Fall 2013

Member News

U.S. Trade Fairs

Inside This Issue

13

3

Interact Offers

New Members2

Newly Appointed U.S. Ambassador to the Lebanese Republic

10

David Hale, a career Senior Foreign Service Officer, was confirmed as Ambassador to the Lebanese Republic on August 1, 2013.

Previously, he was the Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, 2011-2013, a Deputy Envoy (2009-2011), and U.S. Ambassador to Jordan (2005-2008), after multiple tours in Jordan and Lebanon and service in Tunisia, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and at the U.S. Mission to the UN.

In Washington, Hale was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Israel, Egypt and the

American Lebanese Chamber of CommerceDirector Paola ChakhtouraAddress 1153 Foch Street Beirut Central DistrictP.O. Box 175093 Beirut, LebanonPhone/ Fax +961 1 985330-1Web www.amcham.org.lbE-mail info@amcham.org.lb

Board of Directors and Officers

Salim J. Zeenni ChairmanMaher Y. Beydoun VP for Public RelationsArslan M. Sinno VP for MembershipRichard A. Haykel VP for International AffairsWalid T. Assaf TreasurerNadim Kassar Secretary GeneralRabah Jaber Board MemberCarol Chammas Kareh Board MemberNadim Romanos Board MemberFadi Moubarak Board MemberBarbara Batlouni Board MemberGaby Tamer Board MemberFady Khayat Board MemberElissar Farah Antonios Board MemberJean Riachi Board MemberBana Akkad Azhari Board MemberFadi Saab Board Member

FDA News

Levant and Director for Israel-Palestinian Affairs. He held several staff posts, including Executive Assistant to Secretary of State Albright.

In 2013 Secretary Clinton gave him the Distinguished Service Award, and Hale has several Department Superior and Meritorious Honor awards.

He speaks Arabic, is a graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, and a native of New Jersey.

2Fall 2013

Mr. Michel Abi RamiaAbi Ramia Bros S.A.R.LGeneral Manager09-83024909-914470www.abiramiabros.com

New MembersMrs. Susan KadereitThe International New York TimesMiddle East Circulation Sales & Marketing Manager+971 (4) 428 9457www.international.nytimes.com

Abi Ramia Bros is the exclusive agent of many worldwide brands. Our main business consists of distributing beer, whiskey, vodka, wine, champagne, premium cocktails, cigarettes and cigars. The process is divided into 3 main phases: importing, warehousing and distribution. Abi Ramia Bros is a family business, created during the first quarter of 1993, as a licensee of five fundamental agencies of tobacco by the exclusive authority in Lebanon (REGIE). Year after year the company grew steadily and its portfolio also grew; in addition to its tobacco distribution it now includes a wide range of alcoholic beverages. The company’s main targets are young adults, aged between 18 and 28. Its products are distributed across all Lebanese regions through a structured distribution channel. Abi Ramia Bros is also exporting products to Iraq, Dubai and Jordan using sub companies.

International New York Times is a leading international news source for opinion leaders and decision-makers around the globe. International New York Times includes the journalism of The New York Times, tailored for a global audience, and launched in print and online on October 15, 2013, with dedicated newsrooms in Paris, London, Hong Kong and New York.

International New York Times succeeds the International Herald Tribune, a publication based in Paris since 1887.

For more information, visit www.NYTCo.com.

To subscribe for early morning delivery, email inyt.subs@msmlebanon.com or call + 961 151 2215.

Listing for International Buyer Program (IBP) http://www.export.gov/ibp/ibp.asp?ReportID=IBP

US Trade Fairs

3Fall 2013

AMIDEAST Advisory Board Pledges Support for Scholarship and

Entrepreneurship Initiatives

A generous pledge of support from AMIDEAST/Lebanon’s advisory board will strengthen AMIDEAST’s efforts to expand educational and training opportunities in Lebanon during the coming year. At its recent annual meeting, these civic and business leaders pledged $350,000 in new contributions.

