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MESSAGE FROM AmCham CEO April Palmerlee

Ten years after the Great Recession, the American economy is once again strong: The stock market is booming, with the Dow gaining 5,000 points in 2017, and already punching through 25,000 at the start of the year. Corporate taxes were slashed from 35 to 21 per cent, the biggest company tax cut in US history. Unemployment is at its lowest this century. There are signs of wage growth. Inflation and interest rates remain low by historical standards. Regulatory actions fell to a 17-year low. And the country has achieved consecutive quarters of 3%+ growth, which is expected to continue. It’s no wonder business optimism is strong and rising.

In Australia, too, the economy is looking the best it has since the global financial crisis. The S&P/ASX200 hit a ten-year high, smashing through 6000 points, as corporate profits rose for the first time in three years. Politicians are talking about possible personal income tax cuts. Business investment is showing green shoots. The labour market is strong, and optimists outnumber pessimists. Unemployment is the lowest it has been in five years. We are seeing the next chapter in the Australian economy, as Reserve Bank Governor Phil Lowe explained to AmCham members recently.

But there is still much to do. Australia will have to consider seriously its response to the US corporate tax cuts and address the energy crisis if it wants to attract investment and ensure the manufacturing sector remains competitive. AmCham will be engaged on both topics in 2018. We will also be prioritising our members' work in building the workforce of the future, leading infrastructure advances, and harnessing innovation.
























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<<Upcoming Events>> . <<Overseas Missions>> . <<Canberra Embassy 75th Anniversary>>
 
<<Hire a Hero>> . <<Member Survey Results>> . <<New Members>>







Upcoming Events.
As AmChams across Australia hit the ground running this year, we have several new ideas and exciting programs for our members. I’d like to draw your attention to a few in the near future:






Mr Sanjeev Gupta is the Executive Chairman and CEO of GFG Alliance, the fast growing $14.5 billion worldwide industrial group which acquired the former Arrium Australia businesses in September 2017 and also acquired a major stake in South Australia’s ZEN Energy. The company has unveiled concept plans for a $1 billion transformation of the Whyalla Steelworks which will boost output and significantly reduce the cost of steel production, securing its long‐term sustainability. The major upgrade will benefit many industries including oil and gas, and defence.
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WAIT LIST only. Please contact [email protected].
Super Bowl parties in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne on 5 February; this is always one of our most popular events for networking, American snacks, and American football fun. Who will win the Vince Lombardi trophy? Join us to watch the action live.
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Private cyber-security briefing by Samsung's CIO Terry Halvorsen on 8 February in Sydney. Mr Halvorsen also serves with Rudy Giuliani on the White House cybersecurity advisory board. Prior to his corporate role, he was CIO for the US Department of Defense and before that CIO for the US Department of the Navy.
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In Perth on 9 February, meet the minister: The Hon. Alannah MacTiernan MLC, Minister for Regional Development, Agriculture and Food in WA and former Mayor of the City of Vincent as well as Member for Perth in the Federal Parliament. She will discuss regional growth opportunities including advanced manufacturing, hi-tech metals, and the exportation of Pilbara sunlight to the world.
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In Queensland, the focus is on sporting events: in a major panel discussion on 23 February, top-level speakers will discuss the economic impact of boxing, the Super Bowl, Rugby Tens, the Commonwealth Games, and the like.
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Our annual International Women’s Day forum and high tea in Melbourne on 9 March, featuring marquee speakers Holly Ransom, Lydia Khalil and Sarah Chibnall. Richard Branson recently named Emergent CEO Ransom as his choice for innovator and icon of tomorrow. Khalil is an expert in Middle East politics and international terrorism, with experience around the world, including as a counterterrorism analyst for the New York Police Department. And Chibnall is Group Director - Communications, Health & Happiness Group at Swisse Wellness.
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Michael Byrne, Managing Director of the Toll Group, will speak on 19 March in Melbourne. In a world of constant and rapid change, how will industry adapt to future technologies, intelligent transport systems, telematics and what does this mean for Toll, the transport and logistics sector and all industries.
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Trade Missions.

We also have a host of exclusive overseas trade missions for our members:
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Offshore Technology Conference in Houston: this is Penelope Williamson’s 20th year taking an AmCham delegation to the conference where energy professionals meet to exchange ideas and opinions to advance scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources and environmental matters. The technical program is selected by knowledgeable and experienced professionals and the attendees (90,000 professionals from 130 countries) see ground-breaking innovations and meet the leading providers of products and services.
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RSA Conference in San Francisco: Victoria GM Ray Doyle will lead an AmCham delegation to the meeting where industry professional learn about new approaches to info security, discover the latest technology and interact with top security leaders and pioneers.
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A Defence Trade Mission to Washington DC to visit the USA Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Exposition: defence contractors and suppliers will have an unparalleled marketing opportunity for developing business relationships with the US maritime services sector at this exposition, which is not open to the general public. WA/NT’s Penelope Williamson will organise site visits with major defence contractors.
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Asia Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce Spring Business Summit in Kuala Lumpur 4-5 April. “Charting a Bold Future: US Businesses in the Asian Century” will attract over 300 participants including senior government and private sector leaders from the USA and the Asia-Pacific region. Dato' Sri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia is invited to open the conference and we also anticipate the involvement of several U.S. Ambassadors, state governors, city mayors, and senior U.S. Administration officials. I will personally will lead this select delegation.
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SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC 20-22 June: This is a great opportunity for investors, including representatives of international businesses of all sizes, that are seeking to establish or expand operations in the United States. Join me in Washington for this unique event.
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Employment Opportunities for Ex-Members of the Military Services.
 
AmCham will be working with the private sector, government, and the military to help companies access the best possible candidates for the workforce of tomorrow, including personnel who have separated from the military. More information on that coming soon, but if your company has a story to tell, a veteran to highlight, or best practices to share from Australia or the US, please get in touch with me directly at [email protected].
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Member Survey Results.
 
As I mentioned last month, we really appreciated the time members took to complete the survey in 2017. I listed several actions we had taken in response to members’ requests, and I’m pleased now to tell you that we have several more on the books for 2018, such as:
  • Low-cost networking events
  • Member-to-member introductions through the new CRM
  • Directory of US businesses in Australia
  • Mentoring service






The following companies have come onboard as AmCham Members since my last newsletter.
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 The American Chamber of Commerce in Australia
Level 6, 48 Hunter Street, SYDNEY NSW 2000
Phone 02 8031 9000 | Fax 02 9232 4988 | Email [email protected]
Website www.amcham.com.au | ABN 62 000 361 633

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Podcasts

Posted on 3/04/2018

How Business Really Works: Digital Journey with Moe Ali

What's new in technology and how can your business stay ahead of the game? Moe Ali, Group Vice President of Gartner ANZ, talks to Duff about cyber-security, the importance of incorporating technology insights and information to the core of business m

Listen now