Corb7 International February 9th, 2022 Newsletter

International Business

Editor's Note

A Bridge to Nowhere

Last week, my hometown of Pittsburgh went through a few very scary moments. Thankfully, no one was killed, but a bridge collapsed in the east end of the city just as the morning rush hour was getting under way.  Somehow, a bridge that carries over 14,000 cars a day had only had four cars, a pickup truck and a bus at the time of it failed.  This literally hit home for me.  The bridge – which many it the United States probably had seen on the national news – was very near the home I grew up in.  When I say it was close, I mean within a 1/2 mile of the house which was my parents, next to the little league baseball fields I played on as a kid, and over and through a park where I rode my bike as a youth.  Literally, I have been over or under that bridge countless times.



As a result of this collapse, infrastructure became headline news again.  There is, however, a problem. How does one define infrastructure?  Not so long ago this would be a simple question.  In 2022, however, nothing is that simple.  Many are attempting to redefine the language that we commonly use.  Infrastructure – which at one time denoted roads, bridges, rail, and airports as such the basic physical facilities needed for the operation of a society - is the most-recent example of speech manipulation.

What does it hurt to expand the definition?  In fact, verbal gymnastics can be very harmful because they frequently blur even the most basic of concepts and usually to the benefit of one side and the detriment of the other.  
 
Contrary to what many unelected bureaucrats think, a society has limited resources.  To put it bluntly, you cannot endlessly tax a population.  Therefore, you need to have precise language when discussing the basic needs of society, which must be provided by government.  A great opportunity to reach across the aisle and have both Democrats and Republicans agree on funding for infrastructure is being missed.  How can anything get accomplished when elected officials cannot agree on fundamental definitions? The answer unfortunately seems self-evident.  It can’t.    

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International Business

Business Psychology

The Business of Valentine's Day

A survey from the National Retail Federation (NFR)  - which has been conducting this analysis since 2004 - is projecting that Americans will spend 23.9 billion on Valentine's Day in 20222.  That will be up from last year at 21.8 billion and the  downturn in spending adapting to the long shadow of a pandemic. 

Even the most ardent Valentine's Day enthusiast, however,  might not know just why this day designed for lovers to express their affections for one another is celebrated in mid-February. According to the Library of Congress, it's hard to pinpoint exactly why Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14, though the date might have ties to the ancient Roman celebration of Lupercalia. Lupercalia was a spring festival celebrated each year on February 15.

The holiday was moved to February 14 after the spread of Christianity. The Christian faith had several early martyrs named Valentine, and each of them were celebrated with a saint day on February 14. But the unique history of Valentine's Day and its association with February 14th as well as its romantic sentiments does not end there. The Library of Congress also notes that, in the Middle Ages, people believed birds selected their mates on February 14. As a result, it was not uncommon for lovers to recite prose to one another on this date.  

In his 1382 poem, "Parlement of Foules," English poet Geoffrey Chaucer became one of the first known to connect romance with St. Valentine's Day. Over the next several centuries, the day's connection to romance only grew stronger, and by the Victorian era in England, it was not uncommon for lovers to profess their affections through songs, poetry and even the giving of roses as gifts.

It was during the Victorian era that British chocolate manufacturer Richard Cadbury began searching for ways to use the cocoa butter that his company was extracting during the production of their drinking chocolate. In 1861, Cadbury decided to produce edible chocolates, which he even sold and marketed in heart-shaped boxes decorated with images of Cupid and rosebuds. It would be a few more decades before edible chocolates caught on in the United States, where they remain a must-have item for many Valentine's Day celebrants more than 150 years after Cadbury first began selling them. 

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International Business

Cross-Border Business

United States as a Privacy Haven

Shelf corporations in the United States have many profound business purposes. They are frequently used for holding personal or business assets.  Another common purpose for the creation of a shelf corporation is as a turn-key business package that can later be sold to someone who wants to start and operate a company without going through the effort to form a new one.   Others might benefit who may not qualify for a bank loan, line of credit, or government contract because they or their existing company does not have the required credit scores or a two to five year established business history.  By purchasing a shelf corporation, an entrepreneur now instantly owns an established company that has been "in business" for several years without debts or liabilities. 

