NAF-BIZ
The NAF-Biz Chapter Committee is a volunteer committee of the Netherland-America Foundation, known as NAF-Biz, a platform for the exchange of international business management information, experiences and ideas among the Dutch professional community in the New York City area and US professionals who do business with the Netherlands.
This chapter organizes networking events with high-level speakers who will discuss a topic or business case, intended to spark discussion and transfer valuable experience among participants. Previous events covered topics like ChatGPT, startups and scaleups, and navigating uncertainties in business.
The chapter is composed of volunteers who are residents of New York and surrounding areas.
As part of our ongoing effort to highlight purpose-driven businesses, we hosted a company visit to Tony’s Chocolonely in Soho. Members explored the brand’s mission to create a 100% slave-free chocolate industry, gaining insights into how ethical entrepreneurship can drive real change. The inspiring founding story sparked valuable discussions on responsible leadership and impact-driven business models.
The highlight of the year was the NAF Ball Seminar: Pioneering Change & Celebrating Dutch Entrepreneurship at the Harvard Club. Celebrating 400 years of New York, the event honored the Dutch entrepreneurial spirit that shaped the city’s foundations and continues to influence global business today. The panel featured distinguished leaders, including Hanneke Faber (CEO, Logitech), Günay Uslu (CEO, Corendon), and Tuncay Özgüner (President, FrieslandCampina), with Mesut Celebi (CEO, Growthstars) moderating. The discussion explored how this mindset developed—from their early careers to their roles leading global enterprises. The event also showcased the next generation of innovators, as startups from the Netherlands pitched their businesses, making it a dynamic combination of seasoned entrepreneurs and emerging talent.
The NAF Biz Committee:
Mesut Celebi, Chair
Erik Storteboom, Vice Chair
Servaas Begheyn, Finance
Floris Holties, Secretary
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