Rs. 48,000 Crores Business Opportunity in Mobile Value Added Services - Press Trust

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) will be launching video on demand for its mobile phone subscribers in a month's time. The announcement was made by Chairman & Managing Director Shri Rakesh K Upadhyay, BSNL while inaugurating VAS ASIA 2012, 12th International Conference & Exhibition at New Delhi, organized by Bharat Exhibitions.

"The MVAS industry is expected to create a business opportunity worth around INR 48,000 crore by the year 2015. This in itself is a clear indication of the future of VAS services in India. No doubt this has created a new excitement for all those who are in this space and for those who are entering," said Shashi Dharan, Managing Director, Bharat Exhibitions.

During his address, Shri A. K. Bhargava, Executive Director (Wireless Service) Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) said that the story of the value added service on the mobile phone is just the beginning. "All products on the mobile phone are for the masses, there is a requirement of creative innovation, which should be cost effective and for masses Shri Bhargava added.

The emergence of the mobile phone as the single device for a host of services has changed the paradigm in the communication and entertainment industries with several discreet devices being displaced in favour of a single device, said Mr. Rajan S. Mathews, Director-General of Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). He drew attention to some emerging problems in the telecommunication area where customer charges needed to be as low as possible for the mass communication device to be affordable to the last man. "The "exploding cost of regulation" is a critical issue. The increasing introduction of regulatory issues into what is actually market driven service is affecting the growth of this sector, "said Mr. Mathews.

"Mobile internet users are expected to surpass the desktop Internet users 2014. The disparity in the time spent on mobile (10 per cent) and the advertisement spend (1per cent) would also rebalance soon, thereby boosting revenue from the mobile VAS for the operators. With advertising revenue rising by at least three times in two years from now this sector will also bridge the social media and location based marketing with personalization that was not possible till now, " said Mr. Alex Moukas, CEO Velti, while delivering the keynote address at the VAS Asia 2012. He further added that explosive mobile Internet adoption will surpass the desk top users.

"India's Internet users penetration will rise to 35 per cent by 2015 and more than three quarters will choose mobile phone access," said Mr. Sukesh Jain, head VAS & Content, Bharti Airtel. The total Internet access capability by 2015 is expected to rise from 100 million to 450 million, of which 41 percent will be using mobile only and another 38 per cent both cell phone and PC. Data service on the mobile is expected to broaden and deepen customer experience with the cell phone with the consequent improvement in the operator revenues. Revenue contribution from current VAS services is expected to come down as revenues from data increase as a percentage of total revenue.

What was holding back the prospect of huge revenues from mobile VAS was the fact that smart phone base was growing slowly till recently. In the first quarter of this year out of 50 million new devices sold, smart phones constituted only 2.7 million and the total smart phone base in the country is around 27 million, while the total subscribers base have crossed 950 million. The population that needs to be addressed is the regional language speakers who are the large majority compared to only 7 per cent knowing English speaking population.

"Mobile VAS has huge revenue potentials, the global average share of MVAS revenue is leading user countries is pegged at approximately 23 per cent ," said Mr. Chandan Ghosh, Head -Global Wholesale & Carrier Business , Aircel Limited. The drive to increase average revenue per user and gain customer loyalty in a highly competitive market has led operators to liven up their mobile portfolios. Operators are looking at various means to use MVAS as a growth driver and key differentiator. According to him the industry falling prices of handsets and increasing competition was forcing manufacturers to shift focus to services. For operators falling voice revenues, increasing competition and heavy investments in 3G have made them to turn to VAS to secure their business.

New opportunities were emerging for banks, educational institutions and health care providers to use value added services over their mobile. This could be the game that operators would have to address to improve their revenues. The broad categories for successful monetization of MVAS were in M-education, M-commerce, M-Health and M-Infotainment. "The end game is not about generating new revenues. It's about delivering compelling customer experience in order to extract new value from existing customers", said Mr. Ghosh.

"The opportunity for the technology players to play a critical role in the further expansion of the Indian VAS Market has become more crucial now", said Mr. John He, CEO, DONJIN Communication Technology Co. Ltd.

View the original article here

With video: African-American women find beauty, liberation and business opportunities in the coils of their hair - Detroit Free Press

Pregnancy motivated Gwen Jimmere to stop using chemicals to straighten her thick, curly hair.

"I was pregnant and I knew anything I put on my body goes to the baby," says Jimmere, 29, of Canton.

Reading this story on a phone or tablet? Click here to see the video.

She had tried wearing her hair without a chemical straightener a decade earlier. But the fervor for the afros of the '60s and '70s was long over, and there was little information or encouragement on how to pull off a natural style.

Most black women, like Jimmere, were perming, hot-pressing or flat-ironing their kinky, curly hair. Straight hair -- better still, long straight hair -- was the way to fit in, the way to be pretty and conform to the standard of American beauty.

Fast-forward to 2011 when Jimmere chose to set her own standard by rocking her hair in all its natural glory. This go-round, she found an abundance of support -- meet-ups of women wearing natural hairstyles, books on natural hair care, celebrities talking about their stylish, natural dos.

But perhaps the biggest signifier of the current natural hair movement is found online. A community of women created a virtual pulpit for natural hair that includes social forums, video instructions, tutorials, product websites and personal testimonies.

It's not that black women aren't straightening their hair -- most still do. But a growing number of women of all ages are finding beauty, acceptance, liberation and business opportunities in wearing natural hairstyles like braids, locks, twists, knots, afros and various creations in-between.

"Women are sharing information on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, everywhere. It's endless," says Espy Thomas, 31, of Detroit, who with her sister Jennifer, 29, hosts periodic natural hair meet-ups that attract hundreds of women.

"More and more black women are opting to wear their natural hair and discontinue use of relaxers," says a 2011 Mintel report showing that from 2006 to 2011, the sales of relaxer kits dropped 17% to $38 million. The trend is "expected to continue," the report states.

Mintel is a global market research company. A consumer study it conducted showed that the percentage of black women who said they wore their hair natural jumped from 26% in 2010 to 36% in 2011.

"The shift from relaxed to natural is becoming so common that it has spurred growth of a whole new subsegment of products for women who are 'transitioning,' with products that minimize breakage as hair transitions from chemically straightened to curly or kinky," the report states.

It's also a booming business, says Sue Silva, marketing director for the Sofn'free, a hair care line. "Everybody in the business is starting to manufacturer a curly line," she says. And not just for African-American women.

