crossborder

WTCAA magazineSummer | #04 | 2011

Two expats, two stories

BES La Salle university in Almere

‘Together we reach a large group’

NEWSGreg Shapiro:‘How to Be Orange!’

FOCUS SPECIAL THEMEExpat event, June 16 2011

FOCUSThe perfect package for expats

5News Stand-up comedian

Greg Shapiro:‘How to Be Orange!’

Home is where the heart is

The Expat Event on June 16, 2011 was a resounding success. Visitors had plenty of

opportunity to make new contacts and businesses were able to promote their activities.

The result? International business is firmly embedded in Almere’s identity.

Inspired by the Expat Event, we decided to put expats on center stage in this fourth

issue of Crossborder. The WTCAA is excited to see how all the expats each contribute to

and complement Almere’s multifaceted business and social communities. For example,

by participating in international exchange programs at BES La Salle University, meeting

fellow-expats through existing social networks, but also in their enthusiasm to meet the

Dutch people who live here. After all, to quote one of the expats, the only way to get to

know a country is to get to know the people.

While putting Crossborder#4 together, we kept hearing how great it is to live in the

Netherlands, and about Almere, a beautiful city on the water where anything is possible.

People explained about bringing their own culture to Almere and, wherever possible,

experiencing the culture here in all its facets. All in all, the perfect melting pot which

delivers the ’international flavor’ we love so much. This ’flavor’ is reflected in the various

articles in this issue, such as an interview with stand-up comedian Greg Shapiro about

his civic integration classes, expats Carly and Elodie who share their personal stories with

us, and consultancy firm Baker Tilly Berk who explains how expats can get their financial

matters in order. Director Hans Snel talks about how Almere City Marketing is helping the

city to grow. And of course, we’ve included a report on the Expat Event. A diverse range

of topics? Perhaps, but one central theme runs throughout: Home is where the heart is!

We hope you will enjoy reading Crossborder #4, the Expat Special.

After all, expats are special.

Annemarie de Vries

Director

World Trade Center Almere Area

This project was made possible with the support of a contribution from the Province of Flevoland and the Municipality of Almere within the framework of the Flevoland Almere Investment Program.

Crossborder is a publication for members and relations of the WTCAA and appears three times a year.

AddressWorld Trade Center Almere AreaP.J. Oudweg 41314 CH Almere StadT +31 (0)36 - 548 50 [email protected]

Editors and contributors Crossborder Frans Davids, Raguel Kluin, Ronella BleijenburgMarjolein van Loenen, Fidessa Docters van Leeuwen,Lisette Rippe en Annemarie de Vries

TranslationVertaalbureau.nl, Hallmark English (including final editing)

Production supportMDA Creatie

Printing officeDe Onkenhout Groep Almere

Art Direction & designMDA Creatie

Copyright© WTCAA, 2011 – No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the WTCAA.

5News Stand-up comedian

Greg Shapiro:‘How to Be Orange!’

WTCAA Magazine #04 | 2011

News 7 The ultimate Expat EventBaker Tilly Berk

Focus 10 BES La Salle Now in the heart of Almere

Expert talk 18 Interview Hans Snel Director of Almere City Marketing

8 In the spotlight Two expats, two stories

Carly Bridgeman & Elodie Simon

12 Focus Information and

entertainment 30 floors upExpat event

17FocusInterview Connie Koorevaar

“Together we reach a large group”

Focus 14 Quotes from participantsExpat event

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WTCAA Magazine #04 | 2011 | 4

The American-Dutch stand-up comedian Greg Shapiro looks at the

world through the eyes of an expat. He came to the Netherlands

for the first time in 1994 to get Boom Chicago off the ground, and

he’s been here ever since. During a performance of a compilation of

his theater show ‘How to Be Orange’ at the Expat Event, he gave a

hilarious account of his civic integration classes.

Stand-up comedian Greg Shapiro: ‘How to Be Orange!’

