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Susan Robertson of Oklahoma Israel Exchange on the organization’s mission in the Sooner State

Cementing the OKGIT’s ties with foreign countries, companies and peoples are organizations like the Oklahoma Israel Exchange, or OKIE, an Oklahoma-based non-profit focusing on developing exchanges between Oklahoma and Israel. OKGIT member and OKIE Executive Director Susan Robertson spoke with OKGIT.com about her organization’s mission, her role and their upcoming November 5 gala event.

What is OKIE’s history?

“The Oklahoma Israel Exchange was endorsed by Governor David Walters in 1992 and became an official non-profit organization during the administration of Governor Frank Keating in 1997. OKIE was a joint endeavor between the Oklahoma City and Tulsa Jewish communities to encourage opportunities for exchange between Oklahoma and Israel.  After some refining and updating, today OKIE’s mission is to promote increased collaboration between the two states in agriculture, commerce, culture and education by coordinating activities, sponsoring projects, ensuring responsiveness to economic development opportunities and cultural exchanges, building networks through people-to-people exchanges and serving as an intermediary to further relations.”

How is OKIE funded?

“OKIE is supported mainly by memberships and a yearly fundraising event.  We also receive funding from the Jewish Federations of Oklahoma City and Tulsa, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Food and Forestry and grants. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce Israel office is funded in partnership by OKIE and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, serving the Middle East, and is one of three international offices maintained by the state.”

What is your role with the organization?

Susan Robertson

Susan Robertson

“I serve as the executive director of OKIE and I am responsible for carrying out the policies as set forth by the board of directors and  achieving the goals and objectives of OKIE.  I work with the Israeli Consul Generals’ and Economic Office in Houston, as well as state, private businesses, cultural organizations and individuals that have an interest in pursuing programs or partnerships with Israeli counterparts.”

How did you become involved with OKIE?

“I began to learn about Israel while living in Oklahoma in 1986 and made my first trip there in 1989. I was originally connected with a Christian organization, the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, and traveled to Israel every fall for a worldwide conference. During my visits I made many Israeli friends and began to learn more about the country and experience the many challenges they face every day. Each trip brought me closer to a desire to do more than just visit. I moved back to Oklahoma in 1998 and in 2004 the executive directors’ job for OKIE became available, I interviewed and was hired. Ten years later I still enjoy the job and look forward to new partners and programs between the two states.”

What does OKIE do on a day-to-day basis?

“We constantly look for opportunities for exchange or connection in agriculture, commerce, culture or education.  Israel has so much high-tech coming out of it. Everyday there’s some new device or app for phones or cure for some disease. We look for a business in Oklahoma that’s interested in partnering with one of those Israeli companies either for research or marketing opportunity. Oklahoma has state-of-the-art medical facilities doing research, is a leader in the oil and gas industry and is also a leader in aerospace. There are definitely a lot of opportunities.

“An example is with the Riata Entrepreneurial Center at OSU. They are interested in partnering with a school in Israel. OKIE contacted the office in Jerusalem and after some preliminary conversations, a school was identified in Israel that was interested and a program is being formed. This is the way we approach all exchanges in any of the four pillars of our mission, like a matchmaker. It is then up to the partnering organizations to move forward with the process.”

Tell us a bit about the annual gala and guest of honor Robert Henry’s presence.

“For the last five years we’ve held what has become the Light, Leadership and Legacy Award gala where we honor distinguished members of the Oklahoma community who have demonstrated unwavering support of OKIE. Honorees recognize the ongoing importance of projects and programs that link Oklahoma and Israel.

“This year on November 5, 6:30PM, at the Skirvin Hotel, Robert Henry is being honored for his commitment to Oklahoma and the relationship with Israel. We try to make sure the program is not only informative about OKIE but also entertaining. Proceeds help to support new and ongoing opportunities between the two states.  For more information or to purchase tickets they can call 405-848-3132 or email okie@okisrael.org.”

 

To learn more about the Oklahoma Israel Exchange, please visit www.okisrael.org or follow them on Facebook page.

