Membership News Promoting Norwegian-American Business Relations

2008 Membership News promoting norwegian-american business relations

In a word – uncertainty

Recent gyrations within the financial and auto industries have left us all feeling more vulnerable as we speed into 2009. Internationally active AmCham members are amongst the most effected by current market uncertainty. Throw in a US administration change and it’s little wonder that member companies are hunkering down and delaying key decisions until later. I have had the distinct pleasure of speaking with many of you on the current state of your businesses and strategies going forward. The consensus, in a nutshell, is steady as she goes, limited major invest- ment, and expedited restructuring initiatives – all wrapped in admirable Norwegian stoicism. It is therefore a great relief that government officials are beginning to feel – and counter – our pain. It is, however, alarming that many within the Norwegian labor force do not yet fully comprehend the ramifications of what is happening outside of their leaders’ control. Restructuring does not usually indicate increased staffing expenditure. So how does AmCham help members cope with this uncertainty? In two words – information exchange. By facilitating member-to-member dialogue, members stay ahead of the curve with real-world information and leads. First and second quarter AmCham events will highlight several member case studies. There is no substitute for learning directly from fellow international business leaders on how to best cope in these uncertain times. We look forward to working with and for you US Election Gala as we jointly take on the challenges that lie ahead. – A Night to Remember Jason Turflinger – Managing Director Thursday, November th4 Grand Hotel, Oslo Sponsored by:

In this issue Over 1000 AmCham executives, Nor- Norwegian Contracts 4 wegian politicians and government Obama Budget 6 representatives, US Embassy personnel, Past Events 7 Republicans and Democrats Abroad, New Members 9 students, members of the diplomatic New American Wines 11 corps, reporters, and political enthusiasts Upcoming Events 14 gathered together at Oslo’s Grand Hotel  2 2008 Membership News

Election Night

The Norwegian media corps maintained a strong presence throughout the night

Election Night guests gather around one of two main stages to take in entertainment Groups of like-minded supporters huddled to watch and keynote addresses results roll in

 to celebrate the grand finale of the longest and big band music kept anxious guests Norwegian Parliament, congratulated guests presidential campaign contest in US his- entertained ahead of the much anticipated and stated that the election had proven that tory. The evening’s festivities reflected this US state results that began rolling in via large “America is a vibrant Democracy, full of enduring political battle, commencing at television screens after midnight. Monticello dynamism.” 20:00 and concluding at 09:00 the next Society provided corresponding key election Planning and preparation for this multi- morning. statistics throughout the evening. faceted event began at the AmCham offices Guests were greeted by melodies from At 05:00, local television crews frantically in January. Our sincere thanks and gratitude Stabekk School’s Smågardistene Marching maneuvered for guest interviews and camera go out to all of our event partners and spon- Band as they arrived. Election-themed angles as CNN announced Barack Obama as sors. Through their combined efforts, our decorating within the Grand’s many cel- the US President-elect amid passionate cheers goal of bringing as many people as possible ebration areas was extensive and elaborate, by the several hundred remaining enthusiasts. together on this special night – regardless thanks to months of collection efforts by Later in the morning, a wave of of political orientation – was fully realized. the US Embassy. US Ambassador Whitney fresh-faced guests joined Election Gala It was truly a night to remember. co-presented at the onset of the evening all-nighters for a buffet breakfast to mark together with his Norwegian counterpart the significance of the process that had just in Washington D.C., Ambassador Strøm- taken place. Among other keynote speakers, men, via Tandberg video-link. Jazz, rock, Mr. Thorbjørn Jagland, President of the 2008 Membership News 3

AmCham Parent US Chamber Vows to Work With New President & Congress

Says Economic Recovery is Top Priority U.S. Chamber President & CEO Thomas J. Donohue

