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1.  UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VETOES TAX BILL THAT SPARKED MASS PROTESTS
The Associated Press (AP), Kiev, Ukraine, Tue, Nov 30, 2010 
 
2.  UKRAINE: PRESIDENT YANUKOVYCH VETOES TAX CODE
Interfax, Kyiv, Ukraine, Tue, Nov 30, 2010

3.  UKRAINE LEADER VIKTOR YANUKOVYCH VETOES UNPOPULAR TAX 
BBC News, UK, Tue, November 30, 2010

4.  PROMINVESTBANK JOINS U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL (USUBC)
Leading industrial, commercial & investment bank in Ukraine; Member 146
U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Wash. D.C., Tue, Nov 30, 2010

5.  GVOZDIY & OBERKOVYCH LAW FIRM JOINS U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL (USUBC)
Corporate and commercial law for domestic and international clients, Kyiv, Ukraine; Member 145
U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Wash, D.C., Mon, Nov 29, 2010

6.  SCHNEIDER LAW GROUP JOINS U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL (USUBC)
A premier international provider of legal and consulting services; Member 144
U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Wash, D.C., Mon, Nov 22, 2010

7.  EXXONMOBIL JOINS U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL (USUBC)
World's leading publicly traded international petroleum & petrochemical company; Member 143
U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Wash, D.C., Fri, Nov 19, 2010

8.  KINANIS LLC JOINS U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL (USUBC)
One of the leading and largest business law and consulting firms in Cyprus; Member 142
U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Wash, D.C., Wed, Oct 27, 2010

9.  NBC SECURITY, INC. JOINS U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL (USUBC)
Global security consulting and risk management firm; USUBC membership now totals 141 
U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Wash, D.C., Wed, Oct 20, 2010

10.  MEEST-AMERICA, INC JOINES U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL 
Provides ocean & air freight services, money transfers to Ukraine & other FSU countries; Member 140
U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Wash, D.C., Fri, Oct 15, 2010

11.  MARY KAY JOINS U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL (USUBC)
One of the largest direct sellers of skin care and color cosmetics in the world; Member 139
Mary Kay Ukraine independent sales force includes one-hundred sixty thousand people 
U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Wash, D.C., Thu, Oct 7, 2010

12.  CITI JOINS THE U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL (USUBC)
The leading global financial services company, does business in 160 countries; Member 138 
U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Wash, D.C., Tue, Oct 5, 2010
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1. UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VETOES TAX BILL THAT SPARKED MASS PROTESTS

The Associated Press (AP), Kiev, Ukraine, Tue, Nov 30, 2010 
     
KIEV - Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has vetoed a tax bill that sparked mass protests across the country.

Thousands of business owners in Kiev and other cities have rallied for days demanding that the bill that would raise taxes for smaller companies be withdrawn. The government says it must raise taxes to fund pensions after a severe recession and streamline complicated tax legislation.

Yanukovych said Tuesday said he will send the bill back to parliament with changes that accommodate the interests of Ukrainian businesses.

Experts agree that Ukraine must reform its tax system, which currently ranks among the three worst in the world. But they say the current bill would cripple smaller companies and thus may actually decrease government revenues.

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2.  UKRAINE: PRESIDENT YANUKOVYCH VETOES TAX CODE

Interfax, Kyiv, Ukraine, Tue, Nov 30, 2010

KYIV - Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has announced that he has vetoed the Tax Code recently approved by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

"Today, I vetoed the Tax Code," the president told journalists on Tuesday at Boryspil Airport before he took a plane to Astana for an OSCE summit.
Yanukovych said that the government had set up an ad hoc group to work out amendments to the Tax Code, which could be sent to the parliament on Thursday.

"Today, the government has set up an ad hoc group made up of representatives of the president, and small and medium businesses. Today and tomorrow, the group will work out amendments to the Tax Code, which I will consider on Thursday. If they meet the current requirements for the Tax Code, I will sign them and send them to the parliament," the president said.

LINK:  http://www.interfax.com.ua/eng/main/54757/
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U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC): http://www.usubc.org
From 22 to over 130 Members in Three Years, Join Today
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3.  UKRAINE LEADER VIKTOR YANUKOVYCH VETOES UNPOPULAR TAX 
BBC News, UK, Tue, November 30, 2010

KIEV - Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych has responded to protests that have swept the country by vetoing a controversial tax reform. Thousands of business owners have demonstrated for days in cities across the country, claiming the tax change threatens their livelihoods. Tents have been erected in the centre of Kiev, in scenes reminiscent of Ukraine's 2004 Orange Revolution.
Mr Yanukovych said he would ask parliament to amend the tax bill. His government has come under pressure to improve the country's finances under the terms of a loan deal agreed with the International Monetary Fund. Ministers said they had to raises taxes after months of severe recession.

But the sight of a tent camp in Independence Square in Kiev has revived memories of the rigged election won by Mr Yanukovych six years ago.
The election was eventually annulled and his rival, Viktor Yushchenko, won a re-run of the vote.

