Fall 2013
For those of you who did not attend this year's BABA (British American Business Awards) – boy, did you miss out! We had a fantastic event, and in my humble opinion, it was one of our best events ever – it was a truly fun, informative and thoroughly enjoyable L-RJoey Benedretti VP BABC OC , evening….but don't take my Chris O' Connor, British Consul word for it, read what some General, Shaun Robinson, of the attendees had to say President, BABC OC later in The Patriot. We've had a great year, and I'm convinced it will continue in that vein and end on a high note with our most popular event – our Christmas lunch. So save the date – Friday December 13th, and plan on getting your tickets early so you aren't disappointed. This year the lunch is being held at the Island Hotel, in Newport Beach and it will attract all the usual suspects – Santa and lots of helpful 'elves' and seasonal entertainers. Valerie is already busy signing up sponsors and collecting raffle prizes, and I know she'd appreciate a call to help or procure donations if you've a mind to get involved.
BABC OC's British Christmas Lunch
Photo
Talking of getting involved…we are already planning some great events for next year, including our 2nd Annual Culinary Gala. Member participation is always welcomed, and I firmly believe our members get as much, if not more, than they put into this association. In closing, I just want to thank everyone who has contributed to make this year a success, sponsors, contributors, volunteers, directors, you have given time and energy, money and connections, and we never take that for granted. It's been a terrific year for the BABC (and Everton's not done badly either)! See you at the Christmas lunch! Shaun Robinson, 2013-2015 BABC OC President & General Manager, Hilton Anaheim 714 740-4440 shaun.robinson@hilton.com
When - Friday December 13, 2013 from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM Where - The Island Hotel 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach. Signs of an early sell-out – Get your tickets soon to avoid disappointment www.babcoc.org
move Inside this issue: More Bennies for Pennies………. Playing to win with Gamification Investing or Expanding to UK 3 ways to a quicker email response Members On the Move/In the News Transatlantic Trade Partnership Welcome new British Consul General What People Are Saying! Millennial Moment Welcome New Members LinkedIn Overlooked Goldmine Don't Sit On The Sidelines Events 2014
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More Bennies for Your Membership Pennies! In addition to the benefits that regional BABC chapters such as the BABC OC offer their members, the BABC offers a variety of services for member companies to build and manage their business, including: · Exclusive access via password to the BABC's online Membership Directory of its member companies, as well as a company listing on this Directory and the opportunity to hyperlink your listing to your own website. · The opportunity to participate in the event programs offered by all BABC chapters and network with members from other BABC chapters at the BABC's Transatlantic Business Conferences. · Promote your company to all the BABC's membership on a year-round basis through the home page of the BABC website, by becoming a BABC Patron; taking out a banner ad and/or sponsoring the BABC website. · Access to the J1 Visa Program, enabling BABC member companies to bring qualified employees into
Members on the Move and In the News
Congratulations Matthew Brunwin on his new position as Portfolio Manager with BNY Mellon Wealth Management. 949.253.5020 Matthew.Brunwin@bnymellon.com BABC OC Director Dora Szalontai is a strategic Corporate Growth and Investment Banking Advisory Professional who has recently accepted a position with Bank of America. She recently became engaged to get married – congratulations on your new position and your engagement Dora! Congratulations BABC member Rhythm Interactive who were recently selected one of OC's Best Places to Work. The county-wide survey and awards program is a project of Orange County Business Journal and Best Companies Group. Noted RI “Employees are the greatest asset to any business and at Rhythm we do our best to nurture and support our team.” http://www.rinteractive.net.
the United States for training and employment. · Opportunities to promote their services and products to other BABC member companies on the BABC website, at no cost, through our Member Discounts, as well as through advertising, sponsorships. · Access to the bi-monthly updates on major trade/economic policy issues, circulated by the BABC to its member companies. · The opportunity to join specialized British-American industry groups in law (British-American Group of Lawyers - BAGOL) or accounting (British-American Group of Accountants - BAGOA). Advertising and sponsorship opportunities at the annual BABC Transatlantic Business Conferences and on the BABC website.
