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The Network Newsletter
January 2008
International Business & Professional Network asbl (Established 1991)
The Network asbl
45, rue des Templiers
L-7343 STEINSEL
e-mail: getintouch@the-network.lu
website: http://www.the-network.lu
President's Letter
Author: Lisa McLean
Dear networkers,
Of course, Happy New Year to you and yours. I hope you are all back into
the swing of things and feeling energised for new activities and ideas. Come
along to our meeting on Wednesday the 16th and feel even better and more
ready for a great start into 2008.
At this time of year two things preoccupy any committee of The Network.
Firstly, membership dues. Please pay your membership this month, this gives you access to
the newsletter and other updates of what is going on, plus of course events. The details of the
bank account are listed below. Secondly, the AGM and new committee members. The AGM
is in March and we try to make it as short and painless as any AGM can be. We need new
committee members as some of the present committee have to stand down because their
tenure is over, or because of other business commitments. So, if you think you would be
interested in joining the committee please email me lisa.mclean@pt.lu .We are an easy to
work with bunch of women, who would like to make The Network work for you. So please
get intouch with ideas and suggestions of anyone you know who would be willing to get
involved.
Thanks and hopefully see you on Wednesday. Lisa
Fees for 2008 are 35 Euros
Please send a bank transfer, clearly indicating your name, to the bank account below:
- Bank: Banque de Luxembourg
- Swift/BIC Code: BLUXLULL
- IBAN: LU58 0080 5333 3500 1003
- Beneficiary: The Network
New members can join online here.
Editor's Notes
Dear All,
Taking this opportunity I would like to wish you all the best for the year
2008, may it be happier and better than what you imagine.
I hope you had good rest during the Christmas holidays and you are full of energy to start
new networking season. Please remember that membership runs from January to January
therefore the payment deadline for season 2008 is approaching. Below you will find more
details regarding the payment.
Enjoy the lecture and I hope to see you all during our upcoming meetings.
Gosia
Upcoming Network Events
Wednesday 16th of January " Make an Energetic Start into 2008"
Have you always wanted to know how to do something good both for yourself and for
others?
Have you always wanted to optimise the time you have for yourself?
Do you wonder how to lead a more peaceful and joyful life?
Have you ever heard of energetic therapies?
If you can answer YES to one or more of above mentioned questions, then you might be
interested in our next conference subject on the 16th of January: "Energy treatment, a
natural form of reducing stress and enhancing physical, emotional and mental well-
being"
Laying hands on and directing the natural flow of universal energy harmonizes the energy
flow in your body, dissolves blocks and assists you in bringing your energy level back up to
its natural flow, thereby enhancing your own natural healing powers. It may be used for all
kinds of affliction. It is high frequency, light and universal energy. It is a support for the
healing capacity of your body, your soul and your spirit.
Speakers:
Petra Steinmetz is a spiritual healer working with high frequency energies. She is trained in
eastern and western healing techniques and meditation.
Anne de Borchgrave is a lecturer, teacher and practitioner in Bio-Energy, Reiki,
Geobiology, EFT and other healing and meditation techniques. She is also trained in
kinesiology, tachyon healing and feng shui. She has accompanied people in their health and
growth process since 15 years.
Dates and events for year 2008
20 Feb A round-table discussion "Improve your Career in Luxembourg"
19 Mar AGM; plus Speed-networking and Introduce your Business session
16 April Creating a Low-energy House
21 May Investment Topic "Making it Work for You"
Business in Norway - Girl power
Norwegian companies' boards are now stacked with women
HENRIK IBSEN, author of the play “A Doll's House”, in which a pretty, frustrated
housewife abandons her husband and children to seek a more serious life, would surely have
approved. From January 1st all public companies in Norway are obliged to ensure that at least
40% of their board directors are women. Most firms have obeyed the law, which was passed
in 2003. But about 75 out of the 480 or so companies it affects are still too male for the
government's liking. They will shortly receive a letter informing them that they have until the
end of February to act, or face the legal consequences—which could include being dissolved.
Before the law was proposed, about 7% of board members in Norway were female, according
to the Centre for Corporate Diversity. The number has since jumped to 36%. That is far
higher than the average of 9% for big companies across Europe—11% for Britain's FTSE
100—or America's 15% for the Fortune 500. Norway's stock exchange and its main business
lobby oppose the law, as do many businessmen. “I am against quotas for women or men as a
matter of principle,” says Sverre Munck, head of international operations at Schibsted, a
media firm. “Board members of public companies should be chosen solely on the basis of
merit and experience,” he says. Several firms have even given up their public status in order
to escape the new law.
Companies have had to recruit about 1,000 women in four years. Many complain that it has
been difficult to find experienced candidates. Because of this, some of the best women have
collected as many as 25-35 directorships each, and are known in Norwegian business circles
as the “golden skirts”. One reason for the scarcity is that there are fairly few women in
management in Norwegian companies—they occupy around 15% of senior positions. It has
been particularly hard for firms in the oil, technology and financial industries to find women
with enough experience. DNO, for instance, an oil and gas firm that operates in Yemen, Iraq
and elsewhere, found women it was happy with last November, but their expertise is in
finance and human resources, not oil, says Helge Eide, DNO's president. “However, we
retain sufficient oil and gas experience in the men on our board,” he adds.
Some people worry that their relative lack of experience may keep women quiet on boards,
and that in turn could mean that boards might become less able to hold managers to account.
Recent history in Norway, however, suggests that the right women can make strong directors.
When a whistleblower at Statoil, the country's biggest firm, alerted managers in 2003 to
possible illegal payments to a consultant to secure contracts in Iran, it was Grace Reksten
Skaugen and two other women directors who called an extraordinary board meeting that
resulted in the resignations of the chairman and chief executive. “Women feel more
compelled than men to do their homework,” says Ms Reksten Skaugen, who was voted
Norway's chairman of the year for 2007, “and we can afford to ask the hard questions,
because women are not always expected to know the answers.”
Source: The Economist print edition, Jan 3rd 2008
Negative calories food?!
Author: Gosia G.
Have you ever heard about “negative calories” food or you just wonder what crazy idea is
this. Would you like to loose calories just by eating? Sounds like a dream, does it? You
should not starve anymore for reducing weight.
I came across this article few days ago and I thought it is interesting theory. Of course
searching the web you can find different opinions but I thought it is interesting to mention
and I leave the judgement to you.
The “negative calorie” food is a food that requires our body to use more calories to digest it
that the food itself actually contains. For example, if you eat 100 calories of a food that
requires 150 calories to digest, then you have burnt an additional 50 calories simply by eating
that food. It happens because calories from certain foods are much harder to break down and
process, which makes our organism work harder in order to extract calories from these foods.
Typically, a 25 calorie piece of broccoli (100 gram) requires 80 calories to digest, resulting in
a net loss of 55 calories from the body fat!! Thus, the more you eat, the more you lose
weight!!!
You can eat a lot of negative calorie foods to lose that extra fat and to become slim naturally.
Some of these natural foods are: asparagus, beet, broccoli, green cabbage, carrot, cauliflower,
celery, chilli, cucumber, garlic, lettuce, onion, spinach, turnip, zucchini, papaya, chicory,
endive, apple, grapefruit, lemon, mango, orange, pineapple, berries, tangerines. For complete
list of negative calories food please look on the web.
Look forward to lots of great new events and networking
in 2008
Don't miss out!
Please be advised that Membership runs from January to January.
The fees for 2008 are 35 Euros and 15 Euros if joining after June 30th 2008.
Please send a bank transfer, clearly indicating your name, to the bank account below:
- Bank: Banque de Luxembourg
- Swift/BIC Code: BLUXLULL
- IBAN: LU58 0080 5333 3500 1003
- Beneficiary: The Network
New members can join online here.
International Mentoring Conference in Luxembourg
International Mentoring Conference and Experiences and results of the Cross-Mentoring
Program for Women in Leading Positions 2007
Program organised by Rita Knott, Coaching Mentoring Consulting and supported in the the
framework of the program for positives actions of the Ministry of Equal opportunities
Monday 21st January 2008 at the Abbaye de Neumunster, Luxembourg-Grund 28, rue
Munster (site map on: www.ccrn.lu)
The workshops will be held in English.
French/English translations of the speeches will be at your disposal.
Program
13.45 – 13.55 Welcome speech by Rita Knott, Coaching Mentoring Consulting, about the
results of the Cross-Mentoring Program 2007
13.55 – 14.10 Speech by Mrs Marie-Josée Jacobs Minister for Equal opportunities,
Luxembourg about the role of the Ministry and the positive actions
14.10 - 14.20 Speech by Mrs. Hannah Pri-zan, member of the Board of Management of Bank
Hapoalim B.M. Tel Aviv about her experience as a woman in a top position
14.20 – 14.30 Speech by Mrs. Sezer Aksoy, member of the Entrepreneur Development
Committee of KAGIDER, the Women Entrepreneurs Association of Turkey in Istanbul about
the lessons learned in the Women Entrepreneur Mentoring Program (www.we-mentor.eu) in
cooperation with the Framework Research Program of the European Commission
14.30 – 14.50 Coffee Break
14.50 – 15.50 Various workshops on the results of the Cross-Mentoring Project for Women
in Leading Positions in Luxembourg by the mentees and mentors of the project with
exchanges of international experiences with the invited specialists
15.50 – 16.30 Closing Cocktail
16.30 End of the conference
Participating Organisations in the Cross-Mentoring Program 2007:
1. Alter Domus
2. Arcelor Mittal
3. Bank Hapoalim
4. Crédit Agricole
5. DuPont
6. European Investment Bank
7. Fortis Insurance
8. GoodYear
9. IEE
10. PricewaterhouseCoopers
11. Villeroy&Boch
International Experts and Leadership Professionals invited for the Conference
• Mrs. Hannah Pri-zan, member of the Board of Management of Bank Hapoalim B.M., Tel
Aviv, Israel
• Mrs. Sezer Aksoy, member of the Entrepreneur Development Committee of KAGIDER, the
Women Entrepreneurs Association of Turkey, Istanbul
• Mrs. Eliabeth Auzan, Executive Coach, Focus on Solutions, Lausanne, Switzerland,
• Mrs. Rina Bar Tal, President of the Israeli Women Nework , Ramat Gan, Israel
• Mrs. Ricarda Harris, CEO of Swiss Business Women, Schoeftland, Switzerland
• Mrs. Dalia Kaizerman, Isracard, Tel Aviv, Israel
Manager of Bank Hapoalim Luxembourg from 1997 to 2001
• Mrs. Lena Mangell, Executive Coach, Life & Career, Stockholm, Sweden
• Mrs. Ana Oliveira Pinto, Independent Consultant, Lisabon, Portugal
• Mrs. Kirsten M. Poulsen, Founder of KMP & Partners, Copenhagen, Denmark
• Mrs. Assel Serikova, HR Manager, Deloitte Caspian, Almaty, Kazakhstan
• Mrs. Christine Wolff, Development Specialist, HR Solutions, Deutsche Bank AG Frankfurt,
Germany
for registration: Please contact: Mrs. Joëlle Kiesch preferably by e-mail to:
info@mentoring.lu
or by fax: +352/33 85 54
or by mail to:
Mrs. Joëlle Kiesch
30, cité Aline Mayrisch
L-7268 Bereldange
Events
6 Jan - 17 Feb - Cirque du Soleil; Verkai; Royal Albert Hall in London;
http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueduSoleil/en/showstickets/varekai/tickets/london.htm
20 Jan - Apéro's Jazz : PRBH Quartet; Abbaye de Neumünster, Brasserie at 11.30 am; Free
entrance
22, 23 & 25 Jan - l'Etoile - Opera; Grand Theatre, Limpertsberg; http://www.theatres.lu
24 - 28 Jan - WINE SHOW FOR BORDEAUX AND AQUITAINE @ LuxExpo; organised
by Fédération des Vignerons Indépendants d'Aquitaine; http://www.luxexpo.lu;
27 Jan - Apéro's Jazz : Boris Dinev Trio; Abbaye de Neumünster, Brasserie at 11.30 am; Free
entrance
31 Jan - Chris Rea @ Rockhal; Rockhal, Esch-Belval; http://www.Rockhal.lu
22 Jan - 10 Feb - La Femme sans ombre; Opera National de Paris;
http://www.operadeparis.fr/
4 - 19 Feb - Orphée et Eurydice; Opera National de Paris; http://www.operadeparis.fr/
General Information
Deadline for the February 2008 Newsletter
Submissions for the February 2008 newsletter should reach the Editor on or by 3 february
2008. Our contact details are listed here.
Contact Details
To advertise on the Network website, or in the newsletter, please check the details on the
website.
If you would like to recommend the Network to a colleague or friend, details are published
here.
For contact details of the current Network Team, click here.
Disclaimer: The comments and opinions of authors expressed herein are those of the
author and do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Network.
The Network Newsletter
February 2008
International Business & Professional Network asbl (Established 1991)
The Network asbl
1, rue des Lilas
L-8084 Bertrange
e-mail: getintouch@the-network.lu
website: http://www.the-network.lu
President's Letter
Dear networkers,
Our February meeting is one that has been organised by popular demand by
some of our members, " Improve Your Career in Luxembourg" we hope you
benefit from this. You may know that our Annual General Meeting is coming
up shortly, on Wednesday 19th March. This has a number of implications. It
means that some committee members are due to step down and therefore need
to be replaced. We are all currently working hard to ensure that a solid team
will be in place for your approval at the AGM, but anyone who would like to become a
member of the team can still contact me in the next week or so until we finalise the
"slate", that presents the candidates for the new committee.
You will also receive from us by e-mail in the next 2 weeks your AGM pack. This will
include a number of documents which you should read and give some thought to. Please
remember that to attend the AGM (and the speed-networking afterwards), you must be a fully
paid up member for 2008. Details of how to make the payment are given later in this
newsletter. If you cannot attend the AGM, you may make your vote by proxy, either by
printing, filling out and sending us your proxy vote or by filling in the on-line form, details of
which will be included in the AGM pack.
For those of you who have not attended a previous AGM, I shall outline quickly how the
voting works. When an agenda item has to be voted on, it is done by a system of proposer
and seconder from the audience rather than by ballot or a show of hands. Anyone in the
audience can propose or second an agenda item. By working in this way, we run the AGM
smoothly, and above all, quickly!
We try to keep the AGM to one hour, afterwards of course you have the opportunity to speed-
network and introduce your business to other members
regards,
Lisa
Editor's Notes
Dear Networkers,
Don't miss out! Make sure you have renewed your membership.
Otherwise, you will cease to get this newsletter and reminders of the upcoming events. So
hurry...
Please be advised that Membership runs from January to January. The fees for 2008 are 35
Euros and 15 Euros if joining after June 30th 2008.
Please send a bank transfer, clearly indicating your name, to the bank account below:
- Bank: Banque de Luxembourg
- Swift/BIC Code: BLUXLULL
- IBAN: LU58 0080 5333 3500 1003
- Beneficiary: The Network
regards,
Gosia
Upcoming Network Events
"Improve Your Career in Luxembourg"-start on the 20th of February!
With all the talk of opportunity and a healthy employment market in Luxembourg, have you ever wondered what it takes to improve your career? At the 20th of February meeting a group of experts from Luxembourg’s recruitment industry will offer advice on questions such as improving interview skills, new training opportunities in Luxembourg, career planning and new recruitment methods. Guest Speakers Rachel Treece of Fast Academy, Sinéad O’Donnell of DlO Recruitment Advisors, Tanja Landrin of Rowlands International and Cornelia den Hartog of Gax will discuss new developments and opportunities in the recruitment industry and how they can benefit those looking to rethink, restart or improve their careers in Luxembourg. The one hour discussion will take place at the Sofitel, speakers will be available afterwards for questions and to arrange individual appointments. The evening will conclude with networking in the Sofitel bar. Doors open 7.30pm for 8.00pm start. Members and non-members are welcome.
