Monthly Newsletter
May 2020
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Dear Friends of the BABC,
I hope that you, your family, your friends and your co-workers all remain healthy and are staying safe. It is hard to believe we have been in lockdown for 8 weeks, however last week we have started to hear talks about how we will start to reopen and by the end of this week 45 states will have relaxed restrictions on a variety of businesses, services and parks as they try to lift economies that have been crushed by this pandemic. This is clearly the first positive news we have heard in almost 2 months and I am excited about the next phase of our gradual return to normal.
Last week we shared a status report with our members advising that while our organization has grown dramatically over the past 6 years and has some financial reserves to survive the coming months, like everyone we are facing significant challenges. We asked for help and had a fantastic response with many of you renewing your memberships early! Thank you very much indeed.
Despite the challenges we remain committed to our mission of supporting the US/UK business community here in the Bay Area and we are working hard to keep our transatlantic business community together. The BABC will not be immune from ‘the new normal’ and as we start to understand what that will look like over the coming weeks, we look forward to continuing to host virtual events and networking opportunities to support you all.
Our events schedule in May is packed with three complimentary exciting online events which are “selling out” fast. On May 13
th
, we are hosting our
BABC Members Only Virtual Networking Happy Hour
, spearheaded by Maya Mancuso, BABC’s Senior Vice President. On May 21
st
, we bring our
annual Expats seminar to the virtual space
where your questions on immigration, international tax, UK Pensions, and the importance of maintaining good credit will be answered. Then, on May 27
th
BABC member and one of Australia’s most famed and respected winemakers, Penfolds will be hosting a
Masterclass/Wine Tasting event
where we will literally go down-under to meet their Australian winemakers live.
Finally, I hope you all continue to be safe and healthy and I’m looking forward to bringing you more favorable news in June.
Very best regards,
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Stephen Wares,
CGMA,
BABC President &
VP Business Development
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCMENT
Coronavirus COVID-19 Update
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In conjunction with the British Benevolent Society, our hearts go out to those families, friends, and communities that have been directly impacted by the virus. We are reaching out to members in case you haven’t seen this general guidance:
- It is highly recommended that your primary source of up to date guidance is the Center for Disease Control’s COVID-19 prevention
- If you know of a British national who has been impacted by the COVID19, please be sure to make the British Benevolent Society aware as they may be able to offer some type of compassionate assistance:
- info@bbsofca.org or (415) 421-7195
- Sign up to receive alert text messages from the SF Department of Public Health: text COVID19SF to 888-777
- Our partners at the British Consulate General work to support all British nationals and they can be contacted 24/7. Please note that the Consulate in San Francisco will provide assistance to British nationals in Washington State. Useful telephone numbers:
- British Consulate General San Francisco : +1.415.617.1300
- British Consulate General Los Angeles: +1.310.789.0031
Follow HM Consul General Andrew Whittaker (
@UKAWhittaker
), the British Consulate General San Francisco (
@UKin_SF
) or the Foreign Office (
@foreignoffice
) for real time updates.
More information also at the following website pages:
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From The Consul's General's Desk
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Dear BABC Members,
It’s a massive and unprecedented challenge for us all to adjust to this “new normal” (which still feels anything but). Like many of you, my days are dominated by virtual meetings where we would have preferred to chat over a coffee. These adjustments are happening at all levels of business.
Earlier this month, for instance, the UK and the US officially began negotiations on a comprehensive
free trade agreement. To maintain social distancing, these talks are happening virtually.
The economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis means that it is more important than ever that we look for ways to deepen and strengthen our economic partnerships. We are facing an unprecedented economic challenge, and if we are both to come out of this crisis on a sustainable footing, and to “build back better” increased trade and investment between us will be essential.
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The UK is entering these negotiations with a strong foundation. The US is the UK’s largest single trading partner, with total trade reaching over $304 billion in 2019. The Government has prioritised negotiating an FTA with the US, which is the largest economy in the world and one of the most dynamic, with high standards and high wages. We believe that a comprehensive UK-US free trade agreement could increase total trade by $19.5 billion in the long run.
The first round of talks launched this month will run for just under two weeks, involving 100 top negotiators on both sides. Discussions will address all areas set out in the UK’s negotiation objectives, which includes key industries and areas like goods and services trade, digital trade, and investment.