"Our target is 70% African American and 30% other. A lot of other women -- Jewish, Latina and redheads who tend to have coarse, wiry, coiled textured hair -- are interested in these products. Caucasian women have curly hair, too."

She noted that Target, one of the nation's largest retailers, now has a section devoted to natural hair products in most of its stores. And several of those products are produced by companies owned by black women, including Miss Jessie's and Taliah Waajid.

Sharon Madison, president and CEO of the engineering firm Madison, Madison International in Detroit, went natural after chemicals made her hair weak and caused it to break off nearly 15 years ago.

"I wanted to symbolize that whether or not you're in business, in the arts, whatever your field, you can be yourself, and we have beautiful hair," Madison says.

Much to her surprise, people in the corporate and civic circles she frequents complimented her hair.

"I think the issue is for us to embrace ourselves and recognize our own beauty," says Madison, 58.

She knew she'd made the right decision when she got a treasured compliment a few years ago at a gala of the Friends of African and African-American Art at the Detroit Institute of the Arts.

"Sidney Poitier told me my hair was gorgeous," Madison says.

Women are going natural for many reasons, including the desire to live a healthier lifestyle in general, growing pride and appreciation for one's own hair, more celebs -- Viola Davis at the Oscars and Solange Knowles at the Met Ball in New York City -- signaling that natural hair is in and beautiful.

There's also more variety and creativity in styles, says Mo Williams, who works in a barber and beauty salon where she's the only natural stylist.

"More people see it can be funky or appealing even in the corporate world," says Williams, 24, who works at Little Willie's Hair Salon in northwest Detroit. "People no longer think you have to have hair straight or laid down to be attractive."

Several women also say natural hair allows black women to be more physically active. Moisture from sweat, rain or pool water can cause some black women's straight hair to bunch up or tightly curl, requiring extra time to restyle.

"I can go the gym, I can get in the pool and not be concerned about my hair," says Jennifer Thomas, cofounder with her sister of the Detroit meet-ups. "I don't have to run from the water when it rains."

Whatever the reason, women say they experience a sense of liberation after going natural.

"It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I felt free," says Jahzara Swyer, 30, of Detroit who has been wearing natural styles for 12 years. Her daughter, Naja, 6, and son, Menelik, 9, wear locks.

"I just couldn't take the pressure of maintaining my roots, always getting a perm to make sure my edges were perfectly straight. I needed to be me."

More Details: Many different looks

Two-strand twists: Intertwines two sections of hair to form loose twisted strands.

Cornrows: Braids that lay on the scalp and that are designed to form various shapes.

Twist-out: Styles created by simply untwisting strands or unbraiding hair.

Natural: Afros of various shapes and sizes.

Locks: Coiled, rope-like strands of hair of various thickness and length, created in various ways including allowing strands to form naturally by simply leaving the hair alone after washing, rubbing pieces of hair in the palm of the hand or using styling implements.

Sisterlocks: Super-thin, uniform, rope-like locks formed with a crochet-like needle. They can be styled many different ways.

View the original article here

With video: African-American women find beauty, liberation and business opportunities in the coils of their hair - Detroit Free Press

Pregnancy motivated Gwen Jimmere to stop using chemicals to straighten her thick, curly hair.

"I was pregnant and I knew anything I put on my body goes to the baby," says Jimmere, 29, of Canton.

Reading this story on a phone or tablet? Click here to see the video.

She had tried wearing her hair without a chemical straightener a decade earlier. But the fervor for the afros of the '60s and '70s was long over, and there was little information or encouragement on how to pull off a natural style.

Most black women, like Jimmere, were perming, hot-pressing or flat-ironing their kinky, curly hair. Straight hair -- better still, long straight hair -- was the way to fit in, the way to be pretty and conform to the standard of American beauty.

Fast-forward to 2011 when Jimmere chose to set her own standard by rocking her hair in all its natural glory. This go-round, she found an abundance of support -- meet-ups of women wearing natural hairstyles, books on natural hair care, celebrities talking about their stylish, natural dos.

But perhaps the biggest signifier of the current natural hair movement is found online. A community of women created a virtual pulpit for natural hair that includes social forums, video instructions, tutorials, product websites and personal testimonies.

It's not that black women aren't straightening their hair -- most still do. But a growing number of women of all ages are finding beauty, acceptance, liberation and business opportunities in wearing natural hairstyles like braids, locks, twists, knots, afros and various creations in-between.

"Women are sharing information on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, everywhere. It's endless," says Espy Thomas, 31, of Detroit, who with her sister Jennifer, 29, hosts periodic natural hair meet-ups that attract hundreds of women.

"More and more black women are opting to wear their natural hair and discontinue use of relaxers," says a 2011 Mintel report showing that from 2006 to 2011, the sales of relaxer kits dropped 17% to $38 million. The trend is "expected to continue," the report states.

Mintel is a global market research company. A consumer study it conducted showed that the percentage of black women who said they wore their hair natural jumped from 26% in 2010 to 36% in 2011.

"The shift from relaxed to natural is becoming so common that it has spurred growth of a whole new subsegment of products for women who are 'transitioning,' with products that minimize breakage as hair transitions from chemically straightened to curly or kinky," the report states.

It's also a booming business, says Sue Silva, marketing director for the Sofn'free, a hair care line. "Everybody in the business is starting to manufacturer a curly line," she says. And not just for African-American women.

"Our target is 70% African American and 30% other. A lot of other women -- Jewish, Latina and redheads who tend to have coarse, wiry, coiled textured hair -- are interested in these products. Caucasian women have curly hair, too."

She noted that Target, one of the nation's largest retailers, now has a section devoted to natural hair products in most of its stores. And several of those products are produced by companies owned by black women, including Miss Jessie's and Taliah Waajid.

Sharon Madison, president and CEO of the engineering firm Madison, Madison International in Detroit, went natural after chemicals made her hair weak and caused it to break off nearly 15 years ago.

"I wanted to symbolize that whether or not you're in business, in the arts, whatever your field, you can be yourself, and we have beautiful hair," Madison says.

Much to her surprise, people in the corporate and civic circles she frequents complimented her hair.

"I think the issue is for us to embrace ourselves and recognize our own beauty," says Madison, 58.

She knew she'd made the right decision when she got a treasured compliment a few years ago at a gala of the Friends of African and African-American Art at the Detroit Institute of the Arts.

"Sidney Poitier told me my hair was gorgeous," Madison says.

