With the beginning of the New Year, it is also time to focus your attention on the Annual Conference on U.S.-Turkey Relations, scheduled for April 11-14, 2010 at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. As in the past, the American-Turkish Council (ATC) and the Turkish-American Business Council (TAIK) are partners for what is annually the largest and broadest exploration and promotion of the Turkish-American relationship.
In recent days, we have learned that April 13 is also the date of the White House Summit on Nuclear Security, which will open with a dinner hosted by President Obama on April 12. Forty-four heads of state and government have been invited, including Prime Minister Erdogan, who has accepted.
Without question, the overlap of this Summit with our Annual Conference will increase the logistical challenges associated with the Conference and add pressure on downtown hotel rooms, already taxed by the Cherry Blossom Festival, which concludes on April 11.
But there is a bright, silver lining! Months ago we blocked off sufficient rooms at the Ritz-Carlton to accommodate all of our expected Conference participants. This means that if you act promptly, you are not going to be left scrambling at the last minute or "out in the cold." Secondly, Prime Minister Erdogan's participation in the White House Summit means he will be in Washington at the time of our Conference, and we have every reason to expect he will be a headliner for the Annual Conference.
We are opening the Annual Conference EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION. Its user-friendly design makes it easy to register. By taking care of it now, you will enjoy $100 in savings! And by booking your hotel rooms and airlines tickets at the same time, you will be assured of being "front-and-center" in Washington for what are certain to be exciting and productive days!
See you in April!
In recognition of the vital role outstanding leadership plays in the promotion of U.S.-Turkey relations, the Board of Directors of the American-Turkish Council today announced that retiring Chairman Brent Scowcroft will be succeeded as Chairman by Ambassador Richard L. Armitage, President of Armitage International. Ambassador Armitage will begin his service as Chairman, January 1, 2010.
With the completion of his current term on December 31, 2009, Brent Scowcroft will have served nine years as Chairman of the Board of the American-Turkish Council.
The Board of Directors and the Members of the American-Turkish Council take this opportunity to thank General Scowcroft for more than a half-century of personal commitment to a strong U.S.- Turkey relationship and particularly for his highly successful leadership of the American-Turkish Council. He will continue to be an active member of the ATC Board.
Corporate members of ATC, both American and Turkish, welcome Ambassador Armitage and look forward to working with him to strengthen the business, defense, trade and investment, foreign policy and cultural relations between the United States and Turkey, two proven allies and friends. General Scowcroft and Ambassador Armitage will travel to Turkey November 16-20 for senior-level discussions with Turkey's government, military and business leadership. This timely visit will assure the smoothest possible transition for ATC.
Click here for Ambassador Richard L. Armitage's Full Bio