As we navigate business in the new normal created by Covid-19, and address the continued challenges it brings, we are more focused than ever on creating a brighter economic outlook for generations to come.
I will update you on negotiations in due course, but I also want to reiterate that we at the Consulate remain open and available 24/7/365 if you are in need of assistance – please do not hesitate to reach out.
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Andrew Whittaker,
HM Consul General
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BABC Member Happy Hour & Virtual Networking
BABC MEMBERS ONLY EVENT
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Date: Wednesday, 13th May, 2020
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The best thing about the BABC is its members, and we can't wait to "see" you all soon! Join us for this fun and engaging virtual networking session for our BABC Northern California members.
Feel free to come as you are, bring a beverage of your choice, and be ready to meet new people and connect with old friends!
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Brits and Aussies in the Bay! - Live Webinar on Immigration, International Tax, Pensions /Superannuation and More
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Date: Thursday, 21st May, 2020
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The event will include 15 minutes of networking among attendees with the panel-only in view commencing at 4pm. During the panel, you will be able to ask direct questions to our panelists using the chat feature on Zoom, and following the event, we will open up the screen to all attendees to mix and mingle.
If you have specific questions for panelists in advance or would like an introduction to one of the panelists directly, please email Jo Healey at
jhealey@babcsf.org.
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Penfolds Virtual Wine Tasting
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The British American Business Council Northern California, in partnership with the Australian American Chamber of Commerce, invites you to join this Virtual Wine Tasting brought to you by Australia's iconic Penfolds wine.
Join Charlotte Rawa, Penfolds' US Fine Wine Ambassador, for the first BABC | AACC Interactive Virtual Wine Tasting.
The event is complimentary to attend and participation is as easy as 1-2-3! You will need:
- Internet Access
- 3 wine glasses per person and
- Your Penfolds Tasting Kit!
- A Zoom Link and instructions will be emailed to you in advance to the event.
The Penfolds Experience is a rare opportunity to taste and interact during this live-streaming event AND, we will be joined by a Penfolds winemaker, live from Down-Under! This will be a truly unique event.
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Virtual Community Partner Events
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Scottish Online Variety Show
Monday, May 18, 2020 I 7.30 PM - 9.30 PM
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A special night of music, entertainment and a teeny bit of business. They miss you all and to help gather everyone together online, they are hosting a great night of music, including a fun sing-a-long, some amazing fiddle music by our local and incredibly talented musicians from the Peninsula Scottish Fiddlers, and a fabulous performance of Scottish songs by the acclaimed Sara LeMesh (soprano).
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FREE Webinar Events hosted by our Members
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Global Mobility: Responding to COVID-19
Tuesday, May 12, 2020 I 11AM - 12PM
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An outstanding program is planned with dynamic speakers from the Federal Government, Professional Service Firms, and Regulators who will present new ideas in informative sessions, offering unparalleled opportunities to network. Workshop participants can earn up to 4 CPE credits in Government Accounting.
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Effective leadership through the course of a crisis
Thursday, May 14, 2020 | 9.30am- 10.30am
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With the continuing global impact of the economic, social and physical restrictions arising from COVID-19, leaders have had to dramatically re-calibrate the way they behave in order to effectively manage their remote team. But— what now?
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AGA Spring Workshop: Government Financial Management
Tuesday, May 19, 2020 I 2PM - 5:35 PM BST
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An outstanding program is planned with dynamic speakers from the Federal Government, Professional Service Firms, and Regulators who will present new ideas in informative sessions, offering unparalleled opportunities to network. Workshop participants can earn up to 4 CPE credits in Government Accounting.
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The CARES Act: Key corporate tax policy changes
Tuesday, May 19, 2020 | 1PM EDT
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This webinar provides background on the CARES Act and summarizes its important tax-related changes and opportunities so business leaders can make informed decisions. Our experts will also tell you what to consider when deciding what optional benefits will best help your corporation.
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Virtual Events from our fellow Chapters
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Price Collapse in the Energy Markets: A Comparison of UK/US Experience and Challenges
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Tuesday, May 12, 2020
11:00 am ET
An issues-focused roundtable discussion comparing and contrasting impacts on the US & UK energy markets as a result of COVID-19 and the collapse in energy prices. Hosted by BABA Platinum Member, Womble Bond Dickinson.
