WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Turkey Business Council (USTBC) and the American-Turkish Council (ATC) today announced their integration.
Nearly 40 years ago, the ATC had its origins at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Today, the organization is brought full-circle to merge the synergies of ATC with the U.S. Chamber and their U.S.-Turkey Business Council.
“The U.S. Chamber is excited for ATC’s integration with our U.S.-Turkey Business Council, a union that will significantly deepen the U.S. business community’s focus on Turkey,” said Myron Brilliant, U.S. Chamber Executive Vice President and Head of International Affairs. “Combining our two organizations during a pivotal moment in the bilateral relationship will provide the U.S. and Turkish business communities with enhanced capacity and impact to effectively advocate for stronger commercial ties.”
The newly integrated council consists of more than 100 U.S. and Turkish companies, offering members the combined assets of both organizations: high-level programming, policy advocacy, a large annual conference in Washington, business missions, market intelligence, expanded sectoral working groups, business development and networking.
“At a critical time in the long history of cooperation and friendship between the United States and Turkey, the opportunity for the U.S. business community to show leadership is timely. It is also for this reason that two of the most powerful advocates of that cooperation and friendship are joining forces,” said General James L. Jones (Ret.), longtime ATC Chairman and new Honorary Chairman of the U.S.-Turkey Business Council. “The future of the bilateral relationship lies in growing and expanding trade ties toward the $100 billion goal established by Presidents Trump and Erdoğan. By integrating ATC and the Chamber’s USTBC, we believe this combined entity can best support our member companies and advance the goal of strengthening U.S.-Turkey relations.”
The integrated Council is a program within the U.S. Chamber’s Middle East and Turkey Affairs department led by Senior Vice President, Khush Choksy. General James Jones, ATC’s Chairman, will become the Honorary Chair of the U.S.-Turkey Business Council. Cargill CEO David MacLennan will continue to serve as Corporate Chairman and Sabanci Çimsa, Chairman Dr. Tamer Saka will continue as Vice Chairman.
