Chapter focus: Oklahoma City.

Area Covered: Western and Central Oklahoma

FEI History in Oklahoma: Financial Executives International (FEI) has had a long history in the state. The first chapter in Oklahoma received its charter at an organizational meeting held in Tulsa on Nov. 17, 1949. As membership in FEI increased

Number of Members: 41

Member Companies Represented: The membership's companies and industries reflect Oklahoma's broadening economic base in emerging technologies, health sciences and food services, in addition to Oklahoma's historical manufacturing, banking and natural resources industries. Among these are Chaparral Energy, Diamondback Energy, University of Central Oklahoma, Dolese Concrete, Sonic and Marriott Hotels.

Annual Dues: $350 (includes dinner meetings)

Meeting Schedule: The chapter meets monthly at 5 pm (for one hour at a local CPA firm) on the third Thursday of each month, from September to May, for continuing professional education (CPE). That is followed by the chapter meeting, at the Beacon Club, and following dinner, there is a speaker for which CPE credits are generally offered.

The chapter also sponsors one meeting night per year where members can bring spouses; this could be a wine-tasting, a museum reception, etc.

Regional Challenges: While over 300 prospective members have been identified in Central Oklahoma, some of the biggest challenges to building the chapter stem from the busy schedules of the current board (leadership).

The chapter maintains a prospective membership list developed from the state society of Certified Public Accountants, local contacts, etc., and an administrative helper, with Robert Half, has been a tremendous help in following up with recruiting paperwork.

Chapter Sponsors: Among the chapter's sponsors are one accounting firm, one insurance company, one law firm and Robert Half International.

Recent Highlights:

* During the past few years, the two Oklahoma chapters have expanded membership (likely over 20 percent just this year) and increased sponsorship.

* Involved Oklahoma universities in the programming and provided scholarships.

For example, the chapters provided one scholarship to each of the four major universities and they also tried to keep a head faculty member/chair--from each university--active in the chapter/s. Also, hosted financial reporting conferences (the chapter co-sponsored Oklahoma State University's annual reporting conference to help increase participation).

* Both the Tulsa and Oklahoma FEI Chapters were presented with Outstanding Chapter Awards for excellent work in providing value to their members and the financial community in 2006 and 2007 at FEI's annual Summit.

Unique Qualities: The OKC Chapter promotes the flow of new ideas and sound career and business advice with professional development (led by the highest-quality speakers) and relaxing fellowship with peers. CPE credit is offered for attending meetings and professional development sessions. The chapter also offers chapter-exclusive job listings for positions over $100k.

The chapter is increasing the value of monthly meetings and memberships: attendees can receive at least six CPE credits for the 5 pm meetings and at least four more by attending the 6 pm meetings.

What is different and what "works" for the OKC?

* Recruitment: Focused on maintaining a good recruiting database;

* Chapter Board: Focused on recruiting the "right kind of people" for the board, read: a "mix" of detailed workers and people who know "tons" of people, etc.;

* Role of the Board: Overall, the board is key; the board must think through the details and provide the proper guidance to get the job done;

* Chapter Leadership Positions: Tap into some leaders who know speakers and have relationships with lots of people;

* Meeting Topics: Determine the topics, then find a relevant speaker; or identify a good speaker and give him/her a topic or ask for suggestions from him/her; and

* Delegate: Communicate with administrative assistant to do follow-up/detail.

President: Larry Compton, Vice President, Treasurer, Diamondback Energy Services LLC., 405.608.4926.