The Wallace Business Forum

We tell it like it is

Keeping the Chief Executive appraised of what he should know to be successful in his business

The Wallace Business Forum’s goal is to keep the Chief Executive appraised of what he should know to be successful in his business by helping him to identify, anticipate, and manage external change more effectively. To that end, we monitor and forecast changes in the political, economic, regulatory, and industry-specific environments. And, if required, can analyze the impact of such developments on individual clients.

Through our integrated package of roundtables, peer group discussions, and publishing services, we help corporations formulated and implement effective strategies for streng-thening their business. Our conferences and roundtables give executives and country managers a unique opportunity to meet with government leaders and other influential decision-makers, and discuss common problems among themselves. We can also organise and manage conferences for corporations. Mr. Wallace is available for in-house briefings on the business environment and ambassador Theo Arnold for cross-cultural briefings.

Country Risk Analysis

Our country risk analysis covers the Philippine business environment and its likely direction, assessing the political, economic and social issues confronting the business sector in general, and selected industries in particular. We operate one of the most successful country programs among our associates in Asia. Our Business Forum offers an integrated package of roundtable meetings, peer group discussions and information services designed to assist country managers of multinational and large Filipino firms cope  with changes in the corporate operating environment

CLIENTS ARE PROVIDED WITH:

ROUNDTABLES. Quarterly roundtable meetings are held where member-clients are given an assessment of the prevailing economic, political, social, and business conditions in the country.  The roundtable looks at how developments in these areas affect the medium-term prospects of the country and provides members an opportunity to interact with senior government officials and other influential decision-makers in a freewheeling, off-the-record discussion of specific issues affecting their business operations. Conclusion papers are printed and distributed after each meeting.

SECTORAL LUNCHES. Private, informal lunches are arranged from time-to-time between senior government officials and the members in the sector under his responsibility.

PEER-GROUP MEETINGS. Small peer-group meetings are held on a regular basis where senior executives discuss specific operating issues and concerns, exchange information and business ideas, share corporate operating experiences, and meet informally with leading government officials.

ON-CALL INFORMATION SERVICE.

Member clients have access to our database of economic, political and business information by calling our analysts for–specific information or assistance on the country. Or by accessing our website

Publications

THE PHILIPPINE ALERT. A monthly publication that tracts all events, trends, regulations and changes in business, economic, political and policy areas that must be taken into consideration for a company to operate successfully in a difficult and constantly changing environment. The report is set up in a form that provides quick reference to all matters of importance, plus detailed assessments in subsequent sections.

PHILIPPINE WEEKLY UPDATE (PWU). Is a 4-page report e-mailed or faxed to members every Monday morning. The PWU covers all the key issues of the previous week, plus any recently released economic indicators. With the rapid changes that are occurring the PWU helps to bring it  all  into focus and to alert you to events and issues that chief executives should be aware of.

THE DAILY NEWS. A summary of the items in the newspapers that would be of interest to CEOs. E-mailed daily by 9am.

CORPORATE PERFORMANCE SURVEY. An annual report that highlights the value of MNC’s to the country through publication of the performance of the group.

SPECIAL REPORTS. The company releases various special reports  and surveys from time to time during the year on issues of specific interest or concern toward a better environment, or understanding of that environment in the Philippines.

Personal Counseling

Mr. Wallace has spent over 35 years in Asia, 30 of them in the Philippines.

He was regional manager for a U.S. company for 7 years, before moving to Manila to build a factory for that firm. He moved on to head a Philippine conglomerate for another U.S. firm. This group was involved in food production (as partner with a major local group); truck assembly; rope manufacture; abaca trading; laundry and dyeing; shipping and airline agencies, and ship crewing. He then moved on to head the largest trading company in the Philippines before forming his own business in 1982.

This considerable breadth of experience can be provided at a personal level to CEOs new to the country and in need of quiet guidance to avoid the pitfalls and understand the nuances of doing business in the Philippines and working with Filipinos.

Ambassador Theo Arnold provides a similar role in helping CEO’s new to the country, and their spouses to understand the nuances of Filipino culture and thereby adapt more readily to it.

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