The donations will bolster activities in several key areas, including scholarships, entrepreneurship training, and teacher development. Through AMIDEAST’s Diana Kamal Scholarship Search

Member News

DAY.DREAM: a New Creative and Online Media Agency in Town!

Established in June 2012 by the founding members of Teletrade Holding, DAY.DREAM is a team of passionate and experienced specialists in graphic design and online media, making their way towards a great portfolio of clients.

Services include: branding, animation, print, and web design, SEO, social media, and online media booking.

Fund, it has matched 32 Lebanese students with scholarships for undergraduate study at leading universities in the U.S.

In addition to AMIDEAST’s work with underserved Lebanese women who seek to start a business, it will increase the number of aspiring entrepreneurs that AMIDEAST can support through its Cisco Entrepreneur Institute, which offers workshops, individual support, mentorship, and networking.

The board’s support is also allowing AMIDEAST to launch its new Professional Certificate in English Language Teaching (PCELT) training program for English language teachers in Lebanon. This U.S.-accredited professional training program will be offered throughout Lebanon, thereby helping to raise the quality of English language teaching in the country’s schools.

“The generous support of the Advisory Board is critical to enabling AMIDEAST to widen its outreach and expand opportunities for a growing number of young Lebanese.” said AMIDEAST President and CEO Theodore Kattouf.

4Fall 2013

Lufthansa’s New Seamless Schedule to North America

Empire Cinemas Brings the Metropolitan Opera and the Bolshoi Ballet to

Lebanon for the First Time

Empire Cinemas exclusively brings, for the first time in Beirut, the Metropolitan Opera of New York live to the Empire Premiere theater in Sodeco Square. Empire Cinemas has also made arrangements to bring the extraordinary Bolshoi ballet to Beirut, broadcasted from Moscow.

The entire 2013/2014 season (a total of 16 shows) will be exclusively broadcasted through satellite in high definition with Dolby 5 surround sound. For the entire schedule, please visit the following link: www.empirepremiere.com or call 01-616707.

Starting October 27, Lufthansa German Airlines will adapt its schedule of daily flights from Lebanon to Frankfurt with a focus on seamless connections to the U.S. and Canada. Travellers will enjoy the transatlantic voyage with the airline’s Star Alliance. All aircrafts to the North Atlantic are equipped with Flynet, Lufthansa’s Internet on board, allowing travellers to use their own devices. Lufthansa operates, among others, brand new Airbus 380 and Boeing 748 airplanes to North America. The focus in Lebanon is also on SMEs and, as such, this could be of high interest to AmCham members.

Small or medium sized companies can sign up for the corporate benefit program Partner Plus Benefit, www.partner-plus-benefit.com, by contacting Mrs. Mariette Aaraj at mariette.aaraj@dlh.de.

The benefit points can be used for award tickets, upgrades, lounge vouchers and many other benefits.

For companies with high travel volume, travel budget savings contracts can be negotiated with Lufthansa’s Beirut-based Sales Department. The contracts can also include the company’s regular travel agency. Contact: Sales Account Manager Maha El Chalfoun at maha.elchalfoun@dlh.de

For further information:Lufthansa Town Office Beirut: Gefinor Center Block B, Hamra, 11-2256 Beirut Phone +961-1- 347007Fax +961-1-349001Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

5Fall 2013

PwC's Academy Events

PwC’s Academy is still working on growing and developing the region’s leaders of tomorrow. In September 2013, PwC’s Academy announced the beginning of its Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Certified Management Accounting (CMA) part II courses. Yet, the biggest announcement was the introduction, and for the first time in Lebanon, of the CFA online flexible learning program. In addition to having its daily courses on the other professional qualifications, the Academy recently held a successful workshop “Cash flows-basic” on September 13. Attendees found this one day workshop practical, relevant and easy to apply in the work field.

