LEADERSHIP NOTES
Oklahoma City is clearly on a roll. Or to paraphrase the Mayor from his recent State of the City speech, Oklahoma City is always winning. We are competing at a high level, and we are successfully creating an ever more dynamic city to operate a business and raise a family. We all know that story, but it is time we amp up our efforts to tell the world, and we can make that happen by voting YES on August 27 to increase our hotel motel tax. The key to improving our image is to grow our outreach to visitors. Not only do we share the story of what a fantastic city this is, but we also reap the benefits of job growth and bringing billions of dollars into our economy. When a visitor comes to Oklahoma City, they leave as an ambassador of this place, telling friends, family and co-workers of their experiences here. The visitor today is tomorrow’s resident, business owner or investor. We have invested in world-class visitor amenities and assets, and to reach their full potential requires a steady influx of visitors, which will only materialize if we adequately tell our story. The cycle of development we have created with public investment in facilities and subsequent private investment has resulted in a dynamic restaurant and retail scene in our city. Visitors are a big part of their success and one we don’t want to take for granted. A growing visitor economy keeps these important quality of life amenities vibrant. Perhaps the most important aspect of this proposed tax increase is that others pay the bill. Visitors pay a total of more than $350 million a year in local taxes – well beyond what they pay on their hotel or lodging. These taxes provide vital city services. Please join me in voting YES on August 27. Visit the campaign website at www.promoteokc.com/support, where you will find tools to share this information with co-workers and friends. Help us spread the word about the election and our city’s next big opportunity. Onward! CONTENTS 12 OKC Set to Vote on Hotel Tax to Level the Playing Field 15 August Chamber Forum: The Impact of Health and Wellbeing on Business 18 Chamber Education Initiative underway with Director of Education Rhonda Baker 13 Oklahoma City Ranks Top 5 Among Best Run Cities
CHRISTY GILLENWATER President & CEO
READ CHRISTY’S VELOCITYOKC ONLINE STORY OF THE MONTH
‘Twisters’ Filming Map Highlights Oklahoma’s Cinematic Landscapes VELOCITYOKC.COM/ CHRISTYSPICK
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