Welcome
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Welcome
Robert Simoncic, chair of the European Council of American Chambers of Commerce (ECACC), introduces this exciting and varied organisation
 Robert Simoncic |
Since being founded in 1963 in Milan, Italy, ECACC has experienced significant growth and has assisted European and American businesses in seizing economic opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic. I am very proud of the fact that ECACC is currently an association of American Chambers of Commerce from 37 countries — and growing — representing the interests of over 17,000 American and European corporations with 20 million employees. More than ever, there is a clear need for a strong international organisation of this type.
Over the past few years, ECACC has become an influential organisation. As an umbrella body of American Chambers of Commerce, it has developed common principles, and identified mutual needs and goals that are actively carried out by respective national chambers. It plays a key role in co-ordinating and defining common policies for the relationships between chambers in the EU and the US. ECACC also actively co-operates with AmCham EU in Brussels, which has a special role in working with the EU.
One of the truly valuable benefits of this dynamic organisation is that it provides an effective and useful forum for AmChams to share knowledge and experiences with each other. In addition, by exhibiting a united front on pan-European economic issues, ECACC is a strong voice for the greater business community throughout all of Europe.
My appointment as chair came during an extremely interesting period. As the world faces the new challenges of increased globalisation, integration, differentiation and diversity, the importance of organisations like ECACC will only increase. Therefore, it is necessary to think about an extended strategy for this organisation. What is the correct organisational structure and governance? What new services can we provide for our members? How does ECACC apply its weight to represent the interests of its member companies in international structures? These are just some of the questions that ECACC is working on. To find the right answers will be a challenge. I am very excited to have a chance to be a part of this process. A mutually beneficial relationship and intense co-operation with Brussels-based AmCham EU and a very strong US Chamber of Commerce in the USA will be the key to success.
I believe this process will also lead to a stronger recognition of AmChams and to an expansion and reinforcement of the particular roles AmChams have played in individual countries in Europe. In addition, it will contribute to the further development of AmChams’ good practices in public affairs and legislative work. I look forward to a time of significant growth and effective activity for ECACC. I do sincerely believe that having a positive influence on economic development ultimately assists AmChams in meeting their goals in terms of improving commercial relationships between US and European companies.
Robert Simoncic, General Manager of Microsoft in the Slovak Republic and the president of the Board of Directors of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Slovak Republic, was elected as the chair of the European Council of American Chamber of Commerce (ECACC) in July 2003, and was re-elected to a second twoyear term in September 2005. He lives and works in Bratislava, Slovakia.