For Non-U.S. citizens, owning a shelf corporation in the United States may enhance privacy and open new markets.  Since the United States is not a participant in the OECD Common Reporting Standards, it is often looked upon as a privacy haven for non-citizens looking to invest here.  The Common Reporting Standard (“CRS”),  was created by the OECD in 2014 pursuant to a meeting of the G-20 nations in Australia and calls for the automatic exchange of financial account information between agreeing jurisdictions. It should also be noted, however, that to open a bank account, Non-U.S. citizens will likely need to travel to the United States and meet with potential banks.

* Supporting Articles:

Financial Times Article

The World's Largest Tax Haven

United States Not Participant in CRS

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International Business

Business Tools

1982 Swiss Trust Company

Video Presentation Offered Above

 A Swiss Trust Company is a unique, focused model that allows discerning entrepreneurs to employ these strategies. Whether your motivation is Profit, Privacy or Asset Protection, we are about to introduce to you a totally unique business tool - Swiss Trust Company Ownership. No other business tool is like it, offering you the capability to conduct almost limitless transactions through a prestigious European financial center with the assistance of highly regarded professionals.

Strategic Benefits:
- Asset Protection: Obtain a safe haven for either your personal or corporate wealth
- Profit: Acquire ownership of a “Non-Banking Financial Entity” in a major financial center
- Privacy: The ability to lower your financial profile and protect yourself from identity theft
- Gain Control: Avoid cumbersome red-tape in which will improve efficiency
- Potential Exit Strategy: Roll existing business into a STC and then listing on an exchange
- Portfolio Management: Manage portfolios of Real Estate or Securities

Additional Benefits Include:
- Political and Economic Stable Environment
- The Swiss Franc as an Independent Currency
- Own Subsidiaries and Hold Assets for Third Parties on Fiduciary Basis
- Tools like joining an SRO, applying for a light FINMA Banking License
- Efficient Network of Swiss Banks including communications by SWIFT
- Business Friendly Location

Investment:
Swiss Trust Companies are available for an initial investment ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. The average client invests approximately $100,000 to acquire their company. Your outlay will increase with the age of the structure since older companies are more difficult to locate.

* Please note this is not a tax sheltered vehicle for United States citizens or any jurisdiction with worldwide tax obligations.  

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International Business

Business Etiquette

Introverted or Extroverted?

by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Etiquette for the Business of Life

As a high school teacher, I found that grouping students into introverted or extroverted categories was an exciting way to engage them.  They could identify and compare learning styles.  It was also informative, opening up wonderful discussions and allowing the entire class to consider different ways of looking at classroom activities and assignment variation.

Not surprising, my students, depending on whether they fell into the introverted or extroverted category, preferred different learning activities. Extroverts tend to enjoy and learn with social engagement, whereas introverts prefer solitary activities and independent work and study.  Introverts re-gain energy through being alone and tend to prefer careful detailing, whereas extroverts, more outgoing, re-fuel by socializing and being quick paced with teamwork and broad outreach. 

As an etiquette educator, I’ve realized that etiquette learning sessions are experienced differently as well.  Some people love the interactive, hands-on activities, while others report dreading have to shake hands or practice networking at a cocktail event.  (All enjoy the dining events, and one favorite table conversation topic is extroversion and introversion.)

Introverted or Extroverted Etiquette Practices
When it comes to asking students what good manners are, extroverts tend to respond that they readily make sure everyone is included in a social gathering and it is easy for them to engage in conversation at networking events.  They also confess to sometimes monopolizing conversations.  

Introverts tend to find it necessary to nudge themselves to get out there and meet and greet others.  Some identify themselves as “the wallflowers.”  They are very cautious not to interrupt others, but admittedly, can feel at a disadvantage when being with an extroverted group.  In etiquette learning sessions, introverts tend to be more patient with the teaching.  That is, they are generally not hurried or impatient to move on to “the next thing.”

Etiquette Guidelines for Everyone

It’s important to remember that good manners are good manners and etiquette is what it is regardless of personality type.  Looking to the foundational elements of etiquette – kindness and respect – every human being can employ these when interacting with other people.
But as individuals, each of us may exhibit kindness and respect in various ways, many times depending on the situation we find ourselves in.  The key is to be mindful of what we are called to do in any given moment.  While doing so, pay attention to the learning opportunities that surface.  There will be many!

