Scott Reid, Executive Director, AmCham Madagascar
It has been a very tough period for AmCham for most of 2020. The AmCham Office moved to a work from home status from March to September with all face-to-face meetings and events being postponed during that time. Despite the initial “shell shock” the association moved into the virtual space with a number of meetings online using the Zoom platform, but we found for many members that the physically gathering and networking that the AmCham offered was sorely missed!
Whilst historically the Thursday Morning Round Table ( “TMRT”) events where the key to keeping members involved, we found that using the format of a weekly newsletter and publishing The AmCham Post (with L’Express De Madagascar) and The American magazine was a great strategy in “filling the gap”. Far from being quiet, AmCham pushed its online strategy strongly during 2020.
1- THE AMCHAM POST
The AmCham Post is AmCham’s weekly publication in L’Express de Madagascar since 2014. From September 10, 2020 - After some negotiations, L’Express renewed its partnership with the Chamber and agreed to allocate one page on a weekly basis to AmCham. The AmCham Post is now available every Thursday in L’Express. Various topics covered: economics, business and entrepreneurship, international trade, education, energy, international days, American cultures, and many others.
2- AMCHAM WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
The AmCham Weekly Newsletter was created to inform AmCham members, partners, and other subscribers, about relevant economic news and AmCham events on a weekly basis. From January 7 to December 30, 2020, 52 weekly newsletters have been sent every Wednesday and Thursday.
Information shared in the newsletters include:
As of December 2020, 503 email addresses have subscribed to AmCham Weekly Newsletter.
3- THE AMERICAN MAGAZINE
The first magazine edited 100% in English is produced by AmCham. “The American” is a magazine distributed for free to AmCham members and partners, within high stand hotels, embassies, English teaching centres and other locations. The American magazine has always been printed in 1,000 copies. Advertising has been allowed since the 2nd edition. The tenth issue dealing with “Tourism” was planned to be released in late March 2020. Unfortunately, due to the lockdown and travel bans, and the potential economic crisis to come, the advertisers – including hotels – cancelled their orders. It has been decided that the issue would be postponed. Considering the delicate economic situation in Madagascar this year, no issue has been printed. The tenth issue is now expected to be released in late March 2021.
4- THE AMERICAN WEBSITE
Due to the cancellation of the issues of The American magazine in 2020, the AmCham planned to create a new digital version of the magazine called www.theamerican.mg. The AmCham applied for a U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Sector Small Grant in June 2020, and the digital platform has been accepted for a one-year funding program.
The website has been available since late October 2020. Unlike traditional media, The American website is not intended for reporting daily news. Instead, at least one article per day is published, dealing with the following topics: business, economics, education, Madagascar destination, Malagasy and American cultures, youth initiatives, society. The website is open to external contributions (scholars, academics, civic and business leaders) in the “Interviews and Opinions” section.
5- OTHER EVENTS
Whilst the main fund raising Gala events was cancelled, a number of other events were held.
Looking forward, in 2021 we will be steadily increasing events and meetings ( both virtual and physical) . The first TMRT for 2021 will be in February with the DG of AIRTEL talking about the effect of Covid -19 on operations and suggestions for moving forward. Provisionally it will be held at the Le Gourmet at Ankorondrano. The March and April TMRTs are being negotiated at the moment As we prepare a new 2021 event program we will be contacting members and potential members from overseas with a significant Malagasy footprint to discuss partnership opportunities. We are looking to expand the TMRT concept to include Industry Series, Business Leader Luncheons, “Live from America” Webinar Series.
With much more on offer, both online and physical get-togethers, members and sponsors will have excellent options to increase their visibility, improve their contacts within government and business circles.
All around us, we see businesses large and small, Malagasy and international, service and goods providers struggling to cope with unprecedented economic hardship. In this environment, AmCham Madagascar’s work will become particularly critical as we emerge into 2021 and 2022.
I have been heartened to hear that now, more than ever, businesses value their association with AmCham however the financial burdens have been great on many of our SME members.
Finally, allow me to thank our sponsors for your tremendous support throughout this difficult period and we look forward to emerging from the pandemic stronger and more connected than ever before.
By Scott Reid, Executive Director, AmCham Madagascar
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This website was funded by a grant from the United States Department of State. The opinions, findings and conclusions stated herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State.
