Dear AICC Friends,

2009 is challenging economic environment for the AICC and all of us whether we're in the U.S. or Israel. Those who see the glass half empty might say that the economic challenges we're facing today are the result of a little too much creativity perpetrated on our global markets. Those who see the glass half full might say that with our economic challenges, this is best time ever to creatively approach business and build a better foundation this time. In either event, the AICC serves as forum for the discussion and that we need one another more than ever to gain the full perspective.

Accordingly, I've asked Michael Schmitt to assist our members in setting up a location in our monthly Newsletter where your company may post employment opportunities. If your company has a website with a section for "careers," please let us know and we'll add a hyperlink job seekers can use to find opportunities there. If you don't keep new employment opportunities online but opportunities exist, let Michael know and we'll post them with the contact information you provide. Of course, if your business is putting out a RFP, we'd be happy to post them, as well to provide our members with new business opportunities.

To facilitate our networking, you will soon receive an invitation from me to join the AICC's networking group on LinkedIn. Please respond positively to this request. From it, each member will be able to access another.

Best wishes to all for happy, healthy Passover and Easter season,

Debra

• Network: With members of the Instituto Cervantes Chicago, the AJC, and the Alliance of Latinos and Jews.

• When? Thursday May 7th at 6.30 p.m.

•  Where? Instituto Cervantes Auditorium - 31 West Ohio Street - Chicago, IL

• Panelists: Rabbi Michael Azose, and others

Click here for Nasdaq Israel index

Interview With Finance Ministry Director General Yaron Ariav

Bank of Israel  

1. Israel's 4th Quarter Economic Performance

2. Overview of Proposed Economic Stimulus Plan

Digital Healthcare - Israeli Technologies Transforming the Management of Healthcare Information Systems- Friday, April 3, 2009. Israel is known throughout the world as a center for innovation and discovery, particularly in the information technology and health sciences sectors. Healthcare I.T. is where Israel's technological leadership converges.  

1. Presentations from cutting edge Israel-based healthcare I.T. companies.

2. Panel discussion on the role of I.T. innovation with Illinois experts from both policy and solutions perspectives.

3. Pre-arranged business partnering meetings with some of the innovative Israeli solutions providers in the industry.

4. Learn about the latest cost cutting ideas to position your organization for the rapid changes in healthcare.

Business Opportunities In Israel: 

March 2009 Business Opportunities in Israel: Aerospace; Agriculture & Environment; Health & Beauty; Jewelry/Judaica;  Marketing/Web/Public Relations; Mining; Paper; Professional Services; Steel Buildings

February 2009 Business Opportunities in Israel: Cosmetics; Health & Beauty; Home & Fashion; Jewelry/Judaica; Marketing/Web/Public Relations; Security Technology; Professional Services

January 2009 Business Opportunities in Israel: Agriculture; Automotive; Energy; Information Technology; Professional Services

Forgot Your Password? - Click here  

New Buy Israel Goods Website Launched! - It's New!  It's Fresh!

1. Promote your business on the site from coast-to-coast!

2. Are you a retailer?  Do you provide consumer services?  Join AICC as a member and explore how the AICC can help promote your sales and services.  We are never too busy to meet with you to learn more about your business!  Click here to schedule your member interview.

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 April 15, 2009.  Contest prize sponsored by Howard I. Bernstein

Wine Tasting:  Kosher Wine for Passover - AICC to join forces with Hungarian Kosher Foods and KosherWine.com for an exciting in-store program! - Sunday, March 29, 2009.  12 Noon - 4 pm at Hungarian Kosher Foods.  4020 Oakton St., Lincolnwood, IL. Israel-based wineries to be featured include:

Barkan        Castel
Ella Valley   Galil Mountain
Recanati     Yarden

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.

Join us in welcoming the following new members:

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.

Wine for Passover, Featuring Israeli Wine and Authorities on Israeli Wine - Sunday, March 29, 2009 at 12:00 Noon - 4:00 pm.  In cooperation with Hungarian Kosher Foods, KosherWine.com and Fine Wines of Israel LLC.

Digital Healthcare - Israeli Technologies Transforming the Management of Healthcare Information Systems - Friday, April 3, 2009. A program of America-Israel Chamber of Commerce Chicago, Government of Israel Economic Mission, in cooperation with the BIRD Foundation and University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC).  Sponsored by McGuire Woods, Forest City Science + Technology Group, and UIC

Illinois and Israel: Inbound Foreign Direct Investment and Cooperation Builds Illinois Business - Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.  Featuring:

(1) "The Role of Israeli Capital Investment and State-of-the-Art Know-How in Ensuring Illinois' Manufacturing Future"- Tour and Discussion withy Dov Avraham, CFO, Ingersoll Cutting Tools. (2) "Israeli High-Tech Builds New Frontiers in Chicago's Western Suburbs"  - Tour and discussion with Elmo-Tech's Gideon Jagerman. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. In cooperation with America-Israel Economic Forum, Government of Israel Economic Mission and Chicago-International Trade Commissioners' Association.  Reserve your place now!

Membership Connection - Thursday, April 30 at 5:30 pm (Downtown) (Base Bar at the Hard Rock Hotel - 230 N. Michigan Ave.) - MAKE CONNECTIONS with fellow business leaders. No speeches. No solicitations. No program - Just business networking. Bring a prospective member.

Environmental Symposium - Monday May 4 at 7:30 pm (North Suburban) and Tuesday, May 5 at 11:45 am (Downtown).  A program of American Associates Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Co-Sponsored by the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce Chicago, Bank Leumi USA, Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest, Government of Israel Economic Mission, Jewish Community Relationsl Council, and  Petach Tikva Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International.

N E W !  Symposium - "Luis de Santángel - America's First Financier: Jews and Conversos in the discovery of America" - Thursday May 7th at 6.30 p.m.  A program of the Instituto Cervantes Chicago, in cooperation with AICC, the AJC, and the Alliance of Latinos and Jews. Click Here to Download PDF Invitation.  RSVP Now!

Mission to ILSI-BioMed Israel and the International Stem Cell Conference- June 14, 2009 through June 18, 2009 (Tel Aviv, Israel)

Membership Connection - Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 5:30 pm (Downtown) (Base Bar at the Hard Rock Hotel - 230 N. Michigan Ave.) - MAKE CONNECTIONS with fellow business leaders. No speeches. No solicitations. No program - Just business networking. Bring a prospective member.

Membership Connection - Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 5:30 pm (Downtown) (Base Bar at the Hard Rock Hotel - 230 N. Michigan Ave.) - MAKE CONNECTIONS with fellow business leaders. No speeches. No solicitations. No program - Just business networking. Bring a prospective member.

Delegation to the 2009 Israel Prime Minister's Conference - November 15 through November 19, 2009 (tentative)