Upcoming radio interviews on Health Care Reform; Chinese Foreign Direct Investment

OK-SAFE, Inc.  Executive Director Amanda Teegarden will be the guest on two upcoming radio interviews on the real definition of Health Care Reform (aka “Obama Care”) and why we need stop its’ implementation:

1. Saturday 12/3/11 – 8:00 am to 10:00 am – Govern America with host Darren Weeks – RBN (Link: http://republicbroadcasting.org/?page_id=18171)
2. Saturday 12/3/11 – 11:30 am  – Tulsa Beacon Weekend with host Charley Biggs. – KCFO, 970 AM in Tulsa.  (link: http://www.kcfo.com/ )

 

 

 

 

OK-SAFE will be interviewing Vince Wade, award-winning journalist, on their show America in the Balance on Sunday, 12/4/11.  Subject will be increased Chinese foreign direct investment in the U.S., including investment by Huawei, who has interest in the broadband service in the state of Michigan.  Broadband connection is a key component of health care reform, to enable “access to and use of” the new health care reform technologies- i.e. telemedicine, etc.

This America in the Balance show will be podcast by Sunday evening 12/4/11, on Truth in Focus internet radio.

“The New Oklahoma Economy – Global, Social, Sustainable, Strategic” – Notes on Oct. 2011 Meeting

OK-SAFE, Inc.

Oklahoma’s Economic Development Council (OEDC) recently held its’ annual summit, October 3-4, 2011, in Norman, OK.

The title of this year’s summit was “The New Oklahoma Economy – Global, Social, Sustainable, Strategic” and, as the title suggests, our “betters” are planning the future for the rest of us.

In a nutshell – the new economy is:

• Global – The increased utilization of multinational corporations – and foreign direct investment – to further develop a ‘knowledge-based economy’;
• Social – Both the business and government sectors will be increasing their utilization of social media -Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter –  to market their products and to further the ideas of sustainable development.  Social media are used as data aggregation tools;
• Sustainable – Passive technology based jobs (i.e. Green Energy/Clean Energy).  Only a few will qualify for the higher-paid positions, while the rest of the population will operate in support positions, i.e. service industries;
• Strategic  – Meaning public/private partnerships, now called strategic alliances.  Generally, these are 3-way partnerships between an anchor business, academia, and the government.  The anchor will generally be a multinational corporation “for the big projects”.

The OEDC has posted all the speakers presentations on their website (here.)

One notable quote came from Erika Lucas, Global Business Services at the OK Department of Commerce when she responded to a question from the audience about trade policies and lost American jobs.

Lucas responded, “Something else to add, when you look at the portfolio of jobs that have gone to China, Mexico, you have to really ask the question of whether we want those jobs back. Okay, we’re talking advanced manufacturing. I mean, what jobs, look at the portfolios of the jobs that have left, and more than likely those were not high paid jobs, especially those that went to China.  Now I’m not saying that all of them were not, but, you know,  I do hear a lot of, you know, oh, workers investments, a lot of the jobs are coming back from China, but are they the right type of jubs we’re hunting for? In my opinion, they’re not.”

In response to the question “Is the Department of Commerce actively pursuing foreign direct investment by China?” Lucas answered, “We’re open for investments from any country…. there is a lot of interest from the Chinese to bring investment in this country…we have a trade office in China for FDI….So, the answer would be yes, we are looking at it. It is not our primary market.”

More notes on the Summit to follow shortly.

“The New Oklahoma Economy” – Insiders’ Summit: Global, Social, Sustainable, Strategic – Oct. 3-4, 2011

OK-SAFE, Inc. – August 31, 2011

It’s nice to have friends in high places who send you announcements every now and then.

There is something outrageous going on in every corner of this state, making it a challenge to keep up with activities, or to even decide which one to focus on. Networking amongst the grassroots is helpful in keeping up with various events and issues of concern, especially those events and issues that are advancing the sovereignty-killing tenets of globalization (the “new economy”), the rising technocracy, sustainable development, and foreign direct investment by the Chinese.

For a mere $300 one can attend (along with the political insiders) a single conference advancing all of these killer policies at one time – in Norman, OK.

One can also get a heads-up on what the 2012 OK legislative session will be emphasizing.  (That is, in addition to the establishment of a health insurance “marketplace” to replace the “exchanges” of last session.  More on that at a later date.)

The OEDC (Oklahoma Economic Development Council) is sponsoring the  2011 OEDC’ Economic Development Summit – The New Oklahoma Economy: Global, Social, Sustainable, Strategic.  October 3-4, 2011, Norman, OK at the Embassy Suites.

