On Friday morning November 13, 2015, TACCI hosted a meeting with the visiting delegation of the Eskisehir Chamber of Commerce (ECC), a member organization of TACCI. The visiting delegation comprised of 25 company owners and chamber’s board members from various industries including automotive, energy, food, textile and manufacturing aiming to observe the U.S. market opportunities. During the meeting, President Ali Koçak introduced TACCI’s mission and its role in the Turkish-American Business community through the services provided to the chamber members and informed the delegation of TACCI’s upcoming projects. TACCI Board Members John Barka, John Driscoll, Ayhan Ogmen, Mine Anlar and Mehmet Firat Polat were also present at the meeting during which they emphasized various factors to consider while expanding into the U.S. market such as the importance of choosing the right accountant, a lawyer and a PR company to establish new business relations. ECC President Metin Guler and TACCI President Ali Kocak reciprocally expressed gratitude regarding both chambers’ mutual support. ECC President Mr. Guler pointed out to the need of trade growth between Eskisehir and the U.S. considering Eskisehir's big potential in the sectors of aviation, industrial lines, metal and ceramic. TACCI President Ali Kocak stated that for the future ECC delegation visits, TACCI is ready to schedule extensive educational seminars regarding market analyses and investment conditions in the U.S. through which company representatives can receive detailed information and have the opportunity to network with the local businessmen.

On Thursday evening, October 29, 2015, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Turkish-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry and 9 other chambers of commerce in New York City hosted an exciting networking event at the gorgeous Ramscale Penthouse in West Village.

More than 150 young professionals from all over the world joined us for a truly international networking night and enjoyed open bar and complimentary foods while taking the advantage of meeting and greeting staff from multiple international chambers originating from all over the world. Please to see the event pictures.

The Partnering Chambers:

• Danish American Chamber of Commerce
• Finnish American Chamber of Commerce
• German American Chamber of Commerce
• Italy-America Chamber of Commerce
• Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce
• Scandinavia House
• Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce
• Turkish-American Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• United Nations Associations of the USA Young Professionals
• U.S Austrian Chamber of Commerce

TACCI President Ali Kocak and VP Celal Secilmis attended the gala night of the ‘Most Influential Turkish American Awards’ organized by Turk of America Magazine. On October 20th 2015 at Marriott Marquis Times Square Hotel in New York, The Most Influential Turkish-Americans received their awards followed by a gala dinner. Turk of America magazine selected 50 inspiring individuals in the Turkish-American community to celebrate and honor their success stories and to create a bilateral business networking platform for Turkish and American businesses. High level officials and business world leaders attended the ceremony along with awardees.

On Tuesday afternoon October 20, 2015, TACCI hosted a meeting with the visiting delegation of the Bursa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) , at the offices of Herrick, Feinstein LLP Law Firm. The visiting delegation comprised of 28 textile/baby apparel company owners and representatives who had participated in the New York ENK Children’s Club Fair and had B2B meetings with the local businesses as a part of their global trade initiatives project. The BCCI delegation also included the Ministry of Economy Head of Department Mr. Ahmet Canlı, the Deputy President of the Board of Directors of BCCI Mr. Ismail Kuş, BCCI Parliament Vice President Mr. Mesut Okyay, BCCI President Adviser Prof. Dr. Mehmet Karahan, BEKSIAD President Mr. Halil Atalay and BCCI Business Development and R&D Manager Mr. Alper Altan.

During the meeting, President Ali Koçak and Vice President Celal Secilmis introduced TACCI’s mission and its role in the Turkish-American Business community through the services provided to the chamber members including strategic consulting, B2B arrangements, attorney services, logistics as well as export registration services. President Kocak emphasized the big potential in Turkish products in terms of quality, to expand in the American market and that TACCI is ready to support Turkish businesses who are willing to become a part of the American food industry that can benefit from TACCI’s professional network in both countries. TACCI Member and Herrick, Feinstein Attorney Mr. Barbaros Karaahmet informed the visiting delegation about several subjects regarding business law, types of cross border litigations, tax, real estate and financing based on his experience with his international clients for over 20 years. TACCI Members of Board of Directors Ms. Mine Anlar, Mr. Mehmet Firat Polat and Mr. Ayhan Ogmen also informed the delegation regarding B2B arrangements, business law and immigration law. The meeting was highly informative and welcoming with a Q/A session held at the end during which Turkish business owners expressed confidence regarding their future presence in the U.S. textile market with good quality products. Mr. İsmail Kuş; Deputy President of the Board of Directors of Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTSO) expressed that ”As the BTSO, we will continue our activities and research to expand our presence in foreign markets.”