BBAC Launches the Prestigious Visa Infinite

BBAC (Bank of Beirut and the Arab Countries) recently released its Visa Infinite, a new credit card that redefines distinction and luxury. Reserved for BBAC’s most elite clients, the card has absolute purchasing power and offers VIP-level services to its holders worldwide.

“With the Visa Infinite, BBAC has introduced our most exclusive card yet and it is reserved for our clients who only demand the best,” said Mr. Camille Moujaes, Head of Retail Banking Division at BBAC, adding, “By offering the utmost services to our Visa Infinite holders, BBAC has opened a new world of possibilities for its premier customers.”

PwC’s Academy wants to make a difference in the world, whether by educating or by being part of the global movement towards responsible business practices that create positive change in the world. PwC’s Academy participated recently in PwC’s CSR event “Together We Create Masterpieces” that aimed to raise money for the Mohammad Khaled Foundation in a fun and interactive atmosphere by hosting a painting event for the children that was followed by an auction of the produced paintings.

The Visa Infinite, with its signature sleek black color, provides access to exceptional personal services, exclusive benefits, and unparalleled customer care. Some of these privileges include free, global concierge service with an around the clock personal assistant, a Priority Pass Card that allows holders to enter VIP lounges in airports worldwide, a free Euro Card, a free Internet Card, insurance coverage of the highest level while travelling, and 24/7 customer assistance worldwide.

Inspired by consistency and driven by care, BBAC will always be “Your Caring Bank.”

6Fall 2013

AUB-CEC & CMCS Launch 3rd Cohort of the Region’s 1st Project

Management Diploma

AUB’s Continuing Education Center, in collaboration with CMCS, officially launched the region's 1st project management postgraduate diploma six months ago and is proud to announce that the 35 participants of the first two cohorts, an interesting mix of C-level executives, managers, SMEs, academics, consultants, and practitioners, have earned the Green Project Management Certification, the Oracle University certification and real life knowledge. The diploma contains 10 courses and a graduation project with 4 focus tracks:• Enterprise and Project Risk Management• Project Management Office (PMO) and Program Management

Ritello International Conference Held in Antalya,Turkey

Distributors from over 20 countries attended the Antalya International Ritello Conference that took place at the magnificent Crowne Plaza Hotel from September 23-27, 2013. The welcome

reception was held at the hotel’s outdoor pool area, where guests enjoyed a typical Turkish folkloric evening.

The 2-day business sessions were both inspiring and educational. Some first- time attendees were given the opportunity to take the stage and speak directly from the heart about their latest achievements. Additionally, some winning distributors of the third quarterly contest took part in spinning the Ritello Wheel of Fortune, and walked away with valuable prizes. The 5-day conference concluded with a gala dinner, where top distributors were awarded and newly joined distributors were recognized.

• Engineering Project Controls• Business Development & Entrepreneurship

Registrations for the third cohort are already in progress; courses will start on October 10. The added value of the PMD is that it is:• An affordable, accessible, top-of- the-line postgraduate diploma• Delivered in an executive education style three days a month (Thursday to Saturday)• Accredited by one of the most prestigious universities in the region• Valuable for organizational growth and individual professional development. For More Information: CMCS Lebanon (+961) 01 34511101 346 11171 690001 E: Lebanon@cmcs-mena.com W: www.aub.edu.lb/rep/cec/Pages/pmd.aspx

7Fall 2013

Citi: Building Lebanon’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Building communities and entrepreneurs is one of the core focus areas for Citi Foundation, Citi’s philanthropic arm. To achieve this objective, Citi Foundation extended $50,000 in grant funds to INJAZ Lebanon to execute the “Company Program” which trains high school students on acquiring entrepreneurial skills and creating their own 'companies.'

