american chamber of commerce in norway

Transcription

1 2006 Membership Directory and Yearbook 2006 american chamber of commerce in norway

2 Coca Cola and the Contour Bottle design are trademarks of The Coca Cola Company creates wealth locally global company good neigh bor engaged in local activities caring for the en vironment good jobs believes in knowledge shares know how helps those who help others - a company is more than its products Coca Cola and the design of the Coca-Cola Contour Bottle are registered trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company The Coca-Cola Company. All rights reserved.

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4 2006 Yearbook and Membership Directory

5 2006 Yearbook and Membership Directory Contents US Ambassador to Norway 7 Seizing AmCham s Momentum 9 André Demarest, Chairman Board of Directors 11 Dear Members 13 Jason Turflinger, Managing Director About the Chamber 14 AmCham Committees Events 20 Special Section 27 The Strength of the Nordics The Rød Ahead 42 Internship Program 43 AmCham Worldwide Network 45 AmCham Member Network 57 Membership Directory 67 In cooperation with ConocoPhillips Managing Director: Jason Turflinger Layout: Printer: Zoom Grafisk

6 Ræder is a full service law firm providing legal and strategic advice to international and domestic clients within all areas of business law. RÆDER LAW FIRM Our main areas of practice include: International business transactions Corporate and Securities law Tax Real property Contract law Labour law Municipal law Restructuring & Insolvency Intellectual property Inheritance & Probate Trusts & Estates Norwegian/US relations Competition law Please feel free to contact us via: Øystein Rød, Partner, mail: oro@raeder.no Carl Garmann Clausen, Partner and admitted to the New York Bar, mail:cgc@raeder.no Munkedamsveien 45 Vika Atriu m P.O.Box 1600 Vika N Oslo Norway Telephone: Fax: mail@raeder.no

7 2006 Yearbook and Membership Directory Dear American Chamber Members I am honored that the American Chamber of Commerce in Norway has asked me to address you, its members, in its annual yearbook. I look forward to working with the Chamber and with all of you during my tenure as Ambassador to Norway to deepen the successful economic and commercial ties that the Americans and Norwegians have built together over the last century. Americans and Norwegians share fundamental values like individual freedom, fairness and honesty. These shared values form the foundation of the deep friendship between our nations. All of us, Norwegians and Americans alike, shoulder the vital responsibility to ensure that our common values and strong friendship are passed on to the next generation. The Chamber can help us to fulfill that responsibility. Stronger and more vibrant business ties, the Chamber s fundamental mission, can increase people-to-people contacts and bring Norwegians and Americans closer together. That is a fundamental goal we should all bear in mind as we go about our daily business. The Chamber has had a successful year. Membership is growing. Participation in Chamber events is increasing. The range of Chamber activities over the past year has been impressive -- from hosting power luncheons on such headline business issues as corporate ethics to arranging business after hours get-togethers where members can meet socially. I look forward to participating actively in this year s program of Chamber events, leading off with my remarks at the Chamber s Annual General Meeting. And, of course, I hope to see many of you when I host my first Ambassador s annual reception for Chamber members at my residence this fall. Free enterprise, robust international trade, good business practices, and a welcoming investment climate benefit us all. New challenges are constantly emerging in the business world that, if left unaddressed, can impede commercial activity to the detriment of us all. Though I have only been in Norway a short time, I have had several opportunities to hear directly from Chamber members about their successes, and occasionally their concerns, in doing business in Norway. I was struck how the Chamber s recent, and upcoming, events reflected their business priorities -- protecting intellectual property rights and brand integrity, encouraging entrepreneurship, securing venture capital, the risks of investment blacklisting, promoting innovation and the exchange of new technologies, and others. I am confident that, cooperating closely through the Chamber, we can work together to build upon the great successes Norwegian and American businesses have achieved together and to ensure that the fundamental pillars of our bilateral economic and commercial ties remain unshakeable. Sincerely, Benson K. Whitney US Ambassador

8 Photo: Tom Haga Celebrating with Jarlsberg 50th anniversaries are occasions to be celebrated. Especially when the guest of honour Jarlsberg keeps on going from strength to strength. Just as full of holes, just as tasty and just as energetic and proud as ever, Jarlsberg promotes Norwegian culinary culture all over the world. Exports have boomed. Worldwide approximately 25,000 tonnes of Jarlsberg are consumed each year. Say cheese to a 50 year old star, say cheese to Jarlsberg! Would you like a copy of the complete 50th anniversary menu? Please contact tfs@tine.no The makers of Jarlsberg

