April 24, 2023 – Atlanta, GA — In a significant step towards fostering robust economic partnerships, the Turkish American Chamber of Commerce of the South (TACCS) leadership convened with the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce (MACOC). The meeting was spearheaded by TACCS leaders Erhan Cevikel and Gokhan Yavuz, and attended by John W. Woodward, Vice President of Global Commerce at MACOC, and Stefan Harrigan, Senior Manager of Global Business Development at MACOC. Representatives from Turkish Airlines’ Atlanta office also participated, underscoring the importance of the engagement.
The meeting marked the initiation of a promising relationship between TACCS and MACOC, aimed at fostering mutual understanding and exploring future collaboration opportunities.
Meeting Agenda and Highlights
The agenda of the meeting was designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to TACCS, outline the organization’s goals, and establish a framework for future collaboration. Key points of discussion included:
Introduction to TACCS: TACCS serves as a vital conduit for Turkish-American enterprises seeking to thrive in U.S. markets. The organization leverages Turkish American capital and resources to bolster the economic power of local and regional businesses. With a commitment to high ethical standards, TACCS promotes business opportunities and builds partnerships across the Southern region. The platform is inclusive, ensuring respect and appreciation for diversity and non-discrimination.
Short-Term Goals:
- Engagement with Chambers of Commerce and Business Communities:
- Establishing connections with various chambers and business communities to gain insights and foster collaboration.
- Business Intelligence Gathering:
- Acquiring knowledge on free trade zones, urban enterprise zones, and regional market priorities.
- Learning from Industry Experts:
- Drawing lessons from successful enterprises in automotive, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, technology, and finance sectors.
- Exploiting Business Opportunities:
- Navigating the market to uncover and leverage business opportunities.
- Economic Growth Contribution:
- Contributing to the economic development of regional and local markets, with a specific interest from Turkish American corporations in investing in Southern markets, including Atlanta.
Long-Term Goals:
- Increasing Investment Levels:
- Encouraging Turkish American enterprises to invest more significantly in the Southern region across various sectors.
- Diversified Sectoral Growth:
- Expanding into sectors such as management consulting, construction, retail, business advisory, healthcare, financial services, real estate, technology, jewelry, logistics, maritime shipping, automotive, defense contracting, textiles, wholesale food, and marble and stones.
Building a Collaborative Future
The meeting set a positive tone for future interactions between TACCS and MACOC, with both parties expressing a strong commitment to building and nurturing business relationships. The collaboration aims to elevate the economic landscape of the Southern region, leveraging the strengths and resources of Turkish American enterprises.
John W. Woodward of MACOC highlighted the importance of such collaborations in enhancing the economic fabric of Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Similarly, Erhan Cevikel and Gokhan Yavuz emphasized TACCS’s dedication to ethical business conduct and the promotion of inclusivity within the business community.
As TACCS and MACOC continue to develop their partnership, the focus will remain on creating sustainable economic opportunities and fostering a diverse and inclusive business environment.
About TACCS: The Turkish American Chamber of Commerce of the South (TACCS) is committed to supporting Turkish American enterprises and promoting business opportunities across the Southern United States. Through a platform that values ethical standards and inclusivity, TACCS aims to enhance the economic power of local and regional businesses, fostering a thriving business community.
This meeting marks the beginning of a new chapter in Turkish-American economic relations, with both TACCS and MACOC poised to drive growth and innovation in the region.