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Q&A with Jared Scism of the University of Central Oklahoma International House

Walking across the University of Central Oklahoma, it’s not uncommon to hear a number of languages spoken as students traverse the Edmond, Oklahoma-based campus. Home to students from a wide range of destinations, UCO has become a premier draw for international students seeking an affordable and well regarded education. One of the first stops for many of these students is the UCO International House, a place focused on facilitating global engagement between students, professors and staff from the U.S. and abroad.

The OKGIT spoke with the UCO International House’s Jared Scism, international activities specialist, about his organization’s mission inside the wider UCO community.

What is the purpose of the UCO International House? Practically speaking, why is it important for an Oklahoma university to have these international connections?

 “The UCO International House facilitates global engagement and intercultural proficiencies by bringing UCO’s students, faculty, staff together with the Edmond and greater Oklahoma City community. Having these international connections at UCO provides UCO and the Oklahoma City metropolitan community with an unmatched intercultural environment as well as showcasing UCO as a center for globalism.”

What are some of the activities and services that UCO International House provides to students? Is it only for those students who are from abroad, or are the American students welcome too?High Tea

“Whether it is to celebrate a holiday from their home country or to promote their culture, at least one or two country associations from UCO’s International Student Council host a cultural activity each month. The International House can also be reserved by students, domestic or international, to host their own events, such as student association meetings, fundraising events and personal gatherings.

“Every Friday from 1-4 p.m., the International House staff conducts a British high tea ceremony. This cultural experience allows guests to learn about and taste tea from high mountain areas of different parts of Asia, as well as providing them the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with people from around the world.

“The International House also provides accommodations for international students in emergency situations as well as visiting professors and delegates from all over the world.

“Although the main purpose of the International House is to facilitate global engagement, it is open to the entire UCO community as well as members of the Edmond and Oklahoma City metro.”

Why has UCO, a university in the middle of the country and hours away from the nearest international border, become home to so many students from abroad?

“There are several reasons for UCO becoming home to international students, one of which is the International House. International students also appreciate the affordability, hospitality, small class sizes, the interaction they have with their professors and UCO’s intercultural programs. There is also a lot of intensive recruitment and retention taking place at UCO.”

How often do students that are affiliated with the International House stay in Oklahoma after graduation? Are there any “success stories” that come to mind of former participants who are now succeeding in OK or the nearby region?

“The story below is a success story about the former manager of the International House, Nela Mrchkovska:

“I am currently an occupational injury examiner at Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. Risk Management Department. UCO in general helped me to become the person I am and to have the passions and aspirations I now pursue. The welcoming environment, the quality of education and the evident diversity on campus helps every student, and international student in particular, to feel welcomed and motivated to learn and grow. The UCO International House was an especially important involvement of mine during my college years. I believe that the UCO International House’s vision embodies all of the characteristics that I cherish about UCO, and I believe that when I write this, I speak on behalf of the majority of students who have had a chance to be guests of the International House. Being a manager of the International House, interacting with such a diverse community and being a part of something so unique, definitely gave me the confidence I needed to pursue what I sometimes would forget was entrenched in me, and that is the desire to help create equal opportunities for all of the children and young people by expanding the borders of opportunities for all.   

“I will be forever grateful for the opportunities I was given here in Oklahoma. Because of that, my plan is to continue grow in this state and hopefully with that, give back and contribute to the well being of it.”

What is the biggest challenge that you and your staff face in stemming from your experience working at the UCO International House?

“The biggest challenge the International House currently faces is lack of funding. While we are very pleased about the success the International House has had thus far, limited funding prevents us from fulfilling some of the visions we have to bring the House to its full potential. We hope to see the International House continue to grow and carry on as a “rising showpiece” of the University of Central Oklahoma.”

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Tulsa Port of Catoosa’s Robert Portiss receives White House Transportation Champions of Change award

Port of CatoosaRobert Portiss, director of the City of Tulsa-Rogers County Port Authority, was recently named a White House Transportation Champion of Change at a ceremony in Washington D.C. for his work in forging a partnership between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Arkansas-Oklahoma Port Operators Association.

