- Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce

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Publication of the Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce Toronto and Montreal
Publication de la Chambre de Commerce Suisse-Canadienne de Toronto et Montréal
December/January Decembre/Janvier 2009/2010
FEATURE:
Consumer Goods
REPORTAGE :
Industrie des biens de consommation
www.swissbiz.ca
www.cccsmtl.com
FOR ALL YOUR ENTERTAINING NEEDS
For over 25 years, Swissmar has offered a selection of leading brands from around the world to
meet all of your entertaining needs. Our Swissmar brand continues to develop, and has expanded
from raclettes and fondues, to wine accessories, bamboo products and cheese knives. Our latest
endeavor, Swiss Classic Peelers, use proprietary technology from Switzerland to make them the
sharpest and most durable peelers you will ever use! At Swissmar, quality, value and ingenuity are
our key commitments for creating entertaining necessities. Our Swissmar brand products are
om
available in many countries. Visit us at www.swiissmaar.co
BEYOND ORDINARY. LEGENDARY.
Heritage - Craftmanship - Innovation - Performance - all key elements and commitments from
Wenger®, known as the Maker of the Genuine Swiss Army Knife™. The Swiss Military® Watch
collection continues the tradition of quality, heritage and Swiss craftsmanship that began more than
a century ago with the Swiss Army knife™. Today, the same passion for providing lasting value and
timeless design exists in both the Wenger® Swiss Army Knife and the Swiss Military® watch.
Visit us at www.swisspeak.com
Publication of the Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce Toronto and Montreal
Publication de la Chambre de Commerce Suisse-Canadienne de Toronto et Montréal
FEATURE / REPORTAGE
4
6
9
12
20
Consumer Goods / Industrie des biens de consommation
Quand il fait froid, au Québec, on enfile Kanuk !
Swiss Medical Products for Canadian Skin and Feet
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Nespresso – a Swiss Success Story
Embracing Home Entertainment with Style and Flare!
BUSINESS AND TRADE NEWS
NOUVELLES ECONOMIQUES
11
The Organization of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) –
L’Organisation des Suisses de l’étranger (OSE)
17
18
23
26
29
29
32
Bruno’s Tip – All work and no play?
Karin’s Performance Solutions – The Art of Wasting Time and Money – Meetings
Business News
Travel News
Currency Markets – The Swiss National Bank Reins in the Franc
UBS Global Outlook – 4th Quarter 2009
Trade Fairs
CHAMBER NEWS
NOUVELLES DE LA CHAMBRE
2
3
14
17
24
25
Toronto: President’s Message / Upcoming Events
Montréal: Message du Président / Evénéments
Member Profile / Profil d’un membre
Scholarship Fund
SCCC Ontario – Evening Event at Spoke Club
SCCC Ontario – Dinner and Dance
Bienvenu aux nouveaux membres
Welcome New Members
21
CCCS (Montreal) Inc.
Dietiker Chair, 1971 – Swiss Design “Rey” by Bruno Rey
CONTENTS / INDICE
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Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce (Ontario) Inc.
756 Royal York Road • Toronto, Ontario M8Y 2T6
Tel: (416) 236-0039 • Fax: (416) 236-3634 • E-mail: sccc@swissbiz.ca • www.swissbiz.ca
BOARD OF DIRECTORS • 2009 – 2010
President:
Hans Munger
Urban Edge Shading Inc.
181 Amber Street, Markham ON L3R 3B4
Tel: 905-470-6901
E-mail: hansm@urbanedgeshading.com
Website: www.urbanedgeshading.com
Vice-President:
Phillip Gysling
Mesh Innovations Inc.
174 Hallam Street, Toronto ON M6H 1X5
Tel: 416-871-8159
Email: philipp.gysling@meshinnovations.com
Website: www.meshinnovations.com
Treasurer:
Urs Villiger
RE/MAX WEST REALTY INC.
1678 Bloor Street West, Toronto ON M6P 1A9
Tel: 416-562-7701
Email: villiger@rogers.com
Website: www.remaxwest.com/UVilliger
Secretary & Legal Counsel:
Bernard Lette
Lette Whittaker LLP
20 Queen Street West, #3300, P.O. Box 33, Toronto ON M5H 3R3
Tel: 416-971-4898
Email: blette@lette.ca
Website: www.lette.ca
Past President:
Ernst Notz
2 Hunter Avenue, Toronto ON M6E 2C8
Tel: 416-784-2872
Email: ernst.notz@rogers.com
Website: www.nacora.com
Board of Directors:
Rudi Blatter
Lindt & Spruengli (Canada) Inc.
181 University Avenue, Suite 900, Toronto ON M5H 3M7
Tel: (416) 351-8566
Email: rblatter@lindt.com
Website: www.lindt.com
Julien Favre
UBS
154 University Avenue, Toronto ON M5H 3Z4
Tel: (416) 345-7033
Email: julien.favre@ubs.com
Website: www.ubs.com/1/e/canada
Jean-Jacques Henchoz
Swiss Reinsurance Company
150 King Street West, # 2200, POB 50, Toronto ON M5H 1J9
Tel: 416-408 0272
Email: jeanjacques_henchoz@swissre.com
Website: www.swissre.com
Roger Hunziker
The Bata Shoe Museum
327 Bloor Street West, Toronto ON M5S 1W7
Tel: 416-979-7799 x 242
Email: roger.hunziker@batashoemuseum.ca
Website: www.batashoemuseum.ca
Sandra Leuba
136 Curzon Street, Toronto ON M4M 3B5
Tel: 416-616-4251
Email: leubasandra@yahoo.ca
Ronnie Miller
Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
2455 Meadowpine Boulevard, Mississauga ON L5N 6L7
Tel: 905-542-5522
Email: ronnie.miller@roche.com
Website: www.rochecanada.com
Daniel Oehy
Swissmar
35 East Beaver Creek Rd, Unit 6, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1B3
Tel: 905-764-1121
Email: danielo@swissmar.com
Website: www.swissmar.com
David Turnbull
Canadian Courier & Logistics Association
169 Beechwood Avenue, Willowdale ON M2L 1J9
Tel: 416-449-2860
Email: david.turnbull@gmail.com
Urs Uhlmann
Zurich
400 University Avenue, 25th Floor, Toronto ON M5G 1S7
Tel: (416) 586-2959
Email: urs.uhlmann@zurich.com
Website: www.zurich.ca
Dear Members,
By the time you are reading this message, we will have concluded
our last event of the year, our annual Dinner and Dance (please see
more on page 25 in this issue) held again at the wonderful King
Edward Hotel. This event always reminds us that Christmas is just
around the corner. Hard to believe that the year 2009 is already
drawing to a close! Why is it that when we are 20 time cannot go
fast enough, but, when we are nearing retirement age we wish we
could step on the brakes of those fast turning wheels!
At this time, we often look back on the year that was and reflect on
our accomplishments and failures and, let’s face it, we probably all have experienced some
of both, especially in business! During such moments, I often need to remind myself that
loosing an account, spending too much money on a deal or simply not having met every
one of my financial targets probably does not mean the end of the world; in fact, it may
not even make a dent in the overall performance during my lifetime! More importantly,
have I conducted my business in an honourable way without leaving ‘casualties behind me?
Have I shown compassion to staff, customers and business friends and associates whenever
needed? Have I succeeded in developing my business while keeping up my social responsibilities as an employer? Made new friends instead of having lost old ones?
What really drove that point home for me was an interview in November by Lascelles Brown,
the (ex) top breakman on Pierre Lueder’s bobsled team, who said he would rather not win
an Olympic medal than one under Lueder’s (apparent) ruthless leadership. He said, and I
quote, “a lot of people would turn on their friends just to go to the Games. I am not like that.
I’d rather have your friendship than an Olympic medal”. Lascelles Brown did not say he did
not want a medal, but that he did not want one at any price. For me, Lascelles Brown seems
to be more of a “driver” than a “breaker”.
I strongly believe that when we leave this world, we will be judged by how many friends we
leave behind rather than how much money.
With this thought I wish all of you and yours a wonderful holiday season full of happiness
amongst your loved ones and friends. May the New Year bring you good health, success and
many new friendships.
Sincerely,
Hans Munger, President
PS. Please mark your calendars now for our exciting pre-Olympic event at the Granite Club
with the former “Crazy Canuck”, Ken Read, on January 28.
Honorary Director:
Bernadette Hunkeler
Consulate General of Switzerland
154 University Avenue, Suite 601, Toronto ON M5H 3Y9
Tel: 416-593-5371
Website: www.eda.admin.ch
Liaison Officer Consulate General of Switzerland:
Philippe Crevoisier
Consulate General of Switzerland
154 University Avenue, Suite 601, Toronto ON M5H 3Y9
Tel: 416-593-5371
Email: Philippe.Crevoisier@tor.rep.admin.ch
Website: www.eda.admin.ch
Executive Assistant:
Patricia Keller Schläpfer
756 Royal York Road, Toronto ON M8Y 2T6
Tel: (416) 236-0039 Fax: (416) 551-1011
E-mail: sccc@swissbiz.ca
Website: www.swissbiz.ca
Electronic Typesetting and Assembly:
Nancy Raitt @ corptype
Printed by: J. B. Deschamps
2
INFO SUISSE
2010 COMING EVENTS
January 28:
Pre-Olympic event with Ken Read
April 21:
Annual General Meeting
August 17:
Pub Night with British Chamber
September 13:
Golf Tournament
November 20:
Gala Dinner Dance
Further Information can be found on www.swissbiz.ca/upcoming_events
or (416) 236-0039
La Chambre de Commerce Canada-Suisse (Montréal) Inc.
Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce (Montreal) Inc.
1572 Avenue Docteur Penfield, Montréal, Qué. H3G 1C4 • Tél: (514) 937-5822 • Fax: (514) 954-5619 • E-mail: info@cccsmtl.com • Web site: www.cccsmtl.com
CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION / BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2008 – 2009
Présidente / President
Me Monica Schirdewahn
Avocate / Lawyer
Lette & Associés
Tel: (514) 871-3838, # 213
Fax: (514) 876-4217
E-mail: mschirdewahn@lette.ca
Secrétaire / Secretary
Mr. Raphaël Delacombaz
Director
UBS Bank (Canada)
Tel: (514) 985-8104
Fax: (514) 985-8128
E-mail: raphael.delacombaz@ubs.com
Vice-présidents / Vice-Presidents
Mr. Jean Serge Grisé
Conseiller en affaires publiques
Tel.: (450) 674-2251
E-mail: jsgrise@hotmail.com
Mr. Olivier Schlegel
General Manager for Canada
Swiss International Air Lines
Tel: (514) 954-5600, # 6610
Fax: (514) 954-5619
E-mail: olivier.schlegel@swiss.com
Trésorier / Treasurer
Mr. Othmar Widmer
Consultation Widmer
Tel.:(514) 290-4822
E-mail: widmer.aviation@gmail.com
Directeurs / Directors
Mr. Ch. Dubois
Conseiller de la Ville
Ville de Montréal (Arrondissement Pierrefonds-Roxboro)
Tel. : (514) 624-1488
Fax : (514) 624-1415
christiangdubois@ville-montreal.qc.ca
Me Jean-Marc Ferland
Avocat
Ferland, Marois, Lanctot
Tel.: (514) 861-1110
Fax: (514) 861-1310
E-mail: ferland@fml.ca
Mr. Moritz Gruber
Président
System Huntingdon Inc.
