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THE PATRIOT
Newsletter of the
British American Business Council
Orange County Chapter
In This Issue
UKTI
President's Message
Welcome New Members
Members In The News
Events!
BABC Conference in NY
BritWeek
President's Executive Action On Immigration
British Business Groups
The BritSpeak What?
Quick Links
Don't Miss Out
SPONSOR MEMBERS
PARTNERS
Issue: Winter/Spring 2015
February  2015


Welcome to the first digital issue of THE PATRIOT in 2015. We hope you will enjoy receiving our  digital newsletter and will find the content informative, engaging and entertaining.

In this issue you will find all your PATRIOT favorites; welcome new members, calendar of events and photos as well as pertinent articles and links to relevant content to help keep you informed and successful.

It is the goal of THE PATRIOT to be of value to our established corporate members, new business start-ups, entrepreneurs, Millennials, Babyboomers - including members in a second career, or those contemplating handing over the reins to a successor.

If you'd like to contribute an article, or share some feedback - I'd love to hear from you. See you at the next BABC OC event!

Deb Shrider
Editor, The Patriot
Deb Shrider,
Editor of THE PATRIOT,
Principal of 'Put It In Writing' &
BABC OC Board Member
debshrider@yahoo.com  
714 990-6619 
International News
abstract-comp-mouse-sm.jpg
News & Views from around the globe

#UKUSTrade 

The latest tweets on UK/US Trade - read what others are saying and join in the conversation.

 

A few words from the President
Joey Benedretti
President BABC OC  2015-2016.

Dear BABC Members and Friends,

 

As we move along into 2015, I am honored and privileged to serve as President of the Orange County Chapter of the BABC. I'd like to extend my gratitude to our prior President, Shaun Robinson, who led the organization for more than two years. I also want to thank the board, which has been extended and now includes six prior presidents and companies like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

 

The businesses that take part in the BABC are among the best in the world and range from Fortune 500 companies to professional services and individual entrepreneurs. It is because of these members that we have strengthened our position as the premier networking organization in Southern California, encompassing some of the most powerful and innovative people in Orange County.

 

Our primary mission is to encourage trade and investment between the United States and Britain, and for more than two decades, we have continually forged strategic alliances in the global marketplace. I encourage you to leverage these partnerships and participate in the many events that will take place throughout the upcoming months. Take advantage of the benefits of your membership to broaden your business efforts and strengthen relationships, both personally and professionally.

 

2015 will prove to be exciting. We look forward to another successful year and we know that the BABC community will continue to strengthen, grow and profit.

 

Joey Benadretti

President- BABC OC

President- SYSPRO USA

 

Welcome New Members

 

Martin Heale

Name: Martin Heale  

Title: Managing Director, Americas 
Company: RBC  (Royal Bank of Canada) Wealth Management                                                
 Phone:
44 (0)20 7029 7582 
 

Martin is part of a team based in London that specializes in providing wealth management services to US persons. He is qualified in the US as well as the UK and holds an SEC license.  RBC offers international investment management, lending and foreign trusts. They are experts in foreign exchange and advise on 30 different currencies. 

Because the assets they manage are held in the UK , Martin believes they add a greater degree of spreading risk as they are governed by the UK legal system which he says is one of the best in the world, and separate to the US legal system.    

 

Mark Harman Powell 

  

 Name: Mark Harman Powell

  Title:   Design Director

  Company: Mark Harman Design
   Phone:  310 871-1990 

  Email:mark@harmanpowelldesign.com   

  Web: coming soon
               click here for LinkedIn Profile

 

 A native of Great Britain, Mark is an accomplished design innovator with proven acumen, and creative leadership. His global portfolio of brand experience includes: Microsoft, British Airways, Coca-Cola, Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, MINI, MG, Nike, Harman/Kardon, JBL, Nokia, IBM, Quicksilver, Alesis and Gibson Guitars. His expertise includes: audio design, consumer electronics, medical equipment, sports products, automotive design, musical equipment, fashion apparel and lifestyle. Credits include 21+ International design awards and design patents. Mark now runs his own consulting firm in Costa Mesa. (He has also recently formed another company  to import and sell sports equipment for the canoe,kayak and SUP market.) 