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Cham- act additional economic stimulus measures “These activities made an important ber of Commerce vowed to work with during a lame duck session that will save difference in energizing our members President-elect Barack Obama and the new and expand jobs in critical industries such and highlighting business issues,” said Congress to help quickly restore economic as autos, housing, infrastructure, and trade. Donohue, “particularly in states with hotly growth, ensure a smooth transition of Donohue said the U.S. Chamber is contested Senate races, and brought tens of power, and tackle the many serious issues prepared to play a helpful role in the transi- thousands of new pro-business supporters facing the country. tion process. “We will offer our policy into the Chamber’s grassroots system for “Restoring the nation’s economic health ideas, access to our many domestic and future advocacy efforts. must be our top priority,” said U.S. Chamber international experts, and views on key “As America turns the page, the U.S. President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. appointees,” he said. “We are absolutely Chamber shares with our fellow citizens “Any successful and sustainable recovery committed to a continuity of government the excitement of beginning a new chapter will involve the business sector, which cre- during this critical period for our country, in our national life. We are a ‘can-do’ nation ates the jobs, the growth, and the revenues and thus will support quick confirmation that can overcome all the difficult challenges on which all Americans and our government of nominees to sensitive posts related to that face us today. The U.S. Chamber has a depend. The U.S. Chamber stands ready our national, homeland, and economic long track record of successfully working to work with the new administration and security.” with both parties and we are ready to go to Congress on measures to spur growth and During this election cycle, the U.S. work to restore economic growth, create jobs by restoring credit and confidence Chamber put nearly 600 staffers on the jobs, and ensure that our businesses and throughout the economy, producing ground in key states and districts; invested workers can compete around the world.” more American energy, rebuilding our millions of dollars in issue advocacy ads; The U.S. Chamber is the world’s largest infrastructure, and reforming our schools.” sent 15 million e-mails and 6.5 million business federation representing more than The U.S. Chamber is urging the outgoing pieces of mail; and made more than 6 3 million businesses and organizations of Congress and administration to quickly en- million phone calls. every size, sector, and region. 4 2008 Membership News

Navigating Within the Norwegian Contractual Landscape

For US companies setting up offices or seeking to do business in Norway it is important to be aware of some major differences between Anglo-American law and Norwegian law, assuming that the latter will govern the majority of the contracts entered into with Norwegian companies or consumers. Norwegian contract tradition gives the courts considerable authority to revise or reshape the terms of a contract as a way of policing reasonableness. Common tools at hand are supplementary and restrictive interpretation. The flexibility in the policing of the substantive fairness of the contract terms under Norwegian law includes both situations where the unfairness was already present at the time the contract was formed and where created by By: Cathrine Turflinger & Espen Tøndel at SIMONSEN changed circumstances. Anglo-American law, on the other hand, Law Firm, Oslo provides limited legal basis for the revision of contracts which, for the most part, will depend on an objective interpretation of provoke the Norwegian Consumer Ombudsman, which has, the contract wording. in our opinion, gone far beyond what is necessary in order to Norwegian contract interpretation method favors shorter safeguard the interests of the consumers on many occasions. agreements than what is common under Anglo-American law The combination of strong consumer rights and a very active since many things “go without saying.” For instance, the prevalent Consumer Ombudsman makes it thus even more important to duty of loyalty between contractual partners in Norwegian legal know where to make concessions based on the background rules doctrine is manifested in many and various rules of law (also of law and which battles to fight. non-statutory) and applicable to any contractual relationship From a supplier’s point of view, it is crucial to understand the subject to Norwegian law. It includes diverse obligations such framework conditions when targeting the consumer market. as the duty to disclose information, the duty to give notice of a This has been the experience of many foreign companies which defect and the duty to always take the other party’s interest into SIMONSEN has assisted. These external conditions are, amongst consideration when this can be done without significant cost other things, the applicable (sometimes mandatory) laws; such or disadvantage. The duty of loyalty therefore makes a sound as the Norwegian Marketing Act, the Personal Data Act and platform on which business terms and collaboration can develop. the Consumer Purchases Act. For an international corporation Another difference between Norwegian and US contract law which does not want to deprive its customers of mandatory is compensatory damages in contract – where Norwegian courts rights according to Norwegian law, yet sees the benefits of an are far more moderate in the assessment of damages than what as-uniform-as-possible enforcement of its contractual terms and is the general trend in the US. On the other hand, Norwegian conditions on a world-wide basis, it would clearly be tempting courts have been reluctant to accept general disclaimers of to have all contracts governed by the law of its choice, while liability in the event of gross negligence by a party. Not only will allowing consumers to enjoy mandatory consumers rights in a general disclaimer of liability be interpreted restrictive, leading each applicable jurisdiction. Even though we have seen many to full liability in the event of gross negligent behavior, it is also examples of such a contractual set-up, the Consumer Ombudsman generally acknowledged in doctrinal writings that it is not even has recently contended the reasonableness of such a clause when possible to disclaim liability for gross negligent behavior under asserted against Norwegian consumers, arguing that it renders Norwegian law - at least not when it comes to the corporate it more difficult for the consumer to pursue his rights. Whether management’s conduct. this is a valid argument remains to be seen. Failing to navigate correctly within the Norwegian contractual landscape does not only expose a company to unknown liability, This article does not exhaustively address the issues raised herein and nothing in loss of goodwill and policing of reasonableness, but may also this article can replace legal consultation. 2008 Membership News 5