Tel.: (450) 264-6122
Fax: (450) 264-6066
E-mail : mgruber@systemeinc.com
Mr. Olivier Rodriguez
Responsable service bourse
Mirabaud Gestion Inc.
Tel.: (514) 393-1690
Fax: (514) 875-8942
E-mail: orodriguez@mirabaud.ca
Mr. Bruno Setz
Consultant
Tel.: (514) 767-5123
E-mail : brunosetz@videotron.ca
Mr. Paul Wieser
PDG pour le Canada
Busch Vacuum Technics Inc.
Tel: (450) 435-6899
Fax: (450) 430-5132
E-mail: pamawi@busch.ca
Directeur honoraire / Honorary Director
Mr. Claude Duvoisin – Consul général
Tel: (514) 932-7181
Fax: (514) 932-9028
E-mail: claude.duvoisin@eda.admin.ch
Liaison au Consulat général de Suisse
Mr. Markus Osterburg – Consul
Tel: (514) 932-7181
Fax: (514) 932-9028
E-mail: markus.osterburg@eda,admin.ch
Conseiller juridique / Legal Counsel
Lette & Associés
Tel: (514) 871-3838, # 213
Fax: (514) 876-4217
E-mail: mschirdewahn@lette.ca
Responsable de l’administration / Administration Officer
Mr. Andreas Kräuchi
Tel: (514) 937-5822
Fax: (514) 954 5619
E-mail: info@cccsmtl.com
Chers membres,
L’année 2009 tirant à sa fin, voici l’occasion de faire le bilan des événements qui l’ont
marquée.
2009 fut remplie de changements et plus particulièrement de difficultés, les deux
globalement mais aussi localement au sein de notre propre chambre. En début
d’année, notre extraordinaire et irremplaçable Président, Jacques Thévenoz, nous a
quitté, tout comme d’autres membres très chers à la Chambre.
Le vide laissé par ces disparitions ne pourra pas être comblé.
D’autres défis attendaient la Chambre et le Conseil d’Administration et nous avons
travaillé de concert afin de les relever au mieux des intérêts de la Chambre.
La Chambre a su surmonter les défis particuliers et les difficultés qui l’ont secoués
cette année, grâce particulièrement à deux groupes de personnes.
Premièrement, vous, les membres de la Chambre. Motivés, dévoués et encourageants, vous, les membres de
cette Chambre, avez fait preuve d’une participation et d’un soutien incroyables aux événements programmés tout
au long de cette année. Ne vous limitant pas seulement à y participer, vous avez donné votre énergie, vos réactions et votre support personnels, ce qui a beaucoup aidé et aussi encouragé les volontaires qui les organisaient.
Deuxièmement, les membres du Conseil d’Administration méritent d’être cités pour leur inébranlable engagement auprès de la Chambre et de vous. La Chambre a de la chance de pouvoir compter sur une équipe de gens
incroyables, qui travaille sur divers dossiers, permettant à l’Info Suisse d’être publiée, continuant à s’investir dans
le projet d’amélioration de notre site web, planifiant les événements et continuant à administrer le quotidien de
la Chambre. J’aimerais saisir l’occasion pour remercier ces personnes du merveilleux travail qu’elles ont fait ces
derniers mois et durant lesquels j’ai été continuellement impressionnée par leur dévouement, leur enthousiasme
et l’important don de leur temps personnel à la Chambre.
Afin de continuer à travailler étroitement ensemble et à renforcer la communication entre le Conseil et les
membres, nous vous contactons personnellement pour pouvoir vous remercier de votre continuelle participation,
écouter vos réactions et vos idées pour l’année qui va bientôt commencer et surtout vous souhaiter ainsi qu’à vos
proches, un merveilleux temps des fêtes.
Cordialement.
Dear Members,
The year is coming to an end, and with it comes a time to reflect on the events that marked the year 2009.
It was a year full of changes and particular difficulties, both globally but also locally in our own Chamber. Earlier this year, our extraordinary and irreplaceable President Jacques Thevenoz passed away, as well as other
dear Chamber members. This is a loss that cannot be replaced.
Other challenges were placed to the Chamber and the Board of Directors, and we grouped together to work
them out in the best interests of the Chamber.
We were able to continue the Chamber, despite the particular challenges and difficulties this year, thanks
to two groups of people. Firstly, you - the Chamber members. Interested, dedicated and supportive, you,
the members of this Chamber have shown overwhelming participation at – and sponsoring of- the events
planned for you throughout the year. Not limited to simply participating at such events, you have given
your personal input, feedback and support, which has been helpful and also encouraging, to the volunteers
organizing such events.
Secondly, the members of the Board of Directors deserve to be singled out for their unswerving commitment
to the Chamber and to you. The Chamber is lucky to have an incredible team of people in place, who work on
different items, ranging from keeping the Info Suisse being published, to continuing to work on our website
improvement project, to planning events and keeping the administrative of the Chamber running. I would
like to take this opportunity to thank them all for the wonderful work that they have been doing over the
last months, during which I have been continuously impressed by their dedication, enthusiasm and important
donation of their personal time to the Chamber.
In order to keep on working closely together and strengthening the communication between the Board and
the members, we are contacting you personally during this time, to be able to thank you in person for your
continued participation, to listen to your input and ideas for the year about to begin, and mostly ….to wish
you and your close ones, a wonderful holiday season…
Kind regards,
Monica Schirdewahn
EVÉNÉMENTS / UPCOMING EVENTS
26 novembre 2009 /
November 26th, 2009
Soirée Fondue / Annual Fondue evening
11 février 2010 /
February 11th, 2010
Soirée Raclette / Raclette evening
7 juin 2010/
June 7th, 2010
Tournoi de Golf - Mémorial J. Thevenoz /
J. Thevenoz Memorial Golf Tournament
Information et détails/and details : www.cccsmtl.com ou/or (514) 937-5822
D E C E M B E R /J A N U A R Y
3
Consumer Goods / Industrie des biens de consommation
cette époque. Ses amis montréalais lui réclament des manteaux : il les confectionne luimême, pour ses amis, les amis de ses amis,
des manteaux chauds. Kanuk est né.
QUAND IL FAIT FROID, AU
QUÉBEC, ON ENFILE KANUK !
Par Nathalie Mongeau
CONFECTIONNÉ ET VENDU EXCLUSIVEMENT AU QUÉBEC
Modèles portés par Brigitte et Eric Smits
KANUK : UNE AFFAIRE DE FAMILLE
Boutique et atelier Kanuk
485 rue Rachel Est, Montréal
Les Montréalais ont un rapport amour
haine avec l’hiver. Quand l’hiver arrive, ils
«bougonnent» un peu. Pourtant, la saison
froide les caractérise, colore leur culture et
leur mode de vie en plus de leur amener
toute la beauté magique de la neige. Le ciel
de Montréal, en février, quand il fait -30°C,
est d’un bleu que vous ne verrez nulle part
ailleurs !
LE HARFANG DES NEIGES : L’EMBLÈME
AVIAIRE DU QUÉBEC
Louis Grenier est le fondateur de Kanuk. «Je
suis issu d’une lignée d’artisan couturier,
mon métier est aussi celui de mon arrière-arrière-arrière-grand-père ». De tout
temps, les Grenier cousaient. Étudiant en
Textiles au collège de Saint-Hyacinthe dans
les années 70, il est à l’affût des innovations
technologiques dans le domaine textile.
Ses manteaux surpassent les meilleurs
manteaux alors confectionnés en matières
naturelles (laine-duvet-coton). Grâce aux
nouveaux isolants et aux tissus synthétiques
hydrofuges, mais aussi grâce à ses techniques de couture (aucune couture ne passe
bord en bord de l’isolant pour éviter toute
fuite de chaleur, coutures décalées, capuchons efficaces, poignets bien fermés), il
coud des manteaux plus légers, plus chauds
et plus confortables que tout ce qui se fait à
Louis Grenier et son neveu, la relève de demain
INFO SUISSE
Atelier et collaboratrices
manteaux Kanuk. La manufacture est située
sur la rue Rachel, à l’étage du magasinentrepôt qui est ouvert au public 7 jours
sur 7 et où on trouve plus de 35 modèles
de manteaux dans autant de couleurs. Vous
serez étonné de voir autant de manteaux
chauds en un seul endroit. Kanuk, c’est une
boutique typique de la vie urbaine des montréalaises et des montréalais.
Le harfang est un superbe hibou blanc qui
niche dans les régions nordiques sans migrer
vers le sud. Lorsque vous marcherez dans les
rues de Montréal, vous remarquerez que le
col de plusieurs manteaux arbore un harfang
des neiges stylisé. Il s’agit du logo de Kanuk,
le manufacturier de manteaux d’hiver très
populaires au Québec.
4
Dans la rue, les gens lui disent : «Depuis
que j’ai mon Kanuk, j’aime l’hiver!!!». C’est
ce qui le motive, lui et toute son équipe, à
continuer l’excellent travail qu’ils font jour
après jour depuis 30 ans pour produire des
manteaux vraiment chauds et durables.
Quand on lui demande pourquoi il a choisi
de ne vendre qu’au Québec, Louis Grenier
répond : «Je ne veux pas seulement les
confectionner et les vendre, mes manteaux,
je veux aussi VOIR les gens les porter. Rien
ne me fait plus plaisir que de me promener
par une belle journée froide sur une rue
enneigée, de croiser une dame souriante
et toute fière d’affronter des températures
aussi froides que -25°C».
Aujourd’hui l’équipe Kanuk compte près
de 140 personnes qui conçoivent, taillent,
cousent, vendent et réparent s’il y a lieu les
Pour plus d’information, s.v.pl. visiter
www.kanuk.com
■
Consumer Goods / Industrie des biens de consommation
SWISS MEDICAL PRODUCTS FOR
CANADIAN SKIN AND FEET
By Dr. Charles Piwko, President & CEO of Narimya
Pharmaceuticals Inc.
SPIRIG SKIN CARE PRODUCTS FOR
DRY SKIN
Between 20% – 40% of adults and about
20% of children in Canada suffer from dry
skin, or from skin disease (such as atopic
dermatitis or psoriasis) which can result in
dry skin. Dry skin is even more prevalent
during the long winter months.
Reasons for dry skin include increased
(transepidermal) water loss of the skin,
altered barrier function, and lower levels of
urea in the skin.
The management of dry skin include the
restoration of the barrier function by use of
emollients to:
• Reduce of the water loss via occlusion
• Augment the lipid content of the skin
• Adding urea
Emollients (Latin „molle“ = soft) are
substances that soften and soothe the skin.
