OKGIT July 2023 Committee and Agency updates

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:

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

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.