As a result, Citi and INJAZ Lebanon highlighted another successful year in their partnership at the seventh annual “Company Program National Competition” held on August 31, 2013 at the American University of Beirut. Five teams of high

AIMS SAL Launches Socrate Mobile Module

AIMS SAL launches its new Socrate Mobile Module as a great choice for trading practices. If you’re looking for a solution which can be integrated along with your ERP software, this system will let you automate and monitor your sales force and your technicians on-site. More time will be spent on field selling, customer service and less time at the office. The software allows:

• Real time access to sales force information• Fast response to customer requests• Your sales force to place fast and accurate

orders• Generation of sales orders, invoices and

receipts from your smartphone• GPS tracking of your sales force

By including this module, AIMS is still an IT industry leader and one of the growing providers of Information Technology in the region. Whether you’re a small or big institution, looking for just an

school students pitched their plans to a panel of jurors who rated their ability to generate profit, market their product, benefit society and create a viable business. Michel Sawaya, Head of Corporate Banking and Transaction Services for Citibank N.A. Lebanon, was among this panel of judges.

The topnotch prize in this year’s competition was the “Best CEO Award” announced by Citi. “Further to assessing the leadership and managerial skills that the CEO students acquired throughout the life cycle of their company creation, nominating the ‘best’ CEO was a big challenge given the high level of competitiveness and potential of students.” said Elissar Farah Antonios, Chief Executive Officer for Citibank N.A. Lebanon.

accounting package, or a complete ERP system, our range of products and modules will offer the best solution that perfectly fits your needs, providing you with a powerful yet user-friendly solution to streamline your business applications.

The software is available for various platforms: Socrate 7, Socrate Platinum, and Socrate Web. For more info, please contact us: T: +961-9-636985E: aims@aims-co.comWebsite: www.aims-co.com

8Fall 2013

Crown House

Crown House Group attended Steelcase’s Middle East Dealers conference in September for the launch of their latest innovation: GESTURE, the first chair designed to support our interactions with today's technologies, inspired by the movement of the human body and created for the way we work today.

Steelcase WorkSpace Futures and the Steelcase Design Studio undertook a global posture study in 11 countries, observing 2000 people in a wide range of postures and uncovered nine new postures as a result of new technologies and behaviors. Steelcase studied how the human body

”Triple C /Awarded Tender for National Initiative ”Open Your Tomorrow

interacts with technologies and how it responds as workers shift from one device to another. Research revealed ergonomic implications that, if not adequately addressed, can cause pain and discomfort for workers.

Because these new postures are not adequately supported, workers are uncomfortable, in pain, and doing long-term harm to their bodies. While technology boosts productivity, it can cause pain that disrupts our work, our ability to concentrate, and our creativity. Based on this research, the Gesture chair was designed to support posture changes specifically influenced by technology devices we use today.

“Open Your Tomorrow” is an innovative initiative launched by the Ministry of Telecommunication in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to provide Lebanese students educational tablets with 3G connectivity at a subsidized price.

Triple C – an INTEL Technology Provider and Platinum Partner since 2001— collaborated closely with Intel to provide the first worldwide Intel inside tablet to Lebanese students. The tablets were specially designed and produced according to the project’s specifications and are totally managed, secured, and preloaded with valuable educational content and access to Alfa and Touch application stores.

Mr. Bernard Rizk, President and CEO of Triple C, said, “After 19 years of expertise in the IT systems

integration field, we are proud to provide for our kids a complete and secure educational solution. Now technology offers an amazing opportunity in leveling the playing field for all the children and will help them realize and share their hopes and dreams for a brighter and better future, both economically and socially.”

In addition to the above, Triple C is also a founding member and stakeholder in the Millennium@EDU, established in New York on September 2012. TheMillennium@EDU Commitment is to make a difference for 15 million students through technology to empower a learning e n v i r o n m e n t . Mil lenium@EDU will contribute to the objectives of the Secretary-General’s“Education First” initiative.

For additional information: www.triplec.com.lb

9Fall 2013

FFA Private Bank

FFA Private Bank has recently become involved in the international movie industry by co-financing various movies, the latest of which is the Hollywood blockbuster “2 Guns,” starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. “2 Guns” is an $86 million action film which premiered in the Middle East last month after reaching No.1 in the U.S. box office charts in its opening weekend in August. FFA Private Bank represents an equity stake of more than 50 percent in “2 Guns,” making it the film’s largest shareholders.