Emollients have three basic properties:
• Occlusion - providing a layer of oil on the
surface of the skin to slow water loss and thus
increase the moisture content of the skin
• Humectant - increasing the water-holding
capacity of the skin (e.g. urea)
• Lubrication - adding slip or glide across
the skin
Moisturizers are complex mixtures of
chemical agents specially designed to make
the external layers of the skin softer and more
pliable, by increasing its water content.
The effect of urea (which is naturally
occurring in the skin):
• Reduces water loss and increases waterholding capacity of skin
• Reduces itching
• Antibacterial
• Enhances penetration of other agents
• No toxic effect – when not dosed
too high
• No allergic properties
On the next page is a summary of the
various products available from Spirig of
Switzerland; their Excipial creams are research
based and of high-quality and are able to
manage mildly to severely dry skin, with an
appropriate product for each skin type, severity of dry skin and size of affected area.
STEIGER,
ZUMSTEIN &
PARTNERS AG
B U S I N E S S
A N D
M A N A G E M E N T
C O N S U L T A N T S
WE ARE OFFERING:
Establishment and management
of Swiss corporations
Trustee and Management functions
in Finance and Administration
Accounting services
Estate Planning
International Tax Planning for
companies and individuals
Service provided in English,
French and German.
C O N T A C T:
Nauenstrasse 49, P.O.Box, CH-4002 Basel, Phone +41 61 270 99 10, Fax +41 61 270 99 19, www.steiger-zumstein.ch
MEMBER OF:
6
INFO SUISSE
Swiss Institute of Certified Accountants and Tax Consultants
Product
Description
Advantages
• ‘Water In Lipid’ system
• Contains 4% urea/36% lipids – used when more
intensive moisturizing is required (i.e., atopic
dermatitis, psoriasis and very dry skin with large
surface area)
• Slower but deeper skin penetration for chronic
dry skin
• Long-lasting skin moisturizing (up to 16 hours)
• Smooth and fast absorbing
• Fresh fragrance
“Less is More”
Compared to the currently available urea products:
- less urea
- as effective as higher concentrated products
(clinically proven), by using research based galenic
bases (vehicles)
- doesn’t sting
- doesn’t itch
- doesn’t smell
- emulsion doesn’t break
Slight shining effect, re-fattens the skin
Lipid in Water’ formula
• 2% urea/11% lipids for normal or dry skin
• Even, fast, moisturizing of upper skin levels for
acute phase
• For seborrhoeic, normal to slightly dry skin
• Smooth, non-greasy and fast absorbing.
• Fresh fragrance
“Less is More”
Compared to the currently available urea products:
- less urea
- as effective as higher concentrated products
(clinically proven), by using research based galenic
bases (vehicles)
- doesn’t sting
- doesn’t itch
- doesn’t smell
- emulsion doesn’t break
Does not shine, no residue on the skin, can be used
also on haired areas
‘Water in Lipid’ system (55.5% lipids)
• Highly moisturizing – for dry to very dry skin
Cosmetically elegant cream for smaller crackedopen,skin areas (urea should be used after a couple
of days)
• ‘Water in Lipid’ system (55.5% lipids)
• Highly moisturizing – for dry to very dry skin
Cosmetically elegant cream for smaller crackedopen,skin areas (urea should be used after a couple
of days)
Excipial® U Lipolotion
Excipial® U Hydrolotion
Excipial® Cream
Excipial® Fatty Cream
Excipial® Almond Oil Ointment - The most protective skin-moisturizing treatment
• ‘Lipid Only’ system 95.6% lipids (75% almond oil;
4% zinc oxide)
• Highly moisturizing – for dry to very dry skin
• Atopic, dry winter feet and other extremely dry skin
conditions with limited surface area
• Suitable for use in children
• Prevents diaper rash (the leading product
in Switzerland)
• No preservatives (only vitamin E as an antioxidant)
• Fresh fragrance
Unique in Canada:
- Amazing feeling on the skin
- No comparable product yet available
Excipial® Protect Barrier Cream creates an invisible barrier against harsh chemicals
• ‘Lipid in Water’ formula (27% lipids)
• Long-lasting protection against water and harsh, drying substances such as soaps, dishwashing liquids,
laundry detergents, shampoos, disinfectants, etc.
• Contains no perfume or preservatives
• Apply before work, and after breaks,
3-5 times/day
Excipial Protect contains a new type of protection
system with two active ingredients:
- Aluminium chlorohydrate (seals the entry portals
for harmful substances)
- Glycerin (hydrates andstrengthens the skin barrier)
- Effectiveness clinically proven
- improves the skin condition also under protective
gloves
Excipial® Repair Revitalizing Hand Cream repairs damaged skin
• ‘Lipid in Water’ formula (29.5% lipids)
• Fresh fragrance
• Apply after work and at night
Excipial Repair contains the combination of
- Glycerin to hydrate and help regenerate the skin’s
hydration barrier
- Evening Primrose oil to correct damage to the
hydration barrier
- Jojoba oil to moisturize and nourish
- Dexpanthenole to promote skin regeneration
D E C E M B E R /J A N U A R Y
7
Consumer Goods / Industrie des biens de consommation
KÜNZLI ORTHOPAEDIC SHOES FOR
ANKLE OR LIGAMENT INJURIES
Stability Shoes offer an alternative therapy
for treatment of ankle and ligament injuries,
either as conservative treatment or after
surgery. The correct combination of stability and mobility is crucial for the healing
process and for avoiding long term damages
such as arthritis.
Narimya is importing the Künzli Stability
Shoe which is the only therapeutic method
ingeniously combining the two elementary
goals of therapy: Stability - securing the
right healing position as well as mobility,
speeding up the healing process. Stability
Shoes conserve gait symmetry, permit
and support movement and activate the
muscles. The stimulated metabolism helps
reduce swelling and leads to a faster healing process. The use of the Shoe avoids
long-term damages while providing the
patients with higher level of comfort (no
need for crutches) compared to currently
available treatment options.
problems. They are especially recommended
for seniors who like to walk or hike.
Above Spirig products will be available
shortly in select Rexall pharmacies. Any
Rexall or Guardian pharmacy will be happy
to order any of the products for you, should
they not already be available.
For further information please contact
Dr. Charles Piwko PhD, PharmD, MSc,
President & CEO of Narimya
Pharmaceuticals Inc. at
cpiwko@narimya.com, by telephone
at 416) 433-5787 or visit their website
at www.narimya.com
■
Also available are the Protect line leisure
shoes for people with ankle and/or ligament
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understanding into efficient logistics solutions. Kuehne + Nagel combines 117 years of global strength and experience in
international transportation and logistics with comprehensive information technology solutions. Our worldwide network of sea and
air logistics, road and contract logistics provides you with a flexible and evolving infrastructure making your business competitive
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email: info.toronto@kuehne-nagel.com www.kuehne-nagel.com
8
INFO SUISSE
Special Services
Consumer Goods / Industrie des biens de consommation
AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN
HIGH ENOUGH
By Robert Vlessing, CEO Dietiker Switzerland,
Concord, Ontario
The roads were closed. A major furniture
delivery scheduled for a mountain resort
looked like an impossible task. Dietiker
Switzerland did something they’d never
done before in over one hundred and thirty
years of business. They employed the Swiss
army to deliver the order to the waiting
mountain client via helicopter. With ingenuity and resolve, Dietiker was able to deliver
its furniture on time, in a move reminiscent
of James Bond. The distinctive Dietiker stacking chairs made it; crisis averted.
Dietiker Switzerland has perched itself
on the precipice of unprecedented moves.
They’ve chosen Toronto as the headquarters for their North American operations, a
noteworthy choice in an all too often New
York focused design world. But the choice
makes sense upon closer inspection. A city
relatively new to the design world meets a
company already established but new to this
landscape. More than a century’s worth of
experience combined with the enthusiasm
of a new venture positioned in a blank slate
of a city; the possibilities are endless. The
design energy is raw and in the air, and
Dietiker is ready to slice through it like a
helicopter’s rotor.
At the helm of this finely tuned machine,
is Dr. Urs Felber, Dietiker’s Chairman. An
irrefutable icon in the Swiss community, he
is the former president of Vitra Design, the
Swiss company that is Europe’s best known
contract-furnishings maker and founder
of De Sede Switzerland, the high end
renowned Swiss upholstered seating firm. It
was a natural union when he joined forces in
2007 with Robert Vlessing, a twenty-three
year veteran in the North American furniture
industry. Together the two are determined to
add high end furniture design to the cultural
definition of Switzerland alongside cheese,
chocolate, pharmaceutical and watches.
With an undeniably Swiss focus on craftsmanship, detail and quality, the two are on
a mission to bring a bit of Switzerland to
the world. Since its North American debut,
Dietiker has opened showrooms in Toronto,
Montreal, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and
Houston. To further increase its global presence, Dietiker has begun projects across the
United States, Canada, and the Middle East.
Government agencies, universities and
high profile companies are all discovering
the distinctly Swiss emphasis on perfection
that Dietiker embodies. The Swiss owned,
Swiss structured enterprise is a well known
brand in Europe, and its hope is to go beyond
its landlocked beginnings.
Toronto is the basis for much of the
company’s manufacturing though there
is a constant and conscious adherence to
Swiss standards and technology. Products
are sourced locally, all the wood is natural,
and 70% of the steel is made of recycled
material. In addition, all the products created are done so in a process called “cradle
to cradle”, ensuring that at the end of their
life cycle, they can be reused. Having little
to no impact on the environment is at the
core of Dietiker’s philosophy. When not
dangling precariously from a helicopter, the
furniture is produced and transported from
Switzerland.
The relationship between the environment and design is central to Dietiker’s
approach. There is a symbiotic relationship
between the product’s construction and the
space in which it inhabits. Both comfortable
and modern, the focus is on the environment we live in, work in, socialize in, eat in,
and ultimately relax in.
Determined to bring Swiss design to the
forefront, Dietiker has branded itself on the
back of a delicious reputation for excellence.
With their use of Swiss chocolate cloaked in
the red Dietiker logo at every tradeshow,
they’ve become “the guys with the chocolate bars”. And they like that. Whimsy and
an overall clever marketing approach has
helped position this haute-design brand to
succeed, all the while staying true to its Swiss
roots. From wordplay of replacing the ‘t’ in
their descriptor words with the red cross, to
a Helmut Newton photography campaign;
a black and white photo of a helipad, a
flexible girl and a Dietiker lounger all make
us wonder if that is where the Swiss army
began its journey on that fateful day!
Swiss design is a growing market in North
America, and unlike its homeland, Dietiker
Switzerland is anything but neutral.
For more info on Dietiker Switzerland,
visit their website at www.dietiker.com ■
D E C E M B E R /J A N U A R Y
9
An investment in research
is an investment in hope.
Roche is a leader in the research and
development of pharmaceutical and
diagnostic solutions that look beyond
today’s horizons and make a profound
difference in people’s lives.
