List of International companies in Ticino

Over the past months I have had requests and inquires about job possibilities in Ticino. I came across this list of International companies in Ticino by the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce and wanted to share this info.

CHIMICA E FARMACEUTICA
Abraxis Bioscience Switzerland GMBH
Alpex Pharma SA
APR Applied Pharma Research SA
ATR Chemicals SA
Chemo Lugano Branch
Ginsana SA (Boehringer Ingelheim)
Gnosis
Bioresearch SA
IBSA (Institut Biochimique SA)
KerrHawe SA (Sybron Dental Specialities)
Medacta International SA
NAIE SA
Rivopharm
Zambon

METALLURGIA E METALMECCANICA
Ambrosetti Ruote SA (BBV)
Delta Stahlroehre BV Amsterdam
Elti Suisse SA
Fedegari Autoklaven AG
Gruppo Fabbri (Svizzera) SA
Precicast SA
Riri SA (Sofipa)
Rolla SP Propellers SA (Twin Disc Inc)
Turbomach SA (Caterpillar)
Valois Dispray SA

TESSILE E ABBIGLIAMENTO
Abercrombie & Fitch Europe SA
ALSCO Swiss Sagl
Bally Schuhfabriken SA (Texas Pacific Group)
Consitex SA (Gruppo Zegna)
Filofibra SA
Guess Europe Sagl
Hugo Boss Ticino SA
Luxury Goods International SA (Gruppo Gucci)
Verim SA
Veze SA (JV Versace & Zegna Groups)
VF International Sagl

SERVIZI, AZ. FINANZIARIE & TRADING
B-Source SA
Carbofer General Trading SA
Cessna (Textron)
CNH Global (Fiat S.p.A.)
Duferco SA
Fiat Group International
Luxury Goods Logistics SA (Gruppo Gucci)
Serin (Fincons Group)
Würth Financial Services AG
Zeco Trading SA (Gruppo Zegna)

MECCANICA E ELETTRONICA
GF Agie Charmilles (Georg Fischer)
GE Consumer Industrial SA (ex Invertomatic)
Minimotor SA (Faulhaber Group)
Termogamma SA (Gruppo Merloni)
Trasfor SA
Tri-Star Electronics Europe SA
Tyco Electronics Logistics AG ALTRO
AGB Nielsen Media Research MS SA
Argor-Heraeus SA
ChorusCall SA
Ecotechnology & Financing B.V.
ND Logistics Switzerland
Pamp SA (MKS Group of Companies)
Pioneer Hi-Bred Switzerland (DuPont)
Pramac SA
Valcambi SA (Newmont Mining Corporation)

For a list of all industries in the Canton Ticino click here: http://www.aiti.ch/users

International Mother Language Day 2013

"One should respect his motherland, his culture and his mother tongue because they are givers of happiness."
Rig Veda

February 21st is International Mother Language Day - a special day recognized by the UN and UNESCO to promote cultural diversity and multilingualism. They also encourage people to maintain their knowledge of their mother language while learning and using more than one language.

Language plays a vital role in relation to identity, communication, social integration, education and development. It is estimated that, without measures to protect and promote minority and endangered languages, half of the 6000 plus languages spoken today will disappear by the end of this century, with 96 percent of these languages spoken by a mere 4 percent of the world’s population.

The theme of the International Mother Language day 2013 is "Mother tongue instruction and inclusive education". This year’s theme refers to the importance of language in accessing quality education and encourages UNESCO member states to promote instruction and education in the mother tongue.

ALL FOR KIDS exists to provide English speaking families with products that encourage learning and inspire creativity while having fun. To celebrate this day they have a special offer IF you order before midnight tomorrow (February 22nd): you'll get 13% off everything (it's 2013, after all) - and if you order 13 items or more, All for kids will even ship for free! Check out their site and don't miss the Bargain Basement section: All for Kids.

Should you have five minutes to spare, find out why language matters:

Swissminiature meets IWCL

The IWCL (International Womens' Club of Lugano) is happy to invite you to an event at the Swissminituare. Please join them for an afternoon of play and fun. The gathering is focused on families but everybody is welcome.

Get together on Sunday, March 3rd from 14:30 till 17:00 at Swissminiature in Melide.

There will be craft table offered by All For Kids: www.allforkids.ch.

