The Tulsa Regional Chamber’s most recent Manufacturers’ Council meeting began with a surprise.

The Council presented Neosource President Bill Graif with a lifetime achievement award for his longstanding leadership in the manufacturing and aerospace fields, and for his philanthropic work locally and in Ghana.

“I’m so grateful for this community,” Graif said. “Thank you for this honor and for everything.”

Neosource has supported local groups such as the Tulsa Area United Way, Girl Scouts, John 3:16 and the Tulsa Day Center.

Brien Thorstenberg, vice president of economic development for the Chamber, presented the award to Graif. Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Chamber, praised Graif via a video played at the event.

“There’s been no one who’s been a better champion for small business, for aerospace, for manufacturing than Bill,” Neal said. “I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for the Chamber, for our community. There are so many schools, so many nonprofits in our community that have benefited your contributions, your thoughtfulness, your charity.”

In 2016, Graif met Joe Badoe, a painter from Ghana who worked on multiple Neosource projects. Badoe shared with Graif the need for equipment and materials for schools and libraries in many areas in Ghana, which immediately spurred Neosource into action.

That year Neosource sent a shipping container of windows, school supplies, desks, a piano, and other items to Ghana. It sent another container of supplies in 2019 and continues to do support work in the country today.

Following the Graif presentation, meeting sponsor Pro Recruiters and meeting host Fab Lab Tulsa gave overviews of their organizations.

Nathan Pritchett, executive director of Fab Lab Tulsa, shared how the organization can greatly increase the access of Tulsa residents and businesses to high-tech equipment.

“It’s just like joining a gym, but instead of a weight rack, you have a laser cutter,” said Pritchett. Fab Lab Tulsa last year engaged with 32 businesses, more than 4000 students and 15,000 community members.

Paul Slater and Ryan Tubbs of Billion Minds gave a presentation on how to build adaptable resilient employees. They dove into trends that began during the COVID-19 pandemic and how employers and employees continue to grapple with the changing landscapes.

Wrapping up the event, Mike Rothlein and Angela Strode of NORDAM facilitated a discussion on what priorities and topics the council should focus on for the remainder of the year.

Among those ideas were building awareness of manufacturing opportunities in schools, developing and retaining skilled local workers, and investing in site readiness.

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