All posts by Margrethe Harboe

Three Questions with Pamela Willgohs

May 19, 2021AmCham NewsKongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA), Pamela Willgohs, Three QuestionsMargrethe Harboe

THREE QUESTIONS WITH

Pamela Willgohs

EVP Business Development/Marketing + Sales, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) is a leading global supplier of a wide range of highly specialized, strategic products. How does KDA attract and maintain a world-class team of industry leaders in Norway?

KONGSBERG’s history as a company spans over 200 years which requires continuous assessments of the current company portfolios, business models and technology innovation. Innovation and willingness to adapt has been one key to our success in attracting very talented leadership. We are also a global company with customers and our own locations around the world. This adds an exciting aspect to our daily business. Working for a Norwegian company and having the responsibility of leading teams around the world ensures there isn’t one day that is exactly like the next.

Why did you decide upon a career in defense – and how has the industry developed during that time?

I started my career as a Human Factors Engineer in a company called Hughes Aircraft and was responsible for designing systems and user interfaces for the US Military. It was fascinating as a young person to work with high-end technology of the time. We designed systems for the Army, the Air Force and occasionally worked with NASA on some of their satellite programs. I was given a lot of responsibility at a fairly young age and thought it was great. Once I started, there was no turning back.

One of the biggest changes since I first started my career is the shift in what is driving technology forward. In the past, most of the world’s advanced technologies came from defense programs which eventually found their way into the commercial industry. That flow of technology has been almost completely reversed. Another change is how global the industry has become. Very few companies operate solely in their own nation – we tend to meet our competitors around the world.

According to Norway’s National Defense Industry Strategy (2020-21), enhanced cooperation with the private sector is key to achieving a technologically modernized military. How do you see this focus impacting Norwegian and international companies?

I agree with Norway’s National Defense Industry Strategy. The speed of today’s technology development is extraordinary and to keep pace with it as well as the advancing requirements of a modern military is very challenging. Inviting industry to a closer cooperation will help ensure that Norway’s Defence Forces have what they need to do their jobs and to do so with the best technology available. That said, it will require an openness and willingness to understand where the other side is coming from and what is necessary for both sides to succeed.

Bonus question! As an American from Minneapolis, what are your pro US travel destination tips?

Great question! There are so many fantastic locations one should have the chance to experience – and not only along the East and West Coast. If you’re looking for a nature experience – Boulder Colorado is a fabulous place to visit. Sedona, Arizona is amazing as is Moab, Utah. Foodie’s should experience the amazing restaurant selection in New York City. Formula 1 fans should check out Austin in November and next year in Miami! Las Vegas is unique and not too far from the Grand Canyon if you want to mix it up a bit. There is too much to choose from but you will find a destination you love if you do a little research in advance… or ask one who knows!

ACE US Week: Washington DC Virtual Outreach

May 18, 2021AmCham News, GovernmentMargrethe Harboe

As the current circumstances have again prevented the ACE representatives from traveling to the U.S. to meet with each other and with relevant stakeholders, ranging from private and international organizations to key government agencies, they had the opportunity to meet with Washington DC partners through a series of virtual sessions in the scope of ACE-US Week: Washington D.C. Virtual Outreach.

More than 60 AmChams’ representatives from 35 AmChams and 33 countries were delighted to be e-hosted by prominent governmental and private organizations and senior speakers to discuss the Transatlantic relations and collaboration. They have addressed topics, including Transatlantic ties, trade (visas and tariffs), economic recovery, and other global challenges, such as climate change.

Read full article.

US-EU Metals Talks Avert Tariff Hike

May 18, 2021Business News, Chemicals / MetalsMargrethe Harboe

The United States and the European Union agreed on Monday not to escalate their dispute over U.S. steel and aluminium tariffs, averting steep EU tariff hikes while the two sides launch formal talks on addressing excess global capacity largely centered in China.

The European Commission, which oversees EU trade policy, said on Monday it would suspend for up to six months a threatened June 1 doubling of retaliatory tariffs on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, American whiskey and motorboats, and refrain from slapping tariffs on more U.S. products from lipstick to sports shoes.

But the United States will maintain its tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminium despite the announcement. Those duties also apply to imports from China, India, Norway, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, Japan and South Korea among others metals-exporting countries.

Read full article.