Can we hear just one joke from your show?“New Dutch ‘citizens’ are not only more

proud of the Netherlands than many

people who were born here, they’re even

more patriotic than the political party

‘Trots op Nederland (Proud of the

Netherlands)’! During my integration

classes, I had to answer questions about

the Netherlands, so you can imagine that

I want to ask my audiences the same

questions. Many Dutch people don’t

even know the answers. You’re in luck by

the way: I’ll be taking this show on tour

throughout the country in 2011-2012.”

Why do you recommend that expats stay in the Netherlands longer?“The Netherlands is the country of

freedom and tolerance. You can see the

proof of this in the history of integration.

It is one giant melting pot of cultures

here, and this is what makes living in the

Netherlands so unbelievably great. “

And finally: what do you think of Almere?“Almere is new land. I’m from Chicago,

which is also new land. I like that. The

fantastic architecture in the city and

Dutch Design. A while back, my father

visited from America and I gave him a tour

of Flevoland. I told him about the origin

of the province, the land reclamation.

Surprised, my father asked: ‘So all of this

used to be under water?’ Half an hour

later he asked me again; he just couldn’t

believe it.”

For more information:www.gregshapiro.com

NewsTe

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Photos: Frans Davids

WTCAA Magazine #04 | 2011 | 4 News Stand-up comedian Greg Shapiro

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News

What are “Expat Tax Issues”?“Expat Tax is a specific discipline at

Baker Tilly Berk. We advise employers

and employees alike when it comes to

matters involving expats. Expats are

either employees who come to live in the

Netherlands, or those who are leaving the

country. One example is the 30% ruling,

in which 30% of the employee’s gross

salary is tax-exempt. Another important

area for expats is social insurance

issues.”

Can you tell us about your services for employees?“When expats first get to the host

(destination) country, they often have no

clue where to start. We meet with them

to find out how we can help. The first

thing we usually do is apply for a Citizen

Service Number.”

And then?“Next, we offer a total package so that

employees can be sure that their tax

situation is taken care of. There are

a variety of regulations that apply in

the Netherlands and of course every

person’s situation is different. We look

at the expat’s tax and social insurance

position, among other things. Expats

want to make sure that they continue

to accumulate pension benefits (AOW),

both in their home and host countries.

We can also handle expats’ income tax

returns. In other words, at Baker Tilly

Berk, we custom design a package for

every expat.”

The ultimate Expat Event

For more information: www.bakertillyberk.nl

During the Expat Event, Peter Polman of Baker Tilly Berk in Almere gave an interesting

presentation on expat tax issues. Something all expats are faced with upon their arrival

in the Netherlands. Crossborder looks at the most important questions and answers.

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WTCAA Magazine #04 | 2011 | 6 News The ultimate Expat Event

“Right after I got my degree, I started looking for a job in the

Netherlands. In 2004, I was living in Laren, in “het Gooi”, as an

exchange student. That’s when I fell in love with this flat little

country and knew this is where I wanted to live.

After I graduated, my Dutch friends helped me put together a

list of international schools, and I sent letters to almost all of

them. I applied for a job at OBS Letterland and was hired. Three

weeks after the interview, I emigrated to the Netherlands alone.

Since I was already familiar with the cultural aspects, the move

was not a shock for me. My situation is different from other

expats, though, since they usually move with their families. Also,

most expats first work in their home country and then take a job

abroad. With me, this job is my first teaching position.

Right after I arrived, the school helped me to get my paperwork

in order. I am allowed to stay here until 2014, and after that, I

will be able to keep renewing my visa every five years. If it were

up to me, I would like to have Dutch citizenship in addition to

my Australian citizenship. Whether or not I’ll be able to do that

depends on politics.”

Social network“I have an amazing group of co-workers who are from the UK,

the US, South Africa and the Netherlands. Being an expat also

means sharing your personal lives with each other, not just your

work. There are plenty of organizations in Almere that provide

services for expats. I’m an active member of International Almere,

an English-speaking organization that has activities designed

to help people develop a social network. There is a networking

cocktail party every Friday night, for example. You learn a lot

about the city, but also develop friendships. International Almere

also celebrates international holidays such as Halloween.

