October 2019 Message from AmCham CEO undefined
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October 2019
Message from AmCham CEO April Palmerlee
It’s already been an amazing year for us, but AmCham Australia continues to gather momentum as we roll into the final quarter of 2019. Since I wrote to you last, President Trump has welcomed Prime Minister Morrison and several AmCham leaders and members to the White House. The visit was deemed an official State Visit, capped with a State Dinner: the highest honour any foreign leader can be paid in the US. Relations between our countries’ leaders have never been stronger. The visit began with the PM’s arrival on the South Lawn of the White House where he and Mrs Morrison were welcomed under clear blue skies by a crowd of thousands and several military bands. The head of the Australian Space Agency Megan Clarke was among the special guests of Ambassador Hockey, offering a clue to one of the major announcements we would hear that weekend. The First Lady wore Scanlan and Theodore, as a nod to the visiting Aussies. After the grand ceremony the PM and other VIPs were welcomed to a formal lunch by Vice President Pence and Secretary of State Pompeo. Click to view their remarks. That evening, the Trumps hosted the first-ever State Dinner in the Rose Garden. The next morning saw the PM at NASA headquarters, And that afternoon, Ambassador Hockey hosted a lawn party at his residence. The level of partnership and goodwill was beyond anything witnessed before. AmCham will help its members build on this visit to create new opportunities and strengthen existing partnerships.

President Trump gave Prime Minister Morrison a model of the USS Canberra, which is currently being built by AmCham member Austal at an Alabama shipyard

US Trade Representative Lighthizer, Vice President Pence and Anthony Pratt

at the State Department lunch

Upon returning to Australia, I learned that US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross would be visiting Sydney and AmCham had been chosen to host a lunch for him. On October 10th, he delivered a hard-hitting to our members, covered extensively by the press, highlighting the massive level of American investment in Australia (more than a quarter of all FDI is from the US, while only 2% comes from China). He also spoke about the economy in the US, citing lower corporate taxes, accelerated depreciation and opportunity zones as key enticements to foreign investors. Coverage can be seen

US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross

Q&A with April Palmerlee

The day after the Ross lunch, I headed back to the US to lead an Innovation Mission, our first organised jointly with the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce in NSW. Along with 35 delegates, I’m visiting Amazon, Apple, Autodesk, Boeing, the Bullitt Tower, Facebook, the Global Innovation Exchange, Impossible Foods, Instacart, Planet, Salesforce, Starbucks, Telstra Ventures, Tesla, Unity Technologies and Visa. The mission leaders are Maureen Dougherty of Boeing and Robyn Denholm of Tesla. You can follow our trip through my posts on .

National Governors' Association

Maryland Governor and NGA Chair

Larry Hogan

In September, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan led a delegation of state leaders to study the innovative ways Australia has implemented and funded infrastructure projects. It was the first international mission of the NGA Chair's Initiative, Infrastructure: Foundation for Success. State leaders presented opportunities for economic development in their states to an audience of Australian business representatives at a joint AmCham event with the American Australian Association and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission.

The month ahead is chock-a-block with more fantastic opportunities for AmCham members with our and the . I’ll be taking some leaders to Tasmania at the invitation of Premier Hodgman to learn about the defence startups there; . We also have several round tables with Ministers and corporate leaders, as well as seminars on doing business in the US. You can take a look at a clip from Minister Karen Andrews’ talk to members . It’s also time to think about signing up the rising stars in your company for the 2020 AmCham Academy, now being offered in all states where we operate. So, still a lot of opportunities for you and your business before the end of the year.

 

I’m also pleased to include in this month’s newsletter a round up of the AmCham committees who are working hard behind the scenes to make sure AmCham is represented when policies are being considered, new laws tabled, and exciting opportunities floated. If you would like to to join a committee, please contact the . Please click to read the 3rd Quarter 2019 Committee Report.

