LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT | |
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Maya Mancuso
President, BABC
Northern California
US Business Relationships Manager
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Dear Members and Friends of the BABC,
Events are the heartbeat of the BABC Northern California and every networking community. They're where we meet new faces, form lasting connections, share ideas, and uncover exciting business prospects. With spring blooming around us and the second quarter kicking off, we're thrilled to continue our engaging lineup of events. We have a diverse lineup of events planned, blending business networking with social gatherings among our members and collaborative events with our esteemed partners.
On Sunday April 21st, join the Australian American Chamber of Commerce and the SF Aussies on-board the USS Hornet in Alameda for a service to commemorate ANZAC day followed by light refreshments.
A few days later on Tuesday, April 23rd the NeXtGen | Emerging Leaders Group, in partnership with Bia Mindset, will present Empower Now: Leading Self, a leadership series focused on developing essential skills for effective self-leadership and leading others. The first Session will delve into the art of navigating personal and leadership transitions with confidence as well as embracing personal growth. A few spots still remain, so be sure to register!
Upcoming, the Officers and Directors of The British Benevolent Society of California, Inc. cordially invite you to the Annual General Meeting and Reception at Werqwise SF on Thursday, April 25th. Official invitation can be found here.
On Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28, the producers of the Great Dickens Christmas Fair are proud to announce their latest Bay Area event, Ceili On the Lake, an Irish Dance & Music Festival, bringing a love of traditional Irish culture to beautiful Lagoon Park at the Marin County Fairgrounds.
May 1st sees the return of our European Networking Series at the offices of Patron Member Cooley in Palo Alto. We join forces with the French American Chamber of Commerce San Francisco and the German American Business Association to bring back this popular event, attended by members of approximately 10+ other European Chambers. The perfect networking opportunity!
Save the date for the 68th BABC Annual General Meeting 2024, Wednesday, May 29th, where we will look back on the last year for your BABC Northern and carry out the election of the BABC Board of Directors. Registration and Ballots will be available soon and members are asked to please take part in the election. More details to follow.
Heading toward summer, on Tuesday, June 4th, is Session 2 of the NeXtGen Emerging Leaders Group workshop series. Join BIA Mindset CEO and Co-Founder, Fiona Roberts, as she presents Adaptability: Thriving in Change – Mastering Learning Ability.
Finally, join us in the Werqwise SF Lounge on Thursday, June 27th for the 2nd of 3 BABC Happy Hour gatherings organized by the dynamic NeXtGen | Emerging Leaders Group Happy Hours in 2024. Registration is open!
As always, we would like to thank all our renewing members and welcome our new members as well. Details below. Please let our Executive Director, Jo Healey, know if you would like any introductions to them.
With gratitude,
Maya Mancuso
Bird & Bird
maya.mancuso@twobirds.com
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LETTER FROM THE BRITISH CONSUL GENERAL | |
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Tammy Sandhu MBE
HM British Consul- General
San Francisco
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Dear Members of the BABC,
Happy Easter, Holi, Vaisakhi, and New Year to all who celebrate! I hope this letter finds you all in good health and high spirits as we enter Spring.
As the British Consul General in San Francisco, I am privileged to witness the real-time impact of tech policy emerging from London every day. Every month brings a new historic moment – and this month was no exception.
As many of you will have seen, the US and UK signed recently signed an agreement on AI safety. This agreement will see our respective AI Safety Institutes work together on responsible AI development with industry, civil society, and academia. This development marks another massive step for global cooperation in the wake of the November 2023 AI Summit at Bletchley Park, which laid the groundwork for sensible industrial guardrails and innovation incentives.
AI is already transforming businesses from the inside out; as governments, educators, and policymakers, we all have a role in communicating these changes to the public. As we navigate this era of exponential growth as a tech ecosystem and as a global community, we must also carefully consider the impact of rapid expansion on human rights.
To close out Women's History Month, we examined that exact issue, hosting a panel exploring the roles and responsibilities of both government and industry in ensuring that AI's transformational potential benefits society. The panellists explored how governments can build trust around AI, the importance of positive and accessible use cases as storytelling vehicles to communicate the impact of AI on people's lives, and the role of play and hands-on experience to build intuitive understanding.
With an eye towards UK-US business and trade collaboration, we also closed out a fantastic Game Developer's Conference with a UK gaming delegation of over eighty companies. With specialties ranging from development to business services to video game art, the cohort of companies spent the week promoting cross-Atlantic connections, sharing expertise in emerging disciplines, and pushing the boundaries of the industry among their contemporaries.