AGM Documents
All AGm Documents are to be found on the wesite calendar
http://www.the-network.lu/Calendar.php?mode=event&id=122
Improving your Career – Getting the Coaching
Perspective
Feel, Think, Do!
Viviane Bumb, Vice-President of The Network, speaks
about career with Monica Jonsson, founder of
CoachDynamix. A Coach works alongside people to help
them to gain clarity and define what is important for them.
Together a coach and client define a personalised strategy
that enables the client to succeed.
VB: How would you define the term “career”?
MJ: The first thing that usually comes to people’s mind
when they think about the word career is that it’s
synonymous with “climbing the ladder”. This is not
necessarily the case. In my view, having a career is about being fulfilled in a business-related
activity and having the feeling to be contributing something meaningful.
VB: What if somebody does not have a ”career” but wants to begin? Where to start? When
is it too late?
MJ: The best way to approach this, is to take some reflective time. Identifying your strengths
and listing what drives you. We all have accomplishments – what were things that you really
enjoyed? Where do you want to be? What does that feel like? There can be some limiting
beliefs that crop up when you do this type of thinking and it’s important to not give in to
those beliefs! They can be around topics like “being too late”, age, education, etc. Bottom-
line is that it’s never too late, it’s about listening to your intuition, doing your “homework”,
exploring your options and keeping an open mind.
"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether this happens at twenty or eighty. Anyone who
keeps on learning not only remains young, but becomes constantly more valuable regardless
of physical capacity"
Harvey Ullman
VB: Many women with children have extended their maternity leave for a few years with a
decreased self-confidence as a result. How can they get their self-esteem back?
MJ: We need to be aware to not enter into a “victim” position. Ask yourself: What do I want
now? What really suits me at this point? It might not be the same as before the maternity
leave. Then define a strategy and make an action plan. Seek some support from a coach or
someone else to help you define your next steps. Prepare mentally and be proactive. A good
tip is to keep in touch with your boss and colleagues during your maternity leave to keep
informed about the status.
VB: What about women who have a good position but somehow they are stuck or
unsatisfied? What shall they do?
MJ: Once again, this is a time to take a step back to reflect, review our options and listen to
our intuition. In this process it’s useful to learn to trust ourselves and perhaps not listen too
much to what friends and colleagues say as their “advice” often tends to be clouded by their
own agendas.
Feel, think, do! When you are clear: Seek out role models for what you want. Invite them for
lunch, interview them! Get inspiration by reading biographies of successful people.
VB: Change includes also fear about the unknown, the uncertain. How can one beat this
fear?
MJ: Face your fears and really investigate them. Instead of pushing them away, get curious
about them. Write them down. When doing this type of exercise we usually realise that there
isn’t much to be afraid of in the end. Surround yourself with supportive people as much as
you can. With every step you take the fear tends to decrease. And remember, there are no
failures only experiences. We have so much untapped potential within us. We need to dare
and take calculated risks if we want to live a juicy life. The way to have that is to be
conscious to Improve Your Life!
Business etiquette
Planning to go to Moscow ? Here are some useful tips to get you started!
Source: The Economistm, http://www.economist.com
Executive Travel, http://www.executivetravel.com
Meeting and greeting
Pay attention to your clothing. Russians dress as well as they can afford to, and rarely
do “slacker” style. Turning up looking too casual or scruffy could cause offence.
Western “smart casual” is a safe bet. In winter, women are advised to take a pair of
smart shoes to change into.
Turning up to a meeting at the Kremlin wearing a polo-neck sweater instead of a shirt
and tie is rumoured to have been one of the reasons why Mikhail Khodorkovsky and
Yukos, his oil company, were destroyed by the government.
Whether you are mingling with expats or Russians, get to know them before
broaching subjects such as corruption, contract killings or other corporate crimes.
Russians are often sensitive to outside criticism of their country or comparisons with
others, even if they make them themselves. Keep small talk focused on what a
booming city Moscow is or where they spend their holidays. Sport is a safe subject.
Russians devote much energy to their relationships and friendships, and the concept
of a professional relationship without personal contact is alien. Keeping up contact
afterwards, especially if you plan to leave for a while but return, is very important.
Be suspect of business deals that develop faster than personal trust. Anything that
seems too good to be true really is.
Eating and drinking
Drinking habits among businessmen are a little more western these days (ie, more
reserved). Still, boozing is a big part of social life and if you're not inclined to get
drunk, it's best to say that you are on antibiotics. This will save you from well-
meaning hosts prodding you to drink. Alternatively, down the first shot of vodka in
one, when everyone is watching you, but only sip from the glass during subsequent
toasts.
No Russian drinks vodka without eating zakuski (snacks) after each shot or at least
sniffing some black bread (surprisingly effective) to help soak up the alcohol. Zakuski
usually consists of pickled vegetables with black bread.
Set your glass down on the table to be refilled; do not raise it to meet the bottle.
On business trips in the provinces, a valedictory feast punctuated by frequent toasts
may be unavoidable. If you know you are in for a marathon, try lining your stomach
with fat first by eating a large chunk of butter, perhaps spread thickly on some bread.
You will stay sober longer, and in extremis can go and make yourself throw up the
booze before it penetrates your system.
Toasts are a big deal in Moscow. It is well worth preparing a few well-chosen phrases
(English is fine) if there is any chance that you will be socialising with Russians.
Drink to international friendship, the success of their enterprise, or any other heart-
warming goal. The second toast of the evening is usually Za zhenzhin (“to the
women”). Russians will be delighted by your efforts.
Many Russians think it rude to accept something the first time it is offered. If you are
entertaining, always offer several times to top up glasses, refill plates, and so forth.
Russians like to provide food in large quantities. Always pace yourself. If you see a
large cold buffet, go slow: it is probably just the starter, and there will be hot food to
come.
Always hand in your coat at the cloakroom when visiting a restaurant or theatre—
draping it over the back of your chair is frowned upon. This Russian custom has its
roots in the weather: in winter, the snow dripping off coats would quickly turn a
restaurant into a river. If your coat lacks a collar hook, the attendant may try to charge
you for the use of a hanger.
“Face control” is Russian for “The management reserves the right to refuse
admission”. At elite bars and clubs, this means that anybody who is not a six-foot-tall
model, or at least accompanied by one, will stand outside at the guards' pleasure. But
even at restaurants, what would be acceptably relaxed dress in the West may not be in
Russia. The Economist's correspondent has on occasion been told that perfectly
ordinary places are “members only” because he arrived looking too scruffy.
Objections sometimes fade away if you are meeting someone who is already there.
Off-duty
In quotidian dealings Russians can be uncommonly rude, with each other as much as
with foreigners. The initial contact between two people is often a subconscious test of
who has more power. Shop assistants or petty officials may treat you less like a
customer or citizen than an irritating distraction. Be polite but firm. They may turn
compliant surprisingly quickly.
There are several widely held superstitions. Don't shake hands through a doorway,
light a cigarette from a candle, give someone an even number of flowers, or whistle
indoors. If you get to know your host's children, don't kiss them goodbye on the
forehead: that's for corpses. Going back for something you've forgotten is
inauspicious too.
If Russian friends invite you over, take flowers (odd numbers) or a large box of
chocolates. Even numbers of flowers are traditionally reserved for the dead.
Because of the slushy mess outside, Russians always take off their “outdoor” shoes in
the entrance hall of a private home. Visitors are offered tapochki or slippers by their
hosts. You will certainly win points if you bring your own indoor shoes.
It is quite common for Russians to cadge cigarettes off complete strangers on the
street or in bars or restaurants. It is highly unusual, and would be considered
particularly mean given the price of cigarettes, for anyone to refuse.
Note that smoking in Red Square is prohibited and can incur a large, on-the-spot fine.
Travelling and getting around
Moscow's metro is the quickest and cheapest way to get around the city. Metro maps
with Roman transliterations are available at hotels and in tourist publications. Many
of Moscow’s metro stations are marble-faced, mosaic-tiled, stained-glass works of art.
Beware of gypsy cab-drivers; you will be better off calling taxi company. Even
“proper” taxis do not use meters, so make sure you agree on destination and price
before you enter a car.
Leave your GPS devices at home. They are not allowed in Russia except with written
permission.
Watch out for confidence tricksters. One favourite scam starts with a wallet of money
on the ground, which a passing Russian “finds” and offers to split with you. Then the
“real owner” turns up and you are in trouble.
Con-artists often hang around foreign exchanges. Their usual trick is to offer to
change your dollars. Once you've handed your money over, an accomplice then
shouts that the police are coming. In the confusion, your larger note is replaced with a
dollar bill and handed back to you.
Another scam involves a desperate, seemingly dumb man whose sign language
involves patting your coat (and relieving you of your wallet). Just smile and walk
away from any strange encounter.
Russia is as macho as any Latin American or Middle Eastern country, and single
women should be prepared to put up with anything from light chauvinism to fairly
heavy come-ons. Rejecting what a Russian man considers normal gentlemanly
behaviour (paying for meals, buying flowers, remarking loudly to his colleagues
about how you're both intelligent and attractive) could cause offence, but you'll have
to set boundaries clearly if such approaches shade into unwelcome advances. A polite
but steely smile early on should send the right message. Being married, or appearing
to be, certainly helps.
American-style tipping would be too generous. Foreigners are advised to tip about 10
percent to waiters and drivers and about 30 rubles to coat checkers (who are often
poor pensioners or students), consider a little more for porters in the smarter hotels.
Registration
One of the most oppressive leftovers of the Soviet system is the requirement to
register in every city you visit within three days of arriving. If you stay at a hotel, this
will be done automatically, usually at check-in. If the hotel insists on keeping your
passport for a day, take a copy with you when you go out, plus some kind of
certificate (spravka) from the hotel attesting to this. If you're not staying at a hotel, the
organisation that issued your visa invitation ought theoretically to be able to register
you (and not the consulate that gave you the visa; they will know nothing). But a new
law that came into force in January 2007, and was supposed to simplify the process,
has in fact thrown the whole registration system for those not staying in hotels into
utter confusion. Only worry about it if you are staying longer than three working days,
and if so, seek advice as soon as you arrive.
Once registered, carry your passport, visa and immigration form everywhere you go.
In theory the police have no right to check your documents without grounds for
suspicion. In practice it is their favourite way of extracting bribes. Should you be
caught without your papers, speak loudly in a foreign language, make a fuss, demand
to see their IDs, insist on being allowed to call your embassy or any influential
Russian contact you might have (keep their numbers and a mobile phone handy). If
there is no other option, 100-200 roubles should suffice as a bribe, though the police
will try for more.
Future Meetings - Dates for your Diaries
Dates and events for year 2008
20 Feb A round-table discussion "Improve your Career in Luxembourg"
19 Mar AGM; plus Speed-networking and Introduce your Business session
16 April Creating a Low-energy House
21 May Investment Topic "Making it Work for You"
Events
Party..Party...Party...
The American Women's Club are organising a Masquerade Ball
Fancy an opportunity to come in disguise ? Then dress up in your ball gowns and /or mardi
gras carnivale costumes. Be sure to wear a mask ! « The Little Bluesband » will be
entertaining us with all sorts of wonderful music of Glam, Rock & Pop. So, get out those
dancing shoes and join the Masquerade Party
« Bourbon Street Ball » on SATURDAY, 23 February 2008, from 19.30 to open end at
Restaurant Reimerwee
(Foires Internationales, Kirchberg)
S e r v i n g : Cocktail dînatoire
Comprises of a mixed assortment of
Canapés froids
Bruschetta
Mini brochette
Petite pain brioché
Dessert ... and a lot more to surprise your palate!
Early-Bird special for early bookings
Couples = 60,00 € (instead of 75,00 €)
Singles = 30,00 € (instead of 37,50 €)
Kindly book your attendance directly at the AWCL Club House by calling 44 87 77 for email
to awcluxembourg@vol.lu. Please pay attention to our no show policy. Should you have
booked and do not show, you will be required to pay.
General Information
Office to Rent
Office 22m2 to rent in rue de Hollerich, Luxembourg. Rent : 380€/month Charges : 100€ /
month TVA : 15% TTC : 552€ Parking available at an extra cost, 10min walk to train station.
Contact Dee +352 27 27 31 50 or email: deedelux@yahoo.com
Job Vacancy
Sales Executive to work on Station.lu
Profile: a dynamic and outgoing individual to identify and approach advertising agencies as
well as potential advertisers (according to an agreed schedule) directly; initial contact by
telephone to arrange meetings; then presenting Station.lu as the central online information
service in English for Luxembourg, its online community, and its array of marketing
opportunities; securing advertising sales contracts. The position is not office-based as the
goals are achieved when meeting people. Having a car would be an advantage.
Languages: English (fluent) and at least one of Luxembourgish, French, German
Availability: Immediate
Remuneration: Commission-based on sales results
Deadline for the March 2008 Newsletter
Submissions for the March 2008 newsletter should reach the Editor on or by 7 March
2008. Our contact details are listed here.
Contact Details
To advertise on the Network website, or in the newsletter, please check the details on the
website.
If you would like to recommend the Network to a colleague or friend, details are published
here.
For contact details of the current Network Team, click here.
The Network Newsletter
March 2008
International Business & Professional Network asbl (Established 1991)
The Network asbl
1, rue des Lilas
L-8084 Bertrange
e-mail: getintouch@the-network.lu
website: http://www.the-network.lu
President's Letter
Dear members,
Come on, Speed-network yourself into another successful year with The
Network!
The 19th March is the AGM, please remember we need a quorum, so your
support is appreciated. If you can't make it please send your proxy vote. But here is the
bonus, we are so efficient our AGM is really down to business items only and afterwards we
have plenty of time to enjoy a sparkly toast to another year and then Network.
Just as a reminder, the slate is attached to the 19th of March on the website calender. We
have two new commitee members Anemone Thomas as Membership Secretary and Fiona
Hampton as Newsletter Editor.
This event is for paid-up members only. So once again bank details for 2008 membership:
Please send a bank transfer, clearly indicating your name, to the bank account below:
- Bank: Banque de Luxembourg
- Swift/BIC Code: BLUXLULL
- IBAN: LU58 0080 5333 3500 1003
- Beneficiary: The Network
Oh, and by the way, I have had an interesting month representing our organisation at a
"Women in Leadership" debate. My message was "get involved". So on that same note, make
sure you are involved and come along to the short AGM and Speed-Networking and I'll tell
you all about it...
Thanks as always for your support,
Lisa
Editor's Notes
Dear Networkers,
Annual General Meeting will take place on 19th March. Moreover this
meeting is also a great possibility to meet other members and maybe develop new contacts
since as usual AGM meeting will be followed by Speed-Networking session. so, please
remember to bring your business cards, leaflets, and broshures to present yourself and/or your
business to other members.
The AGM starts at 7:30pm at the Sofitel. This meeting is open to fully paid members only.
Doing Business in Singapore
Author: the economist online
Did you know...Singapore is incredibly hot
and humid all year long, with a temperature
range of 75F to 88F [24C to 31 C], and
humidity above 90%. Because of this business
dress in Singapore is often casual. Yet,
business in Singapore is more formal than in
many western countries.
There are strict rules of protocol that
must be observed.
The group (company or department) is
viewed as more important than the individual.
People observe a strict chain of
command, which comes with expectations on both sides.
In order to keep others from losing face, much communication will be non-verbal and
you must closely watch the facial expressions and body language of people you work
with.
Standard office wear for men consist of dark trousers, light-colored long-sleeved shirts and
ties. Jackets are not required. When it is very hot and humid, a light-colored long-sleeved
shirt (without a tie) and trousers are usually preferred. But not every organisation will accept
short-sleeved shirts
Blouse with pants or skirt makes women standard office outfit. Only some companies allow
women to wear sleeveless blouses. If you want to wear a sleeveless blouse, please make sure
you shave your armpits because Singaporeans deem unshaved armpits (for women) to be
lacking in etiquette. Though Singapore is a liberal country, people might form a negative
impression of women who wear clothes which are too revealing. Accessories, such as a scarf,
necklace, brooch, watch and ring should not be too 'excessive.'
