LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT | |
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Maya Mancuso
President, BABC
Northern California
US Business Relationships Manager
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Dear Members and Friends of the BABC Northern California,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Firstly, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all who joined us on Friday, December 15th at The Fairmont Hotel for the 60th Annual “Diamond” BABC Christmas Luncheon. We welcomed over 700 guests to the Bay Area’s best holiday party in town and helped the British Benevolent Society (BBS) by raising just over $17,200! Thanks also to the many event sponsors and donors – you can see them here – we couldn’t have done it without you! Check out the photos and video below.
We have quite a few flagship educational events upcoming. Our 34th Annual Economic Forecast Luncheon, presented by HSBC, will be held at the City Club on February 6th from 11.30am – 2pm. Please join us to learn what’s in store for the economy this year and to discuss AI’s applications, its dissemination across industry, its potential risks and benefits, and the role being played by the San Francisco Bay Area. Once again moderated by Financial Times’ West Coast Editor, Richard Waters, we also have the honor of welcoming to the panel Ryan Wang, HSBC’s US Economist, to present his views on the global economy. Our friend, Sean Randolph, at the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, will provide insights on the expected forecast for the Bay Area economy and Richard Halkett from SambaNova will provide his thoughts on how the predictions made will impact the industry throughout the year.
Mark your calendars for our 13th Annual Funding, Exits and IPO’s Event on March 13th from 5:30 - 8:30 PM at The Quad Conference Center in Menlo Park. Join us for an evening of lively, engaging and fun discussions and hear more about how things might work out for the technology community in 2024 and get a chance to ask questions our panel of Venture Capitalists. We will see how accurate their 2023 forecasts were and will see what their predictions are for 2024. Registration opening soon! And on March 28th join us for our second BABC NeXtGen Leadership Workshop, led by BIA Mindset Founder and CEO, Fiona Roberts. Venue to be confirmed shortly.
On the social networking front, our friends at the Mostly British Film Festival have an action-packed lineup of movies to view beginning February 15th and running through the 22nd.
Finally, on behalf of myself, Executive Director Jo Healey and the BABC Board of Directors, a huge welcome to all our new and renewing members (below) and thank you to all of our members who make up the British American Business Council Northern California. We look forwarding to working with you and seeing you at our events.
With gratitude,
Maya Mancuso
Bird & Bird
maya.mancuso@twobirds.com
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LETTER FROM THE BRITISH CONSUL GENERAL | |
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Tammy Sandhu MBE
HM British Consul- General
San Francisco
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Dear Members of the BABC,
I trust this note finds you all in good spirits – literal or figurative – after the festive period.
It was absolutely wonderful to see some of you at the December BABC luncheon and celebrate the successes of the last year as we look towards the new one. The enthusiasm and spirit at the event spoke to the strength, humour, and cohesion of our community. Huge thanks to Jo Healey and all the BABC leaders and volunteers who helped make it such an incredible day; I look forward to continuing our work this January and beyond!
Last year was a busy stretch of UK ministers and delegations nearly every week, high-impact events furthering our policy work on AI, climate, online safety, and trade, promoting British businesses, welcoming new team members, supporting British nationals, building science partnerships, and strengthening our political links across California and the US Northwest.
I closed the year with my first trip home to the UK since becoming Consul General, where I had the pleasure of seeing London lit up for holidays as I met with policymakers, industry experts, and organisational heads dedicated to driving progress through innovation. It was a fantastic opportunity to update ministers and colleagues and to explore new opportunities for partnership across all our priority areas.
In December, I also had the pleasure of serving on the Marshall Scholarship Selection Committee, whose work culminated in the announcement of five brilliant and inspirational US students from our region who will travel to the UK for graduate school next year and continue the legacy of academic excellence, ambassadorial strength, and leadership.
This year, we are forging onwards and upwards, starting off strong with a series of events surrounding JP Morgan Healthcare Week as well as a panel at the Consulate focused on perspectives and developments in digital competition. With the rapid rollout and adoption of new technologies impacting millions of people across the world, a great part of our work here at the Consulate involves exploring how and why these challenges are becoming more complex – and how we can establish sensible guardrails to mitigate risk.
