In This Issue - Swiss American Chamber of Commerce – Los

Los Angeles Chapter · No. 26 · Winter 2014
Newsletter
A WORD FROM ROGER WACKER - WINTER
2014
Dear Members and Friends,
2013 was a wonderful year for the SACC.
We were very fortunate to once again be
enlightened, entertained and humbled by the
caliber of our speakers.
I also would like to welcome Mr. JeanFrancois Lichtenstern, our new Consul
General of Switzerland, to Los Angeles. The
SACC embraces your new position and we
look forward to working with you.
In this
InIssue
This
Issue
A WORD FROM OUR
CHAIRMAN - ROGER WACKER
AMBASSADOR GLEN HOLDEN
MS. MARTHE KELLER
ACTRESS, SPEAKER, DIRECTOR
MR. MARTIN ROY MERVEL
AIA, PRINCIPAL STUDIOS/SLAB INC.
In February we honored Ambassador Glen
Holden and Ms. Marthe Keller. Ambassador
Holden portrayed his days as he served as
ambassador to Jamaica under president Bush
and entertained us with his love for horses and championship polo teams.
JOHNNY POLANCO BAND
Our March event featured Mr. Martin Roy Mervel an accomplished
architect who is focused on integrating architecture and nature. His
presentation was a fascinating experience that included works from movies
such as Austin Powers and building sets for Michael Jacksons music videos.
We were delighted to have Johnny Polanco be our special musical guest
and many a foot was tapping and while he played his Cuban inspired music.
SHERIFF LEE BACA
Chapter
Calendar
LA
COUNTY
SHERIFF
In April we honored Tabatha Coffey, “Bravo TV’s Tabatha’s Makeover”
as our Entrepreneur Woman of the Year. Her successful career as a
television personality was very inspirational and it was fascinating to have
her tell the story of how she was able to continuously develop her career
and broaden her skills as an artist, educator and business owner.
AMBASSADOR FRANK E. BAXTER
Our May event was a very special night where we celebrated and saluted a
Swiss Diplomat and the LA Sheriff. Our Honoree, Sheriff Lee Baca, shared
with us his experiences on diversity in the City of Angels and how the
sheriffs department meets the needs of all people our city. Consul General
of Switzerland, Mr. Bruno Ryff, updated us on the new role of the Consul
Generals office here in Los Angeles and his move back to Switzerland.
After our summer recess we resumed our meetings with a very determined
line up of guests for our September, October, November and December
events.
Rev it Up was the featured title of our September event. Ambassador
Frank E. Baxter advised us on International Investments and his years as
ambassador to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay. Mr. Derek Hill is a Santa
Monica native and spoke of his legendary automotive family famous for
winning the Formula One World Championship in a Ferrari.
Continued on Page 2
TABITHA COFFEY
ENTREPRENEUR WOMAN OF
THE YEAR
BRUNO RYFF
CONSUL GENERAL OF
SWITZERLAND LA
DEREK HILL
RACE CAR DRIVER
LAWRENCE PIRO, MD
THE LA CLINIC RESEARCH
INSTITUTE
JEAN-FRANCOIS LICHTENSTERN
CONSUL GENERAL
MAARTEN DEKKER
NESPRESSO USA INC.
MARTIN NAVILLE
CEO, SACC ZURICH
RANI TOTMAN
ST. PUCCHI
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Presidents Message Continued from Page 1
As we grow older and wiser we come to understand that Health is Wealth. Our featured speaker for October
was Mr. Lawrence Piro, MD. He was able to communicate his vision of health in an intellectual, charming and
honest manner. We were all fascinated with his presentation of a healthy lifestyle.
All the Swiss coffee lovers were very excited to be introduced to a flagship Nespresso Store in November. To
introduce Nespresso USA to Los Angeles was Mr. Maarten Dekker, VP Business-to-Business in North America.
Once again we were very pleased to host Mr. Martin Naville, CEO of the Swiss American Chamber of
Commerce, Zurich. Mr. Naville reported on the SACC and once again inspired us with his leadership and vision.
