Israel-America Chamber of Commerce

Future Events

Seminar: Business Travel During an Economic Slowdown

The Chamber, together with ComBtas Company, invites its Members to a seminar on "Business Travel during an Economic Slowdown," on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2008, 8:30a.m.-10:30 a.m., at the Congressional Center at David Intercontinental Hotel, 12 Kaufman St., Tel Aviv. The program is attached.

The seminar is aimed at CEOs and CFOs.

Topics include:

How to manage travel during a crisis? Presenting innovative modules designed to improve implementation and add to the savings of the organization.

How to face the new 0% commission implemented by travel agents?

Participation is free, but advanced registration is required. The seminar will take place in Hebrew. To RSVP, contact Zvia Dahan, CEO of ComBTas, tel: 09-7603230 or email: zviad@combtas.com.

Past Event

Chamber Meeting: Yarom Ariav, Director General of the Ministry of Finance

"The economic crisis also provides opportunities; the Israeli economy is able to handle crisis much better than other countries. The ability of Israelis to adapt and improvise indicates a remarkable ability to recover," said the Director General of the Ministry of Finance, Yarom Ariav, while meeting Chamber Members Dec. 18, 2008.

Ariav described the origins of the global and local crisis and said that while it occurred at an ideal time for Israel, along with continuing growth, low unemployment rate and a surplus in the balance of payments, Israel's unique political situation is a cause for concern. "It is difficult to estimate the length and depth of this crisis, but we must be vigilant and try not to make incorrect decisions.

Our exports were gravely harmed by the dollar's downfall, along with a complete stoppage of the markets and the fact that the budget for 2009 was not approved in parliament is also problematic and limiting. The non-bank credit, with all its flaws, was a significant source of financing but is drying up, which is why the government will have to raise more funds next year, in Israel and abroad."

Participants included: Joshua Shani, Vice President of Lockheed Martin Global; Shlomo Grofman, co-Chairman of FaireFund; Avi Friedman, Senior Country Director at Continental Israel; Yossi Sela, Managing Partner at Gemini Israel Funds; Oded Meirav, Business Development Manager at General Electric; Ronen BenZion, Corporate VP at Applied Materials; Gerry Stoch, Israeli Representative of the New York State Trade Office; Yoni Tal, Deputy CEO at Menorah Mivtachim; Oren Gazenfeld, CEO of General Engineers and Igal Guzman, Partner at Ziv & Haft.

Moderator: Chemi Peres, Chairman of the Chamber

U.S. Business News

Economic State of the Union – 2009

Tom Donohue, President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce: "The economic situation is worrisome, but not desperate"

"The U.S. economy is at a crossroads," said Tom Donohue, president and CEO of the largest business entity in the world, reporting on the Economic State of the Union this month.

The U.S., he said, is able to rise above its current difficulties to create a stronger economy with a renowned reputation as a world leader.

To do so, we must correct what is needed without damaging what works, with economic stimulus and regulatory reform, improving the education system, creating jobs and improving the energy, infrastructure, legal and transportation systems.

Donohue added that the country's priorities must be economic recovery and job creation.

Business Opportunities from Israel

Would you like to publish your own business opportunity in the U.S. and Israel? Contact Amos Fabian, amos@amcham.co.il.

1. An Israeli business development company would like to assist companies in penetrating the Israeli market or expanding its operations here (225).
2. Investment banking firm would like to source investment opportunities in Israel for U.S. investors (229).
3. A producer of red light phototherapy devices is seeking importers or distributors in the health care or cosmetic industries (226).

Business Opportunities from the U.S.

From New York

1. A New York manufacturer of fire safety training equipment is seeking a representative for their products. (NY-B1100001)
2. New York Manufacturer of ergonomic medical furniture is seeking representatives in the field of medical furniture and the like for medical practices and hospitals. Looking specifically for companies that deal with Radiology equipment (NY-B1200001)
3.  A New York jewelry company is looking for a distributor of its products. Products include handicraft silver and gold jewelry using precious and semi precious stones. Target market is jewelry stores, museums, craft galleries and specialty gift stores. (NY-B1300001)
4. A New York company in the aerospace industry is seeking a representative in Israel. Principal product line is aerospace solenoids, valves oil and gas solenoids and Hd diesel valves solenoids. Principal applications for their products are flight controls, landing gear etc, Industrial fluid controls, Shut off’s .erg and doser (emissions) control valves. (NY-B1400001)
5. A stationary supplier in the New York area is seeking a distributor of its products. The line of products include index tabbing and expandable file products (NY-B1500001)
6. A New York company is looking for a distributor that has thorough knowledge of semiconductor industry and related industries within Israel. The products that would be distributed include Gas and vapor concentration sensor and  Gas delivery systems (NY-B1400001)
7. A New York food supplier that specializes in health food is looking for an agent here in Israel. Specifically in food and drink supplements. (NY-B1600001)
8.  A New York electronics company is seeking a representative in the semi conductor field. Applications include advanced printed wiring boards and advanced semiconductor substrates (NY-B1700001)

1. A New York company in the field of gas gauges is seeking a company with the following qualifications.

·       Knowledgeable in its type of product lines and sold them before                  

·       Looking for stocking distributors

·       Has an established inside and outside sales staff

·       Has more than one office

·       Exhibits at relevant trade shows

·       Has web site

10. Some of their products include:  bimetal thermometers, thermowells, pressure gauges, gas actuated thermometers and vapor tension thermometers (NY-B1800001).

