Archive for category: News

COMMITTEE REPORTS 

 

Marketing Committee 

The OKGIT is wanting to establish better rhythm for social media. To help with this, please send any events and news that we can post to Jason Baffrey at Jason.Baffrey@okcommerce.gov or Jared Scism at theokgit@gmail.com. 

Sponsorship Committee 

There was no official sponsorship committee meeting. However, we received notification from John Reid at Oklahoma Business Roundtable that they will support OKGIT this fiscal year (July 2023-June 2024) in the amount of $10,000 primarily to go toward the luncheon at the Governor’s mansion as part of the Consular Summit scheduled for next April 9-10.  

Funding came up as a priority in the May 19 strategic planning session. This will be addressed more fully once the Task Force is further along with the Strategy Development work scheduled through the fall.  

Select Oklahoma 

Business Roundtable announced their survey report results in the 2023 Oklahoma Business Leaders Poll (produced in partnership with the OK State Chamber and the State Chamber Research Foundation: The report can be found at https://issuu.com/okstatechamber/docs/blpoll2023?fr=sMDJjNTQ0MjYwNTQ ).  

The program speakers for the Select Oklahoma the last two months included:  

1. May program: Shane Hampton presented on IQC (Institute for Quality Communities at OU,( https://iqc.ou.edu/ )  

1. June program: Unmanned Aerial Systems, Craig Mahaney, DronePort Network (https://www.droneports.net/ ) 

 

AGENCY REPORTS  

 

Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Food and Forestry (ODAFF) 

The ODAFF recently finished following up with their Food Export support for six Midwest companies to Food Show Taipei and are currently getting ready for the MIO booth at the State Fair.  

Staff from ODAFF will attend the Agro Expo in Argentina July 23-28 as a part of the United States Livestock Genetics Export booth. From their past inbound trade mission from Mexico, they have gained a lot of interest from our producers wanting to expand their genetics with other countries, particularly Argentina. As a result, they will be going to Argentina to the La Exposición Rural (The Rural Exhibition) which has more than 4,500 animal exhibitors and more than 400 commercial exhibitors. This will allow ODAFF to assess whether to bring producers to Argentina or host an inbound trade mission with Argentina in the future. 

Oklahoma Department of Commerce (ODOC) 

ODOC participated in the Paris Airshow in late June. They had the largest delegation, yet, at the show and came home with several great leads and connections. ODOC also hosted the Taiwan External Trade Development Council for a short visit to Oklahoma. They engaged with state and city leaders, Sister Cities OKC, and Oklahoma businesses. 

United States Department of Commerce (USDOC) 

District Export Council Nomination Opportunity – The Department of Commerce is currently seeking nominations of individuals for consideration for appointment by the Secretary of Commerce to serve as members of one of the 61 District Export Councils (DECs) nationwide. DECs are closely affiliated with the U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEACs) of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (US&FCS), which is part of the Global Markets unit within the International Trade Administration, and play a key role in the planning and coordination of export activities in their communities. Nominations for individuals will be accepted through Sept 1, 2023. For general program information, contact Laura Barmby, National DEC Liaison, US&FCS, laura.barmby@trarde.gov or at (202) 482–2675. For Oklahoma, please contact: Marcus Verner, CS Oklahoma Director, marcus.verner@trade.gov or at (405)740-4243. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/06/26/2023-13518/district-export-council-nomination-opportunity .

