Intel Wants to Connect Your Living Room...And More - CNBC

New markets including home entertainment will be major sources of growth for Intel Corp [INTC  Loading...      ()   ] as more gadgets become connected to the Internet and drive demand for powerful data centers, the top chipmaker's chief financial officer said.

While Intel is eager to sell processors for smartphones, set-top boxes and other connected devices, in many cases the much more expensive chips for servers that are needed to stream movies and other content are a bigger business opportunity, CFO Stacy Smith told the Reuters Media and Technology Summit in New York.

"It's probably true in the digital TV space because if you think about it, the content that is going to be served to these devices is extraordinary," he said on Wednesday.

"It's increasingly high-def digital content, so it's got to be driving a pretty significant buildout of the storage infrastructure and server infrastructure that supports all those devices."

The opportunity is not limited to home entertainment. Digital signs, tablets and cars are among other areas increasingly connected to the Internet, fueling demand for more Intel chips, he said.

Smith's comments come as Intel puts together a TV service that includes a set-top box employing technology that can distinguish who is watching, potentially allowing Intel to target advertising, according to sources.

Smith would not discuss Intel's specific plans for the TV service.

Asked about entertainment industry veterans who have been advising Intel, Smith said, "We hire smart people from a variety of industries that give us insight into industries and they give us capabilities we haven't historically had."

Intel already makes processors for set-top boxes. Comcast [CMCSA  Loading...      ()   ] , for instance, recently announced the gradual rollout of an Intel-based set-top box that customers can control with their smartphones. Called "X1," the platform will rely on data centers packed with high-end servers — which typically also use Intel chips.

Intel's processors power 80 percent of the world's PCs but growth in that market has been slowing as more consumers turn to tablets.

A sovereign debt crisis has shaken investor and consumer confidence in Europe, forcing Cisco and other major technology companies to scale back expectations for IT spending there.

Last month, Intel Chief Executive Paul Otellini played down those concerns and said the quarter was playing out as expected.

Smith emphasized China and other markets where PC sales are growing faster than in developed markets, saying a weak Europe is a "baseline" presumption for Intel.

Comcast is the parent company of NBC Universal.

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PostNet Joins DECA to Connect With Next Generation of Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs

DENVER, May 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- To help prepare students for the challenges and opportunities associated with small-business ownership, PostNet, America's first Neighborhood Business Center, has strategically partnered with DECA, the international organization dedicated to preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

Through the partnership, nearly 400 PostNet franchise locations across the US will have the opportunity to work with DECA's local chapters to develop a curriculum to educate high school and college students about what it takes to succeed in an entrepreneurial endeavor, particularly in franchising. PostNet will sponsor and judge competitive events among students, and PostNet's co-founders will also participate in the Executive Mentorship Program.

"Working with DECA to invest in today's students provides us with a unique opportunity to further our mission of fostering small-business growth in America," said Steve Greenbaum, CEO of PostNet. "We're also providing our franchisees with a tremendous opportunity to work with driven, business-minded individuals to problem-solve, reach new customers, and achieve greater business objectives."  

Greenbaum, along with PostNet co-founder, Brian Spindel, are fully aware of the unique challenges entrepreneurs face when launching and growing a small business – they've lived it for nearly 30 years. Greenbaum and Spindel opened their first pack-and-ship store in 1983 when shipping options in the growing market were sparse, and, by 1992, had helped more than 400 entrepreneurs start their own, independent mail and parcel businesses. In 1991 they began the development of the PostNet business and communication center concept and began franchising PostNet in July of 1993.

Today, PostNet has evolved with technology to meet the changing needs of small-business owners and busy consumers as America's first Neighborhood Business Center. The company attributes its success to constant innovation and working closely with each client to identify their objectives, build upon their ideas, and develop the best solution to meet their needs. This could include anything from designing and printing custom invitations or signage for an important company event, to helping create a brand image for a new or existing business looking to re-invent itself. (PostNet also offers freedom of choice for the customer as a multi-carrier of shipping services including FedEx, UPS and the U.S. Postal Service).