On Monday October 5, 2015, TACCI President Ali Kocak hosted a dinner for Congressman Brendan Boyle at Turkuaz Restaurant in Manhattan, New York. During the dinner meeting, President Kocak introduced Congressman Boyle, TACCI’s mission and its role in the Turkish-American Business community through the services provided to the chamber members including strategic consulting, B2B arrangements, attorney services, logistics as well as export registration services. President Kocak and Congressman Boyle had the opportunity to discuss trade and investment opportunities between the two countries as well as the difficulties that Turkish businessmen face in the U.S. particularly in the Greater New York area. President Kocak invited Congressman Boyle to work together on improving business relations between the U.S. and Turkey. President Kocak also invited the Congressman to join TACCI’s upcoming events and meetings. Congressman Boyle expressed his eagerness to participate in TACCI’s activities and cooperate with any necessary projects that will take place in the near future.

Congressman Brendan Francis Boyle (born February 6, 1977) is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Pennsylvania's 13th congressional district since January 3, 2015. The district includes parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County PA. He was previously a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives representing the 170th Districtfrom 2009 to 2015.Since first entering public service, Congressman Boyle has served as a champion for working and middle class families, in particular issues relating to social and economic justice. Congressman Boyle served as an adjunct professor at Drexel University’s Graduate School of Public Policy. In 2011, he was named an Aspen Institute-Rodel Fellow.

TACCI President Ali Koçak and TACCI Board Members had a meeting with the President of Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Rıfat Hisarcıklıoğlu at the New York TACCI offices on Tuesday September 29, 2015. During the meeting, TACCI President Ali Koçak and TOBB President Rıfat Hisarcıklıoğlu discussed how to improve bilateral relations between TACCI and TOBB, and planned for future collaborations as well as new projects for the coming term. Mr. Rıfat Hisarcıklıoğlu assured that they will support TACCI to be even more successful, and keep the connections alive.

TOBB General Secreatry Mustafa Saraçöz, Head of TOBB EU Department Mustafa Bayburtlu, TOBB US Representative Neslihan Kaptanoğlu , New York Commercial Attache of Turkey Özgür Çelik, TACCI Vice Presidents Mustafa Merç and Celal Seçilmiş, TACCI Board Members Mehmet Fırat Polat, Gülay Oğuzcan and Hasan Akipek were amongst the attendees of the meeting.

August 25, New York New York

On a Tuesday evening, August 25 2015, Turkish American Chamber of Commerce (TACCI) organized an exciting networking event followed by a seminar presenting the leading women professionals in Banking, Finance & Tax industries. TACCI seminar on banking & finance featured Mrs. Nancy Papaioannou, President of Atlantic Bank division of New York Commercial Bank, Mrs. Guldal Sisman, Assistant General Manager at Vakifbank New York Branch, Ms. Deborah Hazell, CEO at HSBC Global Asset Management (USA) Inc. and Ms. Stephanie Pervez, Managing Director at Andersen Tax as the distinguished keynote speakers. Both seasoned professionals and emerging leaders had the chance to explore insights on visionary leadership and strategic thinking, as well as sharing new perspectives on taking risks, developing strengths, and shaping a personal competitive advantage.As TACCI we thank our speakers and guests for their participation at this truly memorable and successful conference and networking event. Special thanks to our event sponsors Vakifbank New York Branch, Andersen Tax, Taskin Bakery, Gulluoglu USA. Please for photos of the event.

TACCI's membership includes representatives from all segments of the business community and organizations which ranges from individual entrepreneurs to large corporations. It is this diversity that makes TACCI the preeminent Turkish-American business association dedicated to advancing the commerce and industry relations between Turkey and the United States.

