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Member of the US Chamber Network, the world’s largest business federation No. 10 Vol. 1 1st Quarter 2004 Member of the European Council of American Chambers of Commerce American Chamber News The Official Newsletter of the American Chamber of Commerce in Norway

This issue: 2004 Outlook 2004 Outlook ...... 1 From the American Chamber Managing Director Norwegian Biomedical News ...... 2 Warm greetings to all members and friends 3 Franchising in Norway ...... of the American Chamber of Commerce in Protectionist Versus Subsidized Norway during these cold winter months. Market Approaches: Following the The first quarter of the year is typically a Latest “Buy American”Initiatives ...... 4 time of maddening pace for Chamber corporate members as tax papers are filed, New Market Approaches for Jason Turflinger Scandinavian Airlines ...... 5 budgets are set into motion,and year-long strategies are solidified.The Chamber ho- 6 Executive Round Table: ICT Industry . . . pes to assist members in the latter of these each nation have also played a role in the Tribute to Sari Borg ...... 6 essential activities – particularly in the area current state of affairs.This fact is extrem- of trans-Atlantic business initiatives. ely evident in most of the Norwegian The Army of Truth ...... 7 With US culture and business interests newspapers.Recently there have been so prevalent throughout this country,the progressively more unsavory stories of the Karin Crystal Adds Color to the Chamber Office Space ...... 7 relationship between the two nations has US – ranging from being an “unfavorable undoubtedly been taken for granted in the travel destination,”to being a “lower pref- Thanksgiving Dinner & Dance ...... 8 past.“The problem with US-Norway rela- erence for foreign university education”as tions is that there is no problem” was a sen- well as espousing questionable corporate Special Offers ...... 9 timent expressed to me on more than one motivation.But,as you well know,sensa- New Members – 4th Quarter 2003 . . . . . 9 occasion by US promoters in Norway.This, tionalism sells – even in Norway.The unfortunately,is no longer the case. Chamber will assist member companies Scandinavian Chambers Come Together ...... 11 Most notably,the War on Terror has put within these and other industries in giv- a strain on this historically strong relation- ing consumers proper perspective. Upcoming American Chamber Events . . 11 ship.According to US Chamber of On behalf of our members and the Commerce President and CEO Thomas broader US-Norway relationship,the Introducing New Staff ...... 12 Donohue,in the United States “there is a American Chamber will strive to ward off Did You Know That ...... 12 great philosophical divide between those the ill-effects of these current trends.We whose policies would shut America off will do this first and foremost by doing from the world – for reasons of economics, what we do best – facilitating personal security,politics or fear – and those who contact between key business representa- The American Chamber of understand that America must remain an tives from each country.During the first Commerce in Norway welcomes open society,engaged and working with half of 2004 Chamber members will have these new Corporate members: the world to build economic strength…” multiple opportunities to learn while pro- Unisys Norge AS With your support,the American Chamber moting business interests and ideas for Ericsson AS in Norway will do its part to help prove the mutual benefit with Chamber colleagues Monster Worldwide Scandinavia AB US isolationists wrong by increasingly per- (please see page 11 for a listing of upcom- Simsonsen Føyen Advokatfirma DA petuating successful international busi- ing key events).It is our sincere hope that ness dealings between our great countries. you take full advantage of these opportu- For new corporate member profiles see pages 9 and 10. Growing differences and preferences nities in the best spirit of your valued role between the succeeding generations of within your organization.

Newsletter 1st Quarter 2004 1 American Chamber News

Norwegian Biomedical News

Focus on: Bionor Immuno AS - Immunotherapy for HIV Infection

Bionor Immuno AS is a drug discovery use in some patients.This includes even- company located in Skien,Norway that tual irreversible organ damage resulting focuses on the development of immune- in conditions such as diabetes requiring based therapies for human immunodefi- the administration of insulin.These com- ciency virus (HIV)-1 infection.Bionor plications add to the financial burden of Immuno AS forms part of the Telemark HAART.Of further concern is the emer- Biomedical Centre that houses four com- gence of drug-resistant viruses that can tides are capable of inducing strong panies and approximately 70 employees. result in treatment failure. immune responses to HIV-1 that have These companies are Bionor (that devel- Immune-based therapies represent an allowed for prolonged periods in the ops HIV diagnostics),Telelab (a clinical important element in the future man- absence of HAART.Bionor Immuno’s pep- microbiology laboratory),Mericon (a con- agement of HIV-1 infection.By combining tide technology has attracted interest tract research organisation) and Bionor immunotherapy and HAART,exposure to from the Immunology Research Advisory Immuno (that develops HIV HAART can be reduced and the emer- Committee (I-RAC) at the National immunotherapy).Bionor Immuno AS was gence of drug-resistant viruses min- Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United partitioned off from its sister company imised.The objective of a successful States.This committee carries out well Bionor and established as a separate immunotherapy is therefore to immunise organized,multi-centre clinical trials of company in the year 2000. patients in the presence of HAART and promising immunotherapy candidates for At present,the only treatment option generate immune responses that can be HIV-1 in the United States through the for HIV-1 infection is highly active anti- effective in controlling the virus for pro- AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG).The retroviral therapy (HAART).This is a com- longed periods when patients are Committee is interested in using Bionor bination of at least three different drugs removed from HAART.The maintenance Immuno’s peptide technology to identify that target the virus.The availability of of immunotherapeutic effect will be by and test a wider array of peptides in phase HAART has led to a profound decrease in periodic boosting on HAART.Reducing I and II clinical trials for both immunother- HIV-1-associated morbidity and mortality exposure to HAART is of critical impor- apeutic effect as well as potential preven- in developed countries.Efforts are now tance also when considering the poten- tative vaccine candidates. underway to facilitate the availability of tial for increased availability of HAART in HAART in developing countries where the developing countries that may not be treatment has hitherto been unafford- able to tolerate the extra financial burden able.For example,in Sub-Saharan Africa, resulting from HAART complications. Bionor Immuno’s technology only 1% of the 26.6 million people living Bionor Immuno has so far developed has attracted interest at the with HIV-infection has access to HAART. two candidate immunotherapies that are Although effective in controlling infec- under clinical evaluation.Bionor Immu- National Institutes of Health tion,HAART is not a cure. Furthermore, no’s approach involves the use of specifi- (NIH) in the United States. HAART is associated with unpleasant side cally designed peptides i.e.modified pro- effects as well as toxicity with long-term tein fragments of the virus.These pep-