9 2006 Yearbook and Membership Directory Seizing AmCham s Momentum Great opportunities to contribute & benefit Dear Fellow Members: The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Yearbook Directory can be a valuable resource for contacts throughout the year that help you in your business. It has now become a tradition to provide you with a copy of this Yearbook Directory at the time of our Annual General Meeting in March every year to re-emphasize the fact that fostering business contacts among our members is a part of our mission statement. John Ustas, our former Chairman, summed it up best last year in his letter to you by stating that Regardless of your nationality, language skills or company s domicile, AmCham Norway is the leading organization that can help your business with key contacts within the US Embassy, trade partners within the US, and local Norwegian-member organizations that see the value of being associated with many of the leading global companies represented in our current membership will represent my 10th year on the Board of AmCham Norway, acting in years past as its Treasurer and this year as its Chairman. Meanwhile I have never seen the organization this strong and vibrant. Jason Turflinger, our Managing Director, is doing a tremendous job in securing the trend of steady growth for the organization. As of today, we have over 120 members and we re expecting this number to grow for the foreseeable future. Each one of us has a great chance to seize this momentum by both contributing to and benefiting from an AmCham that is growing in size and prestige. For example, members already have the opportunity to participate in the Chamber s Program and Events committee as well as more industry-focused committees, such as Pharmaceutical, IT and Security. Participation in these committees provides you with the opportunity to steer the direction of future Chamber events. As the Chamber continues to evolve we d also like see member participation taken to another level. What we re specifically promoting is the idea that every member should not only have active contacts within the Chamber but also at least one person who has as a part of his or her job description the responsibility of fully realizing the benefits of Chamber membership. By the time we distribute the Yearbook Directory next year, we expect to publish even more success stories, demonstrating that our members are making key business contacts thanks to active participation in Chamber related committees and events. All of us are ambassadors of our respective companies and countries within AmCham, which has been and will continue to be an unwavering bridge in the development of cross-atlantic business ties whenever possible. We value your participation, insights and support in continuing to build on the momentum we ve achieved to date. André Demarest Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Norway

10 Yearbook and Membership Directory In cooperation with Knut Bry/Freezeimages.com

11 2006 Yearbook and Membership Directory 11 Board of Directors Mr. Benson K. Whitney Honorary Chairman US Ambassador to Norway Mr. André Demarest Chairman Fast Search & Transfer Mr. Øystein Rød Vice Chairman Ræder Ms. Kathy P. Pepper Director ExxonMobil Norway Mr. Michael Klem Treasurer AccountOnIt Mr. Knut Morten Aasrud Director Microsoft Norge Mr. Lars Petter Ørving Director Manpower Mr. Lars Christian Alsvik Director Norsk Hydro Mr. Dieter Schaubert Director ConocoPhillips Norge Mr. Håvard Selby Ebbestad Director Pfizer Norway Mr. Douglas J. Apostol Liaison US Embassy Mr. Jan-Tore Undersaker Director AIG Europe Mr. Rolf Röding Honorary President Mr. Gunnar Hesse Director Unisys Norge Ms. Nancy Sandmæl Director Doorway to Norway Mr. Frank Møllerup Director SAS Institute Mr. Frederik Kinat Director 3M Norge Ms. Kimberly Lei Director Eli Lilly Norge

13 2006 Yearbook and Membership Directory 13 Dear Members and Friends of the American Chamber Many of the Chamber s member companies compete with one another, both within Norway and internationally. At the same time, many of our member companies conduct business with one another on a regular basis. Chamber member firms are predominantly US or Norwegian parented. They are divided among a wide range of industries (page 64) and are located throughout Norway and the US. What all of these companies have in common is a desire for improved business conditions and prospects within Norway. Every day AmCham Norway works to fulfill this role on behalf of our members. This effort should be immediately apparent as you leaf through the pages of this year s publication. It is our hope that you are left with the impression of a vibrant, growing, and proud organization dedicated to adding value for its members. As you continue to utilize the directory and information over the coming year, please keep in mind that we are always available to provide additional support whether it be a fellow member s address or background information on one of the many listed companies or government organizations. While reviewing our guest speakers, events, committees, and key figures, please keep in mind that AmCham Norway is a fully accredited member of the Washington D.C.- based US Chamber of Commerce, the world s largest non-profit business federation. We are one node in a network of over 100 AmCham s around the world. Consequently, we are able to call upon a considerable range of resources on behalf of our members and do so on a regular basis. This includes coordinating and supporting policy initiatives on behalf of members in Norway as well as contributing to international initiatives. None of our activities would be possible without the cooperation of both US and Norwegian government agencies. Although AmCham is funded completely by our members, the solid support of the US Embassy in Oslo ensures that our members collective voices are heard as key investors and stake holders in the Norwegian economy. The new US Ambassador to Norway, Benson K. Whitney, has generously pledged his organization s continued support of our efforts by agreeing to become the Chamber s Honorary Chairman. In the final analysis, success breeds success. As AmCham Norway continues to grow and prosper so too do members through added benefits. I look forward to meeting and learning from as many of you as possible this year. It is indeed an honor to lead this organization and to serve you, our esteemed members! Sincerely, Jason Turflinger managing director

