By KWGS
Tulsa, OK – The Tulsa Metro Chamber and regional partners announced a united effort Dec. 12 to retain Tulsa's U.S. Postal Service mail handling facility-a modern, highly-efficient center that serves one of the nations' strongest metropolitan areas.
Employing nearly 600 people and serving the needs of northeastern Oklahoma's businesses, communities and citizens, the Tulsa Mail Processing and Distribution Center is an important part of the economic success of our region and beyond.
Closing the Tulsa center could cost the region millions, annually, and would endanger hundreds of jobs beyond the positions that would be eliminated by the proposed consolidation of the operation with the Oklahoma City center. The closure would result in the loss of nearly 400 indirect jobs in addition to those in the Postal Service and would have an economic impact of nearly $64 million a year.
Closure also would mean that all mail posted in Tulsa would be transported to the Oklahoma City Processing and Distribution Center, adding as many as several days to delivery time.
"This is not a viable option for our growing business community in northeastern Oklahoma," said Dr. Gerard Clancy, president of the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa and chair of the Tulsa Metro Chamber Board. "We join with our regional partners and businesses to preserve this important asset for our business communities and area citizens. Together, we want to enhance our region's economy and quality of life, not impede the efficiency of its businesses."
The Postal Service is accepting comments and input on the proposed closing of Tulsa's facility through Dec. 16, 2011. As a service to Tulsa Metro Chamber members and regional partners, the Chamber has prepared a letter which is pre-addressed to the appropriate officials.
Address to send letters (if you are so inclined):
Manager, Consumer and Industry Contact
Oklahoma District
4025 W Reno Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73125