Welcome British Consul General Chris O' Connor The BABC OC welcomed newly arrived British Consul General Chris O'Connor (who took up the post in Los Angeles at the end of August) as a special guest of honor at the BABA's. Chris most recently served as the UK's Ambassador to Tunisia from November 2008 to June 2013.He joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1993. Since then he's been posted in Cairo, Riyadh, Brussels, Ottawa, Beirut and Tunis. In London while working at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office headquarters he worked on Southern European issues, United Nations issues and as served as the Head of the Middle East Peace Process Team from 2004-2005. In the Middle East/North Africa region he was posted in Cairo (1995-96) as Attache, with the purpose of learning Arabic, Riyadh as Second Secretary (19961999) and Beirut as Deputy Head of Mission (20062008). Outside of the region he worked at the UK delegation to NATO, where he focused on Kosovo issues and as Head of Political Section in Ottawa (2000-2003). Chris also had the opportunity to work on secondment to the Canadian Department for Foreign Affairs (1999-2000). Chris is married to Martha Nelems who is Canadian. They have two daughters. He spends most of his leisure time enjoying their company, but he also plays tennis and snooker when the opportunity arises and enjoys a range of other sports. Follow him on Twitter, @CGChrisOConnor
Playing to Win with Gamification If you haven't heard the buzz word ‘gamification’ until now, chances are you will be hearing more about it. Gamification is a relatively new approach of using game design techniques for non-game situations. For example, corporate meeting planners may use gamification and game techniques (such as awarding points or 'badges' to people who complete certain steps or visit certain trade show booths) to try and engage meeting or convention goers. But it's not just for customers HR departments are using the technique to motivate employees. By using behaviormotivating techniques from traditional and social games to non-game environments, gamification can help HR Departments recognize and reward employees for their achievements separate from their compensation and benefit - think of it a supercharged loyalty program. According to a recent Gallup poll, 71% of American workers report feeling not engaged or actively disengaged in their work. This two-thirds majority translates into nearly $350 billion in lost revenue. Ok, so gamification could be considered a bribe to get employees to do what they should be doing in the first place, what they are paid to do. But if it can create a more interactive, rewarding and attentive workforce the ROI could be seen in desirable employee behavior, improved efficiency and reduced employee turnover as well as business learning and innovation on the enterprise level. Could gamification be a game changer in your business?
SAVE THE DATE 2014 BABC Transatlantic Business Conference Atlanta, Georgia, May 20-22, 2014.
Did you know... Every day a million Brits wake up and go to work for American companies based in the UK, and a million Americans wake up and go to work for British companies based in the US.
Thinking of investing or expanding to the UK? If you are a US company with an interest in the UK market, you might find UKeeping In Touch an international newsletter of interest to you. Here's a sample of the type of information shared in the newsletter. IPOs increase on London Stock Exchange An increase in the number of Initial Public Offerings (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) suggests increased confidence in the economy from growing businesses. As the UK economy becomes more stable, it is predicted that many companies are planning to go public in the next few months. Companies have already raised £9.3bn through floats on the LSE since March this year, which is more than double the amount raised from IPOs during the whole of last year To subscribe visit www.blickrothenberg.com
Thinking about doing business in the UK? Read this: www.gov.uk/government/priority/increasingbusiness-with-the-usa
3 ways to get a faster response to your emails Keep the recipients to a bare minimum - Don't send to everyone all the time – it's spammy and people will start to ignore you. Use a descriptive subject line - don't reply to an email that you have received with an email response that is not related to the original subject of the email. This is especially important if there is a long email thread and the subject has changed substantially from the start of the thread. Put the bottom line on top - start with the important bits first, don't make the reader wade through a long preamble to get to the 'meat' of the message.
Did you know... The average email user receives 147 messages per day and spends more than 2 ½ hours answering emails per day? We delete 71 of those, which takes under 5 minutes. Source: Boomerang gmail.
Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership On Monday 17th June 2013, just ahead of the G8 Summit, EU & US leaders announced the launch of negotiations for a comprehensive Transatlantic Trade & Investment Agreement. The economic relationship between the US and the 27 countries of the EU is the biggest in the world, accounting for almost one-third of all global trade and approximately half of global GDP. However, various barriers on both sides of the Atlantic are perceived as hindering the emergence of a truly free transatlantic market place. The proposed deal could be of huge benefit to businesses on both sides of the Atlantic and add billions of pounds of investment to the already massive trade and investment relationship shared between Europe, the UK and the United States. The negotiations held in Washington DC the week of 8th July 2013, were said by many to represent a real 'game changer' in efforts to boost growth and jobs. UK Prime Minister David Cameron said that this could be “the biggest bilateral trade deal in history”. Continued on page 5...
www.oldeship.com
...continued from page 4.
Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnrship Key Facts: EU & US Economic Relationship The US is the EU's largest trading partner. The EU and the US account for about half of world GDP (47%). Each day goods and services of almost €2 billion are traded bilaterally, creating jobs and growth in our economies. According to the Commission, TTIP could add over £100bn to EU GDP and over £80 billion to US GDP. TTIP is also expected to benefit the rest of the world, with knock on gains that could generate £85 billion worldwide
BritishAmerican Economic Relationship The US and the UK are each other's largest foreign investors. This investment supports over a million jobs in each country. US investment stock in the UK is £200bn (2011), eight times the US investment stock in China. The Government estimates that TTIP could boost the UK economy by as much as £10 billion each year.
Who Are UKTI And What Do They Do? UK Trade & Investment have two simple goals: (1) to help US based companies grow their business in the UK, and (2) to advise UK companies looking for a market entry strategy in the US. The team in Los Angeles, led by Andrew Lewis, help on average five companies each month expand their operations from southern California into the UK and advise more than 30 UK companies interested in exploring the US market. Their services are free and confidential and UK Trade & Investment are looking to help even more southern California companies do business with the UK. If you are company looking to do more business in the UK or know of any company interested in doing more business in the UK then please email Andrew.Lewis@fco.gov.uk. At the BABC Orange County we are fortunate to have as a board member - Andrew Lewis, Consul and Head of Trade & Investment (Los Angeles). It's often said it's who you know, that is as important as what you know, and the BABC OC is a great place to meet people who are well connected. See you at the next BABC mixer or event – you never know who you might meet!
For More Information: Visit http://tradeinvest.babinc.org/eu-us-trade/about-ttip/ Note: In early October the second round of negotiations for the ambitious Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the United States and the EU were cancelled due to the shutdown of the U.S. government. Despite the unfortunate delay, there is hope that perhaps as early as 2015 — TTIP will bring substantial economic benefits to both sides of the Atlantic.
Did you know... You can access The Patriot online in a digital format? Visit www.babcoc.org for current and past issues. Happy reading!
www.florinpensions.com
What People Are Saying! The BABA's (British American Business Awards) September 19, 2013
Scott Kitcher, Cleartech OC, unidentifed guest and Goren Matijasevic, UCI
Lunch for Leaders - September 25, 2013 “I loved the intimate small group setting which facilitated new connections,” said attendee Kathy Geurineau. “The big take away for me was the idea that people need to consider their jobs as short term projects which last on average 18 months and that they must always be looking for their next opportunity. This is especially true for a sales person. Even though I may be employed by the same company for several years, clients/projects come and go, and I must always be building my pipeline.” Kathy Guerineau, Account Executive for Image Options
“It was a very enjoyable event and I connected with a couple of people who I later contacted. At my table was the new Executive Director of Casa Romantica in San Clemente which just so happens to be where I live. I've since attended one of her events. Kudo's Valerie for another great event!” Goren Matijasevic, UCI
“The BABAs were an excellent showcase of Orange County businesspeople who are leading the way in developing opportunities and jobs through partnerships with the UK. The business links that already exist between Orange County and the UK are immense. And there is huge scope for further growth. It is for that reason that I've spent a lot of time in Orange County already and will be continuing to do so. ” Chris O' Connor, British Consul-General
Emcee Rick Reiff poses questions to the awardees Alan Fuerstman, CEO Montage Hotels & Resorts, Chris White General Manager of Sports & Entertainment & VP of Global Sales, Cisco, Shaheen Sadeghi, CEO LAB Holding, LLC and Tammy Storino CFO St. John Knits.
