make a change? Understanding your ‘why’ is crucial.”

 Assess your financial situation. As Kliever notes, unlike younger entrepreneurs, at 50 people need to consider their proximity to retirement.

“This involves evaluating the impact of the business on retirement plans, the amount of capital you can risk and the financial cushion you have to support the business in its early stages,” he says. Petrone agrees.

“Have an adequate financial cushion,” he says. “It can provide the necessary stability and security during the initial stages of entrepreneurship.”

 Consider your health and energy levels.

“Ensure that you are in a position to handle the stress and workload that comes with entrepreneurship,” Kliever advises.

 Create a well-thought-out business plan. This is more than a suggestion — Petrone says it is essential for any entrepreneur, regardless of age.

“It helps set clear goals and strategies for success,” he stresses.

Part of this step should involve conducting thorough market research.

“Understand the industry you’re entering, the competition

and the target market,” Kliever says. “This will help in identifying a viable business opportunity that aligns with your skills and experience.”

 Develop a zeal for learning. You’ll have to learn new skills to navigate what Petrone calls “the ever-evolving business landscape” — especially the technologies now so crucial to achieving success.

 Maintain an enduring passion for your industry. This should include a desire to connect with younger customers, which Petrone notes is advantageous for late-age entrepreneurs.

 Evaluate your support system.

“The backing of family and friends can be crucial in providing emotional support and practical

It’s never too late to start a business.

help,” Kliever says.  Ensure the business aligns with your life goals. It should complement your lifestyle preferences and long-term aspirations, Kliever says.

“The best advice I can give to an older entrepreneur is to know what you are really good at and have been successful during your lifetime,” Shapiro says. “It is most likely something that you are passionate about, are significantly more capable (of doing) and have the ability to see a need for a specific product or service. That creates the most opportunity for profit and success as well as personal fulfillment and enlightenment. Perhaps it is the perfect time to pursue passions that you didn’t have the bandwidth to explore earlier in life.”

continue to be offered in the fall.

Pop the champagne “Moulin Rouge! the Musical” is the winner of 10 Tony® Awards including Best Musical and will open the season Aug. 6 to 18, 2024.

From Oct. 15 to 20, 2024, the stage is “startin’ somethin’” when Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Tulsa in “MJ – The Musical, the multi-Tony® Award-winning new musical focused on the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour “Mrs Doubtfire” tells the hilarious and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids when it plays Nov 12 to 17, 2024.

Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, “Les Misérables” tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Catch it Jan. 21 to 26, 2025.

“Clue,” the ultimate whodunnit based on the classic Hasbro board game and the 1985 Paramount Pictures movie, will leave you dying of laughter during its run Feb 11 to 16, 2025.

Season

When family, faith and finances spell success

The origin stories of great privately owned companies are often closely aligned with the personal histories of their founders

For Tulsa-based Integrity Financial Services and CEO Terrilyn Brownfield, the fir m’s name alone speaks volumes Starting in 2008, she built the enterprise on the unwavering conviction that integrity is the foundation of trust, and that her clients would be treated with respect, honesty and transparency in pursuit of financial security

The importance of security and invaluable lessons from working hard, came to Brownfield at an incredibly young age

“My mother had a lot of children. I was the eighth out of 11, she said. “My father was dysfunctional, working sometimes not working other times, and my mother was putting in 10- to 12-hour days, six days a week at work.”

Brownfield did her part to help support the family, working in the fields in California from a young age “That’s hard work as a young person, she said, while acknowledging a hard-won lesson in independence: “I didn’t want to be in the same position as my mother was.”

Desiring a better life for her family, Brownfield found a job that would allow her to work from home in order to spend more time with her son. Employment as an insurance agent provided just that, but it also did something more

Rather than focusing on generating revenue from the sale of new insurance policies and products, Brownfield discovered a passion for helping protect and advance one of the most important aspects of people’s lives: their finances But after getting a job at

a financial services company and seeing that clients weren’t being treated with full honesty or integrity, she left to for m Integrity!

