Spotlight On

Executive Committee

The main focus of the Executive Committee has been on strategic planning, Priorities for a Prosperous Belgium, the US Direct Investment Report (USDI), enhancing our strategic sponsorship program and finalizing the 2010 budget.

Strategic Planning

The main ticket item on the plate is preparing for the Belgian Presidency of the EU, which will occur in July. Numerous events are being planned, both by AmCham Belgium and in cooperation with such organizations as AmCham EU, the US Embassy and the American Club of Brussels. At the same time, the focus will be on green innovation and on increasing the awareness of the green policies of many US companies.

Priorities for a Prosperous Belgium

Earlier this year, AmCham Belgium published the first edition of its Priorities for a Prosperous Belgium (PPB). Since its launch, the Executive Committee has been busy reviewing feedback and conducting meetings with various government officials. Over the past month, we have discussed our PPB policy with the Federal Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Simplification, the Chief of Staff for the Minister of Finance’s Cabinet and the Flemish Minister President’s Cabinet, the Prime Minister’s Cabinet and with the Cabinet of the Minister of Employment.

US Direct Investment Report

As was discussed at our press conference, over the past two years USDI has dropped sharply (by 75%). It was suggested by the board to investigate what neighboring countries are doing to better attract US investors and, from this, formulate a benchmark against which concrete proposals can be made to the Belgian government. Furthermore, headline tax rates are a problem and it is believed that the formula for wage indexation should be changed to create a win/win option for both the government and businesses – and one the unions could see value. Finally, the concept of streamlining and simplification should become a central theme in our efforts.

Strategic Sponsorship

The Board welcomed Avery as a new Diamond Sponsor and Cisco, Galilei, A.T. Kearney and Boston Consulting as Gold Sponsors.

2010 Budget

The Board approved the 2010 budget – which we view as conservative in light of the difficult year ahead. One significant change is that gross income for functions and advertising will be. Budgeting becomes all the more challenging as membership income is under pressure – with 608 members as of November 25th. For this reason, a focused membership drive is underway.