Then, once more off to Anchorage – this time to accompany visiting FCDO Minister David Rutley to the Arctic Encounter Symposium, which brings global leaders together to explore shared solutions to problems facing the Arctic. Although the UK is not an Arctic state, we do have a very special relationship with Alaska and the Arctic, both as partners in the fight against global warming and as allies against rising geopolitical threats. It was my distinct privilege to travel there twice this year in my official capacity as Consul General.
While I’ve heartily enjoyed my travels, I’m also very much looking forward to staying in San Francisco for a span of a few weeks. Next month brings a wide-ranging and varied programme of activities ranging in focus from tech and politics, and I couldn’t be more excited to engage!
Keep up to date on all our activities and opportunities for involvement via our LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter. In the meantime, thank you for being an essential part of our community.
All the best,
Tammy Sandhu MBE
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NEXT TUESDAY!
NeXtGen Leadership Workshop Series:
Empower Now, Leading Self
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DON'T DELAY! REGISTER TODAY
BABC and Bia Mindset are thrilled to announce Empower Now: Leading Self, a leadership series focused on developing essential skills for effective self-leadership and leading others. Gain valuable insights, practical tools, and enhance self-awareness to navigate the challenges of the modern workplace with confidence. Start your journey towards personal and professional growth.
Session 1: Identity: Navigating Transitions - Embracing Personal Growth
Join us for a dynamic 90-minute session where we delve into the art of navigating personal and leadership transitions with confidence as well as embracing personal growth. In this immersive experience, we'll explore the psychological and emotional aspects of change, empowering you with practical strategies to thrive amidst these transitions.
Through interactive discussions and reflective exercises, you'll gain a deeper understanding of where you currently are and what you may need to let go of or start doing to successfully make your desired shift. Learn to embrace change as an opportunity for growth, cultivate self-awareness to navigate transitions with clarity, and build resilience to overcome challenges along the way.
Join our community as we embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Let's navigate transitions together and unlock your full potential for growth and fulfillment!
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DATE:
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024
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2024 Spring European Networking Evening | |
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The British American Business Council Northern California, French American Chamber of Commerce San Francisco and German American Business Association in cooperation with many European Chambers of Commerce invite you to join us for another wonderful European Networking Evening, hosted by Premium Member, Cooley.
Come and mingle with entrepreneurs and a range of professionals involved in cross-border business in a relaxed and European atmosphere! Complimentary appetizers, beer, wine and soft drinks will be served.
This event attracts many international business professionals from different European countries. Members of the partnering organizations and their guests have priority access to tickets for this event which is attended by over 100 guests. The perfect networking opportunity!
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DATE:
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2024
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Ace Relocation Launches CrewPro by Move4U | | |
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Ace Relocation Systems, Inc., a leader in the relocation services industry, is excited to announce the successful launch of CrewPro by Move4U in their operations. This groundbreaking solution revolutionizes the moving process for customers and professionals alike by centralizing move-related paperwork into a single, user-friendly interface...
To read more, click HERE.
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Werqwise Launches Podcast Room | | |
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Check out the newly designed Werqwise SF audio studio! Whether you need to record audio for an ad, or are getting your own podcast off the ground, the new studio has two RODE PodMics, Audio Technica headphones, and a Scarlett 2i2 audio interface to help you achieve your creative dreams!
Includes:
• Two RODE PodMics
• Two Audio Tecnica headphones
• Large TV
• Focusrite Scarlett 22 audio interface
• Acoustic wall treatment
• LED lighting (coming soon)
Interested in booking a room? Click HERE.
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Preferred Bank Named One of America's Best Banks 2024 by Forbes | | |
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Congratulations to Preferred Bank for being named #11 on Forbes' Best Banks in America 2024!
Read the Forbes article HERE.
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Venable:
Lie-Detecting AI May Expose Employers to Liability
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As employers across the country continue utilizing AI technology to streamline and automate the recruiting and hiring process, creative plaintiffs' attorneys are seeking to apply time-worn lie detector laws to new video-interview technology.
Read the full article HERE.
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Grant Thornton Report:
CFOs Ramp up Sales as Optimism Rises
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Finance leaders are preparing to take advantage of plentiful opportunities, as 34% of respondents to Grant Thornton's CFO survey for the first quarter of 2024 are "very optimistic" about the U.S. economy.
Download the full report HERE.
