Success Stories

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Tell us how you were able to identify out of the area purchases to bring back to the Tulsa area.  

Or tell us how you were able to help a company bring back dollars to our region by providing a new service or product to meet their needs.

Tell us when you had to hire a new employee because of a new customer.

To submit your success story  Click Here. 

Metal Panels Inc.

Metal Panels Inc. has always maintained a position of community stewardship, and the "Let's Do Business" program was a perfect fit for us. We examined our printing and office supply purchasing and found we can actually improve our bottom line by buying local. We serve local contractors, and we feel supporting local suppliers is the right thing to do. It's an added bonus when you gain profitability and service in the bargain! We consider this an ongoing process, and will continue to look for additional ways to "localize".

Accent Realtors & Meeks Group

When I needed to wrap/ label a moving truck that we give to our clients and the local community, I was told to go out of state by a national organization I belong to. I researched local businesses and found I could get the same work done here by Dave Grim at his business, The Sign Post (now a part of Meeks Group), for even less and I got it done faster and actually got to meet the owner. It just makes sense to keep it local and support our great community and businesses.

Paul Wheeler, Owner of Accent Realtors

Amazing Hoops

I was the owner of a Tulsa women's fitness center for four years. I tried a weighted fitness hoop and lost 8 inches and 12 lbs. in 2 months, hooping 10 minutes a day! It was really amazing...well, I began to get orders from my fitness center members and the vendor (from the state of Maryland) couldn't fill my orders. I soon realized that we had to start manufacturing our own. Within 6 months, I closed my fitness center, partnered with Amber, and we started Amazing Hoops full-time. We manufacture them right here in Tulsa and use a local manufacturer in Sapulpa for our materials.

Margie Sweet & Amber Munoz, Owners - Amazing Hoops

Anti Splash International

Our product was being manufactured mainly in California. We spent many hours and days searching for someone here in Oklahoma to work with at a comparable cost and were finally able to find them. Doing business with other people in the area benefits us greatly in the cost of our product. We now do all of our assembly here in OKC and Tulsa but due to the specialty of our material are unable to find a material supplier locally. We are always on the lookout however.

Chuck Rutterford, Co-Managing Partner - Anti Splash International

Stress Less Massage Therapy

Stress Less Massage Therapy recently decided to move from purchasing their massage products online to getting them from a local shop. “It’s nice being able to get my supplies without having to wait on the mail. I also save money in shipping charges which can then be put back into the business as well as help out a fellow business owner.”

Lara Carter, Owner – Stress Less Massage Therapy

Ihloff Salon & Day Spa

I had been on the group insurance from my national trade association. We had a false claim in our spa and we tried to protest, but the insurance company just paid off the claim and cancelled us.

Hannah Cole of Rich & Cartmill here in Tulsa has worked and worked to get us the absolute best coverage she can. She has been available to us through the whole stressful situation and has brought home to me how important the relationship aspect is in this sort of thing - and having a local partner to deal with face to face. Her father, Mike Cole, is a partner at Rich & Cartmill and has also been extremely helpful.

We are so happy to have a local insurance partner and one we trust. After we put the various policies together, we were able to sit down with Hannah, Mike, my husband Greg (our attorney)and our entire management team to talk about communication, risk management, and how best to work together.
 
I'm sold on a local partner and very happy to have Hannah.

Marilyn Ihloff, President – Ihloff Salon & Day Spa

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group - Phone Services

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, in years past, had contracted with multiple companies for phone systems which we use both here in Tulsa and in many of our corporate locations across the US. Over the past year, in conjunction with our business partner, EDS, an HP Company, we have done quite a bit of work with Broken Arrow based XETA Technologies. XETA Technologies assists in the installation and maintenance of phone systems nationwide and are currently in the process of providing us a program for our licensee locations.

Danny Bryant, Executive Director of Administration Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group

 Burnett, Inc. & Community Care

We really appreciate the Tulsa Metro Chambers effort to heighten our awareness of the benefits of buying locally. The "Let's Do Business" campaign is a boost for the Metro Tulsa economy as well as helping our local businesses. My company, Burnett Inc. Windows and Siding, has been blessed by being involved in Let's Do Business. Our biggest monetary success has been in switching our company's health insurance from an out of state company to a local company, Community Care. Not only are we saving over $25,000 annually, we also are receiving better service from our "local" agent. Thanks again to our Chamber's Small Business Council for working to keep our hard earned dollars at home and benefit our local economy.