LINK:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11873516
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4.  PROMINVESTBANK JOINS U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL (USUBC)
Leading industrial, commercial & investment bank in Ukraine; USUBC member 146

U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Wash. D.C., Tue, Nov 30, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- PSC Prominvestbank, a leading industrial, commercial and investment bank, with operations in Kyiv and a wide branch network throughout Ukraine, has been approved for membership in the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), the USUBC executive committee announced today on behalf of the entire USUBC membership of 146 companies and organizations who have business operations, investments or other development programs in Ukraine.

Prominvestbank has 88 years of experience on the Ukrainian financial market.  They have banking relationships with many large corporate customers, including some of the largest industrial enterprises in Ukraine in machine building, metallurgy, fuel and energy, transport, etc.  The Bank serves 110 thousand corporate and 4 million individual customers. The bank has an experienced management team with extensive banking knowledge. 

In 2009 Prominvestbank was purchased by State Corporation "Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs (Vnesheconombank)," Russian Federation. In 2009 Prominvestbank received from Vnesheconombank long-term loans and investments in capital in the total amount of USD 1.6 billion. 

This support strengthened the financial position and increased the volume of business activity.  Ninety-two percent of the banks credit portfolio is with corporate clients.  The bank's distribution network in Ukraine includes 373 points of sales.

Among Ukrainian private banks Prominvestbank is ranked #2 by Loans to Corporates, #4 by Customers’ Accounts and Equity, and #6 by Total Assets.

Prominvestbank is working with the Export-Import Bank of the United States, http://www.exim.gov/, and other international financial institutions to start organizing structured trade credit packages for U.S. exporters who are shipping to their distributors and clients in Ukraine.  They are one of the first Ukrainian banks that has the capacity and strength to get back into financing imports and is especially interested in working with U.S. exporters who are selling to their dealers and distributors in Ukraine.

PROMINVESTBANK AND USUBC
USUBC has been working closely with Alexander Chaynikov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board, Prominvestbank. Alexander was in Washington, D.C. recently meeting with various financial institutions.

Alexander and his colleagues made a presentation about Prominvestbank at the USUBC sponsored workshop in Kyiv on the "U.S. Commercial Service and Financing Programs for U.S. Exporters" and attended a USUBC sponsored luncheon with U.S. Ambassador John Tefft. Alexander Chaynikov will represent Prominvestbank on the USUBC board of directors.

"USUBC looks forward to working with Alexander Chaynikov and his colleagues at the Prominvestbank.  We are pleased they are interested in working with U.S. financial institutions regarding ways to finance U.S. exports and other business transactions between Ukraine and the U.S., " said Morgan Williams, Director, Government Affairs, Washington Office, for the SigmaBleyzer Private Equity Investment Management Group, who serves as President of the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC).

INFORMATION: Additional information about the Prominvestbank may be found at: http://www.pib.com.ua/index.php.en.

USUBC MEMBERSHIP EXPECTED TO REACH 150 BY END OF 2010
USUBC now has one-hundred forty-six members.  Membership in January of 2005 was eight and in January of 2007 was 22.  Membership is expected to reach 150 by the end of 2010.  The complete list of USUBC members can be found at: http://www.usubc.org/members.php. For a list of the USUBC board of directors go to the following link: http://www.usubc.org/site/u-s-ukraine-business-council-board-of-directors. 
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U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC): http://www.usubc.org
Promoting U.S.-Ukraine business relations & investment since 1995.
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5.  GVOZDIY & OBERKOVYCH LAW FIRM JOINS U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL (USUBC)
Corporate and commercial law for domestic and international clients, Kyiv, Ukraine; Member 145

U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Wash, D.C., Mon, Nov 29, 2010
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Gvozdiy & Oberkovych Law Firm, Kyiv, Ukraine, has been approved for membership in the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), the USUBC executive committee announced today on behalf of the entire USUBC membership of 145 companies and organizations who have business operations, investments or other development programs in Ukraine.

Gvozdiy & Oberkovych provides a broad range of business related legal services to domestic and international clients. The firm’s core expertise lies in the field of corporate and commercial law; its lawyers are specifically recognised by peers and clients for ability to handle cross-border corporate and finance transactions and international disputes in a highly professional and efficient manner.

Gvozdiy & Oberkovych continually grows its expertise in M&A, banking and finance, capital markets, litigation, tax law, restructuring and insolvency, and foreign investments. The industrial focus of the firm’s advice for foreign and domestic clients covers agriculture, energy and natural resources, real estate, media and technologies, aviation, food production and retail, etc.

SIGNIFICANT PLAYER IN THE LITIGATION MARKET
The firm proves to be a significant player in the litigation market across Ukraine and has a long track record of achievement in complex disputes of diverse nature.

In particular, its attorneys are well-performing in the administrative proceedings; the firm successfully represents Ukrainian and foreign businesses operating in various sectors of economy in disputes with the state and municipal authorities, involving the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine, Securities and Stock Market State Committee, Tax and Customs Authorities, along with all other existing Ukrainian government entities.
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According to a number of international legal markets surveys, including The Legal 500 and Best Lawyers International, Gvozdiy & Oberkovych Law Firm is ranked highly for its business law and dispute resolution expertise.