Education underlies her 20-plus years’ experience in the financial services industry, beginning with a bachelor of science degree from Bartlesville Wesleyan College in Oklahoma. Focused on helping people over 55 develop and maintain a financial roadmap aligned with their beliefs and values she later earned a CRPC (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor) designation. In addition to educating clients through seminars and in one-on-one meetings Brownfield posts educational content on the fir m’s social media pages

Family and faith also matter to this successful entrepreneur Today the Integrity team includes her husband, Ed Brownfield, and grandson, Kody

Brownfield. Fundamental to the company’s success, Brownfield believes, is her trust in God, who she says has entrusted her to treat all people with dignity, compassion and integrity

Understanding that financial services is a relationship business, Brownfield spends considerable time building long-ter m relationships with the clients she considers members of the family

“In order for me to really help someone I have to get to know them,” she said. “I ask a lot of questions to make sure that I understand how I can help them. When

New partnership boosts student enrollment

Saint Francis and RSU collaborate to tackle Oklahoma’s nursing crisis

“It’s allowed us to expand our capacity so less students who are qualified are out there just waiting to get in.”

— CARLA LYNCH, director of health sciences at RSU, commenting on the

between Claremore-based RSU

Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa

TIM STANLEY

Tulsa World

The fact that Oklahoma has an ongoing shortage of nurses was not really a motivating factor in Diane Mbetsi’s decision to become one.

“Nurses have this hands-on experience with patients that doctors don’t really get. That’s what solidified the choice,” said the Broken Arrow High School graduate, who considered different options for entering the medical field.

At the same time for Mbetsi, a Rogers State University nursing student, it’s a good feeling knowing that she won’t lack for job opportunities.

In fact, there’s a strong chance she already knows where her first nursing job will be.

Mbetsi is one of the first students to take advantage of a new extended campus partnership between Claremore-based RSU and Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, which officially launched last fall.

Among the many benefits for both partners, the hospital will have a ready pool of nurses like Mbetsi on hand from which to hire.

Mbetsi is among 32 students currently taking classes on site at the hospital, including a cohort of 16 that just started this spring semester.

The RSU Saint Francis campus is located at Saint Francis’ main hospital, where it features the only hospital-based simulation center in the region.

As part of the partnership, Saint Francis hired five full-time faculty members.

Part of a Saint Francis strategic initiative to recruit registered nurses through academic partnerships, the program is being underwritten for the first three years by a grant from The William K. Warren Foundation.

To account for retirements and future growth, the health system needs to hire over 600 nurses a year.

Saint Francis’ goal is to hire 80% of the graduates from its partnerships, including with RSU.

Carla Lynch, director of health sciences at RSU, said the partnership allows RSU’s nursing program to take on more qualified applicants, helping overcome the need for space and faculty.

“It’s allowed us to expand our capacity so less students who are qualified are out there just waiting to get in,” she said. “Every admission cycle, we have had to turn away qualified applicants.”

The high fidelity simulation center, also available for use by hospital doctors and staff, is state of the art and provides students with real world medical scenarios.

It includes various patient mannequins, along with four suites that simulate inpatient rooms in medical/surgical nursing, critical care, labor and delivery, trauma and pediatrics settings.

Another student taking advantage of the partnership, Michael Lamont, wants to be a pediatric nurse.

“The hope was that I will get my foot in the door and I would be a little more familiar with a unit so when it’s time to get a job, I can come on and it’s not new to me,” he said.

A Bakersville, California, native, Lamont moved to Tulsa, where his mother lives, to attend nursing school.

Like Mbetsi, he wanted a medical career, and chose nursing because of the personal interaction with patients.

Mbetsi is a native of Cameroon who lived several years in Spain before moving to Oklahoma. She would like to be an intensive care or ER nurse, she said.

In addition to her classes, she works as a medical assistant at Saint Francis.

The option to attend the Saint Francis campus is available to juniors and seniors working toward a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing at RSU.

The ultimate plan is to serve 64 nursing students — 32 juniors and 32 seniors — at Saint Francis annually.

tim.stanley@tulsaworld.com

Saint Francis rn c heryl Sherill holds an infant simulator in the hallway of a demonstration hospital room. The simulator has highly realistic anatomy and lifelike features to help train students.

The rSu Saint Francis campus is located at Saint Francis’ main hospital, where it features the only hospital-based simulation center in the region.

aJ Eagleton, Saint Francis manager of clinical education, demonstrates how simulators are used in a demonstration hospital room at Saint Francis’ main hospital.

aJ Eagleton, Saint Francis manager of clinical education, and Keri Gerkin, the director of the department of education at Saint Francis, are shown in one of four suites that simulate inpatient rooms in medical/surgical nursing, critical care, labor and delivery, trauma and pediatrics settings.

partnership

and

Multilingual classrooms growing

Dual-language programs expand at Tulsa Public Schools

LENZY KREHBIEL-BURTON

Tulsa World

The students in Raquel Sorli’s kindergarten class at Springdale Elementary School were starting to fidget and squirm on the carpet.

