Tulsa 4 Tesla Group Holds Special Unveiling Of Golden Driller

TULSA, Okla. - Tulsa's leaders are making a strong push for electric car company Tesla to build its newest factory here.

The city showed off temporary changes made to the Tulsa Driller as part of an effort to entice Tesla's CEO Elon Musk, to choose Tulsa over Austin, Texas.

Today was all about making a video to convince Tesla to build here.

Mayor G.T. Bynum said Tulsa embodies the same entrepreneurial spirit that defines Elon Musk and his company.

Tesla enthusiasts are anxiously awaiting the company's decision, and many were part of making a video to show that Tulsa is a great city.

Kim Perner and her son Cash drove their Tesla out today to join other fans. She said her fingers are crossed.

"Especially right now with everything we're going through with COVID-19, it would be amazing to have that boost in our economy and open up the door for so many jobs for so many people," Perner said.

City leaders said if Tesla moves to Tulsa, they will be in a position to succeed.

"We would embrace them with open arms, we as a community are very excited," Bynum said.

As part of a city effort to persuade Tesla, the Golden Driller got a face-lift, to represent owner Elon Musk. The changes include the company's logo on his chest and belt.

"The Golden Driller is a symbol of our city. It's a symbol of what we revere here in Tulsa, that pioneering spirit, that belief that if we work hard, we can achieve our dreams," Bynum said.

Bynum said Tulsa has lots to offer, including the fact voters just approved $918 million in economic development through the Vision tax.

"We want to compete for the best and brightest employers in the world to come to Tulsa, and when you raise your level of expectations like that, it means you have to do a lot more as a city," Bynum said.

Bynum would not say if he's spoken to Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Nobody currently knows when the electric car company will make its decision.