Scott Burnett - Burnett Inc.

The Darryl Baskin Real Estate Specialists-McGraw Realtors

Our business has typically secured the services of southeast United States suppliers because of their low cost, but did not offer the immediacy of delivery and specialized service that American Direct Mail of Tulsa could offer. Price had been a defining point for us, and AMDS met the out-of-state low price and gave us superior service and timeliness, so we chose to go local, which also brought the postage paid back to our local post office, which aids their operations. This win-win opportunity could not have had a better outcome for us. 

TU chooses local contractor for New Faculty Club

Rod Koscheski, owner of American Building Contractors supervised the recent construction of a new Faculty Club located on the second floor of Allen Chapman Activity Center at The University of Tulsa. Hard wood floors and custom stained wood library panels provide an elegant and timeless environment. The quality mill work was created by renowned carpenter, Mike Nacke. The furnishings are upholstered in classic fabrics which compliment the overall English theme. Decorative lighting for the 3000 sq. foot space include brass reproductions of fixtures from England.

Phil Long, Tulsa interior designer, worked with Brian Jeffers, an architect from Beck Design and his engineers to create the floor plan and details.

Quote from Phil Long: "This has been a labor of love for President Upham and the TU faculty, a project that I have truly enjoyed this summer."  

OCV Control Valves

"An employee had been working on their first RFQ package for springs recently. After reviewing it together, we actually ended up eliminating two suppliers in Ohio and Illinois. Both parts, roughly $6,000 annually, are being placed with a local spring manufacturer here in Tulsa. I wouldn't have been as cognizant of the benefits of this change (beyond the fact it's saving money and time), had I not met with the Chamber about the Let's Do Business initiative, so thank you again. I'm proud to pass along our first move of business into the Tulsa area!"
- Robert Tipton, Sr. VP, Production & Supply Management of OCV Control Valves  

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc.

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. is making the Lets Do Business program a priority in their business as well. Not only have they made several shifts in their own purchasing habits, but they recently started an exclusive corporate discount for Lets Do Business participants. To take advantage of this special savings with Thrifty Car Rental, visit http://letsdobusiness.thrifty.com/ and book using Corporate #0010228541. For savings with Dollar Rent A Car, visit http://letsdobusiness.dollar.com/ and use Corporate #TA8497. Visit these websites to learn more about program benefits. This is an excellent example of how a company can make the program not only benefit the local economy, but also benefit the businesses they partner with.

Burkhart's Office Supply

We've started using QuikTrip for our fleet gasoline purchases. We had been using an out of state fleet service, but with the number of QuikTrip locations in Tulsa it really made sense to make the switch, especially since QuikTrip is a Let's Do Business member. Our drivers like it better as well.

We've also started buying our custom chair mats from Plastic Engineering on 44th street. They are locally owned and we much prefer to spend our money locally.
- Scott Robinett, President of Burkharts Office Supply  

Burnett, Inc.

Scott Burnett of Burnett, Inc. recently evaluated his purchasing habits and now works with Burkhart Office Supply for his office supply needs. He has switched his banking to Spirit Bank and Arkansas Valley State Bank. "It's not just a one time thing, I will be thinking about buying locally from now on." - Scott Burnett, Owner, Burnett, Inc.  

TPi Billing Solutions

TPi Billing Solutions has already successfully moved 3.2% of its 2006 dollars back to Tulsa and has set a goal of 9.2% for 2007. "It's simple economics. We all need to do our part to keep our spending dollars in our own economy." - Ray Thomas, President, TPi Billing Solutions  

L&M Office Furniture & Spirit Bank

L&M Office Furniture moved their 401K plan to one of the SpiritBank Business partners in Tulsa . Prior to the move, this plan was managed by a company in Indiana. The decision was made to bring the plan back to a local partner after research into the opportunities to change and improve it for employees. Tulsa business ingenuity tailored a plan that worked for us. Before, we were just a number and did not have much contact with our provider. L&M now offers a Super 401K, with company contributions in the form of profit sharing at the end of each year (regardless of whether the employee has contributed). This move not only returned the processing dollars to a local company, but offers L&M employees a better 401k plan and ensures that everyone gets to participate. In the future, L&M employees will have more money in their retirement account to spend in Tulsa!

