Tech Download: Trade Winds Middle East & Africa Edition webinar

Commercial Specialist, Christina Azar Deek participated as key speaker at Tech Download: Trade Winds Middle East & Africa Edition webinar. As part of the Israeli market overview, Christina explained about the advantages of doing business in Israel, and the innovation uniqueness the Israeli market offers, and concluded by highlighting some of sub-sectors that are identified by having most potential. Overviews on the UAE and Morocco markets were presented as well. There were 47 attendees that included private US companies and USG officials.

“Infrastructure for Growth” Webinar

ITA and Israel’s Ministry of Economy and Industry co-hosted the “Infrastructure for Growth” Webinar, incorporating presentations from 5 Israeli government ministries. The event provided more than 100 U.S. companies with information about upcoming Government of Israel infrastructure tenders in energy, transportation, and environment. Diane Farrell, Acting Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade and Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade, delivered opening remarks to encourage U.S. companies to consider Israeli tenders and to discuss how ITA can support interested companies.

SelectUSA UAS Virtual Inbound Investment Mission 2021

SelectUSA kicked off its first-ever virtual Inbound Investment Mission focused on attracting European, Israeli and Turkish Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) companies. The event featured all seven U.S. economic development organizations (EDO) with FAA test sites (Alaska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Texas, and Virginia). SelectUSA and Commercial Service colleagues recruited 70 UAS companies, 10 from Israel, to participate and network directly with experts, industry leaders, potential partners, and economic development organizations.

Presenting at the “Little States, Big Innovation: Israel X Rhode Island” Webinar

The RIIC, District Hall Providence, and RIHub organized the 5th episode of “Little States, Big Innovation: Israel X Rhode Island”. Each month the program brings together Israeli and Rhode Island’s business community.  Invited attendees learned about business opportunities in the State of Rhode Island and why it’s called the “little state with big innovation.” Deputy Senior Commercial Officer, Susan Hettleman, had the opportunity to promote SelectUSA and the impact of Israeli investment in the U.S. Susan invited listeners to register for the SelectUSA 2021 Summit.

SelectUSA Pavilion at the Israel-USA Business Summit 2020

The SelectUSA Pavilion at the Israel-USA Business Summit 2020 was a huge success attracting hundreds of people to hear from the 13 U.S. states represented in the pavilion. Israeli companies had the opportunity to schedule meetings to talk with the local representatives of Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York, Indiana, Fairfax County and Cedar Park Texas.

Israel Delegation to CES 2020

USCS Israel led a delegation of 85 Israelis to CES 2020 in Las Vegas, NV. At the event, the CS ICT team arranged Show Time meetings, and outreach program to US companies, and an international reception. Investment Specialist, Sigal Mendelovich attended the show on behalf of CS Israel and participated in all programs as well as participated in the US government pavilion to speak about the SelectUSA program. Commercial Specialist, Christina Azar who recruited and promoted the CES Show, will follow-up with the Israeli delegation and will offer assistance as needed.

Israel-America Chamber of Commerce Annual Award Dinner 2019

Former Ambassador David Friedman attended the Israel-America Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Annual Award Dinner. AmCham is the largest binational chamber in Israel and the exclusive local representative of the Washington, DC-based U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Annual Award Dinner was attended by 350 guests from the business community and featured awards for companies and individuals that have distinguished themselves during the prior year with their contributions to U.S.-Israel trade relations. Former Ambassador Friedman presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Rabbi Avraham Elimelech Firer for life-long outstanding endeavor establishing Ezra Lemarpe. 

Business Roundtable in Partnership with AmCham 

We participated in a business roundtable, facilitated by AmCham Israel, with visiting Senior Advisor Ambassador Tina Kaidanow from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense and several major U.S. defense industry players with presence in Israel. The discussion focused on defense industry opportunities in Israel for U.S. companies and how the U.S. Department of Defense could play a role, along with the U.S. Department of Commerce, to enhance the exportability sought by the American industry for their defense systems and technologies.

SelectUSA Investment Summit 2019

The 2019 SelectUSA Investment Summit took place in Washington, D.C. The Israeli delegation, (29 representatives from 22 Israeli companies and organizations), accompanied by former Commercial Counselor Ireas Cook and Senior Investment Advisor Sigal Mendelovich, held one-on-one meetings with U.S. state and local Economic Development Organizations to discuss the value propositions offered by each locale, such as commercial environment, market development, and incentives for potential investment. As one of the fastest growing sources of FDI into the United States, Israel is an important market for U.S. investment promotion under the SelectUSA program. The economic impact by Israeli firms in the United States is significant. Israel has become the 17th largest source worldwide in 2017 for foreign direct investment into the U.S. with $40 billion invested, supporting over 24,000 U.S. jobs, more than $2 billion in R&D investment, and $700 million of exports by Israeli firms from the United States.

