Birchtree News

Wall Street Business Radio

By |2012-05-09T15:04:21-04:00May 9th, 2012|Categories: Birchtree News, Uncategorized|

Janet Walsh, CEO and President of Birchtree Global, LLC will be interviewed on Wall Street Business Radio on July 1.  She will be speaking on success characteristics of small and medium sized businesses expanding overseas.  Joyce Bone will be the interviewer.  Clips from the program will be provided and posted on the Birchtree Global website.

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Birchtree Global News

By |2012-04-12T14:49:55-04:00April 12th, 2012|Categories: Asian Business, Birchtree News, Global Business News, South American Business, Uncategorized, Webinars|Tags: , , , , , , |

Birchtree Global, LLC to showcase Dezan Shira’s research

Janet Walsh met with Chris Devonshire-Ellis, Principal & Founding Partner of Dezan Shira & Associates financial firm and publisher of, Asia Briefing Media Ltd. to discuss development opportunities in Asia and India.   Chris commented that opportunities for companies in the medical equipment, devices and manufacturing area were strong and prospects for growth were increasing largely due to the ageing Chinese population, and heavy long term medical needs (implications from smoking and industrial pollution).  He also noted that there was a strong demand for manufactured goods as the number of middle class consumers continue to grow and expand.

Birchtree Global and Dezan Shira will be partnering to provide our clients a series of updated webinars on foreign direct investment in Asia and India in the coming months.

Our first webinar will be on May 23, and presented by Daisy Huang.  Daisy is the head of Audit and Compliance for the Dezan Shira South China practice group.  Daisy’s program will highlight; Important changes in China and the ASEAN region-economic, demographic, compliance and cost issues; Daisy will also discuss, practical considerations in establishing a business in Asia.  This webinar is designed for C-Suite leaders and executives who need to have a clear understanding of the recent changes in Chinese legislation and how they will affect foreign direct investment-either established or proposed.  If you are interested in attending, please email info@birchtreeglobal.com for additional information.  This webinar is free to our clients and friends and will be HRCI Certified.

The Global 20© in Cuba

Janet Walsh recently returned from a fact finding trip to Cuba, focusing on potential foreign direct investment by US firms post embargo.  Some facts of interest include:  The US is Cuba’s sixth largest trading partner with over $350,000,000 in agricultural supplies, food and medicines sold to the country-cash payments in advance of sending product.  In the last year 500,000 US citizens have visited Cuba on family, trade, tourism activities.  In 2010 facing a shortage of funds, Cuba privatized ownership of small businesses, some property, cars and, at the same time, terminated 500,000 employees from public employment.  The average wage is $30 USD/Month and the literacy rate is 98%.  Havana is a 40 minute flight direct from Miami.

The model for growth in Cuba looks like the one used by China in the early 80’s-FDI used to develop infrastructure and technology in a country that lacks everything.   Cuba needs infrastructure, building products, IT and services, medical equipment and drugs, food, paint, and hospitality services

For companies interesting in reviewing more details from this trip contact info@birchtreeglobal to access the webinar. 

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Governor’s International Awards

By |2010-10-13T23:46:35-04:00October 13th, 2010|Categories: Birchtree News, Global Business News, Uncategorized|

                       Birchtree Global CEO Janet Walsh and Ambassador Andrew Young

Janet Walsh and Ambassador Andrew Young, World Trade Center Atlanta Board Members, at the 2010 Governor’s International Business Awards Gala.  Ani Agnihotri was nominated for International Business Person of the Year.  Ani was a featured participant in Birchtree-HR’s “At the Table HR Simulation”.  Congratulations Ani!

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Atlanta Call for Speakers

By |2010-08-02T00:22:39-04:00August 2nd, 2010|Categories: Birchtree News, Forum for Expatriate Management, Uncategorized|

The Southeast Regional Forum for Expatriate Management (150+members) based in Atlanta has announced a “Call for Speakers” to address the global members.  The members of this group are global practitioners in global mobility/HR/business and are looking for programs on areas of interest to managers of global workforces and services.  If you have a presentation on any of these issues and would like to speak to the group, let us know, info@birchtreeglobal.com.

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Recent Projects

By |2010-08-02T00:21:33-04:00August 2nd, 2010|Categories: Birchtree News, Uncategorized|

Multiple start up “Company in a Box” activities for businesses going to Shanghai, Manila, UK, Germany, USA, Brazil and India-with partner firms

Talent and Expatriate Management strategy and tactics for a medium sized, software firm expanding into Europe and Latin America

Compensation salary grades and ranges for several medium sized services firms expanding from the US into Latin American and Europe

HR compensation, benefits and expatriate management program for rapidly growing green energy business with multinational operations in Europe and Asia

HR total rewards and talent management strategy for global services business in EU

Multiple expatriate management and talent management programs for new services multinationals expanding into the UK, Brazil, China, India, and UAE

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act educational program for global professional service business

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Birchtree Global Strategic Alliances

By |2010-08-02T00:20:21-04:00August 2nd, 2010|Categories: Birchtree News, Uncategorized|

Forum Corporation: 

Founded in 1971 Forum is a global leader in linking learning to strategic business objectives.  Forum provides accelerated organizational training strategies to grow, change, and perform.  They are recognized leaders in strategic training with offices around the globe.  Birchtree Global and the Forum are combining resources to serve clients expanding outside their home region who need a strong, global HR strategic plan to support their growing business needs.