L&M Office Furniture also returned the Corporate Visa Card and the personal Visa card of the company owners to Spirit Bank in Oklahoma. (It was formerly a “national” bank card). Initially, this was not made because rates were different, but rather viewed as an “incidental” that could just as easily be managed by a local company to keep those dollars here. As it turns out, the customer service attached to the SpiritBank Visa card saved us a lot. One of the personal Visa cards was stolen at an area restaurant one evening, and within an hour, the card was cancelled and a new card was in process. We had several conversations with the Credit Card Center, and not only did they turn a bad event around, they were empathetic towards our plight and followed up several times. There never were any more charges against that cancelled card…the thief did not have time to use it! 

Anderson Professional Systems Group, LLC & Seed Technologies, Inc.

The website for Anderson Professional Systems Group, LLC was being hosted by a national Internet Service Provider. "As a result of the 'Let's Do Business a Right Here, Right Now' initiative, the hosting and mail services are now provided by a local company, Seed Technologies, Inc." - Wayne Anderson, Anderson Professional Systems Group, LLC In addition, the website was redesigned by Seed Technologies, Inc.  

LaserWorks, Inc & Bank of Oklahoma

LaserWorks, Inc. is Oklahoma's Warranty Service Center for HP, Xerox, and many other printing equipment manufacturers. After pledging to give 5% back through the Let's Do Business Campaign, LaserWork's took the initiative to contact local companies regarding their services. Shortly thereafter, Bank of Oklahoma responded and is researching its buying practices to see how they could use LaserWorks' services. "The Let's Do Business Tulsa program is a great way for Tulsa area Businesses to be recognized. It benefits Tulsa and those who can utilize the goods and services we provide." - Mark Fritz, LaserWorks, Inc.  

Onyx Corporation & M.E.I. Labels

Jean Nicklas of Onyx Corporation needed to put labels on their printer cartridge boxes to identify them with their new brand name, Cartridges4All. He gathered several quotes from online sources, but thought it would be better to establish a relationship with a local label company if possible. M.E.I. Labels of Tulsa was able to do the custom labels they needed. "I was very pleased with their products, their pricing, and the treatment I received." - Jean Nicklas, Onyx Corporation  

P&R Supply & BOK

Bank of Oklahoma was buying backup batteries from an out-of-state company. Hari Musapeta of P&R Supply who specializes in batteries made a proposal that would save money, time, and disposal. Bank of Oklahoma accepted his proposal and now is getting its backup batteries from P&R Supply. "It would not have been possible without the Let's Do Business program." - Hari Musapeta, P&R Supply  

Accent Realtors & Lohrey and Associates:

I always look to make sure I'm sending checks on bills to local companies and noticed my accountant was out of state. I promptly hired our favorite local CPA, Bill Lohrey. It just pays to be aware and look for opportunities to keep our money here.
Paul Wheeler - Accent Realtors  

iLookLocal.com

When iLookLocal decided to go forward with our buy local internet shopping website, we found a local web developer (Geek Rescue), we chose a local printer (Odyssey Printing) and sales promotion companies (The T-Shirt Guy, Inc. and Signs Now). We also chose to do business with a locally owned and operated bank (SpiritBank).

The Let's Do Business program has benefited us already and will continue to because we choose to use it. When I was looking for a very specific aluminum water bottle to use as a sales promotion item, I searched on the internet. I was directed by several U. S. manufacturers to contact companies in Asia. However, when I emailed my request to the Tulsa Chamber Let's Do Business program, I was quickly referred to more than 8 companies in Tulsa that could secure the product for me.
Thank you Tulsa Metro Chamber for instituting the Let's Do Business campaign. In this world of global readiness it's good to know that we can still find what we're looking for right here in town and sometimes just around the corner!
Cynthia Outlaw iLookLocal.com 