Newsletter 1st Quarter 2004 2 American Chamber News Franchising in Norway

Senior Partner Børge Nilssen, Effectum Franchise Consulting

The franchise business method has cepts. In the late 1990’s Norgesgruppen franchise systems are willing to accept been used in Norway since 1967.The purchased several restaurant and fast anybody as franchisees, thus the only first franchise system (Ø-klær, today food concepts and attempted to organ- demand being money.This should not Cubus) conducted business using the ize a concept house. Currently almost be the sole criteria, a franchisee should franchise method originally without every one of these concepts are closed have some defined skills and be willing even being aware of it. Not until the or sold, and the umbrella organization to personally operate the local unit. first franchise seminar in 1972 did they does not exist.The experience gained Most concepts depend on the right discover their franchise status. Since was that there was no overall synergy, location. In Norway a large part of all then the Norwegian business commu- and that each system had to be operat- trade take place in shopping malls, nity has openly adopted the method. ed separately.However, both of these where the space is limited and the best Today we estimate that there are example businesses contain profes- areas are both costly and difficult to about 250 franchise systems in Norway. sionals that can together with other obtain. Still, the shopping malls are Based on a survey in 1998, only 25% companies and private persons become always eager to introduce new prod- come from foreign countries, of this possible business partners for fran- ucts and services to their customers. only 8% from the homeland of franchis- chisors entering Norway. Franchising in Norway will continue ing, USA.This means that 75% of fran- The major challenge for the local to grow, both with international and chises originate in Norway.Franchising business partner is to adapt their partic- Norwegian concepts. Due to competi- is used within areas like dentistry, ular concept to the Norwegian market. tive forces, only the professionals with homecare, education and services to This can easily be achieved by simply sound business practices will survive in both the public and the business com- personally establishing and operating the franchise market.To win as a fran- munity.McDonalds, Avis, and 7-Eleven one or several local units. Necessary chisor you must be a professional with are the most successful international sales and profits within the framework knowledge in your own trade and franchise systems in Norway. conditions in Norway must also be met. franchise market, in addition to con- The major challenges franchise sys- To meet this essential criteria, the con- ducting business with other similar tems face when entering Norway are cept may have to change,but only when professionals. the size of the market, cost of labor, and approved by the Franchisor.Most of the rent.The price level and consumption foreign franchise systems underesti- per capita in Norway is significantly mate the cost of this phase and have an higher than in most countries.This fact underfinanced business partner. lends to a unique opportunity to earn Only when the concept is operating better margins and volume despite a successfully can the expansion begin. small marketplace. This includes involving people who It is necessary for a foreign franchise wish to become Franchisees for the system to have a local partner, either as establishment and operation of a local a master franchisee or as a business unit. In Norway, the public knowledge partner. Some companies have tried to about the franchise concept is poor.We build an organization as a concept have attempted to establish a franchise house, with a number of different con- expo to better educate the public and cepts. For example, Narvesen had sever- potential franchisees, but like the al self-development concepts and some Swedes and Danes, we failed.This as a master franchisee (7-Eleven, Burger means there is no genuine central mar- King and TGIF).The Reitan Group pur- ketplace so potential franchisees have chased Narvesen and systematically to be discovered through advertise- cleaned it up by selling most of the con- ments, the internet, or meetings. Some Børge Nilssen

Newsletter 1st Quarter 2004 3 American Chamber News Protectionist Versus Subsidized Market Approaches: Following the Latest “Buy American” Initiatives

