AmChamNews

The official newslet-

August/
ter of the American
September
2007

AMCHAM MOLDOVA

FIGHTING FOR YOUR BUSINESS

AmChamNews is produced by
The American Chamber of Commerce in Moldova

57/1 Banulescu-Bodoni
QBE ASITO Building, office 410
MD-2005 mun. Chisinau
Republic of Moldova

Telephone: (+373 22) 221 781

Fax: (+373 22) 211 782
Email: info@amcham.md
http://www.amcham.md

Questions or Comments? Please feel free to contact us at info@amcham.md

 AmChamNews August-September Preview
Page 1
INTRODUCTION
AMCHAM CALENDAR
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Page 2
ALL MEMBER LUNCHEON AT AMBASSADOR KIRBY’S RESIDENCE

Page 3
AMCHAMS IN THE REGION

Page 4
AMCHAM ROMANIA
AMCHAM UKRAINE

Page 5
AMCHAM BULGARIA
AMCHAM RUSSIA

Page 6
UPCOMING EVENTS AND COLLABORATIONS
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
PROPOSED US EMBASSY SCHOOL
ANP CLUBS ECONOMIQUES INTERNATIONAUX

Page 7
MEMBER SPOGHTLIGHT:
CORPORATE OFFICE SOLUTIONS
INTERVIEW WITH MS. OXANA JANTOAN,
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER

Page 8
CONTINUATION OF THE INTERVIEW WITH
MS. OXANA JANTOAN

Page 9
MOLDOVA CELEBRATES ITS INDEPENDENCE
MOLDOVA CELEBRATES “LIMBA NOASTRA”
NEW AMCHAM MEMBERS
Dear AmCham Members, AmCham Calendar
I would like to start by saying congratulations to Moldova for celebrat-
ing its sixteenth independence day on August 27, what a great occa- Member Luncheon at U.S. Ambassador Kirby’s residence
September 20, 2007
sion for the country. Moldova has changed a lot in the last sixteen
years and we hope that the years to come will be filled with progress Board of Director’s Meeting
September 13, 2007
and growth for Moldova and its people.
Board of Director’s Elections
October 17, 2007
Just as Moldova has grown over the last sixteen years, we at AmCham
are starting to experience growth. Our membership numbers are up All Members Meeting
October 17, 2007
again for the third straight month and we have hired a new project
manager, Mila Dodon, who is working on the organization and form- All Member Cocktail Party
ing of committees and projects within AmCham. October 17, 2007

International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility

Now that autumn is here we can say that we had a very productive November 8, 2007
summer and we will look to carry that momentum into the next sea-
son. The next few months are full of activities and we hope to add
more members and strengthen our membership base even more. BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

The most recent AmCham Board of Directors meeting was held on

Speaking of change, we will be having elections for a new Board of Thursday, September 13. The following issues were discussed at the
Directors in October. This is another first for AmCham and we are meeting:
currently working towards the organization of an all member meeting
1. Introduction of our new project manager, Mila Dodon;
followed by a cocktail party to be held in October. 2. Mr. Cameron Burks spoke about the Overseas Security Advisory
Council and the forming of a Steering Committee in Moldova;
I would like to thank the Board of Directors and all of the members 3. Autumn plan of activities for AmCham;
4. Discussion of BOD elections in October;
of AmCham for your enthusiasm. AmCham is where it is today due 5. Preliminary list of proposed concepts and projects for AmCham
to your continued support. organization and promotion;
6. Mila Dodon presented the Swedish Employee Program on Home
Computer Use and Moldova Credit Rating Report;
7. Approval of new members since May 2007.
Best regards,
The complete minutes of the meeting is posted to the AmCham website.
Director of Member Communications www.amcham.md
Jerad Scott Tietz 1 AmChamNews August-September 2007
 LUNCHEON AT AMBASSADOR KIRBY’S RESIDENCE
The U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova,
Michael D. Kirby, invited AmCham and its members to attend a
luncheon at his residence on September 20.

This was a very special occasion for AmCham and the invitation
and luncheon demonstrated the support that the U.S. Embassy
and Ambassador Kirby have for AmCham and its members.