"One of the key measurements to our programs success is the ability to connect our teachers and students with businesses and truly provide them with real world knowledge and experiences to achieve college and world readiness," said John Fistolera, assistant executive director of corporate and external affairs with DECA. "PostNet's interest in connecting with the schools in the communities where they do business is in direct alignment with our mission and PostNet's corporate interests."

About PostNet

Founded in 1993, Denver-based PostNet has more than 700 locations worldwide, including several hundred U.S. locations. Each locally owned and operated PostNet Neighborhood Business Center specializes in meeting the design, printing, copying and shipping needs of businesses and busy consumers, with a focus on exceptional, personal customer service. PostNet centers offer full-service digital printing; full- and self-service copying; document binding and finishing; and services like graphic design, computer rental stations, private mailbox rentals and more. They also offer expert packaging services and shipping with UPS, FedEx, DHL and the U.S. Postal Service. To learn more, visit www.postnet.com.

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Area businesses connect at Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce's Business Expo 2012 - Green Bay Press-Gazette

N.E.W. Printing of Appleton was among the first-year participants at the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce's Business Expo.

Like others, N.E.W. Printing was looking to make connections with potential clients in the Green Bay area.

"We've been pretty steady," said Daniel Woolf, an account executive with the commercial printer "But we've had to do a lot of legwork to stay where we are at."

He said the market seems to be showing movement with some businesses allocating more money to their marketing budgets.

"From our point of view, things are starting to turn around," Woolf said. "Back in 2008 and 2009 it was pretty tough. It hasn't been an immediate turn around, but it's slowly picking back up."

More than 175 businesses attended the annual event held Wednesday at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay. Networking and promotion are among the main focuses of the expo, which also included educational seminars on topics such as providing customers with a "winning" experience and best practices for using social media.

Jamie Strohmeyer of Green Bay struck out on his own with Green Bay Floor Restore in April after his previous employer eliminated his job.

The expo offered his startup business a chance to get its name in front of potential customers ? as well as networking with other businesses from the area.

"Being the first year, I can't complain. I'm paying my bills and covering my overhead," Strohmeyer said with a laugh. "But I'm constantly working it. That's what brings me here, to get my business out to people and let them know what I do."

Green Bay Floor Restore specializes in cleaning indoor and outdoor hard surfaces like tile, natural stone, grout and carpet.

Strohmeyer said he was confident he'd find jobs directly linked to the expo.

"If I get 10 leads out of this and two of them turn into jobs, it pays for itself," he said. "Even if they don't call you today, or next month or the month after I want them to remember who Green Bay Floor Restore is.

"It's always staying in front of that customer somehow," said Strohmeyer, the sole employee of the business.

Established expo businesses also made a return this year doing the same thing as the new additions ? getting their names in front of potential customers.

"It's a good way to get our name out and remind people we're around," said Christie Dvorachek of Biebel's Catering & Rental in Bellevue.

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Area businesses connect at Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce's Business Expo 2012 - Green Bay Press-Gazette

N.E.W. Printing of Appleton was among the first-year participants at the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce's Business Expo.

Like others, N.E.W. Printing was looking to make connections with potential clients in the Green Bay area.

"We've been pretty steady," said Daniel Woolf, an account executive with the commercial printer "But we've had to do a lot of legwork to stay where we are at."

He said the market seems to be showing movement with some businesses allocating more money to their marketing budgets.

"From our point of view, things are starting to turn around," Woolf said. "Back in 2008 and 2009 it was pretty tough. It hasn't been an immediate turn around, but it's slowly picking back up."

More than 175 businesses attended the annual event held Wednesday at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay. Networking and promotion are among the main focuses of the expo, which also included educational seminars on topics such as providing customers with a "winning" experience and best practices for using social media.

Jamie Strohmeyer of Green Bay struck out on his own with Green Bay Floor Restore in April after his previous employer eliminated his job.

The expo offered his startup business a chance to get its name in front of potential customers ? as well as networking with other businesses from the area.

"Being the first year, I can't complain. I'm paying my bills and covering my overhead," Strohmeyer said with a laugh. "But I'm constantly working it. That's what brings me here, to get my business out to people and let them know what I do."