I also want to thank our tremendous SWISS ( Swiss International Airlines ) for their generosity and auction
items. We are lucky to have the best airline in the world flying out of LAX.
Our Holiday Dinner was held on December 12th at The Beverly Hills Hotel, which closed out our season. The
event had a Winter Wonderland theme featuring the stunning couture gowns of St. Pucchi and designer Rani
Totman.Nestle Chocolates and Santas visit made this another evening to remember and a fitting end of year
celebration.
It has been one of joyous experiences, momentous occasions and fascinating events. Personally and
professionally I am very grateful to have shared all these moments with my family, friends and colleagues.
Our chamber board meetings are lively and we discuss our future line up for topics, speakers and dates as
well as brainstorming sessions on how to attract more members and be the thought leader on Swiss American
affairs. I want to thank everyone especially my wife, Angelle Grace Wacker, in putting these events together
with our coordinator, Linda Cain and her staff making our chamber a source of inspiration for our community.
As always I want to thank the board, and especially my wife Angelle Grace, for the tireless effort in connecting
our Swiss and Los Angeles communities through our monthly events.
I ask those of you that are not yet members to please consider a corporate or friend’s membership in support of
this great organization and the events that are presented.
I wish everyone a very happy, healthy 2014 and I look forward to having you join us for this year’s exciting line
up of excellent speakers.
With best personal regards,
Roger Wacker
2013 SACC BOARD MEMBERS
Roger Wacker, Chairman - Credit Suisse
Jean-Francois Lichtenstern* - Consul General of Switzerland
Alexandra Imhof - Switzerland Tourism
Bill Nevell - Berne Economic Development
Vicki Burkhard - Burkhard Consulting Services
Tilmann Gruber - SPE Sony
George Gadient - Comet Export Air
Miriam Wizman - Wizman Insurance and Financial Planning
Giancarlo Pala - Nestle USA
Ronald Hirt - Newsletter Editor, Primary Color
Dr. Ilona Casellini, DMD Swiss Quality Dental
Annette Reantragoon, Swiss International Air Lines, Ltd.
*Advisory Member
ADMINISTRATION:
Roxanne Kroll - Credit Suisse, Executive Director
Linda Cain - Administration & Event Coordinator
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A Special Thank You To
Angelle Grace Wacker
We wish to express our appreciation to CANDY BOX
PRODUCTIONS for generously sponsoring this issue of
our newsletter.
angelle@candyboxprod.com
BOARD OF MEMBERS UPDATE
Roger Wacker, would like to thank former board members
Michael Gaedicke and Patrice Humbel for all their efforts.
The board welcomes our newest members Tilmann Gruber,
SPE Sony and Giancarlo Pala, Nestle USA.
FROM AMBASSADOR TO MUSEUM OF POLO HALL OF FAME AND ACTRESS TO
OPERA DIRECTOR, TWO DISTINGUISHED CAREERS
Glen Holden, Former United States Ambassador, Jamaica Marthe Keller, Actress, Speaker, Opera Director
One can only imagine the paths that have taken
Ambassador Glen Holden from Jamaica to The
Foundation Polo Challenge with the Duchess
of Cambridge and Prince William; and Actress
Marthe Keller from her famous role opposite
Dustin Hoffman and Laurence Olivier in “The
Marathon Man” to a red carpet premiere in
Cannes. Members got to listen to both of their
fascinating stories when we kicked off our new
year of speakers and events.
Ambassador Glen Holden at the request of President George Bush, served as the United
States Ambassador to Jamaica from April 1989 until March 1993. Ambassador Holden
was very dedicated to the nation and its people and ultimately served as the chair of the
charitable organization, American Friends of Jamaica for fourteen years. Ambassador Holden
also developed a passion for horses and eventually polo. His Gehache Team has placed 25
straight years in the Pacific Coast Open Championship and has played in the US Open several
times, winning the Championship in 1993. Ambassador Holden has been inducted into the
Museum of Polo hall of Fame and for 10 years Ambassador Holden was Governor of the
U.S. Polo Association and a founder and member of the Council of Administration of the
Federacion Internacional de Polo (FIP), which is the governing body for the sport of polo
in the International Olympics. Ambassador Holden has received an Honorary Doctorate of
Philanthropy and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Pepperdine University. He was the
recipient of the American Humanics Hand to Youth Award and its Exemplar Award in 1986.