It is also renowned for financial efficiency and dynamic growth in the Top 50 Law Firms in Ukraine survey by Legal Practice (Yuridicheskaya Praktika) weekly. The firm is a member of the MSI Global Alliance of Independent Legal & Accounting Firms. 
 
VALENTYN GVOZDIY & SERGIY OBERKOVYCH
Valentyn Gvozdiy, a graduate of Chernivtsi National University, is a practicing litigation attorney who also has an extensive legal expertise in tax matters. Mr. Gvozdiy is the chairman of the taxation committee of the Ukrainian Bar Association. 
 
Sergiy Oberkovych who received his Law degree from the National Taras Shevchenko University, Institute of International Relations in Kiev, Ukraine and an LLM in Comparative Legal Studies from The John Marshal Law School in Chicago, Illinois, has chosen to focus on the international arena. Mr. Oberkovych specializes in International Business Practice and leads his team of attorneys in Foreign Investments, Mergers and Acquisitions and International Business Law.
 
GVOZDIY & OBERKOVYCH & USUBC
USUBC has been working closely with partner Sergiy Oberkovych about their membership.  Sergiy will represent the law firm on the USUBC board of directors.   "I met recently in Kyiv with Sergiy and USUBC is very very pleased to have such an outstanding law firm as Gvozdiy & Oberkovych as a new member, " said Morgan Williams, Director, Government Affairs, Washington Office, for the SigmaBleyzer Private Equity Investment Management Group, who serves as President of the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC).
 
INFORMATION: additional information can be found on the website: www.golaw.ua.

USUBC MEMBERSHIP EXPECTED TO REACH 150 BY END OF 2010 
USUBC now has one-hundred forty-five members.  Membership in January of 2005 was eight and in January of 2007 was 22.  Membership is expected to reach 150 by the end of 2010.  The complete list of USUBC members can be found at: http://www.usubc.org/members.php.  For a list of the USUBC board of directors go to the following link: http://www.usubc.org/site/u-s-ukraine-business-council-board-of-directors. 

LINK: http://www.usubc.org/site/recent-news/gvozdiy-a-oberkovych-law-firm-joins-us-ukraine-business-council-usubc
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6.  SCHNEIDER LAW GROUP JOINS U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL (USUBC)
A premier international provider of legal and consulting services; Member 144

U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Wash, D.C., Mon, Nov 22, 2010
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Schneider Law Group, an international business law and consulting firm, has been approved for membership in the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), the USUBC executive committee announced today on behalf of the entire USUBC membership of 144 companies and organizations who have business operations, investments or other development programs in Ukraine.

Schneider Law Group, a premier international provider of legal and consulting services, is set to launch an office in Kyiv, Ukraine, as part of the firm’s enhancement of its Eastern European practice. The new office will officially open in late November 2010 and will be managed by Dr. Borys Bazylevskyi, a former Ukrainian diplomat and expert in the fields of international law and international relations.

Schneider Law Group has offices in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Seoul, Hong Kong, Moscow, and soon in Kyiv, thus ensuring a high quality round-the-clock legal support of international and regional clients.

ABOUT SCHNEIDER LAW GROUP
The Schneider Law Group is a multi-disciplinary, multi-national, practice that advises many international investors on matters related to:
            - Corporate
            - M&A
            - Business Immigration Law
            - Company Incorporations
            - Capital Markets
            - Financial Services and Funds
            - Trust & Estates
            - Real Estate Transactions
            - Intellectual Property
            - Arbitration

Schneider Law Group’s expertise and resources are diverse.  It combines emerging markets experience with international professional standards and represents international corporations doing business in various countries around the globe.  The firm has participated in closings of very important transactions in Eastern Europe (including Ukraine), involving major groups.

Schneider Law Group’s multi-national employees are able to communicate in Russian, English, German, Hungarian, Turkish, Korean, Polish, and Azerbaijani, enabling the firm to better understand the needs of various clients from different backgrounds. 
 
ATTORNEYS & OFFICES IN USA & UKRAINE:
(1) NEW YORK: William Schneider, attorney, 100 Church Street, 8th Fl, New York, NY 07024, tel: +1 718-513-3620; e-mail: wzs@wzslaw.com.

(2) KYIV: Borys Bazylevskyi, attorney, Horizon Officer Tower, 42-44 Shovkovychna Street, Suite 318, Kyiv, 01601 Ukraine; Tel: 380 44 490 1297; E-mail: dr.bbazylevskyi@wzslaw.com

(3) CHICAGO: Alex Tolmatskyi, attorney, 350 East Dundee Road, Suite 320, Wheeling, IL 60090, e-mail: a.tolmatsky@wzslaw.com

"USUBC looks forward to working with the Schneider Law Group and are pleased they are opening an office in Kyiv," said Morgan Williams, Director, Government Affairs, Washington Office, for the SigmaBleyzer Private Equity Investment Management Group, who serves as President of the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC). 

