Ms. Ofra Strauss unanimously elected as new Chairperson of the Chamber
She replaced outgoing Chairman, Chemi Peres of Pitango Venture Fund, who stepped down after three most effective years
Ms. Ofra Strauss, Chairperson of Strauss Group, was unanimously elected May 3 as Chairperson of the Chamber. Ms. Strauss entered office on June 1, replacing Nechemia (Chemi) Peres, co-Founder and Managing General Partner of Pitango Venture Capital, after three consecutive years in office.
As Chair, Chemi Peres initiated the main event of the Chamber in the U.S., during which various companies and industries are showcased in order to create strategic partnerships between Israeli and U.S. investors and entrepreneurs. Peres was most instrumental in launching the new "U.S.-Israel Business Initiative" that was launched last October in Washington D.C., with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Ms. Strauss stated: "I thank the Board of Chamber, for placing its confidence in me and unanimously electing me. I consider the promotion of trade and economic relations between Israel and the U.S. to be a vital and central part of Israel's business and economic arena and important for the country's image."
Outgoing Chairman, Chemi Peres, congratulated Ms. Strauss following her election, stating: "This is an excellent decision. The Chamber is blessed with one of the leading and most influential businesswomen in Israel and around the world, one who leads a global concern that has significantly expanded its business in the U.S. in the past few years. This is the first time a woman has been elected as Chair of the Chamber, and I have complete confidence in her ability to lead the Chamber and its activities, to develop and nurture the ever-so important relations between Israel and the U.S."
Chemi Peres further added that the Chamber is a central factor in promoting relations between the two countries, an important channel for developing business opportunities and a leading source of information.
"I believe The U.S. will continue to lead the world in innovation and technology – we must maintain our relationship with the U.S. and never take it for granted," Peres concluded.
In 2009, Strauss Group has received an annual award from the Chamber for excelling in trade with the U.S.; Ms. Strauss also participated last year in the Chamber's annual conference in New York.