 

 

Thank you for your ongoing support,

April Palmerlee, Chief Executive Officer

American Chamber of Commerce in Australia

E

P 02 8031 9000
A warm welcome to our newest members

I’m delighted to welcome these new members and here are links to their websites:
Upcoming Events

SYD

Business Briefing with Woodside CEO Peter Coleman

Keynote Speaker:

Peter Coleman, Chief Executive Officer

Woodside

 

AmCham is excited to present Woodside CEO Peter Coleman and his outlook for the Australian and international energy sectors. He will discuss the major market and policy settings that are influencing current and future energy supply and security, emerging trends in new technologies and forms of energy and the industry’s response to the challenge of climate change.

 

Peter Coleman has more than 35 years’ experience in the global oil and gas industry, covering Asia, the Americas, Africa and Australasia. Peter has been Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Woodside since joining the company in May 2011.

 

Peter began his career with ExxonMobil following graduation from Monash University and stayed with the company until joining Woodside. Peter is on the Board of the Business Council of Australia and Chairman of the Australia-Korea Foundation. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Australia Japan Business Co-operation Council and the Monash Industry Council of Advisers.

WHEN

Thursday 21 November 2019

12pm - 2pm

 

WHERE

Hilton Sydney

 

EVENT PARTNERS

If you're interested in finding out more about the sponsorship opportunities available at this event, please contact the

ADL

AmCham with Adelaide Business School: Future Adelaide

We live in interesting times. Industry 4.0 technologies have potential to provide a major boost to Australia’s economic competitiveness. To keep our eye on this economic prize we need to keep across what society wants from the future. Humans remain focused on the four main pillars of society – food, health, relationships and work. The advances in technology are providing tools to make our society a better place to live.

 

By embracing technology and innovation, Australia can continue to prosper. We’re on the road to the internet of things where everything is connected, not only to the internet but also to one another. Adam Oliver, State Director of Telstra will talk about the impact of 5G on productivity and economic growth.

 

Jennie Sager, Country Manager for Nextdoor will discuss how the internet has changed forever the way people meet, stay in touch, find a job and fall in love. Social networking has opened up possibilities that allow people to look beyond their immediate friends, friends of friends, and co-workers, enabling new connectivity and relationships in the future.

 

At the Australian Institute of Machine Learning; automation is making life a little bit easier but it is also likely to make some jobs redundant. Professor Anton van den Hengel Founding Director will look at how are we leveraging our long-established defence industry, health and bio-tech, and newly emerging space industry to ensure we remain competitive on a global scale.

 

WHEN

Wednesday 30 October 2019

12pm - 2pm

 

WHERE

InterContinental

 

EVENT PARTNER

The University of Adelaide Business School

 

If you're interested in finding out more about the sponsorship opportunities available at this event, please contact the

PER

Australia and Energy Advanced Manufacturing

Keynote Speaker:

Karen Dobson, President and Managing Director

Dow Australia and New Zealand

 

With uninterrupted economic growth for two decades, Australia has been the envy of economies around the world. But have we missed an opportunity to build on Australian innovation, technical know-how and our resource advantage?

 

Join AmCham in a discussion on how industry and governments can leverage Australia’s advantages for industrial growth featuring Karen Dobson, President and Managing Director Dow Australia and New Zealand.

 

Drawing on experiences of recent years, Karen will explore the opportunity to build on the existing domestic manufacturing sector and the opportunity to expand this for the future. Touching familiar topics, such as: government regulation, workforce skills, research and development links, energy policy and global value chains Karen will cover both the missed and potential opportunities for business and government to develop industry and an advanced manufacturing sector.

 

Demand for Australian resources is likely to continue with increasing demand for commodity and rare minerals, but is that the limit of Australia’s value proposition or can more strategic policy and investment build on Australia’s manufacturing foundations.

WHEN

Tuesday 29 October 2019

12pm - 2pm

 

WHERE

Crown Hotels Plaza

 

EVENT PARTNERS

If you're interested in finding out more about the sponsorship opportunities available at this event, please contact the

BNE

CSR Gala Dinner 2019

On Thursday 7 November 2019 at The W Brisbane, the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) is hosting our inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Gala Dinner with our Presenting Partner, The University of Queensland, to celebrate our Members and their outstanding contributions to society and business through their CSR initiatives.

 

This exclusive evening will highlight the CSR initiatives and achievements of AmCham Members. Amongst the event guests will be distinguished leaders from government, the business community and leading global firms.