"I met recently in Kyiv with William Schneider, Borys Bazylevskyi and Alex Tolmatskyi.   Borys attended a USUBC sponsored luncheon in Kyiv with U.S. Ambassador John Tefft.  Borys and Alex attended a USUBC workshop on the US Commercial Service and Ukrainian banking opportunities for financing US exports to Ukraine, " Williams said. 

INFORMATION: Additional information about the Schneider Law Group, their personnel, their services and publications may be found at: http://www.wzslaw.com.

USUBC MEMBERSHIP EXPECTED TO REACH 150 BY END OF 2010 
USUBC now has one-hundred forty-four members.  Membership in January of 2005 was eight and in January of 2007 was 22.  Membership is expected to reach 150 by the end of 2010.  The complete list of USUBC members can be found at: http://www.usubc.org/members.php.  For a list of the USUBC board of directors go to the following link: http://www.usubc.org/site/u-s-ukraine-business-council-board-of-directors. 

LINK: http://www.usubc.org/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=477#

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7.  EXXONMOBIL JOINS U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL (USUBC)
World's leading publicly traded international petroleum & petrochemical company; Member 143

U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Wash, D.C., Fri, Nov 19, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- ExxonMobil has been approved for membership in the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), the USUBC executive committee announced today on behalf of the entire USUBC membership of 143 companies and organizations who have business operations, investments or other development programs in Ukraine.

As the world’s leading publicly traded international petroleum and petrochemical company, ExxonMobil applies science and innovation to find better, safer and cleaner ways to deliver the energy the world needs. ExxonMobil makes products that drive modern transportation, power cities, lubricate industry and provide petrochemical building blocks that lead to thousands of consumer goods.

"USUBC looks forward to working with ExxonMobil in its pursuit of strengthening commercial ties between U.S. and Ukrainian companies and in
the further economic development of Ukraine," said Morgan Williams, Director, Government Affairs, Washington Office, for the SigmaBleyzer Private Equity Investment Management Group, who serves as President of the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC).  

Additional information about ExxonMobil may be found at their website: www.ExxonMobil.com.  

USUBC MEMBERSHIP EXPECTED TO REACH 150 BY END OF 2010 
USUBC now has more one-hundred forty-three members.  Membership in January of 2005 was eight and in January of 2007 was 22.  Membership is expected to reach 150 by the end of 2010.  The complete list of USUBC members can be found at: http://www.usubc.org/members.php.  For a list of the USUBC board of directors go to the following link: http://www.usubc.org/site/u-s-ukraine-business-council-board-of-directors. 

LINK: http://www.usubc.org/site/member-news/exxonmobil-joins-u-s-ukraine-business-council-usubc

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8.  KINANIS LLC JOINS U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL (USUBC) 
One of the leading and largest business law and consulting firms in Cyprus; member 142

U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Wash, D.C., Wed, Oct 27, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Kinanis LLC, one of the leading and largest business law and consulting firms in Cyprus, has been approved for membership in the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), the USUBC executive committee announced today on behalf of the entire USUBC membership of companies and organizations who have business operations, investments or other development programs in Ukraine.  Kinanis LLC is USUBC member 142. 

Kinanis LLC is a multi-disciplinary practice that advises many international investors, including those from the United States and other countries who are investing and operating in Ukraine, and private clients on all aspects of law and accounting. The firm is comprised of four divisions, Corporate, Accounting, Litigation and Property.  Kinanis LLC consists of lawyers, accountants, other professionals and assistants of over 80 persons.

The firm continues the business of Kinanis & Co established in 1983 and started its operation as a traditional law firm. Experience and practice over the years brought forward the need for transformation from a traditional law firm to a more innovative multidisciplinary firm providing a full range of services combining law and accounting with the extensive expertise in corporate and tax advice to ensure that our clients will obtain the best possible spherical consultation. 

KINANIS LLC & U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL (USUBC)
"The Kinanis law and consulting firm was highly recommended to USUBC.  We been working with Christos P. Kinanis, Managing Partner, Kinanis LLC," according to Morgan Williams, Director, Government Affairs, Washington Office, for the SigmaBleyzer Private Equity Investment Management Group, who serves as President of the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC).  

"Christos told us the firm has been doing considerable legal and consulting work on business transactions related to Ukraine for many years.  USUBC is most pleased to have the opportunity to work with one of the leading law and consulting firms in Cyprus," Williams said.   

Managing Partner Christos Kinanis graduated from the University of Athens, Greece, with a Diploma in Law (1982) and from Cambridge University, England, with a Master of Laws (1984).  Christos will represent Kinanis LLC on the USUBC board of directors. 

ABOUT KINANIS LLC....law and consulting
Services: Corporate / M&A; Taxation; Banking and Finance; Company Incorporations; Trusts and Foundations; Financial Services and Funds;  Accounting; Intellectual Property; Immovable Property; and Litigation  
 
Languages: Their multi-national employees are able to communicate in Greek, Russian, English, German, Armenian, Estonian, French, Romanian, Hungarian, Turkish, Czech and Slovak, hence enabling the firm to better understand the needs of various clients from different backgrounds.
 
Publications: Publications and updates regarding legal/tax matters are often issued by the firm. These may be downloaded from their website at http://www.kinanis.com/publications.html which are in the English, Russian and German languages. 
 
