Reflections on the Business & Trade Mission, Atlanta, GA
11/30/2006
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Debra Amidon, Entovation International, Ltd. stated that 70% startup companies are owned by women, but only 4% of US export businesses are owned by women. The 21st Century is a knowledge based economy, driven by Innovation, Intellectual Capital and Collaboration. Terry Blum PH.D. echoed Ms. Amidon’s thoughts. The 21st century needs collaboration among countries and a move to strategic thinking rather than strategic planning. The break out sessions included ideas on how to develop a business plan, (very practical), and demonstrated online resources for “tech” help when starting an export business.
Bernie Marcus was a “down to earth” inspiring speaker who told humorous stories about his startup days at Home Depot, how he was fired from a successful company, and his many philanthropic deeds. Most touching was his support of US troops by keeping his employees on the payroll. The culture of his industry is that everyone is valuable. He hires only outgoing people who take as long as needed to help anyone fix anything in their homes. His corporate culture was demonstrated when he called two managers who were not in the store the morning of the Oklahoma bombings. He was a little angry until he found out that the two managers (independent of one another) threw tools and lumber into a truck to deliver help to the people in the Oklahoma bombings. During the twin towers destruction in New York, all trucks were banned from all roadways except for Home Depot trucks.
Just as amazing was his conceptual image for the Georgia Aquarium. Mr. Marcus described how he hired people who knew nothing about aquariums because he wanted people who “think out of the box.” The result: visitors feel as if they are swimming among the fish. What a unique idea to have the cocktail hour complete with guitars, the delicious filet mignon dinner, touching award presentations and the delightful combo delivered among our watery friends. It truly was a unique experience.
On the final day, the presentation by Dr. Amelou Benitez Reyes on women’s issues in the Philippines, Joseph Iarocci, from CARE, Bernie Collins from the UPS Foundation and Patricia Foley, Capital Sisters International told stories of eradicating poverty by 2015. The video was poignant because it told a story of a woman who received a loan for ten dollars. She was able to work, grinding and selling corn, thus improving her house and her living conditions for her children. By making people self reliant, poverty is eradicated. The goal of all of the agencies.
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