US Visa Waiver Program ESTA Internet-Based Authorization Required for Norwegians Beginning January 12

Beginning January 12th, 2009, all Norwegian citizens must obtain within that period without having to apply for another ESTA. approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization Specific U.S. travel plans are not required for ESTA application, (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States without a visa under so VWP travelers should apply on the ESTA web site as soon as the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). they begin to plan a trip. ESTA is a Web-based system, available at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, ESTA’s purpose is to improve the security and efficiency of in which applicants answer the same few questions that have long the VWP. In addition to Norwegians, it applies to citizens of all been answered on the small green paper form I-94W (typically 34 VWP countries. on the airplane prior to arrival). Eventually, ESTA will replace ESTA does not apply to those who travel to the US with a the paper form. visa. Individuals traveling on valid visas will not be required to In most cases, ESTA will provide an almost immediate deter- apply for an ESTA. mination of eligibility for VWP travel. In a few case, however, determination may take up to 72 hours, so travelers are encouraged ESTA application: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta to apply ahead of time. Applicants whose ESTA applications are denied will have to seek a visa in order to travel to the United States. ESTA and visa information: Travelers who have not received an approved travel authorization http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/ via ESTA may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing, http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html or be denied admission at a U.S. port of entry. http://norway.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html Each approved ESTA application will be valid for two years, or until one’s passport expiration date, whichever comes first. An approved ESTA allows for multiple visits to the United States 6 2008 Membership News