July 30, 2015 New York, NY

On Monday morning, July 27 2015, TACCI President Ali Kocak and Junior Chamber International (JCI) President Ismail Haznedar had a meeting as a part of JCI’s UN Global Partnership Summit that took place in NYC. Junior Chamber International is a non-profit organization of young active citizens with ages of 18 to 40 who are engaged and committed to creating impact in their communities. TACCI President Kocak congratulated Mr. Haznedar for his role and position as well as the organization’s success.

During the meeting, President Ali Kocak introduced TACCI’s mission and its role in the Turkish-American Business community and the services provided to the chamber members and followers. JCI President Ismail Haznedar introduced the chamber’s global mission and expressed eagerness on future partnership with TACCI and JCI in coorganizing networking events as well as social responsibility projects both in the U.S. and Turkey. President Kocak expressed his appreciation for JCI's courtesy visit to TACCI and made positive remarks regarding future opportunities and projects with the JCI. President Kocak invited JCI members and leaders in the New York area to meet with TACCI's members, young professionals and entrepreneurs during a networking event that is expected to take place in the coming months.

New York, New York, July 6 2015

On Wednesday afternoon July 1st 2015, Turkish American Chamber of Commerce (TACCI) proved support for the Turkish-American community with another wonderful event, the Turkish-American Food & Beverage Conference that took place at the Herrick Feinstein LLP offices. Food industry leaders from Turkey, the United States and from all around the world came together at this special event to discuss the most recent trends in the sector as well as their professional experiences. During and after the event, food industry leaders, buyers, wholesalers, manufacturers, distributors, importers, exporters, sourcing agents had the opportunity to network and exchange business cards. TACCI President Mr. Ali Kocak gave the opening remarks and emphasized the big potential in Turkish products, quality and flavor wise, to expand in the American market. President Kocak mentioned that TACCI is ready to support its members and Turkish businesses in entering the US food industry, as well as American companies that are willing to enter the Turkish market who can benefit from TACCI’s professional and legal experts in both countries.

At the conference, leading individuals who have been a part of the U.S Turkish/Mediterranean food sector such as Ms. Birce Ege (Krinos Foods), Mr. Cetin Amato (Milas Foods) and Mr. Samir Bayraktar (Nar Gourmet) gave speeches that provided handful notes on the food retail business in the U.S. for current and potential Turkish businesses looking to expand overseas. Topics that were discussed included marketing and branding strategies, how to reach out to chains, how to build a food brand, advantages and disadvantages of snack food business, best practices in labeling and food exporting to the U.S. Additionally, Mr. Serdar Ektik from Turkon America Inc. informed the attendees regarding logistics and export-import services provided by Turkon America. Mr. Zeki Durak from Yildiz Technical University shared an informative presentation on FDA Food Import Regulations & Food Safety and explained what can be done to improve competitiveness of Turkish food products in the U.S. market. Another highly informative presentation was offered by Ron Levine of Herrick, Feinstein LLP who provided notes and case examples about legal trends in consumer goods and best practices in the labeling of food products. As TACCI we thank our speakers and guests for their participation at this truly memorable and successful conference.

For photos please

July 1st, 2015 New York, New York

On Wednesday morning, July 1st, 2015, in the offices of Eaton and Van Winkle, the Turkish American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TACCI) hosted a meeting with the Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce (GCC) Board Members Mustafa Bozgeyik, Chamber Council Member Mahmut Yıldırım and the visiting delegation from Turkey of around 15 businessmen from food and beverage industry as a part of their visit to the U.S. following their participation in Fancy Food Show 2015. During the meeting, President Ali Koçak along with TACCI Board Members Ercan Karabeyoglu and Mehmet Fırat Polat introduced TACCI’s mission and its role in the Turkish-American Business community through the services provided to the chamber members including strategic consulting, B2B arrangements, attorney services, logistics as well as export registration services. President Kocak emphasized the big potential in Turkish products, quality and flavor wise, to expand in the American market and that TACCI is ready to support Turkish businesses who are willing to become a part of the American food industry that can benefit from TACCI’s professional network in both countries.

