Biz Buzz

Moving on Up. Crowe & Dunlevy, one of Oklahoma's largest law firms, named directors Malcolm Rosser and Anton Rupert co-chairs of its Construction Law Practice Group. "Although the construction industry was strongly affected by the credit crisis and recession that began in December 2007, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects future growth in the industry as a result of continued population growth, deteriorating infrastructure and aging buildings," Rosser said. "The construction industry in Tulsa continues to be supported by downtown redevelopment efforts, infrastructure projects and overall growth in the metropolitan area."

The BLS estimates jobs in the construction industry will grow 19 percent through year 2018, compared with 11 percent for all industries combined. Growth is projected in residential and nonresidential construction. Nonresidential construction will be related to the need for new medical treatment facilities, schools, highways/bridges/streets and industrial facilities. "With our extensive experience in construction law, we provide comprehensive legal services to contractors, subcontractors, owners, developers, architects, engineers and sureties," Rupert said. "Growth of the construction industry will result in a need for additional counsel in both business and litigation matters, and we have the expertise to meet the demand for legal services in all phases of real estate development and construction, from property acquisition through project completion." Rosser joined Crowe & Dunlevy as a director in 1992. His practice includes commercial real estate acquisitions, finance and lending, zoning and land use, leasing and loan workouts. He has expertise in affordable housing, especially low-income housing tax credits. Rosser received his bachelor's degree from Oklahoma State University and his juris doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. As a director of the firm since 1988, Rupert's principal areas of practice include construction project disputes, commercial disputes and product liability and toxic tort litigation. Rupert, who is a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers, has successfully tried a number of large construction project disputes in state and federal courts. He received his bachelor's degree from Harvard University and his juris doctorate from Stanford Law School.

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Das Poster

To kick off Tulsa Oktoberfest 32, the annual poster was unveiled Wednesday at the German American Society of Tulsa building. Graphic artist Beau Kemp helped unveil his design. "I was very honored, humbled and a bit scared to be chosen for this important event," said Kemp. His design focuses on the German aspect of the festival through illustrations of the famous Oktoberfest Chicken back to back with the Bier Meister. Kemp has been involved with the apparel designs for the festival for more than thirteen years.

This image was chosen because of how well it portrayed the 2010 theme, "The Good, The Brat, and the Ugly." In addition to these two iconic figures, the poster features other well known aspects of the festival, such as the carnival rides, and, of course, the tents. "This poster IS Oktoberfest. It's fun, it's cultural, it's what this festival is all about," said Amber Hinkle, Executive Director for Tulsa's Oktoberfest.

Kemp's piece was chosen from more than ten submissions. Poster and post card sized replicas will be available at the merchandise booth at the festival.

Tulsa's Oktoberfest was just named one of the Top 10 Oktoberfests in the country by the USA Today. It is listed in the company of Cincinnati, Ontario and Chicago, all of whom are noted for their outstanding festivals.

The unveiling of the poster is an annual event for Oktoberfest, which kicks off Wednesday evening, October 20 for Gemutlichkeit, or Corporate Night, where tables must be purchased in advance. The festival opens to the public Thursday evening, October 21 at 5pm, with Opening Ceremonies at 6pm. Oktoberfest goes into full swing on Friday, opening at 11am and runs through Sunday at 6pm. The festival takes place at the River West Festival Park, located at 2100 S Jackson Ave, and proceeds benefit the River Parks Authority.