“A thoroughly enjoyable event with an impressive selection of speakers – lots of banter and laughter. I really liked the roundtables and I took a lot away with me from the people who shared their business views and experiences.” Sarah Fedecky, Hornblower Cruises & Sarah Fedecky, Hornblower Cruises Events. and her husband George.
BABA Attendees
John Miller (Prudential) Terry Fisher (Mapperarti) Zack Bates (Private Club Marketing).
“The BABA's were a unique and fun event and unlike other awards events I've attended. It was made interesting by the focus on the human side of these businesses – not just the nuts and bolts. The insights shared by the awardees regarding the power of personal passions and the impact they have on leaders and their drive for success was fascinating. It was enlightening to hear something other than strategy, team motivation and the usual business success factors. The caliber of awardees was very impressive – the BABC provides access to top executives not seen at other business groups. The BABA's are my favorite BABC event so far! Scott Sparks, Proxima Group
Valerie Blackholly, BABC OC Executive Director (pictured center) welcomes Lunch for Leaders Speakers Bill & Lauren Ellermeyer who spoke on the subject of thriving amid rapid change. www.linkedin.com/in/billellermeyer www.beyondfifteen.com.
The small group invited participation in a congenial setting, and I enjoyed the to and fro on questions. I learned that it's important to come to grips with social media. The key to successful interaction on social media is what you can do for others - it shouldn't be about who you are, and what you do!” Lionel Simons, President of Kleen Air Systems
British Invasion At Bloomingdales - September 12-15, 2013 Bloomingdales 'British Invasion' featured exclusive British-inspired clothing collections at a reception and fashion show at the Fashion Island Store along with a British Car Show and special in-store reception for designer Kathy Ireland – BABC members were invited guests. “The Bloomingdales British Fashion show was a fabulous event, great fashion, food and fun. My guest and I enjoyed it so much we came back the next day for the Kathy Ireland Reception and were delighted to meet the designer and purchase her latest book.” Diane Mondini, Caring Companions At Home “I loved the British aspect of the Fashion Show event at Bloomingdales. It was great entertainment and we were made to feel very welcome. They served delicious hors d'oeuvres and it was free too! The BABC always provides access to a diverse array of events – although my favorites are always the summer Garden Party and the Christmas luncheon. Marion Grady, Clindatrix Inc.
Additional photos of BABC OC events can be found on our website www.babcoc.org and on Facebook www.facebook.com/BABCOC?ref=hl
Millennial Moment - Financial Planning Tips Millennials use technology to access information and have a large sense of Individualism. They don't always seek help from a professional. This is ok for small financial moves, but learning to work with a professional on big decisions like buying a home or moving a 401(k), can reap benefits. Millennials use technology to make life easier, but they also find it easy to spend vs. save – e.g. Millennials dine out 3-5 times a week instead of eating at home, when they are not making enough money to sustain that habit and save for future events. The Mint app can to help set a budget and reduce debt.
have an asset that they rarely optimize: their youth. Their risk tolerance has been colored by the market downturns of 2001 and 2008, but they forget that time is on their side. Success of young entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg and Kevin Systrom, make other Millennials itching to get ahead, this creates impatience and short-term mentality. It's harder for Millennials to think long-term savings, but as life expectancy increases, Millennials will need an even larger savings for retirement.
While paying off student loans and worrying about daily expenses, Millenial clients often forget to fund their most valuable asset: themselves. Solution – forced savings through paycheck or monthly ACH (using technology to help you).
Millennials are great at protecting cars and property but, often fail to properly insure themselves for disability and life: The time to think about insurance and the future is now - but Millennials almost always feel “this can wait.” But they can't wait… this is one of the biggest financial blind spots in many Millennials' financial lives.
Most Millenial clients may not have as much investable net assets as their baby boomer counterparts, but they
This Millennial Moment by BABC Member Aman Bhatia,
Aman Raul Bhatia Financial Planner CA Insurance Lic. #0H84358 949 440-5379 www.prudential.com/us/amanbhatia
Managing Editor/Contributing Writer: Debra Shrider. (714) 990-6619 debshrider@yahoo.com Art Director: Kenneth Slidders. (714) 779-5451 kkssaa@roadrunner.com Advertising: Valerie Blackholly, BABC-OC. (949) 472-2221 valerie@babcoc.org
No time to write? I love to write!