HR Capital Partners, Denver:

HR Capital Partners, LLC is a strategic Human Resources Consulting Firm specializing in complex, critical projects working directly with CEO’s and other C-Suite executives across a set of broad-based industries. HR Capital Partners, headed up by former Staples (Corporate Express) VP of Global HR, John O’Loughlin, will help serve Birchtree’s western region clients and contribute valuable expertise in maximizing CEO and board relationships including compensation committees, global HR strategy and HR talent management programs.

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Webinar

By |2010-03-04T20:35:18-05:00March 4th, 2010|Categories: Birchtree News, Global Business News, Uncategorized, Webinars|

 
“Establishing a Business Overseas” 

Your clients are global and they want you by their side.  How does that work?

What are the key issues that will challenge your profitability and performance?

How much will it cost, what are the hidden costs?

What is the “artificial economy” for green/bio tech/tech organizations?

Join the global, legal, financial, and HR start up experts at “Birchtree Global” as they share their experiences in 70 plus countries in this dynamic webinar. 

To Register:  Info@birchtreeglobal.com

Cost:  $200/person

Agenda and Schedule

Begin With the End in Mind…

March 11, 12:00-1:30 PM

What characterizes success in global expansion and what are “Killer Assumptions”?
What factors enhance a successful outcome?  What are the key risks and costs?
Understanding how the game is played overseas and the economics of politics
Global business structures pro’s and con’s of joint ventures, sales offices
Understanding global trade requirements and import/export/restrictions
What is the artificial economy for green tech/bio med/technology?
Organizing global teams for maximum performance

Enhancing Profitability from Global Operations…

March 18, 12:00-1:30 PM

It’s all about the Benjamin’s, developing a global tax strategy and repatriating profits
Leaving profits in country and government restrictions on profit repatriation
Alternative financing arrangements, identifying country/region/city incentives
Shelf company or new establishment and the cost of incorporation        
Labor law requirements, who controls your workforce and unions

The “People Face” of Your Company…

March 25, 12:00-1:30 PM

Who’s going to do the work…cost/benefits/expat ROI/Expatriates/Inpatriates?
The employer/employee contract…surprise, you can’t hire or fire at will!
Critical selection decisions, how you are perceived and local labor law
Your new business partners-the Union and the Government
Why selection and performance management are of the utmost importance
Compensation issues, statutory and non-statutory benefits, stock options

Global Process Management and Integration…

April 1, 12:00-1:30 PM

The “three legged stool”, integration of tax, legal, HR issues
Workforce integration-cultural issues-knowledge management
Global financial management, it’s all about the Benjamins/Euros/Pesos…Regulation, what’s regulated…? 
Data Privacy requirements
Ethics, the difference between a tip and a bribe and what to do about it
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, enforcement is becoming critical
Safety, protecting employees, equipment and your business

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“Managing Expatriate Compensation-New Concepts and Practices”

By |2010-02-28T13:10:49-05:00February 28th, 2010|Categories: Birchtree News, Global Business News, Uncategorized, Webinars|

HRCI 1.5 GPHR/SPHR Credits

FREE-Must register in advance

March 26, 12:00-1:30 PM EST

Is your firm working with expatriates?  Are you considering sending expatriates overseas?   Do you have the current legal, financial, immigration and HR expertise to craft a highly effective expatriate compensation package?  Do you know how expatriate compensation packages are changing?

If not, you can upgrade your skills by joining the global legal, financial and HR experts at Birchtree Global as they present this free webinar on “Managing Expatriate Compensation-New Concepts and Practices”.

Topics covered will include:

