They asked the Transatlantic Economic Council to establish a High-Level Working Group on Jobs and Growth, led by U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht.

The Working Group will work closely with all private and public stakeholder groups as it considers options for strengthening transatlantic trade and investment to support mutually beneficial job creation, economic growth, and international competitiveness.

Until April 23, interested stakeholders are invited to contribute their ideas and comments on how to enhance transatlantic job creation and economic growth. For further information on the working group and to submit your contribution, please see click here: http://trade.ec.europa.eu/consultations/?consul_id=160

CEOs across the nation are vying to recruit talented young individuals to join their companies and grow within their ranks. Recruiting talent is a challenge that is most often viewed from the “skills fit” perspective, rather than key factors such as corporate cultural fit and long-term fit. We at the EACC often talk about the professional opportunities and industry strengths in our region. But from a prospective employee’s side, particularly someone who may be relocating, there is a desire to learn more about the quality of life in the Cincinnati area. Just ask our Young Professionals Committee: there are undeniable advantages the Greater Cincinnati region has to offer.

Admittedly, Cincinnati cannot rival some of the biggest metropolitan areas in the U.S. Our strengths are different from larger cities, so rather than attempting to outdo the competition we ought to play to those strengths that distinguish us instead. For example, our region offers unique opportunities for urban or rural lifestyles without the heavy commutes of similarly sized areas. The cost of living in Cincinnati versus cities like Chicago, New York or Los Angeles is much more palatable. The multiculturalism that runs deep within the roots of the city is still present today. And while it is important to focus on maintaining what makes our area unique, it’s equally important to strive to improve on areas where we may be weak. Part of the beauty of our organization is that, with such a diversity of experience and perspectives, we constantly create the ideal platform for identifying solutions for strengthening the Cincinnati area – professionally and culturally.

There is no doubt that we must continue to bolster the quality of life in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, and communicate that narrative to those who are not as familiar. This is part of the core mission of the EACC. We continue to focus our efforts on maximizing one of the greatest advantages of living and working in a “smaller” pond – the unprecedented access to the professional and personal opportunities for growth. For example, in addition to monthly Happy Hours, our Young Professional Committee is broadening its scope to include a four-part series of seminars called the Young Professionals Global Executive Round Table. The first Round Table discussion took place last Thursday with EACC Board Member and President and CEO of CFM International, Jean Paul Ebanga. Mr. Ebanga discussed his career path in a very engaging and interactive boardroom setting and offered valuable advice on how to build successful and rewarding career. This remarkable opportunity to encounter accomplished professionals face-to-face, will undoubtedly serve to inspire budding professionals to make bold and successful next steps forward in their own careers.

Welcome EACC new members: Deufol, European Market Link, Inc., Americoncept Consulting LLC and Feintool Equipment Corporation.

Sincerely,

John Baines

EACC President

Jessica McDowell

Account Executive

EACC Young Professionals Committee Member

Young professionals and college graduates frequently flock to major metropolises in pursuit of opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. For Jessica McDowell, Account Executive at Sogeti USA LLC, Cincinnati offers remarkably accessible opportunities to experience international culture and professional advancement. “Cincinnati is a great place to start your career in your twenties. Some of the world’s largest corporations are headquartered here. As a result, I have friends from all over the globe. Learning about other cultures and other ways of doing business can help to make you a well-versed, balanced individual.”

Jessica moved to Cincinnati from Indianapolis in the summer of 2007 when her husband, Colin, took a job with one of the Fortune 500 companies here in Cincinnati. The pair immediately recognized the benefits the city has to offer people their age. With much less traffic, and most of the city’s arts, culture and sports scene within thirty minutes, Jessica knew it would be easy to find entertainment. “Whether it’s a night out at Japp’s, a delicious dinner at Enoteca Emilia, or an afternoon at the Contemporary Arts Center, this city has so much to offer.”

Additionally, she says, “I feel like everyone I meet is in the same place in their lives, which makes connecting with others incredibly easy.” With an active peer group and many professional and philanthropic organizations in Cincinnati, Jessica was eager to get involved. Because Sogeti, an international information technology consultancy firm, is headquartered in Paris, France, starting with the EACC was a no-brainer. After attending a few events, she was hooked. “Every time I went to an EACC event, I was struck by how friendly and interesting the people involved were.”

As an Account Executive at Sogeti, Jessica is responsible for solving client business and IT challenges and overall client management. In September of 2011, Jessica started attending YP committee meetings, and in 2012 officially took on responsibilities. Jessica will assist in planning all the Happy Hours throughout the year, during which internationally-minded young professionals, both EACC members and non-members, will have the opportunity to connect with one another and strengthen the corps of balanced, global business professionals in the Cincinnati area. It is Jessica’s hope as a member of the Young Professionals committee to continue the EACC’s role in continuing to provide incredible opportunities for networking, with the unparalleled access that has become the EACC’s signature. “The stronger your network, the more you understand how to take advantage of or fully utilize the resources around you. Once your network in Cincinnati is built, you realize how easy it is to enjoy all it has to offer.”

