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ISRAEL AMCHAM NEWSLETTER
October 2016

 Shimon Peres (1923 - 2016)
 
CHAMBER MOURNS THE PASSING OF MR. SHIMON PERES
THE 9TH PRESIDENT OF ISRAEL
 
Chamber Chairperson Ofra Strauss, Board, Chamber members and team send their deep condolences to former Chamber Chair Chemi Peres, and the Peres and Waldan families on the passing of Shimon Peres, the 9th president of the State of Israel.
 
Few people if any did as much to promote the Israel-U.S. relationship in every aspect.  The Chamber awarded Mr. Peres with its Life-Time Achievement Award in 2015 recognizing his vast contribution to this effort.
 
The world will greatly miss Shimon Peres and his enormous contributions to peace, the economy, science and the well-being of all people.
 
May his soul rest in peace.
Mr. Peres receives the Chamber’s 2015 Life-Time Achievement Award from Chamber Chairpersons Ms. Ofra Strauss and Ambassador Daniel Shapiro, together with former Chamber CEO, Ronit Benbasat Rom. For the Chamber video on Shimon Peres' Life-Time Achievements Click Here.
 
 
SHANA TOVA - HAPPY NEW YEAR The Chamber Chairperson, Ms. Ofra Strauss joined by the Chamber Board and team wish our members, their employees and families a prosperous, happy and healthy new year. We wish to thank you for your support and for taking part in the Chamber activities.
 
Chamber Events
 
 
2016 Annual Chamber Event – INVITATION

The 2016 Annual Chamber Event will be hosted by Chamber chairpersons Ms. Ofra Strauss and U.S. Ambassador Daniel Shapiro and will take place on Monday, November 7, at 18:30-21:00, in the presence of President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin.  This year's program promises to be an exciting event at the Cinema City, Gelilot. We will award companies and persons that have made an exceptional contribution to the Israel-U.S. business and commercial relationship. There will be a special focus on the film, television and internet industries.
 
For event tickets, sponsorship opportunities and more information please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone: 03-695-2341. 
Ticket prices:
Chamber Members: NIS 500 +VAT
Non Members: NIS 700 + VATFor full Invitation
Chamber Hosts Panel on BDS The Chamber together with the Law Offices of Herzog Fox &  Neeman hosted Sima Vaaknin, Director General of the Ministry of Strategic Affairs, Eran Shayshon VP APCO Worldwide, and Daniel Reisner, partner in Herzog Fox & Neeman in charge of Public International Law, Defense and Homeland Security, at a well-attended breakfast meeting panel on BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions).  There is growing concern amongst Chamber members and the Industry as a whole of the economic and business implications of the BDS "movement".  Read more
 
Chamber Hosts Eric Hirschhorn Under-Secretary of Commerce  for Industry and Security The Chamber in partnership with the Israeli Federation of Chambers of Commerce (איגוד לשכות המסחר) hosted U.S. Under-Secretary Hirschhorn for a round table with representatives of Israeli companies who are subject to Export Control regulations.  This involves re-exporting of sensitive technologies to third countries. Under-Secretary Hirschhorn was interested in the challenges facing the Israeli industry when dealing with the US authorities. At closing he commented that this interaction helped him gain a better understanding of the environment and to work towards streamlining processes and lowering some of the barriers to trade. 
U.S. - Israel Water Summit: Las Vegas NV, December 12-13, 2016

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with our Chamber and with others invite you to participate in the Chamber’s BusinessH2O Summit: Water Management Best Practices from the U.S. and Israel on December 12 at the Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas.
BusinessH2O will bring together business leaders, government officials, and water experts together to discuss best practices in corporate water stewardship and public policies to address the growing demand for water.Space is limited. Register now.
Date: Monday, December 12 (8am – 6pm) - Summit, Tuesday December 13 – Business opportunities
Location: Bellagio Resort & Casino, Las Vegas
Conference Website: www.businessH2Osummit.comRead More

Chamber News

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Chamber New Web-Site

With the spirit of the New Year, we launched a new web-site. This web-site will help the Chamber provide a wider range of services and information to its members, the business community and to the public. Please visit us at: www.amcham.co.il
Comments are welcomed at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
 