Multidisciplinary law firm: this is something unique in their field as they combine Law, Tax and Accountancy. They offer a full range of services in law and in accountancy (not audit) which cover accounting, tax advice, VAT and audit administration.
 
The firm has well organized corporate and accounting departments with extensive and long term experience in the incorporation, administration, tax planning and accounting services of companies worldwide.

The firm co-operates with large international firms in providing legal opinions and due diligence reports for deals involving Cypriot and overseas assets and companies. They have participated in major mergers and acquisitions implemented through Cyprus holding companies.
 
As a consulting firm they have experience in drafting and reviewing of various investment agreements, shareholders agreements, sale and purchase agreements, loan and other types of financing agreements.

Transactions in Eastern Europe:
The firm has participated in closings of very important transactions in Eastern Europe (including Ukraine), involving major groups. Our involvement in international financial transactions including core finance and security agreements has provided us with the expertise in representing groups, corporations and funds.
 
Additional information: Information about Kinanis LLC, their personnel, their services and publications may be found at: www.kinanis.com.

USUBC MEMBERSHIP NOW OVER 140 AND STILL GROWING
More than one-hundred forty members, Oct 2010. Membership in January of 2007 was 22.  Membership in January of 2005 was eight.  The complete list of USUBC members can be found at: http://www.usubc.org/members.php.  For a list of the USUBC board of directors go to the following link: 
http://www.usubc.org/site/u-s-ukraine-business-council-board-of-directors. 

LINK:  http://www.usubc.org/site/recent-news/kinanis-llc-joins-u-s-ukraine-business-council-usubc

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9.  NBC SECURITY, INC. JOINS U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL (USUBC)
Global security consulting and risk management firm; USUBC membership now totals 141
 
U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Wash, D.C., Wed, Oct 20, 2010
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – NBC Security, Inc (NBC), Great Falls, Virginia, a global consulting and risk management firm, has been approved for membership in the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), the USUBC executive committee announced today on behalf of the entire USUBC membership of 141 companies and organizations who have business operations, investments or other development programs in Ukraine.

NBC Security operates in North and South America, North and Central Africa, the Middle East and Central and Eastern Europe. The firm brings extensive experience in the following areas of expertise: border security, perimeter security, airport & aviation security, petrochemical & energy infrastructure security, multi site networked security, security control & command center, sporting events security, highway security & monitoring, transportation security, commercial & industrial institutions, diplomatic community.

NBC Security provides a wide range of security services including: (1) technical and engineering design services, (2) bid process assistance and consulting, (3) security systems design - build services, (4) RFP & RFQ preparation, (5) project execution management services, (6) security networks infrastructure assessment, (7) existing security systems assessments, (8) command center and control center design, (9) risk avoidance and countermeasures assessments, (10) due diligence and background investigations, (11) consulting and assistance on special security programs & projects, (12) software development services, and (13) linguistic & foreign cultures project assistance services.

NACER BENZEKRI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
"Although, we are not an equipment reseller, we do assist our customers in better understanding the latest products and technologies and  assist in the process of selecting and acquiring either directly with manufacturers or through distributors, " Nacer Benzekri, Executive Director of NBC Security, told USUBC.  Nacer Benzekri has over 10 years experience in technology, engineering, construction and consulting government agencies and companies locally and in international markets.   
 
Among the equipment presented  to clients, according to Nacer, are the best and latest technologies in security hardware and software: (A) CCTV cameras: high definition cameras, megapixel cameras,  night vision cameras, thermal imaging cameras, intelligent video & video analytics;  (B) Access control: secure multi technology access cards, biometrics, eye & facial recognition, walk through metal; explosives detectors, baggage scanners, and turnstiles.

Nacer stated, "NBC Security, Inc. looks forward to working in Ukraine and to bring experienced and technically qualified professionals to create and implement innovative security solutions, particularly when Ukraine and Poland are preparing to co-host the soccer championships during EURO 2012.

NBC can assist agencies in the assessment and evaluation of security systems and procedures.  We could also partner with Ukrainian security companies to find and execute security projects in and areas of: (1) sporting events (2) border security (3) airport security (4) transportation security and (5) energy structure."
 
BORN AND RAISED IN ALGERIA 
Benzekri was born in the town of Ghardaia located about 600 km south of the Algerian capital of Algiers. He grew up in this small agriculture and commerce town, where he worked in the family farming and construction business as a child.  He then went to Algiers to graduate from a very prestigious management school, Ecole Nationale d’Administration-ENA, with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and Management.

Nacer moved to the U.S. in 1992 to pursue his higher education. He attended City College of New York for a Master’s Degree in International Relations and later attended Columbia University for a Master’s Degree in International Business. His language skills include his native Berber language along with Arabic (Academic and cross Arab world dialects), French, English and basic Spanish. 
 
In 2003, he co-founded Intelligent Detection Systems, Inc. (IDS) in Framingham, Massachusetts. IDS is a full service security consulting and systems integration company, it caters to the security needs of government agencies (foreign and domestic), industrial and commercial institutions and high profile entities.  He later founded NBC Security, Inc.  