An editorial in the Oct. 13 Tulsa World described Portiss’ work on Oklahoma’s largest seaport, saying “Portiss has been the driving force and head cheerleader for the Port of Catoosa almost since it opened.”

Located just outside Catoosa, Oklahoma, the Port of Catoosa is the head of navigation of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. The port itself is home to Foreign Trade Zone 53, where foreign goods and domestic products are considered outside of the U.S. Customs official territory, making goods inside the FTZ international commerce.

The Tulsa Port of Catoosa has an economic impact of $300 million on Oklahoma, with nearly 5.7 million tons of freight traveling the Oklahoma portions of the waterway in 2012 alone. Customers send and receive more than 2.2 million tons of cargo each year by barge, rail and truck. With more than 60 companies employing more than 4,000 Oklahomans, the Tulsa Port of Catoosa is one of the premier economic engines of Oklahoma. Costing $1.3 billion to complete in 1971, it was the most expensive civil works project ever undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Eningeers. To date, more than $1.5 billion has been invested at the port by private industry, supporting jobs across the northeast parts of Oklahoma.

Top photo: “Aerial photo of the Tulsa Port of Catoosa taken May 5, 2008” by Bsbanks – Aerial photograph with the assistance of John Shoemaker.

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OK Department of Agriculture continues promoting state-made food products abroad

Oklahoma Chef Kurt Fleischfresser and Barbara Charlet in a recent visit to Stuttgart, Germany demonstrating Oklahoma Products

Oklahoma Chef Kurt Fleischfresser and Barbara Charlet in a recent visit to Stuttgart, Germany demonstrating Oklahoma Products

Another great piece in the October 13, 2015 edition of The Journal Record by Brian Brus about the continued efforts of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture’s Barbara Charlet.

Charlet, who serves as the department’s international market development coordinator, recently traveled to Germany with OKC Coach House Chef Kurt Fleischfresser to promote Oklahoma-made food products in Europe’s largest economy.

As noted in the piece by Charlet, who is also a member of the Oklahoma Governor’s International Team, food stuffs made in Oklahoma such as Griffin Foods and Clements peanut butter are already on the shelves of many German stores.

Fleischfresser gave a his take on the draw of products from this part of the U.S. to international consumers, saying ““The thing about overseas market is that they’re intrigued by the old Southwest,” he said. “Oklahoma has a musical named after it that everyone seems to know.”

Read the full article by Brian Brus here.

Charlet is a regular attendee at trade shows and export conferences around the world, spreading the good word about Oklahoma’s food offerings. And it’s not just German stores that are fans of ‘Okie-made products. Charlet cites Ponca City’s Head Country  as a success story for its increasingly popularity in Scandinavia, where a Swedish importer began buying the Oklahoma-based company’s BBQ sauce and repackaging it for resale under another name.

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New British Consul General in Houston, Karen Bell, visits Oklahoma State Capitol

Just two short months after her posting as the new British Consul General to Houston, Karen Bell visited the Oklahoma State Capitol on October 6, 2015 for a meeting with state leaders and officials, including members of the Oklahoma Governor’s International Team. The visit, which included a meeting with Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, and luncheon with members of the state house, senate and supreme court and other cabinet members took place in the senate lounge. OKGIT member and honorary British Consul for Oklahoma, Roger Randle, organized the event for the incoming Houston consul, which was attended by other OKGIT members including State Superintendent of Schools Joy Hoffmeister, Secretary of State Chris Benge as well as former U.S. Ambassador Edwin Corr.

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Canadian-owned executive search firm at home in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma

Located forty miles east of Oklahoma City along Interstate 40, Pottawatomie County isn’t where one would typically think to look for an executive search firm. Yet in the heart of Shawnee, Oklahoma sits Wolf Gugler Executive Search, a human resource consultant for retailers and their suppliers in Canada, the U.S. and the Caribbean.

