The Halve Maen (Half Moon) was a Dutch East India Company ship which sailed into what is now New York harbor in September of 1609. Captained by Henry Hudson, the ship was looking for a western passage to China. As Hudson sailed up the river now bearing his name, he claimed the area for the Dutch and opened the land for settlers who followed. His voyage came some 10 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. The arrival of the Halve Maen gave the Dutch a significant role in establishing what would become a new nation based on personal freedom, tolerance and liberty.
To celebrate Dutch entrepreneurship in the southeast United States, the Halve Maen Award was granted during the King’s day celebration April 27th, 2022 by the Netherlands American Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Netherlands Consulate-General, to Tamira Treffers-Herrera, Vice Chairperson and Co-Head North America Wholesale Coverage at Rabobank. The Award is given annually to an individual and/or company who has worked hard to strengthen the Dutch-American relationship in the Southeastern United States and shown through its leadership, composition of the team, and working methods, those qualities that define successful Dutch entrepreneurship. In addition to Tamira Treffers-Herrera’s dedication, initiative and leadership throughout Rabobank’s involvement in the Chamber and the Dutch American business community, Tamira is also a strong advocate for sustainability, diversity and inclusion in the workforce. The award is also dedicated to Tamira’s predecessor, the late Adriaan Weststrate, who tragically lost his courageous battle with cancer in September 2020. “Everything works when we put money to work. We have an incredible amount in investment to make to meet transitions, whether it’s transitions to a more sustainable world, transitions to feeding people securely, whether it’s transitions to making sure that we have financial inclusion, and I believe we have an important role to play in that”, said Tamira Treffers-Hererra in accepting the award.
The Netherlands American Chamber of Commerce of the Southeastern United States is the largest Dutch networking organization in the Southeastern U.S. In addition to networking, the Chamber provides opportunities for you to advertise your company, develop relationships with Dutch and American companies, and learn from the common experiences of the members. We host a variety of events as a way of bringing members of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (NACCSE) together to learn about current topics of interest, announce upcoming events and opportunities, and acknowledge new chamber members. This is just one more opportunity that the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (NACCSE) in Atlanta offers to its members, so they can connect and build business opportunities. It allows members to be in touch and hear about current concerns, solutions, and projects and to share insights and professional perspectives. Please visit our website www.NACCSE.org.
About Rabobank
Rabobank Group is a global financial services leader providing wholesale and retail banking, leasing, and real estate services in more than 37 countries worldwide. Founded over a century ago, Rabobank today is one of the world’s largest banks with over $678 billion in assets.
In the Americas, Rabobank Wholesale Banking North America is a premier corporate and investment bank to the food, agribusiness, commodities and energy industries. Rabo AgriFinance, a subsidiary of Rabobank, is a leading financial services provider for farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses in the United States. Together, we provide sector expertise, strategic counsel and tailored financial solutions to clients across the entire value chain. Visit www.RabobankWholesaleBankingNA.com and www.RaboAg.com.