Green Bay Floor Restore specializes in cleaning indoor and outdoor hard surfaces like tile, natural stone, grout and carpet.

Strohmeyer said he was confident he'd find jobs directly linked to the expo.

"If I get 10 leads out of this and two of them turn into jobs, it pays for itself," he said. "Even if they don't call you today, or next month or the month after I want them to remember who Green Bay Floor Restore is.

"It's always staying in front of that customer somehow," said Strohmeyer, the sole employee of the business.

Established expo businesses also made a return this year doing the same thing as the new additions ? getting their names in front of potential customers.

"It's a good way to get our name out and remind people we're around," said Christie Dvorachek of Biebel's Catering & Rental in Bellevue.

View the original article here

Business owners invited to connect, learn at Valley Business Expo - Los Angeles Daily News

Businesses will have an opportunity Thursday to connect and maybe help grow one another's bottom line.

It's happening at the fourth annual Valley Business Expo at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Hotel, 2500 Hollywood Way in Burbank.

Sponsored by the Valley Economic Alliance, it's billed as the region's largest business-to-business gathering.

It could be another green shoot in a slowly improving economy, said Ron Wood, the alliance's president and CEO.

And the pulse of the Valley's business community is a little stronger than a year ago, he said.

"People are starting to feel a little better, and they are starting to reach out. We're seeing better opportunities," Wood said.

"(Business) people were in such a down mood they had retrenched. Now they are seeing a better future and reaching out to get their businesses going again."

The event is Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and admission is $10. It is open to any size business and all industries.

One feature is a "Meet the Bankers" area for advice on securing funding from lenders, including Chase, Wells Fargo, US Bank and the Valley Economic Development Center, which specializes in Small Business Administration and other types of financing.

There will also be sessions on how to do business with some of the region's largest private sector companies and public agencies, including the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles World Airport, Van Nuys Airport,

Walmart, Republic Services Inc., which serves in the domestic, nonhazardous solid waste industry, and Vons.

There will be at least 106 exhibitors, Wood said. They will feature a variety of products, including marketing and advertising, sales strategies, social media, email marketing, finance and capital access and businesses development services.

"It's an opportunity to learn from fellow business owners and connect with other business owners. They can learn what others are doing to expand their business," Wood said.

Economist William W. Roberts, director of the San Fernando Valley Economic Research Center at CSUN, also senses a better overall feeling about the economy.

"People have adjusted to what the economy has become. It's better than it was. We're moving forward, incomes are going up and unemployment is coming down," he said.

"We're getting positive signs pretty much clear across the board."

For additional information on the expo, contact the alliance at 818-379-7000 or www.thevalley.net/expo.

greg.wilcox@dailynews.com

818-713-3743

twitter.com/dngregwilcox

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TechnoServe and The MasterCard Foundation Partner to Connect Rural Youth to Valuable Entrepreneurship Opportunities

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA--(Marketwire -02/27/12)- TechnoServe and The MasterCard Foundation are partnering on an $11.5 million, four-year program to help rural young women and men in East Africa transition to economic independence. The Strengthening Rural Youth Development through Enterprise (STRYDE) program will deliver a comprehensive package of services such as skills training, business development and mentoring to young people ages 18 to 30 in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. The program aims to equip 15,000 rural youth with the skills and knowledge to capitalize on economic opportunities and increase their incomes. As a result, the program plans to indirectly benefit more than 67,000 family members.

Youth unemployment is a major problem in the three target countries, especially in rural areas. Many young people see farming as a last resort, and formal employment is difficult to find. Growing numbers of rural youth are migrating to urban areas. Those who stay often lack the skills and knowledge to capitalize on the opportunities available to them.

"It's imperative that we focus on opportunities for youth in order to ensure a stable and prosperous future for the region," said TechnoServe President and CEO Bruce McNamer. "With the right support, young people can identify and capitalize on opportunities that will improve their livelihoods and strengthen rural industries."

STRYDE draws on TechnoServe's experience in both developing agricultural industries and promoting entrepreneurship. Agriculture in East Africa is a significant and growing sector of the economy and has the potential to create sustainable employment and income opportunities both on- and off-farm. Through this program, young people will learn about these opportunities and gain the market-ready skills to benefit from this demand.

