For a Better Business Environment
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American Chamber Of Commerce in Armenia AmCham is an independent business association operating in Armenia since 2000. AmCham represents the interests of more than 100 member companies from almost all sectors of the economy. AmCham’s goal is to enhance US-Armenia business relations and improve business and investment climate in the country. AmCham is a member of US Chamber of Commerce and European Council of American Chambers of Commerce. AmCham is pleased to have also British, French and other European companies as members.
CONTACT US 1 Amiryan St., Armenia Marriott Hotel, 3rd floor, room 315, 317, Yerevan 0010, RA Email: info@amcham.am/ amcham@arminco.com Tel: (+374 10) 599 187 (+374 10) 587 651 Visit our page: www.amcham.am
PUBLISHED AND DESIGNED BY AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN ARMENIA
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March 2017
THE U.S. CONSUL TO ARMENIA MEETS THE REPRESENTATIVES OF AMCHAM IT SECTOR On 3 March 2017, AmCham held an IT sector meeting with the U.S. Consul to Armenia, Mrs. Erin Eussen. This event was built upon the content of the Breakfast Meeting with the U.S. Consul held in 2016. The representatives of AmCham IT companies had an opportunity to get updates in regards to various procedures of obtaining working visas for the employees of the IT sector. Furthermore, the U.S. Consul expressed her readiness for such discussions to take place as often as necessary for companies to clarify all their raised issues.
TOURISM SECTOR ISSUES VOCALIZED In the scope of sectorial meetings, on 13 March 2017, AmCham held a working-level discussion with AmCham Tourism and Hospitality sector representatives and European Business Association in Armenia. During the meeting, the participants discussed the recently approved Tourism Development Program 2017 of the State Tourism Committee under the Ministry of Economic Development and Investments. Sector stakeholders raised various topics starting from unclear roles/functions of various government agencies involved in tourism development in Armenia through the possible solutions to make Armenia a touristic destination. AmCham is closely working with the European Business Association to vocalize the concerns with the Government of Armenia.
AMCHAM MEETS NGOS IN THE SCOPE OF RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS NETWORK On 13 March 2017, AmCham in cooperation with CSR Armenia NGO held a discussion meeting with AmCham NGOs in the scope of Responsible Business Network. The event served as continuation to the RBN corporate companies’ workshop of 28 February 2017 and pursued the agenda of explaining NGO representatives the expectations, ground rules, and project proposal writing and funding procedures of RBN. Furthermore, AmCham NGO sector representatives offered their own feedback and raised important questions in regards to project proposals, specifically connected to the upcoming speeddating event planned for 10 April 2017.
AMCHAM MEETS WITH THE CEO OF THE CENTER FOR STRATEGIC INITIATIVES On 17 March 2017, AmCham invited Mr. Aleksandr Khachaturyan, the CEO of the Center and the Advisor to the RA Prime Minister. Mr. Khachaturyan presented the CSI’s mission, structure, and reform generation process adopted by the Center. Key priorities– High Tech/IT,
“ ” It was really
interesting. Thanks!
Artyom Baghdasaryan,
Operations Manager at OPTYM Armenia
tourism, education, agriculture and food processing, tax & customs administration, and public administration – that will set the tone for further reforms were discussed in details. It was a very interactive and informative session for AmCham community.
Welcoming New Members!
INTERVIEW WITH…
Elina Markaryan Public Affairs and Communications Director at
Q: What are your key personal qualities and characteristics that took you to where you are now? A: I think the qualities, which helped me most on the path of my career development, were diligence, consistency and eagerness to learn more. I am also very competitive by nature and that quality has always pushed me to dream bigger, work harder and move forward. Q: Did you have a mentor or a female role-model that inspired you? A: My mother was my first mentor and the role model, she shaped my vision of an active and a strong woman. She managed both to be a very attentive and caring mom for the family – always being there for us and supporting all of our initiatives – and at the same time be a professional in her job. She remains an important source of inspiration and confidence. I never stop learning from her and she never seizes to amaze me. Later on came Elizabeth I, Indira Ghandi. Their example taught me how much a woman can accomplish. Q: What do you think is the main difference between success and mediocrity? What is your game plan for success?
A: There are obviously many opinions on this matter. For me, however, the main difference is to never stop learning, be persistent and have the willingness to go the extra mile. Being a perfectionist, simply doing my job well is not enough for me; I always find a way to do more by adding my personal touch and passion to my job; and I truly believe the results are much different. As for a game plan success, frankly, I don’t have any. I have achievements in my career, of which I am proud, but I do not intend to stop, there is still a lot to learn and accomplish.
A: Prioritization, focus, agility. These are my helpful companions in arranging my busy daily routine, together with the online calendar and the organizer. Urgent tasks and meetings often take a huge part of my day, however, no matter how busy my day is, I try to find 5-10 minutes in between just for myself to freshen up – a cup of black coffee with dark chocolate, or a refreshing bottle of Coke Zero and I’m ready to go. Of course, efficiency comes with practice. Frankly, I have become so used to this hectic schedule over these years that now I could hardly imagine other way round.
Q: You are the only woman on AmCham Board of Directors. How do you feel about being in the “boy’s club”?
Q: How would you describe your leadership style? What hints and tips would you give to young women who want to succeed in their career?
A: Very comfortable. In my career, I have often worked in mainly male management teams and am very used to it. It is a common phenomenon in Armenia, I believe, although during past years we have seen some increase in the number of women, occupying leadership positions. I am very glad to notice this change and the growth in Armenian women’s self-confidence and professional development. Q: How does Coca-Cola culture promote female employees? A: Coca-Cola Hellenic Armenia does not differentiate on the sex of the applicants. All our vacant positions are open both for female and male candidates. We prioritize personal values, being in line with our corporate culture, professional expertise and the ability to learn quickly, rather than the gender of our employees. We follow as well the gender balance in our company, making sure it is compliant to Coca-Cola Hellenic Group standards. Q: You are wearing different hats – being in a leadership position with Coca-Cola and serving on various Boards – such as AmCham, Orran – to name a few. As well as running your own start-up www.faemluxury.com. How do you manage all of that and make time work for yourself?
A: I can characterize my leadership style as a perceptive or, as they often call it, a democratic one. I have a lot of trust in my team members and encourage their active participation in the decision making process. One of the most important characteristics of a leader, I think, is the ability to listen and consider employees’ opinions while making decisions. Sharing and acknowledgement are also vastly important and contribute to the professional growth and motivation of the employees. What tips can I give to young women, starting to build their career? I would say, never lose self-confidence – if you don’t believe in yourself, hardly anyone will. Be diligent and persistent – hard work always pays off. Never give up – sometimes we can learn more from our mistakes than from our success, we just have to believe in ourselves and move forward. Last but not least – think out of the box and dream big. Q: In three words, describe yourself! A: Self-confident, persistent, openminded, resilient. Q: How many unread messages are in your inbox right now? A: More than I dare to admit.