Women are going natural for many reasons, including the desire to live a healthier lifestyle in general, growing pride and appreciation for one's own hair, more celebs -- Viola Davis at the Oscars and Solange Knowles at the Met Ball in New York City -- signaling that natural hair is in and beautiful.

There's also more variety and creativity in styles, says Mo Williams, who works in a barber and beauty salon where she's the only natural stylist.

"More people see it can be funky or appealing even in the corporate world," says Williams, 24, who works at Little Willie's Hair Salon in northwest Detroit. "People no longer think you have to have hair straight or laid down to be attractive."

Several women also say natural hair allows black women to be more physically active. Moisture from sweat, rain or pool water can cause some black women's straight hair to bunch up or tightly curl, requiring extra time to restyle.

"I can go the gym, I can get in the pool and not be concerned about my hair," says Jennifer Thomas, cofounder with her sister of the Detroit meet-ups. "I don't have to run from the water when it rains."

Whatever the reason, women say they experience a sense of liberation after going natural.

"It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I felt free," says Jahzara Swyer, 30, of Detroit who has been wearing natural styles for 12 years. Her daughter, Naja, 6, and son, Menelik, 9, wear locks.

"I just couldn't take the pressure of maintaining my roots, always getting a perm to make sure my edges were perfectly straight. I needed to be me."

More Details: Many different looks

Two-strand twists: Intertwines two sections of hair to form loose twisted strands.

Cornrows: Braids that lay on the scalp and that are designed to form various shapes.

Twist-out: Styles created by simply untwisting strands or unbraiding hair.

Natural: Afros of various shapes and sizes.

Locks: Coiled, rope-like strands of hair of various thickness and length, created in various ways including allowing strands to form naturally by simply leaving the hair alone after washing, rubbing pieces of hair in the palm of the hand or using styling implements.

Sisterlocks: Super-thin, uniform, rope-like locks formed with a crochet-like needle. They can be styled many different ways.

View the original article here

Optimism, Opportunity Unite Women Owned Businesses at Dell India 2012 Event - Press Trust

According to a new study commissioned by Dell, the ideal country to be in if you're a woman starting a business in 2012 could well be India, the location of its forthcoming Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network (DWEN) event taking place in New Delhi, June 17-19 2012.

At the event, Dell will be releasing the results of its Women's Global Entrepreneurship Study, examining indicators of business confidence among women entrepreneurs in different countries, along with their motivations, financing options and sources of support.

Early results show tremendous optimism on the part of women entrepreneurs in India. When asked about expectations for business growth, women entrepreneurs in India anticipate an average of 90 percent over the next five years. When you consider that India has a projected GDP growth rate of 8.2 percent in 2011-2012, according to the Indian Economic Outlook Report, women entrepreneurs in India have good reason to be feeling bullish.

Previous DWEN events in Shanghai (2010) and Rio de Janeiro (2011) included female global entrepreneurs that connected with one another at the events and continue to share best practices, build business opportunities and celebrate female influence in the global economy. Together, DWEN members and Dell chose India for this exclusive event because of its role as one of the largest emerging markets, as well as its influence on the world of technology.

Host Moira Forbes, publisher of Forbes Woman, will lead the exclusive, two-day event around the theme, "Innovation through Collaboration." The agenda is structured as an exchange of ideas between female founders, CEOs, innovative leaders, business icons, experts and thought leaders who run businesses in top markets. With speakers representing Canada, the United States, Brazil, China, Japan, Australia, India, the United Kingdom, France and Germany, Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network will address topics such as doing business in India, social entrepreneurship and strategic giving, sustainability, customer engagement, social media strategy, going global, and more. Speakers include:

-- Susan Feldman, Co-founder and Chief Merchandising Officer, One Kings Lane

-- Carley Roney, Co-founder and Editor in Chief, XO Group, Inc.

-- Lola Ogunnaike, Today Show Contributor

-- Martina Sandrock, General Manager, Iglo GmbH

-- Jane Silber, CEO, Canonical

-- Carolyn S. Miles, President and CEO, Save the Children

-- Shoba Purushothaman, Founder, Training Ventures Ltd. & Founder, The NewsMarket

-- Aishwarya and Amruda Nair of The Leela Group

-- Kay Koplovitz, Chairman & CEO, Koplovitz & Co. , Chairman, Springboard Enterprises

-- Frédérique Clavel, President, Fédération Pionnières

-- Tara Hunt, CEO and Co-founder, Buyosphere

-- Sarah Prevette, Founder, Sprouter and BetaKit

-- Danae Ringelmann, Co-founder, IndieGoGo

-- Ameera Shah, Managing Director and CEO, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd.

-- Lakshmi Pratury, Host and Curator, The INK Conference

"Women are playing increasingly important roles in leadership and we're seeing some of the most exciting global growth coming from female-led companies," said Moira Forbes, of ForbesWoman. "I recently traveled to Asia for the inaugural Forbes Forum: Asia's Power Business Women and saw first-hand how the region's female business leaders and entrepreneurs are changing the face of business and India is at the forefront of this phenomenon."

Dell Women's Global Entrepreneurship Study, Key Findings:

The agenda for the event will be supported by data uncovered as part of the Dell Women's Global Entrepreneurship Study, which highlighted positive growth trends for female entrepreneurs in India including:

-- Business is Booming: 71 percent of female entrepreneurs in India say their business is very successful, and eight in 10 female entrepreneurs in India say they are hiring.

-- Opportunity for Technology: 74 percent of female entrepreneurs in India say their technology needs are getting more complex.

-- Don't Quit Your Day Job: 90 percent of female entrepreneurs in India started their business while maintaining their day job.

-- Positive Social Impact is important: 85 percent of female entrepreneurs in India believe it is very important that their business has a positive social impact.

"Dell recognizes how critical entrepreneurs are to global economic recovery and job creation and our commitment to their growth goes well beyond the products and solutions we sell," Karen Quintos, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Dell Inc. "The Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network celebrates the unique perspective and approach that women bring to business-and reinforces the role of technology in enabling these women to reach new markets, expand their companies and provide value to their customers."

Women leaders are invited to join in the conversation and share who and what inspires and motivates them as entrepreneurs and leaders via the Women Powering Business Network group on LinkedIn.

DWEN is supported by Endeavor, Ernst & Young's Entrepreneurial Winning Women and the Kauffman Foundation. Content about the event can be found on Twitter via @DellBizWomen and by following #dwen.