A free FUNtastic learning session in English is offered by Ready Steady Move!: www.ready-steady-move.ch. Discover for yourself why their motto is: "An Active Body is a Learning Body".

BookMaker Comics will present a mini workshop on how to draw a cartoon page! Enrollment is required. Maximum 10 children per workshop. 

Entrance is just CHF 10.- per adult and CHF 5.- per children.

Cookies and beverages are included in the price, along with delicious Mexican food provided by Viva La Comida!

Last minute guests are always welcome but we want to make sure there are enough snacks for everybody, so please confirm with Sabrina at sabrina_nicod@yahoo.com or iwcleveninggroup@gmail.com.

Venue: A fun afternoon at Swissminiature,
Where: Swissminiature, 6815 Melide
When: Sunday, March 3rd, 2013
Time: 14:30 - 17:00

Special thanks to the Sponsors!

Art & Pastry Festival in Lugano

You are invited to the 1st International Festival dedicated to Pastry. Yes, that's right. Macaroons and muffin galore and much, much more. Follow the passion for taste and discover new concoctions in this scrumptious industry.

The first edition of the Art & Pastry Festival in Lugano is putting the final touches to the organization of an extensive program of lectures, courses, round-table conferences, workshops and contests.

Maîtres chocolatier, master pastry chefs and cake designers of international renown will let you in on their secret techniques and tell you about trends and evolutions of the trade. It will take place on the weekend of 2nd and 3rd March, and will consist of more than 30 activities.

During the two days of the festival, conferences and courses will alternate with tastings and exhibitions open to the public. Get ready for a show between art and haute cuisine designed for professionals as well as baking fans and the curious.

For a detailed programme of Art and Pastry click here: http://www.artandpastry.com/pdf/A&P-programma.pdf
In order to sign up for a hands-on course click here: http://www.artandpastry.com/corsi.
To participate in the presentation labs click here: http://www.artandpastry.com/laboratori.

Venue: International Festival of Pastery
Where: Palazzo dei Congressi, Piazza Indipendenza,4, 6900 Lugano
When: March 2nd & 3rd, 2013
Time: 09:00 to 19:00

Entrance fee:
1 day pass: CHF 12.-
2 day pass: CHF 18.-
Free for kids up to 10 years and seniors over 65

Learn Italian NOW!

Been living in Ticino for a while? Just haven't got around to learning Italian? Feel like improving your grammar? Need some conversation practice? Now is your chance. The city of Lugano proposes Italian classes to all foreigners at the modest cost of CHF 70. -/semester.

The purpose of these courses offered by "Il Centro" is to achieve a better integration in society through learning and studying the Italian language.

The association "Il Centro" further offers intensive courses of Italian language for foreigners every year from February to June for beginners as well as advanced levels.

The duration of an intensive course is one week from Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 and 13:45 to 15:45. The exact dates of the courses will be announced shortly. The cost is CHF 70.-/week.

To participate, write to: ilcentro@bluewin.ch specifying in the "Learn Italian for foreigners" or call them at 091 970 31 26.

Or just pop down to the "Associazione Il Centro" in Via Brentani 5, 6900 Lugano on Wednesday, February 20th, 2013 where an information session will be offered from 17.00 to 18.00.

Venue: Info evening about Italian Intensive Course
Where: Il Centro, Via Brentani 5, 6900 Lugano, Tel 091 970 31 26
When: February 20th, 2013
Time: 17:00 - 18:00
Details click here: www.lugano.ch

Expat Store delivers to Lugano

Feeling homesick? In search of some comfort food? Fancy that dish from back home? My Expat Shop solves all your whims and cravings.

From Vegemite to Betty Crocker butter cream icing. From Peri-Peri to Cajun Sauce. From real pork sausages to Ella's kitchen smoothies. From Twiglets to PG Tips. All at the tip of your fingers via e-shopping.

MyExpatshop is the British Food Online Shop delivering over 600 of your favourite British food products to your home in Switzerland.

Fresh products are shipped Monday through Wednesday only so that your order will arrive before the weekend.
For over 5 years, MyExpatShop has followed their basic principles by providing a wide and varied choice or products and first class service.

They have worked to bring you those hard to find items at the best price. Real English Bacon, high quality British Cheeses such as Extra Mature Vintage Cheddar and Christmas Crackers are just part of the growing list.

You can pay either at the time of placing your order, or when your order is delivered to by you using the Swiss Post Office Giro (pink payment slip) that is included in the package.