The luncheon was hosted by Mrs. Kelly Feidling in the Ambassa-

dor’s absence. Mrs. Feidling and Mr. John Maxemchuk ad-
dressed the crowd of over 40 of AmCham’s members. Both
speakers noted AmCham’s one-year anniversary and the strong
ties between AmCham and the Embassy. Mr. Maxemchuk also
briefly outlined AmCham’s busy fall schedule for the audience,
which consists of upcoming elections for a new Board of Direc-
tors.

U.S. Embassy staff also attended the event including Mrs. Daria
Fane, Dr. Valentina Robertson, Mr.
Ernest Abisellan, and Mr. Iulian
Bogasieru. Mr. Christopher Williams,
the Country Director of the U.S. Delega-
tion in Moldova for the Millennium
Challenge was also in attendance during
the luncheon.

The reception itself was wonderful and it

consisted of a beautiful spread of food
and select Moldovan wines.

Everyone in attendance thought that the

event was a success and we look forward
to working closely with the U.S. Em-
bassy and its staff in the future.
2 AmChamNews Aug-Sep. 2007
 AMCHAMS IN THE REGION
AmCham Moldova has been serving the
local business community for just over
one year. It was registered in September
of 2006 and since then it has grown into
the organization that exists today.

One way for an organization to see how

far it has come is for it to see how far it
still has to go . In terms of experience and
member numbers AmCham Moldova can
learn a lot from its neighbors.

There are over 190 AmChams in opera-

tion throughout the world and our goal is
for AmCham Moldova is to be recognized
as one of the best. In striving to achieve
this goal we may well draw upon the ex-
perience of our neighboring AmChams
for guidance and advice.

Here is a brief look at what other Am-

Chams in the region have been able to ac-
complish and what AmCham Moldova
may use as an example to continue its pro-
gress in the right direction.

3 AmCham News Aug-Sep. 2007

 AMCHAM ROMANIA
Literally one of our neighbors, AmCham Romania was
founded fourteen years ago by American investors.
Since its inception, AmCham Romania has grown into an organization
with a membership roster made up of many major U.S. and interna-
tional corporations as well as local Romanian businesses and private
individuals such as consultants and free-lancers.
Today AmCham Romania has over 200 members and various catego-
ries of membership. AmCham Romania’s membership comprises cor-
porations and individuals representing or strongly linked to American
business in five categories: patrons, large corporations, small busi-
nesses, non-profit entities and individuals. Membership entitles partici-
pation in all AmCham events at member price and access to lobbying
and advocacy services.
AMCHAM UKRAINE
During its fifteen year history AmCham Ukraine has
grown to become one of the largest and most effective non-
government and nonprofit business organizations in the Ukraine. It
has over 500 members consisting of internationally known corpora-
tions and small and medium sized businesses from more than 50 coun-
tries that operate in the Ukraine.
AmCham Ukraine is a member of the Foreign Investment Advisory
Council under President Yushchenko as well as a wide variety of Pub-
lic Councils within Ukrainian Ministries and State Committees.
AmCham has its own committees as well, fourteen of them to be ex-
act. Some of these committees include: Agriculture, Banking and Fi-
nancial Services, Information Technology, and Telecommunications.

AmCham Romania has held many formal business and social and net- As part of its very active advocacy program AmCham Ukraine cur-
working events in its past. This October it will organize a one-day rently collaborates on four working groups: Certification and Stan-
seminar “Mechanisms of Protecting Intellectual Property Rights – Bor- dardization, Illegal Corporate Raidering, Joint Stock Companies, and
der Measure Actions”. This seminar will reunite representatives of the Waste Packaging Management.
U.S. Embassy in Romania, European Commission Delegation, large Offering its members services is one way that AmCham Ukraine
international companies, ministries and other public authorities, askeeps its current members satisfied while at the same time attracting
well as specialized NGOs fighting the trafficking of counterfeit and pi-
new companies to join the organization. Some of the services that are
rated goods. offered for members include a “member 2 member” program which
allows AmCham members to receive special discounts when doing
In its role to represent its members through business advocacy, Am- business with other members. Another member-only program is the
Cham Romania has organized six committees: Tax, European Union, “Gourmet Club” which unites many of the best restaurants in Ukraine
IT & C, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Health Care, and Corpo- providing discounts to AmCham members.
rate Social Responsibility.