Sogeti Background

• Sogeti USA is a premier provider of information technology services to businesses and public-sector organizations.
• Operating in 23 U.S. locations, Sogeti’s business model is built on providing customers with local accountability and vast delivery expertise.
• With over 40 years of experience, Sogeti offers a comprehensive portfolio of services including Enterprise Application Development & Management, Advisory Consulting Services, Business Information Management, High Tech Engineering, Infrastructure Management, and Testing & Quality Assurance.
• Sogeti received three Partner of the Year Awards and one Recognition and Appreciation Award during the 2011 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference. In 2010 was named winner of the award for “Outstanding Software Delivery in Product and Service Innovation with Rational” in the annual IBM Beacon Awards competition.
• Most recently received the Social Business AGENDA award, recognizing Sogeti for adopting and leveraging the latest IBM Collaborative Solutions.

Young Professionals Global Executive Series, HR Roundtable, the Italian Committee’s Intermezzo Networking events and the EACC Executive Roudtable series.

The Young Professionals Global Executive Series features four exclusive roundtable events where YP’s will interact with top-level global business executives in the intimate setting of their board rooms. YP’s will meet with the selected global executive at their company’s local headquarters and have the opportunity to listen in on their experiences, discuss career development, and ask questions.

The first Global Executive roundtable will feature Jean Paul Ebanga, President and Chief Executive of CFM International. These events are targeted to young professionals from 20 to 35 years of age. For more information about the event and for registration details, please click here.

The HR Roundtable is a quarterly event which purpose is to provide a unique forum for EACC HR executive members to share, learn, address and develop strategies for dealing with the challenges of global work force. The diversity of HR community within our member base and region is exciting and holds invaluable resource of expertise and experience. This forum will stimulate the exchange of knowledge & expertise in the examination of current and future HR issues and opportunities with the focus on Europe and U.S. Our goal is to provide a continuing forum as means of this select group of executives to exchange ideas with their peers on a regular basis. The HR Roundtable is lead by Anne Stone, Global HR Manager, LPK and Shirley Seifert, Director, Corporate Business Development and Client Relations, Huff Realty Relocation.

The EACC Executive Roundtable is a forum for local executives to meet with peers to discuss, in a private off-the-record context, experiences and issues they encounter running a transatlantic business. Executives are invited to participate in bi-monthly meetings set up with a presentation on a selected topic with a qualified speaker which is followed by a roundtable discussion. Each meeting is hosted by an executive of the EACC network. The 2012 Executive Roundtable was successfully launched on Wednesday January 4th where 15 C-level executives discussed Best Practices in Leading Productive Meetings: U.S. and European Formats. Next Roundtable is scheduled for Wednesday March 7th on the topic of Best Hiring Practices and where to find qualified workforce.

The Italian Committee Intermezzo Networking events will be similar to the ASG Stammtisch and FABA Aperitif format. The casual networking event allows EACC members and guests the opportunity to enjoy Italian spirits and food while taking advantage of the powerful EACC business network. This is a great opportunity to meet with a variety of business professionals in an intimate atmosphere. The first Intermezzo will be on Tuesday, January 24th at Nicola’s in Over-the-Rhine. To register, please click here.

The EACC’s annual conference and gala will be on Wednesday, May 16th at the Westin Hotel located in Downtown Cincinnati and FABA’s annual Beaujolais Premiere event will be on Thursday, November 15th.

To view the complete event calendar, please click here.

Each year the EACC brings to Cincinnati international, national, and regional experts along with policy makers from both sides of the Atlantic for a high level one-day conference.  The theme is carefully selected for its significant interest to the U.S. and our region for which a European perspective adds value and opportunities.

The purpose of the 2012 conference is to:

1. Establish a clear understanding of the urgent need to recapitalize the U.S.’ skilled labor workforce for economic prosperity and global competitiveness.
2. Create an opportunity for a transatlantic dialogue to learn about successful European educational models of apprenticeships for consideration in developing U.S. solutions.
3. Identify and connect educational, trade, industry and community partners.
4. Inspire partners and leaders to develop solutions for our region and nation.

Conference and Gala Sponsorship opportunities are now available. Sponsorships are a great way for your company to gain exposure at a local, national and international level and to support the EACC initiative to bring this important world class conference to Cincinnati .  Sponsorships packages are available on a first come first serve basis. If you are interested in being a sponsor, please contact Anne Cappel at anne.cappel@europe-cincinnati.com.

