Trustee members:

   

Newsletter
Finnish American Chamber of Commerce, Florida
Issue 10
Volume 6
October 2014
  

Greetings!


 

Again, many exciting things going on with our chamber. Don't miss our Member Appreciation Breakfast and learn from members what they think about us and also how we are connected to the community. 

 

I want to thank you our latest intern, Maria Flemmich for her superior work at FACC and wish her successful future in her future endeavors. We are happy to announce that our new intern has been selected and once he arrives we will introduce him to you.

 

We are also currently seeking candidates to serve for 2015-2016 term at our board. Feel free to call us or email us for questions about these positions. Volunteering your time at the board gives you a real insiders view to the opportunities and possibilities that the chamber offers for you and your company. As a board member you also have more power to influence in which direction you want to steer our chamber.

You may reach us at info@facc-fl.com or by calling 561 582 2335.


 

We will keep working for you! Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

 

At your service,

 

Lena Hartikainen

FACC-FL President

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Member Appreciation Breakfast

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Soon it will be time to renew your membership for 2015. Before doing so, we would like you to really understand how you will benefit from it and what is the best way to get most out of your membership. 

Come and learn how members have benefitted from joining FACC and what FACC can do for you and your business.
Learn what you can do in FACC and how you can participate and receive more out of your membership.

Also learn more about our extensive partner network and how you can benefit from that.
A great opportunity to meet old and new members and to network.

Come with a friend or alone and bring lots of business cards!

Complimentary breakfast is included.

TIME: October 30th, 2014 7:30am -9am
PLACE: E.R.Bradley's Beach Club
1 7th Ave N Lake Worth, FL 
Google Map

RSVP by OCT 24th and learn more about the event here

If you have questions email info@facc-fl.com or call 561 582 2335.

 


Don´t miss this opportunity, but Hurry Up!


     
FACC Florida is sponsoring the 2,5 day FOCUS program to one lucky member. The program dates are January 22, 29 and 30, 2015.

We are delighted to sponsor a member that will in return be willing to use some of the knowledge to better FACC's role in the community.
Please submit your motivational letter explaining how you will use the information for FACC's benefit to the board of directors as soon as possible, as the program normally sells out by early October. 

FOCUS is a 2 ½ day program for executives and other key individuals from the private, public and nonprofit sectors who want to deepen their knowledge of Palm Beach County and establish civic relationships.

This program is well-suited for professionals whose schedules do not permit the Leadership Program's nine-month commitment, as well as executives who are new to the area or who are looking for an introduction to Leadership Palm Beach County.

 

Even if you think you know Palm Beach County, we guarantee this program will add value and broader your perspective on what opportunities there are for you and your business.  

The value of this program is $500.00 plus all the life time friends and connections that you can make.

 

We want to be part of building a stronger local business community, one step at a time!

 

More about Leadership Palm Beach County and FOCUS program here. 

 

Mail your motivation letter to info@facc-fl.com with ATTN: FOCUS 

 


Members making headlines

  
ALMACO'S LANDS RESORTS WORLD'S BIMINI CONTRACT   
    
     
ALMACO builds and modernizes Accommodation and Food Handling areas for owners and builders in the Marine, Offshore and Construction industries around the world. 
 
ALMACO has been awarded the new construction contract by Resorts World Bimini to supply and install 269 pre-assembled Standard Rooms, 18 Garden Villa Suites and all Public Areas for the company's Luxury Marina Hotel on the North Bimini Island in the Bahamas. Read more here.


Do you have interesting news to share? 

Let us know and we will spread the word! faccflorda@gmail.com or call us at 561-582-2335

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/02/26/3960951/um-researchers-make-small-but.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/02/26/3960951/um-researchers-make-small-but.html#storylink=cp

Opportunity to make a difference 

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FACC is currently accepting applications for board member  positions for 2015. 

If you have leadership skills and want to have an  influence not only on your business, but to the local business community. Preferably candidates have experience in conducting meetings. 
We are looking for "go getters" who not only have ideas but are also willing to make things happen.


We have a fun, supportive and professional board and would love to have you join us!

Please email your application to info@facc-fl.com

Also, please consider joining one of the following committees:
- membership recruitment
- finance
- marketing/PR
- event (chair needed!)

We need leaders like you!!