Getting the munchies? Go ahead and enter your Expat Store here.

For more International food delivery sites scroll down the right sidebar to the Food for the Homesick section.

Valentine's Day inspiration ....

Would you be my Valentine 

Would you be my sweetheart 

Could I be the only one 

You hold dear to your heart 

Would you be my Valentine 

Would you be my friend 

Could we stay together 

Until the very end 

Would you be my Valentine 

Would you hold me tight 

Could we even possibly 

Be each others guiding light 

Would you be my Valentine 

Could your love light shine 

And on this special Valentines 

WOULD YOU PLEASE BE MINE 

(Norman Hale jr) 

Quick, there is still time to reserve your table for tonight! Below are a few tips and facts to give you an idea what you are letting yourself into. 

You can find more fun facts about Valentine's Day here. 

Find out if a box of chocolates will do the trick here. 

If you are looking for restaurants scroll down and check out my restaurant links half-way down the right sidebar.

Or maybe you'd rather stay at home and make a heavenly chocolate soufflé?

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

InterNations Over-40 Event in Lugano

InterNations are happy to invite you to their first get-together created for their members who are over 40 years old, to mingle, catch up with friends, and meet new people with similar interests.

New International friends are very welcomed too but are kindly asked to sign up to InterNations. Register by clicking onto their site: http://www.internations.org.

So join them on Saturday, February 16th, 2013 at the Viva Café and get partying! Over 30 people are registered already.

Venue: Baby Boomers & Early Generation X" Networking Event in Lugano
Where: Viva Café Lounge & Restaurant, Via Lambertenghi 5, 6900 Lugano
When: Saturday, February 16th, 2013
Time: 19:00 onwards
Cover charge:
Basic Members: 10.00 CHF
Not on guest list: 20.00 CHF
Cover charge includes: a welcome drink and appetizers, exclusive use of the place with music and entertainment during the evening.

The Lorax is coming to Lugano

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."
Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

The Lorax is a 2012 American computer-animated 3D musical comedy film based on Dr. Seuss' children's book of the same name. In this story a 12-year-old boy searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.

If you are a fan of Dr.Seuss this is a definite must, although the showing will be in Italian. However, the entrance is free since it is sponsored by the City of Lugano (Dept of Youth and Event).

Venue: The Lorax movie
Where: Studio Foce,via Foce 1, 6900 Lugano, Tel: 058/866 48 00
When: Sunday, February 17th, 2013
Time: 16:00
Admission: free
For more info click here: http://foce.ch/events

Carnevale "Ul Sbroja" in Lugano 2013

If you missed the great masked carnival parade accompanied by three Guggenmusik last Thursday at the Piazza Riforma by the Carnival Association, it is still not too late to join the fun.

On  Monday, February 11th at 11:30AM in Piazza Riforma the traditional free risotto will be served to everyone. In case of bad weather the event will move to the Pavillion Conza.

Most towns have their own carnvale festivites. Please click here to find an event near you:

Lugano carneval programme 2013

My two favourite Super Bowl 2013 ads

Now that I have recuperated from my very late Sunday night - yes, I did stay up half the night to watch the Super Bowl - I thought I'd share my two favourite ads with you.

In case anyone doubted the popularity of the Super Bowl, let this Twitter stat stand out to you: during the game, 26,131,270 million tweets were sent out about it. More women were tweeting about the game than men. 51.54% of the tweets came from women during the game. People liked to tweet about the ads. 16% of the total tweets about the Super Bowl – that’s over 4 million tweets – were about the ads.

At an average cost of $3.8 million per 30-second spot, I don't know which companies scored season-winning touchdowns but these two really made me smile.

Here go the sirens again...

“What if Alexander Graham Bell's name were Alexander Graham Siren? The phone wouldn't ring, it would GO OFF!! EERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!! HELLO! HELLO!!”
George Carlin

So we all know that the Swiss are extremly cautious citizens. They have the right protection for every possible situtation. The prejudice that Switzerland is a country of insurance is absolutely true. The avereage Swiss household (2,23 persons) will spend approx. CHF 1700.-/month for mandatory insurance, including health insurance and contributions to social security or else CHF 20,400.- per year.
Did you know, however, that more than CHF 50 billion are spent each year for non-compulsory insurance, that's CHF 6588.- per head.

But it doesn't stop there.