Global Diversity Export Initiative Business Mission to South Africa, Ghana, and Optional Stop in Nigeria – August 6-15, 2023- The Global Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI) Trade Mission to Africa is focused on building commercial bridges between U.S. owned or led businesses from underserved communities and business communities in South Africa, Ghana, and Nigeria. The mission will help participating firms and organizations gain market insights, make industry contacts, solidify business strategies, and advance specific projects, with the goal of increasing U.S. exports. By participating in an official U.S. industry delegation, rather than traveling on their own, U.S. companies will enhance their ability to secure meetings and gain greater exposure in these markets. https://www.trade.gov/global-diversity-export-initiative-events 

CS Oklahoma – August/September 2023 – Angola TDY – Kevin Chambers of CS-Tulsa will travel to Angola for a TDY to provide market coverage, gain regional market knowledge and facilitate U.S. business opportunities. For specific information or assistance please contact kevin.chambers@trade.gov 

 

Upcoming USDOC Events 

 

Access Africa Now Webinar – August 9, 2023: Oklahoma to Angola: September 13, 2023 – Ethiopia – Active U.S. exporters in any industry, but especially information & communications technology, health care technology, and design & construction. Products and services within these industry sectors are in particular demand in Africa. Larry Tabash, Global Team Lead, Middle East & Africa, U.S. Commercial Service – Austin, TX, U.S. Email: Larry.Tabash@trade.gov ; Phone: 512-936-0039 https://www.trade.gov/access-africa-now-webinar-series U.S. Caribbean Business Conference – 2023 – September 6-7, Miami FL. U.S. Caribbean Business Conference 2023 participants will receive up-to-date market intelligence and help developing practical strategies for winning procurements and for exporting their goods and services. The program will include U.S. diplomats, industry professionals, trade experts, international business experts, high-level government officials and seasoned exporters – with plenty of opportunity for networking. Registration $495 per attendee-Deadline September 4, 2023. For more information: https://uscaribbeanconference2023.itamatch.com/   

Discover Global Markets: European Union Summit September 12-14, Birmingham, AL. This business forum will feature opportunities to connect with industry leaders, schedule one-on-one meetings with U.S. commercial diplomats and specialists based in key European markets, and network with fellow exporters. Participants will learn about market opportunities, the project pipeline, and how to operationalize a strategy to bring increased export business to their bottom line. For more information: https://www.trade.gov/discover-global-markets 

Consular Corps 

Several Members of the Consular Corps followed the invitation of The Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus to celebrate the Annual Hispanic Cultural Day at the Capitol on May 3rd 2023. The theme for this year’s event was Global Impact. Several exhibitors presented their country. Foods from all over Latin America, art, performances, and demonstrations that highlight the culture of many people here in Oklahoma were showcased.  

The Consular Corps also attended the inauguration ceremony of the new Consulate General for Mexico on May 20th. The Ambassador of Mexico to the United States, Esteban Moctezuma, Governor Kevin Stitt and Mayor David Holt were also in attendance for the ceremony. The event featured music, food and local vendors. Moctezuma stated that the new Consulate will serve a community of almost half a million people. Previously, citizens of Mexico living in Oklahoma had to travel out of state to Arkansas or Kansas to receive consular services like passports and birth certificates.  

The City of Warr Acres was hosted its first annual Multicultural Festival on June 3rd. Warr Acres Mayor Roger Godwin created the festival to give metro residents an opportunity to experience different cultures from around the world. The Consular Corps was among the invitees. The event featured food, fashion and dance and musical performances from 25 different countries such as Mexico, Greece, Peru, Guatemala, Turkey, Spain and more. The family friendly festival also includes face painting, bounce houses, touch-a-truck and educational exhibits. 

 

 The below is a general summary of the events and discussion at the March 2023 OKGIT meeting. It does not represent the official minutes, which will be distributed at a later date.

After the approval of the January 2023 meeting’s minutes, Treasurer Andrew Ranson gave an update regarding the finances of the organization. During the financial report, Andrew informed the OKGIT membership of finances for January and February 2023.

Following the treasurer report, Scott Thompson introduced Steve Smith from Vacuwork who attended the meeting as a visitor.

During the Cultural and Cultural Committee report, Past Chair Douglas Price updated the membership about the upcoming International Recognition Day at the State Capitol on April 19 at 8:30. Members interested in attending may contact Executive Director Jared Scism to RSVP.

