Dear members, partners & friends,
Here in Massachusetts we are still at the forefront of the Covid-19 pandemic -- the recent extension of the
closure of non-essential businesses until May 18th and Governor Baker's order issued today to mandate face coverings in public remind us that even several weeks into this, we are just
now at the peak.
Testing will play a crucial role to loosen the lockdown -- and according to our, admittedly very unscientific poll -- those numbers are still very low. See
results below.
Today we are delighted to share with you a personal message from
Udit Batra, CEO of MilliporeSigma, with the GABC -- and a link to a recent talk he held organized by MassBio highlighting the adaption of his company to the new demands and supply chain challenges. In this context, we are looking forward to hearing the Head of Integrated Supply Chain Operations, Chris Ross, dig into this topic with us on May 14th -- please save the date, more to come on this virtual event.
We have a busy week to look back on with two well attended and interesting talks -- one on trade and one on immigration. More in our
event recap below.
If you are considering to join us for the
wine tasting a week from today (Friday, May 8th at 6PM), please don't wait to register. We have limited space and delivery deadlines. Details below.
As always, if you have news to
share for us, please reach out.
Stay healthy.
Emily Westhoven
Executive Director
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This poll will close on May 7th at noon. We will publish the results in the next newsletter.
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Results from last week's poll:
Have you been tested for Covid-19?
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Personal message from Udit Batra, CEO, MilliporeSigma
Member of the Executive Board, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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It is in these extraordinary times that our membership in organizations, like GABC, play an important role. Fighting the coronavirus pandemic is and will continue to be a global effort, where collaboration with public, private and industry partners will lead to the development of treatments, diagnostics and eventually vaccines to help people around the world.
It is in these times that I and our employees are fortunate to be a part of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany -- a 70% family-owned company with three businesses -- life science, healthcare and performance materials -- which has continuously operated for 352 years, dating to 1668. We are right in the midst of helping to respond to this pandemic. As the life science business, we manufacture and supply tools, products and raw materials utilized for the research and development of vaccines, diagnostic tests, and potential therapeutics by customers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recently, I had the honor of sharing our global response to the pandemic with the membership of MassBio, an industry trade organization that represents 1300+ companies in Massachusetts. Since early January, as the first cases were reported in China, we have guided the company through the crisis by following three guiding principles: ensuring the health and safety of our colleagues; focusing on public health; and continuing our operations throughout our network of manufacturing sites and distribution centers around the world.
We are standing together as a global scientific community and I am encouraged by the collaboration we are experiencing around the world to push forward science at an unprecedented rate and work together to solve some of the toughest problems we have witnessed in our time.
Thank you for listening.
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On April 24th, Udit Batra spoke as part of MassBio's virtual "Possible Talk" series on "
Navigating Through A Global Supply Chain During A Pandemic".
You can watch his presentation and Q&A (altogether approx. 30 min.)
here.
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GABC has partnered with the wine experts from
Vino di Vino to bring you a special and convenient virtual wine tasting experience with a personal touch:
- 2 bottles of red wine | 1 can of sparkling wine
- 1 hour wine class with Vino di Vino’s resident wine geek (via Zoom)
- Delivery of tasting package
- Food pairing ideas and recipes
- A 10% off code valid in-store or online
- An hour of spending quality time with a select group of GABC members & friends
Date: Friday, May 8th
Time: 6PM to 7PM
Cost: $75 member | $80 non-member
We will cap this event at 20 registrants to ensure a personal and intimate experience.
More details
here.
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Important Registration & Delivery Deadlines
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·
By
Monday, May 4th
: For delivery
outside
the
Massachusetts 128
delivery loop
·
By
Wednesday, May 6th
: For delivery
inside
the
Massachusetts 128
delivery loop
What's
inside
or
outside
the 128 delivery loop? Send us your
delivery zip code
or give us a call at (617) 870-3400. Unfortunately, the wine
cannot
be delivered to
Rhode Island
. For
New Hampshire
residents, please contact us first.
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Save the date
for this upcoming conversation on how supply chains are adapting to the global disruption with
Chris Ross
, Head of Integrated Supply Chain Operations at MilliporeSigma.
More speakers to be announced soon.
Date
:
Thursday, May 14
Time
: 1 PM to 2PM ET -- via ZOOM
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The May Stammtisch Goes Zoom, Again!
The Young Professionals April Virtual Stammtisch was fun and will be back in May
via Zoom -- including new Trivia questions!
Sit back, relax and zoom with the YPs -- everyone welcome!
Please register to receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link prior to the Stammtisch.
Date
:
Tuesday, May 12
Time
: 7PM to 9PM
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Other Virtual Events of Interest
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The American Council on Germany (ACG) is partnering with the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) to host the
German Ambassador to the United States Emily Haber in conversation with ACG Chairman Ambassador
John B. Emerson, Vice Chairman at Capital Group International.
Register
here
.
Thursday, May 7th at 10 AM ET.
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Crisis Management Programs
:
Venture Lane has dedicated 100% of their programming to crisis management for early-stage technology companies. These virtual programs are free and open to all.
Throughout the week
. View
here
.
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On Thursday, April 30th we spoke with Doug Hauer of Mintz and Elizabeth Goss of Goss Associates about the current challenges for travel and immigration in times of Covid-19
suspension of entry and a recently issued
Executive Order on suspending immigration. This conversation was attended by approximately 40 people who submitted questions prior to and during the Zoom session.
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On Wednesday, April 29th
Andrew Adair of DC / Berlin joined us from Berlin, Germany, to share his view and insights on the status of trade talks between the EU and the U.S., what's on the table and what's not and how the pandemic may delay negotiations. We had more than 70 guests registering for this conversation which was facilitated by GABC board member
Leslie Griffin. Resources:
Translating Washington for Berlin |
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In the News | Pressespiegel
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Three potential futures for Covid-19: recurring small outbreaks, a monster wave, or a persistent crisis
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"
“October 2020,” said emerging diseases expert Amesh Adalja of the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security, “won’t look nothing like October 2019.”
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Gov. Baker to require face coverings for Mass. residents
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"The requirement, which is set to go into effect on Wednesday, May 6, applies to all workers and customers of businesses and organizations that remain open to the public during the coronavirus pandemic."
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German ‘corona presidency’ plan pivots to crisis management
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On July 1, Europe's leading economy will for six months hold the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, for which Berlin had drafted an ambitious program
.
"
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College Campuses Must Reopen in the Fall. Here’s How We Do It.
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"
Higher education is also important to the U.S. economy. The sector employs about
three million people
and as recently as the 2017-18 school year pumped more than
$600 billion of spending
into the national gross domestic product."
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EXCLUSIVE: CELEBRATE 140 YEARS OF STEIFF WITH 15% OFF & FREE SHIPPING!
In good times and bad, Steiff Teddy bears and animals have been a source of companionship and comfort for generations of both children and adults. Today, these legendary plush toys and collectibles continue to serve as reassuring symbols of hope and happiness.
In celebration of the iconic German brand’s 140th anniversary, we’re pleased to offer GABC members & friends an exclusive
15% DISCOUNT
for all purchases at
steiffusa.com
. Simply enter the code
GABC2020
at checkout and you’ll automatically receive the savings — along with
FREE
ground shipping for orders of $50 or more. Spending less than $50? Contact the company at
support@steiffusa.com
, and shipping charges on these smaller orders will also be waived. No code needed.
This special savings/shipping offer is valid through June 30th only. So act now to experience the fun and friendship of owning genuine Steiff plush products with the famous “Button in Ear.”
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Our Annual Supporters -Thank you!
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GERMAN-AMERICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL of BOSTON
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