 

News from Florida

 

Economist predict booming home sales for Florida

With 8,000 baby boomers expected to retire daily for the next several years in the U.S., Southwest Florida stands to benefit from a massive influx of home buyers, the chief economist of the National Association of Realtors believes. Foreign buyers make up about 10 percent of the all Florida's buyers. Read the full article here.

 

Scripps Florida received major funding to study ways to counteract chemical weapons 

The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded $7.9 million to researchers in South Florida and California to build what amounts to an artificial immune system. Scientist, Tom Kodadek and his team at the Scripps Research Institute will create vast "libraries" of different types of molecules  "from which would emerge individual compounds to detect or neutralize an array of biological and chemical threats," a news release said. Read more here.

 

Florida unveils new strategies for growing tourism

With a goal to reach 100 million visitors a year, Florida destination marketers are setting their sights on nature lovers, millennials, shoppers and a growing international crowd. With a goal to reach 100 million visitors a year, Florida destination marketers are setting their sights on nature lovers, millennials, shoppers and a growing international crowd. Read the full story here.

 

Unemployment number falls to 8-year low

The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits dropped last week as the total number of Americans collecting benefits dropped to its lowest level in more than eight years. More at the Bloomberg News.

 
With 8,000 baby boomers expected to retire daily for the next several years in the U.S., Southwest Florida stands to benefit from a massive influx of home buyers, the chief economist of the National Association of Realtors believes.With 8,000 baby boomers expected to retire daily for the next several years in the U.S., Southwest Florida stands to benefit from a massive influx of home buyers, the chief economist of the National Association of Realtors believes.Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/02/26/3960951/um-researchers-make-small-but.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/02/26/3960951/um-researchers-make-small-but.html#storylink=cp
   

 
News from Finland
 
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Why do Finnish babies sleep in cardboard boxes?
You may have read the BBC New article wondering about this strange Finnish habit, why do Finnish babies sleep in boxes? Wonder no more, because now any baby can get the sleeping box thanks to three new Finnish fathers. Why many in the U.S. may dream about baby nurseries, the Finnish baby box provides all the basics that any baby needs to start his or her life journey.  Read more here.

Finnish design now available at Target
Vallila Interior, a renowned Finnish textile design company, has launched its Vallila Collection on US retail giant Target's online store. The Collection consists of colorful accent furniture, featuring Vallila's prints. Read more about this collaboration here.

Could Finnish wave technology make a splash on Florida's shore?
The Finnish company called Wello is an innovator in the field of wave energy technology. The company arose from the passion to produce ecological and commercially viable energy solutions.WaveRoller operates in near-shore locations. Installed on the ocean floor about eight to 20 metres below the surface, the device features a moveable, fin-like panel which converts the back and forth movement of water to electricity. Read more here.

Finnish President, Sauli Niinisto at UN climate summit calling for action 
Finland's long-term goal is to create a carbon-neutral society, supported by climate legislation tabled in the Parliament. The purpose of the bill is to reduce emissions by 80 percent by the year 2050. Finland also aims to abandon the use of coal fuel altogether by the year 2025. Read more here.

Solar panels for rent in Helsinki
Helsinki's power utility has launched a new project to rent out solar power panels from an installation in Suvilahti. The project involves 1,200 solar panels, more than 900 of which have already been snapped up by the public. Consumers have warmed to the idea of renting solar panels from a solar installation set up by Helsingin Energia (Helen) in Suvilahti, the site of an old gasworks in Sörnäinen. In July the utility announced that it would be installing solar panels on the rooftop of a power substation and offering customers the chance to rent them. Full story here.

FACC Upcoming events

 

  • November                            The economy in Finland and EU
            • Speaker: Mr Eero Lehti, Member of the Finnish Parliament and Honorary Doctor of Economics
            • Location: M-Trading (FACC Trustee member), Lantana, FL  
  • December  10th                   Winter gala
            • Come and celebrate the end of the year with the chamber, its members and others!
            • Location E.R. Bradley's, Lake Worth, FL
  • February                                 VIP Polo Event
            • Come and enjoy a nice day with Polo and networking!
            • Location: International Polo Club Palm Beach 
  • March                                      Nordic Summit
            • A great networking opportunity together with the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce and the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce.
            • More information to be released soon, stay tuned.
  • March                                      Open doors event
            • Come and get to know one of the FACC members even better! 
            • A great speaker and a great location (This could be your company!)
            • More information soon, stay tuned
  • April 13-14                             World Strategic Forum
  • The World Strategic Forum is presented by the International
    Economic Forum of the Americas to address the major governance challenges of the new world economic order, focusing on the central role of the Americas in the global economy.
  • Phenomenal world class speakers and global leaders gather at these events to discuss the future. 
  • Location Biltmore Hotel, Miami
  • Curious? Read more on the event website or on the FACC blog about the previous event from April 2014.