 

This will be an excellent opportunity for your network to hear about the impressive activities your business is involved with throughout the wider community.

 

Become a sponsor, book a table and mingle with other business leaders for an enjoyable evening of learning innovative ways to incorporate CSR into your own organisation while celebrating the achievements of the AmCham business community at large.

WHEN

Thursday 7 November 2019

7pm - 11pm

 

WHERE

W Brisbane

 

EVENT PARTNERS

The University of Queensland

 

Sponsorship is now open. Get involved to enhance awareness of your business and CSR initiatives.

MEL

Redefining Your Digital Strategy

Panel of Speakers:

  • William (Bill) Ruh, CEO, Digital, Lendlease
  • Chris Crozier, Chief Digital Officer, Orica International
  • Jason Yu, Director of Strategy & Innovation, Australia and New Zealand, AT&T

As the adoption of technology in business rises rapidly in Australia and the global marketplace, those that take advantage of a digitally-led approach will be able to capture greater value. Those that choose to remain stagnant will lose their competitive edge and fall behind in the digital marketplace.

 

An organisation’s presence in the digital realm will become increasingly important as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Analytics become central in businesses’ strategies. A digital transformation is necessary to stay competitive in not only foreign markets, but also domestically.

 

Hear from the most experienced and insightful Chief Digital Executives in the tech and industrial sectors.

WHEN

Thursday 14 November 2019

12pm - 2pm

 

WHERE

Crown

 

EVENT PARTNERS

If you're interested in finding out more about the sponsorship opportunities available at this event, please contact the

 

James Kane, CEO, Two Bulls

 

Childhood dream job?

When I was 8 I wanted to make computer games. I sketched a whole side-scroller game on a ream of dot matrix printer paper. I wish I still had it, I remember it as an awesome game!

 

Favourite movie?

Charlie Chaplin’s “The Great Dictator”. Funny, political and powerful. Just the perfect movie.

 

Favourite fictional character and why?

Frank Bascombe from Richard Ford’s series of novels beginning with The Sportswriter. I started reading them in my mid-twenties and I’ve returned to the series several times since. They’ve been a kind of emotional roadmap as I’ve navigated these last decades.

 

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Flying. Without a doubt, flying.

 

What historical event do you wish you were either a part of, or were able to experience?

I’d love to have seen Cicero defending the Republic, particularly the Cataline Orations.

 

Driving force in your life?

Family, friends, colleagues and the nagging feeling that I’m never being as good as they think I can be.

 

Most rewarding part about your job?

Seeing an employee take their role and expand it beyond my expectations. When someone walks in with an idea or a pitch or a piece of work that makes me realise they love what they do and they want to take it further. It lifts a whole day, a whole week, when I see that kind of ambition.

 

Who do you most admire?

Bill Gates. His accomplishments are so much bigger than one life’s work. He’s done more than one person could ever imagine.

 

Something that your social media followers don’t know about you?

That is a great question.

 

Personal motto that helps you power through obstacles?

It’s always darkest just before the dawn.

 

Biggest roadblock in your career, and how were you able to overcome it?

I started off in the law, a career that was frankly unsuited to me. I was having trouble finding a firm to start with, so I decided to go to New York and do the Bar Exam. It was a game changer. It completely reset my career and my life. It also made me realise that I didn’t have to follow the path set before me, I could just go off in my own direction. It was revelatory.

 

The biggest risk you took?

Starting my own business. I had absolutely no experience and absolutely no idea what I was doing. It was crazy and terrifying. It was also the best decision (or series of decisions) I ever made.

 

Proudest moment so far?

This morning my son went over and hugged my daughter because she was crying. They just stood there and embraced for a few moments, then went back to playing. Every day they make me proud. The smallest gestures have the biggest impact on me.

 

First line of your obituary?

It’s always darkest just before the dawn.

 

Dream dinner companion?

Elon Musk. I’d love to know how that mind ticks.

 

Best advice you ever received?

I was once talking about all the hectic change in the world, from politics to technology to culture and society. My dad nodded and said gently, “Yes, but in the end, not much changes.” It was calming and I realised there was a deep truth to it. From that day I stopped looking at superficial changes and searched for the deeper continuities. It radically changed my perspective.