Following the Cultural and Education Committee report, Vice Chair Enrique Villar presented a layout of the programs for the 2023 OKGIT bimonthly meetings. The programs this year during the meetings will include Mercosur in May, Pacific Alliance in July, Free Trade Agreements in September and NAFTA/USMCA in November.

After the Program Committee report, Andrew Ranson shared details regarding a recent meeting he had with the Oklahoma Business Roundtable regarding sponsorships for the upcoming Oklahoma Consular Trade Summit. Upon sharing these details, Scott Thompson recommended making a sponsorship banner. Chuck Mills concluded the report by suggesting the organization create a program for sponsors to give to the OKGIT at any time throughout the year with different sponsorship levels that can receive various benefits (i.e. attending our events for free) rather than requesting for funds for each event individually.

Vivi Milakovic closed the committee reports by informing the group about the Sovereignty Summit coming up on June 14 and 15. Vivi also shared the Canadian Consul in Dallas will be coming to the ITTIO (Intertribal Tribal Trade and Investment Organization) on June 18-19 in Durant.

At the completion of the committee reports, Marcus Verner from the U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) kicked off the reports from the various government departments. During his report, Marcus announced Oklahoma companies would bid on World Bank projects from March 14-15. Marcus also informed the membership about the District Export Council working with the Governor’s International Team to plan the 40^th annual World Trade Conference on April 5th. Marcus closed the report by telling the group that the US Department of Commerce is preparing for Select USA and other various trade events taking place in the coming months.

During the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (ODOC) report, Christy Busch announced Nicole Boyles was recently appointed as the Director of International Trade and Exports at ODOC. The team was also informed of ODOC’s recent meeting with a delegation from Chihuahua, Mexico where they met with OSU regarding agriculture and also had an automotive roundtable. The report concluded with Christy sharing that ODOC is currently trying to host two ambassadors sometime this spring and requested the support of OKGIT should any receptions take place.

After Christy Busch’s report from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Cathleen Skinner from the Oklahoma Department of Education (ODOE) shared that ODOE was working to connect business partners and students. Cathleen also talked about the ways ODOE is working to find solutions to help World Language programs as the state has lost some Chinese programs and plans to move some its assistance from China to Taiwan. Cathleen also shared that universities were reaching out to ODOE to set up concurrent enrollment at OU for Russian classes and Cherokee at Rose State College. Cathleen ended her report by talking about elementary schools are working to get world languages back into schools as businesses are beginning to express the need for fluent speakers in the fields of construction, banking, oil, and gas from leadership roles to line work roles. Furthermore, there is a state statute that language options are offered in schools, and it is essential Oklahoma provide these options in order to become more competitive. Oklahoma currently has MOU’s for foreign language with Spain, France and Taiwan, but would like to have more.

Following the Oklahoma Department of Education report, Jarrett Jobe from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) shared the recently released strategic plan of OSRHE known as Blueprint 2023. More details about the Blueprint can be found here. Jarret also talked about partnerships that are being made to make education pipelines from CareerTech, two year and four years around nursing. OSRHE is also currently examining models of higher education in other states and how that applies to international students. Currently 80% of all in state students and 60% of out of state students (excluding international students) stay in Oklahoma upon completing their undergraduate degrees. Jarrett closed his report by sharing that Rhonda Baker and others are looking at curriculum with plans to place stronger emphasis on STEM and developing out courses. There are also considerations to have an interim study looking at curriculum where the world languages discussion could emerge.

During the Select Oklahoma report, Andrew Ranson discussed the different things Select Oklahoma accomplished prior to the start of the gavel ceremony which included a coffee reception followed by meetings with the Speaker of the House, and Senate Pro Tem and presentation of awards for the “Advocate of the Year” to one House and one Senate member who were supportive of economic development objectives. Select Oklahoma also focused a lot of their attention during the past month to reaching out to legislators to get support for a funding mechanism tied to a potential large company investment which included an “all call” earlier in the week to mobilize the group.