View the original article here

FASTSIGNS® to Exhibit at International Franchise Expo in New York - Franchising.com (press release)

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General Electric Company : General Electric : See Long-Term Business Opportunities In Myanmar - 4-traders (press release)

05/31/2012 | 05:23am

General Electric Co. (GE) hopes to get a license to operate in Myanmar by the end of this year as it sees long-term business opportunities in the Southeast Asian nation, Chief Executive of GE ASEAN Stuart Dean said Thursday.

The company is looking to provide power generator equipment to the country and is currently in talks with the Myanmar government to supply portable gas turbines, Dean told reporters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum for East Asia in Bangkok.

Dean said he hopes talks with the government will conclude by the fourth quarter.

-By Payungsak Wiriyabunditkul, Dow Jones Newswires; 662-690-4200; payungsak.wiriyabunditkul@dowjones.com

View the original article here

Boeing spotlights Malaysia business - United Press International

ST. LOUIS, May 24 (UPI) -- Malaysia's industry and business opportunities in the country were spotlighted earlier this month in a conference in the United States.

Boeing, which co-hosted the conference in St. Louis with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, said 75 U.S. and Malaysian businesses participated in the event.

"Strategic and cultural alliances are shifting back to markets in Asia," said former U.S. Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond, who spoke at the conference. "Establishing partnerships with Malaysian industry is critical in capturing new opportunities.

"Malaysia has transformed into a competitive, high-tech economy that is actively seeking areas of mutual collaboration in the medical, technology, and aerospace industries."

Malaysia flies Boeing's FA/18D Hornets, and the company is offering its "F" model in the government's competition for new combat aircraft. Insitu Pacific, a joint venture between Boeing and Insitu, recently partnered with Malaysian company Composites Technology Research Malaysia for in-country support of ScanEagle unmanned aircraft systems that are being acquired by the country.

"Strategic international partnerships create combinations of capabilities and ideas that give the partners a greater competitive advantage for future business pursuits," said Mike Gibbons, Boeing vice president of F/A-18 and E/A-18 Programs. "Boeing continues to demonstrate its long-term commitment to building win-win opportunities with the Malaysian aerospace industry that are independent of any one platform sale and will continue beyond any potential sale."

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PERRIS: SBA workshop on opportunities for small businesses - Riverside Press Enterprise

May 15, 2012 11:40 AM PDT May 15, 2012 11:40 AM PDT PERRIS: SBA workshop on opportunities for small businesses CONTRIBUTED CONTENT

CONTRIBUTED CONTENT The Press Enterprise Published: 15 May 2012 11:40 AM

The public is invited to a Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) workshop at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 17, hosted by the Southwest Veterans business Resource Center at 227 N. “D” Street in Perris.

Thr program helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal opportunities.

The free event will feature guest speakers, Gloria Gomez, business opportunity specialist with the Small Business Association, Santa Ana District and Michael McDermott, redevelopment and economic development manager, city of Perris.

The workshop includes a hands-on demonstration of SBA’s HUBZone website and maps; what, how and when to submit for certification and a question-and-answer session.

Register online at www.wherecommitiesserveveterans.org. Or call Douglas A. Dare, SBA, Santa Ana District Office, at 714-550-7409.

Copyright 2011 The Press Enterprise. All rights reserve. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Indian Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar visits Sri City - PRLog (free press release)

PRLog (Press Release) - Apr 28, 2012 -
Indian Commerce Secretary Dr Rahul Khullar visits Sri City, South India’s largest, emerging world-class Integrated Business City with a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Domestic Tariff Zone (DTZ), to study the overall infrastructural developments, investment, employment and potential business opportunities at Sri City.

During the visit, Dr Khullar visited units of Kobelco Construction of Japan, Shan Solar of India, Amphenol of the US and Rockworth of Thailand. He also visited several utilities and social infrastructure facilities built by Sri City. After lighting the traditional lamp, Dr. Khullar conducted an open house with over 40 CEO’s-Unit heads attending the same.  

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Khullar said: “It gives me immense pleasure to witness the brisk pace of development taking place at Sri City. I see that Sri City’s customers represent some of the leading companies in the world – nationally and internationally. I am sure that in the next three years, the developments in Sri City are likely to transform the entire region into a vibrant, economically progressive zone".

Commenting on Dr Rahul Khullar’s visit, Ravindra Sannareddy, Managing Director, Sri City said: “It is an honour to have Dr Khullar with us. His keenness to know more about Sri City is very encouraging. We are also pleased to have with us other senior Government officials today. The overall economic development of this region will further improve resulting in better employment opportunities in the coming years. Today, Sri City is host to over 70 companies from 22 countries in a short span of three years. We are entering into the second phase of development in Sri City and we see phenomenal growth for this region as a whole".

Anil Kumar Bamba, Development Commissioner, Sri City SEZ, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to express my special thanks and gratitude to Dr Khullar for his valuable time and inputs. Sri City SEZ and DTZ currently provides direct and indirect employment to about 6,000 people and the estimated employment potential (direct and indirect) in the next three years will be around 50,000.

Sannareddy, Sanjeet Singh, Director, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Karikal Valaven, Commissioner of Industries, Government. of Andhra Pradesh, S Kishore, Development Commissioner, Vizag SEZ and Bamba received Dr Khullar.

Sri City is an emerging world-class Business City located 55-kms from Chennai. It has the distinction of being the largest private sector multi-product Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in South India with a Domestic Tariff Zone (DTZ) and a Free Trade and Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) built in functional partnership with the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Strategically located, Sri City offers the distinct advantage of well-established connectivity by rail, and road with proximity to three seaports and two airports. Today, Sri City as a whole is home to over 70 industries from 22 countries which is truly unique.

Built on the ‘Work-Live-Learn-Play’ concept and master-planned by Jurong Consultants, Singapore, Sri City is an integrated development of a world-class business city with lifestyle facilities. Well-demarcated industrial zones within the SEZ and DTZ include automotive, engineering, logistics and warehousing, aerospace, electronics, biotech-pharma and IT-BPO, renewable energy and other eco-friendly industries. The trading zone (FTWZ) will primarily cater to companies trading in imports and re-exports, packaging, storage and distribution in the local markets.