The Israel-U.S. Food & Ag Tech Forum in the Making

The Chamber together with Chamber member KPMG are co-leading the formation of an Israel-U.S. Food & Ag Tech Forum. The forum will bring the industries in both countries closer together and help promote innovation, a better regulatory environment, and gain higher visibility to the challenges the world faces in the coming decades to feed its growing population with healthier, more nutritious and more readily available food.   The Forum’s first event is in partnership with Landmark Ventures in parallel with the Israel Dealmakers Investors Summit to launch an Israel-U.S. Foodtech Summit. The event will take place on March 28-30, 2017, in San Francisco, CA.  For more information and to join the Forum please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Chamber Committee News
 
Chamber re-establsihes Intellectual Property Committee
 
The Chamber is happy to announce the re-establishment of a Chamber Intellectual Property Committee to advise its Board.  The Chamber is responding to requests of several of its members who are facing issues starting from brand counterfeiting to IP ownership and others.  The Committee will now be headed by Adv.  Yossi Markovich Senior Partner at Chamber member Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer Baratz.An invitation letter to join this committee together with a date and agenda for its first meeting, will be sent in the near future.  In the meantime you may This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for additional information.
 

Chamber Members News

Announcing Academic Course on Relocation We are pleased to announce that at the initiative of Mr. Tsvi Kan Tor Chair of the Chamber Visa Committee and Dr. Gadi Ravid, Dean of the Business School at Netanya Academic College, and under his stewardship, will open an academic course on RELOCATION. This will be the first such course in Israel and it will be both theoretical and practical and deal with all RELOCATION aspects.Read more.

2016 Membership Renewal Members who have yet to renew their membership for 2016 or are planning their 2017 renewal are invited to do so at their earliest convenience. Furthermore, you are invited to join the leading companies in Israel that already take part in our exclusive programs – Diamond, Platinum and Gold.
To join our exclusive programs,  please contact the chamber.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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UPCOMING EVENTS

 

 

Chamber Award Gala Event – Save the Date


The Chamber Annual Award Gala Event will take place on Monday, 26 September. Please mark your calendar. This year promises to be an exciting event with a venue change and other innovations. You should have received a separate email with a call for nominations of companies that made an exceptional contribution to the Israel-US business and commercial relations, during the past year.  If you would like to receive the nomination form kindly contact the chamber.
 
 

 

Upcoming Seminars

Trade Secrets Law: A US & Israeli Perspectives
Thursday, July 21, 2016, 09:00 - 11:00
Herzog Fox & Neeman , Asia House, 4 Weizmann Street, Tel Aviv


BDS – Save the Date  - September 13


 

 

Chamber News

 

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US Ambassador Leads a Large Israeli Delegation with Chamber CEO to SelectUSA

SelectUSA 2016 Foreign Direct Investment Summit was attended by over 2400 delegates from over 70 countries.  The Israeli delegation led by US Ambassador Daniel Shapiro, was one of the largest delegations to attend. The delegation of 30 executives from 20 Israeli companies included the CEOs of large industrial conglomerates, such as Chamber members Teva Pharmaceuticals, ICL Group, Caesarstone Ltd., Mobileye and Netafim to startup companies such as Woosh and Phinergy. All companies either already invested in the US and are looking to expand operations there, or are looking to establish presence and operations in the US. The Chamber assisted the US Embassy in the delegation set-up and was represented by CEO, Oded Rose. 

The SelectUSA Summit provides the companies with a direct single point of contact to all state, local Economic Development Officers (EDOs) and counties. This assists them in making an informative decision based on their business requirements and outlines their specific advantages and incentive packages.
The US Administration puts a lot of effort into the SelectUSA Summit. President Obama addressed the delegates and six cabinet ministers led panel discussions attended by the CEOs of some of the world's leading companies.  Teva's CEO, Mr. Erez Vigodman participated in a panel hosted by SelectUSA Chief, Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker.


 

Maria Contreras-Sweet, US Secretary of Small Business Administration Meets Chamber

              Ms. Maria Contreras-Sweet, President Obama's cabinet member and SBA Administrator (equivalent to Secretary) met with Chamber CEO, Oded Rose. At the meeting Ms. described the purpose of the Small Business Administration (SBA) (relatively unknown in Israel). There are numerous federal incentives and programs that support small and medium businesses in the US. These include, angel financing, micro-loans, and other loan programs. A certain percentage of most government contracts are allotted to small businesses. This could be an advantage for an Israeli firm looking to bid on US government contracts, if they partner with or ensure that part of their supply chain is coming from small businesses. For more information contact the chamber