Participants in this program will take part in a three-month training program to develop life, entrepreneurship and career skills, and they will receive an additional nine months of mentorship and counseling from a youth trainer. Participants also will gain practical business exposure through an experiential business exercise. Young women and men will have the opportunity to participate in program-sponsored business plan competitions and local job fairs featuring community businesses. The knowledge they gain from STRYDE will help them to identify the best economic opportunity for their skills and interests.

"Agriculture in East Africa is a significant and growing sector of the economy and has the potential to create sustainable employment especially for young people in rural communities," said Reeta Roy, President and CEO of The MasterCard Foundation. "This project will provide young people with skills and connect them to opportunities to participate in the economy."

This program aligns with The MasterCard Foundation's Youth Learning Strategy to promote employability skills and entrepreneurship for young people. The STRYDE program is The Foundation's first partnership in agriculture in East Africa.

About TechnoServe

TechnoServe empowers people in the developing world to build businesses that break the cycle of poverty. A growing enterprise generates jobs and creates other income opportunities for poor people, enabling them to improve their lives and secure a better future for their families. Since its founding in 1968, the U.S.-based nonprofit has helped to create or expand thousands of businesses, benefiting millions of people in more than 40 countries. The Financial Times has rated TechnoServe one of the top five NGOs for corporate partnerships. TechnoServe's corporate partners include Cargill, The Coca-Cola Company, General Mills, J.P. Morgan, Nestle-Nespresso, Olam International, Peet's Coffee & Tea and Unilever, among others. Charity Navigator has awarded its highest Four Star ranking to TechnoServe for five straight years. www.technoserve.org

About The MasterCard Foundation

The MasterCard Foundation advances microfinance and youth learning to promote financial inclusion and prosperity. Through collaboration with committed partners in 48 countries, The MasterCard Foundation is helping people living in poverty to access opportunities to learn and prosper. An independent, private foundation based in Toronto, Canada, the Foundation was established through the generosity of MasterCard Worldwide at the time of the company's initial public offering in 2006. www.themastercardfdn.org

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Business owners invited to connect, learn at Valley Business Expo - Los Angeles Daily News

Businesses will have an opportunity Thursday to connect and maybe help grow one another's bottom line.

It's happening at the fourth annual Valley Business Expo at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Hotel, 2500 Hollywood Way in Burbank.

Sponsored by the Valley Economic Alliance, it's billed as the region's largest business-to-business gathering.

It could be another green shoot in a slowly improving economy, said Ron Wood, the alliance's president and CEO.

And the pulse of the Valley's business community is a little stronger than a year ago, he said.

"People are starting to feel a little better, and they are starting to reach out. We're seeing better opportunities," Wood said.

"(Business) people were in such a down mood they had retrenched. Now they are seeing a better future and reaching out to get their businesses going again."

The event is Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and admission is $10. It is open to any size business and all industries.

One feature is a "Meet the Bankers" area for advice on securing funding from lenders, including Chase, Wells Fargo, US Bank and the Valley Economic Development Center, which specializes in Small Business Administration and other types of financing.

There will also be sessions on how to do business with some of the region's largest private sector companies and public agencies, including the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles World Airport, Van Nuys Airport,

Walmart, Republic Services Inc., which serves in the domestic, nonhazardous solid waste industry, and Vons.

There will be at least 106 exhibitors, Wood said. They will feature a variety of products, including marketing and advertising, sales strategies, social media, email marketing, finance and capital access and businesses development services.

"It's an opportunity to learn from fellow business owners and connect with other business owners. They can learn what others are doing to expand their business," Wood said.

Economist William W. Roberts, director of the San Fernando Valley Economic Research Center at CSUN, also senses a better overall feeling about the economy.

"People have adjusted to what the economy has become. It's better than it was. We're moving forward, incomes are going up and unemployment is coming down," he said.

"We're getting positive signs pretty much clear across the board."

For additional information on the expo, contact the alliance at 818-379-7000 or www.thevalley.net/expo.

greg.wilcox@dailynews.com

818-713-3743

twitter.com/dngregwilcox

View the original article here