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Bird & Bird's ESG Navigator: Simplifying the ESG Regulatory Landscape | | |
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Are you compliant with the upcoming regulatory requirements in ESG? How can you change the way you do things to become a good global citizen? How can you create innovative sources of stakeholder value as part of the shift to a more sustainable future? These are all questions companies are having to ask themselves as pressure to be more sustainable comes from both internal and external stakeholders.
Bird & Bird's ESG Navigator tool helps you address that first and often most important question on regulatory compliance
Access ESG Navigator tool HERE.
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CLA's CEO Joins WSJ CEO Council | | |
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Congratulations to CLA’s CEO Jen Leary for recently becoming a member of The Wall Street Journal CEO Council. As part of the council, Jen will connect with some of the most significant business professionals on the planet, individuals who, like her, are collectively shaping the economy of tomorrow.
Being part of this exclusive group enables leaders to come together to learn, expand their networks, and influence business, helping drive CLA’s future development.
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Atlas Foundation Joins BABC Northern California Ahead of USA Rugby World Cups 2031 and 2033 | | |
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The Atlas Foundation Americas is delighted to join and support the British American Business Council Northern California.
The Atlas Foundation Americas is the US-based affiliate of Atlas Foundation, a global charity founded by Jason Leonard OBE in 2015. Jason, a former England and British & Irish Lions Rugby Player and later Chairman of the British & Irish Lions, is passionate about helping deprived children find a better future through the community of Rugby.
So why Rugby, and why is Atlas reaching out in the US?
Learn more HERE.
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It’s Almost Here!
The 2024 Startup Grind Global Conference in Silicon Valley
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The 2024 Startup Grind Global Conference, presented by our new BABC Community Partner Member, Startup Grind, is an annual gathering of startups who are building the next big thing, investors looking to do their next deal, and teams who are bridging the gap between large organizations and the next generation of innovation.
150 companies from 30+ countries including all industry verticals (eg. AI, SaaS, Fintech, Life Sciences and more) will be exhibiting and pitching. This year's conference will be held at the Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City, California, 94063.
Special offer for the BABC Community: If you’re interested in invites to private side events, VC dinners and more throughout the two-day conference” Use code "BABC" when you check out to gain access.
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DATE:
TUESDAY, APRIL 23 & WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2024
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BBS Annual General Meeting (AGM) | |
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The Officers and Directors of The British Benevolent Society of California, Inc. cordially invite you to the Annual General Meeting and Reception at Werqwise SF on Thursday, April 25th. The AGM will occur at 5:30 PM, with doors opening at 5:00 PM, preceding the Reception at 6:30 PM. There is no charge to attend the AGM only. All Members are encouraged to attend both the AGM and the Reception.
Reception will include drinks and light refreshments for a donation of $40.00 for members and $50.00 for non-members. All guests are welcome to donate at the member price if they join the BBS on or before April 15th.
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DATE:
THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024
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Ceili on the Lake, From the Creators of the Great Dickens Christmas Fair | |
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The producers of the Great Dickens Christmas Fair are proud to announce their latest Bay Area event, Ceili On the Lake, an Irish Dance & Music Festival, on Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28, bringing a love of traditional Irish culture to beautiful Lagoon Park at the Marin County Fairgrounds.
Ceili On the Lake will have something for everyone. Popular Bay Area musicians from the traditional and modern Irish music scenes will be performing, along with readings of Irish poetry and storytelling. Guests will be invited to learn Irish dance, along with a Maypole dance all may join in twice daily. Sheepdog demonstrations will be presented by the Redwood Empire Sheep Dog Association. Local crafters, artists, and traditional foods from the British Isles will be presented, while an outdoor Irish pub will pour draft Guinness and Harp.
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DATE:
SATURDAY, APRIL 27 & SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024
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BritishAmerican Business (BAB) New Trade & Investment Guide to the UK for US Companies
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BritishAmerican Business (BAB) has produced the 2024 edition of Finding Your Way, the most comprehensive guidebook for US companies seeking to expand their business into the UK.
The Trade & Investment Guide is a crucial resource for US companies looking to explore the exciting opportunities the UK has to offer. It provides practical advice on all the issues that companies must consider when expanding, from logistics and legal services to finance and immigration.
Download the guide HERE.