Together with the World Trade Center Almere, we’re looking into

options for younger expats - I’m 24, so this is relevant for me - to

develop activities that are business and/or socially related. One

thing is certain: as an expat, you need friends.”

I’m staying“What keeps me here? The country itself. After six months, I got

my own apartment in Almere Haven, and I never want to give it

up. I can get to school by bike within 10 minutes, and the bus

even stops right outside my door.

I grew up in a suburb outside of Perth, in Australia. For me,

Almere Haven is actually also a sort of suburb and that’s why

I love it. It’s got great restaurants, the location at the water is

beautiful, and everyone knows each other. The movie theater in

Almere is wonderful, and so is the shopping downtown. There

is no need to go to Amsterdam, because everything you need is

right there. I feel at home already.”

Carly Bridgeman, teacher at the OBS

Letterland, the International School,

has been living in Almere since November

of 2008. Crossborder asked her why she

decided to live in the Netherlands, and

why she loves living here.

Text: Fidessa Docters van Leeuwen


Further information:www.letterland.nl

www.internationalalmere.comwww.wtcaa.nl

How long have you been living in Almere?“I came to the Netherlands last March via an exchange program

with my university. I think the combination of the peace and

quiet in Almere and the big city of Amsterdam, only half an hour

away, is fantastic. This way I get the best of both worlds.”

How did you get involved with International Almere?“I picked up the folder about International Almere at the Tourist

Information center. IA’s starting point is to form a social network

with other people who understand what it is to be a foreigner in

this modern city. Every year, the IA organizes all sorts of events

at various locations in the Almere area. I really wanted to meet

other expats so I went to the website first. They gave me a lot of

different tips and told me what it was like to live here.”

You’ve been a member of International Almere (IA) for a few months now. How have you benefitted from it?“When you first get here, you don’t know everything about the

country and you have to discover everything from scratch. It’s

nice to be able to share these new feelings with other expats;

you’re more or less in the same boat. Also, there are IA members

who come from every part of the world. This gives you the

opportunity to exchange experiences, and to not only learn

It was not so long ago that Elodie Simon,

trainee at Cosmetic Formulation at

Shin-Etsu Silicones Europe B.V. found her

way to Almere. How does she like it here?

Read her story and find out.

more about countries other than your own but also more about

the Netherlands. IA is also designed to help people develop a

social life. For me, the time has come to start meeting more

Dutch people. After all, the only way to get to know a country is

to get to know the people.

Do you have an amusing anecdote which highlights the cultural differences between France and the Netherlands?“In the beginning, I was surprised to see that the Dutch drink milk

at breakfast, lunch and dinner. In France, we only drink milk at

breakfast. It’s little differences like that that really provide insight

into someone’s cultural identity. For example in France, we eat

dinner at six-thirty, and here, sometimes I try to eat at five-thirty,

like the Dutch, but it often just seems too early for me.”

What aspects of your own French culture have you brought with you to the Netherlands?“French cuisine. I love to cook, but unfortunately it’s not very

easy to find all of the ingredients you need to prepare a typical

French meal. For my birthday, I’m going to make the typical

French cake, ‘Fondant Chocolat’.”

In the spotlight

WTCAA Magazine #04 | 2011 | 8 In the spotlight Two expats, two stories

Crossborder talks to Amal Le Collen, BES La Salle Program

Manager on Skype. “We are a network of 74 universities in

more than 82 countries. 1000 teaching establishments, where

1,000,000 students are educated. BES La Salle offers an

innovative program which includes management, engineering,

architecture and entrepreneurship.”