Financial Crisis Will Delay Tough Budgetary Decisions

When announcing his candidacy nearly two years ago, President- Michael Mayer is Research elect Barack Obama declared his intention to address “the failure Fellow at Centre for trans- of leadership, the smallness of our politics — the ease with which atlantic studies. we’re distracted by the petty and trivial, our chronic avoidance He is currently research- of tough decisions, our preference for scoring cheap political ing US foreign policy in Central Asia. points instead of rolling up our sleeves and building a working consensus to tackle the big problems of America.” Obama inherits the White House at a particularly challenging time, to put it mildly. Alleviating the effects of the current financial crisis will require unprecedented bail-outs and stimulus packages. Effectively addressing the problems associated with global warming, perhaps in combination with enhancing American nothing.” In 2007, the US spent more –70% more – on servicing energy independence, will likely require federal funds for new the federal debt than it spent on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan infrastructure and investments in burgeoning renewable energy combined. Many economists also warn that excessive debt will industries. US security commitments around the globe continue eventually slow economic growth over the long term. to demand both lives and treasure. And the piggy bank is empty. American political culture has become increasingly averse to Substantial increases in security spending and large tax relief accepting increased costs or collective burden-sharing. Voters packages have left the US fiscally vulnerable. The national debt have generally rewarded politicians demanding less of them, has doubled to over $9 trillion under the Bush administration. while at the same time supporting policies that encourage fiscal Just as fiscally threatening, but less likely to make headlines, irresponsibility. Pursuing cost-free approaches have simply are the legally-binding (mandatory) domestic budgetary commit- delayed finding sustainable and permanent solutions that might ments. Entitlement programs consume an ever-increasing portion include increased tax burdens, reduced benefits or substantial cuts of the budgetary pie. Medicare and Medicaid (health insurance in program funding. Effectively meeting today’s challenges will for elderly and low income citizens, respectively) budgets are require a greater willingness among voters to accept limitations spiraling upwards – health care costs have consistently outpaced and make sacrifices. economic growth for decades. In addition, an aging population With massive amounts of federal aid needed to alleviate the will increase the fiscal pressures on these programs just as the effects of the current recession, now however, is not the time impending wave of retiring baby boomer threatens to swamp for fiscal restraint and balanced budgets. President Obama will Social Security. According to a recent Government Accountability have to wait with the really “tough decisions” until the situation Office report, Medicare will become insolvent within a decade stabilizes – continued deficits and rising debt levels are now and Social Security by 2041, absent any policy changes. unavoidable. While the Bush administration could have chosen The impending fiscal storm comes as no surprise, and policymak- a different fiscal course, Obama’s deficits will be forced upon him. ers have for years delayed politically-unpopular reforms. Voters The best that can be done is to begin laying a political foundation have come to expect “money for nothing,” as Dire Straits used to for the realistic long-term policy solutions of tomorrow. sing. Washington might well be able to continue borrowing in order to pay for military operations overseas, bailouts at home, and temporary fixes to the various entitlement programs. But interest payments are evidence that it’s definitely not “money for 2008 Membership News 7 Past Events

Ambassador Whitney welcomes the AmCham members. Jason Turflinger, Kristiina Helenius - MD AmCham Finland, US Ambassador Ross Wilson, Junnila Annukka – Finance & Membership Administrator AmCham Finland, Stephen Brugger – MD AmCham Bjørn Norlie (middle) Denmark. was honored for 50 years of membership

Ambassador’s Reception ECACC Meets to Discuss Challenges, Thursday, September 17th Engagement and Value to Members Villa Otium October 12-15th

In the spirit of warm tradition Ambassador Whitney and his The European Council of American Chambers of Commerce wife Mary Farnham Whitney hosted their annual reception (ECACC) held its fall conference on October 12-15 in Istanbul, for AmCham members on September 17th. The reception Turkey - the cross roads of Europe and Asia. More than 40 signifies the strong cooperation between the Embassy and delegates from 28 AmChams met to share knowledge and AmCham Norway. One hundred and fifty guests enjoyed best practices, and to discuss challenges facing businesses in good food, American wine and each other’s company at the 2009. The conference was organized in cooperation with the Ambassador’s home, Villa Otium. The guests were welcomed Turkish-American Business Association (TABA). Some of by AmCham’s Chairman, Gunnar Rødal, who also presented the topics discussed included: “AmChams 2025: challenges the Ambassador with a print by artist Terje Risberg as a thank & vision for the future of associations”, “The Future of Digital you for his continuous support throughout his three years as Communication”, and “AmChams Leading Change”. Several US Ambassador to Norway. In his speech the Ambassador prominent Turkish Governmental Officials addressed emphasized the value of AmCham’s work in promoting the the ECACC delegates during the conference including: Kursad very important business ties between Norway and the US. Tuzmen, Minister of Foreign Trade; Egemen Bagis, Senior The Ambassador’s Reception is one of the AmCham’s flagship Advisor to the Prime Minister; Zafer Caglayan, Minister of networking events and an annual favorite. Trade and Industry; and Binali Yildirim, Minister of Transport. Delegates also gathered for an exclusive reception hosted by U.S. General Consul Sharon Wiener at her beautiful residence overlooking the Bosphorus. The reception was organized by American Business Forum in Turkey (ABFT) and was attended by U.S. Ambassador Ross Wilson and members from both ABFT and TABA. 8 2008 Membership News Past Events