Thunder Rock Sports Jewelry, LLC

I had been purchasing jewelry supplies through a supplier in New Mexico, but I recently began shopping at a local arts and crafts store and discovered that I can purchase comparable products when they are on sale and it is far less expensive.  I am bringing back 18% of my overall expenditures to the Tulsa area.  In addition, my company is saving on shipping and handling charges, therefore, I am able to be more competitive in my pricing structure.
Cyndy Smith- Thunder Rock Sports Jewelry LLC  

Rachel Wagner Etiquette and Protocol

As founder and director of Rachel Wagner Etiquette and Protocol, I am pleased to be a part of the Lets Do Business program in Tulsa. Several examples of recent purchases that have kept dollars in Tulsa have included: holiday cards, business etiquette seminar supplies and desk accessories from Office Depot, customized logo seals from Western Associates, wireless remote and thumb drive from a local electronics store, and new business cards from Quik Print, most of which Id have previously bought online. I also had my web design and graphic design done by a local web designer. Not only did these Lets Do Business purchases keep approximately $1,800 in Tulsa, but the expertise and friendliness that these local firms have shown to me clearly provides additional value. Truly, it makes sense to do business in Tulsa.
Rachel Wagner Rachel Wagner Etiquette & Protocol  

McCarty Insurance Services

Since joining the Lets Do Business Program, we purchase 100% of our printing and forms from one of two local Chamber Member companies, Allegra Print & Imaging and Burkharts Office Supply. We now purchase business cards, letterhead, folders, and other supplies we had previously been buying via an internet company from these local vendors.
Michael McCarty McCarty Insurance Services

Brecek & Young Advisors, Inc.

Before the Lets Do Business program, we were getting our printing for Brecek & Young Advisors done by a company outside of the Tulsa area. We have since started using Allegra Print & Imaging and have been very happy with the results. Allegra does a very good job and gives excellent service, delivering the finished product to our office.
Ron Sigler Brecek & Young Advisors, Inc.  

Adept Bookkeeping & National Computer Brigade, LLC:

Originally, I was using the services of Homestead for my website. Homestead is located in Menlo Park, California. Now National Computer Brigade, LLC services all of my website and computer technology needs. Not only do I feel better utilizing a local provider, but it has also been much more convenient and easier to communicate. I've just brought 6% of my total spending back to the local area.
Mysty Smith - Adept Bookkeeping 

Walden Energy, Office Depot, & The Mail Chute, Etc.:

When Walden Energy signed on for "Let's Do Business", I immediately let everyone in our Tulsa corporate office know about the campaign and to think about what changes we could make. I love the idea and believe it is so critical to our Tulsa economy and to small business. Alyn Saxby, Sr Contract Analyst, started researching how we could utilize Office Depot for more of our purchases; some of which we were purchasing over the internet. We almost always use Office Depot now. They deliver very quickly. If you time your orders correctly, you can get free delivery and utilize the many coupons they send to their customers. When the Holiday season came, we bought gifts locally and took them to the The Mail Chute, Etc. for packing and mailing - they did a superb job. We are a small woman-owned business with 7 employees and we are treated as well as any large corporation.
Linda Sullivan, Director of Operations - Walden Energy LLC 

Greer Appliance Parts & M.A.R.S., Inc.:

I am the third generation owner of Greer Appliance Parts. We are a locally owned company doing business since 1933. We have embraced the "Let's Do Business". I have turned all of our collection efforts from different agencies throughout the country to M.A.R.S., Inc. We are very happy with their service to our company. I have followed my Mother's advice and tried to give as much business to local companies as possible. Now with the recent campaign it has spurred me on to do more for our local business. Thank you for making Tulsa aware of the need to do business in Tulsa.
Lorenda Greer Stetler - Greer Appliance Parts 

Patterson Realtors & PC Computers and Software:

Buying locally is very important to Patterson, Realtors. We believe that we should keep our monies in the local economy. A perfect example of this philosophy was in the purchasing of computers for our office. In the past we purchased from Dell and with "Buy Tulsa" in mind, we decided to use a local vendor. Bryan Sensintaffer, PC Computer & Software Inc. ? beat Dell's price, had a better quality product and services the computers locally with one simple phone call to the owner. This is just one example of how buying locally was the best choice for Patterson, Realtors.
Chuck Patterson - Patterson Realtors