In 1990, he received the Oxford Cup, Beta Theta Pi fraternity’s most prestigious alumni award.
The Ambassador was the inaugural recipient of The National Association of Variable Annuity
(NAVA) Hall of Fame Award. He also was inducted into the U.S. Museum of Polo and Hall
of Fame.
Marthe Keller, Swiss born and internationally
popular leading lady, starting her film career
in German television after a considerable stage
presence. Born on a Swiss horse farm, she spent
her childhood training for ballet but after a skiing
accident at 16 her next step was acting. Ms. Keller
studied at Munich’s Stanislavsky School where
she gained professional experience working in
repertory theatre and eventually joined Berlin’s
prestigious Schiller Theater where Ms. Keller
became adept at working with classic plays and
appearing on television. In the mid-70’s Ms. Keller
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accepted an invitation to Hollywood and appeared opposite Dustin Hoffman and Laurence
Olivier in The Marathon Man (1976) where she earned a Golden Globe Nomination for Best
Motion Picture Actress in a Supporting Role. Ms. Keller has appeared in several American and
European films and on television. In addition to her work in film and theatre, Ms. Keller has
developed a career in classical music as a speaker and opera director.
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CREATIVITY, INSPIRATION AND NATURE: ON STAGE AND IN THE TRENCHES
Dr. Martin Roy Mervel, AIA, Principal, Studio/SLAB, Inc.
Mr. Johnny Polanco, Leader, The Johnny Polanco Band
Spring came to the SACC with a burst of
creativity, inspiration and a rhythmic beat, thanks
to our guest speaker Dr. Martin Roy Mervel
and Performer Johnny Polanco. Everyone who
attended left with a smile on their face and a
bounce in their step.
Mr. Martin Mervel is an accomplished and
talented architect who brings over 25 years of
diversified design experience in residential and
commercial projects. Mr. Mervel is a building
Architect, committed and focused to integrate
nature with built space who chooses to also work in the media of film. Mr. Mervel has managed
award winning projects such as Kate Mantilini Restaurant in Beverly Hills, and the Crawford
Residence in Montecito, California, working with Thom Mayne at Morphosis (2005 Pritzger
Prize) and Michael Rotondi (ROTO). Both of these mentors encouraged him to open his own
office Studio SLAB Inc. in 1987.
His talent channels artistic vision as both Art Director and Set Designer. Projects include
‘Scream,’ Michael Jackson’s 6 million dollar video and Doctor Evil’s lair for “Austin Powers,
International Man of Mystery,” based on the architecture of one of his heroes: John Lautner.
Another hero, Swiss Architect Albert Frey FAIA, inspired him to research and bring the
master’s message of modern architecture to the world. His film team was awarded a Graham
Foundation Grant for the Albert Frey documentary project “In Search of a Living Architecture.”
He also associated for a decade with his late dear friend, photographer, Julius Shulman. They
began a book collaboration that was inspired by humanitarian ideas, “Food and Architecture”.
Mervel maintains a connecting thread with these cultural icons and with the timeless traditions
that is reflected in the quality of his work. A tea house pavilion for his clients, Susan and
Leonard Nimoy, was dubbed “the sacred space.”
As a hands-on carpenter, he values the human
necessity for making objects and defining
space. “Our profession demands a high level of
collaboration in a competitive market where the
economics of delivering on schedule and on budget
are necessary to create a new economy of beauty.
Design is independent of scale; it is present at all
levels in the universe.”
Mr. Mervel currently resides in Los Angeles where
he enjoys sketching, making ceramic masks,
cooking, sailing, traveling, photography, brushing
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up on humor, and taking guidance from his twenty-year-old son, Ian.