Further details about the 2012 conference, including event agenda will be posted to the EACC website soon.

The article sites Cincinnati’s Art Museum, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Over-the-Rhine’s Findlay Market and historic Italianate architecture as must-see’s during

To view the entire article, please click here. 

As mentioned in the December newsletter, the EACC is partnering with the Cincinnati Art Museum to to bring an unprecedented exhibit of twelve Monet masterpieces to Cincinnati opening on February 4th, 2012.

In addition to major sponsorships, the Cincinnati Art Museum has created an “Adopt a Monet” program, whereby a company would be associated with one particular work throughout the exhibit. The Cincinnati Art Museum will accept sponsorships of $ 1500 and above for the Adopt a Monet — benefits below the $ 5,000 level vary, so interested parties should contact Chris Woodside at:  513-639-2873 or chris.woodside@cincyart.org.

Jason Kraus

Manager of Business Development

Meritor Logistics

Meritor is a global supplier of axle, brake and suspension solutions to original equipment manufacturers and their aftermarkets, for transportation and industrial sectors, with 11,200 employees in 19 countries. Nearly thirty years ago, Meritor established a presence in Greater Cincinnati by opening an aftermarket distribution center in Florence, Kentucky that today employs over 350 employees locally. As one the EACC’s newest members, Manager of Business Development, Jason Kraus believes Meritor’s offerings can help to bolster the EACC’s existing network.

For over 100 years, Meritor has offered technical expertise and service-support for its products in use around the globe by commercial truck, tractor, trailer, and off-highway vehicle manufacturers. The company recently launched a new business focused on providing solutions to other companies around the world, Meritor Logistics, which Jason believes can help the business community in realizing continued growth. “Meritor Logistics can leverage our expertise in distribution and aftermarket support to improve the service business processes through enhanced systems, lean improvements, and packaging techniques in Cincinnati and abroad today, and continue to move our region forward despite tough economic times,” Jason said.

Despite living in the Cincinnati area for more than 17 years, Jason only recently learned of the EACC, when The Cincinnati Enquirer featured Anne Cappel in its business column, “Look Who’s Talking.” Always on the prowl for opportunities to promote Meritor’s offerings, Jason pounced on the chance to join the EACC and the region’s international community. “Half the battle for most of us is letting our immediate community know that we’re here, ready to provide services they may need.”

But this is about more than a chance to market his company’s services. Jason shares the same long-term vision of building the capacity of our region to promote and maintain flourishing partnerships and a vibrant community. “Meritor may not be the most relevant company for some of the EACC’s members, however, Meritor Logistics has the knowledge and capabilities to provide logistical solutions in the distribution, reverse logistics, remanufacturing, and customer support arenas,” he remarked. Noting that historically his company has grown through building strong relationships with people and organizations across industries, Jason is eager to continue to foster similar growth through community in the Cincinnati area and beyond.

Meritor will kick off the 2012 EACC Member Visit and Networking Series on January 19^th, 2012, and open its doors to EACC members for a company presentation and tour of its Florence, Kentucky facility.

Meritor Background:

• In 1909, Meritor’s predecessor, Timken Detroit Axle was formed in Detroit, Michigan, and would evolve into Rockwell International.
• 1997, Rockwell International spins off its automotive business into Meritor Automotive.
• 2000 Meritor Automotive and Arvin Industries merge to form ArvinMeritor.
• 2009-2011 ArvinMeritor divests its light vehicle businesses and officially changes the name of the company to Meritor – signifying an exclusively dedicated focus to the commercial vehicle and industrial businesses and marking an important evolution in the company’s history.

Accolades:

• Many of Meritor’s sites have achieved the coveted designation of Ford Q1 – a preferred supplier status.
• 2010 Top 5 Aftermarket Products for its PlatinumShield brake shoes from Heavy Duty Aftermarket Journal
• 2010 Progressive Manufacturing Award from Heavy Duty Aftermarket Journal.
• Heavy Duty Trucking Magazine selected the Meritor 14X tandem drive axle as one of the “Top 20 Products for 2010”.
• Recognized by Daimler Truck North America in 2011 – Five Masters of Quality awards.
• Navistar provided Meritor with their 2011 Diamond Supplier award.
• Honored by Paccar with Five Quality Achievement Awards in 2011.
• Provided the 2011 Commercial Excellence award by MAN South America.

This New Year begins under the uncertainty of yet another economic crisis. Journalists and political hopefuls cast sweeping criticism on world leaders and profess to have the key to recovery. Despite what the rhetoric of an election year in the United States may want us to believe, though, there is no magic fix to the present economic reality. The real solution lies in smart choices and hard work. Most of all, the road to recovery requires cooperation across countries, businesses and organizations.