TACCI Successfully Organized a Turkish-American Business Forum in Collaboration with Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI)

June 17, 2015 New York, New York

From 20 different sectors, with a delegation of 160 businessmen BCCI arrived in New York within the scope of International Franchise Expo Fair visit. As part of the business trip, company representatives came together with Turkish Consul General in New York Ertan Yalçın, Commercial Attache of Turkey in New York Mustafa Ali Yurdupak, TACCI President Ali Koçak and TACCI members.

BCCI President İbrahim Burkay stated that the United States has a tremendous potential with its trade volume exceeding 4 trillion dollars to be discovered by Turkish businessmen and this business forum will contribute greatly to the enhancement of trade between Turkey and the U.S.

TACCI President Ali Koçak indicated “The U.S. is a large market; every country wants to do business with it. Therefore there is an increasing competition among companies. However, American people are aware of the quality of the Turkish products and as a result of this it will be easy for the Turkish products to get into the U.S. market. We, as TACCI, are ready to provide you with any kind of support.” Following Turkish Consul General in New York Ertan Yalçın’s speech, the participants were given an information session about the U.S. market, fostering trade between the two countries and business to business collaborations.

BCCI Has Become a TACCI Member

After the information session, formal signature ceremony took place, BCCI officially applied to become a member of TACCI. Becoming a TACCI member, BCCI will be informed of all commercial, economic and political developments occurring in both the American and the Turkish market. BCCI will also be able to learn about strategic industry-specific connections. Besides these, BCCI will also benefit from TACCI’s export registration services.

President Ali Koçak and the Board of Directors Kindly Request the Pleasure of Your Company at

Summer Reception & Dinner

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

CHART HOUSE

Lincoln Harbor, Pier D-T,

Weehawken, NJ 07089

Members Free (One person only)

Member's guest $45

Non-Members - $55

REGISTER HERE!

For information please contact us at

/

SPONSORS:

New york, New York (May 22, 2015).

On Thursday evening, May 21, 2015, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Turkish-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry and 9 other chambers of commerce in New York City hosted an exciting networking event at the gorgeous Ramscale penthouse in West Village. More than 150 young professionals from all over the world joined us for a truly international networking night and enjoyed open bar and complimentary foods while taking advantage of meeting and greeting staff from multiple international chambers originating from all over the world. For more photos, please

The Partnering Chambers:

Turkish American Chamber of Commerce and Industry

China-U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Danish American Chamber of Commerce

Finnish American Chamber of Commerce

French American Chamber of Commerce

Hong Kong Association of New York

Italy-America Chamber Commerce

Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce

Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce

United Nations Association Young Professionals

New York, NY April 20 2015

On April 17 2015, TACCI representatives participated in the B20 Turkey Plenary Conference at Washington DC, where they came together with Chairman of Dogus Holding Ferit Sahenk, B20 Turkey Chair M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoglu, Chairman & CEO of Coca Cola Company Muhtar Kent, and B20 Employment Taskforce Coordinating Chair Ali Koc. Followed by a meeting with TOBB President Rıfat Hisarcıklıoğlu, TACCI President Ali Kocak, Vice President Celal Secilmis, TACCI Board Member Ayhan Zeytinlioglu and the US Representatives of TOBB discussed how to improve bilateral relations between TACCI and TOBB, and planned for future collaborations.

New York, New York (February 23, 2015). On Thursday evening, February 19, 2015, at Brooklyn Borough Hall, the Turkish American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TACCI) and the Borough of Brooklyn hosted Turkic World and the Borough of Brooklyn Networking Event.

The program began with welcoming remarks by TACCI President Ali Kocak at the splendid Court room of Brooklyn Borough Hall. Mr. Kocak emphasized the importance of the collaboration of Turkic business people, and extended his sincere gratitude to Brooklyn Borough President Mr. Eric L. Adams for supporting Turkic community and businesses. The Brooklyn Borough President Mr. Eric L. Adams offered his remarks at the event on the scope, discuss about the business relations between Turkic World and the Brooklyn Borough.

The panel consisted of Mr. Eric L. Adams, Brooklyn Borough President; H.E. Mr. Talaibek Kydyrov, Permanent Representative of the Kyrgyz Republic to the UN; Mr. Ertan Yalcin, Consul General of Republic of Turkey in New York, Ms. Raushan Yesbulatova, Consul General of Republic of Kazakhstan in New York; and Mr. Gianluca Galletto, Director of International Affairs at New York City Economic Development Corporation.