After a busy week in Almere, Le Collen is briefly back in

Barcelona. She tells us that the municipality had already

signed a declaration of intent in Barcelona back in 2007, thus

giving a green light for continued collaboration. This document

represents the commitment on the part of the BES La Salle

University in Barcelona to come to Almere, where it will offer

international higher education. By signing the document in

2007, BES La Salle was declaring its willingness to establis

h a strong bond with the city of Almere as a new location. The

time has now come.

Le Collen: “Our goal is to set up an international campus in

Almere, together with the Hogeschool Windesheim and

CAH Dronten.” The municipality and the World Trade

Center Almere (WTCAA) will help the university with its

plans to expand international higher education in Almere.

“We feel at home in Almere”, she laughs. “For us,

the support from the WTCAA and the municipality of

Almere is crucial. They are always willing to share their

network and introduce their contacts to each other.”

In Almere, BES La Salle University will offer an MPM Master’s

in Project Management, an MBA program and summer classes

for students, expats and professionals. What is the university’s

strength? As Le Collen says: “We bring an international flavour

to Almere. We also set ourselves apart through our connections

with the local partners who know the market. Our goal is to

set up a partnership with Hogeschool Windesheim and CAH

Dronten. By combining each of the partners’ strengths, we can

create an entirely new way of offering education.”

From executive courses to Master’s programsThe arrival of BES La Salle and its large international network

is an important step towards expanding the offer of higher

education in the city. Le Collen describes the La Salle philosophy

in clear terms: to offer excellent classes and programs at a

low cost. “This involves offering variety in the available higher

BES La Salle now in the heart of Almere

BES La Salle, the renowned university in Barcelona, established a physical

presence in Almere on March 1 in order to offer international higher education

here in the city. A major step forward for both the university and the city.

After all, where there’s education, there are expats!

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education courses, something for every expat-professional

and student. Naturally, all of the programs and classes will be

given in English. In particular, these are short-term classes for

working professionals (Executive Courses) such as the recently

created Supply Chain course and several Master’s programs

in Business Administration (MBA) and Program Management.”

Le Collen says that a class such as the Supply Chain course

brings together everything that BES La Salle stands for. “It is

very appealing to professionals to be able to spend a week

in the Netherlands visiting Dutch companies which would

otherwise not be so accessible, such as the Port Authority of

Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport, and get specific answers to

business-related questions. The program involves more than

just acquiring academic knowledge in a classroom setting, but

focuses instead on experiencing practical situations first-hand

to see which ideas and approaches may be applied to their own

profession in their home country. The program is really valuable

for these students.”

Wider selection of courses BES La Salle will also be taking an active part in the Almere

Summer School by offering classes for this program. Le Collen

emphasizes: “BES La Salle participated in the Summer School

program for the first time last summer. The idea is to do this again

in 2011, but with a greater variety of courses this time. For us,

Almere is a great place to be and to take part in the international

campus. When you have the support of the WTCAA and the

municipality, you can get off to a flying start like we have.”

Le Collen continues: “At BES La Salle, we are constantly asking

ourselves how we can recruit the right partners for each subject

to increase our audience; after all, this has a huge potential

added value for all of the partners. A good example is the current

executive seminar, Brand Community Management, featuring

speakers from Spain, the UK and Switzerland. This way we bring

international students to business, and businesses to students.

In our opinion, the cultures of the countries involved must

also be part of this. The first thing we tell the international

students at the international campus is the story of how Almere

was built.”

Impression During a lunch at the WTCAA Carlton building, Crossborder met with several Spanish professionals aged 25 to 40 who are taking BES La Salle’s Supply Chain class in Almere given by Paul Hartong. An impression of their experiences.

About the Supply Chain course “Practical point of view” “ In Holland people think in terms of the supply chain”

“Learning from professionals”

About Almere “4th city of Holland” “A lot of potential” “Very new and modern”

About the opportunities for expats in Almere “ Almere offers plenty of services such as ample housing at a good price”

“Peaceful, a city surrounded by water” “Important place for business”

Further information: www.beslasalle.net and

www.summerschoolalmere.nl

Focus Special theme

WTCAA Magazine #04 | 2011 | 10 Focus BES La Salle now in the heart of Almere

Fons van der Ham, Chairman of the Board at WTCAA,

moved to France in 1992, followed by a relocation to

Germany, returning years later to the Netherlands. “I

was an expat three times so I know how you feel.”

