Amcham’s Launchpad USA program is partnering with the New York Angel’s, America’s largest and most active angel investment group to host a Nordic pitching event in New York City on November 4th.

Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is expected to make doing business between the EU and US easier. SMEs especially have much to gain as a result of TTIP as it will address many of the barriers they currently face by reducing regulatory obstacles, export costs and red tape on customs procedures. AmCham hosted a breakfast discussion featuring Deputy Assistant US Trade Representative for Small Business, Christina Sevilla and the Chair of the Saeima Foreign Relations Committee, Ambassador Ojars Kalnins, to discuss the impact and benefits of TTIP.

Experts, decision makers and business representatives met to discuss the insolvency process and its impact on Latvia’s business and investment climate. A broad coalition of organizations – the American and Norwegian Chambers of Commerce in Latvia, FICIL and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry – gathered to reinforce the necessity to continue reforming Latvia’s insolvency system in order to provide confidence and security for both foreign and local investments. Video and presentations are available.

At her first address to AmCham members, Ambassador Pettit spoke about her top priorities among which is promoting entrepreneurship and raising awareness of TTIP. She said: “Success begets success: good ideas draw attention and can catalyze even greater trade and investment. Entrepreneurs can be an important force for economic development, and they deserve our recognition and support.”

Ieva and Steve Hertel made their Kabul Best Chili a winner at the 11th Annual Chili Cook-Off. The Albert Hotel team won People’s Choice Award for their Albert’s Favorite Chili. In addition to the contest, EUR 600 were raised in the charity raffle in benefit of our three principal charities - Latvian Foster Family Association, RMHC Latvija's Care Mobile and SOS Children's Villages.