Governor, Chamber lead trade mission to Europe

10.15.2012
Today’s global, knowledge-based economy is creating an environment where regions must be proactive or risk falling behind. With this in mind, the Chamber, through its Tulsa’s Future regional economic development plan, has partnered with Governor Fallin and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to present the 2012 Governor’s Trade Mission to Europe, Oct. 14-19.

More than 20 government, economic development and business leaders, including Gov. Fallin and Tulsa Mayor Dewey F. Bartlett Jr., will travel to six countries in six days to participate in more than 15 appointments with a goal to thank companies for their business in the Tulsa region and to determine the assistance they need to continue to grow jobs. The contingency will also have the opportunity to meet with the vendors and suppliers connected to these companies, as well as local dignitaries, who are prospective new investors for Oklahoma.

“Through the 2012 Governor’s Trade Mission to Europe, we will strengthen existing relationships that will ultimately help us attract more jobs and investment in Oklahoma,” Fallin said.

The itinerary for the trade mission is robust and strategic. Company appointments include Dresser-Rand; Lafarge; Umicore; Vallourec; T.D. Williamson; Sulzer Chemtech.; Hilti; Linde AG and Siemens, among others.

“The competition for jobs is more intense than ever before, and the Tulsa region and Oklahoma must forge business relationships and lasting partnerships that position us as a worldwide force in the area of economic development,” said Becky Frank, chair of the Tulsa Metro Chamber and chairman and CEO of Schnake Turnbo Frank | PR.

Following research on a global marketing strategy for the Tulsa region, analysis of the United Kingdom and continental Europe showed the greatest growth opportunities because of existing trade and foreign direct investment.

Sponsors of the 2012 Governor’s Trade Mission include Oklahoma Business Roundtable, opening reception sponsor; and Hilti, a dinner sponsor.


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