Join us for a catered lunch as we discuss the benefits of US businesses having operations in British Columbia.  The program will explore the economic incentives available to technology companies that are offered by the Government of British Columbia and by local authorities in Vancouver, how to access the programs and how to commence operations in BC.  The program will also include first hand insights of companies that have opened a satellite office in British Columbia.

Moderator:

Jonathan Friedman, Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP– Jonathan Friedman is Partner at the law firm of Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP.  Jonathan advises a wide range of both public and private clients, including development-stage, emerging-growth and middle-market companies as well as angel investors, venture capital firms and strategic investors. Jonathan’s practice focuses on venture capital and corporate finance, intellectual property licensing, mergers and acquisitions, securities law and general corporate and business matters. Jonathan has represented corporations and other entities in a wide variety of industries, including Internet and e-commerce, apparel, medical devices, entertainment and high technology. Jonathan is a member of the Executive Committee of the Canadian California Business Council, an entity that was formed to support Canada and California businesses growth. The Council aims to use its membership network to connect bi-lateral opportunities that will result in the job creation, investment connection and trade partnership support.

Panelists:

Robert Wong, Creative BC – After working for several years for a chartered accounting firm in Vancouver, Robert joined BC Film + Media (now Creative BC) where he is currently the Vice President and Acting Film Commissioner. Robert joined the staff just prior to the launch of the film and television tax credit program in 1998, and has since played an integral role in the evolution of British Columbia’s film and television tax policy, including the recent enhancements to the tax credit program. He is responsible for all administrative aspects of Film Incentive BC (FIBC), the Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC), and development funding programs.  As Acting Film Commissioner, he is tasked with marketing British Columbia as a destination of choice for projects and companies looking for a world class production centre.

Lui Petrollini, Ernst & Young – Lui is the EY B.C. Media & Entertainment Services Leader, Private Mid-Market Services Leader and the Director, Pacific Region Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. He has over 29 years experience in Public Accounting, serving private Canadian and international companies. Serving a wide variety of clients from start-up, development stage to full mature companies, Lui has extensive experience with software development companies, Media & Entertainment production companies and industry-related service providers. He currently sits as a director of the B.C. Technology Industry Association, the Telus World of Science (“Science World”) and the B.C. Motion Picture Production Industry Association. Lui possesses considerable knowledge and expertise in the film and television production industry. He has worked closely with film and television producers, and government and taxation agencies in dealing with the various film and tax credit incentives available to producers in Canada.

Mikko Setala, Rovio Animation Company– Mikko Setala joined Rovio Entertainment in 2006 as the Chairman of the Board and has also served Rovio as the CFO and EVP of Corporate Development. Living currently in Los Angeles, he is the President of the Rovio subsidiaries in North America.  Mikko’s background is in the software industry and he has been an entrepreneur, worked as an executive in major software companies and also as the CEO of a listed company. Mikko has written two books and acts as an angel investor and board member.  Mikko has a M.Sc. degree from Helsinki University of Technology.
Twitter: mikesetala

Agenda: 12:00-12:30 Networking and Free Catered Lunch; 12:30-1:30 Panel Discussion

Parking: Ramp #5 on 4th Street near Broadway, or at the Santa Monica Place Mall.  No Validations.

Sponsors: