John Tully pledges €20 mln to the Children's Hospital

This December John Tully, President of AmCham and CEO of MikroTik pledged EUR 20 million in support of the Children's Clinical University Hospital of Latvia in order to continue its digital transformation and create an innovation environment that will ensure better health outcomes for children. "Having read about existing developments in partnership with other supporters and ambitious innovation plans, I have realized that the potential of the hospital is to become an international excellence center in pediatrics. The funding is only one part of what is needed, and with my pledge, I hope to urge other patrons to support the establishment of a modern, world-class children's hospital," says John.

Swedbank launches employee volunteering initiative

Despite the COVID-19 restrictions and limited options for face-to-face activities, more than 710 Swedbank employees participated in the employee volunteering initiative “Let’s Do It Together!” in 2021, contributing more than 2100 hours to various community projects and causes. The initiative includes more than 10 different activities, such as Blood Donation Day, food donation activity in partnership with the Samaritan Association of Latvia and a jury panel for youth business plan competition “Business Sketches”. Some activities were initiated this year like nature cleanup teambuilding events together with World Wildlife Foundation and Nature Conservation Agency.

Luminor donates €12 000 “Dod pieci!”

This year, Luminor Bank is donating  €12,000 to “Dod pieci!” (High Five!), inviting the community to help people with visual, hearing or mobility impairments - for the installation of ramps and lifts, the improvement of people’s homes and satisfying other needs related to improving the accessibility of the environment outside public infrastructure. “This year, the pandemic once again prevents us from actively celebrating Christmas, so we would like to redirect the funds earmarked for customer and partner gifts to support the charity marathon. We invite everyone, including businesses, not to remain indifferent and to take part in this charity project, making the lives of their fellow human beings more complete,” says Kerli Gabrilovica, Head of Retail Banking.

SEB sets new climate ambitions goals

SEB’s sustainability strategy going forward outlines the bank’s role in the transition towards a sustainable society, including supporting their customers in their climate transition and reducing SEB’s fossil exposure. As part of this strategy, the bank has set new ambitions and goals within the climate area consistng of a Carbon Exposure Index, a Sustainability Activity Index, and a Transition Ratio.

Children's Hospital Foundation joins membership

The Children's Hospital Foundation, an organization taking care of the children's health through raising help from general public, has recently joined the Chamber as a Non-Profit member. They closely collaborate with the Children's Hospital on day-to-day basis and make their contribution in order to assure that the assistance available to children at the Hospital is professional and delivered in a high quality. A warm welcome to our community!

Winners of Baltic Sustainability Awards announced

AmCham was an Ecosystem Partner of first ever Baltic Sustainability Awards and also contributed in the selection of the winners of Impact caregory represented by the jury member Liene Dubava, AmCham Vice President. Over 300 applications have been submitted and 24 outstanding sustainability innovation achievements selected as finalists. More about the vinners in their video presentations.

Our concluding webinar of 2021 in Connect with AmCham series focused on well-being of employees, their mental health and ways to communicate and lead them throughout constant change. Inspiring experts Pārsla Baško of ERDA and Māris Taube, Professor of RSU gave valuable tips for employers on how to deal with difficulties in workplace caused by the emergency situation.

Strengthening the judicial system and supporting whistleblowers

On December 9, DELNA celebrated International Anti-Corruption Day expressing gratitude to people who are reporting wrongdoing in Latvia and emphasizing the necessity to protect whistleblowers. Although Latvia's whistleblowing experience has been recognized as the best in Europe, there is still a place for improvement, namely, in fostering public discussions on whistleblowing benefits and advising whistleblowers.

In October DELNA, the United States Embassy in Latvia and the Transparency Fund held an international online expert forum and discussion “Law and system of justice: a tool to fight corruption” to raise awareness and understanding of the rule of law in Latvia. This includes specialization of courts and prosecutors in combating economic and corruption-related crimes, training of investigators, prosecutors and judges, and the establishment of a common methodology for judges, ensuring that similar cases are decided in a consistent manner.

UAV Factory was announced the winner of the Latvian-American Innovation Award 2021 for their long-endurance aircraft “Penguin C Mk2 VTOL” designed for demanding operations to support missions in more restrictive environments. Vigo Health was announced the runner-up for their remote rehabilitation software "Vigo". The winner received 10,000 Euro and the runner-up 5,000 Euro and a custom made award.

AmCham raises €2600 for its principal charities

On December 2, the Chamber raised €2600 through the Virtual Christmas Charity raffle benefiting its principal charities: Bezvests.lv, Latvian Foster Family Association, Pink Train Foundation, RMHC Latvija and SOS Children’s Villages. As a result of members' donations the charities will be able to promote healthy development of Latvia's children and their rights to grow up in a family environment as well as support women who are affected by breast cancer and families of missing people. Let's spread some Christmas joy and continue to support them!