As a foreigner, you should dress 'up' until you are certain of the degree of formality required.
The safest option is to wear a suit and remove the jacket when it is appropriate.
For some companies which operate during the weekends, jeans, polo tees and track
shoes/moccasins are acceptable, but shorts/Bermudas, round-neck tees and slippers are a no-
no.
If you do not know the other party well or if this is the first meeting, follow the
conversational leads that have already been established. Pay compliments based on the other
party's accomplishments and appearance. Singaporeans love food and this will be a topic that
will be responded to in a relaxed and casual way. Other welcomed topics for casual business
conversation include travel, plans for the future, arts, economic advancements in Singapore.
Though Singapore is a harmonious, multi-racial, society, it is still recommended that you
avoid racial and religious topics. It is 'dangerous' to discuss the strained part of the
relationship between Malaysia and Singapore (e.g. the water issue) because the person you
are talking to might probably be a Malaysian who is now a Singaporean PR. Gossiping about
another individual's personal life should be avoided. Even if the other party initiates the topic,
try to side-track from it skillfully.
Tipping is seldom necessary, but spare a few dollars for efficient service.
Offer and receive business cards with both hands, with the name clearly visible to the
other person.
Western-style assertiveness is often seen as rude. Singaporeans prize the appearance
of modesty and seriousness, and they typically play down achievements and
successes.
If you are having trouble flagging a taxi down, call and book one (6552-1111; 6552-
2222; 6555-8888). The S$3.20 surcharge is worth it.
Greetings will follow a strict protocol often based on both the ethnic origin and age of
the person.
Younger people or those who work in multi-national companies may have adopted the
western concept of shaking hands with everyone, but this is not the case with older or
more reserved Singaporeans.
Ethnic Chinese shake hands. Their grasp is rather light although the handshake itself
can be rather prolonged.
Men and women may shake hands, although the woman must extend her hand first.
Introductions are always done in order of age or status.
Between men, ethnic Malays shake hands.
Men and women do not traditionally shake hands, since Muslim men do not touch
women in public.
Younger Malays may shake hands with foreign women, but it is more appropriate to
use the 'salaam' (bowing the head) greeting.
This is also the greeting to be used when two women meet.
Ethnic Indians shake hands with members of the same sex.
When being introduced to someone of the opposite sex, nodding the head and smiling
is usually sufficient.
As with the other groups, the elderly or the person with the most status is introduced
first.
Source: The Economist online edition
New Members - Welcome to the Network
Name: Karen Frederiks
Age: 36
Nationality: dutch
Countries you have lived in: the Netherlands and Luxembourg
Languages you speak: English, Dutch and German and curently learning also French
Profession, Career path or Work experience: medical, sales, coach, teaching, nail stylist
Family: living with partner
Children: no children
Hobbies: reading, films, golf, people
How were you introduced to the Network? Friends
What inspired you to join our group? To meet new people, I like the ‘goals ‘ of the network
What do you hope to gain from being a member? Meet new people and develop network of
friends
Women's Rugby Club is looking for sponsors
Women's rugby in Luxembourg is progressing in leaps and bounds. There are now around 30
registered players in Luxembourg of which many are working, others are students and some
are still in school.
Until now they have all played out of Cessange with Rugby Club Luxembourg (RCL) whose
men's sides play in the French league, while Walferdange Rugby Club's men's sides play in
the Belgian league. As the women players and the Luxembourg Rugby Federation feel it
would be more appropriate at this stage to join the Belgian rather than the French league,
plans are afoot to register the Walferdange Rugby Club to participate in the Belgian women's
rugby league from September 2008.
The team is therefore looking for a sponsor for team's next season in the Belgian league to
cover costs like kit, some equipment, some travel costs associated with away league games
and some hospitality for visiting teams.
There are plenty of opportunities for exposure for the sponsor, on top of having their
name/logo on the players' jerseys. The team recently beat a team from Nancy (away); last
weekend saw Walferdange beat RCL 20-10 to win the Luxembourg Cup; 18 members are
participating in a snow rugby tournament in Finland next weekend; a number of members are
participating in the ENTC (Emerging Nations Training Camp) in Austria at Easter; the team
will play against Liege in the Stade Josy Barthel on the Route d'Arlon on Saturday 19 April
when international caps will be awarded for previous games; and they will also be playing in
a 7-a-side European tournament in Belgium at the end of May.
Anyone interested in sponsorship please contact Geoff THOMPSON, at +352-621-146169
FORUM SUR LE « MBA »
INVITATION - FORUM SUR LE « MBA »
Jeudi, le 20 mars 2008 de 19.00 à 20.30 heures. Centre de Conférences de la Chambre de
Commerce
Envie d’accélérer votre carrière ?
Envie d’horizons nouveaux ?
Envie d’étendre votre réseau de relations ?
Envie d’une occasion pour réorienter vos choix ?
Envie de développer vos compétences managériales ?
Envie d’une expérience internationale ?
Vous avez répondu à une majorité de oui ? Alors, le MBA peut vous intéresser ! Si l’expérience vous tente, n’attendez plus… la rentrée 2009/2010 se prépare dès aujourd’hui.
L'association MBA2U (www.mba2u.org), sous le patronage de la Chambre de Commerce et
en étroite collaboration avec l’Institut de Formation de la Chambre de Commerce a le plaisir
de vous inviter à une soirée sur le thème du MBA, le jeudi 20 mars 2008 à partir de 19.00
heures au Centre de Conférences de la Chambre de Commerce, 7 rue Alcide de Gasperi,
Luxembourg-Kirchberg (parking souterrain à votre disposition).
Dans le cadre des conférences « IFCC-Actuel », ce forum réunira un panel de top-managers,
d’entrepreneurs et de consultants de haut niveau tous détenteurs d’un MBA parmi les
meilleures « Business Schools » au monde. Par le biais d’une brève présentation et de
discussions interactives avec les différents orateurs, nous répondrons aux questions suivantes
:
Pourquoi faire un MBA? En quoi est-ce un accélérateur de carrière?
Où mène le MBA? Quelles sont les entreprises qui recrutent ce profil?
Combien dois-je investir? Où puis-je trouver du financement?
Quels sont les critères pour être accepté(e) dans l'un des meilleurs programmes?
Comment se préparer au mieux?
Le forum « MBA » sera suivi d’un drink qui vous permettra d’échanger avec les intervenants
et les autres dirigeants luxembourgeois de manière constructive et informelle. Intéressé(e)?
Alors, inscrivez-vous gratuitement avant le samedi 16 mars 2008 en renvoyant le formulaire
ci-joint à Madame Christel Habils soit par e-mail (christel_habils@mckinsey.com) soit par
fax au numéro (+32 2 645 22 62).
Dans l’espoir de vous rencontrer nombreux lors de cette manifestation, Marc Niederkorn Paul
Emering
Partner, McKinsey Luxembourg Chargé de direction de l’IFCC Merci de renvoyer ce bulletin
de réponse à l’intention de Christel Habils par fax (+32 2 645 22 62) ou par e-mail
(christel_habils@mckinsey.com), avant le 16 mars prochain.
Upcoming Network Events
19th MARCH:- AGM, SPEEDNETWORKING and INTRODUCE YOUR BUSINESS NIGHT
16th APRIL How Green Are You? "Energy Consultant", Christiane Conrady from Oekozenter Letzebuerg
21st MAY Elite Finance speaker Miriam Macherine
JUNE end the season social event
English speaking nanny required
Dear Network members,
We are a Belgian family living in Arlon area (in Hachy is a small village 10 minutes drive
from the nearest shopping centres and train connection in Arlon) and seek an English
speaking part-time responsible lady (3 to 4 hours/day – 12 to 16 hours/week ) starting June
2008 to help care for 2 children (who will be 4 months and 3 years old in June 2008).
We would like someone who is reliable, friendly, open minded, and of course enjoys working
and playing with children. This person will be working during afternoon hours only.
However, working time hours can be adapted depending upon this person’s availability. All
mornings, Fridays and weekends are free and no baby-sitting is required. Duties during the
afternoon will be picking the children up from school and kindergarten and care for them,
bathing them, as well as preparing their dinner.
Although the house is big enough to welcome someone caring for our two children (a
separate big bed room and private bathroom with all commodities), it is possible to be
independent. A driver would be useful and there is use of a car.
References are required. We also understand that more information about our family from
different sources may be required and we will provide any additional information possible.
If you know of anyone who would be interested, please contact us via email
(jeanpierremernier@ehp.lu or mernier.migeot@gmail.com) or telephone (Tel:
+352 621 15 78 46).
General Information
Deadline for April 2008 Newsletter
Submissions for April 2008 newsletter should reach the Editor on or by 10th April
2008. Our contact details are listed here.
Contact Details
To advertise on the Network website, or in the newsletter, please check the details on the
website.
If you would like to recommend the Network to a colleague or friend, details are published
here.
For contact details of the current Network Team, click here.
Disclaimer: The comments and opinions of authors expressed herein are those of the
author and do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Network.
The Network Newsletter
April 2008
International Business & Professional Network asbl (Established 1991)
The Network asbl
1, rue des Lilas
L-8084 Bertrange
e-mail: getintouch@the-network.lu
website: http://www.the-network.lu
President's Letter
Dear networkers,
Thank you to all who managed to attend the AGM and speed-networking. I
look forward to my final year on the committee and hope to bring interesting
speakers to our group. The new committee is in place and Fiona Hampton is
the editor of our monthly newsletter, Anemone Thomas is our member
secretary and Gosia will take care of the treasury. At our first committee meeting we tried
to take care of a few dates that were still open on our calander. We decided that our June
event will be a social evening; we will take a guided tour through Luxembourg City that
highlights women of significance in Luxembourg's history. Afterwards we will have dinner at
one of the city's restaurants. More details will follow in next month's newsletter. I look
forward to seeing everyone at Wednesday's meeting when energy expert Christiane Conrady
will give us insights into renovating property and the Luxembourg government's new energy
passport. After the lecture of course we will....network in the bar.
See you there.
Lisa
Editor's Notes
Dear Networkers,
Firstly, I would like to introduce myself as the new Newsletter Editor and as a
new member of the Committee. For those of you who don’t know me I have
been living in Luxembourg for the last year and a half and have been a
member of the Network club for nearly as long. I am currently in the process of setting up a
Garden Design business. You may have seen my picture and garden articles in the 352
Magazine.
The AGM was a time to reflect on the year past and to consider what is in store for the future.
Looking back over the year by far the most memorable meeting for me was the talk by
Simone Kayser the marathon runner about running in the desert. As someone who is not very
sporty I reluctantly dragged myself away from the TV to go to this meeting. What an
inspiration, Simone’s enthusiasm was contagious, she even had me thinking of take up
running! As the Newsletter Editor I hope to be able to feature many more articles about
inspirational women over the coming months. So, if you know anyone who fits this category,
or you yourself would like to be featured let me know!
New Members - Welcome to the Network
Name: Beverley Atkinson
Age: 51
Nationality: British
Countries you have lived in: Mexico, Germany, UK, Luxembourg
Languages you speak: English, German, Luxembourgish, French, Spanish
Profession, Career path or work experience:Translator/Import-export/Training
Family situation: Married
Children: 2
Hobbies: Theatre, Singing, Scouting
How were you introduced to the Network: Word of mouth
What inspired you to join the group: Curiosity
What do you hope to gain from being a member: Ideas
Name: Anna Dannfelt
Nationality: Swedish
Countries you have lived in: Sweden, Japan
Languages you speak: Swedish, English, French, German
Profession, Career path or work experience: Stressmanager Aromatherapist, Coach,
Corporate health
Children: 4
Hobbies: Music, Horses, Travelling, Meeting new people
How were you introduced to the Network: By a friend
What inspired you to join the group: To meet people
What do you hope to gain from being a member: Meeting people, Making connections,
Exchanging ideas.
Upcoming Network Events
Energy Efficiency- Could You Do More?
Wednesday 16th of April; Speaker Christiane Conrady – Architect and Energy
adviser
When was your home built? Is it energy efficient and how could it be improved?
In any European countries the energy-saving potential of existing residential property is
regarded as an important component in effective climate protection policy and Luxembourg
is no exception. Christiane Conrady will discuss Luxembourg’s climate protection policy and
the application of energy-saving measures in practice. The Luxembourg Government’s
programme for promoting energy savings in existing properties will be presented, together
with the new energy passport for residential properties.
Christiane Conrady studied architecture at the Rhineland-Westphalia Technical University in
Aachen and worked for many years in various architects’ offices in Luxembourg. Since 1999
she has specialised in energy-efficient building; initially for the low-energy-houses. After
further studies and a number of courses in Luxembourg and abroad she became a specialist
energy adviser for buildings, working for seven years at the Oekozenter Lëtzebuerg and since
2008 at the “Agence de l’énergie”.
Small changes equal big energy savings
The biggest long-term savings come from changing your energy habits and being more
energy efficient around the home.
As you start to see savings its a good idea to re-invest this money in energy saving products
and appliances to reduce your energy consumption even further. The long-term savings will
more than pay for the cost of purchasing and installing these measures.
Start using these no-cost energy saving ideas around your home and measure the reduction in
your next few energy bills. The more you apply the more you'll save.
Heating Tips • Time your heating to go off 30 minutes before you leave the house, and come on again 30
minutes before you are due to return.
• Turn the room thermostat down by 1?C. This can save around £30 a year.
• Make sure curtains or furniture are not in front of a radiator.
• Draw the curtains at dusk to keep heat in rooms.
Using Electrical Appliances • Switch off appliances such as microwaves, TVs, videos, stereos, and computers, as they use
energy when they are left on standby. A staggering 85% of the energy used by the DVD
player is consumed when it is not actually in use.
• Unplug equipment e.g. mobile phones, shavers and electric toothbrushes—once they are
fully charged, otherwise they will keep drawing electricity.
Refrigeration • Avoid leaving the fridge door open. Avoid putting hot or warm food straight into the fridge;
allow it to cool first.
• Defrost your fridge regularly to keep it running efficiently and cheaply. If it seems to frost
up quickly, check the door seal. It makes sense to avoid putting your fridge next to an oven or
boiler. If possible, keep the freezer in a cool room or garage.
Washing machine and dishwashers • Only wash full loads or use a half-load or economy programme. Always use a low
temperature programme as modern washing powders will be just as effective.
• Modern dishwashers use less energy and water than washing up by hand.
Cooking
• Match the size of the ring to the size of the saucepan or you will be paying to heat the air.
Gas flames should only heat the bottom of the pan (not the sides)
• Use a lid on saucepans, so the contents heat more quickly and you use less energy.
• Pressure cookers, steamers and microwaves save energy.
Tumble dryers • In summer dry your clothes outside when possible.
• If you are drying your clothes indoors, don’t put them over a radiator. This stops the heat
from reaching the rest of the room. Try putting up a clothes rail in an unheated room, opening
the window slightly to allow damp escape and shutting the door to stop heat being drawn into
that room.
Hot water
• Only boil as much water in the kettle as you need.
• In hard water areas, you need to deal with limescale to keep your kettle working efficiently
for longer. At least twice a year, soak the element overnight in vinegar.
• When washing up or running a bath turn the thermostat on your hot water tank down to 60c.
This is a comfortable temperature for most people.
• An ordinary shower uses just two fifths of the water for a bath. In contrast, power showers
use as much water as a bath and sometimes more.
Energy Saving Tip: You can save yourself £45 a year by replacing a 10 year-old fridge-
freezer with a modern, energy efficient A-rated appliance.