Gugler sat down with OKGIT.com to speak about his firm’s mission, its international scope and his life as a Canadian working in the Great Plains.

Wolf Gugler

Wolf Gugler

Where are you from?

“I’m originally from Toronto, Canada. My parents were immigrants from Austria in the 1950s after WWII. I graduated from Ryerson University in Toronto specializing in human resources management.

“I relocated to OK in 2000. I was fortunate enough to meet a wonderful woman from McLoud, Oklahoma who I married in 2000.”

Do you only focus on Oklahoma-based recruitment now?

“I began in the executive search field in the late 1980s in Canada. I worked for two national firms before incorporating my own practice in 1997 when I realized that clients were calling me to partner with them, not the company I worked for. I’ve recruited on behalf of multinationals (Rust-Oleum, Home Depot, Jeld-Wen, Emerson Electric) and entrepreneurial firms or those owned by PE’s looking to make significant strides.

“When I relocated to Oklahoma most of my Canadian clients followed me, especially those doing business in the U.S. and the Caribbean.Fortunately with the advent of online video and research tools, where I’m based really doesn’t factor into how successful we are; it has more to do with investing the necessary time to meet with a client, understand their environment and human capital needs, draw up a competency profile for each position and then set out to identify the appropriate types of candidates to succeed in each role.

“I’ve always been a fan and student of technology, so invest the necessary resources to ensure we have the latest sourcing tools available to cast the widest candidate net possible. Oklahoma firms we’ve recruited for include Blastrac, Petra Industries, Mills Machine Company and others.”

Have you found it challenging operating a business that does business in Oklahoma and in Canada?

“When I first moved to Oklahoma, I was concerned that Canadian clients would think I’d ‘deserted’ them in my move to the U.S. This is far from the truth; I’m still back in the Toronto area at least on a quarterly basis where I maintain an office and attend trade shows and visit with clients and candidates on each trip. With the technology available to us, I can video-interview candidates and flight schedules are friendly enough that I can return to Canada on short notice when necessary. I obtained my NEXUS card to make frequent travel that much easier.

“I am still very current on Canadian market conditions and opportunities. On an average I’d put my business split now at 50/50 Canada/US with some Caribbean clients in addition.”

What are some challenges and benefits to doing business in Oklahoma when looking at your experience?

“At first, I didn’t know anyone in the business community other than Tinker Air Force Base folks my wife worked with. I looked for opportunities to engage myself in the local community; I volunteered and became the first Emergency Manager for McLoud which did expose me to others in local businesses and tribes, especially when assisting them with disaster preparedness plans.

“Because of my human resources background I joined the local Society For Human Resources Management chapter and currently serve as president. I also became involved with the Canadian Association of Oklahoma; a number of members are GIT members too. This gave me good insight into the challenges Oklahoma employers face with respect to exporting products to Canada in addition to human capital issues such as compensation, labor law and employee recruitment and retention.

“This has all morphed into where now it seems that no matter where I go, I meet someone who I already know. I also have to say that my first trip to Oklahoma convinced me that this would be a great place to live and work; the people I’ve met are genuine, engaging and as you know, stand together during tough times. I’ve seen it time and time again through our extreme weather and other disaster events when everyone is there for one another. What more can one ask for?”

What makes Wolf Gugler Executive Search stand out in your view?

“I still take great pleasure in working with repeat clients; to me it reaffirms that we’ve met their hiring expectations to the point of calling when another need arises. Typical retained searches are VP, Sales, Marketing Director, General Manager, Distribution Director, Human Resources Manager, National Accounts Manager. With Oklahoma clients, I meet face-to-face to ensure we have a good fit.

“I think we’re great at what we do, based on what clients tell me. I do have an excellent network of experts in their own human resource specialty areas, so if an employer is in need of advice regarding compensation and benefits, labor law, skills training I’m happy to recommend someone I know that may be able to assist them without the thought of ‘what’s in it for me?’

“That’s the ‘Okie way, isn’t it?”