Johnny Polanco is the fearless leaser of the ultimate West Coast party band of Latin kind
music. The New York-born, with Dominican and Puerto Rican roots, multi-instrumental,
composer, arranger, Johnny Polanco has earned over the years a reputation for creating what
the local music writer Lina Lecaro has categorized as “the kind of infectious, rhythmic, even the
most timid wallflower abandon all restraint and give it a whirl on the dance floor.”
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“TABITHA TAKES OVER” ENTREPRENEUR WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Tabitha Coffey, Entrepreneur, Celebrity, Television Host, Author
Music and Entertainment by Alec Milstein, Milstein Music
We were honored to welcome our guest and
award her with the “Entrepreneur Woman of the
Year” to the fascinating and well-spoken Tabitha
Coffey. She was very grateful and told us a little
bit about her journey from Australia to a red
carpet celebrity and businesswoman.
Tabatha Coffey has devoted her professional life
to achieving excellence, as a successful business
woman, company owner and hair designer and
educator. Drawing on her years of hands-on
experience, Tabatha now travels the country
as she helps struggling business owners turn around their lives and businesses, for the fifth
season of Bravo’s, “Tabatha Takes Over.” With her signature edgy style, tough love approach
and exceptional skills as an artist and as a business person, Tabatha is without question the
golden girl of small businesses. She proves that her professional instincts transcend the realm
of beauty and can transform owners and staffs across all kinds of businesses.
Tabatha’s resume is a biography of a natural born hairstylist and business woman from the
beginning of her career at age 14 in her native Surfer’s Paradise, Australia, to being chosen
as “Fan Favorite” on Shear Genius to her successful runs with “Tabatha’s Salon Takeover”
and now “Tabatha Takes Over.” Tabatha recently was honored at Logo’s fourth annual
NewNowNext Awards where she snagged the coveted “Most Addictive Reality Star” title. Her
expert advice has been sought after by many television shows and
publications including the TV Guide Channel as their red carpet award show correspondent
for the Academy and Grammy Awards. She is also regularly featured as an editorial stylist
and contributing writer for People Style Watch, Elle.com, Pop Sugar and is a regular guest on
Sirius’ Larry Flick radio show, The Talk and Good Morning America.
Tabatha is devoted to the art of hair. Her work has been featured in numerous publications and
Tabatha has been dubbed as the go-to girl for beauty inquiries throughout the world. Over the
last 30 years, she has worked with the veritable who’s who of the industry in Australia, Great
Britain and the United States. She has continuously developed, fine-tuned and broadened
her skills as an artist, educator, and business owner. In addition to regularly traveling around
the world to educate stylists at hair shows, Tabatha also works closely to create the incredible
hairstyles featured in advertising and trend collection imagery.
Tabatha’s memoir It’s Not Really About the Hair: The Honest Truth About Life, Love, the
Business of Beauty is in it’s fourth printing published by Harper Collins.
Milstein Music was founded by Grammy nominated musician Alec Milstein. With more than
twenty years in the music business, Alec has performed or recorded with Diana Ross, Michael
McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler, Air Supply, The Manhattan Transfer,
Joel Grey, Stephen Bishop, New Shooz, The New Edition and many others. After being on
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the road for more than ten years, he decided to focus his attention on bringing the highest
caliber of live music to private events in Los Angeles. Since then, Alec and Milstein Music
have been providing the highest standard of live music and entertainment available along
with personalized service for corporate events, exclusive weddings, dazzling theme parties and
everything in between.
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A NIGHT TO CELEBRATE AND SALUTE OUR SWISS DIPLOMAT, THE LA SHERIFF
AND THE SON OF THE RAT PACK
Honoree Sheriff Lee Baca, Los Angeles County Sheriff, Bruno Ryff, Consul General of Switzerland, Los Angeles
Francis Dey, Son of the Rat Pack, Music and Entertainment by Alec Milstein, Milstein Music
We enjoyed another interesting evening with a diverse
array of accomplished men, from two of Los Angeles’ finest
representatives – Sheriff Lee Baca and our Consulate
General, Bruno Ryff to the always entertaining Francis Dey.