An introvert attending a networking event understands that he is expected to network.  To prevent becoming tongue-tied or retreating to an uncrowded corner of the room, he sets a goal of speaking with at least ten people before allowing himself to take a break and has a list of ten open-ended questions memorized to begin conversations with the people he meets.  His mindful preparation makes being out of his comfort zone a little more . . . comfortable.

An extrovert attending the same event, may need to mindfully dial herself back a little.  She has no problem meeting people or starting conversations, so she sets a goal to ask open-ended questions and listen to the person she’s speaking with without interrupting.  And she also aims to talk about herself only when someone asks her a question.

Both people, introverted or extroverted, are employing the etiquette guidelines of courteous conversation, but are mindfully doing so to complement or help control their personality.
Are you introverted or extroverted?  How does your personality affect your etiquette practices or interactions with other people?

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Lifestyle

Executive Fitness

Stretching Benefits for Mind & Body

by Nancy Hovde
Life Empowerment Coach
UberEmpowerment.com

Do you spend the majority of your workday at your desk? Are you experiencing tightness in your neck, shoulders and lower back? Many business executives would probably agree that they could benefit from daily stretching and that they understand the importance of incorporating it into their daily life. Remaining in the same position during your workday not only creates muscle tension, but can also cause neck, shoulder and lower back pain.
 
The good news is, business professionals can integrate daily stretching into their busy day! Did you know that stretching has benefits for both the body and mind?

  Stretching Benefits the Body

• It helps to improve your posture, which reduces back pain.
• Can reduce fatigue by increasing blood supply and nutrients to your muscles.
• Helps prevent muscle strain injuries.
• Improves flexibility, which relieves muscle tension.

 
Stretching Benefits the Mind

• It leaves you feeling refreshed and increases productivity.
• Studies show that stretching can increase serotonin levels, the hormone that stabilizes our mood.
• Reduces stress which decreases anxiety and depression.
• Helps to focus your awareness to the present.

 
In order to get both the body and mind benefits from the stretching, remember to breathe! Deep breathing combined with stretching activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and relieves that “fight or flight” stress response.
 
For the following stretches, you will be targeting the desk sitting muscles that really need lengthening throughout the day. Many business executives work remotely or from home, however, these exercises are easy to integrate, even if you are working at your office and wearing work attire.
 
Forward fold: Stand tall with your feet apart. Soften your knees and slowly bend forward. Allow your upper body to hang loosely. Slowly sway side-to-side to release the tension in your lower back. Slowly roll your body upward.
Upper body and arm reach: Clasp your hands, palms facing outward, together above your head. Push your arms up, stretching upward. Hold for five breaths.
Forward stretch: Clasp your hands in front of you while lowering your head. Press your head forward and hold for five breaths.
Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch - Kneel on the floor or a mat (optional) with both knees, then place one foot forward so that you have a 90-degree angle at the hip and knee. Keeping the torso upright, slowly lean forward until you feel a comfortable stretch through the groin and top of the thigh (rear leg). Hold for 30 seconds on each side.
 
Seated Figure Four Stretch - Sit on the edge of a chair. Place one ankle over the opposite knee. For greater stretch in the buttoock area gently push the knee of the crossed leg down away from you. Hold for 30 seconds on each side.
 
You can repeat these stretches 2-3 times in one session or integrate the stretches throughout your day. I would suggest aiming for at least once per day, while working.
 
It can be helpful to set a timer or reminder on your phone or computer to take stretching breaks.

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Lifestyle

Spirits & Cuisine

How Cadbury & Hershey tied Chocolate to Valentine's Day

Heart-shaped boxes filled with decadent treats are coveted gifts on Valentine's Day. Chocolate lovers typically have a favorite type of chocolate, whether it's creamy filled truffles or chocolate pieces with fruit or nut fillings.

The tradition of gifting chocolate is anything but new. Chocolate and other sweet treats have been offered for centuries as prized gifts. Even ancient Aztecs and Mayans celebrated chocolate and saw it as a hot commodity. Drinks made of cacao beans would be given as presents to people of high status. Chocolate also would be offered to the gods as a token of appreciation. Cacao beans were even used as a form of currency at one point.

