March 14th 2007 Dinner Meeting

Drinks 6.00 PM ---- Dinner 7:00PM

Jock Finlayson is the March Speaker

Jock Finlayson is Executive Vice President at the Business Council of British Columbia, an association representing 190 large and mid-size B.C. companies that together account for approximately one-quarter of all jobs in the province..

He is the author or co-author of two books and more than 35 published articles and book chapters, most of which deal with topics in the areas of international trade, labour market trends, and Canadian and B.C. public policy.

A frequent commentator on economic, business, and public affairs issues, he contributes a monthly column to Business In Vancouver, is a regular guest on CBC Radio’s B.C. Almanac program, and writes frequently for the Vancouver Sun and The Financial Post.

Meet Your Newly Elected Ececutive Board

Back: Henrik Laursen - President. Andres Nurmi. Erik Unheim Jack Larsen - Treasurer (Not Present)

Front: Bjarne Christoffersen - Secretary.Erik Nordholm - Vice President. Ken Mclean. Jan Nordin

Henrik’s Report

Dear Members,

Since our latest newsletter the SBC held its 61st A.G.M. and the meeting was quite well attended, with a quorum established.

A new Board has been elected with eight Directors and we may eventually have nine and maybe even ten, which will be a very substantial boost.

The new Board has held its first meeting and I am pleased to report that there are a number of new initiatives underway to try and increase our total membership as well as our exposure within the Scandinavian community, including the four Houses we share the Centre with.

From time to time we will ask Members to assist on specific tasks or committees.

Many issues and suggestions were discussed with a key one being the need for Members to advise the Executive well in advance if they plan to attend a meeting, and then follow through on that commitment. We understand that other clubs and societies are charging an amount for not attending after committing, and we have very little choice but do the same.

We have to commit to our caterer with a certain number of guests and Members, and no-shows cost the SBC quite a bit.

It is also a concern when Members show up without advising us.

We understand that schedules change, however we are only a cell- phone call away...

We intend to get the newsletter out a few days earlier as well as follow up with a phonecall. If you are not home when we call please always return the call, so that we can do a better job with our caterer Kate.

It is also necessary for us to do a better job of getting the meetings underway at 7pm. This will assist Kate and her team on the food preparation, and in turn our enjoyment of same.

We are concerned about the declining membership and number of paid-up Members. If you are not renewing your membership, we would appreciate it, if you would contact one of your Directors and let them know what the SBC could have done differently to keep you as a Member.

If you are renewing and have already paid your annual dues, we thank you!

If not, please do so during the month of March, tx.

Cheers!

Herring appetizer, Swedish meatballs and salmon, new potatoes, gravy, lingonberry sauce and a cucumber salad.

Scholarship

Nominations/applications are invited by family of members in good standing.The application form is downloadable from the front page of the website or contact Bjarne for details.

RSVP is to Henrik Laursen 604.244.9300 , danvikmarketing@shaw.ca

Bjarne Christoffersen 604.528.9290, Fax 604.528.6163, vikingm@shaw.ca

Visit our Website for news sbc@scandinaviancentre.org