Financial Information Month focusing on reshaping the future

By Linda Straker

A business Symposium and Innovation Forum targeting CEOs, business executives, senior managers, board directors, business owners, entrepreneurs and academics is among the activities that will be held as Grenada and the other member states of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank observe October as Financial Information month.

Scheduled to take place on October 22 at 4:30 - 7:30 p.m., the symposium will feature Dr. Luz Longsworth and other speakers who will approach the various topics with practical insights from their respective fields.

“This dynamic and interactive event will provide a medium for the exchange of ideas and perspectives, and the tabling of challenging ‘yet practical’ solutions to achieve sustainable and resilient business growth in the OECS,” said the letter of invitation.

In Grenada, participation will be facilitated through video-conference and the venue will be the ECCB conference room. The topics to be discussed are: Business competitiveness; Creative business leadership and Strategic business models for ECCU businesses that would allow for effective responses to present challenges and seizure of present and future opportunities.

Financial Information Month (FIM) 2013, began last week Sunday with a church service at the Grand Anse RC and is being observed under the theme ‘Reshaping Our Future – Starting Now’.

Mrs. Linda Felix-Berkeley, ECCB representative at the Grenada office said that the theme is designed to inspire and challenge all citizens of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) to take action at the individual, business and institutional levels that will result in stronger financial foundations, more competitive business offerings and higher levels of economic growth.

Before the Business Forum, there will be a Small Business Training Workshop. Scheduled for Grenville on October 10, the workshop is geared towards strengthening existing micro and small businesses. The one-day session will focus on Business Planning, Problem Solving, Sales and Negotiations, Financial Management, Business Best Practices and Business Competitiveness.

Other activities for the month includes radio and television discussions; Donation of Care Packages to HIV Positive Persons unable to work and a Financial Fair/Fun day on October 26, 2013 at Morne Rouge Playing field. During the fair which is described as a family event the financial institutions will provide free financial advice and counselling and display financial information literature.