FACC at Palm Beach Strategic Forum 2013

The third edition of the Palm Beach Strategic Forum was held on 8^th and 9^th April at Convention Center, West Palm Beach. A two-day event that brought together leading policy makers, business executives, entrepreneurs, government officials, and civic leaders to discuss strategies to accelerate growth in the economy and develop business opportunities. Participants from across Florida, the United States and the international community gathered to share their views about critical financial, economic, energy and global trade issues.

Finnish American Chamber of Commerce, Florida attended the forum together with Consul General, Ambassador Jukka Pietikainen from New York,. During the two days we were privileged to listen honorable speakers such as Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs, Canada, E. Gerald Corrigan, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Chairman, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Former President and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of New York and a delightful conversation between Governors Rick Perry, Texas and Rick Scott, Florida. The Chamber representatives, together with Jukka Pietikainen had also a possibility to meet privately with Prime Minster of Namibia, Hage Geingob and Governor Rick Scott. You may see a full list of distinguished speakers here.

Following the Forum, Finnish American Chamber of Commerce organized a reception in honor of Consul General, Jukka Pietikainen.  The event was focused on finding collaborative partners between Finland and Florida with special emphases in Life Science. We had a pleasure of hosting Dr. Matthias Haury, the new COO of Max Plank Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Dr. Bernadette Russell, Provost from Palm Beach State Collage, Michael Gregson, President and Founder of Life Science Technology HUB, Melody I,. Sanger, CEO of Drug Study Institute and many other FACC members and friends.

The event was sponsored by Optimus Consulting Group Inc, providing soft landing services to Finnish Companies in the United States and Polatsek, Counsellors-at-Law, providing Immigration and Naturalization services.