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Discoverable, Shareable & Memorable - How to Use Your Personal Brand to Tell a Better Story About You
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Thursday, May 14
10:00 am - 11:00 am PST
With a myriad of different digital touch points now vying for our attention, your personal brand is out there whether you own it or not. In this session, Mel Carson will give you practical advice to help you make the very best impression both online and in person, and understand how to put your best foot forward in creating a professional impression you and your company can be proud of.
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COVID-19 and Employee Relations
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Thursday, May 21
4:00 PM ET
As UK and US companies place their bets on how to keep customers and clients loyal in the face of the massive business interruption posed by Covid-19, this 45 minute webinar will explore what you and your teams can do.
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Navigating Covid-19 Across the Pond (an on-demand webinar)
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Presentation available online now
How can U.S. businesses navigate coronavirus in the UK? This on-demand, free webinar, presented by Moore Kingston Smith, addresses important UK law changes businesses should be aware of including business support and resources, loans from banks, business rates, grants, self-employed relief measures, and financial FAQs.
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2020 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
(Hosted by Corporate Member 2020 PGA Championship)
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2020 PGA Championship Rescheduled for August 3-9, 2020
The PGA Championship at Harding Park in August of 2020 will be the first PGA Championship to be staged in San Francisco.
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CHARITY PARTNERS IN NEED OF YOUR SUPPORT
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British Benevolent Society
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A reminder from our friends at Elements.cloud of the fun we had at the 2019 Christmas Lunch at the Fairmont San Francisco
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Did you know that Ian Gotts, CEO of Elements.cloud (BABC Corporate Member) is also a band member of the
Jane Blonde and the Goldfingers who performed at last year's 56th Christmas lunch After Party?
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Prepare for the forthcoming surge in fraud-The best approach to take now
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The current economic emergency flowing from the spread of the COVID-19 virus has already resulted in a spike in the levels of fraud. The police issued statistics evidencing a 400% increase since mid-February.
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London & Partners and The Mayor’s Office – COVID-19 UPDATE from London, UK
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A few updates from London & Partners and The Mayor’s Office are shared which each in their own way wonderfully reflect the innovation, resilience, spirit, and kindness coming from the UK’s capital!
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Most important currencies in a digital economy: Trust, speed, and relevance – DisrupTV Episode 184, Ian Gotts, Elements.cloud
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Trust, speed, and relevance may be the most important currencies during a crisis. Businesses must adapt quickly and leverage technology to gain a competitive advantage. This is explored in the recent blog by Ian Gotts, BABC.
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Opinion: What will the world look like when COVID-19 crisis is over? – Mercury News. Author Mr. Randolph
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Technology is central to our economy and society and will continue to shape our future. While the world shelters in place from the coronavirus and we all are riveted to the daily news cycle, planning is already starting for what the world will look like when today’s crisis is over.
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CARES Act: Main Street Lending Program
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On April 30, 2020, after receiving over 2,200 comment letters, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve (“Federal Reserve”) published two updated term sheets and one new term sheeT for the Main Street Lending Program (“MSLP”), which will be funded by three Federal Reserve facilities under Section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act, along with FAQs that may from time to time be updated.
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On Wednesday, April 22, at 7:00 PM EDT, President Trump signed the Executive Order, “Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak.”
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Options to help plan for currency exposure
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Currency markets don’t like uncertainty. Few of us do. That’s why we wanted to give you some options on how to plan for currency exposure with some level of certainty. Because even in the middle of all this, people still need to move money globally.
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University of Bath reacts and adapts to the Global Pandemic
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The University of Bath community has been reacting and adapting to the pandemic through its student support, research and community engagement. The alumni community, including its US Foundation, raised over £45K in just three weeks to help students facing financial difficulties due to COVID-19.
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BAB NETWORK NEWS
The latest news from the BAB Network
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BAB COIVD STATEMENT: COVID-19/Coronavirus Updates and Resources
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The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented moment for the transatlantic business community that we are proud to represent. This is a crisis that is impacting almost every aspect of our live, a time for decisive and impactful action.
Both the United Kingdom and United States Governments have made resources available to businesses and households during this time to enable them to keep operating.
On our website you will find more information on these resources and how you or your business can access them.