Boston Den raskeste veien New York The AmCham staff’s artistic talent impressed Baltimore til USA Den behageligste og mest direkte veien fra Skandinavia til Nord-Amerika Washington DC. går via Islands hovedstad Reykjavik. En kort stopp halvveis til USA gir deg mulighet til å strekke på bena og kanskje gjøre fordelaktige innkjøp Minneapolis/St.Paul av tollfrie merkevarer i en av europas hyggeligste og mest oversiktlige Orlando flyplasser. Stop-Over

THE ICELANDIC AD AGENCY/SIA.IS ICE 21106 05/2003 Siden alle Icelandairs fly mellom Europa og Amerika mellomlander på © Island, hvor det er et lett og raskt flybytte, kan Icelandair- som det eneste Konkurransedyktige priser Nordic Visitor’s Pálmiflyselskap - Jónssontilby alle sine passasjerer & enIcelandair’s uforglemmelig ekstra opplevelse Elisabeth på Andonov award the Generous member contributions for the charity raffle Icelandairs mål er til enhver tid å kunne veien til eller fra USA. Nemlig et Stop-Over i Islands fascinerende tilby konkurransedyktige prisergrand til USA, prize! hovedstad Reykjavik i 1, 2 eller 3 døgn. og dette gjelder både på økonomi- og businessklasse. Kontakt ditt reisebyrå eller Icelandair på tlf. 22034050.

www.icelandair.no

Thanksgiving Charity Dinner off the multi-helping meal with fine Fetzer Iron Mountain, a donation of NOK 30 000 November 20th, 2008 wines served throughout the evening. was awarded to Habitat’s representative, Akershus Festning, Oslo In between courses, respected Norwegian Mr. Willo Brock. The donation, in turn, Sponsors & partners: theologian, educator, and Conservative will be used to help build a Houston-area Party parliamentarian Mr. Inge Lønning home for a family in need. “A big success.” “The best Thanksgiving provided an enlightening account of the Habitat for Humanity International dinner ever!” “The food was perhaps history and meaning of the American is a nonprofit organization that seeks to the absolute best that I can recall for Thanksgiving tradition. Mr. Lønning also eliminate poverty housing and homelessness Thanksgiving.” expressed his deep regard for strong US- from the world. Through volunteer labor Norway relations and contentedly noted and donations of money and materials, As measured by member letters after this the Prime Minister’s recommendation on Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, year’s Thanksgiving Charity Dinner, few Norway’s next jet fighter. decent houses with the help of the hom- were disappointed – or left Akershus Fest- Dinner was followed by a raffle drawing eowner (partner) families. Habitat houses ning hungry – on the evening of Thursday, for this year’s charity partner – Habitat for are sold to partner families at no profit November 20th. Humanity. Icelandair, together with Nordic and financed with affordable loans. The This year’s event took place one week Visitor, provided the grand prize of two homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments prior to the actual holiday – allowing more tickets to New York along with a VIP stay are used to build still more Habitat houses. AmCham members to join the festive eve- in Iceland on the return trip. Additional We are happy to announce Habitat as ning of thanks and support. Set within the prizes were provided by AmCham members our charity partner for the coming year. We beautifully decorated Artileriloftet, members Amway, Gold’s Gym, Kraft, Moods of Nor- will continue to raise money for them at and guests enjoyed turkey with stuffing, way, Radisson SAS Scandinavia, Strøm, Tine, future events, and we will receive reports mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry Universal Pictures and Angela Amoroso. from Habitat as to how our donations are sauce, green bean casserole, and sweet Based upon raffle proceeds and the being utilized. potato casserole. Pumpkin pie rounded support of event sponsors Chevron and 2008 Membership News 9