The entire agenda is below.  Governor Mary Fallin (referred to as the state’s “CEO”), is a keynote speaker, as well as Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb.

Fallin’s topic on October 3, 2011 is “selling” Oklahoma in this new economy.  Selling it to whom? The Chinese?

Folks may want to contact our “CEO” and ask her this very question.  And what are Todd Lamb’s intentions?

Governor Fallin: 405-521-2342, Toll free: 800-865-5853

Lt. Governor Todd Lamb – 405-521-2161

Link to OEDC 2011 Summit Agenda: 2011SummitAgenda_8_24_11

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, October 3rd
8:00 Registration Open – Coffee and Exhibitor Showcase

8:30-8:45 Welcome and Introductions – Judee Snodderly, OEDC President

8:45-9:00 “The New Economy – Global/Social/Sustainable/Strategic” – 2011 Summit Chair, Richard Cornelison, OG&E

9:00-9:30 “Oklahoma’s CEO” – The Honorable Mary Fallin, Governor, State of Oklahoma
Governor Fallin will discuss her plan to sell Oklahoma in this new economy

9:30-10:30 “Oklahoma’s Strategic Assets: Capitalizing on Our Global Position in the New Economy”- Sandy Pratt,
Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce will discuss the state’s growth potential, competitive edge and location trends to determine
targeted industry sectors in the 21st century economy.

10:30-10:45 Exhibitor Showcase & Networking Break

10:45-11:45 Break-out sessions- choose from four- they repeat three times
1. Global- Economic Development/Foreign Direct Investments- Gene DePrez-Global Innovation
Partners)
Our economies have become global. What happens in Europe, S. America, Africa and Asia affects companies in the United
States. Mr. DePrez will discuss economic development in today’s global environment, including a discussion on Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI).

2. Social/Social Media-ED communications/operations using social media- Mark James,
ED Solutions, Inc.
Google, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and many other types of social media and technology drive companies behaviors, marketing
messages and market communications. Mr. James will discuss the impact of social media on the practice of economic
development as well as how to position and communicate to compete. What does your state and region need to be doing?
Find out!

3. Sustainable/Economic Sustainability- Knowledge Economy: Innovation, entrepreneurship, technology- Piyush Patel, PL Studios, Inc., Green Economy: Renewable, sustainability, creating jobs in the new economy- Jeff Finkle, IEDC
With technology and innovation driving systemic changes in our economy, including job creation and investments for entrepreneurs as well as the green economy. Mr. Patel and Mr. Finkle will discuss what this means to economic development and what steps we need to take capture the investments and jobs in this environment of sustainability.

4. Strategy/Strategy is Everything – why being strategic matters and how to do it- Greg Main, President, St. Gregory’s University
How do you get to where you need to go? What competitive advantage have you created in your state/region that will allow companies to succeed? With limited resources, making tough decisions about investments in ED is critical. Mr. Main will discuss why being strategic in today’s new economy is critical to long-term success.

11:45 -12 Exhibitor Showcase & Networking Break

12-1:00 Keynote Address- “Economic Development in the New Economy”- Jeff Finkle, President/CEO, International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
Mr. Finkle will give an overview of the state of economic development and will discuss the issues he believes are critical to continue to growing jobs and capital investment in this new economy.

1:00-1:15 Exhibitor Showcase Networking Break

1:15-2:30 Repeat all four breakout sessions as described above

2:30-2:45 Exhibitor Showcase Networking Break

2:45-4:00 Repeat all four breakout sessions as described above

4:15-5:00 “Targeted Marketing and Branding”- Lea Taylor, What if Creative
Mrs. Taylor, President of What if Creative and Executive Director of the Greater Fort Smith Regional Alliance will discuss what you need to create a marketing message, how to strategically target companies and how to develop and branding message that makes an impact in today’s new economy.

5:00-6:00 Networking Reception and Exhibitor Showcase- Sponsored by Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau, Norman Economic Development Council and Norman Chamber of Commerce

Tuesday, October 4th

8:00-8:30 Coffee and Exhibitor Showcase networking break

8:30-9:30 “The Other GDP- An Oklahoma Assessment”- Del Boyette, Boyette Strategic Advisors
Mr. Boyette, former head of AEDC and President/CEO of Boyette Strategic Advisors will discuss how to target and approach corporate decision makers and investment impact in this new economy. He will also explain how states/regions should be strategic in their approaches. He will also provide his assessment of Oklahoma’s effort and will reveal his top 10 list for Oklahoma.