14 Yearbook and Membership Directory What We Do AmCham Norway works to serve its members to further the development of trade and commerce between the United States and Norway by acting as a collective voice for American Norwegian business. AmCham Norway strives to: Encourage American Norwegian business relations Promote the mutual interest of members Provide social, business and policy forums for members Strengthen American Norwegian bonds by providing necessary information about these markets Facilitate networking opportunities between American and Norwegian business leaders Act as a host to the international business community to enhance professional development Assist in utilizing US Embassy channels with direct access to the American Government Produce and provide useful publications such as newsletters and an annual directory Who We Are Jason Turflinger Managing Director Marit Bentsen Executive Assistant Andrea S. Nahrgang Assistant Scott Randall Communications & IT Stig Kristiansen Assistant Nicole Patrick Assistant

15 2006 Yearbook and Membership Directory 15 Membership Levels Application for membership within the American Chamber of Commerce is open to companies that have direct American business interests. Application is open to all companies regardless of home country origin. Approval of membership within the Chamber resides with the board s Executive Committee. The American Chamber of Commerce in Norway offers two levels of membership based on company size and participation interests: Patron Membership This level of exclusive membership is optimal for companies that wish to engage in maximum cooperation and receive the greatest support from Chamber membership. Patron membership entails the benefits of: Direct influence on Chamber policies and initiatives Invitation to all regular Chamber events as well as special Patron-level meetings and events within Norway and the US Priority treatment of all requests for assistance and information Regular profiling of company within Chamber publications and website Ability to guide Chamber focus and future initiatives Unrestricted access to our updated US Companies in Norway list Unlimited number of company managers within the Chamber mailing list Corporate Membership This level of membership allows for companies to be active within the Chamber, receiving the benefits of networking and business-to-business initiatives. More specifically: Invitation to all regular Chamber meetings and events Listing in the Annual Membership Directory and on the Chamber webpage Free access to Chamber lists and information Three company managers within the Chamber mailing list

17 2006 Yearbook and Membership Directory 17 AmCham Norway Committees AmCham Norway s committees are the main instruments used to develop and deliver members opinions to the Norwegian and American governments. Active participation by all corporate members in the committees is encouraged. Without your support, AmCham Norway cannot be an effective voice on the policy issues that matter to you. Each committee is composed of a small steering group and a larger corresponding group. All corporate members are welcome to become corresponding members. Through AmCham s network, corresponding members receive updates on committee activities, position papers, and meetings with decision makers. Furthermore, corresponding members are expected to be active, delivering input on the issues that matter most to them. Typically, each committee convenes twice a year. You can apply to be added to an electronic mailing list in order to provide a fast and efficient information exchange system between meetings. The steering group manages interim activities. AmCham Norway committees: Executive Energy Pharmaceutical Overseas Secruity Advisory Council (OSAC) Norway IT Program & Events Membership Nomination

18 Yearbook and Membership Directory Committees Executive Committee The Executive Committee, composed of Chamber Board members, actively participates in the management of the Chamber. The group meets at least five times per year and consists of the Chamber s Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, US Embassy Liaison and up to four other Board members. Executive Committee members are appointed for one-year terms at the Annual General Meeting. Members of the Executive Committee represent Chamber member companies such as Fast Search & Transfer, Ræder Advokatfirma, ConocoPhillips Norge, and Manpower. Mr. André Demarest Chairman Mr. Øystein Rød Vice Chairman Mr. Lars Petter Ørving Director Mr. Michael Klem Treasurer Mr. Jørgen Lund Director Mr. Dieter Schaubert Director Mr. Douglas Apostol Liaison Pharmaceutical Committee The Pharmaceutical Committee s primary objective is to identify and promote dialogue on healthcare issues that impact American and international companies in Norway. The committee also works to form policy positions on key healthcare issues with the aim of ensuring a healthy environment in Norway for US and international companies. Mr. Vidar Sie Chairman