Source
http://www.energysavingadvice.co.uk
Other helpful web links;
http://money.uk.msn.com/guides/ethical-money/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4779937
http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/article3368883.ece
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/house-and-home/property/20-ways-to-go-green-at-
home-463438.html
http://case.glam.ac.uk/sewsn/documents/Science%20Shops%20Leaflets/Energy%20at%20ho
me%20series/Green%20ways%20to%20heat%20your%20home4.pdf
http://www.centralheatingguide.co.uk/the-top-5-alternative-ways-to-heat-your-home.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/main.jhtml?xml=/property/2008/03/26/pfifty126.xml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive_house
Places to visit
Author: Fiona Hampton
Being environmentally friendly and saving energy at home is one thing, but how many of us,
me included, are tempted by cheap flights to places elsewhere contributing to global
warming?
Before you book that next flight why not consider exploring somewhere more local?
So where can you go that isn’t more than about 2 and half hours journey from Luxembourg
by car (or even better by train?) Please send me you suggestions for publication.
My suggestion is to visit some gardens.
Last year I discovered a network of gardens within a short distance from Luxembourg called
“Jardins sans limits” which have been designed by landscape architects and are well worth
visiting. They vary in size and style, some taking minutes to visit and others large enough for
the visitor to want to linger for several hours or more.
My favourite was the Garden of the Senses at Merzig, Germany, which I visited twice last
year, once in the summer and again in early autumn. This garden appeals to visitors of all
ages. Children love the metal sculptures and the water rill that runs through the centre of the
garden. There is also a play area that has been created especially for them.
All the plants are labelled making it an ideal place for ideas for planting schemes in your own
garden. There is also a charming pavilion and sitting area outside where you can relax and
have a drink and a cake.
Another interesting garden is at the Roman villa of Borg. The Roman villa has been
reconstructed along with the garden and plants that the Romans would have grown. There is
also a restaurant where it is possible to order food made from typical Roman recipes using the
plants from the garden. I was very impressed with the food and will be returning again when
friends come to visit me.
For more information the excellent website is:
http://www.gaerten-ohne-grenzen.de/
Future Meetings - Dates for your Diaries
21st May 19.30 Sofitel -Elite Advisers Speaker Miriam Macherine
18th June 17.45 Luxembourg City Tourist Office -Guided Walk and Meal
General Information
Deadline for the May 2008 Newsletter
Submissions for the May 2008 newsletter should reach the Editor on or by 10th
May 2008. Our contact details are listed here.
Contact Details
To advertise on the Network website, or in the newsletter, please check the details on the
website.
If you would like to recommend the Network to a colleague or friend, details are published
here.
For contact details of the current Network Team, click here.
Disclaimer: The comments and opinions of authors expressed herein are those of the
author and do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Network.
The Network Newsletter
May 2008
International Business & Professional Network asbl (Established 1991)
The Network asbl
1, rue des Lilas
L-8084 Bertrange
e-mail: getintouch@the-network.lu
website: http://www.the-network.lu
President's Letter
Dear networkers,
It has been an interesting month for The Network. For the past year or two we
have been discussing the fact that we need better coverage, not only in the
English press, but also in the German and French press here in Luxembourg.
So rather than discuss we decided to do; we had the bright idea to host a press
breakfast to introduce the group to national press. We didn’t expect too much and I promised
committee members that I would at least buy their breakfast if no journalists turned up. Well,
low and behold, eight papers were represented at our breakfast. All were journalists on the
business section of their respective papers who were genuinely interested in our objectives.
We explained that we were doing only what men in business have been doing for years in the
rotary club, the lions club, the freemasons, we are building a network of business
contacts. Equally, for many of us the group is a support group of like minded women who
work in a country that does not particularly support mothers working. But for many, it is a
place to do business, where you meet your future tax consultant, recruitment advisor or
marketing consultant. For all of us it is an evening out once a month to listen to a good
speaker and meet interesting people. Importantly we pointed out that our group is open to
anyone and one does not have to have a sponsor to join. In the past week the newspapers
reviewed us well and hopefully we can follow this on a monthly basis by getting our events
publicised or reviewed. So the moral of this story is….it never hurts to try, so on stick your
neck out…the worst is that things may not turn out as you planned, or you get a whopping
big picture in the newspaper.
I hope to seeing you all at the meeting next week when Miriam Mascherin will discuss her
career path, her new business and Wine Funds! Miriam is Irish, lives in France and has
worked in Luxembourg for many years.
June 18th is our last meeting before summer, so we plan something different. We will host a
guided tour of the "Life and Legends of Women of Luxembourg" and then of course discuss
it all at dinner. See below for details..
Lisa
Editor's Notes
Dear Networkers
I was sorry to have missed the last meeting, about energy efficiency, as I am a
keen promoter of environmental issues. However, I have to admit that after
advocating visiting places locally to reduce your carbon foot prints in the last
Newsletter, that soon after I flew off to Sicily! I will have to start making use
of the Veloh! bikes to appease my conscience.
I can thoroughly recommend going to Sicily in May; the wild flowers were amazing as were
the insects and butterflies attracted by them. But this was not the only aspect of Sicily that
made it an enjoyable holiday. The Sicilians are charming helpful and the food delicious and
there is lots to see and do. What’s more Ryanair has started flying direct to Sicily from Hann
Airport. Oh and the Sicilian wine was rather good, which brings me to the subject of our next
meeting- Investing in wine see below.
Events
Speaker Miriam Mascherin-Partner in Elite Advisers 21st May
Venue Sofitel
Do you fancy investing in something that interests you, but at the same time want an
attractive return on your investment? Miriam Mascherin, partner in Elite Advisers, offers
insights into a very innovative product that is guaranteed to spark the imagination and bring
back passion to investing.
The exclusive product that Elite Advisers has brought to Luxembourg is a Wine Fund; aptly
named “Nobles Crus”. The idea of investing in wine is not new, as such, and is a form of
investment that is practiced in a number of countries. However, this the first time that it has
been introduced in Luxembourg. The fund invests in two categories of wine; “Primeurs”
which are wines bought young with a very positive investment growth potential and also
older “millesimes” which are sought after by informed investors or wine amateurs or
professionals. A typical portfolio includes wine from not only Bordeaux and Bourgogne, but
also exquisite wines from Champagne, Piemont and Tuscany. The increase in value in wine
can be incredible; the auction house Sotheby’s reported an increase in investment of 850%
on 1990 Châteaux Margeaux auctioned between 1991 and 2005.
Investing in wine: Wine matures as an asset class
Author: Peter Lunzer for Money Week 28.4.2006
There is a romantic notion about wine investment, which is that you can buy two cases of
young wine so that, after a period of maturation, you can drink one and sell the other to
finance the purchase of another two cases. This self-perpetuating policy may allow some
wine enthusiasts to drink ‘for free’. The fallback position of those who hold this view is that
if values don’t rise as expected, they can always drink the whole stock. Sadly, though, it’s not
much of an investment policy.
Recently, interest in fine wine has been growing in the traditional markets of Europe and
North America (which underpin the market for fine wines) and the emerging markets of
Russia, India and China. The price of ‘blue-chip’ wines will increase with demand, yet
volume remains finite: from their harvest date, the quantity of these wines can only decrease
– sometimes at remarkable rates – especially when a wine is ready to drink.
While owning the physical stock of such blue-chip wines can give great returns, for
investment purposes that’s not enough in itself. The key questions remain ‘what to buy?’,
‘where to store the wine?’ and, most importantly, ‘how much to pay?’. It seems that most
wine investors to date have settled for so-called ‘investment advice’ from wine merchants
who offer to put investors’ money into wines that the merchant already owns. This means that
the investor pays the merchant’s margin in the price. Such advice may be given honestly, but
it doesn’t ensure the best price is achieved – which is the key to investing in wine. Price
determines the time it takes to make a decent return.
A lot of great wines sit on lengthy price plateaux during periods of maturation. Often, this has
to do with whether or not the wines are being written about. For example, the now all-bottled
2003 Bordeaux is currently being shipped to clients and reassessed by the critics. The effect
is to increase sales of the 2003 vintage and up the price of those wines that critics feel are of
greater quality than they considered them to be during their en-primeur (ie, pre-bottling)
stage. From an investment point of view, why tie up your capital during a price plateau?
Competing in the press for column inches will soon be the opening offers of wines from the
newly hyped 2005 vintage. The quality is very high and rumours so far are that the demand
will be exceptional, which will persuade many chateaux owners to cash in on the demand by
raising their prices – possibly by as much as 30% above the 2004 prices. But what if you
manage to acquire these wines at such a high price and the next (2006) harvest produces an
equal, or better, quality vintage? I believe securing a stock of great wines early will
ultimately produce terrific returns. It is purely that the time scale is debatable.
Investors have rarely been offered wine portfolios managed by truly independent fund
managers and there have been very few pure wine investment funds, but some are now
opening. And as wine becomes a viable asset class, more funds are likely to become available
with variable risk levels.
On 20 March, Liv-ex (the international wine exchange) announced that its index of 100
investment grade wines had been included on Bloomberg Indices (which quotes indices of
the world’s main investment markets). This is a clear sign that whatever our individual
feelings about wine, for the first time ever the financial markets are being provided with
performance data that will bring fine wine into the public domain as a viable and sustainable
vehicle for capital growth.
Upcoming Network Events
June Event-Life and Legends of Women in Luxembourg
Following on from our December event when we visited the Museum and learned about the
history of the city we live and work in , we plan to find out more about the women in
Luxembourg’s past. On the 18th of June we will take to the streets of Luxembourg
City. With the Luxembourg City Tourist Office we have organised a guided tour of “Life
and Legends of Women of Luxembourg”. This is a new tour introduced by the tourist office
at the end of last year and by all accounts well worth it. The walk starts at 17.45 and
afterwards we will enjoy a lovely meal together at the Café du Musée. You must register for
this event, if you are interested please send an email to viviane.bumb@gmx.net.
Meeting in Review
Author: Thelma Naegele
Christiana Conrady-Architect- works for the 'Agence de l'Energie' and she
gave us a very interesting and inlighting talk about what can be done to save
household energy.
Since the Kyoto agreement, Luxembourg has made big efforts to reduce the
level of CO2. There are 3 main sectors of energy consumption:
1. Industry: since 1990 all has been done to greatly diminish the level of
CO2 in this sector
2. Houselhold: this sector has progressively increased its consumption, and
therefore this is is the sector on which new efforts for energy saving can be
done.
3. Traffic consumption: as Luxembourg does not produce energy, computation is done on the
sales of petrol. There is also a phenomenon of petrol purchase by neighbors.
Christiana illustrated the fact that over a period of 25 years, an investment in construction of
energy saving houses can greatly decrease the costs of energy.
Energy balance within a construction is calculated by the difference between the loss of
energy (open windows, badly insulated walls, windows) and the energy comsumption needed
to produce heat.
A Thermograph indicates clearly weather a house is properly insulated. A photograph
example showed a properly insulated house next to a badly insulated one: the roof of the
insulated house was covered with snow in winter, and the badly insulated house had no snow
because of the heat escaping through the roof and melting the snow.
There are many methods to increase the insulation of a house:
-add a 20cm insulation to the last ceiling: 20% savings.
-insulate pitched roof to obtain a better quality house:20% savings and better quality house.
-insulate external walls: 80% savings.
-insulate internal walls: this is possible but difficult.
-have one or more heating pumps: this is effective for low energy houses with floor heating.
-construct a house with a proper ventilation system as in 'passive' houses.
Financial arguments
Although one needs to invest at the beginning, it has been calculated that the heating costs for
better insulated houses over 25 years is decreased by:
-72% for Passive houses: constructed with full insulation and good ventilation.
-49% for Low energy houses.
Grants and Energy Certificates
The EC Directive 2002/91 has been enacted within Luxembourg Law. As a result, new
constructions need to have an Energy Certificate. This is required also for substansive
renovation, and when there is a change of owner (as from September 2008).
The energy passport is valid for 10 years.
Grants can be obtained and are attributed according efficiency classification of the
certificate. Depending on the type of insulation, grants can range from €8 to €15 per square
meters.
Usefull information can be obtained on internet - www.eco.public.lu/energyefficient - or by
phoning 8002-190 to obtain the brochure with all explanation needed.
Jobs for the girls
Spain's government wants firms to appoint more female directors
THE sight of Spain's heavily pregnant defence minister inspecting the troops in early April
seemed to herald a new era of opportunity for Spanish women. Spain is the first European
country ever to produce a government with more female than male ministers. José Luis
Rodríguez Zapatero, the prime minister, has appointed nine women and eight men to his new
cabinet, including Carme Chacon, Spain's first female defence minister.
Despite their sudden ascendancy in politics, however, women are still practically absent from
the upper ranks of business. Spanish women make up just 4.1% of corporate boards,
according to a study by the European Professional Women's Network, an lobby group, and
Egon Zehnder, a recruiting agency, against an 11% average in Europe (see chart).
One reason is that fewer women make it into the workforce than in other European countries,
with the exception of Italy. The gap between male and female employment rates in Spain is
over 20% points, according to a study by Kevin Daly at Goldman Sachs, an investment bank.
Reconciling family life with work, a struggle anywhere, seems to be harder in Spain than in
other countries. Spanish women spend far more time on domestic chores, including childcare,
than men. The length of the working day, which is extended into the evening thanks to long
lunch breaks, does not help. It is practically impossible to juggle family and work if you get
home at 9pm or 10pm, says Ruth Mateos de Cabo, one of the authors of an academic paper
entitled “Discrimination on Spanish Boards of Directors”.
Ms Mateos and her co-authors analysed the boards of Spain's top 1,000 companies in a bid to
understand why women are so scarce. They found that Spanish boardrooms are clubby, and
that diversity is seen as a hindrance, not a strength.
The government has passed a law that aims to change things by requiring firms to raise the
share of women on boards to 40% by 2015. Norway already has such a quota, but the results
have been mixed: because of a shortage of eligible women, some of the most qualified have
collected as many as 35 directorships.
In Spain the target is mainly symbolic, since companies will not face financial penalties if
they do not meet it, unlike their Norwegian counterparts, although the government may take
their performance into account when awarding public contracts. It may be better to help
women gain enough experience to be good candidates for directorships to begin with.
Encouraging more reasonable hours would be a start. Spanish boards may also consider head-
hunting in fields where women are better represented, such as academia.
There are reasons for optimism. A bigger share of women in their 20s are joining the
workforce in Spain than in America. Eva Castillo, a banker and board-member of Telefónica,
a telecoms firm, believes it is only a matter of time before women's lot at Spanish firms
improves: “It's changing naturally, it's a generational thing.”
Source The Economist May '08
Why German companies should not appoint bankers to
the board
BANKERS who sit on the supervisory boards of non-financial firms in Germany benefit their
bank but not necessarily the company—or so concludes a recent study* for the European
Corporate Governance Institute, a think-tank. The three authors examined the record of 137
German companies and 11 banks between 1994 and 2005, and found that the mere presence
of bankers in the boardroom appears to increase a company's debt and diminish its overall
performance. But the board-member's bank tends to win merger-and-acquisition business
from the firm. It also tends to increase its loans to the firm's competitors—perhaps thanks to
the expertise in the industry the banker gained while serving on the board.
That last finding is perhaps the most surprising. German banks must report all loans over
€1.5m ($2.3m) to the Bundesbank, Germany's central bank. When the researchers examined
this data, which is normally secret, they discovered that a bank represented on a board in one
year tended to lend more to other companies in the same industry the next.
German companies, especially big ones, tend to have at least one banker on their supervisory
board. Of the non-financial companies in the DAX 30 stock index only four do not. Of the
companies examined in the study, 46% had a banker on the board, compared with 32% for
equivalent firms in America.
Why is this practice so widespread? To some extent it is a hangover from the days when
banks owned stakes in many German firms. As recently as 1994 they owned an average of
4% of all non-financial firms. But after 2002, when the government exempted the sale of
these stakes from capital-gains tax, the banks sold out. By 2005 they held a mere 0.4%. That
may have skewed the interests of bankers on boards away from improving the firm's profits
and towards peddling their services—to rivals if need be.