In addition, country specific enclaves are specially created to offer specific and exclusive facilities to companies from these countries. The enclave will include a gated community development that offers native-style homes, food-courts with native chefs, translators and an 18-hole golf course. Robust industrial infrastructure such as road, water, power, telecom and sewer networks will service these zones making Sri City a hassle-free operational zone. Residential areas, commercial hubs, world-class healthcare, educational institutions, recreation centres and all necessary amenities will support the industrial zones at Sri City making it a truly integrated development for business and lifestyle.  For more on Indian automotive and related industry news, visit automotivehorizon.sulekha.com.

View the original article here

Rare Business Opportunity For Small Businesses in New Jersey - PRLog (free press release)

PRLog (Press Release) - Apr 26, 2012 -
People go straight to internet when they need information, want to find service providers or want to buy something locally. As a matter of fact, Google reported that local searches grew 500%.  

'Win Business Mobile Website in New Jersey' contest starts on April 26. It will end on May 15, 2012.

Every qualified contest participant will get a FREE coupon for e-book 'How Mobile Marketing Pushes Small Businesses to Prosperity'. The company does not need to win the contest to get the FREE coupon.

"This contest is a very good chance for qualified small businesses in New Jersey to step outside of everyday routine, look around and realize that there is new wind blowing in small business world. People go to internet using mobile phones and other mobile devices. This is the right time to update the business website and make it mobile devices friendly'   says Alla Goltsman.

Alla is a web developer who works with small businesses. Alla Goltsman designs search engines optimized mobile websites and runs mobile marketing campaigns.

Alla continued: "For those companies that do not have a website yet, this is the chance to get one and jump straight into marketing products and services to 5.4 billion mobile device users. A mobile website has to be part of the business strategy to beat competition".  

The winning company will receive digital goodies worth more than $2,000.00:
**Brand new custom designed mobile website
**Keyword Rich Domain
**Three unique custom-made QR (Quick Response) codes used in mobile  
advertising   online and offline
**FREE website hosting - 3 (three) months
**2 FREE email addresses
**Press Release coverage

There will be 1 (one) winner selected and 1 (one) business mobile website awarded. Enter the contest at http://mobiledeviceclients.mobi/contestnj.php

To submit a complete contest entry go to http://mobiledeviceclients.mobi/contestnj.php
click Enter the contest to win FREE Business Mobile Website and fill out every empty box on the form. Find the entry form at http://mobiledeviceclients.mobi/contest.php

Detailed article about the winning company will be published at    
http://BusinessNetworkingNJ.com and possibly on Yahoo Voices (subject to Yahoo
Voices acceptance)

Alla Goltsman is a web developer, small business internet marketer and a writer. She specializes in developing search engines optimized mobile websites. Alla helps Small Business owners to achieve maximum websites ROI by developing mobile websites and conducting unique straight to the point mobile and offline marketing campaigns.

She holds Master of Arts Degree in Linguistics from Kharkov University and has been trained as a Computer Programmer at New York University.

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/11859822/1

View the original article here

First Asset Canadian Dividend Opportunity Fund Press Release - msnbc.com

TORONTO, ONTARIO — First Asset Canadian Dividend Opportunity Fund (TSX:DOF.UN) (the "Fund") confirms that it will convert into an open-end mutual fund (the "Conversion") on April 19, 2012. The Fund's units will be delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange at the close of business on April 13, 2012 in order to permit the completion of the Conversion.

© Marketwire 2012

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Business leader Alvin Boutte Sr. dies - United Press International

CHICAGO, April 3 (UPI) -- Alvin Boutte Sr. one of the country's most influential black businessmen, has died in his home in Hazel Crest, Ill., the Chicago Sun-Times reported. He was 82.

The cause of death was not listed.

Boutte was born in Lake Charles, La., and earned a degree in pharmacy from Xavier University. When he later moved to Chicago, the profession gave him a foothold in the business community and he started by owning and operating his own drugstore.

"He was alert to business opportunity and success, and he was tremendously ambitious," the description of Boutte in African-American Business Leaders says.

He became acquainted with George Johnson, purveyor of Ultra Sheen and Afro Sheen hair products, and the two started the Independence Bank, which became the largest black-owned bank in the United States.

Independence was the first African-American-owned bank to purchase a substantial white-owned bank when it acquired Drexel National Bank, the newspaper said.

Boutte was a major player in Chicago's ground-breaking black business community that also included John Johnson, publisher of Jet and Ebony magazines.

"When people talk about Chicago being the mecca for black business, it was because of that generation of African-American leaders who showed the way," said John Rogers, chief executive officer of Ariel Investments.

When Martin Luther King Jr.'s civil rights campaign needed funds, Boutte stepped in to help, organizing a fund raising effort among Chicago's black business community.

"He invited Dr. King to Chicago … he was fundamental to those movements for justice," said the Rev. Jesee Jackson. Boutte is said to have learned perseverance from his father, whose efforts to vote were rebuffed in the south year after year.

He never got to vote, Boutte said. But he never stopped trying, either.

In Chicago, Boutte and two friends, Jesse Owens and Ralph Metcalfe Sr., were turned down by a country club they were attempting to join.

On paper, that would be a country club turning down one of Chicago's most influential business leaders and two Olympic medalists, one of whom (Metcalfe) went on to become a U.S. congressman.

Boutte would not take no for an answer. Eventually, the country club relented, but asked them to play golf either very early or very late so the club's other members wouldn't see them.

"They had to be the first ones to tee off and they had to tee off in the dark" said a friend, Glenn Reedus.

Still, they had made their point -- "They were there," the newspaper said.

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The Marque Group expands to a new office location in the heart of a urban community in the Northwest - PRLog (free press release)

PRLog (Press Release) - Apr 02, 2012 -
The west coast based branding and public relations group announced its expansion today into a new office space in the heart of a bustling urban community in Portland, Oregon. The Marque Group LLC; specializes in national brand marketing and public relations initiatives in both private and public industries.

The Marque Group’s distinctive brand marketing, public relations and advertising services cater to some of the most elite private and public organizations. President and CEO, Monique T. Norington says, “Our services work because we’ve developed an innovative cross platform model that will turn any business adversity into opportunity. When our clients work with us, we assist them pursuing current demands, spotting early trends and predicting emerging developments. The result: Innovation and Inspiration.”  

The Marque Groups creative brand marketing techniques will take any business vitality to a new level. With the expansion of the new office they hope to continue to provide excellent service for their current client base and growth opportunities.

