Message from the Board

Summer has certainly arrived in Tianjin, with temperatures consistently in the mid-high 30's. The good news is that the dust storms have abated, and there has recently been at least some rain to ease the water shortage problem. The feeling of lethargy often associated with sultry summer evenings has been absent from the Chamber in the last month, as business and social events have progressed at a frenetic pace.

During May we held the very popular discussion meeting with the Tianjin Labor Bureau. The content was very relevant for any foreign enterprise doing business in Tianjin. It was also an all too rare opportunity for the staff of member companies to raise questions directly with a Department Chief of the government bureau that most affects their work on a daily basis. Additionally, it was a chance for our HR professionals to network with each other - an essential part of their own personal and professional development.

At the end of May, we convened another discussion meeting, this time relating more to the marketing side of business. Professor Melvin Dupaix of Nankai University spoke on "Business Succeeding in its Competitive Environment". Whilst not providing a panacea for all the ills and troubles that may befall a business (it would be nice if this were possible!), it was a timely reminder of the importance of how we focus our businesses. Again, it was a well-attended event, with representatives of member companies being drawn from a range of levels within their organisations.

Events are, of course, only one of the conduits by which benefits of Amcham membership can be enjoyed. Free advertising by way of the "Member Spotlight" section of the newsletter is a great opportunity to let the good folk of Tianjin know who you are and how you can improve their lives! Through the Chamber's association with JIN, we can also offer discounted advertising, and I encourage you to contact the ever-smiling Natasha or Christie at the Amcham office to coordinate this.

I would also encourage members to check their company profiles in the directory (also available in the members-only section of the web site), and advise the office of any changes to be made. We are currently preparing the 2002 volume.

... which leads me nicely to my next point - new members! If you have been considering joining, but just haven't got around to it yet, then delay no longer! Seize the day! Obviously, the best time to join is just before the new directory is published, not just after! For a complete list of benefits and application procedures, just contact the office.

I look forward to seeing you all at the upcoming Amcham events. If I miss you there, then there's a fair chance I see you in the beer garden of Broadway on one of these warm evenings!