Do you want your business to receive more awareness?
 
Do you want to invite FACC members and others to get to know your business and organize or co-host an event? 
Do not hesitate to contact through email faccflorida@gmail.com or call +1 561-582-2335
 

Other  events 

 

International Business Trade Expo (IBTE) 2014

 

October 16, 2014

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

 

You are invited to attend the 11th Annual International Business Trade Expo hosted by the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale. IBTE provides a platform for the promotion of bilateral trade with the Caribbean & Latin America markets. The theme of "Expanding Beyond Our Borders" delivers a new dimension in doing business. This event promises to EDUCATE, ENLIGHTEN and EMPOWER business-owners on a path of progress to keep pace with international best practices in the global marketplace. Discover how globalization is creating new business development opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean; Learn import and export success strategies; Receive actionable tips for capitalizing on opportunities in the Caribbean and Latin American markets; Network with members of the Consular Corps and Government Agencies with international trade development or oversight responsibilities.

 

 

Cyber Crime & Identity Theft in a Global Business Environment

 

October 17, 2014

Miami, Florida

 

The Caribbean Trade Center presents Cyber Crime & Identity Theft in a Global Business Environment. Cyber intrusion statistics rose to a level that was significant enough for President Obama to discuss the issue in his 2013 State of the Union address to Congress. With increased reliance on cyber-dependent systems, come increased threats and vulnerabilities. The conference brings together Senior level Industry Experts, Incident Responders, Litigation Support Practitioners, the International Trade Community, Digital Forensic Experts, Business, Civic leaders, Law Enforcement, Banking, Investment and E-Commerce and Retail industries. The Conference will be a unique platform to address the rapidly growing Cyber threat landscape. A panel of experts will address the importance of exercising due diligence in conducting business using the convenience and power CYBERSPACE while offering defense solutions. This conference will be a great resource, an aggressive awareness program for companies to avail themselves with information on the latest innovations in Cyber Defense. Organized by the Caribbean Trade Center.

 

 

The Private Wealth Latin America & The Caribbean Forum

 

October 23-24

Miami, Florida

 

The Private Wealth Latin America & The Caribbean Forum is a pan-regional wealth management, wealth planning and investment management international meeting for private banks, HNWIs, wealth managers, and family offices. The Forum brings together 500+ industry leaders from Latin American and Caribbean Private Wealth Management field for a two day conference discussing strategies to protect, preserve and grow wealth. The forum provides direct and unique access to the growing private wealth management community. Attendees include 100+ private bank delegates, 75+ family office delegates and 100+ wealth protection strategists and gatekeepers from around the world. Register here.

 

18th Americas Food and Beverage Show

 

October 27-28, 2014

Miami Beach, Florida

 

The vibrant and diverse cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean will take center stage at the World Trade Center Miami's 18th Americas Food and Beverage Show, with more than 500 top food producers from 24 countries showcasing their top products, recipes and delicacies. It is the largest specialty food trade event in the Western Hemisphere and is expected to generate more than $200 million in actual and projected sales. The show generated $205 million in sales in 2013 and attracted 11,000 buyers to the two-day show. For the first time, there will be a Women's Pavilion featuring 14 companies owned by women producing some of the best products in the Americas. Visitors will also be able to take advantage of two days of business seminars geared to restaurants and food retailers. The Americas Food and Beverage is a trade-only event that is closed to the general public. Attendee registration and media is open at www.americasfoodandbeverage.com. To purchase a booth, contact Raul Morales at rmorales@worldtrade.org or 305-871-7910. 

 

 

 

We hope you find this newsletter useful and we love to get feedback and suggestions how we can make it better. We also have many volunteer opportunities within the chamber so let us know how you want to be involved.

 

Sincerely,

 

Lena Hartikainen
Finnish American Chamber of Commerce