Nacer’s areas of expertise include the following:
          (1)  Security Systems Engineering Design for Large Infrastructure Applications to include the following technologies: CCTV (Night Vision & Thermal Imaging), Access Control, Biometrics, Perimeter Security, RFID, Secure Communications & Encryption, Explosives Detection 
          (2)  Large Security Applications Audit and Assessment
          (3)  Contract negotiations at private and government levels
          (4)  Inter-Cultural Global Mediation and project assistance between clients of different business climate and cultures
          (5)  International Due Diligence
          (6)  Background Investigations & Intelligence Analysis
          (7)  Security Applications Intelligence and Assembly
          (8)  Minimization and Stabilization
          (9)  Global Partnerships and Networking
         (10) Custom Security Projects Applications

"USUBC has been working with Nacer Benzekri now for several months," according to Iryna Teluk, USUBC Director of Membership Programs. "Nacer has attended a considerable number of USUBC meetings in Washington, D.C. including meetings of the USUBC Aerospace and Defense Industry Committee (ADIC).  USUBC is pleased to have the opportunity to work with Nacer as he extends the services of the company to Ukraine," Teluk said.
 
NBC Security, Inc. is a member of the U.S.-Saudi Business Council, the U.S.-Russia Business Council and the U.S.-Algeria Business Council.  For more information about NBC Security, Inc. go to http://nbc-security.com/.

USUBC MEMBERSHIP NOW 141 AND STILL GROWING
One-Hundred Forty-One Members, Oct 2010. Membership in Jan of 2005 was 8, in Jan of 2007 was 22.  Membership is expected to top 150 before the end of 2010.  The complete list of USUBC members can be found at: http://www.usubc.org/members.php. 
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10.  MEEST-AMERICA, INC. JOINS U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL
Provides ocean & air freight services, money transfers to Ukraine & other FSU countries; Member 140

U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Wash, D.C., Fri, Oct 15, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C., - MEEST-AMERICA, Inc., Elizabeth, New Jersey, a company that offers a full array of ocean and air freight services, has been approved for membership in the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), the USUBC executive committee announced today on behalf of the entire USUBC membership of 140 companies and organizations who have business operations, investments or other development programs in Ukraine. 

MEEST provides the delivery of parcels, letters, small packages, food orders, flowers, gifts and money transfers to the countries of the former Soviet Union, with a major focus on Ukraine.  They also deliver personal and commercial cargo, and automobiles. 

The MEEST Corporation, in business since 1989, has "built a reliable bridge across the Atlantic Ocean", that connected Ukrainian and Russian communities in the United States and Canada with their relatives and friends in thirteen countries: Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia.

MEEST is operating four different business divisions: (1) Parcels and Letters, (2) Ocean and Air Freight, (3) Money Transfers and (4) Flowers and Gifts and has grown into a global business with over a thousand employees. 

A wide network of over 380 representatives in the United States, Canada, Ukraine, Russia and other countries allows Meest to be always accessible to their  customers.  All their company offices are joined by one sophisticated computer network, that makes it possible for their customers to find out the status of their parcel or any other order at any time. 

MEEST America provides warehousing and consolidation services. Regardless of size, their efficient warehousing solutions will gives their customers the flexibility to meet the changing demands of their business with reduced transportation and storage costs. Meest will pack, prepare and customize their customers goods for different market needs.

Working with MEEST can help you reduce the risks and costs due to their expertise in customs clearance as well as regional transportation and logistics specifics in the countries of the former Soviet Union.

NATALIA BRANDAFI, HEAD OF MEEST-AMERICA
Natalia Brandafi heads up Meest-America's headquarters in Elizabeth, NJ.  Natalia recently told USUBC, "Meest-America's business is growing and on June 7, 2010 we moved into a larger building.  Our address is now 641 Dowd Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ  07201-2103. Meest is also shipping air parcels twice a week, every Wednesday and every Friday and are shipping any size cargo and automobiles in containers." 

Brandafi said that, "Meest-America has a network of agents and consolidation centers throughout the United States to manage cargo from door to door. They provide delivery service of almost any size shipment from small boxes to Full Container Loads (FCL) to the door."  To locate a representative in your area, please, call us toll free 1800 288-9949.

"The U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC) is pleased to have the opportunity to work with Meest-America as they continue to expand their services and business operations," said Morgan Williams, Director, Government Affairs, Washington Office, for the SigmaBleyzer Private Equity Investment Management Group, who serves as President of the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC).  

