American Chamber of Commerce

Forums

ABOUT AMCHAM FORUMS

The New Economy requires that we modify the way we do business; those who prosper will be those who recognise the importance of networks and the power of networking. Integrated into the networking opportunity that AmCham provides is knowledge sharing and gathering. This takes place at the various AmCham Forums which adds immense value to AmCham members.

BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT (BEE) FORUM

Chairman: Mr Thabo Makama, Accenture

Objectives:
1    To provide current, timely and relevant information
2    To provide a forum to keep abreast of developments and to
      communicate best practices to members
3    The forum will interface on behalf of members with the
      SA government and other stakeholders

The forum keeps abreast of new developments on the BEE front by inviting expert speakers to address members on a monthly basis. In addition, member companies are provided with opportunities to present on initiatives which address transformation in education and which foster local innovation and job opportunities.

GOOD CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP

Chairman: Mr Parthy Chetty, Intel Corporation

King III concentrates on the sustainability of business. Are the choices and decisions made good or bad; can organisations live with the decisions made; to whom and in what manner do these decisions get reported on. Part of sustainability reporting is the impact of business on society. It covers what is referred to as social capital provided by society, communities and government.

Amcham is positioning CSI within sustainability reporting and the scope of the Amcham CSI Forum has been expanded. Along with the new mandate is a new name: the Good Corporate Citizen Forum or GCC.

Expert speakers will present at the monthly Forums to help broaden knowledge and assist with setting measurement standards and how to track these. Companies are encouraged to make use of this opportunity to assist with complying with sustainability reporting.

HEALTH HIV AIDS FORUM

Chairman: Dr Murray Coombs, Dow Southern Africa

Objectives:

To establish productive dialogue between the South African government and US business to facilitate growth of US business in SA and thereby the South African economy
To assist AmCham members by collectively addressing challenging business issues
To promote an awareness of the issues facing US investors in South Africa and to communicate their viewpoints to the US and South African Governments
To organise networking forums and workshops that assist members and US business in general
To provide relevant and timely information on new legislation that could impact the business operations of members
To arrange economic and political briefings to provide members with an understanding of local socio-economic needs
To provide advocacy on a range of issues that confront members

The HIV/AIDS and Health forum is briefed by experts on workplace programmes and the lessons that are learnt from such programmes. It is a key principle in the field of HIV/AIDS that lessons learnt are shared so that the same mistake is not repeated. Attention is paid to the prevention, treatment and care of TB and HIV/AIDS. Partnerships are vital to ensure that HIV/AIDS is addressed holistically and the forum is kept abreast on the principles of successful partnerships and how to manage donor funding.

General health issues are discussed and models are shared on how to encourage employees to facilitate healthier lifestyle changes to promote productivity and avoid burn out.

Information and knowledge sharing is a key objective of the forum as mistakes are costly and de-motivating.

ICT FORUM

Chairman: Mr Hamlet Morule, IBM South Africa

Objectives:

To establish productive dialogue between the South African government and US business to facilitate growth of US business in SA and thereby the South African economy
To assist AmCham members by collectively addressing challenging business issues
To promote an awareness of the issues facing US investors in South Africa and to communicate their viewpoints to the US and South African Governments
To organise networking forums and workshops that assist members and US business in general
To provide relevant and timely information on new legislation that could impact the business operations of members
To arrange economic and political briefings to provide members with an understanding of local socio-economic needs
To provide advocacy on a range of issues that confront members

IP ENFORCEMENT FORUM

Chairman: Mr Selvan Naidoo, Procter & Gamble

The IP Enforcement Forum will address intellectual property rights, parallel imports, ambush marketing, and issues peripheral to these. The forum will be driven by the requests and needs of member companies and members are invited to identify issues that should be addressed.

The Amcham/Colgate Counterfeit Training of port officials is well supported. Member companies are invited to contact Amcham should they wish to train port officials on how to identify their products.

Networking, knowledge-sharing and information gathering are key objectives of the Forum.

OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL (OSAC) FORUM

Chairman: Mr Jeff Dee, US Consulate

Objectives:
1    To provide current and relevant information and guidelines
2    To provide a forum to share information on crime & security
      issues
3    To provide a networking platform
4    To provide OSAC Washington with information

The forum enjoys topical presentations on current security issues were ideas and new procedures are aired.

OSAC is a key platform for brushing shoulders with the 'whose who' of the Security industry in South Africa.

SMALL BUSINESS FORUM

Chairman: Mr Ted Manly, TMG Solutions

Objectives will be determined at the next meeting to be held in August

TRADE & BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT FORUM

Chairman: Mr Ian Hirschfeld, Coca-Cola Southern Africa

Objectives:
1    Keeping abreast of trade relations/developments which could
      impact members
2    Dialogue with DTI and other Government organisations
3    Monitor enforcement and compliance initiatives of
      government impacting US business
4    Monitor and communicate Regulatory and Legislative
      Developments which impact members

The forum meets on a monthly basis and enjoys representation from SARS, DTI and Customs at the meetings.

Topics that are addressed include energy, the electricity crisis, Research and Development incentives and Taxation Laws.

The forum kept an active watch on trade blockages and hurdles with the intention of elevating this to Government level. In addition proposed new legislation is monitored and submissions made to Government.

The forum fulfills a vital role in monitoring trade issues and will continue to provide expert speakers on topical subjects.