Sheriff Leroy “Lee” Baca was born in East Los Angeles,
California, and attended Franklin High School, East Los
Angeles College, California State University Los Angeles
and graduated from the University of Southern California
with Master of Public Administration and Doctor of Public
Administration Degrees. He attended California State
University Los Angeles and acquired a permanent teaching
credential K-14 from the California Board of Education. Baca joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve in
1964 and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 1965. Baca worked and promoted through the ranks of
the Sheriff’s Department, attaining the rank of Chief. In 1998, he was elected Sheriff of the County of Los Angeles.
He leads nearly 18,000 sworn and professional staff who provides law enforcement services throughout Los
Angeles County to forty-two incorporated cities, 140 unincorporated communities, nine community colleges, and
thousands of Metropolitan Transit Authority and Rapid Rail Transit District daily commuters. Baca lives in San
Marino with his wife and is an avid runner.
Bruno Ryff was born and raised in Berne, Switzerland. Having earned a Federal Diploma in Trade and Commerce
he first occupied a position in a Swiss trading company before working at the Swiss Federal Office for Statistics on
a pension plan survey project. In 1980 he joined the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
After consular training in Bern and Montreal, Mr. Ryff’s consular career took him to the Swiss consular and
diplomatic representations in Florence, Rome and Istanbul. From 1988 to 1996 he was heading the consular and
administrative sections of the Consulate General of Switzerland in Chicago and the Swiss Embassy in Santiago de
Chile before serving as Consul at the Swiss Embassies in Lima and Tokyo. In 2003 Mr. Ryff became Head of the
Trade Section at the Embassy of Switzerland in Berlin and was put in charge of bilateral issues in agriculture as
well as land, sea and rail transportation.
In February 2007 Mr. Ryff was named Consul General of Switzerland in Toronto, where he focused strongly
on trade and investment promotion, established a forum for bilateral dialogue on financial issues and actively
promoted the intensification of the academic exchanges between Switzerland and the Canadian provinces of
Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Since October 2009 Bruno Ryff is Consul General of Switzerland in Los
Angeles charged with safeguarding, together with his team, Swiss interests and promoting the economic, cultural
and academic dialogue between Switzerland and the consular territories
Francis Dey is the epitome of a “Crooner Extraordinaire.” Dey delivers the authentic, passion-filled vocal phrasing
of a legendary saloon singer. His electrifying stage presence, and “born-to-perform personality,” rivals the very
best in the business. Francis Dey personifies great crooners like: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett,
Sammy Davis Jr. and Bobby Darin. His 2012 album, “Sincerely Yours,” is a testament to the authenticity of what
crooning is really about. The album features a genuine, New Orleans based, horn section, carefully selected
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classics, and an original, “Kill Me Kindly,” written by Eric Chesher, (formerly of Capitol Records). The album is
available through Infrared Records, and on iTunes. Dey’s second album, on Infrared Records and set for release in
2013, is on track to be his finest work, featuring new, original music. A lifelong entertainer, Dey’s landmark career
is reaching new heights. Dey’s superb talent, and intense passion for the art of live performance, have kept him in
demand, and on tour.
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REV IT UP! INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENTS, FAST CARS AND EXCITING TRAVEL
Frank E. Baxter, Former Ambassador to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay
Derek Hill, Race Car Driver, Actor and Son of Legendary Formula One World Champion, Phil Hill
Urs Eberhard, Executive Vice President & MICE Switzerland Tourism
Music and Entertainment by Alec Milstein, Milstein Music
Three successful men and friends of the SACC shared
their adventures at our September meeting after we
returned from our summer break. Each came from
three different areas of expertise: Finance, Racing and
Tourism, but all enriched our lives with their stories.
