Williams families celebrated our 100 years in Tulsa at Gathering Place.
Employees and their families recently celebrated Williams’ centennial in Tulsa at the state-of-the art Gathering Place. The venue is fitting as Williams is one of over 80 donors who helped bring the central-park-like vision to life. Gathering Place is anchored by the Williams Lodge and entered by traveling on John Williams Way. Both tributes to Williams’ historical and continued presence in the community.
In 1908, brothers David and Miller Williams started a construction business in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Their modest sidewalk-building business grew to include concrete water and sewer lines, culverts and small bridges for the Frisco Railroad. In 1916, Williams Brothers Company built its first welded metal pipeline, an 18-mile project in west-central Arkansas, and never looked back.
In 1918, Dave and Miller moved their 10-year old company to Tulsa and established a reputation as the pipeline company that did “a good job, on time.”
From their Tulsa headquarters, Williams Brothers Company grew to construct energy pipelines in the booming oil and gas fields of Texas, then Canada, then Central and South America and beyond. As the company grew – now among Fortune’s 500 largest – it was to become arguably, the best pipeline company in the world.
Constructed under the leadership of John and Joe Williams in 1976, and owned by Williams, the BOK Tower displays the countdown to the Sept. 8 grand opening of Gathering Place.
Over the past 100 years, Williams has left an indelible mark on Tulsa. Constructed under the leadership of John and Joe Williams in 1976, our 52-story high rise serves as our corporate headquarters and home to 1,200+ employees. Tulsa employees along with thousands of others across the company are instilled with the Williams spirit of supporting our communities.
Williams CEO, Alan Armstrong addressed guests at the recent event recognizing employees for their contributions to making the Tulsa community and the communities across our operating areas better places to work and live.
“Your personal giving makes a big difference in our communities and Williams is proud to support your efforts,” Armstrong said. “Last year alone the company Matching Gifts program provided more than $1,000,000 to non-profit organizations in the Tulsa area, including employee contributions and the company match. We also have more than 100 employees who currently serve on Tulsa area non-profit boards.”
For a century, Williams and this Oklahoma community have enjoyed a great partnership and in 2018, we are still proud to call Tulsa home.
The Tulsa leadership team gathered near the newly constructed Williams Lodge.