The Republic of Croatia will become the 28th member of the European Union on July 1st 2013. Croatia is only the second country from former Yugoslavia to become EU members; Slovenia being the first. In joining the EU, Croatia will become part of the European single market with access to more than 600 million consumers. Croatia’s accession to the EU creates opportunities for both domestic and foreign companies. AmSECC’s St. Louis-based member, International Business Trade and Development Consulting (IBTDC), along with its Croatian subsidiary and nonprofit affiliates is participating in various projects that foster the economic development of Croatia as well as trade relationships between the US and Croatia.

Kina Bagovska, Founder and President of the Bulgarian American Heritage Center (BAHC) in Chicago was born in Bulgaria and has called Chicago home since 2000. She received a Masters Degree from the Academy of Arts in Poland and currently works as an art teacher and journalist.

Channeled Resources Group, a globally active supplier to the paper and packaging industry, is interested in expanding their reach to the Eastern and Southeastern European region.