During the 17th century, chocolate consumption grew considerably across Europe. Chocolate houses cropped up in London, and the French elite often indulged in chocolate. Chocolate's popularity continued to grow, but the dessert was not linked to Valentine's Day until nearly 200 years later. In the mid-1800s, an enterprising individual named Richard Cadbury was looking for a way to make chocolate even more popular than it already was. He sought out a method to make drinking chocolate more palatable and created "eating chocolates." These chocolates were packaged in decorative boxes. Eventually, Cadbury saw the benefit of putting images of cupids and roses on the boxes. Cadbury even designed chocolate boxes in the shape of hearts that could be saved as mementos. These chocolates soon became intertwined with Valentine's Day celebrations.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Milton Hershey dabbled in commercializing chocolate as well. Hershey began as a caramel maker, but experimented with covering the caramels in chocolate in 1894. Hershey would go on to develop one of the most successful brands of chocolate in the United States, which included the famous Hershey bar. In 1907, Hershey launched production of tear-drop shaped "kisses." (The chocolates were given their unusual name because of the "smooching" noise made by the chocolate when being manufactured.) The kisses became wildly popular and made for affordable chocolate gifts on Valentine's Day.

Many other chocolate manufacturers soon began packaging their chocolates in special boxes for Valentine's Day. Russell Stover and Whitmans are two such manufacturers who have long specialized in heart-shaped boxes or other decorative Valentine's gifts.

Traditionally, men have gifted women with boxes of chocolate for Valentine's Day. However, that role is reversed in other areas of the world. For example, in Japan, women give gifts - namely chocolates - to the men in their lives to express love, courtesy or social obligation. This tradition first began in 1936 when confectioner Morozoff Ltd. ran the first ever Valentine's Day ad in Japan through a local English newspaper. By the 1950s, other Japanese confectioners were following suit.

Chocolate has long been tied to Valentine's Day gifting. Whether one believes that chocolate symbolizes heightened status, acts as an aphrodisiac or is just a special treat, chocolates will likely always be associated with the day of love.

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Lifestyle

Leisure

Bart Starr vs. Len Dawson and $12 Tickets

 The very first Super Bowl was played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on January 15,1967, a 35-10 win for the Green Bay Packers over the Kansas City Chiefs. This game feature two of the best quarterbacks of the era with Bart Starr going up against Len Dawson.  Starr – who was NFL's league wide MVP that season - won his first of two consecutive Super Bowl Most Valuable Player awards.  The average ticket to Super Bowl I was just $12. Perhaps even more surprising to today's NFL fans,  the inaugural Super Bowl did not even sell out. From 1967 to 1970 the first four Super Bowls were played before the merger, with the NFL and AFL each winning two.



Many fans of the National Football League, which is one of the most popular and most-watched sports leagues in the world, may aspire to one day see their favorite teams play in-person in the Super Bowl. While there may be nothing stopping fans' favorite teams from making the big game, fans themselves might be priced out.  According to various sources, the current ticket range is between $9,500 to $35,000 with some reports of tickets going for as high as $70,000. Nosebleeds are starting around $5,100 and Private Suites are starting at $540,000 and going much higher.  Parking passes alone are going for $300-$800 and that is just to park one car.

Enjoy the game.  

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Lifestyle

Lifestyle & Travel

Tickets, Parties & The Big Game!  

This Sunday, Los Angeles will again host the biggest American football game of the year  The Super Bowl is the most widely watched sporting event in the world. Throughout the Super Bowl weekend, there are countless activities and parties to attend as well as famous celebrities all throughout the city.

Trust me, I have recently been to a regular-season game at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles where the game will be played and it is not easy to find your way around.  It is huge with very little in the way of maps. For an event like the Super Bowl, a quality service might be the way to go.    

If you are indeed planning on going to the game, then a service you should be aware of is “The Princeton Group” which provides upscale ticket, hospitality, and accommodations packages to both businesses and individuals at a variety of major sporting events.  We thought it a good time to again highlight their service and bring it to your attention.
   
The Princeton Group

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Business Services

Business Acquisitions

Think 7 Continents, Think a World of Opportunity  

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SWISS TRUST COMPANIES!