We are also delighted to be welcoming Trade Envoy to the United States, Sir Conor Burns MP, later this month. His visit will build on connecting the state of California to the UK through our pursuit of a trade and economic memorandum of understanding (MOU). Subnational diplomacy is a key aspect of our work here at the British Consulate in San Francisco as well as across the United States, and I’m incredibly happy to see increasing interest in this important diplomatic area. Our work in California was recently spotlighted in an article by Politico and I’ll be delving deeper into the subject in an upcoming podcast episode. Stay tuned!
Thank you for being an essential part of our community – here’s to the exciting chapters that the New Year holds for us. Keep up to date on our activities and opportunities for involvement via our LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter. In the meantime –
All the best,
Tammy Sandhu MBE
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34th Annual BABC Economic Forecast Luncheon Presented by HSBC | |
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The British-American Business Council Northern California cordially invites you to the 34th Annual BABC Economic Forecast Luncheon on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at The City Club of San Francisco, presented by HSBC.
Discussion is growing in board rooms around the world about the impacts of generative AI. Reactions range from dystopian to optimistic as civic and technology leaders debate issues around control, the risks of misuse, and the upside benefits of higher productivity and efficiency. The 2024 Economic Forecast Luncheon will bring together leading economists and business strategists to discuss AI’s applications, its dissemination across industry, its potential risks and benefits, and the role being played by the San Francisco Bay Area.
Other topics will include:
- How inflation and interest rates could affect the economy in 2024.
- The outlook for the Bay Area economy, including tech, biotech and commercial real estate.
- APEC’s impact on San Francisco’s economy.
- Changes to the global economy, including relationships of the U.S. with China, India, North America (Canada and Mexico), and Europe.
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DATE:
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024
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SAVE THE DATE! 3/13/24
13th Annual Funding, Exits and IPO's 2024
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REGISTRATION OPENING SOON!
2023 was an interesting year underpinned by the explosion of AI (and Ozempic). And we’ve all been thankful for AI and everything it has done for the Bay Area’s economy but is AI going to be the saviour of our economy or the destroyer of our job market? Is 2024 going to see AI and the associated need for data security take over the world or will there be other sectors that will attract the attention of the venture capital community?
Join us in Menlo Park on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, for an exciting evening of discussions with a panel of Venture Capitalists. Explore insights into the technology community's outlook for 2024, compare their 2023 forecasts, and pose your questions.
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DATE:
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2024
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60th "Diamond" BABC Christmas Luncheon | |
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Thank you to all who joined us at the Fairmont San Francisco on Friday, December 15th, 2023 for the 60th “Diamond” BABC Christmas Luncheon. How wonderful it was for us all to gather in-person to celebrate the season and to re-connect. We hope you had a magical day. Congratulations to all the Prize winners and THANK YOU to all who purchased items in the Live Auction.
CLICKE HERE TO READ THE FULL RECAP AND TO VIEW PHOTOS
And check out the video below produced by 2020 Productions:
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Mostly British Film Festival Returns Feb. 15-22 With 26 Films! | |
The Mostly British Film Festival, an annual cinematic celebration of English-speaking countries, is back in Vogue, February 15-22, 2024 at the VOGUE THEATER. Founded a decade ago by Ruthe Stein and Jack Bair, this year's festival kicks off with a lively Opening Night Party at 5:30 pm at Presido Kebob, 3277 Sacramento Street. The Festival's centerpieces are highlighted below: | | |
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OPENING NIGHT
How to Have Sex
Far from an instructional video, How to Have Sex is a dazzling deeply-imagined coming-of-age feature from British director Molly Manning Walker. Her remarkably self-assured debut– winner of the Un Certain Regard jury prize at Cannes– magically transports the audience back to their teens, a time marked by confusing sexual feelings. Nominated for 13 British Independent Film Awards.
Thursday, February 15, 2024 - 7:30 pm
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One Life
Anthony Hopkins dominates a heady ensemble cast (Helena Bonham Carter, Jonathan Pryce and Johnny Flynn) as real-life humanitarian Nicholas Winton, who saved more than 600 Czech children destined for Nazi concentration camps and brought them to safety in Great Britain.
Friday, February 16, 2024 - 7:30 pm
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What’s Love Got to Do With It?
