Some 450 people came to the 10th anniversary gala at the Parliament Building on October 22, and everyone present would agree that it was a magnificent celebration. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the President for paying a visit to this event and giving his wonderful welcome speech. Our new board has started its operations and has already held a strategic planning session. The leaders of the Committees and the AmCham staff were invited to this meeting for the first time, as part of the organizational reshuffle. Every committee needs to submit its mission statement and business plan to the Board by November 30 according to a decision made at the strategic session.
Committees can start their year's work once their plans are approved.
It is November and time for our traditional Thanksgiving Charity Drive. In 1998 we managed to pool HUF 10 million in the Charity Drive thanks to your contributions, and we wish to exceed that this year. The Thanksgiving Dinner will be held Tuesday, November 23, at the Marriott. Please make your reservations if you wish to attend and enjoy the excellent turkey and pumpkin pie. AmCham's regular programs continue and you will have the opportunity to meet some prominent businessmen and officials in the near future.