World Affairs Council of Orange County
and
British American Business Council OC
Request the pleasure of your company
For breathtaking views at our
Champagne High Tea
at the fabulous

Montage Resort
30801 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Sunday – June 22, 2014
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

A sumptuous afternoon tea, served with
Pimms, Champagne, Lemonade and Tea

Prize for the best hat
Silent Auction
Music, Champagne, Pimms, & Art
*Hats optional

Silent Auction benefiting
WAC and BABC Educational Outreach Programs

Members $75 * Non-Members $85

For questions, or should you wish to donate a SILENT AUCTION item
please contact Karen @ 949 253-5751

More Details to Follow

World Affairs Council of Orange County

and

British American Business Council

presents

Consul General Panel:

The Honorable Chris O’Connor,
Consul General of Britain

and

The Honorable Dr. Bernd Fischer,
Consul General of Germany

Moderator: Mark Chapin-Johnson

“Consul General Panel – Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)”

About
In the past two decades the world has seen a push towards free trade agreements between nations and economic blocs. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) aims to expand the already massive trade relationship between the US and the European Union. Its proponents argue that the new trade agreement’s elimination of tariffs and reduction of differences in regulations and standards will boost both economies by as much as $301 billion a year. Both economies already maintain the largest investment relationship in the world at over $3.7 trillion.

What are the biggest challenges facing this agreement? What are the projected gains for various industries in the US and EU? How can the US and the EU successfully coordinate their divergent regulations on health standards and the environment? How should the parties respond to popular protests against the agreement? Two distinguished Consuls General will address these issues at a panel discussion at an upcoming WACOC dinner program.

British Consul General Chris O’Connor
Chris O’Connor most recently served as the UK’s Ambassador to Tunisia from November 2008 to June 2013. He joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1993. Since then he’s been posted in Cairo, Riyadh, Brussels, Ottawa, Beirut and Tunis. He also worked at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office headquarters in London.
In London he worked on Southern European issues, United Nations issues and as Head of the Middle East Peace Process Team from 2004-2005.

In the Middle East/North Africa region he was posted in Cairo (1995-96) as Attache, with the purpose of learning Arabic, Riyadh as Second Secretary (1996-1999) and Beirut as Deputy Head of Mission (2006-2008). Outside of the region he worked at the UK delegation to NATO, where he focused on Kosovo issues and as Head of Political Section in Ottawa (2000-2003). Chris also had the opportunity to work on secondment to the Canadian Department for Foreign Affairs (1999-2000).

Chris is married to Martha Nelems who is Canadian. They have two daughters. He spends most of his leisure time enjoying their company, but he also plays tennis and snooker when the opportunity arises and enjoys a range of other sports.

German Consul General Dr. Bernd Fischer
Dr. Bernd Fischer, who holds a Doctorate in Philosophy from Heidelberg University and most recently served as German Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia, has been head of the German Consulate General in Los Angeles since July 10, 2012. Prior posts of his Foreign Service career include the embassies in Washington, Tokyo, New York and various positions at the German Foreign Office headquarters in Bonn and Berlin. As Consul General in Southern California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah he seeks to foster and deepen German-American relations.

Date: Thursday, June 12, 2014

Location: TBD

World Affairs Council of Orange County
In cooperation with the
National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO)
Presents
“America: A Nation of Immigrants”
And Presentation of the
Ellis Island Humanitarian Award
to
Herbert V. Nootbaar
At this unique World Affairs Council event, Herbert V. Nootbaar will be honored with the Ellis Island Humanitarian Award, presented by Mr. Nasser J. Kazeminy, Chairman of the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations which sponsors the prestigious Ellis Island Medals of Honor celebrating American diversity and honoring individuals who have made an indelible mark upon the nation. Mr. Nootbaar will be recognized for his extraordinary achievements in business, humanitarian endeavors and significant contributions to the nation. As a distinguished national leader in agribusiness, Mr. Nootbaar’s visionary leadership and philanthropic generosity were the foundation of the Herb and Elinor Institute on Law, Religion and Ethics at Pepperdine University. In addition to his numerous accomplishments and contributions in a life extending for more than 105 years, his continued leadership as a Trustee of the World Affairs Council of Orange County is one of which we are especially proud.

Panel Includes 2014 and past Ellis Island Medal honorees:

Following the presentation by Chairman Kazeminy to Mr. Nootbaar, a panel of Ellis Island Medalists, including two 2014 Medal recipients, will discuss the meaning of America as an immigrant nation, including their personal stories and those of their families…stories that will educate, enlighten and inspire.

• Bijan Kian – Immediate past Director of the US Export-Import Bank, appointed by the President
• Gaddi Vasquez – Former Director of the Peace Corps and Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture in Rome, appointed by the President
• Charles Zhang – Entrepreneur and founder of Pick UP Stix restaurant line and Asceptic Solutions, USA
• Goli Ameri – Former Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, appointed by the President

Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Location: Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel
686 Anton Boulevard, Costa Mesa, Ca. 92626

Self Parking – Complimentary (included in price)

6:00 pm General Reception * 7:00 pm Dinner * 7:45 pm Program

Members – $65 * Non-Members – $80
Member (Table of 10) – $600 * Non-Member (Table of 10) – $750
Member – ½ table (5 seats) – $300 * Student – $45
Member – Program Only: $15 (No Meal and No Parking) – Arrive at 7:30 pm