“Clase, clase,” Sorli called out in Spanish.

“Sí, sí, sí,” responded the chorus of 5- and 6-year-olds, immediately quieting down.

With multilingual students now accounting for 36% of Tulsa Public Schools’ overall enrollment, the district is incorporating more dual-language classrooms like Sorli’s to simultaneously bolster English language learners’ academic skills and introduce English-speaking students to a new language.

The most frequently spoken languages among the district’s English language learners are Spanish, Chuukese, Hmong, Pashto and Marshallese.

“We fully believe in supporting the language and culture of all our students. We don’t want any child to lose their Native language.”

— REBECCA BACON, principal at Springdale Elementary School

Springdale is one of seven neighborhood elementary schools around Tulsa to offer dual-language instruction in both English and Spanish, along with Celia Clinton, Cooper, Disney, Kendall-Whittier, Sequoyah and Skelly.

Dual-language instruction is also offered at three magnet elementary schools — Zarrow, Eisenhower and Felicitas Mendez at Ralph J. Bunche — and one magnet middle school.

Initially launched as a one-way program, Springdale is in the process of transitioning to a two-way program across all grades.

Currently, all Springdale students have math in English and social studies and science in Spanish. Children in pre-kindergarten through second have language arts instruction in their dominant language — either English or Spanish — then in both once they get to third grade.

In Sorli’s kindergarten classroom, the posters and signs on the wall are almost all in Spanish. However, on the other side of the building, the posters and signs in third grade math teacher Justin Yozzo’s room are a mix of numbers, English and math symbols.

Unlike Sorli, Yozzo does not speak Spanish fluently but has picked up words and phrases from his students and incorporates them as needed when working one-on-one with multilingual students.

“When the teacher models that they are also a student, the students feel more comfortable to learn and make mistakes and grow,” he said. “I ask the students to teach me Spanish all the time so they know that I’m a learner. That’s why I’m able to now use it a little bit in the class.

“Of course, I’m sure it’s broken, but the kids help me out and they understand a little better.” Although multilingual students already account for more than one-third of TPS’ enrollment, that figure is continuing to climb.

During the district’s February presentation to the Oklahoma State Board of

Education, TPS Executive Director of Information Technology and Analytics Sean Berkstresser said the district is adding an average of 78 newcomer students per school week. During the fall semester, that figure was more than 100 students per week.

At the district level, newcomers are defined as multilingual students who have attended an American school for two years or less.

At Springdale alone, 50 additional newcomer students have enrolled since the start of the school year, Principal Rebecca Bacon said.

Most of Springdale’s newcomers speak Spanish as a first language, and the school’s front office is entirely bilingual in English and Spanish.

However, the school’s English Language Development teachers previously learned basic Pashto phrases to be able to communicate with Afghan refugee students who attended the school.

“We fully believe in supporting the language and culture of all our students,” Bacon said. “We don’t want any child to lose their Native language.”

TULSA WORLD ARCHIVE

Eighth-grader Martín Garcia-Morales, who speaks Spanish, French and English, reads a book in French to a group of kindergarten through second grade students at Eisenhower International School. Multilingual students account for 36% of Tulsa Public Schools’ overall enrollment.

MIKE SIMONS , TULSA WORLD ARCHIVE English language development teacher Matthew Luria works with Victoria Briceno de Franca and alicia Matias Pablo in newcomers-English language development class at East central high School. newcomers are defined as multilingual students who have attended an american school for two years or less. Tulsa Public Schools adds an average of 78 newcomer students per school week. during the fall semester, that figure was more than 100 students per week.

TULSA WORLD ARCHIVE

Third-graders complete a Spanish-language worksheet at Eisenhower International School during a summer session. Eisenhower is among three magnet elementary schools and one magnet middle school that offer dual-language instruction.

TULSA WORLD ARCHIVE

The most frequently spoken languages among Tulsa Public Schools’ English language learners are Spanish, chuukese, hmong, Pashto and Marshallese.

Tulsa Ports: Fueling Ok lahoma’s economy through job creation

As a centrally located manufacturing and shipping hub, Tulsa Ports is a vital link to national and global supply chain channels for the state of Oklahoma. The Ports’ Catoosa and Inola locations are major economic drivers, facilitating the movement of goods into and out of Oklahoma.