 

Animal that best matches your leadership style?

A racehorse. I spend a lot of time on the track, but I’m not always racing. Rest is as important as the race. But when the race is on I want every employee to throw everything in. There are times when the other things in your life have to make way for a singular focus on winning.

Andersen

 

Andersen Tax Is Now Andersen

Published on 3 September 2019

 

Hearkening the legacy and values of the Andersen name, Andersen Tax, one of the nation’s largest independent tax firms, will now operate under the brand “Andersen.”

 

The Andersen name reflects the full scope of services available to clients in the U.S. and internationally. Andersen Tax was founded in 2002 as a tax-only firm focused on private clients. Today the firm serves some of the largest companies in the world providing not only tax services but also valuation, transfer pricing and, internationally, a full suite of integrated tax and legal services.

 

Exactly five years ago, the firm adopted the name Andersen Tax, a name that best reflected its own culture and values. The name was chosen at the time to highlight the firm’s independence, and to make clear that audit was not (nor would it ever be) part of the global service offering.

 

“When we adopted the name Andersen Tax in 2014, we made what many considered to be a very bold move, but we knew it was the name that best defined our culture of clients-first, stewardship, transparency and best-in-class solutions,” said Andersen CEO and Andersen Global Chairman, Mark Vorsatz. “Our move to the brand ‘Andersen’ is indicative of what we have been able to accomplish over the past five years – and we are just getting started. ‘Andersen’ best reflects our history, our values, and our vision for the future, and more fully encompasses all that our organization represents as well as our ability to serve clients seamlessly around the globe.”

 

The company has grown exponentially since its adoption of the name “Andersen Tax” in 2014. At the time, the firm had the ability to handle client needs in 26 locations through the member firms of Andersen Global, the international association of member firms it founded. That breadth has now grown to more than 57 countries and over 148 locations worldwide through the member and collaborating firms of Andersen Global.

 

In addition to offering tax services, the member and collaborating firms of Andersen Global also offer legal services in 49 countries internationally, providing clients with best-in-class solutions to address both their tax and legal needs in an independent and seamless manner around the world.

 

“Member firms around the globe will also rebrand as ‘Andersen’ in the coming years, with the ultimate goal of having a single global brand – one firm where clients across the globe are afforded the best, most comprehensive tax services provided by skilled staff with the highest standards. We all share the same values and vision and it is only fitting that this is also reflected in our name,” added Mark.

 
Premium Network News

Virgin Australia and Delta Airlines

AmCham's 2019 Official Travel Partner

 

Delta Air Lines flew 120 girls from Salt Lake City, Utah, to NASA in Houston as part of an initiative for International Girls in Aviation Day. The event was designed to encourage more women to enter the male-dominated field. Everyone involved in the plane’s takeoff, flight and landing — from pilots to ramp agents working on the ground — was a woman...

 

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Salesforce.com

Announcing Salesforce Tower Sydney - Doors open in 2022

 

Salesforce are thrilled to announce the next home for Salesforce ANZ: Salesforce Tower Sydney.

 

At 53 storeys tall, the future Salesforce Tower Sydney will be the tallest office building in the city overlooking the beautiful harbour, Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and the entire skyline. Salesforce Tower Sydney will be located in Sydney’s iconic Circular Quay right in the heart of the city...

 

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF)

 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Thai Chamber of Commerce are pleased to invite you to the Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF) on Monday, November 4, 2019, held on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Bangkok, Thailand. The event is co-organized in collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand and the U.S. ASEAN Business Council with the support of the U.S. and the Royal Thai Governments...

 

Harvard University

The Atlas of Economic Complexity

 

A new Harvard University database describing Australia’s economy as insufficiently complex – as measured by the breadth and sophistication of its exports – and compares it with the economies of Senegal, Uganda and Morocco, has generated debate on whether changes are needed. While the study advocates that less complex economies governments’ begin championing individual industries, some economists questioned whether complexity mattered at all, especially given Australia's natural advantage in mining and energy extraction has made it one of the world's richest countries...

 
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Podcasts

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