LISTING OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY MEEST AMERICA:
          (1) Delivery service of parcels, almost any size sea and air freight, Less-than-Full (LCL) and Full Container Loads (FCL).
          (2) Storage and warehousing service. They operate a 32,000 sq feet warehouse in Elizabeth, NJ located within 5 minutes driving distance from Newark Liberty International airport and 10 minutes from the sea port.
          (3) Value-added services such as pick up, packing, consolidation and deconsolidation of your products to satisfy your specific industry needs.
          (4) Network of agents and consolidation centres throughout the United States to manage your cargo from door to door.
          (5) Own brokerage firm and the biggest distribution network in Ukraine to process your goods with the best local expertise. Their customs experts see to it that your goods get to the final destination with minimum complication and maximum efficiency.
          (6) Parcel delivery service to Ukraine is the fastest on the market due to our regular daily pickups from our agents and frequent shipments by sea and by air.
          (7) Distribution network in Ukraine is the largest in the country which allows us to deliver parcels anywhere in Ukraine within a few days after their arrival. Our technology allows us to track the status of each parcel or cargo at anytime and anywhere in Ukraine.
          (8) Service to 13 countries: Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan

INFORMATION: For additional information on Meest-America go to: http://www.meest.us/.

USUBC MEMBERSHIP NOW 140 AND STILL GROWING
One-Hundred Forty Members, Oct 2010, Membership in January of 2007 was 22. 
The complete list of USUBC members can be found at: http://www.usubc.org/members.php. 

LINK: http://www.usubc.org/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=434#

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U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC): http://www.usubc.org
Promoting U.S.-Ukraine business relations & investment since 1995.
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11.  MARY KAY JOINS U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL (USUBC)
One of the largest direct sellers of skin care and color cosmetics in the world; Member 139
Mary Kay Ukraine independent sales force includes one-hundred sixty thousand people 

U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Wash, D.C., Thu, Oct 7, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Mary Kay, one of the largest direct sellers of skin care and color cosmetics in the world with a global independent sales force exceeding two million, has been approved for membership in the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), the USUBC executive committee announced today on behalf of the entire USUBC membership of 139 companies and organizations who have business operations, investments or other development programs in Ukraine.

The Mary Kay Ukraine independent sales force today includes approximately one-hundred sixty thousand people.  Mary Kay opened in Ukraine in 1997 and will celebrate 13 years of successful work on Ukrainian market in November, 2010. 

In 2009, Mary Kay Inc. and its international subsidiaries achieved $2.5 billion (USD) in wholesale sales worldwide. Mary Kay® products are sold in more than 35 markets worldwide. The global headquarters is located in Dallas, Texas, USA. The Mary Kay product line includes more than 200 premium products in five categories: facial skin care, color cosmetics, body care, sun protection and fragrance.

Mary Kay Ash founded her company on the Golden Rule in 1963 and emphasized the importance of giving back to others. Mary Kay’s employees and independent sales force members worldwide continue to fulfill Mary Kay Ash’s mission of enriching women’s lives.

EUROPEAN REGION
Mary Kay® products are available for sale and distribution in the following European countries: Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Mary Kay Germany was the first country to open in the European region in 1986, and Mary Kay Moldova is the most recent opening in 2005.  The largest market in the European region is Mary Kay Russia. 

THIRTY-ONE PINK MERCEDES IN UKRAINE
In 2001 the Mary Kay “Car Program” began in Ukraine.  Today the car park of Mary Kay Ukraine includes 466 automobiles, among them 31 pink Mercedes. Regional subsidiaries of Mary Kay Ukraine are in five of the largest Ukrainian cities, Lvov, Donetsk, Dnepropetrovsk, Kharkov and Odessa. The main office is in the capital of Ukraine - Kyiv.  Mary Kay Ukraine is a member of Ukrainian Association of Direct Sales established in 2001.

CHARITABLE PROGRAM BEGAN IN 2002
In 2002 the Charitable Program of Mary Kay Ukraine was established. Through this program, the efforts of the independent sales force and Mary Kay Ukraine corporate social responsibility initiatives, women survived from breast cancer have being helped and supported (information support, free mammography, rehabilitation programs etc.)

In 2009, in recognition of this charitable contribution, Mary Kay Ukraine received the “Charity Company of 2009” award among Ukrainian business enterprises.  The U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC) has assisted Mary Kay with their fund raising activities.

TOP COMPANY AND TOP EMPLOYER AWARDS
In 2004 Mary Kay Ukraine took 1st place in the “TOP 100 of the Best Ukrainian Companies” in the household chemical goods and fragrance category. In the same year the company became the “Golden Trade Mark” contest laureate in the “Cosmetic Company of Unique Opportunities” nomination.  In 2007, 2008 and 2009 Mary Kay was the “Best Ukrainian Employer” winner among others international companies. 

In 2008 Mary Kay Ukraine took part in the global research program “Best Employer of Central and Eastern Europe”. The research was conducted by Hewitt Associates Company with the support "The Wall Street Journal Europe". Mary Kay Ukraine was in 14th place among 700 companies!

MARY KAY AND U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL (USUBC)
USUBC has been working with Kerry Tassopoulos, Vice President, Government Relations and Compliance, who works out of the Mary Kay world headquarters in Dallas.  Kerry has attended some USUBC meetings.  Tassopoulos will represent Mary Kay on the USUBC board of directors.  In Ukraine USUBC has worked with Olesya Andreyeva, General Manager, Mary Kay Ukraine. 