New AmCham Members Patron Upgrade DnB NOR DnB NOR Patron Members increasingly efficient, high-quality 3D is Norway’s seismic data for the industry. The com- largest financial services BearingPoint pany has also introduced high-density 3D group with total com- BearingPoint is a leading seismic (HD3D) in all environments and bined assets of NOK 2 management and technology developed in-house expertise in geology, 000 billion. The Group consulting company serv- geophysics, and reservoir analysis. PGS consists of strong brands ing prominent companies also provides onshore seismic services such as DnB NOR, Vital, and public sector orga- where the company has a reputation for Nordlandsbanken, Cresco, Postbanken, nizations in the Nor- using the latest equipment in challeng- DnB NORD and Carlson. dics – and in the world. ing environments and has an enviable BearingPoint helps clients program of sustainable development. The Norway’s leading financial services group. solve their most pressing data processing capabilities of PGS have - More than 2.3 million retail customers business challenges by implementing in- grown substantially and today it is a major - More than 200 000 corporate customers novative and customized solutions that player in this high technology industry. - Norway’s largest Internet banks, dnbnor. create competitive advantage. In Norway, With its headquarters in Oslo, Norway, the no and postbanken.no, with more than BearingPoint is focused on the following company has offices in 28 different countries 1.4 million users solutions: Operational Excellence, Business with larger regional offices in London, - Represented in more than 200 locations Model Transformation, Growth Through Houston and Singapore. The company is in Norway Innovation. listed on the Oslo stock exchange. (OSE) - 800 in-store banking outlets BearingPoint’s dedicated and passionate - Norway’s largest life and pension insurance consultants bring a unique combination of Schering-Plough company with around 1 million customers management and technology experience - Norway’s most extensive distribution and skills to the table. The company is network for financial services committed to helping clients become more Schering- Plough is a - Norway’s largest asset management op- successful by realizing both short- and leading pharmaceutical eration with more than 630 000 mutual long-term results that affect the bottom line. company represented in fund customers in Norway and 294 over 55 countries around institutional clients in Norway and Sweden Petroleum Geo-Services the world. Every year 20% - Norway’s largest capital markets operation Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS) of the turnover is used for research and - Norway’s leading real estate broker is a leading worldwide geophysi- development of new medications. This - 13 800 employees cal company. PGS provides an has resulted in many new and efficient extensive range of seismic medications. … and the most international services and products for The company has been represented in - Partner for Norwegian companies abroad the petroleum industry Norway since the 70’s. On November and for large international companies including data acquisi- the 19th 2007 Organon became part of in Norway tion, processing, reservoir Schering-Plough. Today the firm is situated - International network of 14 branches and analysis and interpreta- at Fossum in Bærum and at Drengsrud representative offices tion. The company also in Asker. Schering-Plough has about 110 - One of the world’s foremost shipping banks possesses the world’s most extensive multi- employees in Norway. Schering-Plough - Norway’s leading foreign exchange bank client data library. has products within the therapeutic fields - A major international player in the energy Formed in 1991, the company today operates of allergy, anesthesia, asthma, dermatology, sector 15 marine streamer vessels including 7 vessels gastroenterology, hematology, infection - Operations in Poland and the Baltic states of the unique Ramform class. The company medicine, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, through DnB NORD also operates between 8 and 12 Onshore woman health (birth control, hormone treat- - Presence in north-West Russia through crews and has 22 data processing centers. ment and infertility treatment) psychiatry, DnB NOR Monchebank Since the start of the company PGS has pio- rheumatology, substitution therapy for neered the development of multi-streamer heroin addictive, urology and veterinarian marine seismic acquisition, producing products. 10 2008 Membership News