Opening Israel’s Celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2019

CS Israel opened Israel’s celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week by addressing guests at the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and helping to “ring the bell” to open the day’s trading with 11 other key players from Israel’s Start-up Nation ecosystem, including Nobel Laureate Dan Shechtman. We highlighted Israeli innovation and promoted the natural ties between U.S. and Israeli firms. He also offered SelectUSA as the USG’s answer to helping Israeli entrepreneurs make the connections necessary to expand to the United States. 

Discover Global Markets Conference 2019

The Discover Global Markets event brings together global leaders across oil & gas, renewable energy, electricity infrastructure, engineering, construction and transportation sectors. The 3-day business forum hosted more than 300 U.S. businesses interested in energy and infrastructure opportunities in Africa and the Middle East. Israel was represented by CS Commercial Specialist Naama Myers-Altman. She participated in one-on-one meetings with U.S. exporters informing them of the business opportunities in the Israeli market.

Single Location Promotion - Webinar on the Life Sciences Ecosystem in State of Connecticut

SelectUSA in collaboration with AdvanceCT organized an insightful webinar on the Life Sciences ecosystem in Connecticut. 22 people joined the webinar to hear about the great opportunities the state has to offer: AdvanceCT presented the life science and technology ecosystem; Dr. Analoui of the University of Connecticut discussed the vast knowledge and academic achievements of the state; Connecticut Innovations reviewed funding opportunities available; and Or Retzkin of EyeControl shared his experience as an Israeli CEO conducting business in Connecticut. Deputy Commercial Counselor Susan Hettleman discussed the role of the U.S. Commercial Service in creating connections and opportunities for Israeli and American companies.

Single Company Promotion Service for U.S. Company Blackboard Inc.

In 2019, we hosted an exclusive event at the Ritz Carlton, Herzliya, for the U.S. Company Blackboard Inc. under the Single Company Promotion (SCP) service. This event was geared towards academic institutes in Israel, to help educate them on how to overcome educational technological challenges. There were 28 guests of various academic institutes from across the country, along with executives from blackboard Inc. who gave a presentation on retaining students in the era of big data and how Blackboard’s platform can help resolve some of the challenges the academic institutes face.  

Country Marketing Briefing for United Airlines Delegation

In 2019, we held a Country Market Briefing for United Airlines officials and guests when they visited Israel to celebrate the new IAD-TLV direct flight. The market briefing included a commercial, political and economic overview of the Israeli market given by Commercial Counselor, Economic Counselor and Political Counselor. Guests included the UA Regulatory Policy Director, UA Marketing Managers, Virginia State officials and corporate client partners.  

Single Company Promotion Event for Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (GAC)

CS Israel held a Single Company Promotion event for Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (GAC) in Tel Aviv. Headquartered in Savannah, Georgia, GAC produces the world’s most advanced business aircraft. Behind us is the super midsize G280, jointly designed and built by GAC and the Israel Aerospace Industry (IAI). For the first time in Israel, GAC hosted a static display of aircraft.  With the help of the U.S Embassy Commercial Service, this event will open doors Gulfstream has not tapped both in the commercial and economically.

Welcoming Briefing at CyberTech 2018

CS Israel co-hosted a welcome briefing for more than 30 attendees at CyberTech 2018, a major annual gathering of the international cyber community.  Attendees included U.S. company representatives as well as State and Municipal Economic Development Organizations who are in Israel to promote investment and collaboration with their localities.  In addition to the Embassy’s Political, Economic and Commercial Counselors, and the Legal Attaché, the briefing featured two guest speakers representing the Israeli Cyber community.  Specifically, Mr. Rafael Maman, partner, cybersecurity & Digital Strategies at PWC and Mr. Rami Efrati, a founding member of Israel’s Cyber National Bureau.

 Former Assistant Secretary for Global Markets and Director General of the United States and Foreign Commercial Service Ian Steff Visits Israel

In 2020, our USCS Israel team hosted former Assistant Secretary Ian Steff on his first official visit to Israel. The visit included government official meetings and private sector representatives’ meetings both from the Israeli and Palestinian market. A business roundtable was organized in partnership with the Israel Innovation Authority (IAI) to give Israeli companies the opportunity to speak first-hand with the A/S and discuss their interest in the U.S. market, their investment plans and the challenges they face. Former Assistant Secretary Ian Steff also gave the keynote speech at the Israel-USA Business Forum 2020 which attracted over 600 attendees from the Israeli business community.

 Strong Business Ties with the State of Florida

In 2019, CS Israel organized a successful networking reception, hosted by former Ambassador Friedman, in honor of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Governor DeSantis visited Israel with a 110-person delegation including his Cabinet. The reception included key contacts of the Governor, contacts of Florida’s economic development office, Enterprise Florida, companies with presence in Florida and those looking to invest in Florida. The event had an incredible outcome with over 300 attendees. Remarks by the former Ambassador and Governor both emphasized the strong business ties between the State of Florida and Israel.

Business Roundtable with Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy 
 

In 2019, together with Israel-America Chamber of Commerce and the BIRD Foundation, we held a business roundtable on the subject of U.S.-Israel energy cooperation, featuring Mr. Dan Brouilette, then Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy. Approximately 30 representatives participated in the roundtable, including U.S. and Israeli energy companies, Israel Ministry of Energy, the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce, the Israel Innovation Authority, the Israel Oil & Gas Association, US Chamber and others.

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant Leads Business Delegation to Israel

In 2018, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant led a business delegation to Israel this week. The visit was organized by the Mississippi Development Authority who incorporated a U.S. Embassy Jerusalem site visit for the former Governor and delegation. The group was greeted by and met with Charge D’ Affairs Leslie Tsou. After a brief meeting, the group took a photo op with the Embassy seal.

Governor Scott Walker presents Wisconsin’s water technology sector to leading Israeli water companies

In 2017, CS Israel SelectUSA Investment Specialist Sigal Mendelovich organized a business roundtable for Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker with leading companies from Israel’s internationally recognized innovative water industry. The Senior Commercial Officer welcomed the participants and reviewed U.S.-Israel trade and investment relations, highlighting potential synergies between Israel and the state of Wisconsin. Governor Walker, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and leaders of the State’s water industry presented Wisconsin’s key business advantages in the water technology sector, highlighting the state’s long history of support for innovation in water treatment and management, making a strong case for why businesses in Israel should invest in Wisconsin. One Israeli start-up announced on the spot its intention to locate its R&D operations in Wisconsin to join and benefit from the state’s water innovation ecosystem.

 State of Texas Energy Trade Mission to Israel

In 2019, we hosted a State of Texas Energy Trade Mission to Israel in partnership with the Texas Economic Development team. Bringing seven energy focused companies to learn about Israel’s energy ecosystem and learn of new business opportunities. Strengthening the commercial ties between the state of Texas and the State of Israel. The mission included a country market briefing by U.S. Embassy officials on the Commercial, Political and Economic overview of the market. We then organized an afternoon session of B2B meetings where the delegation had the opportunity to meeting Israeli firms. Third day consisted of meetings with Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Delek Drilling. Final day included a site visit to IEC where the delegation had a rare opportunity to see the IEC platform. Presentations were given by the IEC’s global procurement manager on their future plans for the country’s source of Energy.

 U.S. Blockchain Certified Trade Mission to Israel

In 2019, we hosted a US Blockchain Certified Trade Mission, led by the Chamber of Digital Commerce. The trade delegation included 14 executives from the US blockchain industry. Their visit included meetings with Bank of Israel, and other related government agencies, as well as pioneers of the Israeli blockchain Industry. As part of the visit, we organized a half day Blockchain seminar that included key players from the Blockchain industry that discussed regulation, new protocols, new financial infrastructures and best practices for venture funds. There were overall 25 industry speakers and approximately 65 guests from the Blockchain industry. On the last day of the visit, CS Israel arranged B2B meetings for the delegation.

U.S. Alternative Fund Managers Trade Mission to Israel

In 2019, CS Israel assisted in organizing a certified trade mission to Israel with a delegation of 14 prominent U.S. Alternative Fund Managers.  In partnership with Dun & Bradstreet and trademissions.org, we hosted a one-day B2B matchmaking conference introducing the U.S. fund managers to over 45 Israeli venture capital fund investors. Both sides were extremely pleased with the outcome, already reporting several possible investment opportunities. The conference was followed by an evening networking reception.

State of Indiana Governor and Trade Mission Visit Israel

In 2018, CS Israel welcomed the State of Indiana Governor Holcomb and delegation. The Governor and delegation visited Israel to attend AgriTech (Israel’s largest exhibition and conference for the Agro-Tech industry). The Governor came to promote economic development in Indiana by identifying Israeli partners for Indiana firms and connecting with Israeli firms that would like to expand to Indiana. Governor Holcomb gave welcoming remarks at the conference. We organized a networking reception, hosted by former Ambassador Friedman, in honor of the Governor. We also organized an informative Country Market Briefing given by various sections of the U.S. Embassy.