2008

The Network Newsletter

January 2008

International Business & Professional Network asbl (Established 1991)

The Network asbl

45, rue des Templiers

L-7343 STEINSEL

e-mail: [email protected]

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 [email protected] .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.

mailto:[email protected]

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.




- IBAN: LU58 0080 5333 3500 1003


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

http://www.ccrn.lu/

http://www.we-mentor.eu/

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:

[email protected]

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


http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueduSoleil/en/showstickets/varekai/tickets/london.htm

http://www.theatres.lu/

http://www.luxexpo.lu/

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.

http://www.rockhal.lu/



http://www.the-network.lu/Committee.php

http://www.the-network.lu/Advertise.php


http://www.the-network.lu/MembershipRates.php




February 2008


The Network asbl

1, rue des Lilas

L-8084 Bertrange



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.




- IBAN: LU58 0080 5333 3500 1003


regards,

Gosia


"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?

http://www.the-network.lu/Calendar.php?mode=event&id=122

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

http://www.economist.com/

http://www.economist.com/

http://www.executivetravel.com/

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 [email protected]. 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: [email protected]

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


Contact Details


website.








here.





March 2008


The Network asbl

1, rue des Lilas

L-8084 Bertrange



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:




- IBAN: LU58 0080 5333 3500 1003


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

http://www.mba2u.org/

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 ([email protected]) 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

([email protected]), avant le 16 mars prochain.


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

([email protected] or [email protected]) 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


Contact Details


website.


here.











April 2008


The Network asbl

1, rue des Lilas

L-8084 Bertrange



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!


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.


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.

http://www.energysavingadvice.co.uk/

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://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%20home%20series/Green%20ways%20to%20heat%20your%20home4.pdf

http://case.glam.ac.uk/sewsn/documents/Science%20Shops%20Leaflets/Energy%20at%20home%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

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/


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


website.


here.




http://www.gaerten-ohne-grenzen.de/








May 2008


The Network asbl

1, rue des Lilas

L-8084 Bertrange



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.


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 [email protected].

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

http://www.eco.public.lu/energyefficient

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


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


Contact Details


website.


here.




http://www.ot-nancy.fr/uk/centre_historique/index.php








June 2008


The Network asbl

1, rue des Lilas

L-8084 Bertrange



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

http://www.cid-femmes.lu/

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: [email protected] )

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

http://206.14.230.210/exhibitions/index?key=4&language=en

http://206.14.230.210/exhibitions/index?key=4&language=en

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

http://www.summerinthecity.lu/html_en/programme.html

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.


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]


Contact Details


website.


here.











September 2008


The Network asbl

1, rue des Lilas

L-8084 Bertrange



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!

http://www.discover-luxembourg.lu/

http://www.wine-pages.com/guests/tom/luxemb

See you there.

Fiona Hampton


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


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

[email protected] 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



http://www.theseconddegree.com/

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


website.


here.











October 2008


The Network asbl

1, rue des Lilas

L-8084 Bertrange



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 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


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.


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.


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?


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!

http://www.culture-at-work.com/


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


Submissions for the November 2008 newsletter should reach the Editor on or by

12th November 2008. Our contact details are listed here.

Contact Details


website.


here.











November 2008


The Network asbl

1, rue des Lilas

L-8084 Bertrange



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;

[email protected] 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

mailto:[email protected]%20One

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


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.


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.


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

http://www.station.lu/

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: [email protected]


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.


Name: Lynne Thill-Pressman

Nationality: USA

http://www.willetraining.eu/


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.


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


website.


here.





December 2008


The Network asbl

1, rue des Lilas

L-8084 Bertrange









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


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


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

http://www.mosaic.lu/

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.


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


Submissions for the [January 2009 newsletter should reach the Editor on or by [28th January

2009). Our contact details are listed here.

Contact Details


website.


here.




http://www.winterlights.lu/








December 2008


The Network asbl

1, rue des Lilas

L-8084 Bertrange



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


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


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,

http://www.mosaic.lu/

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.


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


Submissions for the [January 2009 newsletter should reach the Editor on or by [28th January

2009). Our contact details are listed here.

Contact Details


website.


here.




http://www.winterlights.lu/







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