19 2006 Yearbook and Membership Directory 19 Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Norway The Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) is a Federal Advisory Committee with a US Government Charter to promote security cooperation between American business and private sector interests worldwide and the US Department of State. Internationally, OSAC encompasses a 34-member core Council, an Executive Office, over 100 Country Councils, and more than 2,700 constituent member organizations, 600 associates and 5 US Government Agencies. OSAC s Norwegian country council meets approximately three times each year to relay timely securityrelated information to members. Mr. Colin Sullivan Co-Chairman Mr. Jason Turflinger Co-Chairman IT Committee The purpose of the IT Committee is to support AmCham IT member company interests within the Norwegian marketplace and to aid in developing and delivering member opinions to appropriate legislators and decision makers. Committee activities include an annual IT event and development of standard policy positions. Members of the AmCham IT Committee include representatives from Ericsson, Intergraph Norge, Microsoft Norge, and the US Embassy. Ms. Charlotte Berge Chairman Program & Events Committee The Chamber s internal Program & Events (P&E) Committee is tasked with gathering and assessing potential event themes and initiatives based upon benefit for members. Themes addressed during mainstay Chamber events Power Luncheons and Business After-Hours are initially agreed upon by P&E Committee members. Additionally, the committee assesses other special Chamber events that take place throughout the year. P&E Committee members represent firms including Pfizer Norway, Føyen Advokatfirma, and Coca-Cola Drikker. Mr. Jørn Lein-Mathisen Chairman Other Committees Include: Energy Committee Membership Committee Nomination Committee

20 Yearbook and Membership Directory 2005 Events Power Luncheon Date: January 20, 2005 Venue: Grand Hotel, Oslo Topic: OSAC: The Current Threat Environment in Norway Sponsor: Burson-Marsteller Patron Luncheon Date: June 18, 2005 Venue: Atlantica, Akershus Pier, Oslo Sponsors: Ask Mr. Cruise Costa Cruise Lines Business Reception Date: January 25, 2005 Venue: Victoria Hotel, Stavanger Topic: US Perspectives on Barents Sea Energy Issues Sponsor: ExxonMobil Power Luncheon Date: February 17, 2005 Venue: Grand Hotel, Oslo Topic: Cooperate Governance & Accounting Reform in the US Sponsor: Pfizer Norway Annual General Meeting Date: March 15, 2005 Venue: Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo Topic: 2004 Review & 2005 Overview Sponsor: Continental Airlines Power Luncheon Date: April 28, 2005 Venue: Grand Hotel, Oslo Topic: Crisis Management: Brand Protection Sponsor: Advokatfirma DLA Nordic Power Luncheon Date: June 16, 2005 Venue: Grand Hotel, Oslo Topic: Business Ethics in the International Arena Sponsor: Marathon Oil Corporation 5th Annual Søderstrøm Cup Date: August 17, 2005 Venue: Miklagård Golf Club, Kløfta Sponsors: UPS Supply Chain Solutions Manpower ClearChannel Coca-Cola Drikker Chevron Norge AIG Europe Anders Wilhelmsen & Co. Power Luncheon Date: August 18, 2005 Venue: Hummeren Hotel, Stavanger Topic: US Congressional Visit Sponsor: ConocoPhillips Ambassador s Reception Date: September 8, 2005 Venue: Ambassador s Residence, Oslo Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Date: November 23, 2005 Venue: Grand Hotel, Oslo Sponsor: Íslandsbanki Christmas Party Date: December 14, 2005 Venue: AmCham Norway Offices, Oslo