Forbes GLOBAL 2000 – How The World’s Biggest Public Companies Endured The Pandemic

May 18, 2021Business NewsMargrethe Harboe

World business leaders faced impossible decisions a year ago. Initiate layoffs, or wait for government money? Pay rent, or meet payroll? Which factories do we mothball first? How do we liquidate all this inventory? Chapter 11 now or later?

Yet even as airlines and retailers collapsed, oil prices plunged below zero and death counts soared — there were some pandemic bright spots. Pharmas like Pfizer and AstraZeneca have been busy, while Amazon can’t find enough workers. And as we have learned to live ever more of our lives as digital simulacra, it’s still rather shocking that semiconductor giants like TSMC and Nvidia can’t make their chips fast enough.

Since 2003, Forbes’ Global 2000 list has measured the world’s largest public companies in terms of four equally weighted metrics: assets, market value, sales and profits. Last year’s edition offered a glimpse into the early economic implications of the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, we see the results over 12 months of market turmoil and unfathomable human loss.

Read full article.

Statement by Secretary Antony J. Blinken on May 17

May 17, 2021Business News, GovernmentMargrethe Harboe

On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Norway as you celebrate the 207th anniversary of Constitution Day.

The United States and Norway share a strong commitment to global peace, economic development, human rights, and democratic values. As NATO Allies, we are bolstering our collective defense capabilities and collaborating to meet today’s security challenges. Our enduring partnership is further strengthened by our work in the Arctic Council, where we are advancing a vision of a more prosperous region, while addressing the global climate crisis and respecting the interests and cultures of indigenous peoples. Our historic Transatlantic ties will grow even stronger as we continue to foster the people-to-people connections that define our friendship.

Best wishes to all Norwegians on this special day.

Direct from Clarksburg, CA with Jody Bogle

May 14, 2021AmCham NewsBogle Vineyards, California Wine InstituteMargrethe Harboe

Direct from Clarksburg, CA with Jody Bogle

AmCham Norway joined forces with California Wine Institute to welcome Jody Bogle of Bogle Vineyards for our first ever virtual wine tasting.

Members and partners gathered remotely to taste, discuss, and learn about four different Bogle Vineyards wines. Jody, a sixth-generation farmer – and third-generation steward of the vineyards – walked us through the history of the land, her memories of harvesting late at night with her grandfather, and her family’s commitment to sustainable wine production.

The planting of Bogle’s Petit Sirah vines in 1968 was a desperate attempt by Jody’s grandfather to compensate for a dead harvest of potatoes, and has now grown into over 2 000 acres of grapes. Bogle spoke proudly of the winemakers and staff at her vineyards, as well as their unique grading system that tracks grapes from field to bottle. Together, these contributions ultimately culminated in wines that achieved the accolades of Wine Enthusiast’s Winery of the Year for 2019, and California Green Medal Leader in 2018 for sustainable winegrowing.

Describing her family as ‘proactively sustainable,’ Bogle explained their goal of achieving 100% sustainable energy use through the installation of a wind turbine, as well as an incentive program for their producer partners. Gaining a more nuanced understanding of Lodi Rules, America’s original sustainable winegrowing program, participants discussed the importance of clean wines without additives and what impact, if any, the ‘natural’ wine movement is having internationally.

Select Bogle Wines have been present in Norway since 2013, thanks to importer Vinarius. Inspired by the success of this unique tasting, AmCham is already coordinating a similar June event – as well as contributing to California Wine Institute’s immense European Wine Tour visit to Oslo this autumn. Stay tuned!

Bogle Vineyards

Though the Bogle family has been farming in the Clarksburg region for six generations, their involvement in the wine business spans back 50 years. In addition to passing down a strong work ethic and dedication to quality, the success of Bogle over the years is rooted in the day-to-day involvement of the Bogle family.

Their line includes Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. It also produces dessert wines in the style of Port with Petit Sirah. Their wines are imported to Norway by Vinarius.

Previous Gatherings

Bottle Shock, AVAs, Petite Sirahs, and Biodynamics!

January 31, 2020 No Comments

Featuring a diverse selection of wines from 12 US producers from California, Oregon, and Washington, AmCham hosted a masterclass tasting for the Norwegian press and industry experts at US Ambassador Kenneth Braithwaite’s residence, Villa Otium.

American Wine Club: Bonterra Tasting

September 13, 2019 No Comments

Visiting organic wine pioneer Bob Blue led the American Wine Club and AmCham members through an exclusive tasting of Bonterra Vineyards diverse range of organic and biodynamic wines. Founded in 1987, Bonterra is a rising star in the American wine industry and was named Wine Enthusiast magazine’s American Winery of the Year in 2016.