9:30-9:45 Exhibitor Showcase & Networking Break

10:00-11:00 “Strategic Partnerships/Collaborative Initiatives”- Josh O’Brien- i2e and Greater Oklahoma City Chamber; Dr. Terry Golding- Amethyst Research, Inc. /OK Sensor Alliance; Brien Thorstenberg (Moderator)
Hear from two organizations that have figured it out. Collaboration and cooperation, along with articulated strategies, have allowed these two dynamic groups to flourish and have a significant impact on Oklahoma’s economy. Are you thinking strategically within your region? If not, this panel will have the ideas on what’s worked for them.

11:00-12:00 “Oklahoma’s Strengths & Weaknesses from a Business Perspective”-
•Siobhan Reilly, Food ProTech, Stillwater
•Jay Wade, Red Earth Systems, OKC
•Joe Robillard, President of Autoquip, Inc. in Guthrie
•Ken Parker, NextThought, Norman
•Kay Wade (Moderator)
Rural or urban, large or small, capital intensive or labor intensive, different industry sectors- every region and state has advantages.
These companies and their leaders found Oklahoma offered them what they needed to invest here. What do we do right, what needs to be improved? This panel will offer invaluable insight into the minds of business decision makers in our state.

12-1:30 Keynote Luncheon- Oklahoma’s Plan for Success
•Secretary of Commerce David Lopez
•The Honorable Todd Lamb, Lieutenant Governor, State of Oklahoma,
•Bob Sullivan Governor’s Economic Development Group
•OEDC’s Economic Development Professional of the Year

Hear from those in government and executive leadership positions on where Oklahoma needs to go from here. In this new economy, howdo  compete? What’s the next big idea? How do we create a strategy at the state level that can be implemented and shared with
regional partnerships and rural/urban communities? How do we leverage our assets and create an environment that keeps us competitive in this global, social, sustainable and strategic economy?

1:30-2:30 The Skinny on Consultant Relationships- Gene Stinson, Executive Director, Southern Economic Development

Council (SEDC). Ever wonder what consultants do? How they make their decisions and why some states/regions get selected for RFP’s and others don’t?

Mr. Stinson, Executive Director for SEDC, will give you his insight on what they do and why they do it.

2:30 Wrap-Up/Adjourn

OK Governor Mary Fallin Going to NGA Conference in Utah – Will She Attend the U.S.-China Forum?

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin has confirmed she is going to attend the National Governors Association meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah on July 14-16, 2011. A  Media Advisory, issued by her office on July 8, 2011 confirmed her attendance.

Fallin is a member of the NGA’s Economic Development and Commerce Committee.

This NGA event is to feature the first meeting of the U.S.-China Governors Forum, created by a MOU in January, and signed by Sec. of State Hillary Clinton.

However, a contact in the Governor’s office today told a constituent that, although she will be attending the “main meeting”,  the Governor “has not yet decided” on whether she will be attending the U.S.-China Forum.

Since the intent of the NGA’s Economic Development and Commerce committee is to seek more foreign direct investment in the states, it seems unlikely that Fallin would not attend the U.S.-China Forum.

From the Econ. Dev. and Commerce Committee’s May Briefing:

“Attracting Foreign Direct Investment into the States
On May 17, 2011, the NGA Economic Development and Commerce Committee hosted a briefing for governors’ staff about the role of foreign direct investment from the perspective of U.S. subsidiaries of foreign parent companies. Topics discussed included how to recruit investment, tax challenges, conflict-of-laws and the importance of physical infrastructure to global competitiveness. Panelists: Tom Langan, director of U.S. government relations and public affairs, Unilever (NGA Corporate Fellow); Nancy McLernon, president and CEO, Organization for International Investment (OFII); and, John Lettieri, senior director of public policy and government affairs, OFII. Audio link (mp3)“

Below is the Media Advisory issued July 8, 2011.

From: Alex Gerszewski <Alex.Gerszewski@gov.ok.gov>
Subject: MEDIA ADVISORY: Governor Mary Fallin Press Itinerary for the Week of July 10 (Attachment)
To:
Date: Friday, July 8, 2011, 3:02 PM

OFFICE OF GOVERNOR MARY FALLIN MEDIA CONTACTS: Alex Weintz, Communications Director Alex.Weintz@gov.ok.gov (405) 522-8819 Aaron Cooper, Press Secretary Aaron.Cooper@gov.ok.gov (405) 522-8878

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 8, 2011

*** Media Advisory ***

Governor Mary Fallin Press Itinerary for the Week of July 10

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The following is a list of events at which Governor Mary Fallin will appear the week of July 10. Please note:  while the following events are open to the media, they are not necessarily open to the public.