This past summer, there was an inter- Ambassador Günter Burghardt, wrote a legislators. Although the unions are esting House version of the Defense stern and threatening letter to simply representing their clients, the US Authorization Bill (H.R. 1588) introduced Congress stating that Title VIII “repre- laborers, the unions are also potentially in Congress which contained some sents an unprecedented expansion of isolating their respective products on alarming “Buy American”provisions Buy American into areas covered by US the international market through pro- embedded within the Acquisition international commitments…should tectionist legislation. Policy and Management section (Title the final bill retain WTO-incompatible It can also be said that Buy American VIII). Some of the more astounding pro- provisions, the European Commission legislation counteracts other countries’ posed requirements included: will consider the most appropriate “offset policies”within particular increased data collection and reporting action to take.”With pressure from the industries (such as in Norway’s defense of the “country of origin”for various Department of Defense related indus- and aviation sector).These offsets are materials; requirements for specific try associations, and the world commu- sometimes viewed as necessary in par- materials and tools to be produced nity,Secretary of Defense Donald ticular industrial sectors and are used solely in the US; and an increase of the Rumsfeld and President Bush vowed to as subsidies in countries such as domestic content minimum from 50% veto the original proposed legislation if Norway.On the other hand, Buy to 65%. A proposed article in Title VIII it contained the controversial provi- American initiatives can also be inter- also included an amendment to the US sions. preted as a subsidy which is inequitable Code inserting a new section (§2436) The intense pressure against the pro- at the international level, and is con- that read “The Secretary of Defense visions resulted in sweeping changes to trary to the US’s underlying founding shall require that, for any procurement Title VIII in the revised H.R. 1588 that market principles. of a major defense acquisition program was passed by Congress November 12th, This will most likely not be the last – the contractor for the procurement and signed by the President November time such protectionist measures shall use only machine tools entirely 24th. All of the major Buy American attempt to infiltrate US law.There will produced within the United States to requirements were eliminated,or always be the initative by US unions to carry out the contract”(for contracts changed to voluntary-incentive based increase Buy American provisions to over $5M USD). measures. Section 811 of the final bill protect specialized US laborers. It is also These proposed requirements imme- assured that any of the other minor Buy possible that future attempts could diately drew strong reactions from American provisions would be deemed emerge in different sectors and surpris- industry organizations, the EU, and the “inapplicable if found to be inconsistent ingly gain more support than previous White House. Powerful industry associ- with US obligations under current or efforts.The Trans-Atlantic business ations such as The National Defense future trade agreements.” community,in cooperation with US Industry Association (NDIA), Although the Buy American initiative businesses, must send a strong signal Information Technology Association of purports to benefit the US economy and to US lawmakers that these practices America (ITAA), Government Electronics enrich the US workforce,it is an impos- are unjust and can potentially produce and Information technology sible idea to impose on a superpower detrimental effects to the Global econ- Association (GEIA), and Aerospace reliant on an international business omy and business relationships, in Industries Association (AIA) deter- environment. In actuality,as evident in addition to eroding decades of work minedly lobbied congress and the gov- the overwhelming objections to the towards globalization and free trade ernment to reconsider the Buy provisions in HR 1588,it is a detriment to agreements. American provisions.These influential most US businesses.This is because in The US Chamber of Commerce in associations believed the provisions our modern market environment, Norway will continue to monitor future would harm international business almost all US businesses are somehow legislation and initiatives that attempt relationships, and would be too expen- connected to the international market- to expand the Buy American program, sive, and at times impractical, to imple- place. Buy American initiatives can be and we will report to our Chamber ment.The Head of the Delegation of labeled as protectionist ideas promoted Members any future initiatives that the European Commission, by US workers unions to their respected threaten US-Norwegian trade.

Newsletter 1st Quarter 2004 4 American Chamber News New Market Approaches for Scandinavian Airlines