Language, for example, is often a barrier. Alongside

amusing misunderstandings, expats discover only

too often that an important government department

refuses to speak English.

Greg Shapiro makes light of such incidents. In fact

he incorporated the theme into an entertaining

cabaret. The ‘American Nederlander’, well-known

from his performances with Boom Chicago and

Comedy Central News, quips: “We expats are really

‘allochtonen’. This is a difficult word the Dutch made

up (it means ‘foreigners’), just so that we couldn’t

pronounce it.”

Lisa Lipkin believes it’s also important to have a

good story at the ready. This professional storyteller

came to the Netherlands from the United States 12

years ago. “Your story is the best tool you can have

at your disposal.” Many business executives attend

her workshops to hone their communication skills.

There are various organizations that can offer a lot of

support to expats in the area of finance. One of these

is Baker Tilly Berk, Gold Partner of Expat Information

Services Center (EISC). Accountant Peter Polman

Information and entertainment 30 floors upThe perfect package for expats

“Live, work and enjoy life in the Netherlands.”

Fons van der Ham, WTCAA

Golden tips, inspiring stories and amusing anecdotes. The Expat Event on June

16 proved to expats and their partners that you can live, work and enjoy life in

the Netherlands. The WTC Almere Area (WTCAA), in close cooperation with the

network organization International Almere, presented a program brimming with

information and entertainment at a breathtaking location.

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Expat EventExpats on center stage

WTC Carlton Tower, June 16, 2011


• WTCAA www.wtcaa.nl

• International Almere www.internationalalmere.com

• IND www.ind.nl

• Program chairman Niels van der Schaaff www.dagvoorzitterspreker.nl/niels-van-der-schaaff

• Lisa Lipkin www.storystrategies.net

• Baker Tilly Berk www.bakertillyberk.nl

• Greg Shapiro www.thedailygreg.com

• Vesteda www.vesteda.com

• ABN AMRO www.abnamro.nl/nl/prive/expats/introductie.html

• Bureau Bril www.bureaubril.nl/index.php

• De Boer Financial Consultants www.fvbdeboer.nl

• Van der Linden real estate www.vanderlinden.nl

• Horlings Accountants and Tax Advisors www.horlings.nl

• TopTaal www.toptaal.nl

• Crowe Horwath www.crowehorwath.nl

is optimistic: “New government rulings will soon

make it easier to bring highly skilled migrants to the

Netherlands. But expats will have to be registered

with the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation

Service (IND).”

Expats should also know about the 30% ruling which

is designed to compensate an employee for the extra

costs made when living and working in a foreign

country. Polman explains: ”This is a tax facility for

employees brought to the Netherlands from abroad.

The employer and the employee must apply for the

ruling together as soon as the employee is on the

payroll.“ Expats are also entitled to an allowance if

their children attend an international school. Other

rules apply to expats who run their own businesses.

Fortunately there are many service companies in the

Netherlands which provide support to expats. Some

of these businesses presented their services at the

event’s Infomarket or gave short presentations. They

were: Vesteda, ABN Amro, Bureau Bril Coaching,

De Boer Financial Consultants, Van der Linden real

estate and Horlings Accountants and Tax Advisors.

Connie Koorevaar of International Almere launched

a Facebook-type social network designed to help

expats with their integration process and to meet

other people. Three hundred expats and Dutch

people are already registered. “It’s not where you

come from that makes you international” insists

Koorevaar, “It’s your state of mind.”

More ‘infotainment’ events like this one at the WTCAA

are in the pipeline, possibly featuring new items such

as a speed dating session that can quickly generate

important new contacts and networks for expats.

