March 15 forum in Tel Aviv to highlight U.S. expansion strategies for Israeli defense and homeland security companies

Israel-US Alliance event focuses on Fairfax County/Washington area opportunities

Fairfax County, Virginia USA, Friday, February 26, 2010 -

Israeli businesses in the defense and homeland security sectors will gain insight on how to expand in the United States – with a focus on the Washington, D.C., area – during a seminar on March 15, 2010, in Tel Aviv. The seminar will be presented by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) and its Tel Aviv marketing office in cooperation with the law firm of Nixon Peabody LLP, the Israel-America Chamber of Commerce (IACC) and the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute. It will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dan Tel Aviv Hotel, 99 Ha-Yarkon Street.

“Israel-US Alliance: Business Opportunities in Homeland Security and Defense” will present important strategies and tactics for Israeli companies interested in expansion to the U.S. The event will include:

• A keynote address by Major General (Ret.) Eitan Ben Eliyahu, Chief of the Israeli Air Force, who will address the current Israel-U.S. alliance, geopolitical trends, threats and opportunities.
• A panel discussion with representatives of Israeli companies doing business in Fairfax County – NICE Systems, Camero and RaySat –to describe opportunities for Israeli companies to conduct business in the U.S. homeland security and defense sectors. The panel also will discuss market-entry strategies and legal, tax and human resources issues.
• A case study by defense electronics company Elbit Systems to outline its successful entry into the U.S. homeland security sector via acquisition.
• A presentation by Nixon Peabody to explore strategies for companies interested in establishing partnerships within the defense and homeland security complex and finding opportunities with projects created under the U.S. government’s stimulus legislation.
• Networking opportunities before and after the program.

For more information about the event and to register, visit www.fairfaxcountyeda.org/worldwideoffices/tel-aviv-office/special-events.

“Israeli companies have developed some of the leading defense and homeland security technologies, and this event will be a valuable way for them to learn the best ways to expand into the large and growing U.S. market,” said Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the FCEDA. “They also will learn why the Fairfax County area offers the best opportunities for homeland security and defense firms to grow in the U.S.”

Fairfax County offers excellent options for Israeli companies in technology, homeland security and defense contracting and IT integration. More than 350 foreign companies, including about 20 from Israel already have a presence in Fairfax County.

About the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA)

The FCEDA (www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org) promotes Fairfax County as a business and technology center. The FCEDA offers site location and business development assistance and connections with government agencies to help companies locate and expand in Fairfax County. The FCEDA maintains marketing offices in San Francisco, Bangalore, Frankfurt, London, Seoul and Tel Aviv.

About Nixon Peabody LLP

Nixon Peabody LLP (www.nixonpeabody.com) is recognized as a “Global 100” law firm with 800 attorneys collaborating across major practice areas in 17 cities including Washington, D.C. The Nixon Peabody Israel Business Practice provides comprehensive U.S. legal and business solutions to Israeli companies, investors, and entrepreneurs doing business in the U.S. and elsewhere, and to foreign entities doing business in Israel.

About the Israel-America Chamber of Commerce

The Israel-America Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IACC, www.amcham.co.il) is dedicated to the promotion and enhancement of two-way trade and investment between Israel and the United States. The IACC is the exclusive Israeli representative of the world’s largest business federation – the Washington-based U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an umbrella organization of 3,000 local chambers.

About the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute

The Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute (IEICI, www.export.gov.il) is the primary organization facilitating trade opportunities, joint ventures and strategic alliances between international businesses and Israeli companies. IEICI promotes Israel's technological, industrial and commercial capabilities through business cooperation on all levels and establish strong, long-term business contacts with leading trade companies in Israel.