 

 

 Chamber Co-leads Creation of Food-Tech Israel-US Ecosystem

              The Chamber, together with Platinum Chamber member KPMG (Somech) and the Strauss Group, initiated an Israeli-American Food-Tech Ecosystem. The Ecosystem will build on the success of local Israeli initiatives such as The Kitchen and Alpha and will expand them into a larger across the ocean group that will include large food companies, startup food-tech technology companies and investor groups.  If Food Tech is on your radar, save the date for our upcoming Round-table on July 26. For more information contact the chamber

 

hamber Tax Committee Re-established to Represent

Internet-Business Sector

 Following a recent (4/16) Circular by the Israeli Tax-Authority that changed an existing interpretation of the international convention on taxation of internet business, the Chamber rekindled the work of the Chamber Taxation Committee. This is in response to requests from several internet-business Chamber members.

The Committee is headed by Deloitte's partner Mr. Yitzhak (Chicko) Chickorel, a Platinum chamber member. The Committee has drafted a professional opinion paper and is representing the sector in discussions with the Finance Ministry and the Tax Authority.


 

 

Water Sector News: 
 

Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Meets Israeli Water Companies

U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade Kenneth Hyatt, recently held a round table of Israeli Water Companies organized with the Chamber. Mr. Hyatt also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Authority of Innovation (prev. Matimop) to further promote cooperation between the two governments on innovations, covering a range of fields including the water segment.


Government–Business Water Conference in Las Vegas December 2016


Our affiliate, the US Chamber of Commerce together with our Chamber are organizing a 2-day water conference that will bring together senior officials from the Federal, State and local government, together with business leaders associated with the water segment.  The conference is planned to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada between December 12–13. Save the date. More information to follow and by contacting the chamber.

 

 

Israel-America Chamber of Commerce branded American Express Card

The Chamber has entered into an agreement with Chamber member, American Express, to issue a card that will offer special benefits to chamber members. The benefits will apply to both Platinum and Gold Amex cards. The cards will be Israel -America Chamber of Commerce branded, and will increase brand recognition and visibility of the Chamber, while providing members with unique benefits. More information to follow and by contacting the chamber.


 

 


Zeev Gorodecki Scholarship Fund  -  Call for Proposals

The Gorodecki Committee met last month and issued a call for proposals of projects, studies and other ideas, that would carry the mission of the Gorodecki Foundation, to promote Israel-US business relations and the dissemination of knowledge thereof. The Call for Action is being sent to all Chamber members by mail. For more information please contact the chamber.

 

 

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2016 Membership Renewal

Members who have yet to renew their membership for 2016 are invited to do so at their earliest convenience. Furthermore, you are invited to join the leading companies in Israel that already take part in our exclusive programs – Diamond, Platinum and Gold.
To join our exclusive programs,  please contact the chamber.

 


 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
February 2016
 
Dear Members,
 
At 50, the Chamber is still going strong.  We can look forward to another productive year with numerous commercial and networking opportunities. We began the year by hosting Texas Governor Greg Abbott's delegation as well as Dorit Salinger, Director of Capital Markets, Insurance and Savings Department at the Ministry of Finance, as guest speakers at the "Chamber  Breakfast Club" meeting. 
 
We are preparing for the SelectUSA  conference, and for the visit of a business delegation from New York.  Undoubtedly, we will conclude the year with analyzing the outcome of the U.S. presidential elections.
 
Stay tuned for further information on the many conferences, seminars, B2B  and networking events covering a wide range of topics that we will be scheduling  throughout the year.

Yours,
Chamber Team
 
.
Multi-Disciplinary Business Delegation from New York

Chamber members are invited to meet with a multidisciplinary delegation from Brooklyn, New York, organized in collaboration with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.The delegation will include companies in the area of 
food and beverages, jewelry, industrial equipment, military equipment, and Internet services.

The visit  is being organized by the New York trade representative in Israel, the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce and our Chamber. During the visit, the delegation will meet with  Israeli companies looking to create dual projects and partnerships. On February 15th the delegation will take part in a B2B event with Israeli companies,
you are welcome to sign up and meet with them. 
 
For the invitation and further information on the companies
Registration  to the 2016 Summit is Now Open

We are thrilled to announce that registration for the third Investment Summit is now open! It will be held June 19-21, 2016, in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme is “The Innovation Advantage” and will feature investment opportunities from every corner of the United States for global investors. High-profile business and government leaders will share their insights on the latest innovations and trends.