Advokatfirmaet Flod kick-off. There are no extra costs involved for Nordic Visitor Advokatfir- customers by booking through Best Company. Nordic Visitor maet Flod AS Best Company AS has obtained top compe- was founded in handles most tence within its field, and our creativity and Reykjavik, Iceland in January 2002, by Palmi legal areas but professionalism has become their brand. Jonsson and his business partner and long the emphasis time friend Asberg Jonsson. By 2006, the is on construction and contracting law, Haugen-Gruppen company established itself in both Norway sports and organizational law, legal circum- Haugen- and Sweden and is making its mark as a stances surrounding real estate, company Gruppen leading travel agency opening the door to and contract law, insurance law, labour is a leading unique Nordic experiences for both the law and inheritance law, administration import-, sales- and marketing organization private and corporate market. of estates and family law. within the Nordics with companies in Nor- Specializing in custom-made packages, the Advokatfirmaet Flod AS places particular way, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. company is able to develop an itinerary that emphasis on personal service, follow up and They are specialized in sales -and marketing is in line with the client’s primary objective, high professional standards. Advokatfirmaet of internationally known Brands with good whether it be incentive, team-building, or Flod know that often it is a big step for quality within grocery, foodservice and a rejuvenating getaway tour. With offices in people to see a lawyer and they want to wine & spirits. Some of their brands are; Norway, Iceland, and Sweden, Nordic Visitor make that threshold as small as possible Twinings, Heinz, Campell, Corona Extra, delivers quality experiences in the Nordic and strive towards a working format that Champagne Bollinger, Hardys, Hugel & region with a high level of personalized is not stiff and formal. Advokatfirmaet Fils, Baron de Ley, El Coto, Ladoucette, service, local knowledge and expertise, Flod also know that many people associ- Domaine Faiveley, Vidal-Fleury, Fonseca and attention to detail. ate legal services with great cost. For that Port, Cognac Tesseron and Robert Mondavi. reason, Advokatfirmaet Flod AS maintains www.haugen-gruppen.com Thon Hotels a moderate cost profile. The target for Haugen- Gruppen’s vision and overall In Norway Thon Hotels their services are mainly small to medium goals it to be leading, focused and preferred have 50 hotels from Ham- companies, unions and organizations. But panNordic supplier within grocery, foodser- merfest in the north to this company would also be the right choice vice and food related drinks within new-/ Kristiansand in the south, for ordinary men and women who require ethnic- as well as established categories. in addition to hotels in Belgium (Brussels), legal assistance. To be number 1 or number 2 in all trade the Netherlands and Sweden. At Thon defined categories and in everything they do, Hotels in Norway you may choose between Best Company as well as contribute to category growth with three different concepts; Budget, City and Best Com- our customers and work with harmonized Conference. pany AS was brands pan Nordic. Thon Budget are hotels with fixed low established prices and are smart an basic without pricy in 1997. Laticrete elements. Thon City hotels are modern and Their main field of activity is to plan, facilitate Laticrete Norge AS is comfortable hotels mid-city. Thon Confer- and carry out all kinds of events, bookings a Norwegian owned ence hotels are professional conference and marketing activities. Best Company company that imports hotels designed to ensure that your event provide national and international artists, and produce under license; tile adhesives, goes according to plan. Regardless of which comedians, lectures and speakers. Their grouts and membranes for the ceramic tile country, hotel or concept you choose for activities are mainly targeted towards the industry from Laticrete Int. Inc in USA. your visit, you will always be taken care of Norwegian market, but they have also carried Laticrete Int. Inc who is based in Bethany, by their committed staff. out events for Norwegian clients abroad CT. was founded in 1956. The Laticrete www.thonhotels.com with great success. products have been on the Norwegian Best Company AS has close contact with all market since 1974, only in small quantities. Wine Tailor agencies and artist managements in Norway, Laticrete Norge AS was founded in 1991 Winetailor and can mediate and carry out bookings of and started selling the full range of Laticrete was found- any artist or lecturer for any occasion. Products. Today the company turnover ed in 1996 by Jakob Opedal when the import Best Comapny contribute with idea and NOK 38.0 million and has 6 employees. monopoly ceased to exist. Winetailor also concept development. Try them out, they The products are sold throughout Norway owns shares in two wine import firms in will give you a non-binding offer for artist from 120 dealers. There is also some export Denmark and Finland. booking or overall solutions for your event/ to Sweden and Finland. Winetailor started importing wines from  2008 Membership News 11

