Joint Welcome Gala Dinner

Although the esthetics in the Hotel La Plaza was black-tie formal – the spirit was one of relaxed friendship and camaraderie. Appropriate, as this was the general theme of the evening.

Kicked of by AmCham President Scott Beardsley, who welcomed the nearly 200 guests and highlighted AmCham’s newly announced Priorities for a Prosperous Belgium campaign, the evening really belonged to the newest member of the Belgian-American family: Ambassador Howard W. Gutman.

Attorney, political activist and movie star – Ambassador Gutman is a man of many talents. And at the Gala Dinner, guests were able to see him trying on his latest hat – US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium. Growing up in New York City as the son of a Holocaust survivor, he attended Columbia University and, later, Harvard Law School. After graduating, he spent time clerking for both the Federal and Supreme Courts before commencing a prestigious and accomplished career as a Washington, D.C. lawyer.

In his speech, the Ambassador was adamant about his commitment to visiting every town, village and commune in Belgium. “I plan to visit the cities that are use to seeing US Ambassadors and those who have never met one before,” he said.

Speaking of several recent trips to such cities as Charleroi, Ambassador Gutman recalled his trepidation, not knowing the reaction he would receive considering the strained relationships between the countries that have developed over the past years. But he was soon relieved as he met the “real” people of Belgium and came to understand just how “deep our nations’ relationships run”.

“I don’t think you can find a more sincere dedication and appreciation for the contributions the US made to this region than you find here in Belgium,” said Gutman. “The Belgians that I have met remember history and this creates a lasting bond.” But, the Ambassador was quick to point out, “this bond only gives us the right to come to the door, not

the right to enter. We must continue to earn our place as a partner on a daily basis.”

It was this theme of partnership that ran throughout the Ambassador’s speech and, as Gutman noted, through the administration of President Obama. “President Obama and his entire administration truly believe that if you create partnerships, people will come”. From the economy to Afghanistan to the problems of the US, of Belgium and of the world, according to Gutman, “If you create the partnerships, the people will come.”

An appropriate quote from a baseball fan and movie star. And considering the Ambassador’s enthusiasm and commitment, Belgium just may be a “Field of Dreams” for business, investment and international partnerships.