“Your story is your best tool.” Lisa Lipkin, storyteller

Focus Special theme


WTCAA Magazine #04 | 2011 | 12 Focus Information and entertainment 30 floors up

Expat EventExpats on center stage

Quotes from participantsWTC Carlton Tower, June 16, 2011

Michiel Hilders, Director Preferred Banking Expats ABN AMRO“ During the event there was a lot of discussion on

how the organizations that were present can help

expats. It was unfortunate that numbers of expats

were low because we were there specially for them.

But on the whole it was a constructive session which

demonstrated clearly how the various organizations

are committed and keen to help expats. The story

delivered by professional storyteller Lisa Lipkin was

inspiring and compelling.”

Ellen Scholten, International Life & Career Coach Bureau Bril“ Everyone has their ups and downs in life but an

expat’s world changes beyond recognition. To get

your life and career back on track, you need to adopt

the right attitude. Humor can be a great help…

brought home yet again by standup comedian

Gregory Shapiro.”

Lisa Lipkin, Story Strategies“ I am a professional storyteller and I was one of

the keynote speakers at the Expat Event. I am a

huge believer that stories can help expats bridge

the culture gap that they are faced with when they

first arrive here, because stories are universal,

reaching the deepest part of all of us by touching us

emotionally, not just intellectually.”

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Focus Special theme

Quotes from participants

Charles Rabe, Horlings Accountants and Tax Advisors“ We love Expats so much that we’re married

to them!”

José van den Akker, De Boer Financial Consultants“ The Expat Event was a pleasant networking

opportunity but mostly with the other businesses that

were represented as there weren’t so many expats.

The presentation by Peter Polman of Baker Tilly Berk

on topics such as the 30 percent ruling was highly

relevant. Standup comedian Gregory Shapiro was

great!!”

Nikos Nakos, IamExpat“This was a very positive initiative. It is important to

have more events like that in order to raise awareness

about Almere as another good place for expats in

the Netherlands. I believe that the combination of

an informational presentation with the entertainment

show was successful. Being expats as well, we really

enjoyed the comedy show of Gregory Shapiro about

the Dutch Stereotypes!”

Marleen Kok, Van der Linden real estate“ The expat market is quite new to us so this event

gave us a good opportunity to meet expats as well

as the organizations that cater to this group. We

found that everyone was keen on cooperation so as

to maximize results. Clearly a successful event.”


WTCAA Magazine #04 | 2011 | 14 Focus Quotes from participants

“Here’s a person that every expat should meet.”

That’s the thought I had after my first one-on-one Dutch job interview training with Ellen Scholten from Bureau Bril. “Like many expat partners, I was struggling to get my career back on track after my move. I didn’t know where to start! In a few sessions I was able to change my outlook. I now know what to expect and how to deal with it. It really helped me move forward” says Alicia, who was offered a job in her field shortly afterwards.

Alicia is no exception. The dual career issue frequently pops up when a couple moves abroad. Of course some people choose not to work but many would like to continue their career in some form in their new country.

As an International Life and Career Coach with over 12 years’ personal expat experience, Ellen is quick to acknowledge that work often plays an important role in feeling accepted, respected and valued as a person. It may seem that your life has turned upside down with your move abroad. Changes such as a different

culture and language and having no-one to talk to can all contribute to that feeling. You may feel that your expat life is not living up to your expectations if you feel homesick, “stuck with no purpose” or you feel unable to support a sick family member back home.

“My expat clients have one thing in common: they are keen to make the most of their time abroad and they seek support to find the best ways to do that. They are willing to step out of their comfort zone and take action despite their doubts, fear and uncertainty. The results speak for themselves” says Ellen.

To evaluate your options and restore your sense of balance you may contact Bureau Bril at 06 4601 8139 or [email protected].

Professionaland

effective

Expand your horizon

Dutch for expats

www.toptaal.nl

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Back in 1996 Connie Koorevaar left

Wisconsin in the United States and came

to the Netherlands. As often happens,

it was matters of the heart that brought

her to this country but it was certainly no

bed of roses at first. “You don’t speak

the language, you don’t understand the

culture, you hardly know anyone and you

can’t find your way around. Everything

beyond your front door is unfathomable.