For further information about AmCham Romania and its activities For further information about AmCham Ukraine and its activities
please visit its official website. please visit its official website.
www.amcham.ro www.amcham.ua

4 AmChamNews August-September 2007

 AMCHAM BULGARIA AMCHAM RUSSIA
The organization was founded in 2004 and currently unites The AmCham in Russia was founded shortly after the unrav-
over 220 reputable American, Bulgarian and International eling of the U.S.S.R. in 1991. A group of American businessmen cre-
companies and organizations from all sectors of the economy. ated the American Business Club to unite the American business com-
munity in Russia. Then in 1993 the Club formally applied to the U.S.
Today AmCham Bulgaria has a total of seven committees working on Chamber of Commerce and celebrated its official registration in Mos-
diverse sectors of the economy including Public Affairs, EU Affairs, cow on January 13, 1994. From its humble beginnings AmCham has
AmCham Membership, Business Development, Real Estate & Con- grown into the largest business association in Russia and effectively
struction, Healthcare, and Corporate Social Responsibility. advocates the business interests of its more than 800 members.
AmCham Bulgaria organizes many events for its members including AmCham works closely with the Russian government and is even
an event that will take place this October. AmCham and the U.S. Em- used as a resource in designing business legislation. As part of estab-
bassy in Bulgaria are organizing the seminar “Contracting Training of lishing its credibility in the country, AmCham identified key individu-
U.S.—Bulgaria Joint Training Facilities”. The seminar is designed to als in both the Russian and American governments and focused on
teach contracting procedures to firms interested in the U.S. – Bulgaria creating close, working relationships with them.
joint training facilities and the upcoming business opportunities in the
Middle East and other NATO and European countries. One way AmCham advocates for its members is through its commit-
tees. Today AmCham is made up of 18 committees that work in vary-
AmCham Bulgaria also works closely with the community by offering ing sectors of the economy including Aerospace, Energy, Manufactur-
various trainings, classes, and other external programs. In the spirit of ing, and Taxation, to name a few.
this cooperation a partnership has been established with the American
College of Sofia which offers various English language courses and AmCham provides its members with plenty of opportunities to net-
trainings. Another such program is the “Toast Master’s Club”. work through many diverse activities and events including member
dinners, an annual golf tournament, CEO forums, and Policy Roundta-
The Toast Master’s Club was a re-opened in the summer of 2005 and ble discussions.
provides participants who attend the bi-weekly meeting with the op-
portunity to develop communication and leadership skills through pub- To keep its members informed AmCham has 10 publications and a
lic speaking. section on its website dedicated to doing business in Russia. This sec-
tion focuses on many of the common issues that its members face.

For further information about AmCham Bulgaria and its activities For further information about AmCham Russia and its activities please
please visit its official website. visit its official website.

http://www.amcham.bg http://www.amcham.ru

5 AmChamNews August
 UPCOMING AMCHAM EVENTS AND COLLABORATIONS
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
International Conference
Corporate Social Responsibility for Moldova
Co-organized by
American Chamber of Commerce in Moldova
Eurasia Foundation
United Nations Development Programme
Nistru Hall, Leogrand Hotel & Convention Center, 77 Mitropolit Vaarlam str. butlerRJ@state.gov or via telephone at 408 946.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
U.S. EMBASSY LOOKS TO OPEN A SCHOOL IN MOLDOVA
The Embassy of the United States is exploring the option of opening a new school
for Embassy employees’ children, international students, and Moldovan students.
The proposed school is in need of funding before it can move on to the next step of
development. The estimated amount of funding needed for the project is $800,000
and if that amount is not raised by mid-October than the project cannot continue.
If you or your organization are interested in donating to this project please con-
tact Mrs. Royanna Butler with the United States Embassy by email at
ANP CLUBS ECONOMIQUES INTERNATIONAUX