Interview with Mr. Stein Nilsen, Head of Scandinavian Airlines in Norway

SAS has continually been in the media market to gain profit and market share. ing a strong position for the SAS Group in spotlight,being a special favorite of the Mr.Nilsen commented that“the fall in Northern Europe…leaving the SAS Group Norwegian press to criticize on a weekly ticket prices only benefits the customer”, to be an alternative to the more tradi- basis.SAS has also been confronted with but is also advantageous to airlines like tional structures,”says Siv Meisingseth new budget airline companies challeng- SAS because it gives them the opportuni- (Head of Information Scandinavian ing their market share with the adoption ty to show new customers their product Airlines in Norway). This also corre- of unparalleled businesses models.Most and corresponding quality to hopefully sponds with SAS’s disclosure in businesses would pause and shudder win the customer over for the long term. Aftenposten on December 1st by SAS under the pressure,but after a recent The SAS strategy is also targeting Information Director Hans Ollongren, interview with Mr.Stein Nilsen (Head of overall efficiency.With the promotion of “take today's five airlines under the SAS Scandinavian Airlines in Norway) its “self check-in”and “web purchasing,”Mr. umbrella and add Air Baltic and Estonian sounds like SAS is altering their tradition- Nilsen comments that“the move from Air.That makes seven.Then Scandinavian al approach and forging ahead. paper based to ticket-less transactions is Airline is pulled out and replaced with SAS currently offers the only available a big turnaround in product concept,and airlines in each of the three owner Oslo-to-US direct flights.After this route a much more efficient product with less nations,plus the intercontinental divi- was unveiled in the Spring as a daily bureaucracy… which is very efficient for sion.That makes four companies.Finally flight,it has since been cut back to three the consumer and SAS.”This is a perfect (budget airline) Snowflake comes in and times a week due to slow growth model for corporate efficiency because that brings us up to 11 airlines,”says Mr. throughout the first three quarters of both the consumer and business save Ollongren. the year. This slow growth period affect- time and money. SAS is approaching the toughened ed the whole aviation market and can be SAS has also announced a new busi- market with sound strategies.With attributed to the SARS epidemic,Iraq ness organization structure.“The strate- decades of experience in the market and conflict,and a weak European economy. gy is to have different airlines with differ- with surviving difficult financial periods, With the hint of a European and US eco- ent products and strengths - all tailored the new SAS direction will allow the air- nomic recovery,SAS hopes the product to their local market,and together build- line to continue being a market leader. line will lure customers and increase the customer base.SAS is depending on the quality and comfort of new airplanes to capture new recurring customers. SAS is relying on more than just quality in order to compete with the new budget airlines that offer surprisingly low fares to numerous destinations.Mr. Nilsen stated that“traditional carriers are challenged by new low cost carriers with new business models,so SAS is restructuring some of its current concepts to meet these demands.”This includes incorporating low-cost principles within the current strategy,and the unveiling of the budget“Snowflake”line. The budget,low-cost fares,are the fastest growing part of the industry,and SAS’s strategy recognizes this fact,and intends to compete with that part of the

Newsletter 1st Quarter 2004 5 American Chamber News Executive Round Table: ICT Industry

On the morning of October 16th,15 local ing spam,including the legislation tions,IPR protection,patentability,and representatives of various technology required to effectively stop spam to con- piracy. companies and organizations met with sumers and businesses in Europe. A healthy roundtable discussion follow- US government leaders at Simonsen Arvid Gomez (Production Manager, ed the presentations.During this discussi- Føyen Advokatfirma DA to exchange ideas Norman ASA) presented on system virus on there was a great deal of feedback from regarding the Information and infection,the convergence of threats or participants.Many ideas for cooperation Communications Technology (ICT) indu- malware,and the need for mutual efforts and mutual gain were shared by both stry.The Executive Round Table (ERT) to prevent virus attacks on individuals, Norwegian and American interests. agenda specifically targeted trade policy industry,and society. The American Chamber of Commerce and regulatory barrier issues within ICT, Representing the US Department of would like to thank the presenters and par- with heavy emphasis on cooperation Commerce,Patricia M.Sefcik (Director, ticipants for such a successful ERT event. between the US and Norway. Office of Information Technologies and *Please visit the “Members Section”of the American After a warm welcome from Terje Electronic Commerce) gave a very inform- Chamber website to view electronic versions of all pre- Rognlien (CEO,Simonsen Føyen),a short ative presentation,highlighting the pro- sentations given at the ERT. introduction from Christopher W.Webster motion of E-commerce,including privacy (Chargè d'Affaires,US Embassy in Norway) and data protection. and a quick overview of US and Oluf Ulseth (State Secretary,Depart- Norwegian ICT issues by Per Morten Hoff ment of Trade and Industry in Norway) (Norwegian Industry Official:CEO,IKT- gave an introduction to the next segment Norge),the round table commenced. of discussion in the ERT,putting emphasis Arve Føyen (Partner,Simonsen Føyen) on the importance of topics such as ICT- first presented on export control regula- policy in general,ICT sequrity,spam,elec- tions from the US,along with issues tronic signatures and broadband. regarding the re-export of technological Dalip Dewan and Gisle Hannemyr pre- products including software. sented on issues within regulatory barri- Local corporate IT leaders and US/Norway government officials discuss current chal- Next,Birger Steen (CEO,Microsoft ers,covering areas such as mutual recog- lenges and future trends at the Executive Norway) expanded upon concerns regard- nition of certification authorities,PKI solu- Round Table event.

TRIBUTE TO SARI BORG “There’s no business like show business…” Having been in show business for so many so goes the old well-known song. It goes on years,Sari thrived on a busy,active social 9.05.1933 - 28.09.2003 – “There’s no people like show people,they life. She just loved being with people – the smile when they are low…” This song epito- bigger the party,the better she enjoyed it. Sari Borg (born Sari mised my friend Sari Borg. Sari suffered so She had such a zest for life. She often said Lynn Price) passed many heartbreaks in her lifetime but “never turn your back on life,whatever away on September always came smiling through. I admired happens to you.” 28th,2003. She was her courage and fortitude. Sari was very proud to be American and an active participant Sari and I first became acquainted loved her country with a passion. She was in the American through the American Church. We really from Texas and she would say “you can Chamber of became friends a while later when we take the girl out of Texas but you can’t take Commerce in found ourselves together on a course – Texas out of the girl.” So,I feel very glad and Norway,and brought light to many of the “Bridge for Beginners”. happy in my heart to know she now lies in various Chamber events… she will be A few years later,when Sari found her- Texas soil. missed dearly.One of the many people self more or less alone after losing Victor, So my dear friend Sari,I will always she touched closely was Janet Greaves.As her husband,and Nancy,her daughter,I remember you for your zest for life,your follows,Janet has contributed a personal think playing bridge helped her to main- warmth,your so sharp and clever wit,your tribute to her lost friend… tain her equilibrium and provided the sense of fun,your elegance,your style. social life she so much enjoyed and needed.