 

Sunday, July 10

5:30 to 7p.m. – Four Star Debate with Gen. Tommy Franks. This event is a kick-off of a weeklong leadership program for high school students at the Governor’s Pavilion on the Governor’s mansion grounds (820 NE 23^rd St). At approximately 5:30 pm, General Tommy Franks will introduce Governor Fallin, who will give welcoming remarks and talk about the principles of leadership. Secretary of Veterans Affairs General Rita Aragon will also be speaking. Media wishing to attend must RSVP to press@gov.ok.gov with the names of those attending. Parking is available at Gate 104, East of Lincoln Avenue (see attached map for details).  

 

Tuesday, June 12

4 to 6 p.m. – Grand opening and ribbon cutting at the Ponca City University Center at 2800 N. 14^th St. Ponca City, OK. At approximately 4:20 Governor Fallin will speak on the importance of higher education and the benefits of the new facility.

 

Wednesday, July 13 through Sunday, July 17

Governor Fallin will be attending the National Governor’s Association Annual Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. Governors from across the country will gather to discuss state’s role in supporting education, fostering innovation and increasing competitiveness during the 103^rd annual meeting of the National Governors Association (NGA).

Next Stop: America – Chinese CEO’s Eye American real estate

Research on the deepening U.S. involvement with the communist Chinese revealed this:  the Next Stop America China 2011 conference promoted by a members-only organization called Golden Networking.

Golden is right since the focus of the conference is to instruct Chinese CEO’s how to invest in U.S. commercial and residential real estate, including a session called Leveraging Incentives and Government Relations.

Just in time to scoop up home foreclosures or those urban properties local municipalities are so anxious to develop?

Below is the Golden Networking description of the Next Stop America China 2011 conference:  (www.nextstopamerica.com, click Business Receptions, then scroll down through the list of events to see this one.):

Beijing: June 13th-14th 2011, InterContinental Beijing Beichen
Shanghai: June 16th-17th 2011, Radisson Blu Hotel Pudong Century Park

Download Information Package

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“Next Stop America China Conference 2011 is a comprehensive guide to the operational, legal, branding, professional, financing and investment services needed to launch and expand your company in America, through a world-class faculty:

• Structuring your Operations and Supply Chain: Michael A. Zakkour, Principal, Tompkins/Technomic Asia
• Practical Understanding of Legal Issues: Dan Harris, Principal, Harris and Moure
• The Secret Sauce for U.S. Branding and Marketing: Scott Markman, President, The Monogram Group
• Leveraging Incentives and Government Relations: Michael Press, President, Michael Press Consulting
• Overview of US Economy and Investment Environment and The Private Equity and Venture Capital Landscape: Ann Lee, Adjunct Professor of Economics and Finance, New York University
• The Art and Science of Successful M&A in America: Tripp Davis, Partner, 7 Mile Advisors
• Planning a Successful (and Rewarding) IPO on a U.S. Exchange: Lijie Zhu, Managing Director, Dragon Gate Investment Partners
• Commercial and Residential Real Estate Investing in America: Bruce Fogelson, Co-Chair, Roosevelt University China Initiative

As China transitions from a low cost manufacturing country to a well rounded economy that includes services and overseas expansion, the reality of landing your firm in America is here.

If Chinese business owners and CEOs are going to heed the government’s call to become more innovative, to create Chinese brands and to take their businesses abroad, they must understand what it takes to succeed in foreign markets and in the United States, in particular. Chinese business owners have been reluctant to take their businesses to America because they are uncertain about the market requirements and rules of doing business in America. Next Stop America China Conference 2011 will address what Chinese business owners need to know to enter and to actually succeed in the United States.” End of excerpt.

This event precedes the upcoming  U.S.-China 2011 trade conference, scheduled for July 14-17, 2011 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  This conference is to focus on trade, culture and education. Saturday’s agenda includes 3-hour session for U.S./China one-on-one business meetings.

What a coincidence that the National Governors Association (NGA) will be sponsoring the U.S.-China Governors Forum* right across the street at their own conference with Chinese party officials.  This NGA closed-door meeting includes one-on-one pairing with Chinese party officials to develop agreements on job creation, education, health and economic development.

We’re in trouble here.

*Repeated requests for a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding creating the U.S.-China Governors Forum, announced on the U.S. State Department’s website, have gone unanswered.  This effort will continue to be pursued by OK-SAFE.