"USUBC is very pleased to have the opportunity to work closely with Mary Kay and their subsidiary Mary Kay Ukraine.  Mary Kay Ukraine is a dominate business in Ukraine that is making a real difference.  The 160,000 persons in their independent sales force are learning about running a small business and earning additional income for their family, this is great" said Morgan Williams, Director, Government Affairs, Washington Office, for the SigmaBleyzer Private Equity Investment Management Group, who serves as President/CEO of the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (www.usubc.org).  
 
INFORMATION: To learn more about Mary Kay, log on to www.marykay.ua or go to www.marykay.com.

USUBC MEMBERSHIP NOW 139 AND STILL GROWING
USUBC membership in December 2004 was eight, in January 2007 it was twenty-two.  In September 2010 membership is one-hundred forty and is expected to reach 150 by the end of the year. The complete list of USUBC members can be found at: http://www.usubc.org/members.php.

LINK: http://www.usubc.org/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=408#

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12.  CITI JOINS THE U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL (USUBC)
The leading global financial services company, does business in 160 countries; Member 138
 
U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Wash, D.C., Tue, Oct 5, 2010
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. --  Citi, the leading global financial services company, has been approved for membership in the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), the USUBC executive committee announced today on behalf of the entire USUBC membership of over 130 companies and organizations who have business operations, investments or other development programs in Ukraine. Citi has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries.
 
Through Citicorp and Citi Holdings, Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management. PJSC "Citibank". Public Joint Stock Company "Citibank" is a 100%-owned subsidiary of Citi (headquartered in New York, U.S.A.).
 
OFFICE ESTABLISHED IN UKRAINE IN 1997 
Citi established a Representative Office in Ukraine in 1997.  PJSC "Citibank" was registered by the National Bank of Ukraine in May, 1998 and on October 30, 1998 the Bank was granted the package of banking licenses authorizing it to conduct all principal banking operations. Ukraine was the 100th country in Citi's global network.  Citi now has over 100 employees in Ukraine.
 
Citibank Ukraine's customer base is composed of the leading Ukrainian companies and multinationals, to which they provide a range of banking products including financing, treasury, and transaction services. "In recent years, we have significantly expanded our customer base to over 300 customers and have lead many financing transactions, including for the Government of the Ukraine, " said Jay Collins, Co-Head of the Global Public Sector at Citi. "We are delighted to support the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC)."  Jay operates out of Citi's world headquarters in New York City.
 
STEVEN FISHER, CITI COUNTRY OFFICER FOR UKRAINE
Citi announced the appointment of Steven Fisher as Citi Country Officer (CCO) for Ukraine, in early April, 2010. Fisher has been with Citi for 26 years and he brings unique and deep experience to this role. He recently served as Corporate Banking Regional Head for Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, during which time Citi arranged and underwrote over $150 billion in financing for Citi's clients in the region.
 
Steven had previously served in regional and country roles across Asia, EMEA and North America. He holds a M.S. degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University in Washington D.C., and a B. A. degree in International Relations, specializing in China and Russia, from Cornell University in New York State (http://www.citibank.ru/russia/news/eng/234.htm.) USUBC has met with Steven several times and will be working closely with Steven  in Ukraine to create an improved business environment and to support Citi's expanding business operations. 
 
CHARLES R. JOHNSTON, SENIOR VP, INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, WASH, D.C.
Charles 'Rick' Johnston, Senior Vice President, International Government Affairs, Citigroup Management Corporation in Washington, D.C. will be working with USUBC in Washington, D.C.  Rick has been attending USUBC meetings.  "I have known Rick Johnson for many years. We used to work together on Capitol Hill," said Morgan Williams, Director, Government Affairs, Washington Office, for the SigmaBleyzer Private Equity Investment Management Group, who serves as President of the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council." 
 
"I consider it a real opportunity to work with Rick once again, with Steven Fisher in Ukraine and Jay Collins in New York City and their colleagues in London and Moscow. USUBC is very pleased and honored to have the opportunity to with Citi, a worldwide premier financial services company, Williams stated."
 
Additional information about Citi may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com  

USUBC BANKING, FINANCE, PRIVATE EQUITY FUND MEMBERS
The following companies in the fields of banking, finance and private equity funds are members of USUBC: Cargill Financial Services Corporation, Citi Group; Broad Street Capital Group; Carolina Capital Markets, Inc; Horizon Capital/Emerging Europe Growth Fund; IBM Global Financing; John Deere Credit; Och-Ziff Capital Management Group LLC; PMD International, Inc; Providence Equity; RZB Finance LLC; SigmaBleyzer Private Equity Investment Group; Siguler Guff & Company; TriGlobal Strategic Ventures (TCSV); The State Export-Import Bank of Ukraine; Ukrainian Development Company; Orest John Zuk, investment banker.

USUBC MEMBERSHIP NOW OVER 135 AND STILL GROWING
USUBC membership in December 2004 was eight, in January 2007 it was twenty-two.  In September 2010 membership is one-hundred thirty-eight and is expected to reach 150 by the end of the year. The complete list of USUBC members can be found at: http://www.usubc.org/members.php.

LINK:  http://www.usubc.org/site/recent-news/citi-joins-the-u-s-ukraine-business-council-usubc

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