At the conclusion of all the reports, Honorary Consul of Switzerland Rico Buchli informed the membership about a recent invitation to the Consular Corps from the Oklahoma Business Roundtable for a briefing and presentation. At the briefing, Rico participated from the Swiss Business hub which is now trying to establish a Blue Ammonium plant in Louisiana and make connections to Oklahoma in view of low carbon gas. Rico is also trying to broaden the relationship and working to build a relationship with Select Oklahoma. Rico ended his report by mentioning that Sister Cities would be honoring Asian Sister Cities at Grand House on Tuesday, March 28^th.

New business in the meeting consisted of updates about the OKGIT Task Force and the upcoming World Trade Conference/Consular Trade Summit. During the OKGIT Task Force updates, Task Force Chair John Curzon shared that the task force was meeting immediately following the OKGIT bimonthly meeting to review the results of the survey that was recently sent out to the membership which would involve discussions around our relationship and integration with the Oklahoma Business Roundtable and Select Oklahoma.

Following John Curzon’s update about the Task Force, Treasurer Andrew Ranson updated the group about the upcoming Oklahoma Consular Trade Summit and World Trade Conference that will be held on Wednesday, April 5^th at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City. The event will include collaborations with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma City Chamber, Partner Tulsa and Tulsa Ports. There has been a positive response of Consuls Trade reps with five countries currently registered. At this time budget and sponsorships are a moving target, but carry over funds from previous years will need to be used to fund some of the event. Please visit any of the links below to register for any of the events if you plan to attend:

 

1. Click here to register for the Oklahoma Consular Trade Summit Breakfast
2. Click here to register for the Oklahoma World Trade Conference Registration
3. Click here to register for the Oklahoma Consular Trade Summit Reception Registration

 

There was no program portion of the meeting this month.

Chairperson Enrique Villar adjourned the meeting by inviting the membership to the next meeting on May 16 at 9:00 a.m. at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. We hope to see you there.

The below is a general summary of the events and discussion at the November 2022 OKGIT meeting. It does not represent the official minutes, which will be distributed at a later date.

After the approval of the September 2022 meeting’s minutes, Treasurer Andrew Ranson gave an update regarding the finances of the organization. During the financial report, Andrew informed the OKGIT membership of finances for September and October 2022.

During the Membership Committee report, Past Chair Scott Thompson introduced Jarrett Jobe as the new representative in OKGIT for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education following the retirement of Debbie Blanke. After Jarrett’s introduction, Mike Troilo was approved by the membership as the newest member of the team.

Following the Membership Committee report, Cathleen Skinner informed the group about various virtual cultural events with representatives from four countries that were put on by the Cultural and Education Committee during International Education Week. At the conclusion of Cathleen’s report, Douglas Price introduced two new student ambassadors to the group: Lovette Mba from Langston University and Shannon Marcar from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Douglas also thanked student ambassador Steffi Silvera for her strong representation of the OKGIT.

During the Sponsor Relations Committee report, Treasurer Andrew Ranson thanked Chair Catherine Webster for her fundraising efforts during the Oklahoma Consular Summit by arranging sponsorship for the reception from the Oklahoma City Chamber and building a relationship with the Oklahoma Business Roundtable.

At the completion of the committee reports, Marcus Verner from the U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) kicked off the reports from the various government departments. During his report, Marcus commended everyone on the World Trade Conference. Topics at the conference included nearshoring, alternatives to China market such as South America, compliance issues, and global supply chain solutions. Following his report regarding the World Trade Conference, Marcus announced the USDOC would host four webinars in cooperation with the World Trade Bank and that the District Export Council would be moving the World Trade Conference back to the second quarter next year. Marcus closed his report by informing the group that Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia would be destinations of foreign trade missions next year.

After the USDOC report, Executive Director Jared Scism announced the Oklahoma Department of Commerce was meeting with Consulates in Houston and holding a reception with several of the Consulates in attendance on November 15th. Jared closed the report by announcing a celebration of the 20th anniversary between Azerbaijan and Oklahoma on November 29.