Sleeping with the Enemy – U.S. Governors to Pair Up with Chinese Officials

OK-SAFE 6/6/11 – U.S. Governors will be saying more than “Ni hau” (Hello)  to Chinese party officials at an upcoming National Governors Association (NGA) meeting.

The U.S. – China Governors Forum, scheduled for July 15-17, 2011 in Salt Lake City, Utah, is set to include one-on-one pairing of U.S. Governors with Chinese provincial party secretaries and Governors.  The pairings, called “peer-to-peer exchanges,” aim to “strengthen bilateral cooperation.” Topics are to include items of “mutual interest,”  i. e. “job creation, education, health and economic cooperation.”

A second session will take place in China in late 2011 or early 2012.

This forum is the result of a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the establishment of the U.S.-China Governors Forum to Promote Sub-National Cooperation, signed by Sen. of State Hillary Clinton on January 19, 2011.

Secretary Clinton shakes hands with the Chinese foreign minister after the memorandum of understanding signing, 1/19/2011
Photo Source: U.S. Dept. of State

The Governors Forum will be held behind close doors.

[See researcher Vicky Davis’  excellent article on this meeting, entitled “Quislings to Collaborate with Communist Chinese.”]

The collaboration is indicative of the deepening U.S. involvement with the Chinese government, particularly at the sub-national (state and local) level.

Increased Agreements

At the Third Round of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue held in May 2011 the U.S. and China agreed to 48 strategic outcomes, including “further cooperation between U.S. and Chinese enterprises and institutions on healthcare, disaster response, and smart grids.”

The Rhodium Group, (RHG) has a China Investment Monitor map, indicating that between 2003-2010 there were 230 deals between states and China, totaling $11.7 Billion in “greenfield and acquisition” investments. This includes Oklahoma.

Oklahoma

According to The Rhodium Group investment map, Oklahoma  has one  Chinese investment so far, totaling $4 million in “consumer products”.

Governor Mary Fallin, a member of the NGA’s Economic Development and Commerce Committee, will most likely be promoting more Chinese investment in Oklahoma.

From this committee’s May 2011 briefing:

“Attracting Foreign Direct Investment into the States
On May 17, 2011, the NGA Economic Development and Commerce Committee hosted a briefing for governors’ staff about the role of foreign direct investment from the perspective of U.S. subsidiaries of foreign parent companies. Topics discussed included how to recruit investment, tax challenges, conflict-of-laws and the importance of physical infrastructure to global competitiveness. Panelists: Tom Langan, director of U.S. government relations and public affairs, Unilever (NGA Corporate Fellow); Nancy McLernon, president and CEO, Organization for International Investment (OFII); and, John Lettieri, senior director of public policy and government affairs, OFII. Audio link (mp3)”

Oklahoma’s Dept. of Commerce promotes Foreign Direct Investment in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma’s universities have been busy developing Chinese partnerships, including OU’s Confucius Institute, which aims to “foster a permanent place for the teaching and study of Chinese in Oklahoma K-12 schools courses.”

Where’s the Document?

According to the Chinese Embassy in the U.S website, describing President Hu Jintao’s U.S. visit:

“During Hu’s January visit, the two governments signed a memorandum of understanding commissioning the CPAFFC and the NGA to create the governors forum mechanism.

According to the document, the forum will serve as an important communication platform aimed at promoting practical cooperation at the sub-national level in areas such as trade, investment, energy, environment and culture”

No amount of searching of the State Department, White House, and Chinese embassy websites has revealed the actual Memorandum of Understanding document.

A FOIA request for a copy of the MOU has been submitted to the State Dept.’s Office of Global Intergovernmental Affairs.

The 2011 NGA Winter Meeting , held in Washington D.C. featured Zhou Qiang, Party Secretary, Hunan Provincial Committee, pictured above.  Zhou encouraged increased sub-national cooperation. Photo Source: National Governors Association.

What are the intentions of the Fallin administration regarding expanding Chinese involvement in Oklahoma?

Does Gov. Fallin intend to partner with a Chinese party official at the July meeting in Salt Lake City and seek increased “sub-national cooperation”?

Does Fallin intend to encourage Chinese foreign direct investment in Oklahoma or seek public-private partnerships with the Chinese in developing Oklahoma’s infrastructure?

These and other questions need to be answered by this “conservative” governor.

Governor Fallin’s office contact information:
Phone: 405-521-2342
Email: info@gov.ok.gov