21 2006 Yearbook and Membership Directory 21 Power Luncheon Date: January 20, 2005 Venue: Grand Hotel, Oslo Topic: OSAC: The Current Threat Environment in Norway Sponsor: Burson-Marsteller The inaugural meeting of the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) in Norway featured a presentation by Mr. Business Reception Date: January 25, 2005 Venue: Victoria Hotel, Stavanger Topic: US Perspectives on Barents Sea Energy Issues Sponsor: ExxonMobil The Chamber s second event in continuing Stavanger-area series featured US Ambassador Ong s address on US- Norway-Russia energy cooperation in the Barents Sea region. I urge all of you, as I Harald Thorp, Police Chief Superintendent, PST. Mr. Thorp discussed the current threat environment to Norway, specifically the known potential threats to various businesses and business sectors in Norway. Mr. Roy Stillman, Regional Security Officer at the US Embassy in Norway, also presented the benefits for businesses becoming active members within OSAC. intend to do, to redouble your efforts to ensure that we take full advantage of the `win-win-win situation that the energy potential of the Barents Sea offers us, stated Ambassador Ong. The event was attended by many Stavanger area business and government leaders as well as two members of the Chamber Executive Committee John Ustas and Øystein Rød. Power Luncheon Date: February 17, 2005 Venue: Grand Hotel, Oslo Topic: Cooperate Governance & Accounting Reform in the US Sponsor: Pfizer Norway The second Power Lunch of the year was entitled Corporate Governance & Accounting Reform in the US: The Tip of the Iceberg. Ms. Ruth Lansner, Corporate Partner, NY office of Holland & Knight, discussed the scandals that led the US to enact the Sarbanes-Oxley legislation, and how the law affects listed US companies as well as non-us listed companies. Mr. Knut Morten Aasrud, General Manager, Microsoft Norge, stressed that a business must continue to drive development in light of huge up-front costs and growing regulations. Partner for bedre helse

22 Yearbook and Membership Directory Power Luncheon Date: June 16, 2005 Venue: Grand Hotel, Oslo Topic: Business Ethics in the International Arena Sponsor: Marathon Oil Corporation Annual General Meeting Date: March 15, 2005 Venue: Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo Topic: 2004 Review & Overview Sponsor: Continental Airlines The 2005 AGM began with a welcome by Mr. John Ustas, AmCham Norway Chairman, and continued with a presentation by Mr. Jason Turflinger, AmCham Norway Managing Director, in which he gave a summary of AmCham s accomplishments throughout A cocktail reception and three-course dinner followed. At the conclusion of the meal was an informative speech by Mr. Børge Brende, Minister of Trade & Industry. Mr. Brende stressed the importance of knowledge investment within Norway and he also promised to work toward creating a Norway that is more open to foreign investment. In late 2004 the Norwegian Government enacted its Ethical Guidelines for the Petroleum Fund to guarantee that the fund s investments do not contribute to unethical actions or omissions. In June 2005 Chamber members were addressed by none other than the Chairwoman of the council that decides if companies are living up to these guidelines, Ms. Gro Nystuen of the Norwegian Petroleum Fund s Ethical Council. This was Ms. Nystuen s first meeting with business leaders since taking her position earlier in the year. Ms. Nystuen provided many insights into how her group works and dispelled myths as to how they will operate in the future. Also addressing Chamber members was Mr. Jan Borgen of Transparency International Norway. Power Luncheon Date: April 28, 2005 Venue: Grand Hotel, Oslo Topic: Crisis Management: Brand Protection Sponsor: Advokatfirma DLA Nordic The April Power Luncheon focus was on crisis management and, more specifically, how the best brands in the world protect that asset. Mr. Claus Sonberg, CEO at Burson-Marsteller, discussed the most recent challenges and crises of well-known Norwegian and international brands. He elaborated further on preemptive tactics and principles to apply to protect brands in times of crisis. Mr. Stein Rømmerud, Public Affairs & Communications Director, Coca-Cola Drikker, discussed challenges of the Coca-Cola brand over its 120 years in business and how the company has overcome these.

23 2006 Yearbook and Membership Directory 23 Patron Luncheon Date: June 18, 2005 Venue: Atlantica, Akershus Pier, Oslo Sponsors: Ask Mr. Cruise, Costa Cruise Lines Chamber Patron members gathered and boarded the docked Costa Cruise Lines vessel Atlantica on a beautiful summer day in June. The day s relaxed agenda included fine wines, fabulous cuisine and a tour of the magnificent 2200-passenger, America-class vessel. 5th Annual Søderstrøm Cup Date: August 17, 2005 Venue: Miklagård Golf Club, Kløfta Sponsors: UPS Supply Chain Solutions, Manpower, ClearChannel, Coca-Cola Drikker, Chevron Norge, AIG Europe, Anders Wilhelmsen & Co. This year s AmCham golf tournament included seventeen teams with varying skill levels competing for the coveted Soderstrøm Cup! First place teammates Andreas Lundgård, Pal Thomas Kvil, Sølve Heggem, and Morten Aarhus celebrated their victory in style. The Coca- Cola Drikker colleagues divided amongst themselves two roundtrip tickets to New York courtesy of Continental Airlines and two roundtrip tickets to Iceland courtesy of Icelandair. A stay at the Grand Hotel was awarded to Reidar Myhrer from ClearChannel for his closest-to-the-pin performance. Several additional prizes were awarded as participants enjoyed an American-style BBQ dinner!