Working in partnership with healthcare
practitioners from across the country,
we have opened the door to countless
new possibilities in the discovery,
treatment and management of acute
and long-term disease.
www.rochecanada.com
Registered Trade-Mark of Hoffmann-La Roche Limited
10
INFO SUISSE
Business and Trade News
THE ORGANIZATION OF THE
SWISS ABROAD (OSA)
(Auslandschweizer-Organization /
L’Organisation des Suisses de l’etranger)
By Ernst Notz
As your newly elected delegates to the
Auslandschweizer Rat (ASR), we took part
in the 87th congress which was held early
August 2009 in Lucerne. The ASR consists
of 20 members from Switzerland and 120
members from abroad representing the
interests of the Swiss living abroad. Over 45
% were newly elected members for a period
of 4 years from 2009 to 2013. There are 2
meetings per year in Switzerland, one in the
spring and one in the summer prior to the
OSA congress. Canada has 5 delegates: John
Bartlett and Rolf Bruelhart from Vancouver,
Ernst Notz from Toronto, Kati Lyon-Villiger
from Ottawa and Bruno Setz from Montreal.
Ernst Notz and Bruno Setz were replacing
Verena Ducommun-Tobler and Ron Favarger;
both of them devoted a lot of time to raise
was cut from 6 issues to 4 ones by year. A
strong resolution was made to urge the government to issue again 6 publications per
year. The Swiss government is cutting costs
in closing Consulates on a worldwide basis.
It also asked swissinfo to cut over 7 million
CHF from their budget. Complaints were also
made by the Swiss living in the USA (about
Swiss banks cancelling their accounts).
According to our experience it will
take a while to see results from these
propositions.
The next meeting will be held in Berne
on March 27th, 2010 followed by the annual
congress on August 20th, 2010, in St. Gallen.
Please let us know your problems in time in
order that we can bring them up at the ASR
congress. We also invite you to look at the
website: www.aso.ch
issues and assisted the Swiss Canadian community and our sincere thanks go to Verena
and Ron.
Over 100 delegates from all over the
world met to discuss the various issues of
the over 700,000 Swiss (i.e. every 10th
Swiss) living abroad. The president, JacquesSimon Eggly, welcomed the delegates and
the representatives from the Swiss parliament, ambassadors and VIPs from the Swiss
business community. The theme of the
meeting was “Swiss abroad, enrichment for
our country?”
We were surprised that the whole meeting was either held in French or German
(with simultaneous translation) and not one
word was spoken in English. Among various
topics, Ambassador Boerlin addressed the
participants regarding the importance of the
“Fifth Switzerland”. About 125’000 Swiss
are now using their voting rights, either
by mail or for some cantons electronically.
Senator Lombardi put a petition to the Swiss
government in 2004 to define the status of
the Swiss abroad, but we are still waiting
for an answer. This is of course not acceptable and a study is being undertaken by the
University of Neuchatel dealing with the lack
of policy regarding emigration; the outcome
is expected by spring 2010. The number of
Swiss living abroad is on the increase and
one out of ten Swiss lives temporary or permanently abroad. Other topics dealt with the
publication of the “Schweizer Revue” which
For further questions and details please
contact ernst.notz@rogers.com or
brunosetz@videotron.ca.
L’ORGANISATION DES SUISSES
DE L’ÉTRANGER (OSE)
(Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) /
Auslandschweizer-Organisation)
By Bruno Setz
Au début du mois d’août 2009, nous avons
participé, à titre de nouveaux délégués
élus, au 87e congrès du Conseil des Suisses
Continued on page 22
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D E C E M B E R /J A N U A R Y
11
Consumer Goods / Industrie des biens de consommation
WHAT IS THE SECRET OF NESPRESSO?
A SWISS SUCCESS STORY
Article compiled by O. Widmer, CCCS
When we think about drinking coffee a few
names come to mind. Starbucks is certainly
one, but also some Italian ones like Lavazza
or Illy, for there is hardly a nation which celebrates drinking coffee to the same extend
as the Southern neighbours of Switzerland.
Yet, these days Nespresso, like a rising
star, draws most attention from coffee lovers.
Nestle with its Nespresso brand has not only
generated a new style of coffee drinking but
also a new and stylish way to prepare it.
It started 1970 when the brand was
created, for that time period, a technically
advanced espresso machine using premeasured ground coffee capsules that protect
more than 900 coffee aromas.
While in the beginning the espresso
machines were mainly functional, they
became an element of style in the mid
It starts with an uncompromising mind
when selecting the coffee beans and the
regions where they are produced, continues
with rigorous quality control when sorting
the raw beans and then the blending of the
various proveniences. This blending is done
by a team of experienced coffee experts
who take into account all the variables like
flavour notes or aroma profiles to produce
perfection.
Next care and attention is given to the
drying, roasting and cooling process of
the beans in order to preserve the right or
desired level of bitterness and acidity. Before
the conservation of the coffee takes place
in the air tight capsule, the coffee is ground
according to the speed water will pass
through. The finer the coffee, the slower the
water will flow which results in a full bodied
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90s thanks to the cooperation with Alessi,
the Italian company that produces decorative and avant-garde household items. In
2001 the launch of yet another trendy and
ergonomically designed Nespresso “concept
machine” got the attention of coffee aficionados and sales went literally “through the
roof”. Today a variety of elegant machines
cater to the various tastes. Therefore it is
not astonishing that Nespresso machines
have received a number of design awards
in recent years.
12
INFO SUISSE
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espresso while a slightly coarser grind will
turn out as an “allongé” or “lungo”.
Nespresso declares that amongst others,
excellence and perfection are core values.
So it is dedicated to deliver to all consumers not only the highest quality coffee, but
also innovative machines and exceptional
service, creating the ultimate coffee experience. In all of the more than 40 boutiques
in key cities around the world, consumers
should be able to experience the high-quality trademark of Nespresso in its coffee,
machines and services.
sales of Nespresso products totalling 1.16
billion CHF. As a result, Nestlé Nespresso is
well on course to hitting the two billion CHF
revenue mark by 2010
NESPRESSO IN CANADA
With the opening of the first Boutique Bar
in Montreal, 2045 Rue Crescent, Nespresso
BUSINESS OUTLOOK
With a corporate vision of becoming the
Icon for Perfect Coffee Worldwide, Nestlé
Nespresso SA has become the fastest-growing operating business of the Nestlé Group.
It surpassed one billion CHF of revenue at the end of 2006—as CEO Gerhard
Berssenbrügge had predicted—with global
counts on three brand operated shops
throughout Canada, the other two Nespresso
Boutique-in-Shop locations being at the Bay
in Toronto and Vancouver. Says Frederic Levy,
President of Nespresso North America “The
Boutique concept is a very successful retail
model worldwide, and we are excited to
further establish an even stronger brand
presence in the United States and Canada
with future openings planned.”
Indeed, the new location on Crescent
combines a relaxing atmosphere with a fullservice espresso bar which offers different
espresso-based recipes that guests can enjoy
along with a tempting menu which changes
frequently and seasonal specials prepared
by Chef Giovanni Apollo of Le Traiteur.
In addition, the newly opened boutique
offers the possibility to arrange events for
up to 400 persons. Jacques Demont, Country
Manager for Canada, and his team are happy
to assist you with any request and welcome
you in the trendy location.
■
D E C E M B E R /J A N U A R Y
13
Member P rof i l e
PERFECT TIMING
Provided by Rolex Canada Ltd.
granted to a wristwatch by the Official Watch
Rating Centre in Bienne. Four years later, in
1914, the Kew Observatory in Great Britain
awarded the Rolex wristwatch a class “A”
precision certificate, a distinction which until
that point had been reserved exclusively for
marine chronometers.
THE BIRTH OF THE WATERPROOF WATCH
Rolex is recognized the world over as the
leader in Swiss watch-making, and enjoys
an unparalleled reputation for quality and
know-how.
The company was founded in 1905 by
the pioneering and visionary spirit of Hans
Wilsdorf. At that time the pocket watch was
the order of the day, but Wilsdorf began to
dream of a watch worn on the wrist. There
were wristwatches but they were considered nothing more than items of jewellery
for women and were not very reliable.
To convince the public of the reliability
of these resolutely innovative timepieces,
he equipped them with small, very precise
movements manufactured by a Swiss watchmaking company in Bienne. In gold or silver,
these watches caught the interest of modern
sports-minded men and women all over the
British Empire.
In 1908 Wilsdorf coined a brand name
with which to sign his creations – Rolex. Easy
to pronounce in any European language and
short enough to fit on the dial of a watch.
THE QUEST FOR CHRONOMETRIC
PRECISION
Untiringly seeking to improve their reliability, Hans Wilsdorf constantly submitted
the Rolex wristwatch to tests by official
quality-control organizations. This relentless
quest for chronometric precision rapidly
led to success. In 1910, a Rolex watch was
awarded the first official Swiss certificate
14
INFO SUISSE
In 1926, a major step was taken with the
creation of the first waterproof and dustproof
watch. Named the “Oyster”, this watch featured a hermetically sealed case which, like
a miniature safe, provided optimal protection for the movement.
The following year the Oyster crossed the
English Channel unscathed worn by a young
English swimmer, Mercedes Gleitze, whose
support Wilsdorf had enlisted to endorse his
product. This would mark only the first of a
long list of testimonials from adventurous
men and women; from achievers whose
exploits and daring would, in time, be so
closely associated with the superiority of the
Rolex brand. On the occasion of this landmark
event, Wilsdorf published an advertisement
on the front page of the Daily Mail proclaiming the success of the waterproof watch and
chronicling the debut of the Rolex Oyster
and its triumphant march worldwide.
THE SELF-WINDING MOVEMENT
The Oyster would soon boast yet another
outstanding feature. The year 1931 witnessed
the birth of the Perpetual rotor, a self-winding
mechanism, which allowed the watch to run
continuously as every flick of the wrist wound
the movement. This system is at the origin of
every modern automatic watch.
In no time the manual-wound watch
would be outdated.
For Rolex, the world then became a living laboratory. In oceans, on high mountain
tops, or wherever extreme conditions prevailed around the world, they served to test
the excellence of watches equal to the task.
As of the 1930s, the company issued Oyster
Perpetual watches to numerous Himalayan
expeditions setting out to conquer Everest.
HIGHLY PRESTIGIOUS WATCHES
As of the 1940s, Rolex also created highly
prestigious watches worn by some of the
world’s most influential people. In 1945,
Rolex created the Datejust, the first wristwatch to indicate the date in a window
on the dial. In 1956, the Day-Date was
introduced. It was the first wristwatch in the
world to show the date and the day of week
spelt out in full.
Rolex Datejust II – Steel and 18kt yellow gold
THE PROFESSIONAL WATCHES
In the early 1950s, thanks to the perfect
mastery of chronometric precision and waterproofness, Rolex developed professional
watches that served as tools and whose
functions went far beyond simply telling the
time. These watches were intended for new
professional activities, such as deep-sea diving, aviation, mountain climbing and scientific exploration. These watches generated
lasting enthusiasm and asserted themselves
as watches of achievement.
In 1953, equipped with an Oyster
Perpetual, the expedition led by Sir John
Hunt, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay
was the first to reach the summit of Everest.