Frank E. Baxter is Chairman Emeritus of Jefferies and
Company, Inc., a global investment bank. He retired
as Chief Executive officer in 2001, a position he held
since 1987. He is the former Ambassador to the Oriental
Republic of Uruguay where he served from November,
2006 to January, 2009. Baxter is Co-Chairman of the
Board of Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools, a charter management organization with twenty-one
middle and high schools; Chairman of the Board of Fremont College, a career college; Board member of
EDVOICE, an educational advocacy group in Sacramento; member of the Boards of the Los Angeles County
Museum of Art; Los Angeles Opera; Music Center Foundation; St. John’s Health Center Foundation; and the
University of California Berkeley Foundation.
Derek Hill, a Santa Monica native, comes from a legendary automotive family that has left their marks
around the world’s biggest racetracks. Hill is most recently known for his work as a precision driver/actor in
GM’s biggest ad campaign with the launch of Cadillac’s new compact luxury sedan, the ATS. Hill’s passion
is his father’s legacy and he talked about his accomplishments while driving for Ferrari and being the only
American born driver to win the Formula One Championship. Hill also serves on the advisory board at
McPherson College a program specializing in Automotive Restoration Technology.
Urs Eberhard is the Executive Vice President Markets & MICE at Switzerland Tourism. He joined
Switzerland Tourism in 1989 as Director of the Duessoldorf (Germany) office. From 1990 to 1995, he
was in charge of Switzerland Tourism Amsterdam (The Netherlands); he then was elected Director of
Switzerland Tourism London, responsible for the U.K. and Ireland, a post which he held till 1998. It was
there that he successfully launched the loyalty program
“Switzerland Conference & Incentive Club” and developed
the “Switzerland Travel Center”, a commercial sales
department. In January 1999, Eberhard was named VP
Marketing, based at Switzerland Tourism’s head
office in Zurich. He was instrumental in the launch
of Switzerland Tourism’s new website www.
MySwitzerland.com which catapulted the company
into the cutting-edge realm of E-commerce.
From 2000 to 2004 he was Director Switzerland
Tourism North America in New York overseeing
offices in New York, Los Angeles and Toronto and
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being responsible for one of the most important source markets for the Switzerland Tourism industry. As
of June 2004 he is back in Zurich, at Switzerland Tourism’s HQ, responsible for the department Markets &
MICE.
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HEALTH IS WEALTH: A RECIPE FOR LONGEVITY
Dr. Lawrence Piro, CEO of The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute
Jean-Francois Lichtenstern, Consul General of Switzerland in Los Angeles
Dr. Lawrence Piro, acclaimed Oncologist and
President and CEO of The Angeles Clinic and
Research Institute, gave a refreshing and frank
talk about the basic steps we can all take to
enhance our everyday lives.
You may have seen Dr. Piro on TV, as he was one
of the doctors who treated Farrah Fawcett and
Michael Douglas (plus he looks like a movie star
himself.) And while Dr. Piro’s extraordinary list of
accomplishments includes ground breaking
cancer research, his message was as simple as the number three and a triangle.
Envision a perfect triangle with three sides and think about these “Three Keys to a Fulfilling
Life”: Longevity, Desirability and Effectiveness. Take each and its three core traits of health, joy
and good fortune for Longevity; external, internal and sensuality for Desirability and analysis,
strategy and execution for Effectiveness. Each holds an equal weight in the equation that
makes us unique individuals.
Dr. Piro further shared his “Recipe for Longevity” to include these 6 ingredients:
1) Try to maintain the optimum body fat percentage for your height and build, not your weight
2) Take a baby aspirin (if your personal physician recommends this)
3) Move! You should get short of breath in intervals for 30 minutes a day.
4) Enjoy a glass of wine (1 for women, 2 for men)
5)The key to diet is portion size. We often overeat because of the joy of taste, not because of
hunger
6) Eat fruit and vegetables every day
His message was a clear one with three easy steps: Eat in moderation, exercise and find joy.
Earlier in the evening, Chairman Roger Wacker recognized special guests, The Saint John’s
Health Center Angels, and our new Consul General of Switzerland in Los Angeles, Mr. JeanFrancois Lichtenstern.
