Tulsa Regional Chamber Chair, TEDC CEO’s legacy and the 2023 Inauguration
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2022 marked a great year of growth for the Tulsa Regional Chamber. They oversaw projects such as the 2022 PGA Championship generating $158 million in economic impact and other events such as the Big 12 wrestling championship, USA Volleyball, the Iron Man triathlon, the grand opening of the USA BMX Headquarters and the opening of the Bob Dylan Center.
Through all these accomplishments, Tulsa Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) had a voice at the table- the Board of Directors table to be exact. While most of these events took place in 2022, TEDC CEO Rose Washington-Jones served as the 2021 chamber chair while they were implemented.
TEDC CEO as Chamber Chair
In the 2021 Tulsa Regional Chamber report, Washington-Jones outlined her priorities as Board Chair which included a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and investing in young entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Her vision helped bring to life Oasis Fresh Market which addressed a food desert in north Tulsa and opened in May of 2021. The grocery store is operated Black-owned and was funded by TEDC in partnership with the City of Tulsa and City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper.
Washington-Jones also was Board Chair during the centennial commemoration of the Tulsa Race Massacre on Black Wall Street which brought national attention to the region and its history.
January 26, 2023 marked the last day for Washington-Jones as immediate past chair for the Tulsa Regional Chamber. She now will serve on the board as a member and past chair.
2023 Inauguration
At the 2023 Tulsa Regional Chamber Annual Meeting and Inauguration, 2022 Board Chair Kevin Gross, President and CEO of Hillcrest HealthCare System, introduced Tom Biolchini, chairman of Vast Bank, as the 2023 Board Chair.
“I’m honored to take on this role as chairman of the Tulsa Regional Chamber,” Biolchini said. “I hope to serve not only the Tulsa Regional Chamber in 2023, but to serve the city of Tulsa for the rest of my career.”
During the event, Biolchini outlined his focus for the organization in 2023 and his optimism for long-term regional growth.
“Others will see what we have created and they will be moved by it,” Biolchini said. “In some cases they will simply be impressed, in other cases they will decide to relocate their business conference, sporting event or home to our region. Together, let us build this community in energy, talent inclusion, love and respect and welcome those who are lucky enough to want to join us.”
For more information on the Tulsa Regional Chamber you may visit their website.
About TEDC Creative Capital
TEDC Creative Capital (aka TEDC) is a community development financial institution (CDFI) providing lending opportunities and learning programs to start-up or growing businesses. TEDC helps small companies operate more successfully, create jobs, and loans range from $500 to $10 million.
Visit the TEDC website or call 918-585-8332 for more information on loan and educational programs.