Source The Economist May '08
Places to visit
Author: Fiona Hampton
A weekend in Nancy
Last Easter we decided to take a break a short distance from Luxembourg and consulted our
France Rough Guide for suitable places to visit. Nancy, a two half hour drive from
Luxembourg seemed to be worth a visit. So we consulted the internet and booked a very
reasonably priced hotel, The Hotel de Guise. This was an excellent choice as it was in a quiet
side street in the old quarter which was full of character. There were quaint shops and
restaurants and it wasn’t far from the Place Stanislas which is on the UNESCO World
heritage list.
Place Stanislas was spectacular, and it would be worth going to Nancy for this alone.
However, there is plenty more to see and if you like Art Nouveau, Nancy is a real treat. Since
we do, we set out on foot to explore what Nancy had to offer, beautiful shop fronts, houses
and hotels and the museum of the Ecole de Nancy (A short bus journey from the centre) . The
exterior and the gardens of the Museum hint at the rich treasures to be found within. There is
a whole room completely designed in the Art Nouveau style, furniture and other objects of
great beauty. The glass objects made during this period are particularly fine.
Back in the town centre, after all our wandering we found a wonderful chocolate shop that
also served coffee to rest our weary feet and rejuvenate. For chocoholics this is worth
searching out as the chocolate that came with the coffee was the best I have ever tasted. Sorry
I can’t remember the name of it! After this we went for a quick tour around the shops. Nancy
is a wonderful place to go shopping but with a husband in tow this had to be limited, they just
don’t have the same stamina as us women!
On Saturday night we went hunting for a place for an evening meal and decided upon the
Excelsior an original Art Nouveau Hotel (50, rue Henri-Poincare). We were lucky to get a
table as we hadn’t booked in advance. Unfortunately, we were seated in a room that had been
added after the Art Nouveau period. However I was able to glimpse through the doorway into
the main dining area where waiters, dressed in traditional black and white, moved in and out
with trays of food held high. The glow from the coloured glass lamps in the main dining
room created a pleasant ambiance, whilst the room we were seated in was rather more harshly
light and reminded my husband of a station waiting room!
The food, however, compensated for what our surroundings lacked, the spring lamb was very
tender and the desert delicious.
On the Sunday of our short break we visited the Museum of Fine Art which is situated on
the Place Stanislas. This has a wide range of paints and sculptures from a number of famous
artists, including paintings by Tintoretto, Caravaggio, Rubens, Delacroix, Monet, Modigliani,
Dufy and Picasso. We also visited the botanical gardens, but I found these rather
disappointing, I felt the layout lacked inspiration. I have heard that late May is a good time to
visit as they have a large collection of bearded Irises which flower at that time of year.
There are lots more things to see and do in Nancy which make it a suitable short break
anytime of year. In winter time there are the museums and a jazz festival in October. In the
summer there are plenty of pavement cafes around the area of Place Stanislas and pleasant
parks in the centre. Not to mention the shopping.
If you’re planning a visit the following websites are useful:
http://www.ot-nancy.fr/uk/centre_historique/index.php
General Information
Deadline for the [month] 2008 Newsletter
Submissions for the June 2008 newsletter should reach the Editor on or by 9th June
2008. Our contact details are listed here.
Contact Details
To advertise on the Network website, or in the newsletter, please check the details on the
website.
If you would like to recommend the Network to a colleague or friend, details are published
here.
For contact details of the current Network Team, click here.
Disclaimer: The comments and opinions of authors expressed herein are those of the
author and do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Network.
The Network Newsletter
June 2008
International Business & Professional Network asbl (Established 1991)
The Network asbl
1, rue des Lilas
L-8084 Bertrange
e-mail: getintouch@the-network.lu
website: http://www.the-network.lu
President's Letter
Dear networkers,
Well most of us probably know a bit about Luxembourg's HIStory, but now
we have an opportunity to find out HERstory too. We have a good number
registered for the guided tour next Wednesday that will introduce us to the
Lives of Legendary Women in Luxembourg's past. We hope to have a lovely
meal on the terrace of the Café de Musée, if MOTHER nature smiles on us that is. So I am
looking forward to a relaxing and inetresting evening before we break for summer. This walk
was put together the Women's Library "cid-femmes". Their address is presently 14, rue Beck,
2. floor, L-1222 Luxembourg and they have an interesting website. www.cid-femmes.lu
I hope to see many of you at the walk or at dinner, but if not, let's get together for networking
an wine tasting in September.
Have a lovely summer,
Lisa
Editor's Notes
Dear Networkers,
Miriam Mascherin’s talk to the Network last month sounded inspirational and
I was sorry to have missed it. As someone in the process of setting up my own
business it is always interesting to hear how other women have coped with the
challenge and come out winning. I have wanted to set up my own business for
a while but never felt as though I quite knew enough. However at some stage
you just have to take the plunge, some things just have to be learned as you go along. After
all life is more exciting when you take a few risks!
Whilst taking a few risks it is always good to have a network of support and advice and the
Network is invaluable for this.
The next meeting on the 18th June a guided walk around the city centre that celebrates
inspirational women of Luxembourg and is followed by a meal, an excellent opportunity to
Network so I hope to see you there!
Fiona
New Committee
New Membership Secretary
Since May Anemone Thomas has become the new Membership Secretary
for the Network.
She is Swiss but has lived in many different countries and for the last
fourteen has lived in Luxembourg with her husband and three children.
Anemone has qualifications in International relations and works in this field part time. After
having been very involved in setting up the library of the European primary school she now
looks forward to contributing to the success of the Network.
Meeting in Review
Author: Ioanna Konstantinidi
Résumé of Elite Advisers presentation in Network on 21.05.2008
From a personal point of view the presentation at the May meeting did
indeed boosted my self confidence and touched my entrepreneurial side! But
who is hiding behind passion investment?
Miriam Mascherin and Michel Tamisier, co-founders of Elite Advisers S.A.,
have succeeded in marrying wine with investment practices, addressing this
at an elite clientele. Miriam presented to the group and gave a 360° view of
her personal career path. Miriam, having started working in sales and later
moving to inventory and production management, soon realized her organizational skills and
enormous experience in what are the clients’ expectations. So in 2007, she felt convinced that
it was about time to start-up her own business, and she “Just did it”!!!
It is really surprising to see the statistics demonstrating that women in Europe are doing well
and even better in U.S. and Canada in terms of business activity and self-employment. With
her amazing professionalism Ms. Mascharin managed to really convince us that as women,
we have to start taking risks and dare to follow our ideas and concepts, because it can actually
work. Of course, to achieve that you also need a good team, the correct fundamentals of the
market and excellent network skills!
For those who are interested in investing in a wine fund and soon in diamonds, their portfolio
should be at least of 125,000€. For the rest of us small investors let us just inform you how
it’s being done. Elite Advisers are making sure that their selection of wine is the very best
and will evolve as far as taste is concerned and consequently will increase in value. They are
choosing among the most expensive wines and champagnes in France, Italy, Australia and
even Hungary. Then, these precious wines are stored in a bank’s vault, where else than in
Switzerland. The investing interest is very high, mainly from Asian and Russian markets. The
figure of ROI (return on investment) just until April 2008 has reached 10% of performance,
where real estate and stock markets have not been doing so well lately. So we are coming to
the conclusion that wine being a niche and luxury product, its demand is higher than the
offer, and its price is formed by the consumer demand.
We would like to wish good luck to Miriam with her brilliant “Passion Investment” and also
to more astonishing results!
Events
18th June Event: Women - Lives and Legends
The next meeting of the network is on the 18th June and the meeting place is in front of the
Luxembourg city tourist office on the Place Guillaume at 17.45.
Our group will take part in guided walk through Luxembourg to discover women who shaped
the history and legends of the City. It encompasses women from all spheres of life, politics
religion, business sports and the arts, from working women to nobility. A real celebration of
women's contribution to society, their changing role and discrimination that they faced.
The walk will last approximately one hour and will be followed by a Quiche and Salad Buffet
served at the Cafe du Musée; hopefully on their beautiful terrace if weather permits.
(deadline for registration 13th June by e mail to: viviane.bumb@gmx.net )
Not to be missed!
International Museum of Women
What is the International Museaum of Women (I.M.O.W)?
I.M.O.W. is a groundbreaking social change museum that connects and inspires people with
powerful ideas and new ways of thinking that transform women's lives and the world. With
its unique focus on cultural change, I.M.O.W. advances the human right to gender equity
worldwide.
We invite you to join this innovative twenty-first century museum and invest in making the
world a better place for our daughters, granddaughters and nieces as well as our sons,
grandsons and nephews by participating in I.M.O.W.'s new global online exhibition Women,
Power and Politics.
The mission of I.M.O.W. is to value the lives of women around the world.
How was I.M.O.W. founded?
I.M.O.W. was originally founded as the Women's Heritage Museum in 1985. For over 10
years, the Women's Heritage Museum produced several exhibitions, hosted public programs,
sponsored an annual book fair, provided teacher resources for Women's History Month,
honored unknown women from our local history and recreated historic events.
One day a woman named Elizabeth Colton was seeking a destination to take her daughter to
learn about women's lives and history. Elizabeth, without knowing her, contacted Gloria
Steinem, noted feminist activist, and asked her to identify such a place. Upon learning that
nothing existed, Elizabeth discovered the Women's Heritage Museum and soon become a
dedicated volunteer.
In 1997, Elizabeth took notice that a group of local teachers were seeking a place to take their
students. After a few years of serving on the board and working with the museum, Elizabeth
and a group of other board members were sitting around her kitchen table and decided to
transform the existing Women's Heritage Museum into the International Museum of Women.
The small group then asked 100 women and men to each donate $1,000 to create the new
museum.
Since it's inception in 1997, I.M.O.W. has organized seven major exhibitions, hosted public
forums, developed educational curriculum for schools and created a speaker series drawing
world-class artists, authors and political leaders.
In 2005, I.M.O.W. embarked on a plan to build an innovative twenty-first century museum
model to engage and impact women around the world through strategic partnerships,
innovative global online exhibitions and local events.
In 2006, I.M.O.W.'s strategy culminated with the launching of Imagining Ourselves: A
Global Generation of Women, I.M.O.W.'s first interactive, multi-lingual online exhibition
that connected more than a million participants around the world. Founded and directed by
Paula Goldman, the wildly successful project garnered worldwide recognition and awards
including the Anita Borg Social Impact Award.
I.M.OW.'s imaginative, unique and cutting-edge approach continues in 2008 with the launch
of the global online exhibition, Women, Power and Politics. The exhibition runs from March
8 - December 31, 2008 in four languages - Arabic, English, French and Spanish - just as the
spotlight intensifies on the groundbreaking campaigns, elections and leadership of women
from Argentina to the United States. Women, Power, and Politics will connect visitors to the
stories of women who have harnessed politics and power to transform women's lives and
society. Through online exhibitions, online community-building tools, and a live speaker
series, Women, Power and Politics will spark conversations to inspire women to take action
in their own communities and participate in broader political arenas as well.
Source http://www.imow.org/about/ourstory/index
Summer in the City
Summer 2008: hot vibes in the city!
Summer is starting in Luxembourg, and the city is celebrating and vibrating. Streets and
squares suddenly become open air cultural places-to-be and a marvelous excuse to leave
home and stroll around town. Under the heading “Summer in the City” starting with the “Fête
de la Musique”, the capital offers a multifarious sequence of original events from June 21st to
September 12th that challenges both residents and visitors: open air concerts, festivals, street
theatre, open air cinema, markets and feasts, exhibitions and folklore …
Source http://www.summerinthecity.lu/html_en/programme.html
A Place to visit
Author: Anna Moreno
A day in Spa, Belgium
By the end of April, we had all had quite enough of so-so weather and central heating, so one
fine Sunday my partner and I decided to head for fairer climes in the shape of lovely warm
water, steam rooms and sauna in the spa at Spa in Belgium. Oh and we had a reticent 17 year
old in tow who would sooner do anything other than paddle around in what he imagined
would be ‘a place for oldies’!
As we drove through Belgium the vistas grew greener and more fragrant-windows were
thrown open in the car and moods lifted considerably as we climbed high over mossy hills,
on windy roads with no one else in sight.
Finally the sign led us down into rocky valleys, with water flowing through the rocks into the
road through town .We were getting close!
Parking alongside the giant building, we did not expect the quality of the famous spa to be
quite as wonderful as it turned out to be. Spa water normally comes in bottles. Here you can
swim in it, lie in it and even drink it straight from the tap (bring a bottle to refill).Our 3 hours
entrance fee allowed us access to a huge indoor pool as well as a superb outside pool
complete with a lazy river undertow which carries you down and across the waters if you’re
feeling too lazy to move. Clods opened, the sun shone, we grew pink and cheerful.
Upstairs, the panoramic sauna (amazing views of the valley and town below as you roast
gently), a steam room complete with lovely mosaics at the perfect temperature, and
ultraviolet relaxation room all black with a starry sky. The 17 year old was warming up to the
whole idea by now and much white tooth grinning took place.
A small poolside café below turned out 3 decent plates of salads and knick knacks, fortifying
us for a last swim around before moving on the tour. The town of Spa was a great deal more
chic than we were expecting, copper topped street lights gleaming along the main
shopping drag. Lots of interesting and varied little shops were open and I was amazed to
discover several shoe shops to feed my long standing shoe addiction.
We stopped for a chocolate liegeois on the town square and looked up at the funicular which
carries the lucky guests of the Radisson Hotel straight up to the Spa Thermal baths. We made
a mental note to return and stay overnight.
As we shut the car doors for the last time, the 17 year old was heard saying ‘Can we go back
next weekend’ before snoozing the good vibes off all the way home.
Future Meetings - Dates for your Diaries
17th September Wine tasting and Speed-networking
General Information
Deadline for the [October] 2008 Newsletter
Submissions for the [October] 2008 newsletter should reach the Editor on or by [8th October]
2008. Our contact details are listed here.
Contact Details
To advertise on the Network website, or in the newsletter, please check the details on the
website.
If you would like to recommend the Network to a colleague or friend, details are published
here.
For contact details of the current Network Team, click here.
Disclaimer: The comments and opinions of authors expressed herein are those of the
author and do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Network.
The Network Newsletter
September 2008
International Business & Professional Network asbl (Established 1991)
The Network asbl
1, rue des Lilas
L-8084 Bertrange
e-mail: getintouch@the-network.lu
website: http://www.the-network.lu
President's Letter
Dear networkers,
I hope you are all relaxed and energised after the summer. It is great to be
back and I look forward to seeing many of you this coming Wednseday. We
are in the process of organising the November speaker and the December
event so if anyone has any ideas or special interests then let us know as soon
as possible.
See you there,
Lisa
Events
Enjoy a relaxing evening in interesting company when we kick off the autumn season on
Wednesday the 17th of September with a speed-networking and wine-tasting evening. After the success of last year’s event we are really looking forward to the wine-tasting
and speed-networking evening, we now know it is a combination that works. Speed-
networking always draws many old and new members and is especially attractive to new
arrivals in Luxembourg. With the addition of wine-tasting it simply a fun evening to get
to know lots of new people. The event takes place at The Network’s regular venue, the Sofitel in Kirchberg. Doors
open at 7.30pm and the event starts at 8pm. Non-members are welcome to participate
for a small fee of 8€.
Discover Luxembourg
DISCOVER LUXEMBOURG
On Saturday 20 September 2008, from Place Guillaume @ 14:00, till around 21:00. Enter a
team on a discovery voyage through Luxembourg City to sample its lush history, rich culture,
delicious gastronomy, exciting technology, and much more...
Registration of teams can be made online from 18 August at www.discover-luxembourg.lu
(50 Euros for a team of 4 people).
About 50 teams are expected – to include clubs & associations, companies/offices, tourists,
and families/friends. In fact, anyone can enter. For safety concerns, all teams must have at
least one adult.
Each team will collect a map with a series of clues to lure them across the city (on foot).
