A Message From AmCham's CEO

April Palmerlee, December 2017

The past year has been one of tremendous change – in Australia, in America, and around the world. From the unexpected to the predictable -- Donald Trump, Brexit, dual citizenship, populism, stock market highs, 457 visas, digital disruption, energy, missile launches, marriage equality, corporate tax cuts, and more -- the past 12 months have been notable for the scale of transformation that has occurred. At AmCham, we strive to help our members better understand the world in which they operate and provide insights and assistance to help companies optimise opportunities in the changing environment.

INFORMATION

One of the ways we do this is by making relevant speakers and information available at our events. We have had meetings throughout the year that have helped members and their guests understand the changing environment in which we do business. For example, in Sydney we heard from CIO of the FBI Gordon Bitko on cyber risk; Coles CEO John Durkan on the state of retail in Australia; NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on international investment; and Telstra CEO Andrew Penn on the digital revolution. In Brisbane, we informed our members about FATCA, reviewed President Trump’s first 100 days, and hosted the “Dame of Drones”, Dr Catherine Ball, on how remote aerial surveillance is changing agriculture. In Melbourne, we focused on how to make science and maths attractive to young girls, including tips to help technical-based industries stand out. Victorians also looked at how technology, medical advances and intelligent systems will affect our lives and provide business opportunities. In Adelaide, we have augmented the traditional business luncheons with the ChangeMaker Series, hosted by the University of Adelaide Business School, to highlight innovators. In addition, we informed our audiences about defence technology, energy, and investment. And in Perth, we brought the Governor of the Reserve Bank directly to our members and their guests as he unveiled his vision for the next chapter for the Australian Economy. Perth members also enjoyed the second annual innovation mission.

ACCESS

Access to leaders and decision-makers is another important aspect of AmCham membership. Following up on last year's hosting of the Australian Prime Minister, several ministers, and Vice President Biden, in 2017, we hosted US Vice President Pence, acting American Ambassador Carouso, and other senior US officials. As we have in previous years, we again have taken members on domestic and overseas missions to interact with government officials and companies, to make connections, ask questions, and offer insights in person. AmCham led delegations to Canberra which afforded delegates access to Ministers and departmental officials to discuss policy issues of interest. AmCham also led a delegation to Washington to meet officials from the Trump administration, members of Congress and the think tank community. The delegates discussed a variety of policy issues affecting American business in Asia and gained invaluable insight into the years ahead in American politics.

In the recent past, we hosted our first-ever mission partnering with Austrade and DFAT, which examined President Trump’s Infrastructure program. We also sent a group on a defence mission that visited senior leaders at Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, the FAA, and NASA, plus site visits to Newport News Shipbuilding and Austal’s headquarters in Mobile, Alabama. And finally, we had our third annual innovation mission, visiting several companies in Boston and the Bay area.
NETWORKING

We have offered numerous opportunities throughout the year for networking in formal and informal environments. From networking receptions and targeted opportunities to warm introductions and business matching, the Chamber has seen several of its members grow their rolodexes and improve their businesses this year.

VISIBILITY

Through our ground-breaking report with the US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, AmCham highlighted the role US-based MNCs play in foreign direct investment in Australia, quantifying the figures behind the $1.5 trillion two-way trade and investment relationship.

ADVOCACY

AmCham has also played an important role in recommending ways in which the Australian government could refine and revise its 457 visa policy to accurately reflect the skill needs in the Australian labour market.

MEMBER FEEDBACK

Thank you to all of our members who completed the member survey earlier this year. We received a lot of helpful feedback.

Members think we are doing really well with:
• providing growth opportunities for their businesses;
• giving them access to important decision makers;
• influencing government and industry through advocacy work; and
• educating members through our speakers and publications.

Some of the member requests that we have already been able to action include:
• Making attendee lists available before each event to allow for targeted networking or seating requests;
• Creating an online member directory;
• Trialling more breakfast and after-hours events; and
• Hosting more peer-to-peer executive events.

There are more improvements to come, so please stay connected. 
In the year ahead, we are planning new and exciting ways to provide our members with the above benefits, plus more. We have several overseas trade missions planned: cyber security , offshore technology , and  sea-air-space which will give you access to new markets and key decision-makers. We will be collaborating with other international chambers and membership organisations to bring you the biggest names and the hottest topics in venues around Australia. We will be working with our knowledge partners to create more thought leadership that will inform your decision-making. And we will ramp up our calls for pro-business policies that will help AmCham members create jobs and grow the economy. We will be launching the AmCham Academy for rising corporate stars. And there will be more announcements throughout the year, as we work to ensure we are relevant, reliable and resourceful for our members.

A quick shout out to the new companies that have joined AmCham or upgraded their membership since I’ve come on board: A F Shepherd, Atdec, Aurizon, Austral EA Solutions, Benchmark Films, Corcentric, Efic, Evident.Io, Karelian Capital Management, Luna Park Sydney, Lunar Lighting, Orange Sky Laundry, PDS Global Logistics, Simeon Duncan Public Affairs, The George Institute for Global Health, Tourism Partners, Twitter, and Workplace Rehabilitation Management.

I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise some of the many companies who have steadfastly supported AmCham through many years of membership.

We look forward to working with all of the AmCham community in the year ahead. With best wishes for a happy Christmas and prosperous new year, I send you


Kind Regards, 

April Palmerlee
Chief Executive Officer
AmCham Australia
P: 02 8031 9000
E: [email protected]