For More Details Click Here
Breakfast Q&A with Dorit Salinger

Director of Capital Markets, Insurance and Savings Department at the Ministry of Finance, Ms. Dorit Salinger, was the guest speaker at the first meeting in 2016 of "The Chamber Breakfast Club". The meeting, organized jointly by the Chamber and Herzog Fox & Neeman Law Office, took place on February 4th.
 
In a Q&A discussion on "The Trends in Retirement Savings”, in front of a packed room, Ms. Salinger related to many topics and aspects regarding pension savings, emphasizing the importance her office ascribes to the interests of the savers, including reducing the administration fees, providing quality services  and ensuring  them a proper pension when the time comes.
Governor of Texas Shows Interest in Israeli Innovation 

The Chamber, together with the Israeli Ministries of Economy and Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, hosted the Governor of Texas, Hon. Greg Abbott and his delegation at a round-table meeting attended by the Chamber Chairperson Ofra Strauss and senior representatives of Israeli water and alternative energy technology companies.
Read More
Meeting with the U.S. Ambassador 

Chamber representatives led by the Chairperson of the Chamber Ofra Strauss met recently with the U.S. Ambassador to Israel and Honorary Chairperson of the Chamber Daniel Shapiro, Counselor for Economic Affairs Jonathan Shrier and Greg Briscoe Senior Commercial Officer.

With the goal of strengthening and developing the connection between the Chamber and the U.S. Embassy, the meeting included talks on a joint work plan and preparation for the SelectUSA delegation scheduled for
June 19-21, 2016. 
South Carolina Business Delegation Visited Israel

A business delegation from South Carolina (SC) headed by the Chairman of the South Carolina-Israel Collaboration were guests at a meeting with representatives of Israeli companies from different sectors.

Amy Love, Director of Innovation for South Carolina gave an overview of the development and growth that South Carolina achieved during the last five years and emphasized the potential business opportunities for Israeli companies in the state. The meeting was followed by a series of B2B meetings.

The meeting was jointly organized by Conexx: America Israel Business Connector, which was responsible for the organization of the visit,  the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce and our Chamber. 
U.S Senators Delegation to Israel

Chairperson of the Chamber Ofra Strauss and Chamber Board Member Gerry Stoch, Director of the New York State Trade Office in Israel, represented the Chamber at a breakfast meeting hosted by AIPAC. The meeting was in honor of a delegation of eight United States Democratic Senators led by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), together with Senators Chris Coons (Delaware), Tammy Baldwin (Wisconsin), Mazie Hiron (Hawaii), Tim Kaine (Virginia), Heidi Heitkamp (North Dakota), Cory Booker (New Jersey) and Gary Peters (Michigan).
 
In attendance were U.S. Ambassador and Honorary Chairperson of the Chamber Daniel Shapiro, the former president of AIPAC Robert Cohen and AIPAC President-Elect Lillian Pincus. At the meeting, which was focused on "Israel Beyond the Conflict,” Ms. Strauss spoke about the importance of mutually beneficial business ties between the United States and Israel and the contribution made by Israeli investments in the U.S., providing jobs to thousands of Americans. Gerry Stoch described the strong economic ties between New York State and Israel indicating that last year, Israel was New York’s third largest trading partner worldwide.
 
Select USA Event 

The American State Offices Association in  cooperation  with the U.S. Commercial Service and the Chamber hosted a SelectUSA event in Tel Aviv on  January 20th for Israeli companies considering opening a facility in the U.S. 
 
The event, a series of  one-on-one meetings with the 14 state representatives who reside in Israel was coordinated by the American State Offices Association.  During the day, 60 Israeli companies held more than 250 one-on-one meetings with the state representatives present.  The U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission in Israel, William Grant, brought greetings to the participants on behalf of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv. 

The Chamber’s VP, Dr. Ariella Hezi-Ashkenazi represented the Chamber at the event which was held at the Center for a Beautiful Israel in Tel Aviv. 
 2016 Membership Renewal

Members who have yet to renew their membership for 2016 are invited to do so at their earliest convenience. Furthermore, you are invited to join the leading companies in Israel that already take part in our exclusive programs – Diamond, Platinum and Gold.
To join our exclusive programs,  please contact the chamber.
Accelerating Growth Through U.S. - Israel Strategic Partnerships

 
The Next Opportunity to Submit U.S.- Israel
Joint Proposals to the BIRD Foundation

Israeli and American companies are invited to apply! 