Location Address:
4839  NE MLK BLVD, Suite 204
Portland, OR 97211
Office: 503-374-0675
Fax: 503-374-0674

For more information, please visit the website www.themarquegroupllc.com or contact info@themarquegroupllc.com or follow on twitter.com/themarquegroup

About the Marque Group

The Marque Group LLC provides distinctive brand marketing, public relations and advertising services to private and public industries. Our concept is simple: Corporations need to distinguish their brand from the competition and become invaluable to the consumer. The best way to accomplish this is through our cross-platform brand marketing, public relations and communications model.

The Marque Group LLC., is a exclusive brand management and public relations firm. We focus in urban, lifestyle and pop culture specializing and covering corporations, entertainment and nonprofit industries.

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Rochester Hills-based business visits Afghanistan for trade mission - The Oakland Press

Published: Monday, April 02, 2012

By CHRIS LAINE
claine@journalregister.com; Twitter: @topherlaine

TTi Global CEO Lori Blaker (left) and U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sánchez (second from right) participated in a trade mission to Afghanistan.

A local company was recently chosen for a historic trade mission to Afghanistan, one of the first of its kind to the Middle East.

TTi Global, a Rochester Hills-based staffing, training, research and business solutions company that services the automotive, pharmaceutical, telecom and hospitality industries, was selected as one of 12 U.S. companies to participate in a U.S. Department of Commerce trade mission to Kabul, Afghanistan. The first mission took place in late February and explored long-term business opportunities in Afghanistan to enhance U.S.- Afghan commercial relations.

TTi was one of two Michigan-owned and operated companies that participated. 

“It is a source of great pride to have represented Michigan and our state’s corporate community on the mission to Afghanistan,” said Lori Blaker, TTi Global CEO. “Traveling on a mission of this magnitude, which encompasses significant international trade implications, is an incredible responsibility to our nation and state.

“As a result, TTi has planned to establish a work force development program in the region, which will include significant commercial training and support opportunities for Afghanistan’s growing number of automotive, mining, food service and logistics companies.” 

The Rochester Hills-based company, which provides hands-on and in-demand skill training for young adults in developing regions, was a major driver behind the company’s participation. 

“Providing people in underdeveloped regions with the means to earn a living gives them hope for survival and the ability to create a better life,” Blaker said. “TTi is committed to this belief and we know that our network and proven experience can be put to use in some of the most difficult markets in the world, like Afghanistan.”

Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sanchez led the delegation of representatives from the 12 participating U.S. businesses, which span construction, mining, agribusiness and information technology sectors. 

“I am pleased to bring these companies on this historic mission to Afghanistan,” said Sánchez in an International Trade Administration news release. “We have a special opportunity to partner with Afghan government and business leaders to promote mutually beneficial economic growth and investment.”

Until now, few U.S. companies have had access to operate in Afghanistan and with Afghan companies. In addition to missions like this one, the Afghanistan government is taking steps to create legal and administrative regulatory structures to develop its economy, and increase foreign and private investment.  Continued...

TTi Global has offices located in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, India, Japan, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, Thailand, United Arab Emeritus and Venezuela. It is one of the fastest-growing private companies in America and is a National Women-Owned Business certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council.  

Contact staff writer Chris Laine at 248-745-4673, chris.laine@oakpress.com or follow him on Twitter @topherlaine.

FYI

For additional information about the trade initiative, visit www.export.gov/trademissions or www.trade.gov/afghanistan.

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Market Opportunities and Business Strategies in Private Label Branding in India - PRLog (free press release)

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar 29, 2012 -
The report provides top-level market analysis, information and insights into the Indian private label products market, including:
• Current, historic and forecast values for the Indian private label market
• Comprehensive, country-specific analysis of market attractiveness covering key macroeconomic trends plus benchmarking with other key global and Asian private label markets
• Detailed analysis of the key drivers for private label in India
• Detailed analysis of the challenges affecting the private label market in India
• Detailed analysis of retailer strategies by product categories and by retail format
• Case studies of the top private label retailers in India

Summary
The market for private label products in India is still in its nascent stages and accounted for just XX% of the overall retail market in 2011. The Indian retail market is highly fragmented and primarily consists of unorganized outlets such as ‘kirana’ stores. It is expected that organized retail is going to undergo a period of growth over the forecast period. Retailers entered the Indian private labels market by providing staples such as food and beverage products. The positive growth potential of these categories convinced many retailers to enter the personal care market in 2009. The main growth strategy of Indian retailers is to provide consumers with national brands as a trust exercise; as such brands provide a level of quality and assurance to consumers, who are then offered private labels as a discounted alternative. The Future Group recruited national sports icon, Sachin Tendulkar, to create a sub-brand named ‘Sach’. In this way, the Group expects to attain national recognition with some consumers and an emotional connection with others. This is the first instance of private label product endorsement in the Indian market. Growth in private labels has resulted in several conflicts between retailers and national brands, owing to issues such as margins, displays and shelf space. Retailers are more inclined to push the sales of private label products as they offer greater profit margins. Market Analysis

Scope
• This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the private label market within the consumer packaged goods industry in India
• It provides an overview of key global markets for private label
• It provides comparison of private label market share in India with Asian countries and with the key global markets
• It provides historical shares for the Indian private label market for the report’s 2007–2011 review period and forecast figures for the 2012–2016 forecast period
• It highlights the consumer, business and economic factors driving the private label market in India
• It covers a summary on the key challenges facing the private label market in India
• It details the business strategies of private label brands by retail store formats
• It discusses the key emerging product strategies in the Indian private label market
• It compares the pricing strategy adopted for private label products in key categories
• It outlines the future outlook for the Indian private label market
• It profiles the major retailers in the private label market in India

Reasons To Buy
• Make strategic business decisions using top-level historic and forecast market data related to the Indian private label market
• Understand the key consumer, business and economic trends within the Indian private label market
• Gain insights into the strategies adopted by retailers in different product categories and also across different retail formats
• Gain insights into the challenges facing the Indian private label market
• Gain insights into the upcoming trends in the Indian private label market

For more information kindly visit :
Market Opportunities and Business Strategies in Private Label Branding in India

Or

Bharat Book Bureau
Tel: +91 22 27810772 / 27810773
Fax: + 91 22 27812290
Email: info@bharatbook.com
Website: www.bharatbook.com
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Bharat Book Bureau is the leading business information aggregator providing market research reports and online databases. Bharatbook is also into the business of marketing conferences worldwide and undertakes custom research.

