AACC NEWSLETTER 

JUNE 2021

G'Day from AACC President, 

Jackie Yuen

Dear AACC Members and Friends,

As I write today, it’s June 15, and we’re likely to remember this as a significant day in California when most Covid-19 related restrictions were lifted and the economy is moving to a full re-opening. We trust that you are all able to return to a sense of normalcy in a safe and enjoyable way and be able to savour the reconnections that are now possible.

The AACC was thrilled to host our first in-person event in May - the Australian Retreat at the Skywalker Summit in Nicosia. We welcomed 25 senior executives from industry, state and federal governments to participate in both business roundtables and social activities. For many, it was their first in-person meeting in over a year and for some, it was the very first time for meeting their colleagues in person. The Hon Arthur Sinodinos, our Ambassador in Washington DC joined us via Zoom for one of our business roundtable sessions. He provided an overview of the current Australian-US bilateral issues, particularly on defence and the environment, and was interested to hear from our group about some of the international employment challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Our Consul General, Nick Nichles and Cameron Briggs from Origin Energy co-moderated a session on the future of energy and how organizations can approach carbon reduction initiatives, which proved insightful. Our thanks to all the participants for joining us for what we hope will become an annual event. And a special shout out to our Skywalker hosts, Kathryn, Tom and all of the staff who were warm and gracious and offered exemplary service throughout our stay for which we are most grateful.

We have a busy calendar of events in the coming month, including a networking event at the W Hotel on August 19, a Golf Tournament at the Presidio Golf Club on September 30, and we are working hard to confirm details for an AFL themed panel and a Games themed seminar. Please see here for details: http://sfaussies.com/Events. Some of these will be in-person events so we look forward to seeing you and connecting again.

As always, thank you to you, our members and friends, for your support of the AACC. Your continued membership and support is very much appreciated.

If you have any feedback or need assistance please contact me here or email Dawn.

With gratitude,

Jackie Yuen

AACC President

UPCOMING AACC EVENTS

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

BENEFACTOR

MEMBER

Never let a global pandemic get in the way of good business and an Aussie (Kiwi) “can-do-attitude”.

In November of 2020 Swyft, Inc. founded by Gower Smith (a good Kiwi adopted by Australia) and co-founded by Australians Lincoln Smith & Jordan Smith purchased TotusRx Co-founded by Australian Geoff Williamson.

Gower and Geoff were introduced to each other through their continued engagement with the AACC’s Aussie Club over 5 years ago.

As part of the acquisition Geoff joined the Swyft executive team as CMO & President of Health Care.

TotusRx had been partnering with Swyft to build out a solution that will disrupt the way patients access prescription medications. Launching in the USA with a vision to take it global.

Swyft (www.swyft.com) enables robotic and software – powered channels facilitating unattended delivery for brands, merchants and last-mile providers. Some of the brands that have engaged with Swyft include, Nespresso, CVS, BestBuy, Macys, Disney, Wellness 4 Humanity and Proactiv.

SWYFT WEBSITE


‘Summer Mates’ rate offer 

25% off online orders through 7/31/21

Coupon code: SUMMERMATES

ORDER ONLINE

BUSINESS 

MEMBER

 
International Expansion with Littler

As the US is starting to open back up to a new “normal”, investment and acquisition opportunities have significantly picked up, particularly during the last quarter. The US presents some great opportunities for business expansion right now as it is easier now than ever before for international companies to consider expansion as the world is still largely operating through Zoom. There is more top talent available in the market in many industries so now is the time for businesses to scoop in and make the most of this limited window of opportunity. Here at Littler, we too have been expanding. With over 100 firm offices, covering over 30 countries we are here to assist you with your international expansion plans. www.littler.com or contact Naomi Seddon nseddon@littler.com

LITTLER WEBSITE
CONTACT NAOMI SEDDON

 UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY 

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Deakin Business School

Deakin Business School is now seeking expressions of interest from host organisations to provide projects for their 2021 group consulting projects.  If you or a colleague is in need of a fresh perspective and interested in working with a team of young minds, please reach out to Tori Ellenberger for more information. 

Deakin Business School is in the top 1% of business schools globally, holding both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations.  As part of its commitment to quality standards and preparing students for global careers, DBS aims to provide as much practical, real-world experience as possible.

