With trade being one of my top priorities, I am happy to report that the new trade figures released recently were very positive. Danish export of goods to the US has grown by 25.5% so far this year. After a downturn in 2013, export of goods to the US has risen steadily since and in 2015 the export accounts for about 34,432.2 billion Danish kroner (January-August 2015). So, the goal of the Danish government to increase exports is well in hand.
I am pleased to tell you that we had a very productive board meeting in October and have made a new ambitious strategy for the coming year. Very importantly, we would like to increase membership by 40% by the end of 2016. We therefore ask all members to engage in our outreach strategy and bring along potential members to future events. In addition to the initiatives described in the article on the board meeting, it was very useful for me to meet the members of the board and learn more about their priorities.
We will have our last events of the year in December, which will give me the opportunity to meet with more of the ADBC members. I will be welcoming ADBC members and other guests to the Residence for our annual Creative Christmas reception December 9th and 10th. I am very pleased to be able to share with you and our American friends the concept of Danish “hygge”. The theme for Creative Christmas this year is Healthy Living, featuring the renowned active Danish lifestyle and creative food culture. This year we are partnering with SOME (So Others Might Eat) as we want to share the spirit of Christmas with others less fortunate.
Later, on December 14th, we will hold the ADBC annual meeting focusing on the future strategic direction of ADBC and we will present our priorities and activities for 2016. Stephen Brugger from AmCham in Denmark will also participate with a presentation on AmCham activities in Denmark and the Transatlantic Company of the Year process. This event will also give all of you a chance to bring clients or employees from your company to the meeting.