11. A company from New York State which produces UPS and the like for industrial purposes is seeking representatives. The company produces Electronic Voltage regulators and a voltage sag fighter. The principle applications are for medical imaging and the auto industry or any assembly line processes - (NY-B1900001)

12. A company producing High Temperature lubricants for plastic and moving parts  along with Windshield wipers - - (NY-B1900001)

13. A Medical supplies manufacture company is seeking a distributor for their products. Their products include  the following:

            Reusable Hot/Cold Reusable Gel Therapy Pack

Ammonium Nitrate Free Instant Cold Packs

Disposable Cold Packs Instant Disposable Hot Packs 

Gel Refrigerant Shipping Packs (Ice Brick (IB) – (NY-B2000001)

From Delaware:

1. Provider of interpretation and translation services is seeking representatives (WTCDE1-5-2009-1).
2. Manufacturer of safety footwear is seeking importers (WTCDE1-5-2009-3).
3. Provider of stud & bolt removal services, and metal disintegration, is seeking distributors and agents (WTCDE1-5-2009-5).
4. A construction company is seeking sales representatives and agents for buildings constructed using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) Technology (WTCDE1-5-2009-7).  

From Florida

Exporter of Kosher Instant Soy Milk Powder is seeking distributors.

Benefits for Members

Improve your English in your own free time, conveniently – online!

60 hours – Just 250 NIS

The Chamber, with The Q Group, is offering members an online, low-intermediate-level English business course for all your international business and travel needs.

Q Business Traveller allows you to study the specific English you will need in 16 business and travel situations, including: travel, hotels, greetings, eating out, socializing, work, directions, and appointments.

The Q Business Traveller offers you the chance to improve your:

• reading, pronunciation, grammar, and speaking skills.
• overall vocabulary – including words and expressions.
• American and British spelling, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

You can purchase the course only through the Chamber, at a special discount – 250 NIS for Chamber Members, 350 NIS for others. The number of licenses is limited. For more information, contact Amos, amos@amcham.co.il

Chamber Boardroom

The Chamber is providing its Members, at a symbolic price, its boardroom on the 8^th floor in the America House in Tel Aviv. Up to 18 people can be seated around the table, or up to 35 people in a theatre configuration. Services include a first-rate projector, a "barcode" for presentation purposes. To make use of the boardroom, contact the Chamber.

Fast-Track Visa to the U.S.

The Chamber assists its Members with a fast-track service for interviews for visas to the U.S. The service is designated only for business trips. The service includes a fee.

For information, contact the Chamber. 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Announces Mandatory Registration Prior to Visa-Free Travel to the United States

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a Web-based system for the collection of information on Visa Waiver Program (VWP) nationals prior to boarding U.S.-bound air or sea carriers. Registration in ESTA, voluntary since August 1, 2008, became mandatory for citizens of all 34 VWP countries on January 12, 2009. Citizens of the seven countries admitted to the VWP on November 17, 2008 ( Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and South Korea) are required to possess a valid ESTA travel authorization as of November 17, 2008 in order to request admission into the United States under the VWP.

 An approved travel authorization via ESTA is:

- Valid, unless revoked, for up to two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first;

- Valid for multiple entries into the United States. As future trips are planned, or if an applicant’s destination addresses or itineraries change after their authorization has been approved, they may easily update that information through the ESTA Web site; and is

- Not a guarantee of admissibility to the United States at a port of entry. ESTA approval only authorizes a traveler to board a carrier for travel to the United States under the VWP. (For additional information, please visit "For International Visitors" at www.CBP.gov/travel.

How the Electronic System for Travel Authorization Works:

Log on to the ESTA Web site at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and complete an on-line application in English. Travelers are encouraged to apply early. The web-based system will prompt you to answer basic biographical and eligibility questions typically requested on a paper I-94W form.

Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, however, DHS recommends that applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel. In most cases you will receive a response within seconds:

1. Authorization Approved: Travel authorized.

2. Travel Not Authorized: Traveler must obtain a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate before traveling to the United States.

3. Authorization Pending: Traveler will need to check the ESTA Web site for updates within 72 hours to receive a final response.

For further information, please visit http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html

New Members

The following five companies have joined the Chamber in the last month: