March 31, 2015

On the 31st of March, 30 CEO's from some of Norways most reputable companies with a presence in Australia met at Baker & McKenzie offices to consult on their needs and wants for a Norwegian Australian Chamber of Commerce. The group agreed around a desire for few and high-level events, with a focus on member promotion.

The founding board membersincluded; Sophia Demetriades Toftdahl (President), Danielle Mathiesen (Events), Sarah Chopping (Treasurer), and Ulf Varding (Memberships). The volunteer board laid out a strategic plan to reach membership numbers of 50 companies and 50 individuals by 2017. Their strategy to reach these numbers include hosting business networking events, collaborating with the Norwegian Embassy and including members and prospect members in cultural social events and online communities.

The annual event plan includes 2 sponsored board room breakfasts, 17. May national day event, Scandinavian film festival, Annual General Meeting, 4 Euromix events, Cruise for the Europeans, The Norwegian Embassy's Annual Business Seminar, and Christmas drinks.

"We are grateful that someone is finally starting a Chamber for the Norwegian companies in Australia", says Andrew McKean and Andrew Leighton from  Norske Skog.

"We are please to see such a positive response forn the Norwegian business community, especially considering we lost our culture house in Balgowlah late last year", says founding president Sophia Demetriades Toftdahl.

Attendees included representatives from;  Wilh. Wilhelpmsen Investment, DNV Global, Norske Skog, Scandi Media, The Norwegian Consulate, Imatis and Vision Stream, Interrock, Deloitte, Lighthouse8, Q-Free, SBS Norwegian, Switzer, Baker & McKenzie, Alfa Laval, and Dream Internship. Many additional companies were interested but not able to attend, and the Chamber is positive the interest will increase over time.

Sponsor: Baker and McKenzie

Speaker: James Halliday, Partner Baker and McKenzie