The deadline for submission of Executive Summaries for the NextGen First Responder Technologies program is March 9, 2016

To be considered, a project proposal should include:
 
 
  • R&D cooperation between two, unrelated companies, one registered in the U.S. and the other in Israel. The companies should jointly apply for BIRD support
 
  • Research and development topics within the scope of this call include but are not limited to: Agrotechnology, Cleantech and Environment, Communications, Electronics, FinTech, Gas, Homeland Security and Cyber Security, Life Sciences, Software,etc.
 
  • The jointly developed technology or product(s) must have considerable innovation
 
  • Significant commercial potential

BIRD funds up to 50% of the R&D costs associated with the joint project. The maximum conditional grant per project is up to $1 million. 

 Approval of projects will take place in June, 2016.
Further information on the program can be found at www.birdf.com or call BIRD Foundation at: 03-698-8300
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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September 2016

Moshe (Muzi) Wertheim (1930 - 2016)

Former Chamber Chairperson (1991-1996) 

Chamber Chairperson Ofra Strauss, Board members, Chamber members and Chamber team send their deep condolences to the Wertheim family on the passing of Moshe (Muzi) Wertheim.

During his Chamber chairmanship, Mr. Wertheim made a significant contribution to the Chamber and worked hard to make it a key player in the Israel - US business and trade arena.  He forged strong relationships for the Chamber with companies and organizations in the US and in Israel.  Mr. Wertheim was awarded the Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 for his significant contribution to the business relationship between Israel and the US and amongst his many activities, his long standing partnership with the Coca-Cola Company. 
 Chamber Life-time Achievement Award presented to Mr. Wertheim June 16, 2014

UPCOMING EVENTS

 
2016 Chamber Award Event – Save the Date

The 2016 Chamber Award Event will take place on Monday, 7 November, in the presence of President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin. 

This year's program promises to be an exciting event with a venue change and other innovations. We will award companies that have made an exceptional contribution to the Israel-US business and commercial relationship. There will be a special focus on the Film, Television and Internet industries.
Upcoming Seminars

Economic BDS: A picture from the front lines
Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 09:00 - 11:00

Herzog Fox & Ne'eman, Asia House, 4 Weizmann Street, Tel Aviv
See enclosed invitation 
Water Summit: Las Vegas NV, December 12, 2016
The water summit is organized by the US Chamber of Commerce.  The Israel-America Chamber, the US Chamber's affiliate in Israel together with Hagit Genish Gill, the US Chamber’s representative in Israel, is supporting the Summit by organizing the Israel Water Business Delegation.   
If you would like to participate or receive additional information please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

OBJECTIVES
 Showcase best practices and case studies in corporate water stewardship
 Establish water sustainability as an enabler of economic growth
 Promote a business case for water and engage the business community  
 Advance policy ideas, public-private partnerships, and industry solutions 
 Strengthen U.S. collaboration with Israel on water policy and technology  
 
PARTICIPANTS
 Business leaders and investors
 State and metropolitan Chambers of Commerce
 Federal, state, and local government officials, governors and state development agencies
 Water utility authorities
 Academia and research institutions
 Government of Israel, including government ministers and water experts  

AREAS OF FOCUS
 Improving water governance to promote industrial & economic growth
 Discussing public policy and regulatory challenges for industry
 Water stewardship in corporate strategy
 Public-private partnerships: Supporting models for cooperation on water management 
 Promoting investment in water: Technologies that drive innovation in water management   

Chamber News

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The Israel-US Food & Ag Tech Forum Initiated
The Chamber, in cooperation with KPMG and the Strauss Group, initiated the Israel - US Food & Ag-Tech Forum. At its Kick-off meeting, some 15 organizations participated, including food and technology companies along with government repreentatives, investors and members of academia. 
The Forum's goals are to increase business interactions between fod related industries in the US and Israel, attract more investors and entrepreneurs, conduct research and disseminate information about this industry. 
For more information and to join the Forum please contact the chamber.

Chamber Committee News
 
Chamber Tax Committee Submits its Evaluation to the Ministry of Treasury
 
Following a recent (4/16) Circular by the Israeli Tax Authority that changed an existing interpretation of the international convention on taxation of internet business, the Chamber reconstituted its  Taxation Committee. This is in response to requests from several Chamber members in this sector.

