The Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce works to promote trade and goodwill and to foster business, financial and professional interests between Norway and the United States of America, to advance the common purposes of its members, and to facilitate contact among its members.
At the luncheon at the Pierre Hotel in New York hosted by NACC President Blaine Collins and NACC Executive Vice President Craig Dykers, the 2011 NACC Achievement Award was given to Aktiv mot Kreft and Jack Waitz. The Award was presented by Per Heidenreich, also a NACC Achievement Award recipient. The Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce Achievement Award has been presented since 1992 to individuals “whose outstanding personal accomplishments exemplify the spirit of commitment, perseverance and endeavor that sustains the strong relations between Norway and the United States of America.”
"The Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce is also about fostering goodwill and personal connections between Norway and the US. Our well-known long distance runner, the late Grete Waitz, is a legend in Norway as well as in New York. She was a recipient of the Achievement Award in 2005 in recognition of both her accomplishments in running, as well as her inspirational work. In her later years, she was admired for her incredible work for the cancer cause. She shared this passion with her husband Jack. They supported the founding of Aktiv Mot Kreft, established by Helle Aanesen in 2007. I would like to congratulate Jack Waitz, Helle Aanesen and Aktiv Mot Kreft with the Achievement Award." Said H.M King Harald in the opening speech.
The 2011 Trade Award went to the fashion designers in Moods of Norway and was presented by John Sullivan from Norseland, 1998 recipients of the Trade Award. The Norwegian-American Trade Award recipients are chosen by an independent selection committee based on a number of measurements, including performance in expanding trade between Norway and the United States, innovation in marketing and distribution, business integrity, and service to the community.
"The fashion designers in Moods of Norway have successfully exported their designs to the United States. They are this year’s recipients of the Trade Award. Moods of Norway have both strong Norwegian roots and flourishing international branches. They are representatives of the up-and-coming Norwegian fashion and creative industries, and a symbol of a new generation of Norwegian businesses in the US. Congratulations to all of you." Remarked H.M King Harald in the opening speech.
Read the whole speech at kongehuset.no