Today, its successor, the exquisite Oyster
Perpetual Explorer II is one of Rolex’s most
popular models.
In 1960, Jacques Piccard’s submersible
deep-sea research vessel plunged to a depth
of 10,916 meters in the Mariana Trench in
that benefits from important technical innovations. It is equipped with a
RINGLOCK SYSTEM, a new case architecture patented by Rolex, which allows the
watch to resist the colossal pressure exerted
by water at great depths. It is the first watch
to feature a bracelet with a double extension system making it easily adaptable for
greater comfort in wear over a diving suit.
ROLEX PHILANTHROPY
Rolex Explorer II – Stainless Steel
the Pacific Ocean. An experimental Oyster
prototype, the Deep Sea Special, fastened to
its hull, withstood a pressure of over one ton
per square centimeters.
This year the new Rolex DEEPSEA is a
product of man’s inherent desire to push the
boundaries of his dreams and his potential.
Waterproof to an extreme depth of 3,900
meters (12,800 feet), this new generation
diver’s watch confirms the supremacy of
Rolex in the mastery of water-proofness
and demonstrates an ever-present pursuit of
excellence.
Entirely developed and manufactured by
Rolex, the DEEPSEA is a totally new watch
Since it was founded a century ago, Rolex
has championed individual excellence and
achievement in all its activities. During
the past three decades, the company has
continued to recognize excellence through
two unique philanthropic programs: from
1976, the Rolex Awards for Enterprise, and,
from 2002, the Rolex Mentor and Protégé
Arts Initiative, a global program that pairs
emerging artists with masters in dance, film,
literature, music, theatre and the visual arts
for a year of intensive collaboration. Building
on a legacy of supporting culture that dates
back to the 1970s, when the company
established unique relationships with many
of the greatest living artists, Rolex launched
the Arts Initiative to help ensure that
artistic excellence is passed on to the next
generation. Unparalleled in its artistic and
geographic reach – over 200 notable talents
Rolex Deepsea – Stainless Steel
from 39 countries have participated since its
beginnings – the multidisciplinary initiative
is currently in its fourth cycle.
By fostering innovation in science, exploration, conservation and the arts, both the
Rolex Awards and the Rolex Arts Initiative
advance the work of individuals who exemplify the vision, ingenuity and excellence
that define the Rolex brand.
For more info on Rolex, visit their website
at www.rolex.com
■
D E C E M B E R /J A N U A R Y
15
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16
INFO SUISSE
B ru no’s Ti p
Are You In A Co nf lict?
ARE YOU IN A CONFLICT?
By Bruno Gideon
Whenever you’re in conflict with
someone, there is one factor that
can make the difference between
damaging your relationship and
deepening it.
That factor is attitude.
William James
Nobody likes dealing with conflicts, especially when strong feelings are involved. But
there is no way around it: conflicts are a fact
of life. What matters is the way we react to
them. When drawn into a conflict, some seek
revenge. Others may act macho, cave in, or
look for a scapegoat. Some try to ignore the
situation, hoping that the problem will go
away. But none of these are viable solutions.
And the longer a conflict goes unsolved, the
harder it will eventually lash back at us.
Differences can be opportunities for creative and effective solutions, but we all have
our emotions and they often override what
could have been a positive interaction. When
we experience feelings of dislike, alienation,
and disregard then we know that something
went wrong and our main focus should be to
fix the problem and stop wasting our time.
Are you involved in arguments at work or
at home? Are you having thoughts like “Who
does he think I am?” or “I will show them!”?
Is revenge on your mind? The best advice
I can give you is to deal with the conflict
now. Put aside your emotions and get back
to basics. Ask yourself, “What is this conflict
really about?” Be active and do not let the
problem run its course. Begin with a sincere
desire to find a way out for both parties. Pull
back when you experience pushback. Then
let some time pass and tackle the problem
again. But what if it is unsolvable right now?
That may be a reality that you simply have
to accept, but it won’t hurt to try again after
a few weeks or months.
Are you in a conflict right now? Don’t
procrastinate – deal with it now!
Born in Switzerland, Bruno Gideon now
lives in Toronto. His inspirational tips to help
us improve our daily lives have become
a regular feature both in info suisse and
on our website. His insight and wisdom,
stemming from his vast experience as a
successful entrepreneur and author make
us reflect on some of our own situations
where we could have used his advice. While
these particular tips are exclusively written
for our chamber, Bruno also has a weekly
e-mail newsletter that you can subscribe to,
free of charge, by signing up on his website
www.brunogideon.com and we encourage
you to do so.
His books, “Wet Behind the Ears”, “Not at
My Expense” and “Don’t Take No for an
Answer!” can be ordered directly through
Bruno’s website.
■
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
OF ONTARIO
The Swiss Canadian Scholarship
Fund of Ontario is pleased to offer
yearly scholarships. It is open to
members of the SCCC and the
Swiss Community.
To find out more about the
availability and eligibility criteria,
please visit the Ontario Chamber’s
website at:
www.swissbiz.ca/scholarship
D E C E M B E R /J A N U A R Y
17
Kari n’s Performan ce S o l u t i o ns
M o re With Less
by Karin Lindner
Do you want to know a great cost saving
tip? Avoid and/or reduce meetings. Before
calling a meeting, ask yourself “Is a meeting
the best way to handle this?” or could the
same information be covered in a memo,
e-mail or brief report?
Having said that, I believe that meetings are one of the most important ways
for employees to communicate within the
organization but....there are far too many
that are too long and most are boring and
ineffective. My suggestion: have fewer but
better meetings!
I am sure you have lived through meetings which were a complete waste of time
as they did not accomplish anything.
It is amazing for us to see how many
unstructured meetings take place in organizations on a daily basis and what’s more
interesting is that there are people who
quite enjoy going to these meetings.
It makes them look really busy. They get
the chance to sit for one, two or even more
hours with a cup of coffee, and it’s a great
excuse to fall behind in their real job. It’s
almost like watching George Costanzia in
one of the Seinfeld episodes - taking on the
busy “business look” and saying “I am so
sorry but I have to go to this meeting.”
Do you know anyone you could call the
Queen or King of Meetings? These are the
ones I am talking about.
I have a vision of replacing the boardroom
table with several treadmills. I am sure this
will be the future for progressive companies.
18
INFO SUISSE
ing a run. Why shouldn’t this also work for
business meetings?
Most people have never experienced the
power of effective meetings with satisfying
outcomes and that’s why I want to provide
some brief advice:
1. Have the end in mind:
You have to be clear as to what needs to
be accomplished. What are the objectives
of the meeting? It will help to write down
and complete the following sentence: By
the end of the meeting I want to... i.e.
generate at least three ideas for cost savings, solve a quality issue, etc.
2. Have an Agenda:
ALIBI
THE ART OF WASTING TIME
AND MONEY – MEETINGS
Every attendee would have to present his or
her material walking on the treadmill. How
long do you think the meetings would be
without coffee, cream and donuts? Certainly
not more than 30 - 60 minutes. People would
be healthier and the cost savings would be
incredible.
I run marathons and I just recently qualified for the Boston Marathon. I link physical
activity to my ability to contribute to others,
build better relationships and improve my
health and business success. I believe in
physical vibrancy and energy and I know
that I often come up with the best ideas dur-
Entre la banque fondée à Genève en 1819 et la marque désormais présente sur 3 continents,
il y a tout un monde de nouvelles opportunités pour nos clients. Mais c’est toujours avec
la même volonté d’excellence que Mirabaud peut, aujourd’hui, vous faire profiter de ses
compétences sur un large territoire de produits et services financiers: gestion privée et
institutionnelle, fonds traditionnels et alternatifs.
Ouverture & équilibre
MIRABAUD Gestion Inc. Yves Erard
1501, avenue McGill College Bureau 2220 Montréal (Québec) H3A 3M8
T +1 514 393-9748 F +1 514 393-1828
www.mirabaud.com
Outline the meeting objectives, the discussion leader for each topic and the exact
time allotment for each topic; Prepare
the agenda and distribute it before the
meeting. Ideally everyone who attends
a meeting should be expected to get
involved and/or give input. Otherwise,
why are they at the meeting? If there is
no active participation, they can read the
meeting minutes and be productive elsewhere. There are too many people who
tune out during a meeting because they
neither take responsibility nor initiative.
3. Start on time and end on time:
There should be no excuse for someone
who initiates a meeting to be late. It
shows a lack of respect for other people’s
time. This person leads by example, so the
meeting participants are also expected
to be on time. Keep people focused and
work with a stop watch to help discussion
leaders stick to their time allotment. As a
reward you will have fewer people looking at their watch as they will know that
the meeting will end on time.
4. Assign Meeting Preparation:
If all participants have something to
prepare for the meeting, it will take on a
new significance for each team member.
For example, ask questions about possible
solutions and give people the chance to
think about it ahead of time.
5. Assign Action Items:
It is an absolute must not to finish any
meeting discussion without determining
next steps. Assigning projects or tasks as
they arise during a meeting means that
your follow-through will be complete.
Assign a different team member for each
meeting to write the meeting minutes.
Keep people focused and they will appreciate being part of the solution.
6. Ask for Feedback on the Meeting
Process:
Every meeting has room for improvement. What worked well? What can we do
to improve? Were attendees unprepared?
Get the feedback of the attendees and
become better and better and better.
If you implement these suggestions, you
will not only save time and money but your
business meetings will lead to real success.
Karin is a Human Performance Specialist
with KARICO Performance Solutions
located in Richmond Hill, Ontario. She is
the founder and owner and her mission is
to “help organizations and individuals in
manufacturing environments to become
the best they can be by positively impacting their ROI (Relationships, Outcomes
and Improvements)”. Karin can be
reached at 1-647-401-5274 or by e-mail
at karin@karicosolutions.com; you may
also visit her website at
www.karicosolutions.com
■
D E C E M B E R /J A N U A R Y
19
Consumer Goods / Industrie des biens de consommation
EMBRACING HOME
ENTERTAINMENT WITH
STYLE AND FLARE!
By Manuela Giuliani, Marketing Manager, Swiss
Peak Ltd / Swissmar Ltd
As we have been noticing lately spending
quality time at home with family and
friends sharing a tasteful meal, laughter
and enjoyment has been an old tradition
that has come around again as being
ever so popular. People are considering
staying at home rather than going out to
restaurants more and more. People are still
very much in favour of going out to eat to
experiment new cuisine but with the ever
increasing Food Network shows available
and Home Improvement demonstration
shows to choose from, staying at home is
of the moment and made easy. Food trends
on exploring new foods, how to prepare
them, healthy eating and how to entertain
is all the rage! Making your house your
home; having bigger kitchens or a great
room equals entertaining in your own
exclusive environment a must for the food
enthusiast or home entertainer.
Cheese, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin
olive oil- all have been around yet, there is
a new take on these staples and a lot more
experimentation on the different varieties
available to accommodate the demand of
the enthusiast’s taste buds. There are new
ways to prepare or present these tasty
treats; for example, a cheese platter with
a variety of cheeses complemented with
the appropriate cheese knives- possibly the
addition of condiments, like aged balsamic
vinegar or honey to accompany this specific
assortment. The presentation can be rustic
casual or more elegant and sophisticated
or a combination as each can easily be
transformed by the gourmet accessories as
part of the presentation. All these tools or
gadgets are readily available, the variety is
immense; it depends on the education of
the proper use of these tools, and the enthusiast’s individual style and flare for a creative
arrangement. Demand for consumer goods
in the house wares market has increased to
compliment the growing needs and wants
of the food aficionado.
Thanks to the popularity of these shows
and the personalities that host them, the
idea of educating the viewer on how to use,
how to prepare and how to enjoy is made
simple and an essential part of everyday
entertaining. There is so much influence from
G
Europe and Asia incorporated in preparing
and presenting healthy and nutritious foods.
It is like taking a traditional item turning it
and tweaking it to make it new again. The
‘vintage’ item is made to look more contemporary and is being sought after as the
hottest new trend. These consumer goods
have not gone away instead have been
updated to conform to sharing a traditional
experience.
Take the Swissmar Fondue or Swissmar
Raclette, it has been around for a long time
and yet the traditional experience and the
never ending possibilities have encouraged
culinary diversity and experimentation making it a more modern and fresh item. Mauviel
of France cookware collection, again, the
quality and the performance of this professional item when making a healthy meal is
second to none. Materials in items used in
many of these consumer goods have been
updated to make them more efficient when
using, the styles are more modern and the
colour variety to appeal to the consumer.
lobal relocation is a people business. At TheMIGroup,
our central theme has always been to train and empower our
people to deliver solutions that result in satisfied customers and
successful outcomes.
Contact us, we’d love to talk to you.
Toronto Office
Tel: 888-677-4650
mi.toronto@themigroup.com
www.themigroup.com
London, UK Hong Kong Atlanta Chicago Houston Los Angeles New York
Philadelphia San Francisco Calgary Montreal Toronto Vancouver
TheMIGroup’s Global Alliance of Relocation Service Providers
20
INFO SUISSE
Bridging
Continents
& Cultures
The quality or brand chosen by the different generational divides, which includes
Gen Y (14- 33 years of age) or Baby Boomers
(44-63 years of age) etc, are dictated by their
lifestyle, tastes, personalities and willingness
to explore new items, just to name a few.
As we all know, in each stage of life there
are different priorities that take precedence
in choosing that specific item. From a Gen Y
point of view, style, colour, design is more
important, if it is made in Asia or made in
Europe- that may depend on retail price. In
this phase of their lives, an entry level price
point item may be more to their liking if the
style and colour works with their home environment. The quality is important but the
look may be more the deciding factor. From
a Baby Boomer’s point of view, they are at
a stage that may provide them the luxury of
more time to enjoy things in life, so quality
may be priority and one they keep top of
mind. There may be more research involved
in finding the correct product for their needs.
Style, colour and design are important but
function and longevity may win out. Quality
is a factor that is key as well; they will try
to purchase the best possible item they can
afford. For a pepper mill they may choose a
tried and true quality icon like Peugeot for
its heritage and craftsmanship.
All in all, what is available for our entertaining enthusiasts is endless. The varieties
of consumer goods that cater to these
culinary fans are made all over the world in
all shapes, colours and sizes. It is the flare
and the enthusiasm that is put into eating,
entertaining and the environment that it is
consumed in that makes the whole experience different each time. It is the embracing
of these new ideas and combining them
with the traditions that makes it unique and
memorable.
SCCC (MONTREAL) INC.
Corporate members / Membres corporatifs
Helvea Inc.
1800 McGill College Avenue, Suite 1020
Montreal, QC H3A 3J6
514 - 288 3556
Mr. Felix Weibel
fweibel@helvea.com
Web: www.helvea.com
Isoelectric Energie Inc.
275 Liberté
Candiac, QC J5R 3X8
450 – 633 1414
M. Giancarlo Pellegrino, President
isoelectric@me.com
Mrs. Madeleine Pellegrino, Director
mg.pellegrino@videotron.ca
Individual members / membres individuels
Mr. Reto Nett
KMPG LLP
600 Blvd. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Suite1500
Montreal, QC, H3A 0A3 Canada
514 – 840 2100
retonett@kpmg.ca
Web : www.kpmg.ca
For more information visit
Swiss Peak / Swissmar at their websites
www.swisspeak.com and
www.swissmar.com
■
FINECAST
High Precision Machining / Machinage de Haute Précision
Our consultative approach, our complete solution-based machining service, and
our innovative abilities in technological multi-sector industries continue to expand
our horizons.
Notre approche consultative, notre service d’usinage à base d’une solution
complète et nos capacités novatrices dans les industries multi-sectorielles
continuent à développer nos horizons.
________________________
208 Migneron
Saint-Laurent, QC
H4T 1Y7
BIENVENUE AUX NOUVEAUX MEMBRES
________________
www.finecast.ca
Tel : 514-331-0322
Fax : 514-331-0261
info@finecast.ca
Mr. Patrick Lebel
SNC Lavalin
455 René Lévesque Ouest
Montreal, QC, H2Z 1Z3 Canada
514 – 717 7788
fpl789@gmail.com
Web : www.snc-lavalin.com
M. Jocelyn Rhéaume
J.B. Deschamps Inc.
9660 boulevard du Golf
Montreal, QC H1J 2Y7 Canada
514 – 353 2493 # 3327
jrheaume@deschamps.com
Web : www.deschamps.com
M. Jean-Bernard May
Bonne Nature Inc.
Crettaz-Cô 14
Chemin Etoile des Glaciers
CH – 1936 Verbier Suisse
jbmay@netplus.ch
Correction last issue:
Mr. Charles Berthoud
Bert2 Hospitality Consultant
5918 Mc Lynn
Montréal, QC H3X 2R2 Canada
514-814-3188
E-mail : charlesberthoud2004@yahoo.com.hk
D E C E M B E R /J A N U A R Y
21
Business and Trade News
Continued from page 11
de l’étranger (CSE) qui se tenait à Lucerne.
Le Conseil est composé de 20 membres
provenant de la Suisse et de 120 membres
de l’étranger représentant les intérêts
des suisses à l’étranger. Plus de 45% des
délégués étaient des nouveaux élus pour
une période de 4 ans, soit de 2009 à 2013.
Chaque congrès annuel est toujours précédé
de deux rencontres en Suisse, une au printemps et une à l’été. Le Canada compte 5
délégués : John Bartlett et Rolf Bruelhart de
Vancouver, Ernst Notz de Toronto, Kati LyonVilliger d’Ottawa et Bruno Setz de Montréal.
Ernst Notz et Bruno Setz remplaçaient
Verena Ducommun-Tobler et Ron Favarger.
Nous tenons à remercier chaleureusement
Vreni et Ron pour leur implication au niveau
du CSE et leur dévouement face à la communauté suisse au Canada.
Plus de 100 délégués venus du monde
entier se sont réunis pour aborder différents
sujets concernant les 700 000 suisses vivant
à l’étranger (10% de la population helvétique qui vit à l’étranger). Les délégués,
les représentants du gouvernement et
les ambassadeurs et des personnalités du
monde des affaires suisses ont été accueillis par le président Jacques-Simon Eggly. Le
congrès avait pour thème : « Les Suisses de
l’étranger : une richesse pour notre pays ? »
À notre grand étonnement, tout le congrès s’est déroulé en français ou en allemand
(avec traduction simultanée); aucune conférence n’a été prononcée en anglais. Parmi
les sujets abordés, l’ambassadeur Boerlin
a traité de l’importance de la « Cinquième
Suisse » en indiquant entre autres qu’environ
125 000 suisses se prévalaient maintenant
de leur droit de vote, soit par la poste, soit
par voie électronique dans quelques cantons.
En 2004, le Sénateur Lombardi a présenté
une pétition au gouvernement suisse afin de
préciser le statut des suisses de l’étranger;
la réponse se fait encore attendre. Ceci est
inacceptable. Une étude de l’Université de
Neuchâtel présentement en cours et devant
se terminer au printemps 2010, traitera du
manque de politiques claires en émigration.
22
INFO SUISSE
On sait que le nombre de suisses vivant à
l’étranger s’accroît progressivement et qu’un
sur 10 suisses vit temporairement ou de façon
permanente à l’extérieur du pays. Le fait que
le nombre de parutions de la « Revue Suisse
» soit passé de 6 à 4 par année a été discuté
et a été suivit d’une recommandation ferme
au gouvernement de revenir à 6 publications
annuelles. Le gouvernement suisse diminue
les coûts en fermant des consulats à travers
le monde et en demandant à swissinfo.ch
de couper 7 millions CHF de son budget. Les
suisses vivant aux Etats-Unis ont exprimé
plusieurs plaintes dont celle de la fermeture
de leur compte par des banques suisses.
Selon nous, il faudra un certain
temps avant de voir les résultats de ces
propositions.
La prochaine rencontre se tiendra à
Berne le 27 mars 2010 suivi du congrès
annuel le 20 août 2010 à St-Gall. Veuillez
nous informer de tout problème ou difficulté
afin que nous puissions les transmettre au
prochain congrès du CSE. Nous vous invitons
aussi à consulter le site : www.aso.ch.
Pour toute question ou de plus amples
informations, veuillez communiquer avec
ernst.notz@rogers.com ou brunosetz@
videotron.ca
■
Business News
By Location Switzerland - Switzerland Trade and
Investment Promotion
European countries where regions have more
powers and responsibilities in terms of taxation, legislation and education policies tend
to do better economically than centralized
ones, a Swiss study entitled ‘The Impact of
Decentralization on Economic Growth’ shows.
The study, developed by he Swiss-based
BAK research center, measures the impact
of decentralization on the economy, as well
as the quality of education and innovation
in 26 European countries, including non-EU
members Switzerland, Norway and Croatia
and excluding Luxembourg, Slovenia, Cyprus
and Malta because of their small size.
The country ranking as most centralized
was EU newcomer Bulgaria, followed by
the Baltic States, Greece, Croatia, Norway,
Ireland, Denmark and France.
At the other end of the scale, Switzerland
– famous for deciding almost everything by referendum – ranked first, followed by Germany,
Belgium, Spain, Austria and Italy.
Herndon, VA- based K12 Inc., a premier
education and distance learning provider for
students from kindergarten through high
school, has announced the establishment of
a new international headquarters in Thun,
Canton Bern. The new location will spearhead
the company’s growing presence in Europe
and Asia as well as assisting with product
research, customer service, teacher education,
administration and sales. An initial team of
seven persons will be based at the HQ.
Addeco SA, one of the global leaders in
executive search and job placement, will
acquire MPS Group, Inc., of Jacksonville,
FL, an internet consultancy and systems
integration company. The transaction valued
at $1.3 billion, still awaits shareholder and
regulatory approval.
Pastca, Venezuela’s largest milk processor recently moved its head office from
Venezuela to Fribourg, where it is expected
to create around 20 new jobs in the medium
term. The company’s finance, marketing,
human resources and research activities will
be managed from the Fribourg site.