To answer the question provocatively posed in this title, love ultimately dictates the mating habits in this delightful rom-com, a throwback to past British romances like Notting Hill and Love Actually. The adorable Lily James stars as Zoe, a filmmaker shooting a documentary on the courtship of her lifelong friend, who has honored his Pakistani heritage by assenting to an arranged marriage.
Monday, February 19, 2024 - 7:00 pm
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Wicked Little Letters
Jessie Buckley and Olivia Colman team up again in this raunchy dark comedy. Set in 1920s rural England and based on a true story, the film tackles class inequities and expectations of women amidst the raucous carryings on. Great fun!
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 - 7:30 pm
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The Mostly British Film Festival is presented by the San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation and makes its permanent home at the Vogue Theater. A series pass including all 26 films and opening and closing night parties with early access into the theater costs $350/$250 (discounted prices for members of SFFILM, the Fromm Institute, the Calvary Presbyterian Church and people 65 years and over). Opening night tickets are $50/$35, and closing night is $30/$20. Individual tickets are $20/$15. Tickets available at mostlybritish.org and the Vogue Theater box-office. | |
London Ranked World's Best City | | |
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According to London & Partners, London has taken the number one spot in Resonance’s world’s best cities ranking for 2024. The consultancy group’s annual ranking considers qualitative and quantitative data, including GDP and evaluations on social media from locals and visitors. London came first place in two of the three main categories – livability, lovability and prosperity – which are used to calculate an overall score for each city. Resonance has also acknowledged how London’s transport has bounced back since the pandemic, as well as the amount of investment and tourists visiting the city as some reasons for the number one ranking.
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UK-US Strategic Energy Partnership
What it is: It is the primary bilateral forum to enhance and expand cooperation across shared energy security and resilience, clean energy, affordability and net zero objectives.
The 2024 instalment: The fourth meeting of the UK-US Strategic Energy Dialogue will take place in the first quarter of 2024. The meeting is likely to consider further questions on clean technology developments, financing, SME involvement, and nuclear energy.
What happened last time: Read the joint statement released here after the third dialogue in February 2023 to learn more about the topics of collaboration discussed.
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UK-US Comprehensive Dialogue on Technology & Data
What it is: Senior US and UK officials will meet in the first quarter of 2024 for the second installation of the dialogue.
The 2024 instalment: In 2024, significant progress has been made since the inaugural meeting. The successful Global AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park marked a milestone, and upcoming summits are planned in South Korea and France. The US-UK Data Bridge agreement was signed in September, paving the way for collaborative technology R&D opportunities. Ongoing efforts in cross-border privacy and digital security are expected to extend into 2024.
More information: Read the joint statement released here after the first dialogue in January 2023 to learn more about the topics of collaboration discussed.
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US-UK Financial Regulatory Working Group
An overview: The Working Group was established in 2018 to deepen bilateral regulatory cooperation and to enhance: financial stability; investor protection; fair orderly, and efficient markets; and capital formation across both jurisdictions. The last meeting focused on the key themes of 1) economic and financial stability outlook; 2) international banking issues; 3) developments in the non-bank sector; 4) climate-related financial risks and sustainable finance; 5) international engagement; and 6) digital finance.
What is BAB doing: BAB is part of the BritishAmerican Finance Alliance, a group of organisations that directly feed into the discussions of each working group. If you would like to raise any topics of interest for upcoming meetings please contact Sophie Rahemanji.
Want to learn more? Read the joint statement from the last meeting here after the eighth dialogue in September 2023 to learn more about the topics of collaboration discussed.
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For a complete breakdown of policy and trade headlines and BABN published works, click here. | |
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS | |
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Nancy Barrett
Maxine Erlund
Elizabeth Johnson
Solaris Suborbital
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WITH THANKS TO OUR RENEWING MEMBERS | |
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As the regional business development agency, Invest NI’s role is to grow the local economy. We do this by helping new and existing businesses to compete internationally, and by attracting new investment to Northern Ireland.
We are part of the Department of The Economy and provide strong government support for business by effectively delivering the Government’s economic development strategies. Some of the recent US Investors we have worked with include, Puppet Labs, Alert Logic, Rapid7, Proofpoint and Whitehat Security.