American Wine Club Summer Tasting

July 2, 2019 No Comments

To welcome the start of summer, AmCham Norway hosted a casual summer wine tasting for members of the recently formed American Wine Club.

Including wines from California producers Joel Gott, Mandolin, and Ferrari-Carano, guests were able to sample a broad range of wines while also sampling an assortment of pastries provided by Hotel Bristol’s new in-house bakery. Along the way, attendees deepened their understanding of California wines and had the opportunity to experience vintages from a geographically diverse array of producers from the Golden State.

Patentrettigheter på koronavaksiner: Positive signaler fra USA

May 7, 2021Business News, Government, HealthMargrethe Harboe

– Det er veldig positivt at USA nå signaliserer at de vil engasjere seg for å finne en løsning i forbindelse med patentrettigheter på koronavaksiner som er mindre vidtrekkende enn forslaget som opprinnelig lå på bordet, og som det var stor uenighet om, sier utenriksminister Ine Eriksen Søreide

– Norge har hele tiden arbeidet for et kompromiss i WTO og har fortsatt dette arbeidet nå som leder for Trips-rådet. Det er veldig positivt at USA nå signaliserer at de vil engasjere seg for å finne en løsning som er mindre vidtrekkende enn forslaget som opprinnelig lå på bordet, og som det var stor uenighet om. Dette vil kunne bli et begrenset og målrettet tiltak for å unngå at patenter er en mulig flaskehals. Men vi må fortsatt arbeide for å løse utfordringene knyttet til teknologioverføring, oppbygging av kompetanse og investeringer i produksjonskapasitet, sier utenriksminister Eriksen Søreide.

Read full article.

Policy rate unchanged at zero percent

May 7, 2021Business News, Financial / Investment, GovernmentMargrethe Harboe

Norges Bank’s Monetary Policy and Financial Stability Committee has unanimously decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at zero percent.

In Monetary Policy Report 1/21, which was published on 18 March, the policy rate forecast indicated a gradual rise from the latter half of 2021.

Economic developments have been largely in line with the projections in the March Report. Activity has picked up since spring 2020, but in recent months, stricter containment measures have restrained the recovery, and the number of furloughed workers has risen. Recently, infection rates have fallen back. The first phase of the Government’s plan for the reopening of society has been implemented, and much of the adult population in Norway is expected to be vaccinated by the end of summer. This suggests that economic activity will pick up through the year.

Read full article.

America is Getting Ready for Its Post-Pandemic Glow-up

May 3, 2021Business News, Financial / InvestmentMargrethe Harboe

America is getting ready for its post-pandemic glow-up.

Peak sweatpant has passed and high heels are hot again, in the ultimate symbol of an economy ready to let loose. Americans are booking beauty services, buying going-out clothes again, and readying for a “hot vax summer” as they emerge from lockdown looking and feeling different than they entered, helping the economy roar back to life in the process.

It’s the result of vaccination rates revving up, big cities reopening, and Americans sitting on a ton of cash. Between three stimulus checks and the decline in discretionary spending that accompanied a pandemic shutdown, Americans were holding $2.6 trillion in excess savings as of mid-April, per Moody’s Analytics.

And that’s why so many economists are predicting that a lockdown lift will see the biggest boomtime in a generation, potentially ushering in a new era in the US economy. Moody’s Analytics expects the US economy to grow 6.4% in 2021 after shrinking 3.5% in 2020. But to power such an economic transformation, Americans need to keep spending.

Read full article.

Ny podkast: De beste chardonnaykjøpene fra USA

May 3, 2021Business News, Food & BeverageMargrethe Harboe

Mange tenker kanskje at amerikanerne ikke lager god vin, men det stemmer ikke.

– De beste chardonnaykjøpene akkurat nå kommer fra USA, sier Merete Bø. Burgund er blitt kjempedyrt, og de beste produsentene forsvinner ut fra polhyllene i det sekundet de kommer inn, sier Merete Bø.

I dag finnes det 160 amerikanske chardonnayer på polet, og de flinkeste produsentene er utsolgt. Så hva kjennetegner en god amerikansk chardonnay? Hvilke er de beste produsentene? Hvor viktig er årgangen? Og hva spiser man til?

HER finner du nyeste episode av «Jeg kan ingenting om vin».