At the same time, life in your ‘own’

country keeps rolling and you sometimes

think people at home forgot you. You get

oversensitive and take things personally.

I was once in V&D department store and

two sales assistants were talking to one

another and wouldn’t help me. I got very

angry. It took some time before I realized

they didn’t mean it personally and that it

was a culture thing.”

FunExperiences like that happen to a

lot of expats, often making it hard to

remain motivated and not stay at home

frustrated. This is why integration is

tough. So what’s the remedy? Connie

Koorevaar has three golden tips: learn

the language, find a social network and

keep smiling! International Almere is

the perfect solution: an international

community which focuses on building

social networks. “When you emigrate

you’re immediately faced with issues

like housing, the job and learning the

language. You don’t get round to having

fun and meeting people and so find

yourself in a sort of void. And that’s where

we come in. We help expats build a social

network by drawing people together,

forging links and organizing events.”

InformationThere are many expat organizations in

the Netherlands, large and small, that

are geared toward specific groups.

“They’re everywhere but aren’t easy to

find. It took ten years before I discovered

International Almere, even though I’m

a very social person.” For this reason

Connie Koorevaar decided to get down

to work with International Almere. “We

welcome everyone: individuals and

businesses, whatever their nationality.

Our international orientation is really a

mindset. And we also want to be able

to provide all the information people

need”, continues Connie Koorevaar.

“Information is critical. But if people don’t

understand the language, things pass

them by. It’s sad to see how organizations

aren’t aware of this and so don’t make

information available in English.” In 2010,

International Almere joined forces with the

WTCAA. “We help each other wherever

possible in organizing expat events and

we share each other’s networks. The

WTCAA focuses on business and we

concentrate on social aspects. Together

we reach a large group.”

“ Together we reach a large group”

International Almere and

WTCAA: Being an expat is all

about survival, says Connie

Koorevaar of International

Almere, an organization which

develops social networks for

expats. “Or even a survival

group”, she jokes. Koorevaar

speaks from experience...

Text: Ronella Bleijenburg


Focus Special theme

WTCAA Magazine #04 | 2011 | 16 Focus “Together we reach a large group”

Hans Snel, Director of Almere City MarketingAlmere City Marketing’s mission is to promote

Almere as an attractive business location. How

do you do that?

“In 2005, we developed a strategic vision and laid it down in a

city marketing plan. One of the questions we asked ourselves

was ‘What sets Almere apart from the other cities?’ Based on

the differences we discovered, we defined Almere in terms of a

brand and developed activities. Almere City Marketing creates

free publicity pieces, ensuring that the city will be the object

of attention in the national news. We manage our large events

ourselves. At the same time, these events are a great marketing

tool for spotlighting Almere. Then of course there’s the VVV tourist

office which focuses more on residents and repeat international

visitors. In terms of our networking role, we are in a position

to bring together 600 organizations in the city to develop new

initiatives, such as the publication Lifestyle Magazine.”

WTCAA and ACM are partners. How do you

both operate?

“We each have our own mission, but there are similarities. We’re

both a sort of spider in the web who bring together various

institutions, businesses and people. Our mutual goal is to

promote the growth of Almere. WTCAA does this by stimulating

international trade and we do it by promoting the city of Almere.”

How does Almere City Marketing view expats?

“I view expats as being an important group, one that consists of

highly educated people who bring their knowledge to Almere.

Since they are ‘tied’ to the city for a certain period of time,

it’s in their interest to be happy here. Their presence ensures

an element of fun in the city. This is why I’m happy that the

Eropuitgids is now also available in English so that expats can

find their way around Almere that much more easily. ”

Tell us more about your campaign, Discover the secret of Almere

“Almere is growing so fast that both residents and non-residents

aren’t always sure what Almere has to offer. This campaign

enables Almere’s residents to share the city’s secrets with

people from outside of the area. From the Oostvaardersplassen

to the best shops in the heart of downtown, or even the unique

residential areas.