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The smartest business solutions come when we work together – international but working as one integrated team. We’ve continually looked at every aspect of our business for the past 125 years. There’s always more we can do.
Collaborative, agile and partner-led: that’s Simmons & Simmons. A law firm that challenges, creates new possibilities and offers opinion not just option.
We focus on four highly regulated sectors – using our specialist skills to understand your business, and the forces at play around it. All grounded in exceptional knowledge of the legal detail.
This is how we consistently deliver smarter, more efficient, ways to tackle your most complex challenges.
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ZEDRA is an international provider of Global Expansion, Funds and Active Wealth solutions. Our experienced teams deliver tailored high quality advice to companies and family businesses expanding overseas on a range of global expansion, accounting, tax, global mobility, payroll and HR matters. We also support high net worth individuals and their families seeking diversified active wealth solutions, as well as asset managers and their investors. Our hands-on approach and entrepreneurial outlook helps our clients safeguard their assets and unlock their ambitions for growth, no matter how complex their challenges might be. | |
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Founded in 1978, Erickson Immigration Group, P.C. (“EIG”) is a 150 member global law firm that provides comprehensive business immigration, global migration, and compliance solutions that enable companies to hire the best and brightest talent from around the world.
Headquartered in Arlington, Va., with an office in San Francisco, and a global alliance spanning more than 100 countries, EIG represents clients ranging from Fortune 50s to cutting-edge startups. Sectors represented by our firm include technology (including CRM services, e-commerce, social and online news media, online entertainment and television/movie production, FinTech, online payments), financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and universities/public school districts.
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Synergy never applies a one-size-fits-all, cookie-cutter approach to furnished housing, because we believe each of our guests deserves individual attention. We pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled end-to-end accommodation solutions tailored to meet specific client objectives. From strategic, on-the-ground partnerships to superior customer service and cutting-edge technology, our restless and resilient teams will stop at nothing to ensure our guests and clients receive a remarkable experience from day one.
Since our establishment in 1999, we have built a strong foundation of expertise in a range of accommodation types including aparthotels, serviced accommodation, corporate apartments, and hotels. Today, we offer over 800,000 turn-key housing options in more than 2,000 cities across 85+ countries.
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Founded in Chicago in 1924, Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world’s leading organizations of independent audit, tax and advisory firms.
Grant Thornton works with a broad range of publicly and privately held companies, government agencies, financial institutions, and civic and religious organizations. Core industries served include consumer and industrial products, financial services, not-for-profit, private equity, and technology. Grant Thornton focuses on serving dynamic organizations that pursue growth holistically — whether through revenue improvement, leadership, mission fulfillment, or innovation.
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Founded in Chicago in 1924, Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world’s leading organizations of independent audit, tax and advisory firms.
Grant Thornton works with a broad range of publicly and privately held companies, government agencies, financial institutions, and civic and religious organizations. Core industries served include consumer and industrial products, financial services, not-for-profit, private equity, and technology. Grant Thornton focuses on serving dynamic organizations that pursue growth holistically — whether through revenue improvement, leadership, mission fulfillment, or innovation.
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BUSINESS & COMMUNITY PARTNER MEMBERS
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20/20 Productions is a corporate communications production company, specializing in video, events and digital design. Founded in 1990, based in Edinburgh, Scotland and San Francisco, the company assists Clients throughout the US, Europe and beyond. 20/20 Productions Founder and CEO Andy MacKay has over 30 years experience in the presentation industry, working globally on projects for Clients ranging from start-ups to the United Nations (literally!). The success of the company is based on our creative but ‘common-sense’ approach to communications. | |
BDO is the brand name for BDO USA, LLP, a U.S. professional services firm providing assurance, tax, and advisory services to a wide range of publicly traded and privately held companies. For more than 100 years, BDO has provided quality service through the active involvement of experienced and committed professionals. The firm serves clients through more than 60 offices and over 650 independent alliance firm locations nationwide. As an independent Member Firm of BDO International Limited, BDO serves multi-national clients through a global network of more than 80,000 people working out of nearly 1,600 offices across 162 countries and territories. | |
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Bia Mindset is a coaching and consulting firm headquartered in San Francisco with a network of worldwide performance coaches and associates that help organizations develop the skills and mindset of their people, to achieve their full potential and deliver high performance.