Vinmonopolet Highlights American Wines in January

AmCham Norway is proud to announce Santa Barbara County; a Cabernet Franc the complete list of new American wines from Carneros; one or two Zinfandels from available on the shelves of your local Vin- Dry Creek Valley, and several white wines, monopol in January. The launch includes of which one Albariño. The selection also several Pinot Noirs from Willamette Valley includes two top-quality sparkling wines in Oregon, one of which is a single vineyard ; that will prolong the festive Holiday season a Pinot Noir from the cool climate Anderson well into the New Year! Valley in California; several Syrahs from the Central Coast, of which one is from

USA releases in January

Product name Producer Category Origin Price Flying Snake Dog IPA Flying Dog Breweries Ale Denver 39,90 Truchard Syrah 2006 Truchard Vineyards Red California/Carneros 114,80 Truchard Cabernet Franc 2005 Truchard Vineyards Red California/Carneros 168,90 Big House "The Slammer" Syrah 2006 Big House Wine Co. Red California/Central Coast 109,90 Stonehedge Reserve Red Blend 2007 Stonehedge Winery Red California/Dry Creek Valley 188,00 Sketchbook Pinot Noir 2006 Sketchbook/Parducci Red California/Mendocino 224,00 Monterey Syrah 2007 (foreløpig navn) Arcus Red California/Monterey 92,00 Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah 2005 Bonny Doon Vineyard Red California/Santa Maria Valley 265,00 Rockpile Zinfandel 2006 Seghesio Family Vineyrads Red California/Sonoma/Rockpile 209,00 Cloudine Pinot Noir 2007 Cloudine Cellars Red Oregon 139,90 Kings Ridge Pinot Noir 2006 Kings Ridge Wines Red Oregon 140,00 Erath Pinot Noir 2007 Erath Winery Red Oregon 148,90 Stangeland Stand Sure Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006 Stangeland Winery Red Oregon/Willamette Valley/Eola-Amity Hills 209,40 Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc Brut 2005 Schramsberg Vineyards Sparkling California/North Coast 239,90 J Cuvée 20 Brut NV J Vineyards & Winery Sparkling California/Russian River Valley 215,00 Dancing Coyote Albariño 2007 Dancing Coyote Wines White California/Clarksburg 138,10 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris 2007 (øko) Montinore Estate White Oregon/Willamette Valley 139,90 Amity Pinot Blanc 2007 Amity Vineyards White Oregon/Willamette Valley 145,00

 Burgundy and developed a wine range of regions of the world, 90% of which origi- producers. In 2008 Winetailor has been wines from other parts of France, Italy, nates from Europe. Winetailor is today one focusing on American top producers from Portugal and Spain, Australia and USA. of Norway’s main importers of fine wines Oregon, Napa Valley and Washington. Today Winetailor import wines for all among which several of the world’s best 12 2008 Membership News

DVD Releases

Mamma Mia! - released 26th of November From the smash hit stage show comes this larger than life musical epic. Bringing you an all-star cast, the Heroes, Season Two - released songs of ABBA and an extravaganza 3rd ofDesember of dancing and laughter, Mamma Rejoin the epic and suspenseful Mia! The Movie is the feel good film phenomenon as Heroes: Season of the year. Two arrives on DVD! Experience all the new and exciting twists of the astonishing series in this 3-disc set that includes every gripping Season The Mummy: Tomb of The Two episode. Dragon Emperor - released 3rd of December An all action, all-adventure epic that Wanted - released 7th of January races from ancient China to neon-lit Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy) is a Shanghai and high into the frozen cube-dwelling hypochondriac, with Himalayas. Brendan Fraser returns a humiliating boss and a cheating as mummy-batteling explorer Rick girlfriend. His life is going nowhere! O’Connel, fighting his deadliest Wes discovers that his estranged enemy yet: the resurrected Dragon father has been brutally murdered - Emperor (Jet Li) and his unstoppable and finds himself thrust into joining legion of 10,000 warriors! a secret society of assassins, called The Fraternity.