Teams will explore a number of Event Stations to face an entertaining challenge. These
challenges consist of tasty gastronomic samplings, intriguing cultural and historical puzzles,
and active sporting elements - along with some stimulating brain-teasers. All will be fun with
something for everyone!
This event concludes with a prize-awarding ceremony. Food & drinks will be available for
purchase during the accompanying live musical entertainment.
In-depth knowledge of Luxembourg City will not be of any advantage!
All information on the day will be in French, German & English.
Editor's Notes
Dear Networkers
I hope you all had an enjoyable summer and are ready to start networking!
By popular demand the first evening of the new programme is wine tasting
and networking.
Wines have been made in Luxembourg from grapes grown in the vineyards
along the Moselle for centuries, but how do they compare with wines from else where?
Did you know some of the varieties grown in Luxembourg are the same as those from
Alsace? , If you want to know more it is worth looking at the following website:
www.wine-pages.com/guests/tom/luxemb
If you acquire a taste for the subject why not attend one of the evening courses run by The
Second Degree or the Accueil? See below for more information. If you don’t have the time to
attend a course you may be interested in visiting the Wine making museum in Ehnen which is
the feature of our ’ Places to visit this month.’
Whatever you decide don’t miss the Wine and Networking!
See you there.
Fiona Hampton
New Members - Welcome to the Network
Christine Galello
I am a French 35 year old young woman who lives in France but also spent one year in Italy,
Urbino . My life is very much influenced by both Italian as well as English culture as I speak
fluently those two languages.
As far as my hobbies are concerned, I like developing my communication skills, (practise of
speeches), running and swimming. I am keen on interior decorating and when I have time,
visiting historical places or going to exhibitions. I usually always find a few minutes to read
each day (can't live without books) and cooking is to me a simple way to relax and please
others.
To be said about my family situation is that I leave with a partner but do not have children.
So far I worked in different banks in Luxembourg as a transfer agent and mainly as an
assistant. I also taught Italian language in France (adults evening courses)) and I am currently
working as a multilingual assistant in Eurostat, European Commission as external resource .
A former colleague of mine who is also a friend informed me about the Network and
suggested it could be an interesting opportunity for me. She was herself part of the Network a
few years ago. After having looked at the internet link, I thought it could be what was
missing to me to fulfil my career: advice, mentoring and support.
As being a personal assistant or administrative assistant was not a choice, I would now like to
find a job which could allow me to communicate more (or differently like having more
responsibilities) and where I could demonstrate my level of reflection not only in the area of
organising trips and so on.
Another reason to join the Network is that I like meeting new people and I enjoy practising
English language. It is also interesting to see how other women see their professional life and
how they make the balance with their private life as well.
To conclude, here is more or less what can be said about a Christine Galello.
Business Women of the Network
Author: Fiona Hampton
Hélène Delamare moved to Luxembourg in December last year. Prior to this she lived in
Paris working for Publicis Healthcare.When she moved to Luxembourg she became a partner
of the communications agency Comquest. I talked to her about setting up in business in
Luxembourg.
What services do you provide?
Comquest Luxembourg, the agency I represent, specialises in creating promotional and
communication material for a wide range of different companies. It is a branch of Comquest
Paris, a company that has expanded over the past ten years thanks to the recommendation of
existing customers and the hard work of staff in finding new business. The area of business
we cover includes various economic sectors, such as tourism, sports, video games, finance.
We have graphic designers working for us who have a wide range of skills.
The employees of Comquest are involved in the creation of all sorts of internal/external
communication tools such as:
- Catalogues
- Newsletters
- Websites
- Press advertising...
We also advise clients on other aspects of communication.
When and how did you set up your business?
Comquest Luxembourg was set up almost two years ago. I took over the Luxembourg branch
and the responsibility for developing the business.When I first joined Comquest, I spent some
time getting to know how the agency worked and who their customers were. This enabled me
to decide how best to promote and develop the agency. This was a very challenging but
stimulating experience (that involved long hours and hard work). At the same time I was also
discovering and settling into a new country and getting to know people. Luxembourg is an
interesting place and the diversity of its population makes it a melting pot for different ideas.
I now feel that I am a true European.
What difficulties did you face? How did you resolve them?
Luxembourg is a very competitive market and because Comquest is relatively new to this
country most of my work involves creating an awareness of what services we can provide. I
do this by advertising, visiting potential clients, presentations and networking.
Wine Courses
If you are inspired by the speed-networking and wine-tasting and want to find out more about
wine here is whereto go.
The Second degree is offering two different wine courses
WINE CONNAISANCE
Wednesdays, 6:30-9 PM, Grevenmacher.
Nowadays the choices of wines can be overwhelming, even for a wine expert! Cultivate your
plate, expand your wine vocabulary, and learn how to identify different wines and labels.
Abi Duhr will acquaint you with wines from Europe and other countries, and review their
grape varieties and taste characteristics. With, of course, lots of tasting to moisten the theory!
(15 hours) 180euro.
NEW WORLD WINES
Mondays, 7- 9 PM, Weimerskirch, first class, Monday 6th October
In eight sessions, take a "tasting tour" through a systematic approach of the New World, from
California to New Zealand and back again and find out what makes new world wines so
special and why they have found commercial and connoisseur’s success. (16 hours) 192 euro
Instructor: Bronwyn Salvat
For further information about these and other courses and to enroll contact
vanessa@theseconddegree.com www.theseconddegree.com
The Luxembourg Accueil
The Luxembourg Accueil is offering Wine tasting at the Cercle Munster on Thursday
afternoons. Further information can be obtained from their office at 10, Bisserwee,
Luxembourg-Grund (open Monday to Friday 9am to 12 noon.)
Places to visit
Why not visit the Wine Museum in Ehnen?
The Wine Museum is located in a former vintner's house in the picturesque village of Ehnen
on the banks of the river Moselle. The museum was opened in 1978 and belongs to the
Luxembourg state. The wine making year is shown with pictures and tools, from the winter
rest of the vines, through the fight against disease and the harvest, to the final preparation and
bottling of the wine. There is also a bottle collection and a look back at the home of the
grower, with antiques.
In a neighbouring building is a huge press from 1848, together with a forge (from
neighbouring Machtum), the former Ehnen "Weights and Measures" office, and a cooperage.
To the rear of the museum is a well ordered vineyard planted with all the different varieties of
wine that grow in Luxembourg.
Visits include a taste of the local wine (or grape juice)
Opening Hours
From 1 April to 31 October every day, except Monday, from 9.30 to 11.30 a.m, and from 2 to
5 p.m.
Other periods on request: Tel: (+352) 76 00 26 / Fax (+352) 76 84 51
Entrance charges:
Adults: 3.00 €
Adults in Groups: 2.50 €
Children: 1.50 €
Information source http:/ww.luxembourg.co.uk/ehnen.html
Upcoming Network Events
Wednesday the 17th Septemebr "Wine tasting and speed-Networking" doors open 19.30 for
20.00hrs at Sofitel
Wednesday the 22nd October 2008 "Better Communiaction" doors open at 19.30 for 20.00hrs
at Sofitel
General Information
Deadline for the October 2008 Newsletter
Submissions for the October 2008 newsletter should reach the Editor on or by
28th September 2008. Our contact details are listed here.
Contact Details
To advertise on the Network website, or in the newsletter, please check the details on the
website.
If you would like to recommend the Network to a colleague or friend, details are published
here.
For contact details of the current Network Team, click here.
Disclaimer: The comments and opinions of authors expressed herein are those of the
author and do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Network.
The Network Newsletter
October 2008
International Business & Professional Network asbl (Established 1991)
The Network asbl
1, rue des Lilas
L-8084 Bertrange
e-mail: getintouch@the-network.lu
website: http://www.the-network.lu
President's Letter
Dear networkers,
Did you know that "May you live in interesting times" is a Chinese curse? So
who opened the wrong fortune cookie I wonder? Does anyone know yet, is
our "interesting time" a credit crunch or a world recession? The stuff that
history and economic books are made of, that's where we are right now for
sure. Well I hope those of you directly employed by a financial institution are surviving the
daily pressures, the rest of us are waiting and watching along with you. Ironically, there have
been a number of interesting talks hosted in Luxembourg recently. Amcham had a speaker
from Reuters talking about The Future of News, he touched on the constant search for news
in new media and how this has an immediate response in markets. The British Chamber of
Commerce have one this Friday about Global Market Turbulence: its effect on Luxembourg
and the World. I can’t say I envy that speaker, there is probably no point in him starting his
preparation too early. Meanwhile, we should take the opportunity at our event on
Wednesday to improving communication with Elisabeth Wille, this is a skill we can always
improve on. In November we have Pol Wirtz of New Media Group speaking to us. Currently
we are working to organize a social event for December, this is likely to take the form of a
tour and a meal at one of Luxembourg’s restaurants. I look forward to seeing everyone over
the next few months, especially those new members who came to our September event.
Lisa
Editor's Notes
Dear Networkers
Wine and Networking certainly proved to be a popular event! Over sixty
participants crowded the room at the Sofitel to enjoy the fun. I wonder how
many new friendships were started, new jobs found and contacts were made?
Please write to me with your experiences of this meeting and I can share it
with others via the newsletter.
I would also like to hear from anyone who wants to share their experience of setting up their
own business in Luxembourg and wants to feature in an article. This month I talked to
Michele Jamrozick a Photographer, about her experience.Please see Business Women of the
network below.
Hope to see you all at the next meeting on Wednesday the 22nd October.
Fiona Hampton
Events
Improving Communication in the Work
Environment
In today’s business environment the speed with which
things change within and in a company’s environ mean that
good communication and team work are key factors in any
company’s success. The Professional and Business
Women’s Network has invited Elisabeth Wille to discuss
various means of improving communication within an
organization.. The event takes place at the Sofitel,
Kirchberg on the 22nd of October.
Team work is a necessary part of the work flow process in
large organizations, however it is not always the easiest area
to improve on. Facilitation can improve this process and
help improve communication. Twenty years ago, few
people had heard of or even used the words, “group
facilitation” or “group processes”. Then, ten years ago,
a professional association of facilitators was formed The
International Association of Facilitators (IAF). Today,
around the world, thousands of facilitators lead groups every day.
The evening event will involve group participation and use facilitation techniques during
the session. This will allow a better understanding of various possibilities of improving
communication and team building.
The meeting takes place at the Sofitel, Kirchberg on the 22nd of October. Doors open at
7.30pm for 8pm. Photographer Michele
Jamrozik
New Members - Welcome to the Network
New Member Profile
Name: Yenny Devers
Age (if desired): 29 years old
Nationality: Dominican
Countries you have lived in: Dominican Republic, Italy, now in Luxembourg
Languages you speak: Spanish, Italian, French and English and a little bit of Luxembourghish
Profession, Career path or Work experience: I have a degree in IT, I’m studying accounting
at the moment and I’ve worked as assistant manager (Italy), Help-desk (Italy), Assistant IT
department (Dominican Republique) and administrive assistant (Dominican Republique)
Family: I have been married since 2007
Children: I don’t have any yet.
Hobbies: Gardening, listening to music and of course dancing it
How were you introduced to the Network? At the press
What inspired you to join our group? To practice my English and to get to know about
different cultures
What do you hope to gain from being a member? To learn interesting things and to make
friends.
Business women of the Network
Author: Fiona Hampton
Michele Jamrozik
After 10 years of commuting to Metz to teach and
research at the post graduate level, Michele Jamrozik
decided she needed to set up shop at little closer to
home. Michele has a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering
and her research has focused on speech and image
processing. Besides the difficulty of juggling a
commuting research career with two small kids,
Michele realized that she really missed being around
people. So, besides establishing a small engineering
consulting business, Michele has also pursued another
passion and is now a fully licensed professional
photographer. I met Michele about two years ago and
was very impressed with the quality and natural style of
her work. Of all her photographs, her pictures of
children are especially appealing. Her strength is in her
ability to capture those special moments in the lives of those she photographs. A week ago I
caught up with her to find out how her business is progressing.
What services do you provide?
Photographic services of all kinds including the following:
Children
Portraits for private and corporate clients
Events
Weddings
Stills for food
Images for brochures.
For example, in a recent assignment I was involved in producing promotional photographs
for a very nice restaurant in Luxembourg city. This involved taking pictures of the staff, shots
in the restaurant of diners, friends who had been invited specially for the shots, (where was
I?) and photographing the dishes of food.
In many cases, my work is presented as a collection with special attention paid to the
finishing and selection of storytelling quality of the photos. One of my specialities is creating
books for families, businesses, or couples. These books and albums make great gifts for
family and friends and are wonderful advertising tools.
When and how did you set up your business?
I officially started my engineering consulting business in 2003 and got everything together to
legally establish my photography business last year. From the time I was a little girl, I had
always wanted to set up my own business and finally took the plunge. When I found that the
call for my engineering skills wasn't as great as I'd hoped for here in Luxembourg, I realized
that I needed a way to turn my skills into something more marketable in the local area. To
earn the credentials necessary to set up a photographic business in Luxembourg, I became a
Master Photographer. In addition, I am a licensed member of Master Photography
Association and have a diploma in Photographic Practice.
What difficulties did you face? How did you resolve them?
The transition from turning a hobby into a business was a difficult process. At the beginning I
had to constantly think is this project viable, is this really a solid business idea and to
formulate a business plan. My charges had to reflect the amount of work that I spent
achieving the finish product. I wanted everything to be perfect and I have had to learn to
work smarter not harder to create a balance between my work and family life. You have to
continually alternate from “Artist mode” to “Business mode” whilst maintaining your
integrity. One also has to accept that sometimes you have to do something less inspiring in
order to pay the bills!
More of Michele’s work can be seen on her website. www.michelej.com
We need to improve communication around here
Ask any employee what they'd like to change about their company, and you're likely to hear
"We need better communication around here."
Everyone around them nods in active agreement. But what are they agreeing about? What do
they mean by this? It could be any number of things. Probing people's complaints about "poor
communication" can lead to the core issues that need attention.
• No one really understands my needs and ideas. (issues of respect and listening skills)
• Some of us are left out of information loops or decision-making. (organizational structure
issues)
• The organization has levels and divisions that speak different languages (language barrier
issues, class/education boundary issues)
• People work alone or can't converse during work hours. (work organization issues)
• Everything is put in writing; no one talks to me as a person (organization climate issues).
• Nothing is put in writing; you have to have strong political networks to know what's
happening.(organizational structure issues)
• We have such different world-views that no one understands where I am coming from.
(diversity issues)
• We employees don't dare tell management what's really going on. (management style
issues)
• We managers don't dare tell employees what's really going on. (survival issues)
Next time someone says "we need better communication around here", ask them "Can you
give me an example of something that's happened recently?"
Source http://www.culture-at-work.com
The best way to learn a language?
Author: Fiona Hampton
Week by week, or an intensive course? Which method works best? Do you need to learn the
grammar parrot fashion first from teachers and books or just learn by listening and
observing? Considering all these things when arriving in Luxembourg and wanting to
improve my French brought to mind the tale I will relate to you below;
When my husband and I visited Morocco a number of years ago, whilst I was sitting
sketching outside a café, he became engaged in aiding one of the friendly locals who had
asked him to help him improve his English. I suggested to the man that he taught us a few
words so that we could communicate with our bus driver. What we wanted to learn to say
was “Please could you drive a little more slowly!” However they say things in a slightly
different way in Morocco and add “god be willing” after more or less every sentence. So the
phrase we ended up with translated roughly to English was-
“You are a very nice man, please could you drive carefully, and may God go with you.”
He wrote the phrase down and I practiced infinitum back at the hotel ready to greet our coach
driver in the morning. Well, the next morning I tried it out on the coach driver who just
couldn’t stop laughing. To this day I don’t know if it was my accent or the content or just the
sheer surprise of a tourist speaking his own language.
What, may you ask has this to do with learning French? Well, this bit of fun brought home to
me the link between language and culture and how effective it is to learn a language from a
native speaker.