24 Yearbook and Membership Directory Power Luncheon Date: August 18, 2005 Venue: Hummeren Hotel, Stavanger Topic: US Congressional Visit Sponsor: ConocoPhillips US Congressmen David L. Hobson (R, Ohio), Marion Berry (D, Arkansas), Ed Pastor (D, Arizona), James Clyburn (D, South Carolina), and Phil Gingrey (R, Georgia) joined Chamber members and guests at Stavanger s picturesque Hummeren Hotel in August for a discussion on energy industry issues. Congressman Hobson, Chairman of the House Appropriations Energy & Water Development Subcommittee, commented that in his opinion natural gas is best thought of as a bridge energy source and strongly hinted that nuclear energy options would be revisited within the United States. Hobson and his colleagues candid remarks during the gathering left participants with greater insight into future US energy industry directions. Ambassador s Reception Date: September 8, 2005 Venue: Ambassador s Residence, Oslo The US Ambassador to Norway, the Honorable John D. Ong, graciously welcomed members into his home in September for a reception in honor of AmCham Norway. The event was attended by over 100 guests and has become a favorite tradition of AmCham members. During the event it was announced that André Demarest of Fast Search and Transfer would assume the role of Interim-Chairman of the Board for the Chamber due to the sudden departure of his predecessor, John Ustas of Coca-Cola Drikker, to India. Mr. Demarest has served on the Chamber Executive Committee as its Treasurer for over seven years.

25 2006 Yearbook and Membership Directory 25 Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Date: November 23, 2005 Venue: Grand Hotel, Oslo Sponsor: Íslandsbanki Members enjoyed a traditional family-style American Thanksgiving dinner at this year s annual AmCham celebration. The Grand Hotel was the scene for a buffet-style banquet set to long tables in the large Rococo hall. The traditional after-dinner raffle included great prizes from Sara Lee, Grand Hotel and Clarion Hotel Royal Christiania. Ms. Ester Conings of Spilberg won the grand prize an Icelandair ticket for two to any of their US destinations! To close the evening, members took pleasure in listening to a live rock & roll music courtesy of Hard Rock Café. Christmas Party Date: December 14, 2005 Venue: AmCham Norway Offices, Oslo The 2005 Holiday Season was ushered in with a festive gathering at the new AmCham office on the 15th floor at Drammensveien 40. AmCham corporate members and staff packed the decorated main room of the office which has a wonderful view overlooking downtown Oslo. Guests enjoyed a selection of American wines, beer and snacks throughout the very enjoyable evening.

26 Yearbook and Membership Directory Oslo, Norway Copenhagen, Denmark Photo: Gunnar Strøm Photo compliments of Wonderful Copenhagen Stockholm, Sweden Helsinki, Finland Photo: R. Ryan Photo: Markku Juntunen

27 2006 Yearbook and Membership Directory 27 Special Section Norway, Denmark, Sweden & Finland The Strength of the Nordic Region This section offers a glimpse into the trade and investment strength of the Nordics. AmCham Norway would like to thank AmCham Denmark, the US Commercial Service and the US Embassy s Economic Section for their contributions to this section.

28 Yearbook and Membership Directory Jason Turflinger, Managing Director, AmCham Norway Nordic Cooperation: One Market One Team AmCham Norway has an ongoing cooperation with our sister AmChams in the Nordics. Our shared regional efforts were strengthened in 2005 with the establishment of AmCham Finland. American subsidiaries see our region increasingly as one market, and our cooperation means that we stand ready to provide comprehensive regional services to these companies. This special section is just one example of our teamwork. It is a brief yet handy reference guide to help introduce members and potential investors to the facts, value, and potential of each country within our region. Our Partners The Foreign Commercial Service (FCS) offices in each of the Nordic US embassies are the public-sector teammates of the Nordic AmChams. We work together closely to promote US-Nordic business. The FCS is a liaison between companies already doing business in the region and US exporters and regional importers. These skilled commercial specialists can help identify trade opportunities, find trading partners, and obtain market research. This region is also an excellent gateway to the growing Baltic economies of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as well as northwest Russia. The Nordics have a solid track record and great opportunities for US investment. You will find some details about those within the following pages.