In an effort to assist Bahamian businesses deal with the effects of sweeping changes in global trade, Jones Communications (International) Limited will hold the second annual Showcase Bahamas trade exhibition September 7 and 8 at the Nassau Marriott Resort.
During the trade show, merchants will get the opportunity to showcase their goods. The event will also provide a forum to address a number of timely issues in the country.
Announcing Showcase 2002, Chief Executive Officer, Wendall Jones said, “the issues facing the Bahamian business sector in the early years of this new millennium are complex, uncertain and indeed somewhat daunting.
“The comfort zones of the past are rapidly disappearing and the only thing that now appears certain is that “business as usual” is clearly no longer an option.
“The changes and challenges that lie ahead, many of which have already started, are well recognized by most business persons in The Bahamas, both in the public and private sectors.
They include the many-faceted aspects of globalization itself, market liberalization, new regional trading arrangements, the end of trade and other preferences, the advent of global competition and the rapid advances being made in information and communication technology. It is against this background that this year’s Showcase is mounted.
Mr. Jones said that the alliance between Jones Communications and the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation on the staging of this trade show is of strategic importance, as it makes a powerful statement of the government’s resolve to empower Bahamian businesses through the use of media to drive economic and social arrangements.
The commitment of the new Minister of Trade and Industry, the Honourable Leslie Miller to pull together all of the required resources and to sponsor this event financially speaks volumes, he said.
Minister Miller said that this event demonstrates BAIC’s commitment to promoting things Bahamian. Showcase will greatly assist entrepreneurs to develop additional markets for their products, and show Bahamians many high quality locally made products, he said.
The minister wants the trade show to be the signature event for exchange between retailers and manufacturers in the country.
Mr. Jones said his media company is pleased that so many businesses in New Providence have once again enthusiastically responded to this year’s event by agreeing to display their goods and explain their services at Showcase 2002.
Between 50 and 70 booths will be open to the public, displaying goods and services of business houses operating in Nassau and the Family Islands.
Mr. Jones pointed out several changes between last year’s show and this one. This year, all seminars will be held in the salon next door to the exhibition hall, eliminating the need for attendees to go “in search” of the correct meeting room. The very popular fashion show will this year be held in the main exhibition hall. It is felt that doing it this way, with the models moving about among the attendees, would make the show more “personal”.
Speakers for the seminars will include: Dr. Mildred Hall (Women’s Health Issues); Dr. Patrick Cargill (Cardiology) and Dr. Gregory Neil (Reconstructive Surgery); Mr. Ricky Chea (Financial Planning); Attorney Tanya Wright (Estate Planning); and Dr. Wayne Thompson (Relationships). Mr. Jones noted that the number of seminars has been reduced to allow attendees time to stroll the exhibition hall at a relaxed pace.
On Sunday, September 8, attendees will be entertained by the sounds of “Quartet Bon Jour”, a classical string quartet, which plays selections ranging from Mozart to The Beatles.