The Committee, headed by Deloitte partner Mr. Yitzhak (Chicko) Chickorel, addressed the issue with a comprehensive study of the currently prevailing situation in the OECD countries compared to Israel.  This study shows where Israel now differs from the convention and what effects this may have on the industry if this differentiation continues.

The paper is being used as a basis for on-going discussions with the Tax and other relevant Authorities. For a copy of the paper please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 
Chamber Visa Committee promotes the simplification of the regulations for non-academic foreign experts 

The Chamber Visa Committee headed by Tsvika Kan-tor met with Immigration Authority officials following input from Chamber members. The chamber proposed several regulatory simplifications regarding employment of non-academic foreign experts. The officials were positive and we expect to soon see an improvement in the process of bringing such employees to work in Israel. An update will follow. 
The Chamber was also updated the much awaited E2 visa which is in the final stages of approval. 


Chamber Members News
Meet R&S Logistical Solutions 

RS Logistical Solutions provides governments, large corporations and companies that wish to operate in Israel, a comprehensive package of logistical, day-to-day living and mission support. The company takes care of the bureaucracy, logistics, and any other operational need - from flights, customs, and transportation, to visas and living arrangements.
Among its customers are the US State Department, The DoD, and multinationals. 
Their affiliate company in the US offers Israeli companies help in navigating the American system, build market strategy, and develop relevant contacts within the Federal, State and private sectors. 
For fellow Israel-America Chamber members, RSLS offers a 10% discount for their services. Please feel free to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


2016 Membership Renewal

Members who have yet to renew their membership for 2016 are invited to do so at their earliest convenience. Furthermore, you are invited to join the leading companies in Israel that already take part in our exclusive programs – Diamond, Platinum and Gold.
To join our exclusive programs,  please contact the chamber.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Copyright © Israel-America Chamber Of Commerce
America House, 35 Shaul Hamelech Blvd, P.O.B. 33174 Tel Aviv 6133101, Israel

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APRIL 2016 NEWSLETTER

 

CHAMBER NEWS

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The Chamber Chairperson Ms. Ofra Strauss
and the Chamber team, Ariela and Oded
wish you and your family a HAPPY PASSOVER.
 

Chamber Annual General Meeting

At a well-attended Annual General Meeting of the Chamber held on April 6th, 2016, the participants elected a new board.
Ms. Ronit Benbasat-Rom previous Chamber CEO, and new board member, reviewed last year's activities and highlighted the positive financial results and the increased Chamber activities.
The meeting was followed by the first meeting of the new board who re-elected Ofra Strauss as the Chairperson of the Board.
 

Oded Rose appointed Chamber CEO

Dear Members,
I am delighted to have joined the chamber on April 1, as its CEO. I have served previously for a short time on our Board and know how much work is done by the Chamber team and its Board.  It is a privilege to work alongside all of you and serve our members.  I see this as a unique opportunity to contribute to the vastly important and strategic relationship between the U.S. and Israel.

I take this opportunity to thank former CEO Ronit Benbasat-Rom for her leadership and achievements in the past three years and wish her well in her new position in industry.

I have over 30 years' experience in the Israeli and the U.S. markets and know firsthand some of the issues facing our members in the bi-national business arena.  Nevertheless, my goal is to reach out to each of you and work together to address current issues you are facing with the aim of removing obstacles and helping in every way to create new business opportunities, and increase bi-lateral trade between Israel and the U.S.
I take this opportunity to wish you, your families and colleagues a HAPPY PASSOVER.

I look forward to a productive and enjoyable working relationship with all of you.

Oded (O.D.) Rose
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
M: 054-4674629
 
 

Meeting with U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Muniz

Chamber Chairperson Ofra Strauss as well as the Chamber team along with Zvi Rome, Chairperson of the Chamber's Energy Committee participated in a breakfast meeting hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Manufacturers’ Association of Israel welcoming  U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Muniz.  Mr. Yuval Steinitz, Minister of Energy, Shraga Brosh, Chairperson of the Manufacturers’ Association, U.S. Embassy Officials  and Israeli business leaders from the energy industry who attended the meeting discussed the importance of the mutual relationship of both countries in the energy field in general and integrating new technologies related to the recognition of cyber threats worldwide.   
 