Also from Venezuela, it was announced
that Petro Falcon Corporation is set to acquire
a majority stake in Switzerland’s photovoltaic
power generation company Solar Resources
Holding Sarl, also known as Etrion.
On September 23 Switzerland and the US
signed an updated income taxation treaty, a
move the U.S. hopes will help it combat offshore tax evasion by U.S. citizens. It provides
the IRS with greater access to information on
U.S. account holders at Swiss banks but calls
for the U.S. to clearly identify the suspected
account holder.
Baxter International, Yahoo!, Alcon
Corporation, AGCO, Medtronic and CSL Behring
all received Tell Awards for Switzerland’s
most significant inward investment projects
by North American firms in 2008 at a festive
ceremony held at the Ambassador’s private
residence on October 26th. The awards are
named for the legendary Swiss hero William
Tell and recognize the job creation, investment and technology achieved by foreign
investors in Switzerland every year. 135
persons from industry, politics and media
attended the ceremony which grows in
attendance and interest every year.
Texas-based DataCert, a provider of legal
operations management solutions, has
announced the opening of its latest European
office in Zurich.
Ft. Worth, TX-based Alcon, Inc., a leader
in ophthalmic pharmaceuticals research and
development, has purchased ESBATech AG
in Zurich. Alcon will pay a reported $150
million in cash as well an additional $400
million in agreed milestone payments.
Continued on page 31
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BERNARD LETTE
BARRISTER & SOLICITOR ADMITTED IN ONTARIO, QUEBEC AND FRANCE
AVOCAT AUX BARREAUX DE PARIS, MONTRÉAL ET TORONTO
BLETTE@LETTE.CA
Lette Whittaker LLP
Lette & Associés
Lette Alérion
Lette & Knorr
137, rue de l’université
75007 Paris
Tel: +33 (1) 58.56.97.00
Fax: +33 (1) 58.56.97.01
paris@alerionavocats.com
Tal 12
D-80331 München
Tel: +49 (0) 89.290.03.70
Fax: +49 (0) 89.290.03.756
munich@lette.ca
s.e.n.c.r.l.
20 Queen St. W.,Suite 3300
Box 33, Toronto ON M5H 3R3
Tel: +1 416.971.4848
Fax: +1 416.971.4849
toronto@lette.ca
630, Bd. René-lévesque Ouest
#2800, Montréal QC H3B 1S6
Tel: +1 514.871.3838
Fax: +1 514.876.4217
montreal@lette.ca
D E C E M B E R /J A N U A R Y
23
Chamber News / Information de votre chambre
SCCC EVENING EVENT AT
THE SPOKE CLUB
By Roger Hunziker
On October 21, the SCCC hosted a cocktail reception at the private Spoke Club
in downtown Toronto. The evening was
sponsored by Dr. Charles Piwko of Narimya
Pharmaceuticals, the official and exclusive
Canadian distributor of the skin care products
of Spirig, Switzerland.
AG), one of the world’s market leaders in
dermatological products. All the guests left
with samples generously provided by Dr.
Charles Piwko and a better idea of how
private enterprise can support public health
care in Canada.
With more than 100 members and guest
in attendance, this event obviously appealed
to a lot of people and was a full success. Our
thanks go to Dr. Charles Piwko and Dr. Neil
Shear for their time and effort as well as to
Mr. Rudi Blatter and Ms. Cindy Gee of Lindt
for their help in organizing the event.
■
Insurance
Risk Management
Zurich HelpP int
The keynote speaker for the evening
was Dr. Neil Shear, Professor and Chief of
Dermatology at the University of Toronto
Medical School. His spirited presentation
on his work in the field of skin care and
his patients touched many in the audience
who followed up with a number of questions about protecting the skin from the
sun, and how to treat chronic skin diseases.
Dr. Shear also spoke on the importance of
the partnership between health care specialists in his field and companies such as
Spirig Pharma and Dr. Charles Piwko’s own
Narimya Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Piwko, during
his own short presentation, then elaborated
on the subject by showing how Narimya
Pharmaceuticals is helping skin care specialists by importing high quality products from
Switzerland into Canada. Narimya distributes creams and lotions manufactured in
Switzerland by Spirig Pharma (Egerkingen,
24
INFO SUISSE
We provide claims handling specialists
for those not-so-special moments.
Zurich HelpPoint is here when you need more than just insurance. That’s why the
moment you need help, we engage a deeply experienced claims team with an
understanding of your company and your specific needs. They can quickly assess
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Here to help your world.
Because change happenz®, Zurich® and HelpPointTM are trademarks of Zurich Insurance Company Ltd
SCCC DINNER & DANCE (D&D) 2009
When the D & D takes place, we know that
the year is almost over and that Christmas
will be here in no time.
Over 150 elegantly dressed guests
attended our event, which was held on
November 21 at the beautiful Hotel Le
Meridien King Edward in downtown Toronto.
Our Ambassador and his charming wife
Suzanne as well as newly arrived Consul
General Bernadette Hunkeler-Brown and
her husband Nigel honored us with their
attendance. The theme of the evening was
“Latin Night” and the room and tables were
decorated accordingly with a lot of red roses
kindly arranged by Sonja Evans. Shakura, our
beautiful and skillful singer with Swiss roots,
opened the evening with temperamental
music, followed by the dancers Elmarie and
Francisco who performed Tango/Salsa and
taught the courageous volunteers some
to name a few: Swiss International Airlines,
Switzerland Tourism, Zermatt Tourism,
Euromart, Gerry Attenborough, HUH, I Love
to Travel Group, Kuehne + Nagel, Lindt &
Sprüngli, Ricola, Nestle, Niagara Helicopters,
Roche, Rolex, Swissmar/Swiss Peak,
Swiss Re, Switzerland Cheese, Vreni Tobler
Ducommun and Zurich Insurance.
SCCC hopes that you will remember this
as a fun night and we are all looking forward
to seeing you again next year. So please
already mark your calendar now: November
20th 2010 will be here in no time!
The Organizing Committee
Please feel free to comment and send
us your input on this and future events
to sccc@swissbiz.ca
■
141 Adelaide Street West, Suite 203
Toronto, Ontario
M5H 3L5
Telephone: 416 777-0123
Salsa steps. The well-known band Howard
Lopez/Ken Meyer entertained us through the
whole evening on the dance floor. The food
offered by the Swiss Chef Daniel Schick was
outstanding and his dessert buffet topped
all the expectations. Thanks to Patricia Keller
and Kathy Utigard who put a lot of effort into
helping to organize this event.
We were again able to offer great raffle
prizes thanks to our generous sponsors, just
Fax: 416 777-0308
For your investment needs please contact:
Werner Joller
David Ratcliffe
President
Managing Director
www.hottinger.com
D E C E M B E R /J A N U A R Y
25
Travel New s
WINTER IN SWITZERLAND
By myswitzerland.com
A NIGHT OUT: LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES
Imagine what it feels like to have 480 horsepower at your command, snow, a pale moon
and the crackle of your colleagues’ radio
messages for company. Welcome to the
world of the “Pistenbully” operator. Those
who want to experience it live can hitch a
lift on one in Zermatt. For more info go to
www.zermatt.ch
SKIING: THE BEST, LONGEST AND
TOUGHEST RUNS
THE REAL EXPERIENCE: TYPICALLY
SWISS HOTELS
The longest runs, the most challenging
descents and the best night skiing. We have
gathered all the necessary information for
you. Visit www.myswitzerland.com/winter
for detailed information
Service that is a touch more personal,
atmosphere that is authentic, food that is
surprisingly down to earth. Typically Swiss
is no empty promise, but rather the badge
of honor for a hotel experience to be had
only in Switzerland. For more details, go to
www.myswitzerland.com/typically
PERSONAL BUTLER: DRINKS ON
THE SLOPES
Every Monday a butler will serve drinks on
the slopes in Arosa. Attired in proper style
with top hat and tails, a staff member of
the mountain trains offers colorful welcome
drinks (for sure supporting the guests’
good spirits, but are 100% alcohol-free).
Go to Arosa Tourismus at www.arosa.ch for
more info.
Switzerland is a small
country. Less than one hour,
and you’re off.
–
SHORTCUTS, SWISS MADE.
–
Short walking distances and perfectly harmonised flight schedules mean that nowhere in Europe is it quicker and easier to change from one plane
to the next than in Zurich. It’s almost a shame that you don’t have more time to enjoy the airport itself, which was awarded the «World Travel Award
2006». For information and reservations, call 1-877-FLY-SWISS or contact your travel agent. Visit SWISS.COM to find out more about all the things
we do to make each and every flight as comfortable as possible for our guests.
SWISS.COM
055_300_HUB_191.77x127_InfoSuiss1 1
26
INFO SUISSE
20.3.2007 14:36:49 Uhr
Our amusement park.
MySwitzerland.com
The Swiss Travel System has the perfect ticket for you to discover Switzerland. Tailoured to
your itinerary the Swiss Pass, Swiss Flexi Pass, Swiss Transfer Ticket or the Swiss Card will be
the perfect solution to ride 20,000 km of train, postal bus or boat routes. Your personal choice
include the classic scenic routes such as the Glacier Express, the Bernina Express, the Golden
Pass Line, the William Tell Express, and the Palm Express. Also included is the public transport
system of 38 cities, and the passes give you 50% discount on most mountaintop trains and
cable cars. To top if off, you will profit from free entries to over 450 museums.
For more information go to www.swisstravelsystem.ch,
www.raileurope.ca, or call 1-800-361-RAIL (7245)
Travel New s
SKIING: THE BEST, LONGEST AND
TOUGHEST RUNS
The longest runs, the most challenging
descents and the best night skiing. We have
gathered all the necessary information for
you. www.myswitzerland.com/winter
FRONT SEAT: ENGINEER FOR A DAY
In the driver’s cab, the ride on the highest
railway transversal in the Alps becomes an
unforgettable adventure. The locomotive
engineer proffers unique information on
railway engineering, while you have a front
seat. On top of it, you will receive a commemorative certificate and a photograph of
your trip.
