2009 Press Releases
The U.S. Embassy, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and the Bahamas Development Bank to hold annual Business Development Seminar on March 31
March 18, 2009
Officials of The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, The United States Embassy and The Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) announced plans for their up coming annual Business Education & Development Seminar during a joint press conference at The Bahamas Development Bank on Cable Beach.
In attendance at the press conference were Mr. Philip Simon, Executive Director of The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Anne Marie Bain, Economic Commercial Specialist with the United States Department of State Economic-Commercial Section, Mrs. Dale McHardy, Manager of the Business Advisory Services Department at The Bahamas Development Bank, Mr. Anthony Woodside, Acting Managing Director of The Bahamas Development Bank, Mr. Peter Miller, Senior Assistant Manager of Credit at The Bahamas Development Bank, and Ms. Christina Rabassa, Economic Commercial Officer with the United States Embassy. The Business Education & Development Seminar is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at the British Colonial Hilton at 8:00 a.m.
“Once again The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce is delighted to partner with The United States Embassy and The Bahamas Development Bank in holding our annual Business Education & Development Seminar. This year will mark the fourth edition of this annual event,” commented Mr. Philip Simon, Executive Director of The Chamber.
“A major focus this year will center on providing businesspersons with much needed information, tools and tips on how to make their businesses recession proof. The seminar will also seek to offer businesspersons much needed advice on sound and practical ways in which they can survive financially despite the global economic melt down,” Mr. Simon further commented.
He continued, “While these may be financially difficult and trying times, we firmly believe that our business community, with sheer determination, hard work, foresight and much planning can begin to strategically position their companies to take advantage of opportunities that may arise. As such we wish to invite all small and medium sized enterprises as well as larger companies to attend this one day informative, power-packed seminar.”
“It is always a great pleasure for the United States Embassy to join forces with our local partners The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and The Bahamas Development Bank to host the Business Education & Development Seminar,” commented Mrs. Anne Marie Bain, Economic Commercial Specialist with the United States Department of State Economic-Commercial Section. Mrs. Bain expressed the Embassy’s pleasure in sponsoring the guest speaker for the luncheon, Ronald L. Langston, former Director of the U.S. Minority Business Development Agency. Mr. Langston will address the seminar on the topic, ‘The Global Economic Threat/The Global Economic Opportunity!’
“Like in previous years, The Business Education & Development Seminar will feature informative presentations and panel discussions from some of the country’s leading and most informed business and financial experts. Philip Simon, Executive Director of The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce will moderate the event, President of The Chamber, Dionisio D’Aguilar will bring welcome remarks, followed by Darron Cash, Chairman of The Bahamas Development Bank and Timothy Zuniga-Brown, Charge d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy during the opening session,” Mrs. Bain continued.
Speaking on behalf of The Bahamas Development Bank, Mrs. Dale McHardy, Manager of the Business Advisory Services Department elaborated further on the list of featured presenters and panelists, “One of the highlights of this year’s Business Education & Development Seminar will include a special address by Gregory Bethell, President of Fidelity Bank who will speak on ‘Identifying & Creating Opportunities’. The seminar will also feature a special panel discussion on the topic, ‘Making, Maximizing and Protecting Your Investment,’ with panelists Peter Miller of The Bahamas Development Bank, Khaalis Rolle of Nassau Ferries and Inspector Sandra Miller of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.”
Mrs. McHardy continued, “A second panel discussion ‘Surviving The Economic Recession,’ will also be held and will feature panelists Ken Kerr of Providence Advisors, Barry Malcolm of Scotiabank and James Smith of Colina Financial Advisors. Following the luncheon presentation our final panel discussion will zero in on the topic, ‘Positioned for Success, Beyond The Recession What’s Next!’ and will feature panelists Larry Gibson of Colonial Pension Services, Chester Cooper of British American Financial and Raymond Winder of Deloitte & Touche.”
Mrs. McHardy concluded that the bank looks forward to hosting this year’s seminar once again in collaboration with The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and The United States Embassy; and is convinced that the event will be a major success based on the dynamic list of featured presenters, the seminar’s timeliness and relevance to the local business community.
She further urged all interested businesspersons to register now by contacting The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce at 322-2145 or by e-mail at thebahamaschamber.com.