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BABC Opens San Diego Chapter | | |
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The British American Business Network is growing! We are delighted to announce that the BABC now has a chapter in San Diego. If you’re company has operations in the region, or plan to set up there, get in touch. | |
Join the Consulates-General of Australia and New Zealand, along with the SF Aussies and SF Kiwis for a commemorative ANZAC Day service. ANZAC Day is observed annually, and is observed by the people of Australia and New Zealand in remembering the first time the two young nations fought together in a major overseas war. | |
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DATE:
SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2024
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS | |
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY PARTNER MEMBERS
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Chris Richardson has helped numerous clients around the world adopt the microservices architecture. As well as helping clients with the technical aspects of the microservice architecture, Chris also helps them avoid other pitfalls of adopting microservices including those related to process, organization and adoption strategy. Chris is a software architect and serial entrepreneur and the founder of the original CloudFoundry.com, an early Java PaaS for Amazon EC2. | |
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We are the world’s largest startup community. Startup Grind was founded in 2010 when our founder, Derek Andersen got some friends and fellow entrepreneurs together to crack the same problem they were all facing: the growing challenges of launching a company. What became clear was these obstacles were extensive and stretched far beyond their group. Their gatherings soon spurred a local startup movement that attracted founders and experts from every industry, all coming together to share their advice and inspirations for early entrepreneurs. Eventually, vibrant Startup Grind communities (“chapters”) began developing in Los Angeles, Tel Aviv, London, New York, Beijing, and many more.
Our community proves that entrepreneurs are in fact, stronger together. We aim to give startups everywhere the education and opportunities they need to build, grow, and scale their companies.
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YOUNG PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS | |
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David Mansi
Aundria Mirabrishami
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WITH THANKS TO OUR RENEWING MEMBERS | |
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Cooley Powers Innovation:
Cooley is widely recognized as one of the premier firms counseling public and private technology and life sciences companies and their investors. High-growth companies choose Cooley. From upstarts armed with little more than a disruptive business model to well-established multi-billion dollar public companies, we guide clients through uncharted waters and the most complex and unique legal and business issues. Our clients include some of the most established names in technology today, including Facebook, Google, Snap, SpaceX, Tesla, Uber and Zoom, to the leading technology names of tomorrow.
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Bird & Bird is an international law firm with a focus on helping organizations being changed by technology and the digital world. With over 1400 lawyers in 30 offices across Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Africa and North America, we’re ready to help you wherever you are in the world.
Our San Francisco representative office provides US businesses with a full suite of legal services and advice related to matters in Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, including international expansion and investments outside the US, intellectual property, disputes, data privacy, venture capital transactions, cross-border M&A, HR issues, complex restructuring and transformational projects and coordinated multi-jurisdictional services.
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BUSINESS & COMMUNITY PARTNER MEMBERS | |
Andersen is the founding member of Andersen Global, an international association of legally separate, independent member firms with more than 13,000 professionals worldwide, over 1,800 global partners, and a presence in over 390 locations in more than 170 countries worldwide. In the U.S., Andersen has more than 1,700 personnel located in 21 cities across the country. Andersen encompasses top advisors with previous experience in the international accounting firms, law firms, IRS, and state taxing authorities. Many of our advisors hold multiple professional credentials and have depth in a wide range of capabilities allowing us to provide clients with comprehensive, integrated solutions. | |
The success of Penfolds has been driven by the generations of visionaries and innovators. From the beginning in 1844 to today, the merging of science, art and innovation has driven Penfolds to become one of Australia’s most famed and respected winemakers. | |
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Matthew Lambrinos
Withbert Payne
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WITH THANKS TO OUR SUSTAINING
PATRON & PREMIER MEMBERS
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MEMBER-TO-MEMBER OFFERS
Enjoy the perks of being a Member
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One of the benefits of membership in the BABC Northern California is the opportunity to access Member-to-Member-Only special offers and hot deals.
To learn how to access codes and instructions, log in to your BABC Account and click on the Member-to-Member Deals button.
To take advantage of these Member-to-Member offers, join the BABC today to obtain the discount code. Click here to learn more about membership.
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SAVE WITH CURRENCIES DIRECT!
Currencies Direct offers BABC members discounts when using their platform for currency transfers. In addition to no fee when opening an account, you will receive preferential rates on transaction fees. Discounts are tied to amounts transferred. To secure your special rate, following the link below to set up an account. For questions, please contact Amanda Dunn at Amanda.dunn@currenciesdirect.com.
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Log in to your Member account to obtain the discount code for:
A 30-minute free consultation and to take advantage of this special offer
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Log in to your Member account to obtain the discount code for:
A complimentary 60-Minute Initial Consultation with BIA Mindset Founder, Fiona Roberts
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BABC Members get one month membership on Spot+ and Office+ (w/ 6+ mo contract) | | | |
British American Business Council | (415) 296-8645 | info@babcsf.org | www.babcsf.org | |
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