Newsletter 1st Quarter 2004 6 American Chamber News

Karin Crystal Adds Color The Army of Truth to the Chamber Office -Selected Poems by Henrik Wergeland Space The American Chamber office and con- explains Myhren in the introduction. ference room recently acquired four mar- The poem Christmas Eve is a fine velous paintings on loan from Karin example of the irony and conse- Crystal (wife of Bob Crystal,long time quences of discrimination,ignorance, member).These art works add significant and hatred.The Three portrays the flavor to the Chamber décor,while also positives of toleration and respect of prominently advertising her wonderful different faiths,and the accompany- design to our visitors.As with all of her ing knowledge that can be gained. commissioned paintings,she first visited • Publication of Thanks to Scandinavia On the Sick-Bed contains the Chamber office to “explore and (an educational fund and an institute Wergeland’s realization of death and understand the ambiance,atmosphere, of the American Jewish Committee) his last wishes that his work for moods,and personal tastes that portray • Forward by Ragnhild Galtung (Director equality be carried on and not go the client”. of the Norway-American Association unheeded.The Norwegian Karins’artistic abilities are multi- 1958-1996,Thanks to Scandinavia Parliament systematically repealed faceted;ranging from world renowned Norwegian Representative,and Article §2 in 1851,six years after fashion design and illustration,to jour- American Chamber member) Wergelands death in 1845. nalism and painting.Karin was born and • Introduction by Dagne Groven Myhren Although Wergeland‘s poetry was raised in Oslo,but currently resides in Bal (assistant Professor of Nordic written 150 years ago,his messages Harbour,Florida.This is where she Literature,University of Oslo) can still be applied to modern society received much of her recent artistic inspi- • Translated by Anne Born (author,poet, and to our contemporary business ration - the lush,tropical landscapes and and translator of Scandinavian lan- world.Most societies continue to magnificent sunsets “totally changed her guages) contain levels of inequality and injus- color perspectives.”This observation is tice,Wergeland’s messages of evident in her newly named “Mood Art”, The Army of Truth is a selection of poems respect and tolerance can provide “I create moods”says Crystal,“the moods by Henrik Wergeland highlighting the guidance to the path of justice for of the individual – what they want to say Jewish struggle for equal rights in these contemporary problems.In our about themselves and the lives they lead Norway during the early 1880’s. recent economic times of concern through art.” Wergeland’s passion for Jewish rights regarding business practices and low The Chamber thanks Karin for the tem- was fueled by the infamous Article 2 of consumer sentiment,Wergeland’s porary donation of the art to the office the 1814 Norwegian Constitution specifi- poetry can provide solid principles of space,and we hope all our visitors will cally excluding Jews from entering truth and honesty for commerce and enjoy her artwork as much as we do. Norway. trade.All sectors of business and Please contact the Chamber if you are in- The messages within his poetry con- society can benefit from his mes- terested in finding out more about Karin tain a universal and timeless message of sages and also hopefully be inspired and her work. valuable morals including equality, by his passion for change and equali- respect,tolerance,faith,truth,and tri- ty. umphing against evil.“The introductory Thanks go in part to Chamber of poem in The Jew is concerned with words Commerce member Ragnhild and the world,with the poet’s battle for Galtung for editing the book and awareness,light,and truth against a helping to enable the Army of Truth dense spiritual darkness that expresses to be read in the English language. itself in ignorance,lies,and prejudice…the This English translation greatly theme is central to all of Wergeland’s expands the audience for writing,and readily apparent in other Wergeland’s poetry and allows more poems dedicated to the Jewish cause” people to experience his eternal messages.

