More than 200 members and guests celebrated AmCham 30th Anniversary with a festive black-tie dinner last Saturday, April 22 at Small Guild and the participation of distinguished guests President of Latvia Egils Levits, U.S. Ambassador Christopher Robinson, former President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Mayor of Riga Martins Stakis. AmCham reflected on the evolution of the organization and offered an overview of the most significant milestones and recognized AmCham past and present board members, presidents, vice presidents and founding members. In a silent charity auction €3150 was raised to the Children's Hospital Foundation, Latvian Foster Family Association and SOS Children's Villages.

A group of members, representing various industries joined the AmCham board and staff representatives for Member Focus Lunch on April 13 to discuss their businesses and provide feedback on AmCham’s activities. Among the topics discussed were value-based procurements, public-private partnerships, tax system improvements, and sustainability issues. We are grateful to Nasdaq Riga and Domino's Pizza for hosting and supporting the event!

On April 5, AmCham Advocacy group representatives met with Fredis Bikovs, Managing Director of Riga Investment and Tourism Agency to learn more about the priorities and plans of the agency and discuss issues important to the attraction of foreign direct investment and human capital.

On March 30, the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Riga and AmCham held a Crisis Emergency Management Exercise (CME) with speakers from the U.S. Government and the private sector at the premises of the U.S. Embassy. Robert Fagan, representative of the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Institute Crisis Management ran the CME and Michael Thiessmeier, representative of National AI and Cybersecurity ISAO shared real-world responses. 

March Business After Hours was graciously hosted by ATU Duty Free and Riga Airport at the airport's VIP Center. Members had the opportunity to gain insights on the airport's future plans and vision, as well as the new mixed-use development - Riga Airport City. They also discussed the sustainability and competitiveness challenges facing duty-free and travel retail businesses. Thanks to the hosts for organizing a fantastic event that offered both educational discussions and valuable networking opportunities.