Following the Oklahoma Department of Commerce report, Jamie Cummings from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture announced the first international hospitality suite at the 2023 Cattlemen’s Congress Show at the Fairgrounds next year. Jamie also announced there would be a European cattle show at the beginning of January and requested the GIT’s presence. More information regarding the show will be released soon.

At the conclusion of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture report, Jarrett Jobe introduced himself as the new representative for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE). Jarrett is the new Vice-Chancellor for Government Relations. Jarrett also informed the group that Oklahoma is looking at an out-of-state tuition model to recruit more international students. Chair Catherine Webster ended the report by informing the membership about a reception organized by Oklahoma Women in Higher Education honoring former OSRHE representative Debbie Blanke. The Oklahoma Women in Higher Education who will also be establishing a scholarship in Debbie’s name.

During the Consular Corps report, Honorary Consul of Switzerland, Rico Buchli reported that many Consuls attended the Consular Summit. Rico also announced the new Mexican Consul will be moving to Oklahoma City in December and is currently looking for a residence. Vice Chair Enrique Villar-Gambetta concluded the Consular Corps report by noting the Consul General of Uruguay sent a very positive report on his visit to Oklahoma for the Consular Summit and that the Uruguayan Ambassador would be in Oklahoma during the first quarter of 2023.

At the conclusion of all the reports, Andrew Ranson updated the group about the second task force meeting that recently took place that is focusing on the strategic planning of the OKGIT. During the meeting, individuals were placed in subgroups to be made up of education, consular corps, cultural and non-profits, business, and government relations groups to begin discussions. The group plans to meet again before the January GIT meeting

Chair Cathy Webster concluded the meeting by soliciting nominations for a new OKGIT Vice Chair. Anyone who is interested in nominating others or themself can contact Executive Director, Jared Scism.

During the program portion of the meeting, Enrique Villar-Gambetta presented over opportunities in Guatemala.

Chairperson Cathy Webster adjourned the meeting by inviting the membership to the next meeting on January 17 at 3:00 p.m. at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce with a holiday reception following at Café do Brasil. More details regarding the reception will be shared at the beginning of January. We hope to see you there.

The below is a general summary of the events and discussion at the July 2022 OKGIT meeting. It does not represent the official minutes, which will be distributed at a later date.

 

After the approval of the May 2022 meeting’s minutes, Treasurer Andrew Ranson gave an update regarding the finances of the organization. During the financial report, Andrew informed the OKGIT membership of finances for May and June 2022.

 

During the Marketing Committee report, Marketing Chair Jason Baffrey shared with the membership about the development of the logos for the upcoming World Trade Conference and Oklahoma Consular Summit this fall. Jason concluded his report by congratulating OKGIT Chair Cathy Webster for being selected as one of Journal Record’s 50 women making a difference list.

 

Following the Marketing Committee report, the Culture and Education Committee presented the new GIT Student Ambassadors Grace and Arpana to the group. These ambassadors are currently working on a career fair for F1 (degree seeking) international student to help them find jobs after hearing several international students at International Recognition Day express the challenge of finding careers following their graduation this past spring.

 

After the Cultural and Education Committee report, Vice Chair Enrique Villar announced during the Program Committee report that a Green Hydrogen MOU is currently under development between the Oklahoma Department of Energy and Uruguay.

 

During the Sponsor Relations Committee report, Treasurer Andrew Ranson informed the team the Sponsor Relations Committee needs to meet to set up sponsorship levels with target dates and amounts and to determine what organizations to request from. A meeting to meet with the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce is currently in the process of being scheduled.

 

Jim Collard closed the committee reports by discussing the continuous challenges and supply chain issues with the group during the Trade and Foreign Direct Investment committee report. Jim concluded his report by sharing updates with the group about the upcoming Oklahoma Consular Summit on October 19 and requested sponsors for the dinners. Anyone interested in sponsoring a Consul General may contact Executive Director Jared Scism.

