The Tulsa Regional Chamber concluded its annual OneVoice Day at the Capitol today. The Chamber’s signature state advocacy trip brought 150 business and community leaders from the Tulsa region to Oklahoma City to discuss critical issues with elected officials.

The trip kicked off with an opening night legislative reception in the First National Center’s Library of Distilled Spirits. Attended by nearly 30 Oklahoma legislators, the reception allowed attendees to talk face-to-face with elected officials from across the state.

"When business leaders and legislators know each other by name, it makes a real difference in the policymaking process," said Katie Henke, senior vice president of government affairs for the Tulsa Regional Chamber. "This trip is all about strengthening those connections and ensuring our members have a voice in state government."

On Tuesday morning, attendees heard a discussion on film and television production in the state from Meg Gould, executive director of the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture, and Jeanette Stanton, director of the Oklahoma Film and Music Office. Later, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond addressed a breakfast audience at the First National Center.

“Oklahoma has the raw material to be a superstar state; we just need leadership willing to take risks,” Drummond said. “With the right leadership and partnerships, we can make Oklahoma a national leader in business and workforce development.”

Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell spoke to attendees at the Capitol, touching on workforce development and the impact of tourism on Oklahoma’s economy, highlighting the potential of the Route 66 centennial celebrations next year.

“Lieutenant Governor Pinnell continues to be a tremendous champion for Tulsa,” said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. “He’s always eager to engage with northeast Oklahoma’s business leaders and understands the issues that matter to our region.” 

Tina Parkhill, the Chamber’s vice chair of government affairs, moderated a panel discussion on workforce development that featured Kyla Guyette, CEO of the Oklahoma Workforce Commission; Sean Burrage, chancellor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education; and Brent Haken, state director of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.

The trip concluded with a drop-in from Sen. John Haste, who spoke with the group about key bills advancing through the legislature, and a Q&A session with Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, who took questions from the audience.