DOS (continued)
Business Skills Training:

Also, I worked with BG Kazakhstan to establish a special entrepreneur training program at IBC. The trainings focus on topics covered in a typical MBA training program. BG and IBC have jointly conducted four training programs for entrepreneurs over the last 18 months.

First Mini MBA

In October 2004, IBC teamed with PRAGMA EDP and US Peace Corps to conduct our first Mini MBA program. The goal of the trainings was to improve the business skills of Uralsk enterprenuers. Each participant, who attended all five modules of the training received a Mini MBA certificate. (Master of Business Administartion).

The topics covered during the training: business planning, strategic planning, customer service, sales and financial management.

The trainings were conducted by US Peace Corps Volunteer, John Kirk and several PRAGMA EDP trainers.
Direct and Database Marketing Training:

In August 2005, IBC Group and BG Kazakhstan sponsored a 2 ? day training program focused on direct and database marketing for 40 entrepreneurs from Uralsk and the West Kazakhstan Oblast. The training seminar featured speakers from USAID EDP and American direct marketing expert Michele Stephens. Michele has over 20 years of experience in direct marketing and works with one of the largest direct marketing firms in America.

In this training program, we provided training on how to utilize direct and database marketing in business by delivering the right message, to the right target, at the right time. The training program was by invitation only and certificates were given to participants upon completion.

Key Trainer: Michele Stephens
3 Day Training: 1 August, 2006 – 3 August, 2006
Topics: Introduction to Direct Mail and Database Marketing, Best Practices in Direct, Mail and Database Marketing, Direct Mail Case Studies, Case Study Analysis, Creative, Showcase and Best Practices, Client Services and Client Satisfaction, Review Session and Roundtable Discussion

Trainer:EDP USAID
Topics: Marketing 101 and SWOT and STEP Analysis

Key Trainer’s Biography: Michele Stephens
Michele Stephens has over 20 years experience providing strategic database and relationship marketing planning and execution to clients across a wide range of industries. She was the account lead for an integrated team that delivered acquisition, retention and loyalty relationship marketing consulting for Procter & Gamble, Fisher-Price, Disney and Holland America Line accounts. She successfully developed and executed launch plans for new products for MovieBeam (Disney), and Pampers Premium Diapers utilizing a combination of consumer research, virtual test market simulation and in-market testing. Her team leadership successfully built the first Nestle USA marketing database and taught individual brands how to use the new asset. She currently leads the team that manages Hyatt Hotel’s Gold Passport global loyalty program.

Michele has a BS in Telecommunications from the University of Kentucky and an MBA from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University.

Advanced Mini MBA Training:

At the end of October 2005, IBC Group and BG Kazakhstan sponsored a 2 ? day training program designed to help 40 entrepreneurs across the West Kazkakhstan Oblast expand their skills in business. The program covered topics that would be taught in a typical American Masters of Business Administration graduate program.

The training also included a fun and unique networking activity at the local Pushkin Hotel. Each of the participants dressed up in an original Halloween costume to attend a Halloween Cocktail and Games Party, which was creatively hosted by the Pushkin Hotel.

3 Day Training: 31 October – 2 November 2006

Key Trainer: USAID CARANA - John Dreier
Topics: Organization Development 1, Organization Development 2, Business Ethics, Business Ethics with Corruption Role Play

Trainer: EDP USAID
Topics: Effective Negotiations, Negotiations Role Play, Financial Planning: Accounts Payable and Receivable, Financial Planning: Model practice

Trainer: IBC Group – Terry Young (US Peace Corps Volunteer)
Topics: Presentation skills and presentation skills break out session