The first half of 2015 has been both a productive and exciting time for the BABC in Orange County.  It has been a period of contemplating change that will springboard the association back to its vibrant roots. A greater focus is being placed on business network interaction and providing greater value for both corporate and personal memberships. An emphasis will also be placed on enhancing education, greater community reach and ensuring the specific goals of our members are being accommodated. This is what our membership has requested. In the coming weeks, please visit our website and you will find a totally new and engaging source for all types of information. Additionally, the next coming months will see the formation of an energetic young professionals group and a new wave of stimulating business speakers.  

I want to extend our gratitude to our members and friends who attended events this year like the Queen's Birthday Celebration on-board the Queen Mary.  Not only did the event celebrate the Queen and the arrival of Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, but it also benefited the BABC Scholarship Foundation. As a result, we have sent two deserving Orange County youth to attend a life-changing summer studies program in England where they will experience first-hand the history and culture of the UK.

The mission of the BABC is to help our members broaden business efforts and strengthen relationships, both personally and professionally.  Because of the support of our strong ecosystem, we are in a unique position to grow this organization along with yours.  The businesses that take part in the 23 Chapters of the BABC are among the best in the world and range from Fortune 500 companies to professional services and individual entrepreneurs. I encourage you to leverage your membership with the BABC, nurture these relationships and attend the terrific social networking events that will take place throughout the upcoming months, including the Business After Hours in Laguna Beach in June and the International Mixer in July. Be sure to mark your calendars for September 15th as we will again host the Consul General's BABAs (British American Business Awards) at the Hotel Irvine. 

We wish you continued success throughout the remainder of 2015 and we know that the BABC community will continue to strengthen, grow and profit. It is an organization that keeps UK-US relations at the forefront and is built on friendship and partnering.

Joey Benadretti

President- BABC OC

President- SYSPRO USA

Click here to learn more and enroll in Business Extra. 

BritWeek Co-Founder, Nigel Lythgoe awarded an OBE!   Read more...

Note: BritWeek was founded in 2007 and celebrates Innovation and Creativity between Britain and California.  It is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to being a strong cultural and organization presence celebrating the creative fusion between California and the UK. 

The BABC OC has been an integral part of BritWeek since its inception on the west coast. 

ITV's hit period drama Downton Abbey will be honoured by Bafta with a special tribute night, attended by the cast and crew.

The show, which ends this year after six series, has been a worldwide hit and regularly achieves audiences in excess of 10 million in the US and the UK. However, until now the show has never won a major Bafta award.

Downton's executive producer Gareth Neame said: "I speak for the entire cast and crew when I say how honoured we are that the Academy will recognise the show with this special award.

"Not only is Downton a much-loved show in Britain, it has had huge success in both the U.S. and right around the world, waving the flag for Britain and our creative content and that's why the Bafta recognition means so much to us all."

A tribute that will take viewers backstage with the cast and crew to reveal what's made it both a national treasure and a global phenomenon takes place on 11 August, and will be broadcast on ITV later this year. The costume drama, written by Oscar-winner Julian Fellowes, follows the trials and tribulations of the Crawley family - and their staff - after the sinking of the Titanic leaves their estate without an heir.

It has won 11 Primetime Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe awards in the U.S.