But the fast-moving flow of commodities and the innovation required in the growing manufacturing industry demands a large workforce setting up Tulsa Ports as a powerhouse of job creation in the region.

With over 70 companies operating within the two industrial park locations, there is a need for an array of skilled professionals and entry-level workers in a range of specialties, from operations and logistics management to maintenance and production. But no matter the company or the role, these positions ultimately offer stable, well-paying careers that contribute to the livelihoods of individuals and families across the state

The multitude of career opportunities cater to diverse skill sets and qualifications These positions often serve as steppingstones for career advancement for individuals at varying stages in their careers As individuals gain expertise they can progress into supervisory roles or explore additional certifications and qualifications to continue moving forward in their career paths Many companies also welcome recent high school graduates, providing ample opportunities for on-the-job technical training or apprenticeships

“There is truly a job for everyone at Tulsa Ports, no matter the background or experience you have,” said Sheila Shook, director of workforce and education with the Tulsa Ports Port Authority “We see young adults straight out of high school who are receiving on-the-job training to help them make a life and career for themselves, all the way to individuals in upper-level management at companies they’ve worked with for 40 years.”

advertisers with a targeted

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TULSA PORTS

PARTNERSHIPS PROVIDE EXPANDED REACH

Through partnerships with local technical colleges high schools and employment service organizations Tulsa Ports continues to drive new career placements for Oklahomans and help grow the workforce Tulsa Technology Center and Tulsa Community College both offer Foundations of Manufacturing programs embedded in several high schools in the Tulsa area, allowing participating students to graduate high school with a true career plan. The Port Authority continues to work with these partners and many more to attract the current and next generation workforce

A SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC IMPACT

The availability of careers at Tulsa Ports holds paramount importance for Oklahoma’s economy As one of the state’s major economic engines the Ports contributes to the creation of a wide range of employment opportunities fostering consumption,

increasing tax revenues and supporting the local economy The ripple effect of job creation extends beyond Tulsa Ports and its companies benefiting various sectors statewide including agriculture wholesale and retail, and presenting an opportunity for overall economic growth and development.

The career availability at Tulsa Ports unlocks economic potential, strengthens the state’s transportation, manufacturing and logistics sectors, and supports numerous industries beyond the bounds of Tulsa Ports’ industrial parks and waterway Tulsa Ports provides a strong foundation for career growth, enabling the state’s labor force to remain agile and ensure long-ter m economic stability Tulsa Ports plays a significant role in job creation in the state further fostering economic growth and the prosperity of the region and solidifying its position as an economic powerhouse in the heartland of the United States For more infor mation about Tulsa Ports please visit tulsaports.com.

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through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more informa tion contact sales@branda vestudios.com.

The

Tulsa remains significant music town

Billboard magazine first spotlighted Oklahoma music more than five decades ago

Billboard letter

This letter, dated Sept. 28, 1973, was published in a 1973 issue of Billboard magazine that showcased Oklahoma’s music scene.

Dear Billboard, I’ve been accused of being Oklahoma’s No. 1 booster, mainly because of my role as chairman of the state’s Tourism and Recreation Commission.

But my pride is based on fact.

We’re quite proud of Oklahoma’s position in the world of show business, and particularly pleased with the rapid growth of Oklahoma-based music and recording operations.

Of course your readers know that many of the top talents in the music business today have Oklahoma roots. I couldn’t begin to name them.

Of course I’m also greatly pleased that Billboard has researched the Oklahoma scene and is helping us tell the music world about the many people and firms in our state who are important to the music industry.

Oklahoma’s a great place to work or play. Thanks, Billboard, for recognizing our state.

Sincerely, George Nigh, lieutenant governor of Oklahoma.

In 2020, Rolling Stone identified Tulsa as one of eight cities where live music is “exploding.”

JIMMIE TRAMEL Tulsa World

Fifty years and four months ago, a magazine headline told readers something that remains true today.

“Oklahoma Hums With Musical Activity” was a top-of-the-page headline on Billboard’s cover.

The music and entertainment industry magazine’s Nov. 19, 1973, issue focused on Oklahoma’s burgeoning presence in the music world.

“Music Erupts Among the Oil Fields,” said a headline that introduced 20-plus pages of interior content about music in Oklahoma.