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Business and Investment Opportunity in the Brazilian Health Insurance Industry - PRLog (free press release)

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar 28, 2012 -
The report provides detailed market analysis, information and insights into the Brazilian health insurance industry, including:
• The Brazilian health insurance industry’s growth prospects with focus on key trends, drivers and challenges faced by the industry
• The future outlook of various distribution channels in the Brazilian health insurance industry
• The current competitive landscape in the Brazilian health insurance industry and the future outlook
• The customer targeting strategies and the product innovation strategies followed in the industry
• The profiles of the major companies in the industry
http://www.bharatbook.com/market-research-reports/insura ...

Summary
The Brazilian health insurance category increased from BRL9.8 billion in 2007 to BRL15.1 billion in 2011, recording a CAGR of 11.27% over the review period. Over the same period, the number of new policies sold in the Brazilian health insurance category increased from 69.14 million to 88.42 million. Overall, the category is expected to record a CAGR of 6.32% over the forecast period to reach a projected value of BRL16.2 billion in 2016. Over the same period, the number of new policies sold in the Brazilian health insurance category is expected to increase from 95.66 million in 2012 to 116.34 million in 2016. Industry Report

Scope
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the health insurance market in Brazil:
• It provides historical values for Brazil’s health insurance industry for the 2007–2011 review period and forecast figures for the 2012–2016 forecast period
• It offers a detailed analysis of the key sub-segments in Brazil’s health insurance industry, along with market forecasts until 2016
• It covers an exhaustive list of parameters, including premium per capita, incurred loss, loss ratio and paid claims
• It entails the competitive landscape in the Brazilian health insurance industry along with the product innovation and customer targeting strategies followed
• It analyses the various distribution channels for health insurance products in Brazil
• It profiles the top health insurance companies in Brazil along with snapshots of their major products and services

Reasons To Buy
• Assess the overall healthcare sector in Brazil with focus on key trends such as medical tourism and online retail insurance
• Make strategic business decisions using top-level historic and forecast market data related to the Brazilian health insurance industry
• Understand the demand-side dynamics, key market trends and growth opportunities within the Brazilian health insurance industry
• Assess the competitive dynamics in the health insurance industry and the future outlook
• Gain insights into the key regulations governing the Brazilian insurance industry
• Understand the product innovation strategies and the customer targeting strategies followed in the industry

Key Highlights
• The Brazilian health insurance category increased from BRL9.8 billion in 2007 to BRL15.1 billion in 2011, recording a CAGR of 11.27% over the review period. Over the same new period, the number of new policies sold in the Brazilian health insurance category increased from 69.14 million to 88.42 million.
• During the review period, the penetration of Brazilian health insurance products increased from 0.34% in 2007 to 0.54% in 2011, as many new policies were sold across the country.
• The health insurance market is concentrated, with the leading eight companies accounting for a 69% share of the total retained premium in 2011.
• One of the key challenges for the health insurance market is financing insurance claims due to the increasing cost of healthcare services which is fuelled by rising medical inflation and a growth in the cost of medical equipment and technology.

Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary
2 Brazilian Health Insurance Category Attractiveness
2.1 The Healthcare Industry in Brazil
2.2 Market Size and Growth Potential
2.3 Health Insurance Category – Benchmarking with BRIC Countries
3 Brazil Health Insurance Market Trends and Drivers
3.1 Macroeconomic Fundamentals
3.1.1 Brazil – GDP at constant prices
3.1.2 Brazil – number of households
3.1.3 Brazil – inflation
3.1.4 Brazil – urban and rural population
3.1.5 Brazil – annual disposable income
3.1.6 Brazil – unemployment rate
3.2 Business Trends and Drivers
3.3 Consumer Drivers
3.4 Regulatory Framework
4 Competitive Landscape and Key Market Indicators

For more information kindly visit :
Business and Investment Opportunity in the Brazilian Health Insurance Industry: Analyses and Forecasts to 2016

Or

Bharat Book Bureau
Tel: +91 22 27810772 / 27810773
Fax: + 91 22 27812290
Email: info@bharatbook.com
Website: www.bharatbook.com
Follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Sandhya3B

Bharat Book Bureau is the leading business information aggregator providing market research reports and online databases. Bharatbook is also into the business of marketing conferences worldwide and undertakes custom research.

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Conference: Economic Recovery Underway: Will your Business Survive? - PRLog (free press release)

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar 24, 2012 -
News Release
Contact: Nelson Soler
Office: (414) 383-4633
soler@multiculturalinstitute.com

Small Business Marketplace Event
Economic Recovery Underway
Will Your Business Be Ready?

MILWAUKEE, March 24, 2011 -  Participation is welcome for the Small Business Marketplace event hosted by the The Latino Entrepreneurial Network (LEN) and the Multicultural Entrepreneurial Institute (MEI) on April 12 and 13, 2012 in Milwaukee, WI.  The two day event will start with the Grand Reception at Milwaukee’s Italian Community Center and will feature dinner, an Entrepreneurial Fair as well as key note speaker Mr. Wyman Winston, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Authority and will be speaking on Economic Recovery for business owners in Wisconsin.

Friday’s Business Conference will also be held at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee and includes Breakfast and a Resource Fair that focuses on sharing opportunities with Entrepreneurs and connecting them with Corporate, Public and the Nonprofit Sector.  Various Concurrent Seminars will be held as well as speeches about economic conditions for small business will be given from Adrian Velazquez, President of Fi-Med Consulting. Fi-Med Consulting is one of the fastest growing companies in Wisconsin.

Topics of discussion include:
• Nontraditional Lending
• Strategies for Business Growth
• Strategies for Effectively Recruiting and Retaining Talent
• Incentive Programs for Hiring

LEN Executive Director, Nelson Soler stated “Empowering entrepreneurs through knowledge is vital for their success. This fifth conference provides them with relevant applied knowledge and strategies to grow their enterprise.”

Our current economy presents opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs who pursue strategic business practices, innovation, cost control maintenance, strategic marketing and consistently connecting for growth.  

“This conference aims to increase our understanding of our current economic recovery while providing participants valuable business concepts for our current in 2012 as well as an excellent business networking opportunity for all participants.”  stated Christopher Castillo, President, LEN and founding Board Member.

The event is sponsored by US Bank,Milwaukee Metro Sewage District, Educators Credit Union, the Walmart Foundation, the Helen Bader Foundation and the Multicultural Entrepreneurial Institute (MEI).

