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What’s in store for the organization in 2010 and the coming years?
Tulsa’s Young Professionals (TYPros) leaders and members are focusing on a number of initiatives and programs in 2010 and the coming years. From business and community development to diversity, government relations and sustainability, the organization hopes to influence positive change in the Tulsa region.
Business development
Creating jobs for young professionals through new business attraction and existing business expansion is the focus of the TYPros Business Development Crew.
The crew will collaborate with TYPros’ Government Relations volunteers to make an impact on passing business-friendly bills and legislation at the state level. But the crew’s largest focus for 2010 is opening the doors of a business development center — similar to an incubator — for young entrepreneurs and startups that target the young professional demographic.
“The business development center will directly impact the economic development of downtown Tulsa and will carry with it quantitative results that will be a win-win for Tulsa and the entrepreneurs and businesses we support,” says Amie Roberg, 2010 Business Development Crew leader. “This project will immediately generate jobs and stimulate the Tulsa economy while providing young entrepreneurs a collaborative environment to thrive in and a trusted resource to lean on while taking their businesses from idea to reality.”
The project will not only offer affordable lease space in downtown Tulsa for startup companies, but it will also provide a “business café” for members to gain access to a short-term workspace, when needed, in the downtown area. Founding sponsor of the business development center is Arvest, which will provide a loaned executive to spearhead the center.
Sustainability
TYPros’ Sustainability Crew promotes eco-friendly practices in the metro area’s public and private sectors. The group started a new event series called “GreenSpeak” in 2009 featuring presenters including former Mayor Kathy Taylor, who discussed sustainable best practices.
The crew also hosted TYPros’ 2009 signature event, the Green Gala, which more than 300 young professionals attended. Many aspects of the event itself were eco-friendly: Bike parking was provided, décor was created from borrowed and found objects, catering included local produce and bands performed using solar power.
“Communities that show commitment to sustainability are more likely to attract and retain young professionals,” TYPros Executive Director Chris Oden says. “Because of this, and because being green improves our quality of life and our community, TYPros is committed to promoting green practices in the Tulsa area.”
To further this commitment, the Sustainability Crew is collaborating with the Government Relations Crew to create a legislative scorecard, which will be used to show citizens how state legislators vote on and support sustainability-related issues.
Community redevelopment
A new crew launched in 2010 to promote and advocate for progressive business development. The Community Redevelopment Crew aims to establish Tulsa and TYPros as leaders of the community redevelopment process.
Initiatives for the crew’s first year include applying for a community action grant, partnering with other relevant organizations and joining task forces to ensure young professionals have a voice in redevelopment efforts.
The remaining TYPros crews also have significant goals for 2010. For more information about additional TYPros initiatives, or to find out how to get involved, visit www.TYPros.org.