Tulsa was mentioned first and foremost, with readers learning about entertainment impresario Jim Halsey and Leon Russell’s Church Studio. Englishman Denny Cordell, who coowned Shelter Records with Russell, was interviewed for the story. At that time, Shelter Records had offices in Los Angeles and Tulsa. Church Studio was a Tulsa recording studio and workshop for artists on the Shelter Records label.

An advertisement in the issue listed many music artists who had recorded at Church Studio. Another advertisement congratulated Tulsa resident Roy Clark, country music’s reigning entertainer of the year.

Current Church Studio owner Teresa Knox owns a copy of the “Oklahoma” issue of Billboard. It’s a cool piece of history. But Tulsa’s status as a music town has been elevated in the five decades since that issue of Billboard was published.

Consider: An advertisement in the issue was devoted to Tulsa’s concert-ready venues — the Assembly Center, Mabee Center and Fairgrounds Pavilion.

Want to compare Tulsa’s concert venues then and now? BOK Center is in its 16th year of operation and annually attracts the biggest headlining acts in music. Three Tulsa casino venues — The Cove, Hard Rock Live and Skyline Event Center — book touring artists. Mabee Center remains part of the concert landscape along with Tulsa Theater and Cain’s Ballroom, which is celebrating a centennial and is more appreciated now than when the ink was still fresh on the Billboard article. Robert Plant and Alison Krauss are kicking off a summer tour as part of Cain’s Ballroom’s 100th birthday celebration.

In 2020, Rolling Stone identified Tulsa as one of eight cities where live music is “exploding.” That was two years before Church Studio rejoined the fray.

Knox purchased Church Studio and spared no expense in making the recording studio a destination for music makers and music lovers. Church Studio sometimes hosts intimate concert events. The Turnpike Troubadours, in recording a SiriusXM concert there in January, joined Bill Champlin, Kenny Loggins, George Thorogood, Taj Mahal, Jimmy Webb, Air Supply and John Ford Coley as Church Studio performers. Tulsa’s new reputation isn’t “only” music city. Tulsa is a music education city. The Bob Dylan Center, home of the Dylan Archives, attracts visitors from around the globe to downtown Tulsa. A few doors down from the Bob Dylan Center is the Woody Guthrie Center, devoted to the Oklahoma-born folk singer. Church Studio’s archives tell a story all their own and the yet-to-open Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture hopes to someday share the stories of Oklahoma creatives in many entertainment fields.

Tulsa and Oklahoma have become increasingly visible in the film and television industry. Tulsa filmmaker Sterlin Harjo’s shot-in-Oklahoma and critically acclaimed series “Reservation Dogs,” wrapped a three-year run in 2023, the same year that Martin Scorsese’s shotin-Oklahoma film “Killers of the Flower Moon” was released. Scenes from both ventures were filmed in Tulsa. Harjo will reunite with “Reservation Dogs” guest star Ethan Hawke for a new project that will be shot in Tulsa this year.

jimmie.tramel@tulsaworld.com

CAMBRY SHIELDS , TULSA WORLD ARCHIVE homegrown music artist Wyatt Flores sold out a cain’s Ballroom show in February.

CAMBRY SHIELDS , TULSA WORLD ARCHIVE a sold-out crowd watched Wyatt Flores headline a show at cain’s Ballroom in February.

TULSA WORLD ARCHIVE

The Eagles performed at BOK center for a sixth time in February.

JIMMIE TRAMEL , TULSA WORLD ARCHIVE church Studio was illuminated when the Turnpike Troubadours recorded a SiriusXM concert there in January.

MIKE SIMONS , TULSA WORLD ARCHIVE

Bob dylan center opened in 2022 in the Tulsa arts district.

the enrollment numbers have almost tripled for the upcoming academy Tulsa Tech offers two academies a year, running from February through May and July to November Tulsa Tech partners with regional police departments sheriff ’ s offices and the Cherokee Nation Marshall Service to teach legal block, firear ms defensive tactics and field sobriety testing, to name a few

“I’ve spoken to a couple of chiefs of police about the last academy They like having their cadets close and they are really excited about what they are learning here We have a great group of adjunct instructors that we utiliz e from multiple agencies, and I believe the level of training they are getting is what sets us apart from everywhere else, Colbert said.

Tulsa Tech also facilitates the fire academy in coordination with OSU Fire Service Training. The eightweek training includes classes on flammable liquids and gas, air management, standpipe, vehicle extrication and more Prior to 2020, fire departments would

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have to send their firefighters to Guymon, Elk City or Durant for certifications, costing the state more than $20,000 for each trainee Tulsa Tech has served firefighters from Bixby, Claremore, Sand Springs, Sapulpa and Verdigris, allowing their staff to stay local and work when they aren’t attending a training session.