Newsletter 1st Quarter 2004 7 American Chamber News Thanksgiving Dinner & Dance

On the evening of November 29th, Nunn addressed the guests with a brief Following the first set of music, American Chamber of Commerce mem- welcome, after which dinner was served. Elisabeth Holm Oraug and Managing bers and guests converged upon Gamle Connoisseurs of Thanksgiving dinners Director Jason Turflinger led a very excit- Logen to enjoy an unconventional, yet (those with years of Thanksgiving ‘taste- ing lottery awarding prizes from Tine, delightful, American Thanksgiving testing’knowledge) discussed new and Ernest & Julio Gallo, and even an airline Dinner.This annual event is always familiar dishes with others who were ticket to fly from Oslo to the United pleasing to Americans and Norwegians busy taking in their first Thanksgiving States from SAS! Everyone held their alike. experience! breath when that ticket was drawn, but The evening began as attendees were As the dinner plates were cleared, 1st there could only be one lucky winner. greeted at the door and directed up the Vice Chairman Øystein Rød thanked Then, as the second set of music began, stairs, where cocktails and conversation William Nunn for all of his hard work the dance floor quickly filled up once with fellow friends and business associ- and support given during his tenure as more! ates awaited them. As guests mingled Chairman. Mr. Nunn was presented with During the course of the evening and enjoyed the atmosphere of the bar a departing gift of appreciation, as he friendships were made, plates were area, the doors to the dining room, Stor will soon be leaving Norway to return to filled and refilled, dance partners were Sal, were opened displaying exquisitely the US. exchanged, and drink glasses were decorated tables. Guests trickled into After a mouth-watering dessert of replenished. But perhaps the most excit- the dining area, enjoying the music of a both pumpkin and apple pies, Mr. Rød ing aspect of the Thanksgiving dinner live pianist, while also taking in the gave the order to strike up the band, and dance was that it brought two cul- ambiance of the room. named “Coolit.”The eight-piece contem- tures together to share in a wonderful As the wine began pouring, courtesy porary swing band brought most of the holiday that reminds of us just how for- of Ernest & Julio Gallo, outgoing dinner guests out onto the dance floor tunate we really are. American Chamber Chairman William immediately!

Karoline Vinsrygg, Birger Sørensen & Lars- Grand prize winner Patrik Egeland (left) The upbeat music of “Coolit” helped make it Kåre Legernes (Director of the Oslo Chamber is congratulated by Jason Turflinger after an evening to remember! of Commerce) enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail. SAS Sales Director Erik Langerud (middle) presented the award.

Newsletter 1st Quarter 2004 8 American Chamber News

Special Offers NEW MEMBERS – 4th Quarter 2003 – Members Only! (through November) Patron-level Member Relocating? Unisys Norge AS best way to capitalize on technology and Majortrans and Adams Express are Key Chamber Representatives: meet their business needs.Unisys has its proud to offer American Chamber – Mr.Gunnar Hesse, own internal programs and procedures of Commerce corporate-level General Manager – Nordic Countries that ensure that all activities and all members a special discount on their –Countries Mr.Baard Ringen,Country employees worldwide operate and per- business and personal moving costs. – Mr.BaardCommunications Ringen,Country Manager form in an ethical manner. Members are entitled to a 10% Communications Manag Unisys operations in Norway are a discount on the cost of their Inter- part of the Unisys Nordic Cluster,which national Moving Services.* Please Mr. Baard Ringen means the Nordics are organized as one identify your company and allow for group.The Nordic team is comprised of Chamber membership verification approximately 700 employees. when contacting these fine companies. Check your 2003 Membership Directory for contact information. Contributing-level Member Image it.Done. ERICSSON AS *Includes origin services for the export Unisys is a global information technolo- Key Chamber Representative: of household goods from Oslo,Norway gy services and solutions company. With – Dr.Jens Hjelmstad, and destination services for the impor- tation of household goods into Oslo, 36,000 people in over 100 countries the Senior Systems Engineer Norway. company has $5.6 Billion in revenue and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).Unisys combines expertise in sys- Dr. Jens Hjelmstad tems integration,outsourcing,infrastructure,server technology,and consulting with precision thinking and relentless execution to help clients. Taking a Break? Unisys applies these competencies National Car Rental is proud to offer uniquely to customers operating in spe- Moving Toward Information American Chamber of Commerce cific vertical markets;financial services, Superiority corporate-level members 20% off transportation,public sector,commer- Ericsson is presently a well-known all local weekend and holiday rates cial,communications,and media. worldwide supplier of telecommunica- at any of their locations throughout Through long experience and strong tion infrastructure and solutions.In the Norway.In addition, you may knowledge,Unisys delivers best practice area of defence electronics,Ericsson is contact National Car Rental for and end-to-end solutions for their cus- presently among the 10 leading global information on special weekday tomers. suppliers of advanced microwave sensor business rates and world-wide con- These end-to-end solutions are systems.This puts the company in a tracts. Please contact the Chamber embodied in the Unisys tag line prime position for supplying integrated for a reference number in order to “Imagine it.Done.”This explains exactly networks that effectively encapsulate take advantage of these exclusive what Unisys does.Unisys does not only various types of sensors and sensor sys- rates. develop distinctive technologies that fit tems and provides data for compilation their customer’s requirement,they also of situation pictures for any users con- ensure that those technologies are prop- nected to the network. erly implemented too.Unisys stands apart from their competitors by applying Ericsson’s Sensors and Information creative business thinking in partner- Division ships with their clients to discover the Ericsson has a strategic presence in