For more information, visit the website of
the Rhaetian Railways at www.rhb.ch
SKATING: SCHUSS DOWN THE ICE PATH
Put on your skates – and yes, don’t forget
your helmet – because the skateline will
take you on a 1.8 mile/3km ride down a
natural ice path. When was the last time,
you schussed down on your skates?
www.skateline.ch
EARLY BIRD: SUNRISE ON THE SLOPES
Hit the slopes first: On weekends the
chairlift start operating as early as 6:30 am
in Lenzerheide. Shortly before dawn the
Stätzerhorn chairlift whisks early risers to the
pinnacle. www.lenzerheide.com/snowrise
HIKING ABOVE THE CLOUDS ON MT. RIGI
High above the “sea of fog” on Mount Rigi,
you can explore over 22 miles of winter hik-
I want my
wealth
manager to
listen very
carefully,
even to the
things
I don’t say.
ing trails. Surrounded by mountain peaks and
the lake of Lucerne, you get most impressive
panoramic views. www.rigi.ch
THE ANIMAL WHISPERER:
GAME WATCHING
When game warden Jon Gross hikes through
Val Müstair in winter, he not only enjoys the
enchanting landscape, he also observes the
habits of numerous animals that are found
there. Join Jon Gross on his tour through
pristine natural scenery and get an insight
view. www.val-muestair.ch
SKIBOCK: THE SWISS WAY OF SLEDDING
Cut your skis short, add some wood – and
the Skibock is ready. This way of sledding
reminds of riding a unicycle, but it is easier
to learn. And it is much more fun. Especially
if you made your own skibock. After the
nighttime sledding party, the “Swiss-certified Skibock builders” are rewarded with a
fondue dinner.www.adelboden.ch
■
For information about UBS in
Canada, please contact:
Christian Rime, Montreal:
514-985 8100
Angela Wiebeck, Toronto:
416-343 1800; 1 800 268 9709
Marna Oseen, Calgary:
403-532 2180
Martine Cunliffe, Vancouver:
604-669 5570; 1 800 305 5181
www.ubs.com/canada
Capitalization for UBS AG is based on a comparison of UBS’s September 30, 2008 Tier 1 capital ratio against Tier 1 capital ratios most recently reported by banks governed
by the Basel I or II Capital Accords.
Investment advisory and portfolio management services are provided through UBS Investment Management Canada Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of UBS Bank
(Canada). UBS Bank (Canada) is a subsidiary of UBS AG. UBS Wealth Management is a registered trademark of UBS AG. © UBS 2009. All rights reserved.
28
184x127_IN4L_A4h_Canada_e.indd 1
INFO SUISSE
16.1.2009 15:16:39 Uhr
Business and Trade News
CURRENCY MARKETS –
THE SWISS NATIONAL BANK
REINS IN THE FRANC
By Giovanni Staunovo, Strategist, UBS AG
•
The Swiss National Bank remains
firmly committed to resisting any
further appreciation of the franc.
• We think the euro’s modest appreciation potential makes switches out of
the franc attractive as long as EURCHF
trades below 1.51.
At its monetary policy review in March,
the Swiss National Bank announced a series
of unconventional measures to relax Swiss
monetary conditions. Among these measures, the SNB expressed its commitment
to preventing the franc from rising against
the euro as long as the threat of deflation
persisted. So far, the SNB has succeeded in
keeping EURCHF above 1.50.
has any offered a currency strategy as explicit
as the SNB’s, although the Reserve Bank of
Australia is actively managing its reserves,
if not its currency directly. Canada’s and
New Zealand’s central bankers have verbally
expressed their discomfort with their strong
currencies, but neither has undertaken any
systematic interventions. The US dollar’s
weakness reflects the Fed’s ultra-loose monetary and fiscal policies, while officials at
the Bank of England and Sweden’s Riksbank
have even expressed their comfort with
their weak currencies.
THE INTERNATIONAL ROLE OF THE
SWISS FRANC
THE SNB GOES ITS OWN WAY
It appears that the SNB has intervened at
least five times in FX markets since March,
though the bank only confirms the first
intervention. However, the SNB’s own statistics supply some important evidence of
its recent activities. According to its Monthly
Statistical Bulletin, the SNB’s assets rose by
USD 7.5bn and EUR 16.9bn since the fourth
quarter of last year. Altogether, the interventions boosted the SNB’s foreign currency
holdings by over 70%.
No other central bank in the G10 currency
universe – comprising the US, the Eurozone,
the UK, Japan, Canada, Switzerland, Australia,
New Zealand, Norway, and Sweden – has
intervened in the FX market this year; nor
According to the Triennial Central Bank
Survey, the Swiss franc was the fifth most
actively traded currency in April 2007,
used in 3.4% of all foreign exchange
transactions. The most traded currency
was the US Dollar, used in a 43.2% of
all transactions, followed by the Euro at
18.5%. The Japanese yen, at 8.3%, was
third, and Sterling was fourth at 7.5%.
roeconomic outlook, key investments views,
and important financial market risks.
Signs of a revival in economic activity
continued to emerge throughout the third
quarter, providing a catalyst for further
gains in financial markets. Stabilization
and improvement in the economic outlook
are likely to underpin risky assets during
the fourth quarter. Despite the impressive performance within financial markets
since early March, valuations of most risky
assets have not yet run ahead of economic
fundamentals – even if we assume a rather
shallow and anaemic recovery.
• Economic upturn to continue, despite
structural risks
• Government bond yields to move higher
• Corporate bonds attractive despite
impressive run
• Economic and earnings recovery
to underpin equities
• Commodity prices have room to rise
• Carry trades and fundamentals weigh
on US dollar
Our UBS investment advisers would be
pleased to discuss the implications of our
analyses on your personal situation and
specific investments and to provide you with
any further information you might require.
To view and download the full report,
please visit the SCCC Ontario website
www.swissbiz.ca under
“Business Services”
■
UBS GLOBAL OUTLOOK – 4TH
QUARTER 2009
By Julien Favre, Director, Head, Key Client Group
Ontario of UBS Bank (Canada)
Dear Reader,
I am delighted to provide you with a copy of
the new UBS Global Outlook for the fourth
quarter of 2009 entitled, “The tough climb
continues,” which provides you with a
comprehensive analysis of the global mac-
D E C E M B E R /J A N U A R Y
29
corptype
Proud to be of service to the
Swiss Canadian Chambers
of Commerce
Nancy Raitt
Tel: 416.444.6102
E-mail: corptype1@corptype.ca
30
INFO SUISSE
B U S I N E SS N EWS
Continued from page 23
Cleveland, OH-based Eaton Corporation,
a diversified power management company
and global technology leader in electrical systems, has enlarged its footprint in
Switzerland by purchasing the remaining
fifty per cent stake in Micro Innovation
Holding AG in St. Gallen. The Swiss company
manufactures programmable logic controllers and input/output devices.
Zug-based Foster Wheeler AG has reportedly acquired the assets of Atlas Engineering,
Inc. a manufacturer of blind threaded rivets
based in Houston, TX.
Actelion, Inc. of Basel, one of Europe’s
largest pure biotechs has enlarged its San
Francisco footprint by purchasing the Sierra
Point Building near the San Francisco Airport
for a reported $32 million. The Swiss company had heretofore leased about 50,000
square feet in the building and now plans to
consolidate its operations there.
Am Trust Financial Services, Inc. based in
Florham Park, NJ, and traded on NASDAQ has
acquired Sarasota, FL based workers compensation specialist Cyber Comp from Swiss Re.
Basel-based Syngenta AG, a leader in
pesticides and fertilizers, has entered into
an agreement to buy Monsanto’s global sunflower assets for a reported $160 million.
Meyer Burger Technology AG, a manufacturer of band saws based in Central
Switzerland has agreed to acquire Diamond
Wire Technology LLC located in Colorado
Springs, CO. The US company manufactures
saws and diamond wires.
Bermuda-based Ariel Reinsurance Co
Ltd has opened a branch office in Zurich to
expand its credit and surety reinsurance
business.
Following the continuing growth of its
European sales and the increasing number
of clients in Switzerland, Asustek, a Taiwanbased computer hardware manufacturer,
has opened a sales office in Schlieren near
Zurich.
Nordeck International of Germany has
acquired a seventy percent stake in Fritschi
AG Swiss Bindings. The Swiss manufacturer
of ski bindings is based in Reichenbach.
Spanish telecommunications group
Telefonica has opened several branches
across Europe including offices in
Switzerland.
GREAT NEWS FOR SWISS
EXPORTERS!
By Greg Kanargelidis
On Wednesday July 29, 2009, the Canadian
International Trade Tribunal (CITT) formally
announced its decision to rescind antidumping duties on certain stainless steel
round wire imported into Canada from
Switzerland. Swiss stainless steel round wire
was previously subject to anti-dumping
duties in the amount of 181% of the export
price as a result of a 2004 finding in which it
was determined that these goods had been
imported into Canada at prices below normal
values and, as a consequence, had caused
injury to Canadian manufacturers of like
goods. After conducting an expiry review in
2009, the CITT concluded that the rescission
of duties would not likely lead to an increase
in the volume or market share of dumped
goods and would not likely result in prices
that were injurious to the domestic industry.
As a result, the CITT held that anti-dumping
duties were no longer necessary. The lifting
of Canadian anti-dumping duties is expected
to re-open the Canadian marketplace for
stainless steel wire from Switzerland, which
is described in the decision as a significant
exporter of stainless steel wire products.
Greg Kanargelidis is a Partner with Blake,
Cassels & Graydon LLP in the Toronto
Office. Greg practises exclusively in the
areas of international trade, customs, and
commodity tax. He is a leading expert
in his areas of expertise and appears in
Lexpert, Chambers Global, Best Lawyers
in Canada, and the Lexpert/American
Lawyer Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada,
among other directories. Greg can be
reached at 416-863-4306 or at
greg.kanargelidis@blakes.com
■
How Switzerland lives, how it
thinks, what drives it.
The swissinfo.ch news and information platform reports daily from
Switzerland, about Switzerland. An
interactive multimedia website in
nine languages.
D E C E M B E R /J A N U A R Y
31
SWITZERLAND CENTRE FOR
TRADE FAIRS/ LA SUISSE
– PLACE DE FOIRES
12.1 – 16.1 2010
Basel – Switzerland
Swissbau – Swiss construction and real
estate fair
14.1 –17.1 2010
Bern – Switzerland
Holiday and Health Fair – Holiday and Health
14.1 – 17.1 2010
Lausanne – Switzerland
Swiss’expo – Agriculture Exhibition
15.1 – 18.1 2010
Zurich – Switzerland
Consumer goods – Trade Fair for innovations
and trends
18.1 – 22.1 2010
Geneva – Switzerland
Haute Horlogerie – International Fine
Watchmaking Exhibition
22.1 – 24.1 2010
Geneva – Switzerland
VACANCES – Exhibition for Tourism, Sport
and Recreation
22.1 – 24.1 2010
St.Gallen – Switzerland
Health Symposium – Event around
prevention and health promotion with
health exhibition
26.1 – 29.1 2010
Martigny – Switzerland
AGROVINA – International Trade Fair for
oenology, viticulture, fruit and specialty
crops
28.1 – 31.1 2010
Zurich – Switzerland
WORLD OF GOLF – Golf Fair
28.1 – 31.1 2010
Zurich – Switzerland
FESPO Zurich – Fair for holidays, sports
and leisure
29.1 – 1.2 2010
Lugano – Switzerland
Lugano Wine Festival – International
exhibition of wines and spirits
29.1 – 1.2 2010
Lugano – Switzerland
Ristora – International Fair for Gastronomy,
Hotel and Hospitality
1.2 – 5.2 2010
Geneva – Switzerland
PDA – Place des Affaires – Exhibition for
business development and franchising
3.2 – 4.2 2010
Lucerne – Switzerland
AUTOMATION easyFairs Switzerland
– National sales platform for drive, control,
detection and industrial handling
3.2 – 5.2 2010
Zurich – Switzerland
FUND – The Swiss Financial Trade Fair
32
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