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Thanks to our Renewing BABC Members
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Cooley is widely recognized as one of the premier firms counseling public and private technology companies. High-growth companies choose Cooley. From upstarts armed with little more than a disruptive business model to well-established multi-billion dollar public companies, we guide clients through uncharted waters and the most complex and unique legal and business issues. We represent more than 5,000 private company clients and serve as primary corporate counsel to over 140 public companies. Our clients include some of the most established names in technology today, including eBay, NVIDIA Corporation, Snapchat, Tableau Software, Uber and Yelp, to the leading technology names of tomorrow.
The Billion-Dollar Startup Club: Cooley is legal counsel to 35% of the US companies listed on the Wall Street Journal Billion Dollar Startup Club.
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Bank of the West is a financially strong, well-capitalized and prudently managed FDIC-insured bank that customers have entrusted with their money for over 135 years.
Through holding company BancWest Corporation, the bank is a subsidiary of BNP Paribas, one of the six highest rated banks in the world. We understand the financial challenges new residents face.
Our team’s multilingual, culturally sensitive Officers core purpose is to facilitate an efficient and smooth adaptation to this country.
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If you pay tax in the US and the UK, we are the smart, tax-effective way to achieve greater impact with your charitable giving.
CAF American Donor Fund Benefits are –
- Claim eligible UK and US tax relief on all your giving worldwide, including 25% through Gift Aid where applicable
- We’re the leaders in offering philanthropy services for dual UK and US taxpayers.
- You’ll be supported by our teams of specialists in the UK and US, as well as a network of nine offices across six continents.
- Established over 90 years ago, we support over 250,000 individual donors and 73,000 charities in 100 countries.
- Potential to grow your social impact by investing your fund.
- Online access allows you to stay in touch whilst on the move; view balances, transactions, request donations and check investments.
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The 3 founders are British serial entrepreneurs and after selling their last company decided that retirement was not for them and “got the band back together” to launch Elements.cloud. Headquartered in Salesforce Tower, they also have offices in Hampshire, the Ukraine, Geneva and Amsterdam.
Elements Catalyst is cloud app to help clean up. document and drive adoption of Salesforce, but it also plays well with other apps. The result is increased agility and reduced risk when implementing enhancements, so it is a critical tool for clients and consultants.
It supports the full development lifecycle: Engage end users with process mapping and capture their requirements. Increase agility by cleaning up, optimizing and documenting systems. configuration (notes, images, URL links, process diagrams, requirements, user stories). Finally drive up adoption with in-app pop-up help that can end users can rate and provide feedback.
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Founded in 1985, First Republic and its subsidiaries offer private banking, private business banking and private wealth management, including investment, trust and brokerage services.
First Republic specializes in delivering exceptional, relationship-based service, with a solid commitment to responsiveness and action. Services are offered through preferred banking or wealth management offices primarily in San Francisco, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Newport Beach, San Diego, Portland, Palm Beach, Boston, Greenwich, and New York City.
First Republic offers a complete line of banking products for individuals and businesses, including deposit services, as well as residential, commercial and personal loans.
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Florin Pensions LLC is a US based investment advisory firm specialising in providing UK pension transfer and investment advice to people in the US with UK pensions. With only British expatriate advisers working at Florin, we are well placed to help our clients make sense of their UK pensions and provide local advice on how to manage them before and during retirement. As part of our service, Florin provides a complimentary review of a person’s existing UK pension(s) to provide a better understanding of it and determine whether a pension transfer could be of benefit. Florin is headquartered in San Francisco, but has advisers also located in New York and Florida.
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INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
Joe Calder
Withbert Payne
Wallace Poulter
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YP MEMBERS
Meredith Sellers
Sean Anderson
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WITH THANKS TO OUR SUSTAINING
PATRON & PREMIER MEMBERS
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MEMBER TO MEMBER OFFERS
See the perks of being a member
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One of the benefits of memberfship in the BABC Northern California is the opportunity to access Member to Member Only special offers and hot deals. To learn how to access codes and instructions, log in to your BABC Account and click on the Offers and Deals button.
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Discounted Short-Term Housing
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Safe, clean, comfortable places to stay at reduced rates.
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Off Best Available rate on hotel reservations
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Off
food and beverage when event booking
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SAVE $60 on Print/Digital 1 Year Subscription & $35 on Digital Only Subscription
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Receive a 20% discount on all WowDolce Catering orders
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Free transfers and a preferred rate of exchange!
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Free trial offer to BABC Members
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Try
DocuSign
eSignature FREE for 30 days
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British American Business Council | (415) 296-8645 | info@babcsf.org | www.babcsf.org
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