CONTACT

The New Gold Rush

Australia has emerged as the sought after relocation destination for top tier businesses and exceptional talent. We’re calling on the Australian expat community to use your high-value networks to help us attract the best and the brightest innovators, disruptors and business moguls.

Last year, Australia launched a powerful blueprint for economic growth. As part of this effort to generate thousands of quality jobs for Australians, the Prime Minister set up the Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce.
 
The Taskforce targets high value enterprises, entrepreneurs and professional leaders who can bring new technologies, cutting edge research and development, as well as IP and capital to Australia. It can facilitate the relocation of senior executives, company staff and their families with flexible visa arrangements to fast track their transition into Australia. And it connects them with industry and supportive business ecosystems to help them hit the ground running.  

As Americans know, lifestyle is our superpower. Our universal health system, comparatively higher salaries and entitlements, and simplified tax system, are the envy of the world. As a COVID success story, our economic trajectory is outpacing others, and we’re backing business with an unprecedented wealth of grants, incentives and tax relief. 

US companies are already expanding into Australia and leveraging the opportunities in industries such as resources and energy, the circular economy, defence, advanced manufacturing, space, digital technologies, agrifood, health and life sciences, and financial services and fintech. 

The Taskforce is also actively targeting academics, exceptionally talented individuals, researchers and experts at the top of their field who can drive innovation. Using the Global Talent Visa, exceptional talent from the US and across the globe now call Australia home. They are start-up founders, leading experts in robotics, senior software engineers, C-suite executives, specialists in adaptive clinical trials and much more. This, in turn, supports our ecosystems and job creation in Australia.

The Taskforce needs your insights, expertise, and networks to identify companies and individuals who would qualify for this unique offer. If you know a truly exceptional individual looking for Australian permanent residency, or an innovative, high-value business in your network you can encourage them to contact globaltalentamericas@dfat.gov.au, follow Global Australia on LinkedIn or visit www.GlobalAustralia.gov.au.

Retail & Consumer Sustainability Survey Report - June 2021

Bird&Bird launched a sustainability survey report focusing on the impact of sustainability on business priorities, innovation and leadership on retail and consumer businesses. The report aims to provide insights and recommendations to help move these businesses forward. One key finding that struck us in this difficult year: more than a third of respondents said that sustainability increased in importance in the last year. The question is, did COVID really make sustainability more important, or was it an accelerator of disruption that was already underway?

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Tasting with Social Distancing

Native Australians' making wine right in the heart of California wine country. Join us for our current Icon Tasting Experience. We aren’t like your average wine tasting. We believe food completes the wine experience and plays an important role. That is why we are committed to providing our community with an exceptional pairing experience. Reserve your table with us now and join one of our wine and food educators for an experience that you will remember!

MORE INFO & RESERVE YOUR TABLE

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS

Lendlease

Lendlease is a globally integrated real estate and investment group with core expertise in shaping cities and creating strong and connected communities.

Being bold and innovative characterizes our approach and doing what matters defines our intent.

We create award-winning urban precincts, new communities for older people and young families just starting out, retail precincts, and work places to the highest sustainability standards. We are also privileged to create essential civic and social infrastructure including state-of-the-art hospitals, universities and stadiums around the world.

Lendlease has been entrusted with many projects of public, cultural and social significance: constructing the Sydney Opera House, creating the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York, and restoring and renovating historic buildings such as London’s Tate Britain and National Theatre.

As we expand our experience and our footprint, we aspire to continue creating places people want and care about, and providing value for securityholders and the broader community.

Headquartered in Sydney, our people are located in four operating regions: Australia, Europe, the Americas and Asia.

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Tasmanian Government

In Tasmania, we protect our environment. We draw on our culture of invention and enterprise.

As a result, everything we grow and make here is different.

Taste the difference in our food and drinks. Wear the difference in our wool and hemp. Pierce the waves on our catamarans. Design with our apps. Shoot a Hollywood film with our camera kits. Traverse Antarctica on one of our sleds.

If you want it renewable, you want it Tasmanian. We produce 100 per cent renewable energy and aim to be 200 per cent by 2040.

If you want to trade with Tasmania and experience the quiet pursuit of the extraordinary, please contact our Trade Advocate, Emily Minson at emily.minson@trade.tas.gov.au and visit: trade.tasmanian.com.au

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