It is far easier to learn a language when you are surrounded by native speakers and see
adverts and road signs that can reinforce your learning. So after a couple of terms with
Prolingua I wanted to make some French friends and to surround myself with people
speaking their mother tongue.
As chance would have it, a friend and English teacher, put me in touch with one of her
French pupils Adele. I suggested to Adele that we could meet up and help each other learn.
Adele thought this was a good idea and we met regularly for coffee at each others’
houses. Sadly for me, Adele has left Luxembourg to work and tour Australia.
Fortunately, I have now got to know Hélène and Aurélie through the Network Club and we
have a similar arrangement to practice each others’ language.
So if you need help to learn a language, why not introduce youself to a native speaker at the
network Club!
Future Meetings - Dates for your Diaries
22nd October-Improving Communication in the Work Environment Speaker Elizbeth
Wille Venue: The Sofitel hotel Kirchberg at 19.30 pm
19th November-Understanding the Luxembourg media Landscape Speaker Pol
Wirtz. Venue: The Sofitel hotel, Kirchberg at 19.30pm
General Information
Deadline for the [month] 2008 Newsletter
Submissions for the November 2008 newsletter should reach the Editor on or by
12th November 2008. Our contact details are listed here.
Contact Details
To advertise on the Network website, or in the newsletter, please check the details on the
website.
If you would like to recommend the Network to a colleague or friend, details are published
here.
For contact details of the current Network Team, click here.
Disclaimer: The comments and opinions of authors expressed herein are those of the
author and do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Network.
The Network Newsletter
November 2008
International Business & Professional Network asbl (Established 1991)
The Network asbl
1, rue des Lilas
L-8084 Bertrange
e-mail: getintouch@the-network.lu
website: http://www.the-network.lu
President's Letter
Dear networkers,
Fiona interviewed me this month and I think it is a case of "enough already", so I'll type
fast! Thanks to everyone who participated so willingly in our last event. I hope to see you all
again this week, when Pol Wirtz of New Media Group discusses Luxembourg's media. In
December we will host a social event, as has been the case for the past few years it will be a
cultural tour and then dinner. Viviane Bumb has once again come up with a great
combination, we will tour the new City Library on the Place d'armes and then enjoy tapas
together and for those with an abundance of energy we may even dance! Like last year we
will host a Silent Auction to raise money for charity. We of course need items to auction, if
you or your company have something that could be auctioned, please let me know;
lisa.mclean@pt.lu it is greatly appreciated. You will receive an e-invitation soon that you can
respond to if you wish to join the December event. One last thing... after the New Year we
have to look for new committee members, please think about getting involved. It really isn't
much work and as I am sure you would agree the group is well worth that little bit extra
effort.
See you Wednesday,
Lisa
Editor's Notes
Dear Networkers,
‘We live in interesting times’. Now where have I heard that
phrase? Everyday I check my e mails with the anticipation of living in
interesting times. My definition of interesting times? Thought provoking
articles written by you the reader for your Newsletter. Well unless you want
to read my endless ramblings on this and that… surely someone must have
something interesting to say? Where are all the budding writers out there? Doesn’t anyone
harbour closeted dreams of becoming a world famous author or having a career as a
journalist? It starts with a small step, writing an article for the Network Newsletter could be
the beginning of that journey…. At the very least you would bring a smile to me the editor
and perhaps even save me the mad panic of the deadline which comes around all to quickly.
No matter how many times I promise myself I will be more organised next time! Now I
know why newspapers journalists write controversial comments; it provokes a response; a
page of readers’ letters is less work for them to do!
So I am appealing to the team spirit in all of you, I know it’s there, we have the wonderful
paper torn animals as proof! By now you are either smiling or you haven’t a clue what I am
going on about. If you’re the latter you obviously missed the excellent last meeting with
Elizabeth Willie (reviewed below).
So if like me you’re curious about the Luxembourg media and want to learn more make sure
you don’t miss the next one!
Fiona
Business Women of the Network
Author: Fiona Hampton
Lisa Mc Lean
As our speaker this month is talking about the Media Landscape in
Luxembourg I thought it would be topical to interview our president Lisa who
is the sales and marketing director of Ara City Radio. She also runs her own
marketing and public relations company LJM Communications.
Lisa initially studied Marketing and Communications. Her first job was with
an advertising agency in Glasgow. She moved to Stuttgart with her husband in 1986 where
she gained employment at Delta Airlines in marketing and supervising ground staff at
Stuttgart Airport.
Lisa’s life altered again when she moved to America and then, after a couple of years, to
Germany and then to Luxembourg. During this time she took a break from her career to have
children and studied politics and economics with the Open University. Lisa then worked for
Technicolor, in the customer services department until she set up her own business.
Lisa’s initial contact with Ara City Radio was to promote her clients, as relationships
developed Lisa became more involved and took on the role of sales and marketing
director.
What services do you provide?
At LJM I work with small to medium size companies providing services of marketing and
planning, copy writing, press releases, translation work and organising events
At Ara City Radio I deal with the daily running of the station, take care of client
relationships, organise in-house production of adverts. I am also involved in Programming
decisions.
When and how did you set up your business?
I came to Luxembourg in 1996 and I started my business in 1999. I started my company
because I needed flexibility to look after my children who were in local school and had
school hours not conducive to full time employment in a large company. My main client was
the International School of Luxembourg, where I coordinated a marketing and public
relations campaign to introduce a name change and the move to a new campus. I increased
my client base through networking, for example, through The Network, as well as, at events
run by the British Chamber of Commerce and American Chamber of Commerce. Through
my work for PR clients I also got to know people working in the Media and particularly those
at Ara City Radio. I the Ara City team to increase sales and to re-establish client
relationships. I think language skills have been invaluable in this position, I speak English,
German, French and now Luxembourgish.
What difficulties did you face? and how did you resolve them?
Luxembourg's media is fairly fragmented, in part because of the many different languages.
So, initially it was a great challenge for me to get to know the different media and the
audiences. It actually means businesses have to really think hard about who the target group
is; especially companies working with a tight marketing budget. It was also difficult at
first being a ‘one man show’. For each company I am their main marketing person and yet I
am juggling five or six clients. At times I am very busy, it tends to be either feast or famine. I
have resolved some of these difficulties by working with other free lance workers and being
conscious of the amount and type of work I agree to undertake.
The other difficulty is the same as anyone working who has children. Many networking
events take place in the evening and this is the time when the children need me to be at home.
In addition, my husband also runs his own business and this also has demands on his time in
the evenings. We simply coordinate our agendas carefully.
Ara City Radio 103.3 and 105.2
Ara City Radio is the commercial arm of Radio Ara. It is funded by a combination of
sponsorship and income from advertisement. It does not receive any aid from the government
unlike some other forms of media. We broadcasts in English and our target audience is
Luxembourg’s international community. We are on air Monday to Friday from 6am-2pm.
We play an eclectic mix of music, combined with local and business news and cultural
information. There are also interviews with charity and local organisations and corporate and
public figures.
Ara City Radio rents air time from Radio Ara, a socio-cultural network that promotes
minority languages in Luxembourg. Ara City Radio's biggest challenge is not having our own
frequency and working on a small budget means we have to keep a careful eye on cash flow.
Meeting in Review
All Ears for Communication Expert
By Melanie Salava
www.station.lu
When Elisabeth Wille speaks – people listen.
More importantly: when people talk, Elisabeth Wille actively listens.
You see, Wille, a veteran facilitator of more than 15 years, delights in teaching groups how
to communicate better. On October 22nd at the Sofitel of Kirchberg she trained for about an
hour the over 40 enthusiastic participants of the Professional and Business Women’s
Network. Although it takes work to communicate effectively, she pointed out the word
facilitator derives from the French word “facile” - which means easy. A good facilitator will
reveal simple tools to make communication easier for groups.
This smiling Danish professional cleverly utilized multiple learning styles to engage her
listeners in their pursuit of communication truths. She first posed her task agenda:
1. What is good communication?
2. What can we do about it?
3. What is the definition of facilitation?
4. Who can do it?
5. How do we experience communication?
Not to give away her information too easily, she challenged people to write their answers
to question #1 on flip chart papers taped on walls throughout the meeting room. Answers
included: Do active listening. Have clear goals. Create participation. Have good
questions. Anticipate what will happen. Prepare. Look at body language.
Wille verbally “applauded” the group’s answers. Those present agreed that while they
know the pat answers, miscommunication often still occurs. That’s why professional
facilitators – like Wille, who has worked with the Institute of Cultural Affairs and with IBT
Consulting – are often hired by companies to solve problems. They will teach the
communication process, guide the information flow, and reveal communication tools.
So many elements are involved in communication that people do not always consider,
according to Wille. People must think about the group makeup – such as the age, gender,
nationalities, and experience. Or reflect about the place, location, venue, country and
culture. The history of the group is vital, too, amongst the individuals and group. Each
element can distort, complicate or change communication. The key is to consider these
elements and try to arrange the means to smooth the communication.
Finally, Wille handed out paper to 4 various groups and told them to cut an animal
figure. The first time the groups could not speak. The second time, the group could
talk. After this experiential exercise, the participants laughingly admitted that although they
thought the second time would be easier – for many, during the first round they paid closer
attention to each other because they had to and chose to. Active listening often disappeared
during the second round!
It appears we all may need to model Elisabeth Wille’s example a bit more…
Elisabeth Wille has worked with the Institute of Cultural Affairs and IBT Consulting. She
holds a Danish Chemical Engineering degree and a Master in Human Ecology from the VUB
University in Brussels. Her website is: www.WilleTraining.eu
Telephone: 352 621 26
Email: elisabeth.wille@willetraining.eu
Upcoming Network Events
Understanding the Luxembourg Media Landscape
Speaker: Pol Wirtz
Understanding the diversity of Luxembourg’s media is key to successfully disseminating
information to the press, whether that is for a business and charity or simply a sports club. To
shed insight into how the media landscape developed in Luxembourg and where it may be
heading The International and Business and Professional Women’s Network have invited Pol
Wirtz of New Media Group to turn the spotlight on Luxembourg’s media. The event takes
place at the Sofitel, Kirchberg on the 19th of November at 7.30pm.
For those involved in the communication departments of Luxembourg’s corporations
understanding how the media works is paramount to a company’s success. For anyone
starting a new business, with the responsibility for a small marketing budget, the task can be
almost overwhelming. For such a small country Luxembourg has a plethora of
communication possibilities, this event will help create an understanding of the media and
how it operates.
New Members - Welcome to the Network
Name: Lynne Thill-Pressman
Nationality: USA
Countries you have lived in: USA, Togo, South Africa, Thailand (part-time) Luxembourg
Languages you speak: English, French
Profession, Career path or Work experience: I was head of secondary English at the former
American International School here in Luxembourg for many years. I now do hypnotherapy
and other healing work.
Hobbies: walking in the forest, reading, yoga
How were you introduced to the Network? I’ve known about it for years and have
attended several meeting.
What inspired you to join our group? I live part-time in Thailand. So when I am in
Luxembourg, it is good to meet new people and have new experiences.
What do you hope to gain from being a member? New people, new information, new
activities
Name: Amrita Singh
Nationality: Indian
Countries you have lived in: India, Algeria, Luxembourg
Languages you speak: English, Hindi, French (beginner)
Profession, Career path or Work experience:
With a Masters in Communications and a Bachelors in Computer Applications, I have two
years of work experience in an IT focused Public Relations agency in India assisting global
IT corporations (Intel, Symantec, iSOFT, APC) strategize and action their India marketing
and media campaigns. I have recently moved to Luxembourg with my husband and am
looking at resuming my career in Luxembourg.
Hobbies: Very passionate about cooking (Amateur Expert in “Mughlai” Kebabs and Curries)
How were you introduced to the Network?
While researching Luxembourg before moving to the country, I found “The Network” on the
internet.
What inspired you to join our group? To network with people from different cultures and professions with the desire to be
assimilated into the Luxembourg working women stream.
What do you hope to gain from being a member? Hope to meet and learn from the experiences from current member and network with them to
revive my career in Luxembourg.
Future Meetings - Dates for your Diaries
19 Nov Speaker: Pol Wirtz of New Media Group. "Understanding the Luxembourg Media
Landscape"
Venue; Sofitel Kirchberg 19.30pm
17 Dec 18:00 Guided tour through the new City Library
19:15 Tapas at the Restaurant “El Companero”
General Information
Deadline for the [December] 2008 Newsletter
Submissions for the [December 2008 newsletter should reach the Editor on or by
[28th November 2008. Our contact details are listed here.
Contact Details
To advertise on the Network website, or in the newsletter, please check the details on the
website.
If you would like to recommend the Network to a colleague or friend, details are published
here.
For contact details of the current Network Team, click here.
Disclaimer: The comments and opinions of authors expressed herein are those of the
author and do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Network.
The Network Newsletter
December 2008
International Business & Professional Network asbl (Established 1991)
The Network asbl
1, rue des Lilas
L-8084 Bertrange
e-mail: getintouch@the-network.lu
website: http://www.the-network.lu
President's Letter
Dear networkers,
I would like to thank everyone who donated items to our December Silent
Auction. In the same instance I would like to thank those who attended the
dinner and took part in the auction. The proceeds of the auction will be
donated in January. We raised 1,500€ and The Network will double that
amount. This year's donation goes to Arche de Noé Orphanage in Burundi. Suavis
Vanderveed is in Burundi at the moment and will hopefully be able to join us in January to
receive our donation.
I wish everyone happy holidays and look forward to spending time together in 2009. In
January Geraldine Knudson from the Ville de Luxembourg will discuss "A vision for
Luxembourg". Hope to see you there.
Lisa
Editor's Notes
Dear Networkers,
There is something very congenial about coming together in an informal
setting to share a meal and conversation with others, so I really enjoyed our
Christmas meal at El Companero. In the modern world where everything
happens at speed, it is pleasant to have the luxury of having time to sit and
talk with other members.
I read in an English newspaper that in these economically uncertain times, the
sale of ready meals is declining and the purchase of frozen food is on the increase. Next we
will be reading that families are sitting down and eating meals together as they don’t have
any money to go out. They may even have to start talking to each other, shock!, horror!, but
will all this be such a bad thing?
So whilst the gloom and doom news of the economic crisis unfolds and increasingly starts to
effect Luxembourg, as it will, don’t forget the changes it will bring may not necessarily all be
negative.
I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.
Fiona
Women of the Business Network
Author: Fiona Hampton
Marleen Lacroix
An exhibition of mosaics by an English mosaic artist at Bourglinster Castle
inspired Marleen to leave her job in a bank and rediscover her creative side.
Marleen told me that before she came to Luxembourg she had trained and
worked in graphic design and after working at a bank for several years she
had wanted to do something more creative but wasn’t sure what. As soon as
she saw the exhibition she knew that this was the direction she wanted to
take. Marleen now creates and sells her own pieces, holds her own
exhibitions and inspires others through courses that she runs at her spacious atelier
The word Mosaic for many conjures up the work of craftsmen of the Roman Empire.
Marleen’s artistic background and natural flair has transformed what is a traditional craft to a
new artistic level. Many of her pieces are abstract contemporary works that would and do
enhance many modern homes.
Marleen, who comes from the Flemish speaking part of Belgium, has lived in Luxembourg
for eighteen years. On coming to Luxembourg with her husband she wanted to retain her
independence and found a job in the Dutch bank who appreciated her ability to speak several
different languages. Marleen had trained at a time when computers were not used for design
and to return to graphic design would have meant further training to be able to work using a
computer which was not an option that appealed to her.
What services do you provide? In addition to making her own mosaic art work, Marleen also runs workshops and courses for
both adults and children. She has worked on mosaic projects in schools both creating her own
work and assisting school children to make their own mosaics from their own designs. She
also hopes to work in the future with tile companies in Luxembourg.
She also hosts mosaic parties for children which are always very popular. Marleen finds that
children are instinctively drawn to the bright colours of the glass tesserae and are less
inhibited than adults.