Mr. Lichenstern described his brief period thus far in Los Angeles as a “heavenly pleasure.”
He joked that his position is not a “professional cocktail party goer,” but as a representative of
the Swiss Government to the American Government, particularly presenting Swiss diplomacy
to a local audience. He pointed out many Swiss highlights such as the Nestle headquarters,
architect Peter Zumthor’s proposed new LACMA building, and the Best Foreign Film Academy
Award contender from Switzerland, “More Than Honey,” an extraordinary documentary about
the important role bees play in our ecosystem.
Everyone enjoyed pre-Halloween treats from our friends at Nestle before committing to
Dr. Piro’s plan.
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NESPRESSO: MORE THAN COFFEE
Maarten Dekker, Vice President B2B North America, Nespresso USA Inc.
Martin Naville, Chief Executive Officer, Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce, Zurich
Music and Entertainment by Alec Milstein, Milstein Music
Following the recent opening of Nespresso’s
newest Flagship Boutique on 320 North
Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills, Maarten Dekker
discussed their newest storefront and Nespresso’s
expansion and growth in the U.S., particularly in
the business-to-business realm. The Nespresso
Business Solutions Program is designed to meet
the needs of professionals around the world.
Those in attendance got to sample the highest
quality coffee, innovation, and service that
Nespresso provides to these offices, hotels, and
restaurants in more than 50 countries worldwide.
Maarten Dekker, Vice President B2B North America at Nespresso USA, is responsible for the
development and implementation of Nespresso’s business-to-business (B2B) strategies and
partnerships for North America.
In his current role, Dekker is responsible for developing, implementing and executing the
long-term business vision and strategy for the Nespresso B2B business in North America. He
is dedicated to increasing and sustaining partnerships between the brand and key partners to
grow brand awareness in this space. Previously, Dekker held the position of International B2B
Operations Manager at Nestlé Nespresso SA responsible for the worldwide implementation of
Nespresso’s B2B strategy.
Nespresso began more than 25 years ago with a simple but revolutionary idea, to create the
perfect cup of Espresso coffee. The unique combination of premium portioned Grand Cru
coffees, stylish machines, and exceptional customer service all together provide the Ultimate
Coffee Experience. With the wide range of distinct flavor notes in the coffee varieties, along
with easy to use machines, Nespresso allows you to be your own barista, making perfect
espressos, cappuccinos and lattes with the touch of a button both at home or for your business.
Martin Naville has served as Chief Executive
Officer of the 2,500 member Swiss-American
Chamber of Commerce since 2004. He serves as
member of the Board of Directors of Lombard
International Assurance SA and as a Member
of the Board of Directors of Swiss quote Group
Holding SA and Swiss quote Bank Ltd. and is the
Chairman of the Zurich Zoo. Previously, he held
various positions at the Boston Consulting Group,
most recently as Partner and Director of the Zurich
office, and with JP Morgan. He holds a Master’s
Degree in Law from the University of Zurich. Mr.
Naville is a member of the Swiss Advisory Council of the American Swiss Foundation.
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WINTER WONDERLAND HOLIDAY DINNER PROGRAM AND FASHION SHOW
Rani Totman, President and Designer of St. Pucchi
St. Pucchi Couture Gowns Fashion Show
Music and Entertainment by Alec Milstein, Milstein Music
Santa Claus, Special Guest
It was an enchanting evening as the SACC Los
Angeles Board of Directors and Staff welcomed
members and their guests for this year’s Winter
Wonderland Holiday Dinner and Fashion Show
at The Beverly Hills Hotel. Guests were enthralled
by the beautiful St. Pucchi couture bridal gowns
presented by Rani Totman, President and
Designer of St. Pucchi. The presence of such
beautiful models almost overshadowed another
special guest, Santa Claus! Not only did we enjoy
each other’s company and the music of our friend
Alec Milstein, but we were treated to our favorite
Nestle Chocolates.
Rani Totman, launched the global bridal empire in the United States in 1985. Her vision was
to create an avant-garde bridal couture line modern in styling but classic in detail. That vision
has been realized in her collections today.
