On July 31th, Turkish American Chamber of Trade Industry and Commerce (TACTIC) with American Turkish Friendship Association (ATFA) organized the Annual Networking Iftar Dinner. This year’s Iftar Dinner had the best participation by distinguished guests by far. There was a new twist on this year’s Iftar Dinner with a two-part program. The first half was for a Business Exhibit and the second half was a Dinner with Keynote Speaker Senator Tim Kaine. The Business Exhibit included, Kitchen Remodelers, Limousine Services, Merchant Services, House & Commercial Cleaning Company, Production & Web Design Company, Residential & Commercial Construction and etc. The vast fields of Business gave other businessmen a chance to learn the details and of one another’s fields and set up a great business opportunistic environment.
The second half of the program began with a live call to prayer, and then continued with delicious Turkish delicacies and Turkish music. Executive Director, Mahmut Yeter made the opening remarks and emphasized on the importance of networking and how what we sometimes might overlook or think impossible could be achieved with the assistance via networking with fellow businessmen in the similar or distinctive fields. He also, announced that Turkish American Chamber of Trade Industry and Commerce would now be known as Turkish American Business Network (TABN). Later Natalia Olson, Mid-Atlantic Region Administrator of U.S. Small Business Administration, made her remarks and briefed the audience on how SBA could contribute to their dreams and efforts of expanding or improving businesses. Ms.Olson, then gave examples of small companies which led to great success due to loans taken from SBA one of them included Turkish-American Entrepreneur, Chobani Yogurt. The next speaker who honored the evening came from The Louis Berger Group, Inc,, Senior President Jeffrey Willis. Mr. Willis shared his fond memories gained from multiple business trips to Turkey. He then explained the value and importance of networking and offered giving advice or suggestions to anyone who may ask.
The Keynote Speaker Senator Tim Kaine, honored the Iftar Dinner and gave his support on the great event which would bring more business to Virginia and form a strong group of businessmen & women who would collaborate with each other to grow their businesses. Senator Kaine thanked Mr.Yeter and all of TACTIC (now TABN) for their great efforts and contributions towards economic development and entrepreneur assistance programs. More than 170 different firms were represented in this year’s Networking Iftar Dinner. Turkish American Business Network will continue organizing its event for Turkish American & American businessmen & women to help entrepreneurs here, but also promote international trade opportunities between Turkey and the United States.
