Mission Statement
A Business Association dedicated to enhancing the promotion of US-Turkish Commercial, Defense, Technology and Cultural Relations.

Overview
As one of the leading business associations in the United States, American Turkish Council (ATC) is dedicated to effectively strengthening US-Turkish relations through the promotion of commercial, defense, technology and cultural relations. Its diverse membership includes Fortune 500, US and Turkish companies, multinationals, nonprofit organizations and individuals with an interest in US-Turkish relations. Guided by member interests, ATC strives to enhance the growing ties between the US and Turkey by initiating and facilitating efforts to increase investment and trade between the two countries.

Goals of American-Turkish Council
• To help resolve problems and disputes that affect US-Turkish commercial, defense and cultural relations.
• To encourage trade and investment between the United States and Turkey.
• To educate the public and private sectors on the importance of the strategic alliance between the United States and Turkey.
• To increase the understanding and appreciation of the history, culture and traditions of the United States and Turkey.
• To promote awareness of US-Turkish issues.To facilitate dialogue between the government agencies of both Turkey and the United States and the private sector.

 

Board of Directors | 05.23.2012
Executive Committee | 05.23.2012
Advisory Board | 05.23.2012

 

ATC Staff
Amb. James H. Holmes (Ret.)
President & CEO

Canan Büyükünsal
Executive Director

Ayşe Sümer
Director, Commercial Programs and Government Affairs

Fatih Orhan
Finance

Cemil Kor
Director, I.T.

Faith Scott
Office Manager

about

ACTIVITIES | ATC has many different activities that take place throughout the year. These activities range from cultural to business to governmental affairs.

Annual Conference
The most important event sponsored by ATC is its Annual Conference. Held every year in Washington DC, it incorporates the whole spectrum of U.S.-Turkish relations. The Conference program addresses the key issues between the two countries and the region. Participation is diverse, from Members of the U.S. Congress, to Cabinet Secretaries and other senior Administration officials, the U.S. military, as well as Turkish political leaders and high-ranking government and military officials. In addition to the senior government officials of both countries, the Conference attracts hundreds of other participants, including leaders in international business and professions from both Turkey and the United States. The Conference offers up-to the-minute political and economic briefings as well as cultural events. It also provides an opportunity to American and Turkish businessmen and women to exchange ideas and information on strategic issues, product marketing, and scientific topics and to develop business contacts.

Committees
The membership of ATC is diverse, and the interests and activities of each member cover a vast range of subjects. In order to incorporate and make the best use of this diversity, the council has formed industry specific committees, which are actively working on the issues pertaining not only to their areas, but also together with other committees to encourage and enhance the business interests of each of the members. The Council's Standing Committees, which guide its activities, are as follows: Agribusiness & Food Industries, Banking & Finance, Construction & Energy, Culture & Tourism, Defense & Security Affairs, Information Communication Technology, Pharmaceutical, and Trade & Textiles. Corporate members are encouraged to take part in these work groups.

Congressional Staff Trip
Each year, select groups of Congressional Staffers are invited to visit Turkey, an educational trip that combines meetings with top-level administration members, NGOs, and visits to some of the famous historical and cultural sights of the country. This trip also gives ATC an opportunity to show the achievements of member companies within Turkey such as power plants, schools, factories, joint ventures and other businesses.

Publications & Website
The Council has two annual publications, one is the Conference magazine and the other is the Annual Report. Both of these provide an opportunity for members to advertise and promote their activities as well as share their experiences. These publications are distributed to government officials of both the U.S. and Turkey and also at various ATC sponsored workshops in the U.S., Turkey and Europe. The American-Turkish Council's integrated website provides links to related sites, as well as member sites and is the milieu in which interesting articles and related information about Turkey and the United States is posted. Members and other interested parties also use the website to advertise their companies and/or products.

Seminars, Workshops & Briefings
Throughout the year ATC sponsors seminars and workshops in Turkey and the U.S., as well as breakfasts, luncheons, dinners and receptions for visiting dignitaries and other Turkish officials. In Washington, as part of its educational awareness program, ATC organizes briefings on current U.S.-Turkish issues with senior officials in the Executive Branch and members and staff officials of both Houses in the Congress.

MEMBERSHIP
Membership in ATC can be an important asset to any Turkish or US firm with active interests in the region. Below are the main categories and the benefits.

Golden Horn Club
Annual Fee: $11,000
  • Participation in “Golden Horn Only” events
  • Priority consideration for all limited attendance events
  • Priority Business Advisory services by ATC professional staff
  • Invitations to all ATC workshops, seminars and briefings
  • Enrolling ten company officials on mailing list

Bosphorus Club
Annual Fee: $4,000
  • Priority participation at some ATC events
  • Invitation to workshops/briefing programs throughout the year
  • Subscription to ATC publications, bulletins and web news bulletins
  • Enrolling five company officials on mailing list
  • Participation in ATC standing sectoral committees

Marmara Club
Annual Fee: $1,500
  • Participation in workshops/briefing programs throughout the year
  • Limited business advisory services through ATC’s professional staff
  • Enrolling two company officials on mailing list
  • Subscription to ATC publications and bulletins

Click here to download the membership application form