LEN is still seeking more sponsors, corporations to share procurement opportunities, exhibitors as well as government entities and agencies with opportunities and programs for Entrepreneurs. For More Info or Questions, Please call 414.383.4633 or email info@lenwi.org
About LEN

LEN’s mission is to bridge individuals, entrepreneurs and microenterprises with resources through strategic alliance formation, networking and sharing of business and financial practices. All members take a pledge to uphold the organization’s values of acting with integrity, maintaining high ethics, sharing knowledge, investing in our community and fostering professionalism.  

The Latino Entrepreneurial Network of Southeastern Wisconsin, Incorporated (LEN) was recently awarded the 2010 Best Small Chamber in the United States and the 2008-2009 Best Small Chamber of the Midwest by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) located in Washington DC.

For more information, please visit: http://www.growurbiz.org

Multicultural Entrepreneurial Institute, Inc. (MEI), a multicultural marketing and training firm which provides public outreach, internet and social media services, marketing research services and advertising strategic services.

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Case study - Innovation for future markets - Environmental Expert (press release)

MetaVu helps clients identify product and business risks and opportunities associated with increasing environmental awareness and regulation in the markets they serve. Increasing environmental awareness and regulation can change the demand for client products and services dramatically and quickly. MetaVu's Product and Business Innovation Practice helps clients identify risks that their products and/or businesses could fall victim to substitutes with lower environmental impact and develop and/or acquire products and businesses that opportunistically satisfy future customer needs, environmental preferences and environmental regulations.

Xcel Energy Renewable Distributed Generation (DG) Market Strategy
Xcel Energy, one of the largest electric and gas utilities in the United States, sought MetaVu's assistance in defining a strategy to maintain profit and reduce risk associated with growing competition from customer-sited renewable electric generation such as PV Solar systems. Working closely with client resources, MetaVu helped Xcel Energy identify and answer key questions about the PV Solar market:

How soon will PV Solar energy be competitively priced against grid energy?How does the estimate vary by geographic markets and customer types?What options are available for profiting from the growth in renewable DG?What capabilities does Xcel Energy need to implement these options?What is the roadmap for developing and implementing the renewable DG Strategy?

Shaw Industries Sustainability Strategy Framework
Shaw Industries, one of the world’s largest carpet manufacturers, retained MetaVu to help define and advance the client’s Sustainability Strategy. Using proprietary processes, MetaVu identified opportunities to increase shareholder value throughout the business value chain. In this particular engagement, product and business innovation strategies represented the greatest earnings opportunities. MetaVu's recommendations included conducting Life Cycle Assessments on products, integrating sustainable business concepts into the client’s innovation platform, educating the market/sales force/sales channels on client sustainability efforts, and advancing the role client products played in helping customers achieve their own environmental goals (such as LEED certification for new commercial construction).

Sustainable Innovation

Many corporations have already identified, implemented, and promoted changes to products or services that make product production and/or service use more environmentally sound.  But the markets for products and services, at both the business and consumer level, are becomming more environmentally aware and sophisticated every day.  These market changes present risks and opportunities that product portfolio and market strategies must ... » Read more    » Contact now / Request quote

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Corbel Estate Limited presents the investment opportunities at Hungarian real estate market - PRLog (free press release)

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar 16, 2012 -
The previous projects of the company proved the professionalism and reliability of the quite young business investor.

New business "predator", Corbel Estate Limited, heads to Hungarian real estate market. Investment department of the company chose this country for investing. Corbel Estate Limited has succeeded in positioning itself among the most stable investment financial companies in Europe. Though it's still quite young in comparison with top investment companies, it has already gained investors' trust and support, strengthening its position on European market with the ability to introduce innovative and unique business opportunities. Corbel Estate Limited provides full range of up-to-date reliable financial projects to invest in achieving all positive results and meeting customers' expectations and requests.

Customers may feel the fort of using all range of services provided by well-educated and experienced staff. Paying attention to the tiniest details Corbel Estate Limited managed to stay in black even during the hardest times completing tasks of different complexity. Project development department will help the clients to estimate all possible market opportunities to get maximum income even under crisis conditions while analysts will assist in creation of business-model that can survive the recession. Contributing to customers' financial growth company also develops.

Investment department is in constant search of new methods and mechanisms of getting the maximum profit out of best possible business opportunities represented on the market. Since the first day of its existence Corbel Estate Limited has strived to expand the range and quality of services searching for new investment opportunities and spheres to develop. With thousands of satisfied clients and customers Corbel Estate Limited continues its successful activity on investment market.

This month the head of the company gave order to create a portfolio for Hungarian domestic real estate market. Another Corbel Estate Limited objective - is to find a reliable business partner to cooperate with. This step will enable a new range of services and will give an advantage over other business competitors. The management hopes that all measures taken will bring Corbel Estate Limited to the world level and provide clients with unseen service.

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Training programs help small businesses in Alexandria area - Echo Press

A variety of training opportunities to assist local entrepreneurs with business startup and growth will be offered in Alexandria this spring.

The training is offered through the Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission (AAEDC) and the Alexandria Technical and Community College (ATCC) Customized Training Center.

• Entrepreneur Boot Camp. This consists of two day-long programs and includes numerous topics. This program is designed for people at any stage in the business startup and planning process. Attendees may participate in one or both sessions:

March 9, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Entrepreneur Boot Camp: Successfully Planning to Start Your Business.

March 16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Entrepreneur Boot Camp: Successfully Starting and Growing Your Small Business.

• Small Business Power Lunches. This consists of highly focused, single subject training opportunities that include lunch.

March 13, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Business Power Lunch: Small Business Financing and Refinancing.

March 27, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Business Power Lunch: Pricing Your Product/Service for Profit.

April 10, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Business Power Lunch: Small Business Human Resources.

April 17, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Business Power Lunch: Customer Service.

May 1, 10 a.m. to noon – Business Power Lunch: Overcoming Generational Challenges in the Workforce.

These trainings are an excellent opportunity for anyone who is interested in learning about what it takes to start a small business, entrepreneurs in the process of starting a business, and small business owners looking for direction on how to successfully grow their organizations, according to the AAEDC and ATCC.

For more information or to register for the Spring 2012 Business Training Opportunities, contact the ATCC Customized Training Center at (320) 762-4510 or the AAEDC at (320) 763-4545. For more information on these and other business training opportunities, go to www.alexmn.org/upcoming-events.html.

Business training programs are offered throughout the year through the combined efforts of the AAEDC and the ATCC Customized Training Center and their partners, with partial funding being provided by West Central Initiative.

Tags: local news, news, updates, business

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