 

Gunnar Gundersen 
Name:      Gunnar Gundersen                     Title: Associate Land & Environmental Depts.
Phone:       714 755-8019
Email:         Gunnargundersen@lw.com
Web:
          www.lw.com

 

Gunnar has coordinated global litigation efforts with international counsel and has experience in international arbitration. His experience includes representing private and public entities both in litigation and in the permitting process. He has experience litigating California water law issues, Proposition 218 issues, and issues related to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) litigation. Gunnar also has experience helping clients navigate renewing permits and complying with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

   

Bob Evans
Name:
Bob Evans

Title:   International Development & Financing
           Business Owner at Aegistax.AG

Company: Aegistax.AG

Phone: 714 603-2762

Email: bob@aejis-uk.com

Website:   www.aejis.uk.com  

 

Aejis Events Management designs and delivers bespoke corporate hospitality events.   They specialize in sports, entertainment and product launches.  Bob is also in the organizational phase of setting up a non-denominational, volunteer run non-profit organization. 'Bob's Soap'  was inspired by the teachings of Father John Hampsch and the goal of the organization is to help young people heal emotional wounds so that they can go on to lead healthy and productive lives.     

 

Hotel Irvine
 Name: Scott Bruno 

 Title: Director of Group Sales

 Company: Hotel Irvine 

 Phone:   949-225-6765

 Email:   sbruno@hotelirvine.com  

 Web:    www.hotelirvine.com 

   

Hotel Irvine bills itself as 'A Lifestyle Hotel'. Meaning it's  independent, modern and free to do as they please, just like the guests they serve. They are all about upping the best of OC business and pleasure with bold pops of color, complimentary Wi-Fi, free "Everyday" breakfast and fresh ways to indulge - such as their 24/7 Marketplace, gastro pub-inspired restaurant EATS Kitchen & Bar, and the sleek and modern Red Bar and Lounge. With more than 50,000 square feet of updated and transformed event space, they have a perfect fit for every meeting from corporate retreats and awards banquets, to industry conferences and trade shows. Not to mention their iPrefer program that rewards guests with points and VIP benefits every time they stay at select hotels. Points can be redeemed for cash-value reward certificates valid for room charges or hotel amenities like dining or spa services.

    

 Name:Gregg Schwenk 

 Title:  CEO/Executive Director   

 Company: O. C. Film Society/Newport Beach  Film Festival 

 Phone: 949-253-2880 ext 224

Email:gregg.schwenk@newportbeachfilmfest.com

Website
:   www.newportbeachfilmfest.com

The Newport Beach Film Festival is a first-class international film program that embraces a forum for cultural understanding and enriching educational opportunities. It showcases a diverse collection of both studio and independent films. This year's festival is scheduled for April 23-30th throughout Newport Beach and Orange County and the Festival will screen an international slate of more than 400 films, including feature length narrative, documentary, short, animated and student films that will compete for a series of Jury, Festival Honors and Audience Awards.      

Frances Keeler 
 

 

Name:Frances Keeler 

 Title:   Senior Counsel 

 Company:Clyde Co. US LLP 

 Phone: 949 798-6122 

 Email:   frances.keeler@clydeco.us
 Click here for LinkedIn Profile
 Website http://www.clydeco.com

Frances is Senior Counsel for Cylde & Co US an international commercial law firm with expertise in trade, insurance and reinsurance, shipping and maritime, aviation, corporate and commercial law, finance, technology, international arbitration and dispute resolution. She represents clients before regulatory entities including local and regional air pollution control agencies, the CA Air Resource Board and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on rule development, compliance issues, and state and federal Clean Air Acts. Other office associates include
Joe Walsh, Senior Partner, and Ellen McGlynn and Jennifer Lynch, Associates, The office practice also includes maritime, maritime environmental, white collar defense and a wide range of regulatory compliance and permitting services.