To learn more about Wolf Gugler Executive Search, please visit www.wolfgugler.com for a full list of current searches the firm is engaged in, articles themed around various human resources aspects and more company background information.

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China Town Hall in Tulsa: Local Connections, National Reflections

Another great opportunity to learn about the second largest economy in the world and a major player on the global stage as Tulsa, Oklahoma plays host to a “China Town Hall: Local Connections, National Reflections” on Mon., October 5, 2015 at the OU-Tulsa Schusterman Learning Center.

Hosted by the National Committee on United States-China Relations, Confucius Institute at the University of Oklahoma, the East Asia Institute at the University of Oklahoma and the University of Oklahoma Tulsa, the evening will feature a panel discussion on the findings of the recent report by the National Committee and Rhodium Group concerning the increase in Chinese FDI in the U.S.

Former Clinton Administration Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin and Thomasville, Alabama Mayor Sheldon Day, Daniel Rose of the Rhodium Group will participate in the panel discussion, while Weiping Wu, Ph.D. and Chair of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning at Tufts University will give the keynote address.

The topic of China’s increasing interest in FDI in the U.S. is not new, but its focus on markets in the central U.S. like Texas and Oklahoma has grown in recent years, as examined in this June 2015 Washington Post ‘Wonk Blog’ piece.

RSVP for the China Town Hall event is required and more information can be found by contacting Rex Burnett at rexburnett@ou.edu.

2015 China townhallflyer

 

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OU Department of International and Area Studies hosts open course on energy, climate and security

The University of Oklahoma’s College of International Studies will be hosting a wide ranging presidential dream course this fall examining the balance between energy, climate change and security concerns across the globe.

Four guest speakers will take part in the course:

  • September 8, 2015 at 12 p.m. inside the Oklahoma Memorial Union, Scholars Room – Dr. Daniel Ahn, Senior Advisor to the chief economist at the U.S. State Department examines the role of energy revenues in empowering the Islamic State (ISIS) and fueling conflict throughout the Middle East.
  • September 17, 2015 at 12 p.m. at the Oklahoma Memorial Union, Regents Room – Professor in Public Policy at the Central European University, Andreas Goldthau, will discuss the status of the European Union’s regulatory framework and global political economy.
  • October 15, 2015 at 12 p.m. in the Oklahoma Memorial Union, Regents Room – Edward Morse, Managing Director and Head of Global Commodities Research at Citigroup Global Markets Inc., will give a presentation on the ongoing shifts in the global energy order in a time of seismic shifts.
  • November 17, 2015 at 6 p.m. at Zarrow Hall, J.J. Ryhne Room – David Victor, Director of the Laboratory on International Law and Regulation School of International Relations and Pacific Studies at the University of California, San Diego will discuss the  history of collective action on climate change and strategies that might be more effective to combating it in the future.

RSVPs are required prior to all events with rkmartin@ou.edu. The lectures are free and open to the public. To learn more about the lecture series or the college of international studies, please visit http://www.ou.edu/content/cis/ias/energy–climate-and-security.html.

 

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Giving Oklahoma businesses international appeal online

Great article from Johnny Henchman at K-International, a U.K.-based firm specializing in translation and foreign language projects for companies across the globe, on the best practices when it comes to customizing digital platforms for potential overseas customers. The growth in digital space for businesses and their customers looks set to grow exponentially, meaning multinationals and mom-and-pop firms alike will need to tailor their services and products to a wide range of audiences. Each one of which has their own specific terms, customs and business language that will be vital for Oklahoma firms to understand and incorporate into their digital content.

Though overwhelming at first, taking the time to go through a short but thorough checklist of considerations will help firms of all sizes expand to new customers in search of the best service possible, regardless of geographic location. With some Oklahoma-emphasis we’ve added some of Henchman’s suggestions below:

  • Understand your audiences – No sense in using terms that might make sense in Oklahoma but mean something completely different in Europe. Know who your audience is and write to them using language they can understand.
  • Beware of references in numerical and measurement terms – One stone in the U.K. means 14 pounds, not 14 individual rocks, while a reference to sunny June days may fall on cold, deaf ears for a reader south of the equator. Keep in mind the specifics of your readers’ locale!
  • Get your keywords right – If your brand relies on keywords, ensure that you’re not including a direct translation that won’t relate to how your potential customers would search for your product or services.

