About the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce
AICC Overview
The America-Israel Chamber of Commerce (AICC), established in 1987, is the only organization in the Greater Philadelphia Region exclusively devoted to promoting business development with Israel. AICC is an independent member-based organization serving Pennsylvania, Delaware and Southern New Jersey. Through its network of business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, government, academic and organizational representatives, AICC is an important source for business opportunities in Israel.AICC enables regional businesses and individuals to maximize their involvement with Israeli companies.
- AICC serves as a host or sponsor for Israeli companies seeking capital or strategic partners in our region. The Wolf Block/Trendlines Israel Venture Conference, the Fox School of Business & Management's International Venture Fair, the Israel Life Sciences Roadshow and the Wharton Global Consulting Practicum Devil's Advocate Sessions are regular opportunities for members to learn about early stage Israeli companies. These annual events are supplemented by special programs and meetings;
- AICC's calendar lists regional, national and Israeli programs that provide opportunities to partner or invest in Israeli companies;
- AICC maintains and refers members to listings for Israeli companies seeking investment and strategic partnerships;
- AICC is the Pennsylvania and Delaware representative for the Israel-U.S. Bi-national Industrial Research and Development Foundation (BIRD Foundation), www.birdf.com, that makes grants up to $1 million to joint ventures between U.S. and Israeli firms that develop and commercialize innovative technologies. AICC is available to meet with businesses that are interested in a BIRD grant and to support the company throughout the grant process. CIBA Specialty Chemicals Inc. in Delaware and Arkema Inc. in Pennsylvania were successful recipients of BIRD grants over the last two years;
- AICC helps regional companies to access information through Israel economic development organizations.
AICC contributes to the economic development of the Greater Philadelphia Region by focusing upon clearly defined initiatives that maximize business opportunities with Israel. Gateway Initiatives support Israeli companies seeking entry into U.S. markets in the following ways:
- AICC's Business Network offers access to capital, government and business development services through its members;
- AICC's Welcome Guide in Hebrew and in English addresses transition issues;
- AICC's Life Sciences Advisory Board and Defense Advisory Board, comprised of industry experts, offers evaluation and referrals to connect new technologies to commercialization partners;
- AICC is a direct link to valuable business and economic development resources in this region such as Pennsylvania's Office of International Business Development (www.newpa.com) the New Jersey-Israel Commission (www.state.nj.us/commerce/israel), Ben Franklin Technology Partners (www.sep.benfranklin.org), The Science Center (www.sciencecenter.org) and SELECT (www.selectgreaterphiladelphia.com).
AICC is a resource for trade issues respecting Israel, including:
- Export documentation - AICC can provide Certificates of Origin to exporters
- Trade Opportunities - AICC maintains and makes available listings for trade opportunities. Click here to learn more about our Israel Business and Investment Opportunities Listings
- Access to trade specialists through AICC's partnerships with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, and the U.S. Commercial Service.
AICC hosts programs that fulfill a networking function, educate constituents about business in Israel and introduce them to strategic partners and investment opportunities in Israel. Investment in Israel seminars, continuing professional education, briefings by Israel's highest-ranking government officials including Benyamin Netanyahu, former Israeli Prime Minister, and Ron Dermer, Israel's Economic Minister in Washington, D.C., presentations by trade representatives, award winning Israeli companies and venture fund representatives are examples of AICC's event agenda. Every year, AICC hosts its annual Rabin Awards Dinner, honoring business leadership in the region that has played a role in Israel's economic development. Bill McDermott, President and CEO of SAP, Inc. received the Rabin Award in 2006.
In 2005, AICC formed its Emerging Leaders Division to involve emerging business professionals — both American and Israelis — in the mission of AICC and to develop the next generation of leadership in the Greater Philadelphia region. ELD is a growing, self-governed network that identifies programs and initiatives that introduce its members and their guests to business and investment in Israel.
Through its monthly e-newsletter, AICC keeps members and constituents informed about important economic news from Israel, economic developments between this region and Israel, programs respecting business and Israel and member updates.
AICC is an affiliate of the Association of America-Israel Chambers of Commerce, a national network of similar organizations throughout the United States, comprising over 4,500 corporation and individuals. Through this association, AICC can offer members and constituents access to markets throughout the country.