Be prepared because on February 6th, 2013 the annual test of the sirens will be held in Switzerland between 13:30 and 15:00. 8500 mobile and stationary civil-defense sirens which can alert 99% of the population, will be tested. Sirens for this alert have a regularly ascending and descending tone lasting a minute and repeated after a two-minute interval. Following that, the 700 water alarms, will resonate twelve low sounds lasting 20 seconds each between 14.15 and 15.00 in downstream areas of dams.

Every year, on the first Wednesday of February, Switzerland's sirens are tested. During this test, general alert sirens as well as the sirens near dams are tested to see if they are in working order. The population is informed of the test days ahead by radio, television, teletext and newspapers. The siren tests do not require the population to take any special measures.

Introduced during wartime, they are now used to alert the population to impending catastrophes or water dangers such as flooding. The population is instructed to inform those around them to proceed inside. Once inside, people are instructed to listen to emergency broadcasts made by the Swiss Radio and/or TV.

This is what it sounded like from my balcony in 2011:

Say "I love you" with chocolate

The two Swiss products I ALWAYS export, no matter where in the world we live, are Champions' Birchermüsli and Cailler dark chocolate. I would add Luxemburgerli and Cervelat saugages but they don't travel well.

With Valentine's Day coming up Cailler are launching their yearly chocolate treat: create an e-chocolate card and send it to your sweetheart. You'll automatically enter the Valentine's Day competition and could win a course for 2 at the Atelier du Chocolat, and a selection of Frigor tablets.

Just click here to participate: http://www.cailler.ch/en/contests/brand/frigor-st-valentin/

While you wait for the big day, you are only a click away of some of the most scrumptious chocolate recipes: www.cailler.ch/en/recipes.

Even better, if you happen to travel passed Broc near Gruyère why not stop for a tour of the Maison Cailler. Your kids can register for the “Future chocolatiers” workshop, where young confectioners can choose their ingredients and their favourite mould, then decorate their creation however they wish. And, afterwards, they can take it home to enjoy themselves or to give as a present.

Mmmmmhhhhhhh.......

150 years of Rabadan Carnevale

The definition of Carnival: A festival celebrated with merriment and revelry in Roman Catholic countries during the week before Lent, during a few days (three to ten) before Lent, ending with Shrove Tuesday. Any merrymaking, feasting, or masquerading, especially when overstepping the bounds of decorum; a time of riotous excess.

Carnevale in Ticino is as big a deal as it is in Basel just that nobody knows about it! That is if you don't live in the Ticino. We don't have skiing holidays like the rest of Switzerland, we have Vacanze di Carnevale .... eventough everybody goes skiing!!!

Bellinzona's carnival is Ticino's most famous celebration. Following the Roman-rite, the party starts on Thursday night when the keys of the city are handed over to King Rabadan, who will rule the happy crowds until the following Tuesday. This year the Rabadan Carnival celebrates its 150th Anniversary: don't miss it. But not only Rabadan: many more carnivals are warming up the cold winter days in the Canton.

In Locarno, the "Stranociada" is an appointment not to be missed on Friday night, where the old town is invaded by masks, little tents, Guggen, music and pure fun until early in the morning.

The Nebiopoli Carnival in Chiasso is the most important Roman-rite carnival in the Sottoceneri region, and its peculiarity is the absence of a king: in fact, the hand-over of power during the carnival goes to a Prime Minister, who transforms the town into the "Free Republic of Nebiopoli"'. During the "republican week", masked groups and Guggen transform the streets of the centre into a place where fun rules. The peak of the celebrations is Mardi Gras Nebiopoli masked parade, featuring large numbers of floats, groups, bands and Guggenmusik.

In many different locations throughout the Canton, celebrations take place only at the end of the Carnevale week, following the Ambrosian rite. Biasca, Brissago and Tesserete can pride themselves with some of the busiest Carnivals, with their Saturday parades featuring masked groups, floats and Guggen music bands. The large masked parties in public spaces all over the town centres start on Thursday night, with games, free risotto for everybody, many confetti and bands performing live music. A wild world of colors, masks and sounds, eventually winding down only on Sunday morning.

For those of you who are really serious about their Carnevale you'll find an application to download on i-tunes: https://itunes.apple.com/it/app/rabadan.

Here is the entire calendar for the Ticino Carnevale: Carnevali-in-Ticino-2013. So pick and choose your venue and start partying! Have fun!!!