Vida Dolenc Pogačnik, AmCham Deputy Director thanked to all Members of Committees – especially to the Chairs of the Committees, who with their professional work and great contribution of knowledge and energy try to change the Slovenian business environment for the better:

»Dear Members, let me just make a quick review of AmCham Committees.

The purpose of all Committees is to make Slovene business environment more pleasant for the companies already based here and for potential investors.

AmCham has 8 Committees and 2 Working Groups. This year 5 Committees – Tax, Labor, Public Procurement, IP and Environment prepared a letter for the Prime Minister and the Government, together with Position Papers for each mentioned field.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMMITTEE

Organized IP Conference in April and prepared Position Paper, an expertise that will be presented to all State Institutions that covers IP area.

ENVIRONMENT and SPATIAL COMMITTEE

Prepared Position Paper and met with Minister of Infrastructure and spatial planning, Samo Omerzel and his team. Some parts of the mentioned Position Paper will be on the agenda when the new legislation will be in preparation.

CSR – CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE

It is a very active Committee, especially this autumn. Ajša will tell you more about the great project AmCham is doing this month.

LABOR COMMITTEE

Prepared Position Paper and 2 Professional Updates on labor and pension reform and also include representative of the Unions in the debate. Future goal is to involve all stakeholders in the debate regarding the situation and proposed changes in the field of labor market.

LEADERSHIP AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Was actively involved in selection of the AmCham Top Potential of the Year 2013 and will play its important role within AmCham Young professionals program also in the future.

TAX COMMITTEE

Prepared Position Paper and also got more visibility in media, namely Tax Chair Barbara Guzina commented raise of VAT and introduction of crisis tax.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

Is a supporting and advisory group to AmCham Team, especially focused to serve the interest of all AmCham members.

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT COMMITTEE

Prepared Position Paper and at the beginning of the year Professional Update on the amendment of the Public Procurement Act.

This year AmCham suggested to the Board to form two Working groups that are covering important issues: first group is for Corporate Ethics and Transparency and the second will cover the TTIP – Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreement between US and Europe.

A few facts for the conclusion: all committees have strong relations with competent Ministries and working closely with US Embassy on all topics covered by AmCham Committees. Since not many members are familiar with the Committee work, we decided to start with the monthly Advocacy Brief that will be sent to all members by e-mail.

Committee’s work is coordinated by my colleagues Nina, Maja and me and we are always prepared to give you all information you need.

At the end AmCham Team would like to thank all members that are working in the Committees on a completely volunteer basis.«