 

At the completion of the committee reports, Kevin Chambers from the U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) kicked off the reports from the various government departments. During his report, Kevin discussed the Farnborough Air Show in the United Kingdom and talked about Oklahoma and the Federal Department of Commerce’s large presence there. Kevin also invited the group to participate in the following upcoming events:

22. The Discover Global Markets in Rhode Island will take place from September 20 – 22. This year’s focus is on ocean technology
23. The World Trade Conference on October 20 will take place immediately following the Consular Summit in Tulsa

For more information regarding these events, contact Kevin Chambers.

During the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (ODOC) report, staff from the ODOC talked about the large delegation that attended the Farnborough. Governor Stitt and Penny Mordant, UK Minister of Trade are currently developing an MOU for a five-year plan to interact more on a state level

 

Following the report from Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Jamie Cummings from Oklahoma Department of Agriculture shared information regarding the following upcoming events:

1. Private Label Show in Chicago from November 13 – 15
2. Cattleman’s Congress in Oklahoma City from January 1 – 14

For more information regarding these events, contact Jamie Cummings.

 

After the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture report, Cathleen Skinner from the Oklahoma Department of Education informed the membership at Tulsa might be closing their Chinese program at Booker T. Washington due to alleged affiliation with the Confucius Institute. Shortly following the OKGIT meeting, Cathleen corrected her report and shared with Chair Catherine Webster and Executive Director Jared Scism that Booker T. Washington would not be closing their Chinese program, but that Carver Middle School lost their Chinese teacher and is currently in the search process for a new one.

 

During the Select Oklahoma committee report, Dr. Jim Collard invited the team to the International Economic Development Council conference that will take place September 17 – 21 in Oklahoma City at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. For more information about the conference, click here.

 

Following the Consular Corps report, Honorary Consul Grant Moak from France updated the membership about the reception the Consular Corp held for the new Consul General of Japan in June. The membership was also informed by Katherine Ho from the U.S. Department of State that any delegations coming from the People’s Republic of China must be approved by the U.S. State Department going forward.

 

At the conclusion of all the reports, Andrew Ranson updated the membership about OKGIT’s progress with the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) and the possibility of restructuring the organization. The Executive Committee recently contacted a former chair of the OKGIT to chair the task force and plans to share the name of the chair in the future. Other future plans include meeting with an OKGIT focus group in November and a second focus group of former members and stakeholders in order to form a survey for input about the organization. Anyone interested in joining this effort can contact Executive Director Jared Scism.

 

During the program portion of the meeting, the Vice Chair Enrique Villar presented a travel guide to Argentina.

 

Chairperson Cathy Webster adjourned the meeting by inviting the membership to the next meeting on September 20 at 9:00 a.m. at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. We hope to see you there.

The below is a general summary of the events and discussion at the January 2022 OKGIT meeting. It does not represent the official minutes, which will be distributed at a later date. 

After the modification and approval of the November 2021 meeting’s minutes, Treasurer Andrew Ranson gave an update regarding the finances of the organization. During the financial report, Andrew informed the OKGIT membership of finances for November and December 2021.  

Following the treasurer report, Scott Thompson presented changes to the bylaws that included a new membership category, Associate Member. The Associate Member is an individual recognized by the Board who serves in a voluntary adjunct or auxiliary capacity and represents the OKGIT for a mutual benefit to both the individual and the OKGIT (e.g. OKGIT Student Ambassador program participants). Associate Members shall not be entitled to vote and shall not be required to pay dues. This category was approved by the team 

During the Marketing Committee report, Executive Director Jared Scism reported that new Marketing Chair Jason Baffrey scheduled an in-person meeting to create a marketing vision plan. Jason decided to postpone the meeting until a later date when COVID cases are lower.  

