Each month, The Ukrainian Observer visits Kyiv bars popular
with expats to obtain answers to a common question. This month,
The Observer visited people at O'Brien's and T.G.I. Friday's.
We asked this month's Board of Drinkers:
"AmCham or EBA: Which do you prefer, and why?"
Perhaps not surprisingly, we found that many potential respondents declined to take sides on this issue. They told us that both organizations have their merits, and since many companies belong to both, the matter of declaring a preference is tricky at best.
At the risk of sounding like a waffler, our experience has been that they're both excellent organizations. We're members of both, provide services to both and enjoy their events equally.
Blair Sheridan (Canada),
Country Manager, Group 4,
2.5 years in Ukraine.
***
EBA, of course! I think it is a question of culture, first, that European people must support each other. Second, to continue supporting the excellent work done by EBA regarding Ukrai-nian authorities.
Jean-Jacques Monborgne (France),
Vice President, French Dental Center,
10 Years in Ukraine.
***
Of course I am very biased since I was on the original committee that set up the EBA , so I have to prefer the EBA. But in any event I feel the EBA has been extremely proactive since its inception and has made many good inroads with their committees and dealings with the Ukrainian authorities. Of course, AmCham does very good work as well, and both deserve credit, but for me, I think the EBA presently has the edge.
David Cleave (UK),
Chief Administrative Officer, The Science & Technology Center in Ukraine,
8 years in Ukraine.
***
EBA. I have no negative comments regarding my 5-year association with AmCham. My company is one of the few self-funded small companies in Ukraine. In addition, my roots are in energy. EBA is active in energy and small business, while AmCham is focused on legislation and big business. I appreciate the focus of both groups. EBA keeps me active and sends me business prospects. This is what the small guys need. I do feel the big guys don't need so much help.
David Sears (USA),
President, Energy Solutions,
4 years in Ukraine.
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