About Almere City Marketing

Almere City Marketing is the organization that

coordinates the city’s marketing activities. ACM

is an independent foundation with a Supervisory

Board, an executive director, and an office with

nine employees. ACM has a long-term contract

with the municipality of Almere to handle the city’s

marketing. The municipality finances the fixed

costs and a portion of the regular marketing costs.

The other marketing costs are financed by market

parties and from other sources of income.

www.almere-citymarketing.nl

Almere City Marketing means rock-solid

support for Almere. The organization

is dedicated to keeping city residents

and visitors up-to-date on what is going

on in Almere. “After all, these are the

activities that are responsible

for the growth in the region,”

according to Hans Snel. Text: Fidessa Docters van Leeuwen

Expert talk


ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (“ABN AMRO”) is not licensed to conduct banking business or sell insurance products in the United States under applicable federal and state laws. The offering, sale and/or distribution of this product or service can also be limited to other persons by the laws and regulations of other jurisdictions. Every (future) client is obliged to make inquiries after and comply with such restrictions. Neither this document, nor any copy there of may be sent to or taken into the United States or distributed in the United States or to a US Person.

YOU’VE GOT ENOUGH TO DISCOVER

That’s why we offer fi nancial services especially for expats. At ABN AMRO we are aware of the cultural and other differences you will encounter in the Netherlands. That’s why we’ll do everything to ensure that you won’t have to worry about your banking matters. Our International Client Service starts with quick and easy Internet Banking in English. But we communicate in more than 20 different languages. For advice on more complex fi nancial issues, you can count on the expertise and assistance of a Preferred Banker. Would you like to discover more about our service? Please visit abnamro.com/internationalclients

210009344 Adv Expat Discovery 210x148 .indd 1 09-05-11 14:48

We are here to help and guide you every step when you buy your Dutch home for instance

Contact us and you will find out that we really care! What are your immediate wishes, and what are your wishes for the (near) future? We help you to map your financial needs in relation to your personal circumstances.

Moreover, we have managed to secure special deals with leading banks for the international community in the Netherlands.

Whether you have an EU passport or not, temporary or indefinite residence permit, we can almost always find you the most suitable financial solution, since this is where our expertise lies. We try to take the stress out of buying a home. All you have to do yourself is find your dream home. But it is always a good idea to find out what your financial possibilities are before you take this big step.

De Boer Financial Consultants (FVB) is a financial consultancy agency with a focus on servicing the Expat community in The Netherlands.

For our private (Expat) clients we offer:

• Financial planning• Mortgages • Home insurances• Pension schemes

And for our Corporate clients:

• Pension schemes• Staff insurances• Business/commercial financing

T The Hague office: +31 (0)70 511 87 88 • T Amsterdam office: +31 (0)20 664 55 78 • E [email protected] • I www.fvbdeboer.nl

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In today’s increasingly mobile business, companies are identi-fying more cross-border opportunities. In addressing theseopportunities, one essential key to success is skilled and motivated staff. Our consultants aim to relieve expatriates and their employers of the stress associated with initiating and operating abroad. Only a consultant familiar with all aspects can assist you.

Baker Tilly Berk AlmerePeter van Velzen, Marcel Ernst and Erwin Morriën T: +31 (0) 36 536 28 98E: [email protected]

ACCOUNTANTS AND TAX CONSULTANTS

Radioweg 1e-f 1324 KW ALMEREThe Netherlandswww.bakertillyberk.nlACCOUNTANTS AND TAX CONSULTANTS

6126 BTB adv 220x310 Almere international ENG 3.indd 1 11-05-2011 10:06:54

crossborder

Documents

municipality of almere

wtcaa magazinesummer

expats carly

almere city marketing

ch almere stadt

issue of crossborder

expat special

meeting fellowexpats