 Name: Julie Sandler 

 Title:   President/Broker 

 Company: The Laguna Lending Group Inc. 

 Phone: 949-376-2188  

 Email: juliesllg@aol.com

Julie is the President/Broker of the Laguna Lending Group, a company she purchased thirty years ago.  She helps buyers and sellers with their real estate financing needs and also handles mortgage refinances. If the record low interest rates have you considering refinancing, buying a new home or perhaps second  or vacation home - with her many years of experience, Julie can happy help you to achieve your real estate goals and dreams.

 

Name: Phil Ingram
Title: Senior Development Engineer
Company: Advanced Technology Corporation
Email: phil.w.ingram@gmail.com
Website: www.vetstar.com
LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/philwingram 

 

Advanced Technology Corporation is the maker of the Vetstar Veterinary Practice Management software and the Laboratory Information Management LIMS System. The Vetstar Hospital Management and the Vetstar Animal Disease Diagnostic System (VADDS) systems are now the leading packages among veterinary teaching institutions, combining medical management with all aspects of accounting.

 

Sue Ingram
Name: Sue Ingram
Title: Owner
Company: SuzieQPapercrafts
Email:  suzieqpapercrafts@gmail.com
Website: www.suzieqpapercrafts.com  

 

Suzieqpapercrafts has been in business for almost 10 years and specializes in paper-crafting, hand-made cards, wall art and memory books.  Sue specializes in bringing out the creative side of people and offers regular classes in her studio and at week-end retreats throughout the year.

 

Members in the News
trumpet-lady-silhouette.jpg Toot Your Horn
Got a new job, promotion, award, or a mention in the media?  Let us know we'd love to share your good news with others.  Email Patriot Editor - debshrider@yahoo.com or BABC OC Executive Officer valerie@babcoc.org
Calendar of Events
Don't miss out on our highly anticipated events -  
 sign up early to avoid disappointment!

Lunch for Leaders - 
A small and intimate lunchtime event that provides insight and access to some of Orange County's top C suite executives.
Stay tuned..Details of 2015 lunch events to follow soon..

Business After Hours -
More than a just a networking occasion, BABC OC mixers are friendly, fun events that build on camaraderie and develop long-term relationships at both a business and social level.

Business After Hours at the CHOCXO Chocolatier
Our first BAH for 2015 was happily attended by BABC members on February 17, 2015 - chocolate and networking a delicious combination.


  
  
Not your usual AGM !
Stuffy isn't in the BABC OC dictionary and that especially goes for our Annual General Meeting to be held on Monday March 30th.  Join us for a glass of wine at our spectacular host  Mastro's Restaurant and be prepared for the most entertaining state of the business report ever! Members free - non-member guests $20.  Click here to register. 
 
Gala's & Philanthropic Events
Culinary galas, garden parties,golf, theater, concerts, art gallery openings, grand balls - you never know what going to appear on our calendar each year - but you do know you won't want to miss some of OC's most talked about  out-of-the ordinary events that employ a uniquely British vibe. Local charities and the BABC OC Scholarship fund benefit from many of our events.

BritWeek 2015 - April 25-May 30  So much FUN we stretch the week to nearly a month. Details are being finalized - but here's a sneak peak : British Movies at Newport Beach Film Festival, car show, special BritWeek events at local pubs, golf tournament and the Queens Birthday Celebration on board the Queen Mary in Long Beach with special guess Royal Chef Darren McGrady.

Details to follow for: 
Annual Garden Party
International Chambers of Commerce Mixer 
Annual Christmas Lunch - Hilton Costa Mesa
  
Awards and Debates - 
British style business debates - a totally non-stuffy event where heckling is not only allowed, but encouraged and our annual BABA's (British American Business Awards) where executives from OC's premier companies spill the beans on how and why they are so successful.