One of FFA’s other film projects is an animated adaptation of Gibran Khalil Gibran’s “The

Fransabank Announces the First E-taxation Payment Solution!

On September 24, Fransabank launched a new campaign in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Credit Libanais, and Net Commerce, announcing the new E-taxation payment solution. Taxpayers are able today to pay with their credit card, through the Ministry of Finance website, wherever they are and at any time, in a complete, simple and secure way, moving gradually towards new horizons in the digital banking world.

Such a service is an essential tributary in Lebanon’s transition to e-government and its efforts to keep pace with rapidly developing technology in all fields, reducing eventually the administrative and financial bureaucracy, and alleviating its burden and repercussions on Lebanese citizens.

In a press conference that was held at the Phoenicia Hotel, Fransabank Chairman H.E. President Adnan Kassar highlighted that, “Fransabank’s clear business strategy, dynamic vision, and ability of creativity and innovation make us continuously

Prophet,” which is currently in production and will premiere next year at the Cannes Film Festival.

FFA Private Bank’s Head of Investment Banking Julien Khabbaz expects that investments in the movie industry will grow in the Middle East to become a more widely accepted investment asset class. Other alternative investments include FFA’s latest W Motors deal, the first Arabian Hyper car company.

anticipate our customers’ needs with services of high and distinctive added value.”

He concluded, “It is significant to pay taxes online, to consolidate our relations with our clients in intuitive ways, and to keep Lebanon in pace with modernity. But what is more significant for Lebanese citizens is to enjoy a decent living with raised productivity and economic prosperity.”

10Fall 2013

FDA UPDATES:

New Proposed Rule and Draft Guidance Related to Drug Inspections and Drug Detentions

On July 9, 2012, the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act (FDASIA) was signed into law. Section 709 of this law provides FDA with administrative detention authority with respect to drugs that FDA already has for devices and tobacco products. Once the applicable regulation is finalized, FDA’s administrative detention authority with respect to drugs will allow FDA to better protect the integrity of the drug supply chain. Specifically, FDA will be able to administratively detain drugs encountered during an inspection that an officer or employee conducting an inspection has reason to believe are adulterated or misbranded and thus protect the public by preventing distribution or subsequent use of such drugs, until FDA has had time to consider what action it should take concerning the drugs, and to initiate legal action, if appropriate. Section 709 of FDASIA requires the Secretary to ‘‘consult with stakeholders, including manufacturers of drugs’’ before issuing implementing regulations. The notice available at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-07-15/pdf/2013-16843.pdf contains a proposed rule regarding the administrative detention of drugs. Kindly see the link above for details.

Moreover, Section 707(b) of FDASIA requires the FDA, not later than one year after the date of enactment of FDASIA, to issue guidance that defines the circumstances that would constitute delaying, denying, or limiting inspection, or refusing to permit entry or inspection. Accordingly, on July 12, 2013, the Food and Drug Administration issued a draft guidance entitled “Circumstances that Constitute Delaying, Denying, Limiting,

or Refusing a Drug Inspection.” This guidance is available at: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/RegulatoryInformation/Guidances/UCM360484.pdf.%20Accessed%20on%20July%2014. This draft guidance defines the types of actions, inaction, and circumstances that the FDA considers to constitute delaying, denying, or limiting inspection, or refusing to permit entry or inspection for the purposes of section 501(j) of the Food, 17 Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).