Europe and the United States historically hold a strong bond, and in light of the challenges across the pond today, that tradition needs to be stronger than ever. Hopefully we have pulled ourselves out of the slump here in the U.S., but Europe needs our support to do the same. In Greater Cincinnati, collaborating in creative ways across industries is the key to keeping the momentum going. For example, Meritor, a new member of the EACC, has traditionally offered services to commercial truck, trailer, and machinery manufacturers as well as defense contractors. In the last year, Meritor has broadened its scope of services to include providing logistics solutions to companies of all industries. This kind of innovative thinking and creative partnership are necessary to realize growth, and will propel both our country and our region further down the path to recovery.

Collaboration will also be essential to restoring the foundation of a stable economy – education. Manufacturing seems less exciting than financial instruments or other methods of increasing wealth quickly, but it is the backbone that supports an extended economy. We ought to partner with education institutions and professionals to seek ways to make manufacturing careers more interesting for young people and accessible to those in career transition. The unemployed that sit on the sidelines are eager to participate in the recovery, but this will only happen if their skill-set matches the open positions that are coming. This is precisely the reason that the EACC will continue to emphasize the need for an apprenticeship program in the US. Watch for forthcoming details about the 2012 EACC Conference, “Skilled Labor Workforce: U.S. and European Perspectives.” Education is a long-term investment that requires consistency and patience. With public and private cooperation, the goal of re-establishing a solid labor workforce is attainable.

We have undoubtedly faced worse moments in our living history, and the easy road has never been the long-term solution. Let’s roll up our sleeves and continue to collaborate on the solutions that will get us back to where we once were.

Welcome new member: Eagle Inspiration Training & Development, Inc.

Sincerely,

John Baines

EACC President

For a complete list of the 2012 EACC Board  of Directors, please click here. 

For a complete list of the 2012 FABA Board of Directors, please click here.

- 145 member corporations – 22% increase Y/Y

- 49 EACC events – 2,385 participants

- EACC Invited and welcomed to our region in 2011:

Minister of Health EU Delegation, Ambassador of France, Health Counselor Royal Dutch Embassy, Minister Swiss Trade & Investment Promotion, Trade Minister of Poland, Trade Delegation of Spain, Trade Representative of Russia Trade Office, Consul General of Austria – full list of dignitaries and 2011 year in review, please click here.

Every day, the EACC three full-time professionals, strive to deliver value to our members. We offer targeted programs, quality business networking and qualified contacts. We bring together a powerful and resourceful business network and very unique insights & perspectives to the Greater Cincinnati business community. Your continued support of the European-American Chamber of Commerce through membership dues & expertise will be key to our continued success!

It is now time to renew your EACC membership for 2012. Renewals are sent electronically this year and invoices will be sent by mail upon request. We would appreciate your remittance no later than January 16th, 2012 and as a thank you for your renewal by that date you will receive two complimentary tickets for a 2012 monthly networking event of your choice.

You may also want to consider renewal in December, 2011 so that the payment can be considered for a deduction on your 2011 income tax returns. Please note that your membership benefits will expire on January 31, 2012 if membership is not renewed.

Please let contact Ilona Lonneman, the Development Manager at (513) 977-8669 or Ilona.Lonneman@europe-cincinnati.com if you have not received your invoice or have questions in regards to membership benefits. Also, if mailing a check, please update your records as we have moved to a new address this year! 255 East Fifth St., Suite 1900, Cincinnati, OH 45202

We thank you for your support, and look forward to working with you in 2012!

Thanks to positive response and feedbacks form HR leaders within our network we have selected the topic on ‘What’s culturally vs. legally accepted in Europe vs. US?’ which both is very interesting and relevant to many of us. The learning objectives and outcomes of this HR Round-table will be focused on:

1. Share best practices on cultural & legal differences on both sides of Atlantic

2. Discuss techniques and ideas to tackle the issues/challenges

3. Learn different perspectives from other HR manager on how they developed successful cross-cultural internal policies

HR Round-table intended to provide an opportunity to both learn and share about some of the challenges & issues on the topic and its practical implications on the business operations and the bottom line.

Roundtables will meet quarterly and topics will be selected based on suggestions & needs of the participants. Members will be selected and invited on the basis of their stature in HR community as well as their expertise and needs of organizations they serve.

If you are interested in participating in this exciting initiative please contract for further information Ilona Lonneman, the Development Manager at (513) 977-8669 or Ilona.Lonneman@europe-cincinnati.com

“We believe we can make a difference in providing a platform – thought-provoking, inspiring discussion and then connecting the resources.”

To read the entire article, please click here.