Keep your September 2015 calendar clear for our highly anticipated BABA Awards Dinner -- details coming soon.

  click here for calendar of events

 

BABC Annual Transatlantic Business Conference

 
SAVE THE DATE
For these upcoming BritWeek Events

Orange County
April 25 - May 30, 2015

 

Saturday, May 9th 

Queen's Birthday Celebration 
On board the Queen Mary
With Royal Chef Darren McGrady  who will prepare a royal feast &  will share stories of his days at the Palace 
   
 
 


 

Tustin Ranch Thursday, May 14th

Annual BABC OC Golf Tournament
Tustin Ranch Golf Club
 
 



Details on more events to follow soon
The President's Executive Action on Immigration
Mitch Wexler
What does it mean?

On November 20, 2014, President Barack Obama announced a number of administrative fixes to the enforcement and process of US immigration law that could positively affect non-citizen family members who do not have lawful citizen status....
Click here to read more
 
Mitch Wexler is a Partner with the International Immigration Law Firm, Fragomen, Del Rey, Bersen and Loewy LLP. He manages the firms Irvine and Los Angeles Offices. Mitch also serves a board member for the British American Business Council, Orange County.   mwexler@fragomen.com  949-660-3531.
J1 VISA PROGRAM - Facilitating Global Talent
 

US J-1 Visa: Fast Facts

Through our J-1 Visa Program, British American Business enables its member companies to bring qualified employees and/or interns into the United States - of any nationality, from anywhere in the world - in a quick, cost-effective, reliable and user-friendly way.  

 

Qualities:

  • Quick: Completed applications processed within 5 business days;
  • Cost-Effective: $1,600;
  • Reliable: authorized by the US Department of State since 1986;
  • User-Friendly: all administration/logistics handled by Program Administrator at British American Business.

Benefits

  • Provide US work experience/training to employees/interns;
  • Overcome cross-cultural differences and improve communication between US and overseas offices;
  • Enhance employee recruitment/retention by offering US assignments.

Conditions

  • Open to all nationalities, and to employees based anywhere in the world;
  • Period of up to 18 months for trainees and 12 months for interns;
  • Company must have business relationship with UK;
  • Business Sectors include: Management, Business, Commerce, Finance, Law, Industry, Science, Engineering, Architecture, Information, Media & Communications.

UK Immigration - Points Based System: Fast Facts

In February 2008, the UK Government launched the Points Based System (PBS), consolidating the former immigration categories into a structured five tier system.  The new Rules marked the biggest change to the UK immigration system in a generation; combining more than 80 pre-existing work and study routes into the United Kingdom into five tiers:

  • Tier 1: Highly skilled individuals to contribute to growth and productivity;
  • Tier 2: Skilled workers with a job offer;
  • Tier 3: Low skilled workers to fill temporary labour shortages (Tier 3 is suspended indefinitely);
  • Tier 4: Students;
  • Tier 5: Youth Mobility and Temporary Workers.

Points are awarded according to workers' skills, and reflect aptitude, experience, age and the demand for those skills in any given sector. This allows the United Kingdom to respond flexibly to changes in the labour market.

Sponsorship is a key element of the Points Based System.   

Any organisation that wishes to employ migrants, or enroll them on a course of study, must have registered for a Sponsor Licence for the relevant tier. The Sponsor Register is fully open for Tiers 2, 4 and 5, and Sponsor Licences are valid for four years. A licensed sponsor is eligible to apply for an allocation of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) or Certificates of Acceptance for Studies (CAS - Tier 4 only).   

For more information, please contact Tamra Eker
 +1 212 983 3728.

Links and Connections
Links to other British Business Groups you may find interesting:
Virtual BABC on Linked In - join this group to participate in discussions, see job postings and find other BABC members.
 

Think You Know BritSpeak - Are you sure about that?
 
 
For membership, event and sponsorship opportunities contact:
Valerie Blackholly, Executive Director,
British American Business Council Orange County
949-472-2221
To contribute an article to The Patriot  or to suggest a topic to be covered please contact Editor, Deb Shrider  714 990-6619