Two New Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Proposed Rules

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the release of two new proposed rules under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) for review and comments. Outlined below is additional information on the two proposed rules. Strengthening Oversight of Food Imports The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing two rules that represent a fundamental shift in its oversight of imported foods. The shift is designed to help prevent safety problems before those foods arrive in the United States, rather than having to rely primarily on inspections at U.S. ports of entry. The proposed Foreign Supplier Verification and Accredited Third Party Certification rules are the next major steps in implementing the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act signed by President Obama in 2011. The law calls for science-based changes to the food safety system to prevent foodborne illnesses. The new rules would make importers more accountable for food safety, and

11Fall 2013

would establish standards for third-party audits of foreign food producers. These proposals would strengthen FDA’s ability to monitor those facilities and respond if there are unsafe practices. A lot of the food that Americans eat is imported—15 percent of the U.S. food supply, including nearly 50 percent of fresh fruit and 20 percent of fresh vegetables. “We must work toward global solutions to food safety so that whether you serve your family food grown locally or imported you can be confident that it is safe,” says FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. The new rules would complement two others proposed in January 2013. The proposed Preventive Controls for Human Food rule would set safety requirements for facilities that process, package or store food for people. And the proposed Produce Safety rule would establish science-based standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of produce on farms. Foreign Supplier Verification Program Brian Pendleton, J.D., a senior policy advisor at FDA, explains that the import rules build on the two FSMA rules proposed earlier. “It’s a way to ensure that imports meet U.S. safety standards,” he says. “It’s all part of a multi-pronged effort to improve the safety of both domestic and imported foods.” The proposed rule would require importers to perform certain activities, generally based on hazards identified as reasonably likely to occur with a food. Importers would have to establish that the foods being exported to the United States have been produced in a manner consistent with U.S. standards. In general, it would require that importers: • Identify hazards associated with each food; • Conduct or obtain documentation of verification

activities, which could include onsite auditing, sampling and testing, to provide adequate assurances that the identified hazards are being controlled; and

• Take appropriate corrective action if hazards are not being adequately controlled.

“We will continue to check food at our borders. However, rather than relying almost entirely on

FDA›s investigators at the ports to detect and respond to food safety problems, importers would—for the first time—be held accountable for verifying, in a manner transparent to FDA, that the food they import is safe,” says Michael R. Taylor, J.D., Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine. Accredited Third Party Audits and Certification This proposed rule would establish a system for the recognition of foreign government agencies or private companies that would accredit third-party auditors of foreign food facilities. These auditors would conduct food safety audits and issue certifications that FDA may use in deciding whether to admit certain imported food into the U.S. that the agency has determined poses a food safety risk. Both accreditation bodies and auditors would have to meet standards established by FDA to help ensure the quality and credibility of audits in this program. Charlotte Christin, J.D., a senior policy advisor at FDA, explains that an audit is a comprehensive assessment of a food-producing operation. Under the proposed system, the reports of audits used for certification purposes would be submitted to FDA. FDA would be closely monitoring these systems and could revoke an accreditation body’s recognition or withdraw an auditor’s accreditation for good cause, says Christin. “Accountability is key to the success of the program,” she says. Next Steps The proposed rules have been published in the Federal Register, with a 120-day public-comment period. We invite public input on these proposals. The rules are filed in FDA’s official docket at www.regulations.gov and can also be accessed at www.fda.gov/fsma. We encourage all stakeholders to take advantage of the comment period and submit their comments through the official routes. Still to come is the Preventive Controls for Animal Food rule, which would implement preventive controls at animal food facilities that are similar to those proposed for human food.

Continued on p. 12

12Fall 2013

FOR RENT:

AmCham has 1 or 2 furnitured offices for temporary rent

including the use of a conference room and all facilities and services (internet, phone, fax, printer/photocopy machine,

administrative services...)

