Fearless Leader. The Tulsa Metro Chamber's President and CEO Mike Neal announced the selection of Ray Hoyt to lead VisitTulsa, the convention and visitors program at the Tulsa Metro Chamber.

Hoyt previously served as the director of national games and athlete relations in the National Senior Games Association, headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., where he oversaw the direction of all NSGA national events and programs. Prior to that he was the executive director and president of the Senior Games in Louisville, Ky., where he was successful in partnering with businesses and agencies to gain financial and community support for the 2007 Senior Games and helping the event reach national prominence.

As the senior vice president of VisitTulsa, Hoyt will oversee marketing and promotion of Tulsa with the goal of attracting national meetings, conventions and events as well as provide leadership and guidance to the Tulsa Sports Commission, a division of VisitTulsa. Hoyt will report to the Chamber leadership, and VisitTulsa and Tulsa Sports Commission Advisory Councils.

Hoops Spike. The Tulsa Hotel and Lodging Association has released preliminary numbers showing hotel occupancy rates increased by 30 percent to average market occupancy of 75 percent during the NCAA Tournament. The tournament was hosted during spring break, a notoriously slow week for local motels and hotels.

Some hotels experienced up to an 80 percent increase in occupancy over this time last year. In addition to the increased occupancy, the report shows the average daily rate for the Tulsa market also increased by 10 percent for the week of March 13--19, 2011.

Actual sales tax revenue data from the tournament will be available in May.

Tee Time. Forest Ridge Golf Club, 7501 E. Kenosha St., Broken Arrow, has announced the completion of an extensive renovation project to the golf course. All 18 greens were replaced with Tyee bentgrass, reshaped bunkers and a five-acre lake on hole No. 15.

Forest Ridge is available to the public on a daily fee basis. From the tournament tees the course plays 7,012 yards par 72 with a 74.8 course rating and slope of 137. Forest Ridge Golf Club is ranked 4 1/2-Stars by Golf Digest and Best Courses You Can Play by Golfweek Magazine. Visit forestridge.com for more information.

City of Brotherhood. The owners of Hey Sunshine Tanning Salon in Collinsville have expanded into the world of cheesesteaks, fried pickles and loaded spuds. John Dunn, Andrew Evans and Casey Smith have opened Philly's Cheesesteak Co., 112 N. 11th St., in Collinsville.

The new all-American restaurant is open for lunch and dinner six days a week and offer lunch on Sundays. Call 918-371-1137 for more information.