LIVE I can 'Put ItMUSIC In Writing' for you quickly and Nights affordably. Thursday,professionally, Friday, & Saturday Take those writing projects off your to do list today! Check www.theoldeship.com for more info Deb Shrider, Principal Join us onContact Facebook, follow us on Twitter.
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1120 W. 17th St., Santa Ana CA 92706 714.550.6700 709 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton CA 92832 714.871.7447
Phone (714) debshrider@yahoo.com Email:990-6619 admiralnelson@theoldeship.com http://www.linkedin.com/in/debrashrider • Harp • Bombardier • Old Speckled Hen • Magners •
Welcome New Members! Please say hello to these new BABC-OC members and introduce yourself to them the next time you see them at a mixer or event
Dean Prior, Senior Vice President, AT-Tech (ACT1) Group www.At-Tech.com
949 235-0701
dprior@ain1.com
Dean Prior is a Senior Vice President at At-Tech (ACT 1) Group a staffing and recruiting agency with more than 350 offices in thirty-three states. At-Tech provides local, national and international companies with temporary, contract and direct hire technical professionals in fields such as IT, Science, Logistics, Engineering and Gaming.
Frank Swoboda, CEO/Co-Founder IMN International Mail Net 714 470-0296 www.intmailnet.ce frank.swoboda@intmailnet.cet International Mail Net is an international logistics company serving the e-commerce industry. IMN delivers parcels and mail across entire Europe using the right channels, at the right cost. The company headquarters is in Hamburg and the UK is an important hub for their distribution. Frank is in the process of establishing a new company ‘Pacific Worldwide Logistics’ that will be based in Huntington Beach and will serve US west coast based customers with cost effective deliveries for mail and parcel deliveries domestically and worldwide.
Gordon Kelly, Individual Member
760 564 8122
gkellycci@aol.com
Gordon's background includes President and CEO responsibilities for three international companies and an array of other leadership positions for a variety of industries. He is adept as assuming executive hands-on positions while preparing and implementing a business plans for company owners in need of reorganizing and growth.
Joy Berus, Berus Law Group, Art Law Attorney www.beruslawgroup.com
949-945-0485
joy@beruslawgroup.com
Joy is a nationally known art law attorney who assists clients with tangible property such as art, collectibles and antiques and their related unique tax laws, valuation laws, purchase, sales and consignments, donations, national and international sales and purchase transactions, and historic properties. She has written articles or been quoted on CBS Marketwatch, Investors Business Daily, Planned Giving Design Center, and Forbes.
Paul Dhillon, CEO VTI instruments www.vtiinstruments.com
949-955-1894
pdhillon@vtiinstruments.com
VTI products are used to automate functional testing for complex electronic systems by delivering precision instrumentation for electronic signal distribution, acquisition, and monitoring. VTI serves the aerospace and defense, power generation, energy, automotive and commercial electronics industries in the global marketplace.
LinkedIn - Overlooked Goldmine For Business
Photo to come
LinkedIn has had the reputation of being used by people who are only looking for a job and then abandoned or neglected once they are employed. However, now people have slowly discovered the power of LinkedIn for lead generation and building brand awareness for individuals and companies.
Especially after the company filed its IPO they have invested a lot of money to turn LinkedIn into a true personalized CRM tool (Customer Relationship Management). I even purchased my home (a foreclosure sale) due to the help of a LinkedIn connection. Here some tips into how to use LinkedIn for business development and personal branding. Make sure you have a complete and professional looking profile including a good photo, summary of who you are, recommendations from customers and colleagues, links to publications, certificates, skills & expertise, community involvement, and the list continues.
