Tulsa Metro Chamber announces Benge to lead Government Affairs program

6.30.2011
Former Speaker of the House joins Chamber's staff

The Tulsa Metro Chamber's President and CEO Mike Neal announced today the selection of Chris Benge as the new senior vice president of government affairs leading the Chamber's local, state and federal legislative agendas.

"Chris' admiration at the State Capital is without equal," said Neal. "His diplomacy and ability to create a unified alliance across party lines is a valuable asset as the Chamber continues to grow our leadership coalition in Northeast Oklahoma."

The former speaker of the House and 12-year state representative is currently serving as Mayor Dewey Bartlett's director of intergovernmental and enterprise development since November 2010.

"Joining the Chamber staff presents a unique opportunity to develop policy that will help the region build on its successful accomplishments of the last few years," said Benge. "I appreciate Mayor Bartlett's objectives and vision in leading the City of Tulsa. His focus on energy, aerospace, river development, and creating a business-friendly climate will position Tulsa to prosper in the future. My role on his staff provided a great number of lessons on the inner workings of a municipal government and this insight will certainly assist me in the future."

Chamber leaders also reiterated their appreciation of Mayor Bartlett's partnership and his active participation in the creation of business-friendly policies.

"We fully anticipate continuing our success in working with City of Tulsa leadership in advancing the region's economic vitality through this appointment," said Dr. Gerard Clancy, Chamber chair and president and CEO of the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa. "The addition of Chris Benge to the Chamber's professional team will further benefit the City of Tulsa as well as other regional municipal partners."

In addition to working directly with the City of Tulsa, Benge will focus on collaborative relationships with Oklahoma's federal delegation, Gov. Mary Fallin, State Legislators, County Commissioners, regional Mayors, City Councilors, City managers, and area Chambers.

Each year the Chamber's leadership updates its long-term strategic plan to increase goals attributed to legislative success. To that end, the Chamber is committing even more resources to ensure a return on investment to the Tulsa region.

"The second phase of Tulsa's Future, the Chamber's regional economic development program, dedicates 17 percent of its five year investment to advocacy and outreach," said Neal. "Effectively funding this program enhances its capacity to build consensus with regional partners on priority issues and effectively influence state, federal and local legislation."

Benge was first elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 1998 and concluded his legislative service in November 2010 due to term limits. During his legislative career he served as chair of the Appropriations and Budget Committee for three years. Benge led the House of Representatives for approximately three years after he was selected Speaker of the House in 2008. His legislative priorities and successes include: funding for roads and bridges; education reform including performance pay and the state's endowed chair program; instituting a state energy policy; tax reform including elimination of the estate tax; and economic development funding to ultimately create a favorable business climate in the state.

As senior vice president of government affairs for the Chamber, Benge will oversee the development and management of the Chamber's government affairs program and the two political action committees, OklahomaBizPac and TulsaBizPac. The program involves working with volunteers and area leaders on developing public policy, identifying strategies to implement policies, creating and maintaining relationships with elected officials at all levels, and positioning the Chamber as the lead business organization for public policy relating to a positive business climate.

A large focus of the government affairs program is the annual creation and endorsement of the OneVoice state and federal legislative agendas. Last year, 38 regional partners and area Chambers supported the OneVoice agenda and actively advocated on its behalf. Task forces are currently meeting to draft prospective policies for presentation at the Chamber's Regional Legislative Summit on Aug. 11 at the DoubleTree Hotel at Warren Place.

"In 2011, new political landscapes have emerged at the state and national levels," said Neal. "Through our proactive efforts to influence business-friendly policies, the Chamber's government affairs staff collaborates with key Chamber volunteers to develop a comprehensive policy agenda representing the highest priorities of the Tulsa regional business community.
 
Benge begins his new role at the Chamber on Monday, August 1.


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