For info call 01-985330

Animal Food rule, which would implement preventive controls at animal food facilities that are similar to those proposed for human food. For more informationFDA Food Safety Modernization Act web sitehttp://www.fda.gov/fsma Produce Safety Standardshttp://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FSMA/ucm304045.htm Preventive Standardshttp://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FSMA/ucm256826.htm The Food Safety Law and the Rulemaking Process: Putting FSMA to Work http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FSMA/ucm277706.htm Related Consumer Updates FDA Strengthening Our Food Safety Foundationh t t p : / / w w w. f d a . g o v / F o r C o n s u m e r s /ConsumerUpdates/ucm334038.htm FDA Meeting FSMA Food Safety Goalsh t t p : / / w w w. f d a . g o v / F o r C o n s u m e r s /ConsumerUpdates/ucm261672.htm Redesigned FDA Web Page Fosters Food-Safety Awareness

h t t p : / / w w w. f d a . g o v / F o r C o n s u m e r s /ConsumerUpdates/ucm251024.htm

FDA New Draft Guidance: ANDA Submissions – Refuse-to-Receive Standards

In October, 2013, the U.S. FDA has issued a draft guidance for industry entitled “ANDA Submissions—Refuse-to-Receive Standards.” This guidance is intended to assist applicants preparing to submit to FDA abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) and related submissions (i.e., prior approval supplements for new strengths). The guidance contains details on what should be included in these submissions and highlights serious deficiencies that may cause FDA to refuse to receive the submission.

Draft Guidance

General questions should be sent to AskGDUFA@fda.hhs.gov. Technical questions related to submissions should be sent to CDEReFacility@fda.hhs.gov.

Please sign up on the GDUFA webpage (www.fda.gov/gdufa) to receive additional updates as they become available.

Continued from p. 11

13Fall 2013

ALMAZ JABER GROUP

Almaz Jaber Group, co-founder of a hotel chain of five and four stars located in Beirut, offers all AmCham members a discount of 20% on accommodation as a special rate. The hotels featured are as follows:

• Lahoya Suites, Lahoya Homes, and Lahoya Gardens, located in Ain elMreysseh. Website: www.lahoyabeirut.com

• Lahoya Verdun, located in Verdun• Imperial Suites Hotel, located in Raouche

Website: www.imperialsuites.com.lb

Furthermore, as manufacturers of Gaz cylinders, our company is specialized in and qualified throughout the region in the production of LPG gas cylinders in different sizes, and exporting the cylinders to different countries. Our fabricant factory, Sigma Gaz, is situated in Tenaayel in the Beka’a region of Lebanon. If any members are interested in Gaz cylinders, we would be available and are ready to cooperate.

We are also in the construction sector, as our company Jaber Group Real Estate, specializes in establishing and reconstruction of luxury buildings and large apartments in Beirut.

For more info and reviews, visit: www.jabergroup.com

AIMSAIMS SAL offers a 15% discount on the license price of SOCRATE PLATINUM and SOCRATE MAJOR, the powerful ERP software solution that is currently running in more than 20 countries. The Socrate series offers software solutions in the following areas: Finance, Procurement, Sales, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Contracting, Retail and Distribution.

For more info, call the Sales Engineers: 961 9 636985 or

email: Sales@aims-co.com or visit the website: www.aims-co.com

Interact offers expire on December 31st, 2013 Interact is intended to promote business between AmCham members. The program allows you to inform fellow members in Lebanon as well as members of the AmCham MENA Regional Council (AmCham Abu Dhabi, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Palestine, and Tunisia) of any business offers or benefits you are willing to give them exclusively. AmCham members are privileged to benefit from other MENA AmChams’ offers, making this an opportunity for members to present each other with products and services at favorable terms and conditions, hence increasing business between them.

Send your new offers for 2014 to info@amcham.org.lb ...and begin to interact!

ADIR insuranceClick the following link for the offer: http://amcham.org.lb/pdf/adir2012.pdf

For more info, contact Ms Rita Fahed on 961 1 256290 Ext: 209

ALBERT HAYKEL HOSPITAL

Albert Haykel Hospital offers a 25% discount for a complete physical check-up program in addition to a 15% discount on The Multi Slice CT.

For more info, call: 961 6 411111www.hopitalhaykel.com

Make sure you check out these 2013 offers one last time and try to benefit from them before the end of the year!