Share links to interesting online articles or topics through your status update. Connect your email, calendar, phone, and other applications with LinkedIn to better manage your network. Join and participate in groups that fit your target market. Post and comment on discussions. Don't focus on making a hard sale, but rather share quality content that will draw people in. Personalize your invites when sending connection requests to individuals. Last but not least, it does not happen overnight. Build your quality network and nurture it so people reach out to you as the thought leader in your industry. If you have any questions about LinkedIn or would like to attend one of my training sessions, I look forward to being of help to you. www.GigaSavvy.com sven@gigasavvy.com
Sven Johnston Partner & SVP Business Development, GIGASAVVY mobile: 949.371.9126 office: 877.SAVVY.01 ext 108 email: sven@gigasavvy.com www.GigaSavvy.com
www.syspro.com
info@us.syspro.com
Don't just sit on the sidelines… Volunteers for 2014 are needed for the following: Commerce Committee BritWeek 2014 “Our Committee focuses on "BritWeek OC is a unique celebrasharpening the commercial tion of a variety of top notch social, edge of the BABC OC .We cultural and business events that conceptualize and execute a highlight the integration of all good wide range of events designed things British into life here in the to appeal to the varied needs USA. Be a part of our dynamic and tastes of our membership, volunteer team and you will have a splendid time such as; the British American Business Awards working, meeting and networking with some of Orange (BABAs )*, Lunch with Leaders, mentor lunches County most interesting and influential individuals." and high quality networking mixers. We welcome Joey Benadretti new committee members who are willing and able to actively participate in delivering upon our Hospitality Committee objectives”. “You are invited to join the Co Chair: John R. Gibson Hospitality Committee: View the calendar of events at www.babcoc.org to view “It is our great pleasure to host volunteer opportunities. Help is some of Orange County's most needed for small, intimate events highly accomplished as well as large galas. Our entrepreneurs and executive volunteer's help in welcoming guests at registration leaders at our BABA's. The high make introductions for new attendees, assist with caliber of our key note speakers silent auctions, photography and help with venue and our award winners allow us set-ups. “ to present a memorable gala Chair: Valerie Blackholly dinner to our members, colleagues and friends” Co-chair/ BABA's Dora Szalontai Membership Committee “The mission of the membership committee is to build the membership base of the council Marketing Committee including both business and “The Marketing Committee is social members. This will allow looking to share the knowledge for more individuals and busiand experience of some of the nesses to benefit from our dynamic organization.” great individuals and businesses Chair Mitch Wexler in BABCOC. Our committee is seeking expertise in social media, pr, branding, design and event management.” Chair: Zack Bates
Did you know...
A meta-analysis of five long term studies published in August reported that people who volunteered were, on average, 22 percent less likely to die over a period of four to seven years than similar people who didn't volunteer. According to study author Hannah Schreier, PhD., a post doctoral fellow at the IcahnSchool of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NYC “Helping others may lower some well-known cardiovascular risk markers. Fancy that!
The Patriot Editorial/Advertising Committee: “As Patriot Editor, I'm looking for assistance in brainstorming for editorial themes and content and also, most importantly, help in increasing our Patriot advertiser base – please let me know if you can help.” Editor: Deb Shrider
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Your Portal to Orange County
Scheduled Events as of November 2013 This is just a sneak peek at some of our upcoming events. Date:
Event:
Venue:
Nov 21 Dec 13
Business After Hours Mixer BABC OC Annual Christmas Lunch
The Olde Ship, Santa Ana The Island Hotel, Newport Beach
2014 Events th
Burns Night at Gulliver's Restaurant Feb 7 AGM March 25th. Business Debate (tbc) BritWeek 2014 – Begins April 25th 2nd Annual Culinary Gala Charity Event May 1 Beatlemania South Coast Plaza – May 3 BABC OC Annual Golf Tournament May 16th nd BABC International Conference, Atlanta May 20-22 Garden Party June 22nd International Chambers Business Mixer July 23rd th British American Business Awards (BABA's) Sept. 18 Christmas Lunch December 12th Lunch for Leaders Business After Hours Mixers Mentor Lunches Note: Dates subject to change – check www.babcoc.org
Visit www.babcoc.org regularly to view our updated calendar and to register for events and pay online, or contact Valerie Blackholly, Executive Director. Phone (949) 472-2221 e-mail: valerie@babcoc.org