After the Marketing Committee report, Executive Jared Scism informed the membership that the Culture and Education Committee would meet in February to discuss International Education Week. Past Chair Douglas Price concluded the report by announcing that International Recognition Day at the State Capitol would be held sometime at the end of March. More details will be shared soon.  

Following the Culture and Education Committee report, Vice Chair Enrique Villar announced the Peruvian education committee may send a delegation in February or March which may provide opportunities for universities to participate. Enrique also informed the membership about green energy opportunities with Uruguay and that he would be presenting to the Lima Chamber of Commerce next month.   

Jim Collard closed the committee reports by leading a discussion regarding the current state of Trade and Foreign Direct Investment. The discussion included input from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce who reported they had not had much traffic other than the Minister for Trade Policy from the United Kingdom who came to Oklahoma to meet with several cabinet secretaries. Chuck Mills reported international trade continues to be booming as his company has been selling all over the world due to the broken supply chain, regardless of price. Ben Gottch added to the conversation by mentioning there is a continued demand from U.S. importers and many people are trying to use air freight, but air freight has decreased with Omicron. Furthermore, there is anticipation of further congestion due to the upcoming Chinese New Year. Kevin Chambers also mentioned a lot of companies are trying to shift to Vietnam, India, Mexico, and this side of the Pacific. Treasurer Andrew Ranson concluded the report by inviting the group to a NABISTE Exporter Roundtable webinar and that the Oklahoma State University Center for International Trade Development would be releasing a supply chain report soon.  

At the completion of the committee reports, Marcus Verner from the U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) kicked off the reports from the various government departments. During his report, Marcus reported that he and Chuck spoke at the Regional District Export council meeting (Southern Network) over best practices of leveraging resources. Marcus ended his report by sharing a few events coming up that the membership may be interested in. This list of events can be found on the OKGIT website events page.  

Executive Director Jared Scism reported on behalf of Cathleen Skinner from the Oklahoma Department of Education (ODOE) following the USDOC report. During the report Jared shared that ODOE is currently reviewing Oklahoma Academic standards for world languages which will go before state board of education next month. These standards are renewed every six years. Jared continued the report by sharing there have been a lot of absences among teachers recently. Jared ended the report by telling the group that the ODOE is holding their third summit to find ways to support students with high levels of trauma.  

Despite there being no report for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Randy Kluver from Oklahoma State University informed the membership that refugees from Afghanistan who are moving to Oklahoma and wish to study in universities here are being classified as “out of state”. Oklahoma State University is currently working with Oklahoma University to try and work with the Regents to see if they can revise the language to include refugees and requested support from UCO. 

Following the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education report, Executive Director Jared Scism also shared updates from Jamie Cummings at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture (ODOA). In her report, Jamie mentioned the PLMA show that was scheduled at the end of January was to be the first live buyers’ mission, but was cancelled due to COVID-19. The event has been rescheduled to take place in November at the regularly scheduled meeting. Jared concluded Jamie’s report by informing the group The Cattlemen’s Congress show was held January 1-15. During the event, the ODOA held their first international hospitality room. Several canceled due to new travel restrictions, but had a good turnout from Canada, Mexico, South America and Dubai. ODOA plans to build on this project next year with possible farm tours and education.  

At the conclusion of all the reports, Honorary Consul of Switzerland Rico Buchli updated the membership regarding happenings in the Oklahoma Consular Corps. During his report Rico highlighted the Consular Crops reception organized by Oklahoma City Sister Cities Organization where New Honorary Consul of Japan in Oklahoma Dewey Bartlett was introduced. Honorary Consul of France Grant Moak concluded the report by announcing the new Consul General of France in Houston, Valerie Baraban, and the new Vice Consul and executive assistant.  

During the program portion of the meeting, the group shared personal success stories from 2021.   

Chairperson Cathy Webster concluded the meeting by inviting the membership to our in-person meeting on March 8 at 9:00 a.m. at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Following the meeting, the annual gavel ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m. in the Blue Room at the Oklahoma State Capitol. We hope to see you there.