This program was designed to provide the Oklahoma business community with information about EU developments affecting their business environment. The program is operated jointly with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (ODOC). These seminars are hosted by an OU faculty member, possibly with a guest speaker, and are held once per semester. About 15-20 business, government and community leaders are invited to attend. One of the goals of the Business Briefings is to provide a forum where Oklahoma business leaders can be brought together with leaders of European firms doing business in Oklahoma. Usually a short seminar directed by an expert on European business, the Business Briefings help to internationalize Oklahoma's business community.
March 23, 2004 - EU-US Trade Relations and Business Opportunities
Eric Beatty, Commercial Attaché at the US Consulate for Greater Western France (Oklahoma native) spoke on "EU-US Trade Relations and Business Opportunities" at Gaylord Room of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, Oklahoma City (123 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 7310). Audicence members included Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce and Oklahoma City International Trade Association (OCITA).
Mr. Beatty holds an MA from Rice University and an Msc from Aston University, United Kingdom. For more information about Mr. Beaty, please click here.
January 22, 2004 - The Importance of the European Union to the Internationalization of Oklahoma's Economy
Jasper Sumner, EU Center Fellow at the University of Oklahoma spoke on "The Importance of the European Union to the Internationalization of Oklahoma's Economy" at this year's first business briefing, hosted by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. Vlad Sambaiew, recently Counselor for Economic Affairs, US Embassy, currently Diplimat-in-Residence at the International Programs Center at the University of Oklahoma also spoke on "OU International Programs and Capabilities". Approximately 25 Oklahoma City business leaders and public servants were in attendance.
Time: 12:00-1:15pm.
Location: Petroleum Club, Oklahoma City.
September 17, 2003 - The Importance of Trade with the European Union
Massimo Rustico, Consul General for Italy, addressed a luncheon of 34 people on "The Importance of Trade with the European Union". Attending the luncheon were, Ms. Susan Savage, Oklahoma Secretary of State, Mandy Haws, Norman City Council and Kevin Hopkins, Norman City Council as well as members of the Norman business community and officers of the University of Oklahoma. Mr. Rustico's luncheon remarks were in conjuction with his visit for the "Issues in an Expanding Europe" lecture on the same day.
February 25, 2003 - Opportunities for Trade in Europe
November 2, 2002 - Trade between Oklahoma and Europe
October 23, 2002 - Expanding into Europe: The Netherlands as a Gateway
Sponsored by the European Commission in Brussels, the purpose of the EU Center is to enhance knowledge of the European Union in our part of the United States. The University of Oklahoma was one of the fifteen American universities selected to host an EU Center, and we will fulfill our mission through a variety of program activities aimed at education and outreach. Business Briefings is one of these programs. It consists of a series of special seminars on a variety of topics.
The first Business Briefing was held Tuesday October 23, 2002 at Stepbrothers, 423 Webster, Norman, Oklahoma. Civic and business leaders from the Norman community attended a seminar designed for those considering expanding their business activities into Europe. The seminar "Expanding into Europe: the Netherlands as a Gateway" featured quest speakers Edgar Kasteel, Logistics Manager for Holland International Distribution Council and Michael van der Woude, Area Director of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency. Frans van Antwerpen, Senior Advisor, Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency and Consul General Eduard J. Reitsma also attended.
This event was cosponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oklahoma. Breakfast courtesy of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency and Keith Allen, Stepbrother's Catering.
Future seminars will be held at various locations around the state and will encompass a variety of topics useful to the business community.
October 18, 2002 - Building Economic Competitiveness: Policy Ideas from Britain
Keynote speaker Henry McLeish MSP - "Building Economic Competitiveness: Policy Ideas from Britain".
Location:
Nichols Graduate Business Center
1 Santa Fe Plaza, Oklahoma City
May 15, 2002 - Oklahoma World Trade Conference
The Tulsa World Trade Conference serves as an annual update for major international trade issues and is one of the major international trade conferences held in the state. Business people, government officials, economic development/trade specialists, and academicians will participate. The conference, held during World Trade Month, is important in the continuing effort to support and expand international business activity in Oklahoma.
January 30, 2002 - The EURO: What it means to Oklahoma and American Business
Rodger Randle, Professor of Studies in Democracy and Culture hosted the center's second business briefing titled "The EURO: What it means to Oklahomans and American Business." The mini-seminar held Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at the University of Oklahoma, Schusterman Campus Tulsa, consisted of presentations from a panel of three area specialists. Randy Kellogg, Vice President, International Trade Finance for Bank of Oklahoma discussed the effects of the EURO on the Oklahoma economy. Mitchell Smith, European Union Center Co-Director discussed the impact of the EURO on the national economy. Recently returned from the UK, Professor Smith gave his view of the European citizen response to the introduction of the EURO. Jeffrey Lewis, Professor of Political Science, Oklahoma State University, explained the structure of the European Central Bank and the complexities of maintaining stable relationships within that framework. An extended question and answer period followed the presentation. Future seminars will be held at various locations around the state and will encompass a variety of topics useful to the business community. Please contact us at the address listed below with your comments and questions.