Marleen has also worked on interior projects incorporating her designs into showers, tables
and mirrors . She enjoys working with clients assisting them to choose colours and designs
that will enhance their decorating schemes. Marleen also works on exterior projects that
enhances out door spaces.
When and how did you set up in Business?
Marleen officially set up her business in 2005. In order to register her business she had to
present her work to a committee at the ‘Chambre de Metiers’ for approval. At the time she
was the first person to obtain the title “Mosaiste” , a title which previously did not exist in
Luxembourg.
What difficulties did you face and how did you overcome them? She found the most difficult aspect of setting up her own business was the marketing and
sales side as she is an artist not a sales person. She has found that people generally do not
appreciate how much time goes into producing a piece. Only those who have actually made a
mosaic can appreciate how time consuming it is.
Marleen would prefer to spend her time on creative aspects of her work and looks forward to
a time when she will be able to employ someone on a part time basis to do the marketing and
sales for her.
Marleen likes to work with coloured glass (tiffany glass and vitreous glass) and glass backed
with silver and gold leaf which are expensive. She holds three or four exhibitions a year
which helps to promote her work. She recently (December 6th – December 13th) had an
exhibition in the well know galery “Konsthaus Beim Engel” in the old part of Luxembourg.
If you would like to see Marleen’s work you can take a look at her website or visit her atelier.
Information about Marleen’s courses can also be found on her website.
www.mosaic.lu
Meeting in Review
Author: Melanie Salava, Station.lu
Understanding the Luxembourg Media Landscape
Pol Wirtz, Luxembourg media specialist, can inform and charm his audience. Before his
informational talk with the Professional and Business Women’s Network he declared: “If I
could have picked my audience in Luxembourg, I would have chosen this one. I have never
just had a female audience before.”
While reviewing Wirtz’s impressive resume of being a former journalist, the 1st Luxembourg
Headhunter, a Public Relations and Recruitment expert, and the “Father” of the 352, Network
President Lisa McLean lauded Wirtz’s ability to speak seven languages: German, English,
French, Italian, Letzeburgesch, and “Eechternoacher.” She exclaimed, tongue in check, over
the last dialect, “Why do I even bother…?”
For a tiny country, Luxembourg has a large, rich, and intricate media landscape. Since
organizations want to successfully disseminate their information the Network invited Pol
Wirtz of the New Media group to help make sense of Luxembourg’s media. About 45
members attended this packed meeting at the Sofitel Kirchberg on the 19th of November. He
gave a general overview of Luxembourg’s media, took a closer look at the main ones,
discussed its new developments and spoke about his 352/Business Review publications.
Wirtz told about the four main Daily Press Families:
- The Wort: this is the largest and oldest “hard-news” Luxembourg Daily by the Saint-Paul
Group. It has about an 80,000 readership and is owned by the Catholic Church. With a
politically Christian Conservative focus, it is the strongest newspaper in the world with the
most percentage distribution in any one country.
- Tageblatt: Luxembourg’s 2nd largest circulation of the Editpress group, with a 25,000
readership and a socialist union leftist approach.
- Journal: The 3rd largest readership of about 4,000, with a progressive liberal party
approach. It started as a reaction to the German liberal press and was nationalistic in the
beginning, but now has a more European bent. Many well–known politicians got their start
here.
- Zeitung: From the Communist party with a low readership. This began after World War II
to counter the Christian conservative and socialist voices they felt was not “left” enough.
Luxembourg experienced a media crisis where only The Wort was thriving. The government
knew having information controlled by one source was unhealthy and dangerous. They
wanted a way to encourage a multiplicity of viewpoints. The Parliament passed a “Law to
Support the Press” which delineated certain criteria for the government to provide the media
with some financial support.
A few of these standards include having only specific languages (must be German, French,
and/or Luxembourgish); hiring a certain number of employed journalists; filling a specified
amount of pages; publishing at daily or weekly intervals and utilizing a “general” approach,
not focusing on just one specific topic.
“There is a government employee whose only job is to take his ruler just to measure the news
space, weigh the paper, list the millimeters of photos, just to make sure the publications are in
compliance,” Wirtz said.
During the mid 60s radio broke open. The requests for television stations took awhile. Wirtz
explained some “pirate” stations operated before hand. “I had a friend who broadcast on a
hill near Arlon.
Like the press, Luxembourg’s laws only allow certain types of radio based on specific
conditions. RTL is the most successful radio and television venue due to much government
aid. They recycle and replicate their programs to save money. ARA, according to Wirtz, is
“clearly the top for English, with its hours from 6 in the morning till 2 in the afternoon. It is
an intelligent creation started for ‘minorities.’
Wirtz briefly shared about these four Monthlies: Business Review – this is connected with
the 352, and caters to CEO types. It has about 5,000 circulation and prides itself on its
content; Paper Jam – Has a great presentation with a table top book look. Their readership is
about 20,000; Forum - Represents the progressive right side of the Catholic church and
comments on all of Luxembourg life, not just religion. Each month they focus on a subject
and analyze it thoroughly; and Garden and Time – the largest association readership with a
club.
Finally, Wirtz proudly spoke about the 352, which is one of his ‘children.’ The 352 got its
origins from some business managers (mostly Americans and some British) asking Wirtz,
who was then a Public Relations head, to compile a small daily informational paper about
Luxembourg, since there was no English publication. It became so popular that it evolved to
later become the 352 (after some name changes and moves.)
Today Wirtz wants to get the Parliament to change the “Law to Support the Press” to include
support for English publications.
Wirtz believes there will always be room for all types of media: print, radio, internet and
television – just that the emphasis on which takes prominence will change over the
years. You can count on him to continue to charm and inform his audience wherever and
whoever it may be.
Upcoming Network Events
Next Network Meeting is the 14th January with Guest Speaker Geraldine Knudson of VDL
discussing a "Vision for Luxembourg"
The festival of "Winterlights"
This year Luxembourg is hosting a "Winterlights" festival from November 22 in 2008 to 4
January 2009
more information and a programme of events take a look at www.winterlights.lu
General Information
Deadline for the [month] 2008 Newsletter
Submissions for the [January 2009 newsletter should reach the Editor on or by [28th January
2009). Our contact details are listed here.
Contact Details
To advertise on the Network website, or in the newsletter, please check the details on the
website.
If you would like to recommend the Network to a colleague or friend, details are published
here.
For contact details of the current Network Team, click here.
Disclaimer: The comments and opinions of authors expressed herein are those of the
author and do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Network.
The Network Newsletter
December 2008
International Business & Professional Network asbl (Established 1991)
The Network asbl
1, rue des Lilas
L-8084 Bertrange
e-mail: getintouch@the-network.lu
website: http://www.the-network.lu
President's Letter
Dear networkers,
I would like to thank everyone who donated items to our December Silent
Auction. In the same instance I would like to thank those who attended the
dinner and took part in the auction. The proceeds of the auction will be
donated in January. We raised 1,500€ and The Network will double that
amount. This year's donation goes to Arche de Noé Orphanage in Burundi. Suavis
Vanderveed is in Burundi at the moment and will hopefully be able to join us in January to
receive our donation.
I wish everyone happy holidays and look forward to spending time together in 2009. In
January Geraldine Knudson from the Ville de Luxembourg will discuss "A vision for
Luxembourg". Hope to see you there.
Lisa
Editor's Notes
Dear Networkers,
There is something very congenial about coming together in an informal
setting to share a meal and conversation with others, so I really enjoyed our
Christmas meal at El Companero. In the modern world where everything
happens at speed, it is pleasant to have the luxury of having time to sit and
talk with other members.
I read in an English newspaper that in these economically uncertain times, the
sale of ready meals is declining and the purchase of frozen food is on the increase. Next we
will be reading that families are sitting down and eating meals together as they don’t have
any money to go out. They may even have to start talking to each other, shock!, horror!, but
will all this be such a bad thing?
So whilst the gloom and doom news of the economic crisis unfolds and increasingly starts to
effect Luxembourg, as it will, don’t forget the changes it will bring may not necessarily all be
negative.
I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.
Fiona
Women of the Business Network
Author: Fiona Hampton
Marleen Lacroix
An exhibition of mosaics by an English mosaic artist at Bourglinster Castle
inspired Marleen to leave her job in a bank and rediscover her creative side.
Marleen told me that before she came to Luxembourg she had trained and
worked in graphic design and after working at a bank for several years she
had wanted to do something more creative but wasn’t sure what. As soon as
she saw the exhibition she knew that this was the direction she wanted to
take. Marleen now creates and sells her own pieces, holds her own
exhibitions and inspires others through courses that she runs at her spacious atelier
The word Mosaic for many conjures up the work of craftsmen of the Roman Empire.
Marleen’s artistic background and natural flair has transformed what is a traditional craft to a
new artistic level. Many of her pieces are abstract contemporary works that would and do
enhance many modern homes.
Marleen, who comes from the Flemish speaking part of Belgium, has lived in Luxembourg
for eighteen years. On coming to Luxembourg with her husband she wanted to retain her
independence and found a job in the Dutch bank who appreciated her ability to speak several
different languages. Marleen had trained at a time when computers were not used for design
and to return to graphic design would have meant further training to be able to work using a
computer which was not an option that appealed to her.
What services do you provide? In addition to making her own mosaic art work, Marleen also runs workshops and courses for
both adults and children. She has worked on mosaic projects in schools both creating her own
work and assisting school children to make their own mosaics from their own designs. She
also hopes to work in the future with tile companies in Luxembourg.
She also hosts mosaic parties for children which are always very popular. Marleen finds that
children are instinctively drawn to the bright colours of the glass tesserae and are less
inhibited than adults.
Marleen has also worked on interior projects incorporating her designs into showers, tables
and mirrors . She enjoys working with clients assisting them to choose colours and designs
that will enhance their decorating schemes. Marleen also works on exterior projects that
enhances out door spaces.
When and how did you set up in Business?
Marleen officially set up her business in 2005. In order to register her business she had to
present her work to a committee at the ‘Chambre de Metiers’ for approval. At the time she
was the first person to obtain the title “Mosaiste” , a title which previously did not exist in
Luxembourg.
What difficulties did you face and how did you overcome them? She found the most difficult aspect of setting up her own business was the marketing and
sales side as she is an artist not a sales person. She has found that people generally do not
appreciate how much time goes into producing a piece. Only those who have actually made a
mosaic can appreciate how time consuming it is.
Marleen would prefer to spend her time on creative aspects of her work and looks forward to
a time when she will be able to employ someone on a part time basis to do the marketing and
sales for her.
Marleen likes to work with coloured glass (tiffany glass and vitreous glass) and glass backed
with silver and gold leaf which are expensive. She holds three or four exhibitions a year
which helps to promote her work. She recently (December 6th – December 13th) had an
exhibition in the well know galery “Konsthaus Beim Engel” in the old part of Luxembourg.
If you would like to see Marleen’s work you can take a look at her website or visit her atelier.
Information about Marleen’s courses can also be found on her website.
www.mosaic.lu
Meeting in Review
Author: Melanie Salava, Station.lu
Understanding the Luxembourg Media Landscape
Pol Wirtz, Luxembourg media specialist, can inform and charm his audience. Before his
informational talk with the Professional and Business Women’s Network he declared: “If I
could have picked my audience in Luxembourg, I would have chosen this one. I have never
just had a female audience before.”
While reviewing Wirtz’s impressive resume of being a former journalist, the 1st Luxembourg
Headhunter, a Public Relations and Recruitment expert, and the “Father” of the 352, Network
President Lisa McLean lauded Wirtz’s ability to speak seven languages: German, English,
French, Italian, Letzeburgesch, and “Eechternoacher.” She exclaimed, tongue in check, over
the last dialect, “Why do I even bother…?”
For a tiny country, Luxembourg has a large, rich, and intricate media landscape. Since
organizations want to successfully disseminate their information the Network invited Pol
Wirtz of the New Media group to help make sense of Luxembourg’s media. About 45
members attended this packed meeting at the Sofitel Kirchberg on the 19th of November. He
gave a general overview of Luxembourg’s media, took a closer look at the main ones,
discussed its new developments and spoke about his 352/Business Review publications.
Wirtz told about the four main Daily Press Families:
- The Wort: this is the largest and oldest “hard-news” Luxembourg Daily by the Saint-Paul
Group. It has about an 80,000 readership and is owned by the Catholic Church. With a
politically Christian Conservative focus, it is the strongest newspaper in the world with the
most percentage distribution in any one country.
- Tageblatt: Luxembourg’s 2nd largest circulation of the Editpress group, with a 25,000
readership and a socialist union leftist approach.
- Journal: The 3rd largest readership of about 4,000, with a progressive liberal party
approach. It started as a reaction to the German liberal press and was nationalistic in the
beginning, but now has a more European bent. Many well–known politicians got their start
here.
- Zeitung: From the Communist party with a low readership. This began after World War II
to counter the Christian conservative and socialist voices they felt was not “left” enough.
Luxembourg experienced a media crisis where only The Wort was thriving. The government
knew having information controlled by one source was unhealthy and dangerous. They
wanted a way to encourage a multiplicity of viewpoints. The Parliament passed a “Law to
Support the Press” which delineated certain criteria for the government to provide the media
with some financial support.
A few of these standards include having only specific languages (must be German, French,
and/or Luxembourgish); hiring a certain number of employed journalists; filling a specified
amount of pages; publishing at daily or weekly intervals and utilizing a “general” approach,
not focusing on just one specific topic.
“There is a government employee whose only job is to take his ruler just to measure the news
space, weigh the paper, list the millimeters of photos, just to make sure the publications are in
compliance,” Wirtz said.
During the mid 60s radio broke open. The requests for television stations took awhile. Wirtz
explained some “pirate” stations operated before hand. “I had a friend who broadcast on a
hill near Arlon.
Like the press, Luxembourg’s laws only allow certain types of radio based on specific
conditions. RTL is the most successful radio and television venue due to much government
aid. They recycle and replicate their programs to save money. ARA, according to Wirtz, is
“clearly the top for English, with its hours from 6 in the morning till 2 in the afternoon. It is
an intelligent creation started for ‘minorities.’
Wirtz briefly shared about these four Monthlies: Business Review – this is connected with
the 352, and caters to CEO types. It has about 5,000 circulation and prides itself on its
content; Paper Jam – Has a great presentation with a table top book look. Their readership is
about 20,000; Forum - Represents the progressive right side of the Catholic church and
comments on all of Luxembourg life, not just religion. Each month they focus on a subject
and analyze it thoroughly; and Garden and Time – the largest association readership with a
club.
Finally, Wirtz proudly spoke about the 352, which is one of his ‘children.’ The 352 got its
origins from some business managers (mostly Americans and some British) asking Wirtz,
who was then a Public Relations head, to compile a small daily informational paper about
Luxembourg, since there was no English publication. It became so popular that it evolved to
later become the 352 (after some name changes and moves.)
Today Wirtz wants to get the Parliament to change the “Law to Support the Press” to include
support for English publications.
Wirtz believes there will always be room for all types of media: print, radio, internet and
television – just that the emphasis on which takes prominence will change over the
years. You can count on him to continue to charm and inform his audience wherever and
whoever it may be.
Upcoming Network Events
Next Network Meeting is the 14th January with Guest Speaker Geraldine Knudson of VDL
discussing a "Vision for Luxembourg"
The festival of "Winterlights"
This year Luxembourg is hosting a "Winterlights" festival from November 22 in 2008 to 4
January 2009
more information and a programme of events take a look at www.winterlights.lu
General Information
Deadline for the [month] 2008 Newsletter
Submissions for the [January 2009 newsletter should reach the Editor on or by [28th January
2009). Our contact details are listed here.
Contact Details
To advertise on the Network website, or in the newsletter, please check the details on the
website.
If you would like to recommend the Network to a colleague or friend, details are published
here.
For contact details of the current Network Team, click here.
Disclaimer: The comments and opinions of authors expressed herein are those of the
author and do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Network.