I want to take this opportunity to focus on the bilateral nature of the U.S. - Israel business relationship and how our Chamber works to connect our members with first-hand access to global business - here at home and in Israel.

1:  U.S. to Israel Business Mission to ILSI-BioMed Israel and the International Stem Cell Conference - June 14 - 18, 2009 - Whether you are a leader in the life science business sector, or professional services, or capital investment, this mission is a must. It is a true showcase for representatives of business, government, universities and professional service providers from Illinois, Michigan, Missouri and Texas, to promote their services, network, and access new technologies.  The group will attend the 2009 BioMed conference (typically attracts 3,000 - 4,000 life sciences attendees from around the world) as well as targeted visits to companies and academic institutions. Contact me via email - m.schmitt@americaisrael.org- or by phone at 847-597-7069 for mission details and to take advantage of special discounted registration for the ILSI-BioMed Conference. 2:  Israel to U.S. Business Israeli capital investment in Illinois was showcased on April 23 by our first "reverse" mission that brought AICC members together with 25 trade commissioners representing nations in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East  for discussions with top executives and facility tours of two Illinois business with strong ties to Israel that build Illinois business. Our first stop was Rockford's Ingersoll Cutting Tools.  Ingersoll like other old-line Illinois manufacturing companies, had fallen on hard times. It  was subsequently purchased and rebuilt up to and beyond state-of-the art standards by Israel's Iscar (which more recently was purchased by Berkshire Hathaway). After lunch, the group traveled to Chicago's Western Suburbs, for a hands-on look at state-of-the-art electronic surveillance equipment manufactured by Israel's Elmo Tech. There, in an unassuming building in a generic business park, Elmo Tech's call center monitors parolees and felons on home confinement or electronic surveillance across the U.S. and around the world.

AICC Employment and Business Opportunity Network CAREERS Executive:   Chronos Consulting Biotech iBIO® (Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization) Academia University of Illinois Careers and Employment Members Helping Members How AICC members can help each other Send us your employment opportunities   AICC IS ON LINKEDIN! To ask to be a contact, you will need to have a LinkedIn account. After signing in, click on the groups link and search America-Israel Chamber of Commerce Chicago.    Israel Business Opportunities (Member password required) April 2009:  Food Beverage & Consumables; Industrial Products; Marketing/Web/Public Relations; Professional Services; Travel & Leisure; Security; Water March 2009: Aerospace; Agriculture & Environment; Health & Beauty; Jewelry/Judaica;  Marketing/Web/Public Relations; Mining; Paper; Professional Services; Steel Buildings February 2009: Cosmetics; Health & Beauty; Home & Fashion; Jewelry/Judaica; Marketing/Web/Public Relations; Security Technology; Professional Services January 2009: Agriculture; Automotive; Energy; Information Technology; Professional Services Forgot Your Password? - Click here

Though the facilities and technologies are remarkable, the best parts of these Israel to U.S. business success stories  are the jobs that have been generated here in Illinois and the leading roles these enterprises play globally.

This program was made possible by the support of and cooperation with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Trade and Investment, the Israel-Midwest  Economic Mission, Ingersoll Cutting Tools' Chuck Elder (President) and Dov Avraham (CFO), and Elmo Tech's Gideon Jagerman (General Manager). 

3.  How can AICC help you connect? Click here to schedule your member interview.  We are never too busy to meet with you to learn more about your Israel interests and business needs!

I look forward to seeing you at upcoming programs!

Click here for Nasdaq Israel index

Israel's Economic Rescue Plan:  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz presented the 'Containment and Momentum' economic plan for 2009 and 2010 in a press conference.  Click here for details.

Slowing Global Economy Impacts Israeli IPOS:  For the first time since 2003, no IPOs were made by Israeli high-tech companies last year. The Israel Venture Capital (IVC) Research Center recently reported this information along with the news that the value of M&A activity of Israeli high-tech companies dropped in 2008 to $2.64 billion.  Click here for additional information.

Contest Deadline Extended to June 15, 2009!  Contest Seeks New Logo For Buy Israel Goods Website.  Contest Prize is $100 Cash Plus Over $100 Worth of Fine Israeli Wines - Shipped Direct to Your Door! www.buyisraelgoods.org(BIG) needs a new logo that is more reflective of its mission and extensive coverage, and the importance of supporting Israel's economy and Israel's producers of fine consumer products. Contest entrants should submit their design entries in electronic format, such as jpeg, in any size, and should provide their name, affiliation, and contact information.

Entries should be sent to buyisraelgoodsblog@comcast.net, and must be received by June 15, 2009.  (Wine delivered only to an adult 21 years of age or older.  Void where prohibited by law.)

Contest prize sponsored by Howard I. Bernstein.

Create a Buy Israel Goods Website in Your Market Area - If you would like to create and maintain a buyisraelgoods website in a market area other than those listed, please contact us. We will supply the site template, complete instructions and guidance for securing and inputting the necessary data on brands, products, stores and related websites. Experience is not required, but dedication is.

BIG BLOG - Visit the BuyIsraelGoods BLOG every day for news and information about Israeli products and information. In any market area home (first) page, just click on BLOG. Individuals and companies may submit their postings to blog@buyisraelgoods.org.

Send Us Your Employment Opportunities.  We will post them here!  Many people in our community are now looking for employment or may have a need to do so soon. It is vital that we think of ways in which we can be of assistance to our fellow AICC members.
Please open your doors, phones and e-mail boxes to inquiries from fellow AICC members who contact you to inquire about bidding on work or employment opportunities, or just to ask if you know someone and can make an introduction. Not only should this be a routine courtesy offered to a fellow member, in this economy it is an important mitzvah. Let’s help one another.

Renew Your Membership Today!  As we help our members during this economic downturn, we need your membership dues to maintain our programs and build our ability to facilitate opportunities for you. If you have not yet renewed your membership and you have been billed, don't wait for the next invoice or for us to call, send in your payment today! If you joined late in the previous year, consider renewing early.  Your consideration would be very much appreciated.

Not a current member? Click here and enroll today.

Click here to schedule your member interview.  We are never too busy to meet with you to learn more about your Israel interests and business needs!  

Request for Member Biographies - Tell us who you are so we can tell your fellow members in an upcoming member profile announcement!  We are fortunate that a new group of young and established business and professional people are looking to AICC as an outlet to explore their interest in Israel-related business issues as well as a network to grow their professional and mentor networks. With this in mind... Click here for complete story.

Sponsor a Member! - Do you know someone who could benefit from AICC membership?  Sponsor their first year's dues at the individual rate, or if applicable the under 35 rate.  We will include the new member's name and sponsor in upcoming newsletters on the New Members link.  Click to request a member sponsor form.