The introduction session was followed by a networking reception where the attendees enjoyed Azeri, Turkish and Uzbek refreshments while networking with other business people and the speakers. for photos of the event.

The main sponsor of the event was Vintage Food Corporation. Food Sponsors were Gulluoglu Baklava and Liman Restaurant.

Turkish American Chamber of Commerce and Industry holds a meeting with the Turkish delegation of Iskenderun Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

On Friday morning, January 16th, 2015, in the offices of Eaton and Van Winkle, the Turkish American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TACCI) hosted a meet and greet with around 10 businessmen from various industries. Board members and regular members of Iskenderun Chamber of Commerce and Industry were all present to exchange their business cards. During the meeting, President Ali Kocak, introduced TACCI’s mission and its importance in the Turkish-American Business community.

Bulent Sekucoglu, member of the Executive Board, offered a present to TACCI on behalf of the Iskenderun Chamber of Commerce and Industry. We are thankful for the offering and looking forward to partner with them soon.

New York, New York, January 19, 2015. On Monday evening, January 12, 2015, in Manhattan, the Turkish American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TACCI) hosted a high level program on the subject of the prospects of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and a US-Turkey Free Trade Agreement. The program was moderated by Mark Meirowitz, Business Attorney and Political Analyst (and TACCI Board Member and Secretary).

The program began with welcoming remarks by TACCI President Ali Kocak, and opening remarks by Mustafa Yurdupak, Turkey’s Commercial Attache in New York, on the scope, context and significance of the prospects of the TTIP and a US-Turkey Free Trade Agreement.

The panel consisted of Kemal Kirisci, TUSIAD Senior Fellow and Director of the Center on the United States and Europe’s Turkey Project at the Brookings Institution; Hande Ozsan Bozatli, President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER); G. Lincoln McCurdy, President of the Turkish Coalition of America; and Ali Cinar, President of the Global Policy Institute.

Dr. Kirisci discussed the importance of the TTIP and that, in his view, TTIP will be the 21st Century playbook, and that it is essential to be part of TTIP, as it is the future of trade. He also addressed the vital issue of TTIP enlargement. In the event that Turkey isn’t included in the TTIP agreement, there should definitely be a bilateral free trade agreement between Turkey and the United States, which will contribute positively to both countries’ economies.

Dr. Bozatli, due to her expertise in European affairs, emphasized the benefits that the European Union will derive from TTIP, stating that once TTIP is fully implemented, the European Union’s GDP will be increased by 0.5%. Every year, every household of a family of four will receive an extra €545. More importantly, not only big companies will benefit from this agreement but Small and Medium Sized Enterprise (SME’s) will also benefit. For such an agreement to come through with all stakeholders aware and positive about its outcome, regions, which are close to their companies and citizens, must be involved in the negotiation process which is not the case at the moment. She also explained that the European Union needs Turkey in such an agreement. Everyone needs to do their homework. The EU and the US know better than to lose Turkey as an international player.

Mr. McCurdy pointed out that both President Obama and the Republican-controlled Congress have common ground in wanting the president to have “fast track authority” or trade promotion authority (TPA) for TTIP and TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) negotiations. He highlighted the importance for Turkish Americans to maintain regular dialogue with Members of Congress to ensure that there is no congressional action against Turkey to exclude it from TTIP negotiations or to jeopardize a US-Turkey Free Trade Agreement. He also encouraged TACCI to take a leadership role in the Turkish American business community in building support for Turkey in Congress.

Ali Cinar concluded the panel by highlighting the necessity for the Turkish American community to take action in terms of acknowledging the importance to Turkey of TTIP and to show how a free trade agreement between Turkey and the US will bring around USD 1 billion of trade between the two countries. In order for Turkey to reach a growth of USD 2 trillion in exports by 2023, it definitely needs to be included in such an agreement. Turkey is looking forward to becoming one of the world’s top 10 economies.

The Q&A session was followed by refreshments and socializing between attendees and speakers. TACCI expects to prepare and release shortly a detailed report on the program to be available on the TACCI website. for photos of the event.