In addition, Tulsa Tech houses a VirTra V-300 firear ms training simulator, which is a five-screen, nearly 360-degree virtual training machine that can put police officers in situations such as high-risk traffic stops, high-risk search warrants, active shooters and de-escalations

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“The training simulator saves our police departments money and provides a virtual training environment for any situation, said Joey Johnson, Client Services Coordinator “There are only two of these machines in the state, and we are fortunate to be able to help serve our local law enforcement.”

Whether it is police, fire or EMT, Tulsa Tech plays a vital role in providing training for our local public safety organizations Get the training you need to get to work. Learn more about over 80 full-time career programs and hundreds of part-time classes at tulsatech.edu.

This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its crea tion or display

content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more informa tion contact sales@branda vestudios.com.

Multi-state partnerships and modernization of MidAmerica Industrial Park are key to Oklahoma’s future economy

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“The future of economic development and quality of life initiatives are strengthened through the blending of political and geographic boundaries between the greater Tulsa region in Northeast Oklahoma and the expanding Bentonville region in Northwest Arkansas,” MidAmerica CEO David Stewart said.

MidAmerica Industrial Park is centrally located between Tulsa and Northwest Arkansas home to five Fortune 500 companies Additionally MidAmerica is also located within the historic boundary of the Cherokee Nation, the largest tribe in the U.S which further supports the region with an economic and social contribution of more than $1 billion annually Northeast Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas are joined together by environmental, cultural and fundamental interests, not just boundaries

“Partnering on economic development and legislative initiatives will leverage our regions’

industry concentrations, labor pools, infrastructure and pro-business government in order to compete globally for a talented workforce, capital investment and new jobs, Stewart said.

Recent examples of this burgeoning partnership are the consolidated efforts by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Arkansas Department of Transportation to convert the U.S Highway 412 corridor to an Interstate status This would not only further leverage economic development goals to enhance transportation and distribution of manufacturing products but will also expand the labor force recruitment region.

Additionally, the two regions are collaborating on quality-of-life initiatives by connecting bike trails preserving the environment and investing in STEM education. The recently opened WOKA Whitewater Park on the border of the Arkansas and Oklahoma state lines is a public-private partnership between the Grand River Dam Authority city of Siloam Springs Arkansas and the Walton Family Foundation.

These multi-state partnerships leverage MidAmerica’s momentum and drive to modernize the industrial park into a multifaceted employment center

During the last decade, MidAmerica’s Board of Trustees has made conservative, strategic capital investments of almost $80 million to supercharge and expand development at MidAmerica.

“The investments in transportation, education, workforce development, new housing, infrastructure and other place-making assets ensure MidAmerica is more durable more competitive and more prepared to meet the high demands of current and future industries Stewart said. “We are embracing our natural assets critical to state economic success.”

New and existing industries are seeking resources in abundant water and reliable, low-cost energy in order to expand, but also a skilled labor force embedded in a resilient economy With more than 80 employers, MidAmerica Industrial Park supports the seven-county region where more than 4,500 workers live and raise families The labor shed market boasts more than one million people within a 45 mile radius and grows to

more than 1.5 million in a 60 mile radius

For the last decade, MidAmerica has made significant capital investments in driving a multi-county education and workforce training program called MidAmerica Delivers The program is a public-private partnership to identify the needs of local industry and customize programs to recruit, train and supply the workers needed for a company’s success

“At MidAmerica we continue to embrace nontraditional career pathways that are home to our industries ” Stewart said. “These strategic alliances with on-site educational partners deliver relevant programs and services our existing employers require.”

Yet, at the heart of these diverse outcomes a singular belief unites the participants: the conviction that shared regional prosperity supersedes isolated accomplishments MidAmerica Industrial Park’s dedication to fostering collaboration highlights its commitment to collective success to shape all of Northeast Oklahoma’s trajectory “We are at a crossroads, and we have a unique opportunity to transfor m our entire region by working together and for ming cooperative relationships between the public and private sectors,” Stewart said. “This is the right time for a forward-leaning vision and plan of action for connecting Tulsa to MidAmerica to Bentonville to create a super region and a true hub of manufacturing innovation and growth.”