Newsletter 1st Quarter 2004 9 American Chamber News

New Members – 4th Quarter 2003 continued…

Norway through its Sensor and Worldwide (Nasdaq:MNST),is headquar- The firm also has a strong position in the Information Network division.This divi- tered in New York with approx.4,300 fields of offshore construction and ship- sion services the Norwegian and NATO employees in 19 countries,the Company's ping law,as well as corporate and tax law. customer base through direct contract- clients include more than 490 of the Simonsen Føyen is represented in Oslo, ing and strategic development of key Fortune 500 companies.For more infor- Kristiansand,Stavanger,and Tromsø and technologies such as advanced data mation visit: employs approximately 170 people, fusion methods and advanced active and www.monsterworldwide.com. including 125 lawyers nationwide. passive sensor systems.Ericsson is closely involved in supporting national Network Monster Worldwide Technology,Telecom & Media Centric Warfare programs in Norway and Scandinavia – Monster.no Simonsen Føyen has worked extensively Sweden and contributes with “know- Monster Worldwide Scandinavia,the with Technology,Telecom,and Media how”and networking experience as well leading Scandinavian careers website, (TTM) businesses since the 1980’s,partici- as intimate knowledge from delivered employs approx.80 people.The pating in and advising on international sensors and sensor system programs. Scandinavian headquarter is located in contract negotiations,dispute resolu- Stockholm,Sweden.Monster was tions,data privacy,intellectual and indus- launched in Norway in 1998 (as Jobline) trial property rights,competition and reg- Contributing-level Member and is one of the leading careers web- ulatory issues,license applications and MONSTER WORLDWIDE sites in Norway.35,000 users have regis- mergers and acquisitions.The TTM group SCANDINAVIA AB tered their profile on Monster.no and the also hold an extensive expertise in the Key Chamber Representative: website had more than 50,000 visits in area of public procurement. – Ms.Charlotte Evenseth,Area September 2003.On average,over 1000 Manager – Norway & Denmark qualified career-minded individuals have Shipping joined Monster.no each month during Simonsen Føyen's highly regarded ship- 2003.For more information visit: ping practice was founded in 1948. Ms. Charlotte Evenseth www.monster.no. Strong capabilities has since been established in petroleum and energy law, defence/aerospace and aquaculture and Contributing-level Member fishery matters,offshore construction SIMSONSEN FØYEN ADVOKATFIRMA DA and services,shipping and ship financing. Key Chamber Representatives: Clients include national governments Headquartered in Maynard,Mass., – Mr.Arve Føyen,Partner and UN agencies,major and independent Monster.com is the leading global – Mr.Per Seime,Partner oil and gas companies,petroleum indus- careers website,with more than 50 mil- – Ms.Eli Folkestadås,Account Manager try suppliers,owners and operators of lion visits each month and 26 million reg- drilling rigs and ships,owners and opera- istered users.Monster connects the most tors of hydroelectric facilities,turbine Ms. Eli Folkestadås progressive companies with the most suppliers,banks,etc. qualified career-minded individuals, offering innovative technology and supe- Corporate & Tax rior services that give them more control The corporate and tax group of over the recruiting process.The Monster Simonsen Føyen deals with all legal global network consists of 22 local con- problems related to trade and industry, tent and language sites. Simonsen Føyen is one of Norway's including the establishment and opera- largest law firms,committed to provid- tion of companies.The firm serves a Monster Worldwide ing clients with legal representation of broad range of national and interna- Founded in 1967,Monster Worldwide, the highest quality.Simonsen Føyen is an tional clients.The corporate and tax Inc.,(formerly TMP Worldwide Inc.) is the acknowledged market leader in the fields group is the largest group in the firm online recruitment leader and the parent of information technology and media and includes among several others the company of Monster.Monster law,and construction and property law. group focusing on securities law.

Newsletter 1st Quarter 2004 10 American Chamber News

Scandinavian Upcoming American Chamber Events Chambers Come Together 5th of February 2004 11th of March 2004 Executive Conference & Dinner Annual General Meeting & Dinner American Chamber Corporate-level The American Chamber's AGM is the members are specially invited to take premier Norway-US business net- part in the business leadership portion working event. Please join us as we of SAS Institute’s upcoming two-day host Mr. Einar Steensnæs, Minister of business conference entitled “SAS Petroleum and Energy. Forum 2004”at the Clarion Hotel Royal Venue and time TBA.This event Christiania,Oslo. will be open to members and a limit- Yahoo! CSO Mr.Tim Sanders and ed number of guests of the American Jason Turflinger; Uffe Ellemann-Jensen (for- Mr. Mark Raskino, Director of Research Chamber. mer Danish Foreign Minister) & Marianne Raidna (Managing Director of the American at Gartner, will provide their respec- Chamber in Sweden) at the Nov. 4 breakfast. tive views on future business trends. 3rd of June 2004 Additionally,Økonomisk Rapport will American Wine Tasting Directors of the Norwegian, Swedish present its award for Norwegian Small and medium US-based wine pro- and Danish American Chambers met in Leader of the Year. Dinner and drinks ducers will give American Chamber me- early November to further coordinate will be served during the presenta- mbers and guests a unique chance to their organizations’trans-Atlantic busi- tions. educate themselves on the extraordi- ness efforts. Several initiatives benefi- Interested Corporate members are nary taste of a variety of American cial to members of all three Chambers kindly requested to contact the wines. were agreed upon and will be devel- Chamber for special pricing,venue,and Event venue and details TBA.This oped going forward.The meeting was schedule details prior to January 26. event will be open to a limited num- made possible by a grant from the larg- ber of members and guests of the er European Council of American 12th of May 2004 American Chamber. Chambers of Commerce (ECACC). Power Lunch: US-Europe Relations American Chamber members are August 2004 The gathering was held in Copenhagen invited to attend a lecture by Dr. Geir Fourth Annual American Chamber in coordination with the AmCham Lundestad, Director of the Nobel of Commerce Golf Tournament Denmark Chiefs of Mission Breakfast, Institute, on US-Europe Relations. The Søderstrøm Cup will again be up entitled “Rethinking the Top of Europe: Professor Lundestad's presentation for grabs in one of the Chamber’s Nordic-Baltic Cooperation.” Several incorporating his vast experience in most popular annual social events. members of the diplomatic corps were this particular field will be extremely This exciting day of golf will conclude also in attendance as the city was the valuable to business leaders responsi- in the late afternoon followed with scene for a separate meeting of the ble for trans-Atlantic operations. dinner and prizes in several cate- Partnership in Northern Europe initia- Among other topics, Professor gories. tive, which coordinates efforts to help Lundestad will be discussing his Event venue and details TBA.This integrate Baltic nations into the North recently published book “The United event will be open to a limited num- Atlantic Treaty Organization and the States and Western Europe Since 1945: ber of members and guests of the European Union. From “Empire”by Invitation to American Chamber. Transatlantic Drift.” Event venue and time TBA.This event will be open the members of the American Chamber only.