The conference will focus on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in The ANP Clubs Economiques Internationaux is an organization from Bel-
Moldova as a concept and will identify and acknowledge CSR practices gium that is creating an economic guide for the European Union and its
in Moldova and abroad. neighbors.
Representatives from Moldovan and international companies, central The economic guide will consist of 100 pages with 50 pages being de-
and local government, the diplomatic and donor community will be in- voted to the European Union and 50 pages to the Republic of Moldova.
vited to attend and make presentations. Various media outlets will be The 50 pages covering Moldova will consist of various topics including
attending and reporting on this CSR conference. Conference invitations Government, Parliament, Private Sector, Foreign Investment, etc.
and the agenda will be sent in October.
The guide will be used as a tool to promote Moldova in Western Europe
All AmCham members are highly encouraged to participate in the and it will be distributed to the Euro Chamber in Brussels who will then
event. XEROX has already generously agreed to be the general sponsor distribute it to all Chambers of Commerce in the European Union. This
of the conference. Two other AmCham members, KPMG and Glass guide will be seen by many government officials, business people and in-
Container Company, have also agree to sponsor the conference and vestors throughout the European Union and its neighboring countries.
other non-AmCham companies have also decided to sponsor the event.
We are still in need of sponsorship for the event and we kindly ask each AmCham has decided to work with ANP Clubs Economiques Interna-
AmCham member to consider sponsoring this conference. tionaux and will be featured in the economic guide and we encourage our
members to consider promoting their organizations in this economic guide
In the event that your organization is interested in sponsoring this CSR too. If your organization is interested in this opportunity please contact
conference please contact Jerad Scott Tietz via email: Jerad Scott Tietz and he can put you in touch with the guide’s organizers
jeradtietz@amcham.md or via telephone: 211 781. in Moldova.
6 AmChamNews August-September 2007
 NEW FEATURE IN AMCHAMNEWS
We are proud to introduce this new section of
the monthly newsletter which will focus on a
different member of AmCham each month.
The members of AmCham are its greatest asset and we
believe that helping our members better understand each
other’s businesses will go a long way to improving mem-
ber relations and the efficiency of our organization.
So without further ado, we are proud to present this
month’s member spotlight.
Corporate Office Solutions has been an office interi-
ors consultant since 1995 and is
now one of the largest in Europe.
Ever since 1995 the Office Solu-
tions group
has been the
trading part-
ner of Steel-
case, the World’s leading office
furniture supplier and is currently
the exclusive dealership of Steel-
case in Romania, and from March
2007, in Moldova.
COS offers a Complete Portfolio of
office furniture systems and archi-
tectural items to meet all func-
tional, design and budget require-
ments.
COS also offers a wide variety of
professional office services in de-
sign and architectural, logistic,
project management, construction
management.
The COS representative in
Moldova is Ms. Oxana Jantoan.
MEMBER SPOGHTLIGHT
CORPORATE OFFICE SOLUTIONS
INTERVIEW WITH MS. OXANA JANTOAN
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER, CORPORATE OFFICE SOLUTIONS
http://www.cos.ro
AmCham: Corporate Office Solutions (COS) is relatively new to the Moldovan market and is in
the process of establishing a presence in Moldova. What challenges and obstacles
has COS encountered while trying to establish itself in Moldova?
Oxana: Corporate Office Solutions is a company with an international presence. It is
the exclusive Steelcase dealer. That is why the decision was made based on the
market research that was done before opening an office here. We saw a good
chance to find a correct way of understanding the values of high standard ser-
vices.
Moldova is a country with great potential in many areas: banking, IT, comm-
unications, etc. Every one of these areas need to be presented in a certain way
and we here to help to find these ways as well as to add value to your business.
AmCham: Moldova is by most standards a small market for COS to enter. How do
you feel your organization’s experience in larger and more developed markets such
as Romania can be translated to the Moldovan market?
Oxana: Even if Moldova is a small market there are some really good projects going
on. There are investors who want to extend their businesses in this part of the
world.
Moldova is just going through the steps of development the same way Romania did a
couple of years ago. Big companies are coming to improve our services by introduc-
ing new management.
In Romania, COS is one of the leading companies in this area. We are planning to
achieve the same results in Moldova. We are a solid company, very flexible for our
customers. Our business relationships are based on trust and good reputation. That
is why many of our Romanian clients, that have companies here, in Moldova, are
willing to cooperate with us further on.
INTERVIEW CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
7 AmChamNews August-September 2007
 MEMBER SPOGHTLIGHT
CORPORATE OFFICE SOLUTIONS