For more infor mation about MidAmerica Industrial Park, please visit maip.com.

OSU’s impact truly makes this region ‘Orange Country’

While most Tulsa-area residents call it part of Green Country, those who have partnered with, graduated from or rooted for Oklahoma State University know that northeastern Oklahoma is truly Orange Country OSU’s presence, support for and impact on this community is without equal, and that impact grows with each passing year From the health sciences campus on historic Route 66, the teaching hospital downtown and clinics across the area, to the branch campus in the Greenwood District, Tahlequah medical school and workforce-focused programs in Okmulgee Tulsa and beyond, OSU touches the lives of this region today and for generations to come

A BOLD VISION TO IMPACT

OKLAHOMANS’ EVERYDAY HEALTH

The tremendous impact of OSU Center for Health Sciences emanates throughout the Tulsa region and across the state From being ranked No 1 by U.S News and World Report for educating future physicians to serve medical deserts in Oklahoma, to growing enrollment more than any other state higher education institution over the last decade, OSU-CHS is an innovative leader with an ambitious vision for improving the health of everyday Oklahomans And with telehealth initiatives expanding across the state OSU-CHS is bringing health care expertise where it is needed most.

One of the boldest parts of the vision is located in downtown Tulsa. The OSU Academic Medical District is a massive $650 million-plus vision of treatment and research and is the largest ever health care investment in downtown Tulsa. The district encompasses multiple city blocks, anchors downtown s western boundary and will feature state-of-the-art facilities and services including a new Veterans Hospital, Oklahoma Psychiatric Care Center, expanded OSU Medical Center and a new clinical trials research facility

The 275,000-square-foot, 58-bed Veterans Hospital, located in the for mer Kerr-Edmondson buildings, will serve the health care needs of veterans living in Tulsa and northeast Oklahoma. About 65,000 veterans live in the Tulsa area, and the new VA hospital, which opens in late 2025, will better serve patients through a partnership with the OSU Medical Center and residency programs with OSU Medicine

Due to open in late 2025, the Oklahoma Psychiatric Care Center is the next major piece of the Academic Medical District. The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will operate the 150,000-square-foot center which will double the number of beds in its existing facility in Tulsa. The new Oklahoma Psychiatric Care Center will offer expanded access to mental health services, some of which will be provided by OSU Medicine residents and physicians

Partnerships continue to be the bedrock of the OSU-CHS philosophy In May, the first class of medical students will graduate in Tahlequah from the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation. The impact these students will have on the health of rural and tribal Oklahomans is a generational game-changer

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

OKLAHOMA’S

WORKFORCE LEADER

OSU not only excels in health sciences but also stands out for its commitment to workforce development, industry collaboration and deep ties to the community OSU’s presence in Tulsa extends beyond traditional academic programs, encompassing a wide array of initiatives aimed at providing educational opportunities and fostering partnerships within the community

The commitment to meeting the workforce needs of northeastern Oklahoma’s economy shows in two rapidly growing initiatives

The College of Professional Studies, housed at OSU-Tulsa’s downtown campus, provides opportunities for working adults to advance in their careers while staying in the workforce Flexible classes are available online or hybrid, with varying start dates and allow individuals to pursue education while balancing work, family and other commitments The degree and non-credit professional development programs are tailored to provide career-ready experience for aspiring leaders in industries including health care, manufacturing, finance and public service OSU Polytech offers advanced technology degree and certificate programs, including those offered by the OSU Institute of Technology in Okmulgee and Tulsa. OSUIT equips students with the practical skills and knowledge required to succeed in today’s competitive job market, with 90% of students securing a job before they graduate Through working with industry leaders, aligning curriculum to the latest industry job trends, including real-world experiences and providing flexible learning opportunities, OSU Polytech embodies OSU’s land-grant mission of education, research and outreach.

OSU’s commitment to workforce development is complemented by strong ties to the community OSU is embedded in northeastern Oklahoma, providing health care facilitating co-parenting and nutrition workshops offering STEM and reading camps engaging with local schools and building initiatives aimed at removing barriers to higher education from area communities Through these innovative programs and partnerships, OSU’s presence in northeastern Oklahoma is not only preparing citiz ens to begin or advance in successful careers, but also contributing to the economic vitality and quality of life in northeastern Oklahoma. The collective of partners, donors, alumni, students and employees know best how OSU’s impact makes Green Country “Orange Country.”

To learn more, visit orangecountry.okstate.edu.

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