Newsletter 1st Quarter 2004 11 American Chamber News

Introducing Marit Introducing Scott G. Randall Did You Know That... Elizabeth Bentsen – American Chamber Newsletter Editor – American Chamber Office Assistant & IT Responsible • The American Chamber of Commerce in Norway is a fully Living in Seattle, I grew up and lived accredited member of the US Washington I was in the Washington, Chamber of Commerce (COCUSA), exposed to a Nor- D.C.area for most of headquartered in Washington D.C.? wegian influence my life…always with from birth,having a the itch to leave the • The US Chamber of Commerce is the father and grand- area and explore.In world's largest non-for profit busi- parents from Norway.We celebrated my last course of my final year of ness federation representing Christmas on the evening of the 24th graduate school (2000),I met my 3,000,000 businesses, 3,000 US and on the morning of the 25th.We Norwegian wife.We lived together in state and local chambers, 830 busi- ate strange foods that my friends had Rockville,Maryland where I also ness associations, and 90 American never heard of,like raspeballer and worked for the local county govern- Chambers of Commerce Abroad grøtI wore a bunad on the 17th of May. ment as an Environmental Planning (AmChams)? As I matured,I quickly realized how Specialist.We quickly grew tired of the lucky I was to grow up with some area,and I proposed to move to Oslo, • The Chamber does not receive any influence of another culture.I saw in which my wife accepted without funds from US or Norwegian gov- that it made me different from friends hesitation. ernment entities and is solely reli- of mine who had no knowledge of Upon arriving to Oslo I was referred able on funding by its members? their ancestor’s culture.It intrigued to the Chamber of Commerce for help. me and I moved to Norway in the After meeting with Jason Turflinger in • The “members section”of the summer of 2001 to attend Scandi- September,I was fascinated with the American Chamber website navian Area Studies courses at the Chamber of Commerce’s business (www.amcham.no) is continually University of Bergen. Two years later, role,and envisioned it as a great place updated with recent news and after falling in love with Norway and to volunteer professionally.I have information? one of her countrymen,I moved to been volunteering with the Chamber Oslo and began my studies in the of Commerce since then,primarily • We welcome editorials and/or com- Bachelor program with BI,where I cur- assisting with the quarterly ments to all articles and content rently study Marketing. Newsletter and IT issues.The work published in this newsletter? The opportunity of joining the experience I have gained so far has staff at the American Chamber of proved invaluable,and has been a Commerce in Norway has been a great contrast from my US work expe- wonderful experience for me during rience in the environmental field, my studies.I have met both American within a governmental agency.I have and Norwegian business profession- been assigned some interesting The American Chamber Contact Information: als,in the same area that I hope to responsibilities,and I hope they allow of Commerce in Norway American Chamber of – Developing Norwegian- Commerce in Norway someday work.My tasks in the office me to interact further with Chamber American business relations Pb. 2604, Solli since 1958. 0203 OSLO correspond with course material in of Commerce members. Norway the Bachelors degree that I am striv- Scott may be reached at Managing Editor: Jason Turflinger Tel: +47 22 54 60 40 ing for.I could not have been offered a [email protected] Editor: Scott Randall Fax: +47 22 54 67 20 Assistant Editor: Marit Bentsen Email: [email protected] better opportunity than working with Layout & Design: Web: www.amcham.no Woer|Gregorius the Chamber.I have learned an incre- dible amount in just the short time The material contained in this newsletter is provided directly that I have been on staff,and I hope to from our members and cooperating organizations as a service to the Chamber members. Information and statements in this continue learning and growing in my material do not necessariliy reflect the views of the American Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber makes no represen- abilities in my time that comes with tations or guarantees regarding this information. the Chamber. Marit may be reached at [email protected]

Newsletter 1st Quarter 2004 12