14Fall 2013

BEABLOO ME - Interactive Digital Signage

A unique digital marketing solution that manages digital content on all existing screens in real time, Beabloo provides you with a platform to promote your products and services where 70% of purchase decisions are taken. You can turn any screen into a revenue model schema on which you can place promotions, videos, pictures, and all type of communication.We are pleased to offer the following:

• 15% discount on the media player• 5 Free templates• One month free with the yearly subscription

For more info, call 961 1 333797 ext 303 or visit www.beabloo.com

BSFWe welcome the opportunity to provide free of charge to your companies a diagnosis or consultation on any Financial, Accounting, Audit or Tax situation with complete confidentiality and discretion. We will meet with you to:

1. Understand your needs2. Assess your current status3. Present you with high-level summarized

key points in a written report describing the operations and financial gaps and course of actions for improvement.

Please call or email us directly to set up a time to talk or meet. We look forward to potentially being helpful and at no cost to you.

For more info, call 961 1 385825

AMIDEASTAMIDEAST, a regional leader in training and assessment, offers all AmCham members a 10% discount on the following services in Lebanon:

English Language Assessment and Training

• Assess the real English skills of your potential new hires and current employees to save time and money on training. The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC®) is the global standard for measuring workplace proficiency in English language.

• Are the English skills of your employees as good as they need to be in this global market? We offer Public English Language Courses and Company-Sponsored Business English Courses

Training Workshops

We offer many public and sponsored training workshops each year. Upcoming topics include:• Project Management Professional • Green Building LEED • Communication & Negotiation• HR Series: Interviewing Skills• Sales Team Development • Presentation Skills• Certified Associate in Project Management• PM Series: Time Management for Project Managers• Growing a Business • Starting a Business

To discuss training and assessment needs, and how AMIDEAST can help your company, call Raya at +961-1-989901, ext 132

or email: rkalash@amideast.org or visit: www.amideast.org/lebanon

15Fall 2013

Cesar Chalhoub & FilsCesar Chalhoub & Fils offers the following:• 25% discount on the whole range of

“ZWITSAL” hair care and skincare products for infants, children and the rest of the family.

• 25% discount on “FRESH” sugar free mints.

For orders and more info, call 961-4-400750

CROWN HOUSECrown House, the leader in office furniture and the exclusive dealer of Steelcase U.S., is offering a 15% discount on all Steelcase products.

For more info, call 04 409383 Ext: 109 or email y.khalife@

crownhousegroup.com

MALIATECMaliaTec is a leading systems integrator in ICT solutions that specializes in data-capture, automation and mobility. MaliaTec combines application software development, hardware and tracking with business consultancy services, to provide total automation solutions.

We are pleased to offer the following:• 15% discount on all Mobile

Computers, Label Printers, Scanner and Media

• 15% discount on all Mobile Software Applications

• Two months free with a yearly subscription to the GPS Tracking Portal

• 10% on all repairs performed by the service center.

For more info, contact us by email maliatec@maliagroup.com or by

phone 961 1 217100 ext 321 or visit: www.maliatec.com

Malia ModaMalia Moda is pleased to welcome you into its VIP circle with a 10% discount on items from all our boutiques. Collections from our high-end brands include: Paul & Shark, Mariella Burani, Carlos Miele, Stefania Lunardon, Sebastian and Sécret Pon-Pon.

ICTNICTN offers AmCham members 10 % discount on its training services covering:

• High Impact Communication and Influencing Skills for Senior Managers and C-Level Officers

• VIP Image Building• Leading and Managing High Energy

Teams• Emotions and Behaviours at Work• Train the Trainer• Creativity and Innovation

For more info, please call 961-9-217318

BoeckerBoecker will offer with every yearly Pest Management Contract a free treatment of Microbecs™ the complete solution for a germs-free environment.

For more info, call 961 1 285111 or visit www.boecker.com

PLATINUM PITCH LLCPlatinum Pitch LLC will provide a 10% discount on its Franchise & Consulting services.

For more info, call 961 3 373770