A. Environmental and Corporate Issues Impacting Expatriate Compensation

            Social networking-you don’t own your brand

            Graying workforce-age of expatriates is increasing

            Shortage of skilled workers

            Dual career couples

            Cost of education

            Better HRIS systems

            Demand for higher performance and utility in HR systems

            Globalization of products, markets and workforce

            Perceived “Fairness” of expatriate compensation

            Corporate emphasis on expatriate ROI

            Mobility expectations of employees

            Mass migrations of people

            Global hiring trends BRIC countries higher than US

 B. Expatriate ROI-Strategic Implications

            Business executives’ expectations

            More focus on metric measurement of the entire experience

            Selection decisions, demands on managers of expatriates

            Suggestions on the value of strategy mapping

            Cost/Benefit Value of providing certain services

            More emphasis on business trips-tax implications

            The cost effect of perceived inequities by local workforce

            Talent management ROI

            Compliance risk

            Technology vs. manpower data collection costs

            Socializing expatriates in country-high value ROI

 C. Costing Expatriate Assignments

            Balance Sheet approach is still number 1 but changing

            Efficient purchaser-characteristics of this process

            Local Plus-characteristics of this program

            Hybrid programs-characteristics of hybrid programs

            COLA by Family –where to get data, value of data

            Foreign service premium-utility, changing ideas

            In Europe “mobility Allowance’ more common

            Dual career costs, mitigation

            Increasing need for flexibility in policies

            Taxation of expatriate rewards

D. Workforce Implementation and Integration Challenges

            Documentation of costs, particularly pre-planning

            HRIS systems global reach-one size fits all systems

            War on tax avoidance-increasing as is government data sharing

            Data Privacy challenges as regulation grows

            Managerial compliance, partnership, educating the expat’s boss

            Rapid changes in tax, labor law, issues, how to manage change

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Financial Innovation in the Transatlantic Economy

By |2010-02-28T12:48:52-05:00February 28th, 2010|Categories: Birchtree News, Global Business News, Global Finance, Uncategorized|

Last week I attended a conference sponsored by EUCE (European Union Center of Excellence) on “Financial Innovation in the Transatlantic Economy”.  The conference proceedings showcased:

Generators of financial reform efforts in the US and European Union

                Future trends in regulation

                Financial challenges under Basel II

                European financial reform and access to finance and commercial bank lending

                Business growth strategies and access to capital  

The speakers included:

Mr. Edouard Franciois de Lencquesain, from Paris Europlace (former S.W.I.F.T. board member)

Dr. mark Blyth, Professor of International Political Economy, Brown University

Ms. Cecile Noziere, CEO of Finadvia LTD (formerly Credit Lyonnais)

Keith Green, Vice President of Government Relations, ING North America.

There were several key items are of interest and importance to C-Suite business leaders as they chart the cost of capital, financial reform and the likely impact on their companies.  Here are some of their comments to consider:

                a. Innovative financial products help spur business growth and this innovation is likely to continue.  What this means to companies is the way in which business are financed is likely to evolve.  Public/private partnerships are likely to continue, interbank products and services will evolve as the way in which financial institutions evaluate lending risk continues to change.  For business expanding overseas this means reliance on only bank funding will limit opportunities to grow.  Evaluating government, public/private partnerships should be thoroughly explored to maximize funding options.

                b. The financial crisis looks (looked) different to different markets.  The response to the financial crisis is quite different around the world. For example, Canada for example has weathered this particular crisis better than the US as a result of decisions taken with regard to financial risk, regulation, capital requirements and consumer behavior.  When expanding globally, consider that your firm may be evaluated using a different economic model.  Make sure you understand that country’s model and include this as part of your financial evaluation.

                Another reason that forecasting the economic crisis wasn’t more precise was the intersections of interest were not obvious because of heavily siloed organizations.  While this is a continuing problem in organizations it has particular implications for regulators.  Horizontal thinking and innovation may have helped avoid the catastrophic results of failing to share and understand information.  We need a way to look at the impact of regulation of markets so the impact across governments, institutions and borders is apparent. Failure in this area is not an option which may spur additional innovation.

                c. Politicians and regulators don’t necessarily really understand financial markets and the impact of their decisions.   In general, their ability to assess and analyze risk factors is limited and this subject is complicated.  It can only be dumbed down so far.

                d. Basel II reforms will affect large as well as small banks.  While smaller banks will not necessarily participate in Basel II, they will be affected by the risk sensitivity of capital allocation requirements, quantifying operational and credit risk, among other standards.  (Basel II is the second of the Basel Accords which are recommendations on banking laws and regulations.  The purpose is to create an international standard that banking regulators can use when creating regulations about how much capital banks need to put aside to guard against the type of financial and operational risks banks face.  Basel II attempts to accomplish this by setting up rigorous risk and capital management requirements designed to ensure that a bank holds capital reserves appropriate to the risk the bank exposes itself to through its lending and investment practices. Generally speaking, these rules mean that the greater risk to which the bank is exposed, the greater the amount of capital the bank needs to hold to safeguard its solvency and overall market stability.  It use a “three pillars” concept, A. Minimum capital requirements, B. Supervisory review and, C. Market discipline to promote greater stability in the financial system.  Basel II accords have been adopted by countries around the world but timetables and implementation vary widely.)

                e. GDP of EU is number one in the world but their influence doesn’t always equal income.  As such the EU seeks to increase competition, level the playing field and reduce risk in the financial arena.

                f. Private equity funding for small businesses will expand as cost of capital for this group tightens.  In addition to exploring government, public/private partnership groups growing companies should look to explore private equity funding opportunities.  However care must be taken to identify private equity firms with robust business experience, solid financial and operational leadership skills.  Private equity firms are also seeking to reduce their exposure to risk so an understanding of how risk is apportioned is critical.

Birchtree Global staff will be attending several financial and legal conferences over the next several weeks and will provide our clients and readers with updates and alerts.

For additional information on this article please contact Janet Walsh-01 770 590 8338.

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