Special Meeting with Seven U.S. Lieutenant Governors

The Chamber team participated together with representatives of Israeli business organizations in a special meeting which was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in honor of U.S. Lieutenant Governors:  Carlos Lopez Cantera (Florida); Kim Reynolds (Iowa); Jeff Colyer (Kansas); Mark Hutchison (Nevada); Dan Forest (North Carolina); Dan Patrick (Texas) and Rebecca Kleefisch (Wisconsin) who also serves as Chair of the Republican Lieutenant Governors’ Association.  At the meeting, whose aim was to strengthen economic and business collaborations with Israel, the guests presented their states and expressed their desire to attract investments into their states with the purpose of creating jobs, and the benefits that are available within each state.

Governor of Missouri Jay Nixon visits Israel

The Chamber team participated in a business meeting with Missouri Governor Jay Nixon and his delegation who visited Israel in order to enhance the business relation between Missouri and Israel.  In his speech the Governor stressed the benefits his state could provide Israeli companies and called on them to invest and operate in Missouri.  Four Israeli startup companies presented their technologies and discussed the potential to operate in Missouri (where one of them is already based). 
The meeting was organized by the Director of the State of Missouri Israel Trade & Investment Office, Mr. Elysa Rapoport,  

United Launches a New Direct Flight - Tel-Aviv-San Francisco

On April 1, 2016, United Airlines, a Chamber’s Diamond member, inaugurated a direct, non-stop flight between Tel Aviv and San Francisco. The flight will initially operate three times a week and is later planned to increase to five times a week. “We’re very excited about introducing nonstop service between Tel Aviv and San Francisco with the customer- pleasing Dreamliner,” said Avi Friedman, United’s Managing Director of Sales in Israel and Chamber Board member. “This is a response to demand from our customers for direct flights to one of the United States’ most popular business and tourism destinations, with the added benefit of convenient onward connections from our San Francisco International hub.”
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro said that the new line would strengthen the ties between the two countries. “These flights will facilitate technology exchanges between hi-tech firms on the West Coast of the United States and the start-up community here in Israel, as well as people-to-people engagement between Israelis and Americans,” he said.

Cisco Completes Acquisition of Leaba Semiconductor

On March 4, 2016, the Chamber Diamond member Cisco completed the acquisition of Leaba Semiconductor, a venture-backed silicon talent company headquartered in Caesarea, Israel.  Leaba is an Israeli firm with a strong and successful track record of designing leading edge networking semiconductors that provide innovative solutions to address significant infrastructure challenges.
This acquisition furthers Cisco’s integration of Israeli technology into its market leading product lines. Under the terms of the agreement, Cisco paid $320M in cash and assumed equity awards, plus additional retention based incentives.  The Leaba team now reports into Cisco’s Core Hardware Group, led by Senior Vice President, Ravi Cherukuri.

UPCOMING EVENTS
 

Registration for the 2016 Summit is still open
 
We are pleased to advise that, to date, over 25 people representing over 15 companies  have confirmed their participation as part of the Israeli business delegation to the 2016 SelectUSA Summit, headed by U.S. Ambassador Dan Shapiro.  The 2016 SelectUSA Summit will take place on June 19-21, 2016 in Washington, DC.
Thanks to our Chairperson Ofra Straus’ involvement, Erez Vigodman, CEO of Teva, Diamond member of the Chamber, will be a speaker at the summit's opening event.
The conference will feature investment opportunities for global investors in every part of the United States. High-profile business and government leaders will share their insights on the latest innovations and investment trends.
Participants will include international and domestic companies of all sizes seeking to establish or expand operations in the United States.  Economic developers from state, regional and local levels will also be in attendance, ready to facilitate and generate business investment.
The Summit will include an exhibition hall where U.S. economic development organizations (EDOs) will be present, displaying the advantages of their locations and connecting with international investors.  Participants will also be able to enroll in the SelectUSA Academy, a pre-Summit orientation that covers the fundamentals of investing and promoting investment in the United States.

2016 Membership Renewal

Members who have yet to renew their membership for 2016 are invited to do so at their earliest convenience. Furthermore, you are invited to join the leading companies in Israel that already take part in our exclusive programs – Diamond, Platinum and Gold.
To join our exclusive programs,  please contact the chamber.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Copyright © Israel-America Chamber Of Commerce
America House, 35 Shaul Hamelech Blvd, P.O.B. 33174 Tel Aviv 6133101, Israel

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