On Dec 8th, a board meeting in the American-Danish Business Council was held. Invited by the Ambassador of Denmark to the US, Lone Wisborg, the board members met to discuss the year in the ADBC and how the council must proceed through 2022. Co-chair, Doug Morgante, provided his remarks for the year and emphasized the ambition of getting back to more in-person activities next year when Covid allows for it. Through the Treasure’s report (Benjamin Walker), it was underpinned that the council finds itself in a strong financial position which provides great opportunities for creating increased activity for members to engage from going forward. At the meeting it was also agreed that the ADBC will be looking into updating its promotional efforts with new material for outreach activities etc.. Besides of two flagship events (constitution Day Celebration in June, and the Christmas Party Reception in December), the activities for 2022 will primarily focus on, in-person events, sector-specific events with congressional staffers, engagement with the Congressional Friends of Denmark Caucus, and ad hoc events created around incoming high-level visits from Denmark and other emerging opportunities.
Right after the board meeting on Dec 8th, the ADBC also opened up for a Member Meeting at the Embassy of Denmark in Washington DC. Here, all members of the ADBC were invited to discuss the ADBC going forward. First off, the Ambassador provided a briefing of the political landscape as seen from the Embassy and members had the opportunity to ask questions. Hereafter, an open discussion on needs and wishes from the members was initiated by ADBC Executive Secretary, Jacob Vind, who also provided a brief overview of the expectations for next year. There was a broad interest from members to look into cultural events in relation to e.g., Sports events and this is something that the ADBC will look further into.