CONTINUATION OF THE INTERVIEW WITH MS. OXANA JANTOAN

REGIONAL SALES MANAGER, CORPORATE OFFICE SOLUTIONS
http://www.cos.ro
AmCham:: Can you talk a little bit about the reason why COS chose to enter the Moldovan market and what benefits COS expects to get from their operations in
Moldova?

Oxana: One of the most important factors leading to Corporate Office Solutions decision to enter the Moldovan market
was the changes that have appeared in Moldova recently: a growing market, many investments, another mental-
ity; people began to see the difference between a high quality services and a bad supplier. We expect to see our
clients satisfied and happy in their offices, that we will create for them.

We can not mention more or less benefits for COS to enter Moldova’s market. The important thing for COS is to
extend and to develop its services in the most needed areas, by offering durable products. For this, we are taking
care of our clients by improving their image.

AmCham: Does COS plan on implementing a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy in Moldova? Does COS implement CSR strategies in other countries that it
operates in?

Oxana: COS is currently developing in Romania a “green” campaign, meant to generate public awareness on environmental protection. COS is actively par-
ticipating protecting the environment by recycling all the office paper disposals and by enrolling in a program of planting new trees in Bucharest, Ro-
mania’s capital. Moreover, COS carefully and constantly distributes only products which can be recycled and can be obtained through an industrial
process that respects the environment and do not create pollution. This is one of our future plans in Moldova, too.

AmCham: Could you please tell us what you think the future of the market for office furniture and office related products in Moldova will be like?

Oxana: I think this market is just at the beginning of its development. There are many reasons for that: foreign invest
ments, a growing request for something new and more comfortable, new business opportunities. I believe in a
couple of years this domain will be very successful.

AmCham: The annual International Wine Festival will take place in Chisinau next month. What is your favorite type of
Moldovan wine?

Oxana: Sauvignon Blanc

A special thank you to Ms. Oxana Jantoan for taking her time to speak with AmCham.
8 AmChamNews August-September 2007
 Independence Day WELCOME NEW AMCHAM MEMBERS
2007 We would like to welcome all of our new members to AmCham.
We look forward to a prosperous and continued relationship with
AmCham would like you and all of our members that have supported AmCham from
the beginning.
to congratulate
Moldova on celebrat- COCA-COLA BOTTLERS CHISINAU
ing the sixteenth an- Contact Person: Marius Gogorita
Phone: 471 040
niversary of its inde- Address: str. Industriala 5
MD-2023, mun. Chisinau
pendence on August Website: www.coca-colahbc.com
27.
EURASIA FOUNDATION
Contact Person: Sorin Mereacre
We wish Moldova Phone: 235 343
and its citizens many Address: str. Tighina 49/4, 3rd floor
MD-2001, mun. Chisinau
prosperous and pro- Website: www.eurasia.md
ductive years to
MOLDCELL
come. Contact Person: Rodica Verbeniuc
Phone: 794 000 26
Address: str. Belgrad 3
MD-2060, mun. Chisinau
Website: www.moldcell.md

VICTORIABANK
Limba Noastra 2007 Contact Person: Lilia Lozinschi
Phone: 576 100
Address: str. 31 August 1989,
AmCham felicită Republica Nr. 141
Moldova cu ocazia sărbătorii Website: www.victoriabank.md
“Limba Noastra”.

La mulŃi ani şi să traească Re-

WELCOME TO AMCHAM!
publica Moldova şi cetăŃenii săi.
9 AmChamNews August-September 2007