These and more specific tips are available with the full article here.

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Mayor Ron Norick on city’s unique role in fostering an international Oklahoma

Though globalization has become the norm in the 21st Century, it wasn’t long ago that building academic, cultural and commercial ties with the world outside America’s border was a new concept for many Oklahoman political leaders. One such statesman, former Oklahoma City Mayor Ron Norick, was at the forefront in leading the state’s capitol city into the age of globalization that followed the end of the Cold War, serving as mayor from 1987-1998. Mayor Norick spoke with the OKGIT about his experiences and the unique role that municipalities can play in forging an international Oklahoma.

Mayor Ron Norick

Mayor Ron Norick

On the importance of international ties for Oklahoma…“For one thing our farmers rely on it, that’s something that has always been important to the state.

“We also have a number of companies that sell domestically and internationally, which has only become more prevalent over time. You must have ties internationally; you can’t be isolated.”

On the successes of forging global partnerships during his time as mayor of Oklahoma City…

“When I came in as mayor, there was already sister cities in Taiwan which had been developed by the Oklahoma City Police Department. The departments, Oklahoma City and their counterparts in Taiwan, were cross training on best policing techniques.

“I also established one with the Hed College of Music in Yehud, Israel and Oklahoma City University. Like most of these kinds of ties and exchanges, they’re educational and cultural-based.

“We also had an exchange program at OCU with individuals coming from the former USSR in the early 1990s.They were business and economic professionals in their aviation sector who were coming here to learn about the free market, capitalism and the way the West does business. These were very high officials in their aviation sector, but they were steeped in working in the socialist and Soviet system. They were eager to learn, and they really picked up a lot in an intensive, four or five week program.”

“Haiko, the biggest city in Hainan Province, an island just off mainland of China, was a Sister City relationship that dealt with infrastructure. They got ahold of us and asked about our interest in coming to their city, which they explained was growing very rapidly.

“Hainan is known as the Hawaii of China with white beaches and is very pretty. Their city officials were interested in infrastructure developments for a municipality that was growing like crazy. They were behind in their streets, their water and sewer infrastructure, and we met with them over there and they reciprocated and met with our public works administration here. Our public works department made a great effort and helped show their officials how to plan 10, 20 or 30 years ahead of time for that kind of growth.”

On Oklahomans’ awareness of the state’s international ties…

“I don’t think international ties are on most Oklahomans’ radar, they have other things going on. Unless you have a business with international ties, you don’t worry about that.

“Those relationships are developed company to company for the most part. They’re not fostered by the consulate general or the governor at the beginning.

“If the city leaders are interested in promoting those ties and drawing international businesses to their towns, it’s pretty easy for them to know who to contact in terms of a local company that can help foster those relationships. In contrast to the state department of commerce or the U.S. Department of Commerce, it’s our town. We know the specifics and what we as a city have to offer. It’s more targeted.

“In Asia especially, when a mayor travels to a country there, it is a big deal. It’s like the President of the United States is visiting. The difference of having companies go to a foreign country on their own and say ‘I’m from Oklahoma and I want to do business,’ is not going to carry as much weight as an official delegation visiting from a mayor’s office. It legitimizes the company you’re travelling with.”

On Oklahoma’s reputation after the Murrah Building bombing in 1995…

“It might have been easier after the bombing in that a lot of people who had never thought about us before recognized where Oklahoma was and what we were about. We showed that we could take care of ourselves and our people in such a time, and that was a positive reflection.”

Mayor Ron Norick is a graduate of Oklahoma City University and served as mayor of Oklahoma City from 1987-1998. He currently serves as the controlling manager of Norick Investment Company, LLC, and is a member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.

(Photo of OKC Skyline courtesy of Urbanative at Wikipedia Commons).

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