TOP REASONS TO OWN A SWISS TRUST COMPANY in 2022 

1. Financial Services: To use as an alternative to owning a “Captive Bank” or Class B Bank. The cost of time and money to establish ownership of a bank has soared while profit multiples have plummeted. Thus, a Swiss Trust Company can be an attractive alternative for international business.
2. Internet-Based Business Owners: Enhance the corporate profile while at the same time establishing a quality European beachhead with an outstanding professional network of attorneys and bankers.
3. Import Industry & Shipping Industry: Control transactions more efficiently and establish true corresponding bank relationships.
4. Eastern European Business Owners: To seek sanctuary from political uncertainty.
5. South Korean Business Owners: To seek sanctuary from political uncertainty.
6. US Real Estate Developers: To raise & manage capital from private overseas investors to fund real estate development in the United States. It furthermore, applies to similar industries.
7. Wealthy Families or Business Partners: To use as a management tool to protect, invest and consolidate wealth by warehousing assets and segregating interests via a mandate for reinvestment reflecting differing tolerance to risk.
8. South African Business Owners: Manage international profits in response to government currency controls in country of origin. It furthermore, applies to other countries with similar restrictions in place.

A Swiss Trust Company is a Non-Banking Financial Business Model that will operate for you as a holding entity and a flagship structure adding prestige and operational authority to any venture.  This totally unique corporate structure perpetuates the legacy and tradition of the Swiss financial industry and transitions smartly into any business undertaking that you may embark on.

Swiss Trust Companies are not banks but come as close as you can get without actually being a licensed Swiss bank. Thus, many of the authorities and advantages a bank provides become available to ownership without a large capital requirement and with much lower ongoing costs. Vintage Swiss Trust Companies bestow enormous advantages upon its owner due to its history and date of incorporation, which include the opportunity for profit & asset protection.



Move investment capital faster
Take advantage of growth opportunities resulting in increased profit.
 
Exercise more control over capital transactions
Reduce third party fees thus creating savings.
 
Establish a major European beachhead
Protect funds from political instability and consolidate global business interest.
 
Alternative to captive bank ownership
which can be a very long and expensive process to successfully complete.
 
Because of success in their respective fields, our client’s business interests and personal interests are often intertwined.  To that end, owning a Swiss Trust Company also offers the additional individual benefits of asset protection and estate planning possibilities. 
 
Swiss-friendly approach on Crypto regulations
Switzerland is ranked number one of top ten European countries for starting a blockchain company due to its friendly regulation environment and supportive startup ecosystem with world-class service providers. It is rapidly emerging as a crypto paradise, supported by its banking skills, low-tax-system, elite universities and Switzerland as brand itself which has attracted a large variety of foreign cryptocurrency and blockchain startups. In Switzerland cryptocurrencies and exchanges are legal, and the country has adopted a remarkably progressive stance towards cryptocurrency regulations. The long-term policy regarding crypto-currencies on the part of the Swiss Financial Market Authority and its clarification of many aspects related to their business makes Switzerland one of the best places worldwide to launch an ICO.
 
Crypto Valley in Zug
The Swiss city Zug in central Switzerland, also known as Crypto valley, is one of the most crypto-friendly cities in the world. Perfectly positioned to get the most out of the decentralized, stable and predictable Swiss political system and its unique business environment, Zug is incomparable for an uncomplicated and pragmatic implementation of business ideas with world-class infrastructure. Zug offers a solid basis for global growth due to its business-friendly philosophy and the openness and easy accessibility of its authorities with short communication channels. With its low-tax-system, pro-business environment and fantastic quality of life Zug has attracted numerous multinationals, creating an international and cosmopolitan culture with an easy access to powerful global networks.
 
Swiss Trust company as perfect support for US-investors in engaging in business activities related to Crypto
The Swiss Trust company is one of the best known and respected vehicles in the business world. Swiss Trust companies can easily function as a holding entity and a flagship structure for any company and investment. They provide administrators with an excellent level of discretion and security and maintain a great number of types of assets, including shares, commodities, real estate properties, fixed income assets and cash. This flexibility combined with discretion, privacy and prestige makes the Swiss Trust company the perfect business vehicle for US-investors in engaging in business activities related to Crypto, such as ICO, participation and investing in ICO or crypto assets, acting as escrow agent or fiduciary in crypt assets related transactions.

* Free E- Book:  "The Complete Guide to Swiss Trust Company Ownership"