How she got there is an awe inspiring story of a girl who discovered her love of fine fashion
early, drawing on experience from her family’s business as the largest purveyors of fine lace
in Thailand. Having earned a degree in English Literature during her college years, and much
to the dismay of her parents who did not want her to follow them into the fashion business,
the story of St. Pucchi is an against all odds tale as success came to Rani without any formal
fashion training. She pulled only from her experience growing up around fabrics, her lifelong
enthusiasm for style and design, and remarkable natural talents that invoked her true calling as
a designer at a young age.
Sold at exclusive boutiques throughout North America, Russia, the Middle East, Japan, U.K
and Ireland, St. Pucchi is renowned for their range of avant-garde offerings of gowns worn
by the world’s most discerning brides including
celebrities and style icons such as New York
Giants’ player Aaron Ross’ wife Sanya Richards,
Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback Tony Romo’s wife
Candice Crawford, Tara Reid, Timbaland’s wife
Monique Idlett, Jason Priestly’s wife Naomi
Lowde, actress Candice Cameron and Grammy
Award winning country music singer Alison Krauss
who donned a specially designed Chantilly lace and
silk gown at the Country Music Awards.
Rani’s signature designs have also been recognized
in the media spotlight in high profile magazines
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such as Brides, Cosmopolitan Brides, WWD, Inside Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings,
The Knot, Town and Country, on TV shows such as “Entertainment Tonight,” “One Life to
Live,” WE TV’s phenomenal hit show “Girl Meets Gown,” and most notably, on the finale of
“Friends,” as Phoebe captured the hearts of millions when she said “I Do” in a unique Lilac,
corset bodice A-line St. Pucchi gown.
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CHAMBER HOLIDAY CELEBRATION DINNER
Santa Claus, Special Guest
The SACC Los Angeles Board of Directors and Staff welcomed members and their guests for
the annual Holiday Celebration Dinner at The Beverly Hills Hotel. The evening was a time
of reflection, fellowship, festive music and storytelling from special guests. The evening was
topped off by a visit from Santa Claus and of course, chocolate!
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Chapter Calendar
Event Date: - Thursday, February 20, 2014
Time:
- 6:15 Reception, 7PM Dinner
Event Topic: - “2014 SACC Award”
Speakers: - LA Mayor Richard Riordan and actress Rosanna Arquette
Location:
- The Beverly Hills Hotel
Event Date: Time:
Event Topic: Speaker:
Location:
-
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
6:15 Reception, 7PM Dinner
Mr. Mathis Wackernagel of Footprint Network
Pending Mayor Garcetti
The Beverly Hills Hotel
Event Date: - Thursday, June 19, 2014
Time:
- 6:15 Reception, 7PM Dinner
Event Topic: - Black Equities Group
Speaker:
- Honoring Mr. Stanley Black - Real Estate, Humanitarian and Philanthropist
Location:
- The Beverly Hills Hotel
Event Date: - July thru September Summer Recess
Time:
Event Topic: Speaker:
Location:
Event Date: - Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Time:
- 6:15 Reception, 7PM Dinner
Event Topic: - “The Darlings of Hollywood”
Speaker:
- Honoring Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna
Location:
- The Beverly Hills Hotel
Event Date:
Time:
Event Topic:
Speaker:
Location:
- Wednesday, November 19, 2014
- 6:15 Reception, 7PM Dinner
- “Honoring Mr. Frank Robinson”
- Mr. Frank Robinson - EVP Baseball Development MLB
- The Beverly Hills Hotel
Event Date:
Time:
Event Topic:
Speaker:
Location:
- Thursday, December 11, 2014
- 6:15 Reception, 7PM Dinner
- Annual Holiday Dinner
- Festive Surprise Guest’s
- The Beverly Hills Hotel
Articles Contributed by Ron Hirt and Lynn Gullo-Pinky on the Pulse
Newsletter Edited by Ron Hirt
Newsletter Printed by Primary Color
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