Chapter News

THE AMBASSADORS REVIEW: EU 2017: WE WILL RISE TO THE OCCASION

EU 2017: WE WILL RISE TO THE OCCASION Nobody can deny that 2016 has been a difficult year for Europe. When I addressed the Council of American Ambassadors back in May, the focus of my speech was Europe’s response to the refugee crisis. Since then, many things have happened on the world scene, including a referendum on EU membership in the United Kingdom with the outcome we all know. This may sound like a gloomy time to ponder Europe’s future, particularly...

Read more

Member News

Envisioning a Clear Tomorrow

We’re heading into the holiday season – a time when people reflect on the past year and what they want to do better in the coming year. You also might hear some advice – welcome or otherwise – from family members as you gather together. If I can be so bold, the Vision Impact Institute (VII) has some advice to share, too – advice backed up by research. A recent report titled Making Eye Health a Population Health Imperative: Vision...

Read more

Chapter News

Autumn 2016 Economic Forecast: Modest growth in challenging times

Economic growth in Europe is expected to continue at a moderate pace, as recent labour market gains and rising private consumption are being counterbalanced by a number of hindrances to growth and the weakening of supportive factors. In its autumn forecast released today, the European Commission expects GDP growth in the euro area at 1.7% in 2016, 1.5% in 2017 and 1.7% in 2018 (Spring forecast: 2016: 1.6%, 2017: 1.8%). GDP growth in the EU as a whole should...

Read more

Member News

ESOP Sustainability and Stock Price: The Value of Being Proactive

Employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) provide companies, selling shareholders and employees numerous benefits. But before any of these stakeholders reap the numerous benefits of an ESOP, company management must commit significant time and resources to its formation and administration. From the onset, management must make the ESOP’s sustainability a priority, regardless of its ownership stake. This article discusses the importance of understanding the relationship between a company’s valuation and an ESOP’s sustainability. Specifically, companies should seriously consider employing certain...

Read more

Member News

Software as a Medical Device: FDA Releases Draft Guidance

Companies that develop software that functions as a medical device should be aware that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued draft guidance that, once finalized, will classify the endless variety of Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), and impose risk-based criteria for evaluating the safety and effectiveness of such software. The draft guidance, titled Software as a Medical Device (SaMD): Clinical Evaluation,” is an attempt to determine what type of clinical evaluation is appropriate for SaMD that...

Read more

Member News

M&A Market Update: The Road Ahead

In the business world, unfortunately, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield.”– Warren Buffett, Chairman and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. “Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window.” – Peter Drucker, management consultant, educator, and author As we examine the current state of the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market, I find myself reflecting upon two favorite quotes, which remind us that historical...

Read more

Member News

Forget Trump or Clinton—What Else is on the November 8 Ballot?

Next week, Americans will head to the polls to elect their 45th President. Across the nation, voters will also fill 469 congressional seats, including 435 in the House and 34 in the Senate. While these federal races tend to occupy much of the coverage and discussion as November 8 approaches, issues closer to home should not be overlooked. Voters in 12 states will select governors, and many ballots will feature proposed constitutional amendments or local initiatives. As the saying goes,...

Read more

Member News

WTCA Names New Director

NEW YORK, NY, USA -  World Trade Centers Association, Inc. (WTCA) has named Alexander Brown (Alex) as its new Director of Communications and Member Relations. With more than 15 years of experience positioning brands, organizations and thought leaders, Brown is charged with spearheading organizational strategy in both of these two important areas.   WTCA’s CEO, Scott Ferguson, said, “We are delighted to bring Alex on as our new Director to help us tell our global story, which in turn supports our...

Read more

Chapter News

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.5 Million to Strengthen Innovation and Economic Growth Initiatives

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced the winners of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) 2016 University Center Economic Development Program Competition. EDA is providing a total of $2,518,373 in grants to 24 colleges and universities in 16 states and Puerto Rico to run five-year programs that will leverage university assets to promote American innovation and strengthen regional economies. “EDA’s University Center program marshals the resources located within colleges and universities to support economic development strategies in regions...

Read more

Chapter News

Food price volatility: Agriculture MEPs call for new EU risk management tools

To help farmers to cope with volatile prices, the EU must develop new risk and crisis management tools and strengthen their bargaining position in the food supply chain, says a non-legislative resolution voted in the Agriculture Committee on Tuesday. The supply chain should be made more transparent and the EU budget more flexible, so that funds can be deployed faster to tackle crises, add MEPs. “I am really happy with the result of the vote. We are paving the way...

Read more