Whether you’re looking to develop your leadership capability, expand your talent pipeline or implement cultural change, Bia Mindset can support you. We connect your people to your purpose and values, resulting in a more engaged, adaptable, and focused organization.
Our core areas of expertise are Leadership & Management, Performance Coaching, Change & Transitions, Resilience and Company Cultures.
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IDA Ireland is Ireland’s inward promotion agency. We partner with established companies, both large and small, working with them every step of the way to achieve a smooth, fast and successful set-up of their operations in Ireland. IDA Ireland’s services to clients are free of charge and confidential and we currently support over 1,600 client companies with operations in Ireland.
For over 70 years Ireland has attracted MNCs from all over the globe and we continue to attract the best companies in the world due to our consistent pro-business policies, unwavering commitment to EU membership, our industry and innovation clusters and highly educated workforce.
Website
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Our lawyers handle both contentious and non-contentious matters, and provide a range of specialist legal services, for many industry sectors including insurance and reinsurance, aviation, banking and finance, construction and engineering, healthcare, life sciences, marine, public sector, rail, real estate, retail, shipping and international trade, sport and leisure, transport and logistics and travel and tourism. But we have particular expertise in litigation and dispute resolution, especially in defending insurance and liability claims. | |
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At Landsea Homes, we believe that all of the expertise, innovation and care that go into designing and building your new home should be felt and sensed at first sight, and for decades to come. The harmony between the outside environment, and the inside livability. The form, and the function. The beauty, and the brains. From the moment you enter, it should feel like a celebration of life and space.
Living in your element, therefore, is what happens when your home and its surroundings change the way you live, work and play.
Landsea Homes was named the 2022 winner of the prestigious Builder of the Year award, presented by BUILDER magazine, in recognition of a historical year of transformation.
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Inspired technology, life science, and other privately held companies from the Bay Area and all over the world seek us out because we offer our clients an exceptional blend of sophisticated big law firm, general counsel and cross-border transactional expertise, with a boutique law firm’s ability to focus laser sharp attention on their unique business and legal needs. We partner with entrepreneurs at all stages of their company’s growth trajectory, from incorporation to financings to mergers and acquisitions. We are proud to provide all of our clients with an unsurpassed combination of pragmatic legal counsel and astute business advice
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Founded in 1863, our society joins people who share a connection with Scotland in a community and a bond of culture and benevolent purpose, the latter best expressed in our motto:
“OUR AIN ILLS HAE STRENGTH TO BEAR ANITHER’S AYE HAE HEART TO FEEL”
Relief to people with Scottish origins, who are in distress remains an important function for us. Additionally, the Society gives financial support to Scottish cultural organizations in Northern America, such as Bagpipe Bands, Fiddling Schools, Scottish Country Dancing, and other cultural artists and musicians. Lastly, the Society manages a robust scholarship fund for students studying in Scotland or Northern California.
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Malcolm Booth
Keith Cotterill
Kelly Ducourty
Robin Hart
Steven Minchen
Wallace Poulter
Jacqueline Witter
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YOUNG PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS | |
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Andrew Jack
Andrea Saliba
Greg Tinker
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WITH THANKS TO OUR SUSTAINING
PATRON & PREMIER MEMBERS
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MEMBER-TO-MEMBER OFFERS
Enjoy the perks of being a Member
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One of the benefits of membership in the BABC Northern California is the opportunity to access Member-to-Member-Only special offers and hot deals.
To learn how to access codes and instructions, log in to your BABC Account and click on the Member-to-Member Deals button.
To take advantage of these Member-to-Member offers, join the BABC today to obtain the discount code. Click here to learn more about membership.
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Log in to your Member account to obtain the discount code for:
A complimentary 60-Minute Initial Consultation with BIA Mindset Founder, Fiona Roberts
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Wingtip
Exclusive Member-to- Member Offer
| BABC Members Save 20% on Membership Initiation Fee — a savings value of $700! | To take advantage of this offer email tricia@wingtip.com to get started. | | | |
BABC Members get one month membership on Spot+ and Office+ (w/ 6+ mo contract) | | | |
British American Business Council | (415) 296-8645 | info@babcsf.org | www.babcsf.org | |
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