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AMBIT Ebusiness 2003 Rated a Success

Twelve managers of companies from a wide range of industries in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties of the Republic of Ireland rated the 2003 E-Business Program an overwhelming success. The program ran from December 1-12. As part of the program, the participants spent three days visiting various companies across the U.S. to see how e-business is being used in their specific industry. The host companies donated their time and knowledge to show these managers their e-business systems and to discuss how e-business fits into their overall business strategies.

Kinetic Communications Hosts Visitor from Ireland

Kinetic Communications of Birmingham, Alabama, hosted Joe Doherty of Moville Clothing Company in the Republic of Ireland. Kinetic Communications is an Internet technology studio specializing in web site development, video production and interactive multimedia presentations. Mr. Doherty explored the latest web development technologies and learned how Kinetic is utilizing those technologies to help companies grow their businesses. Jay Brandrup, Principal for Kinetic Communications, says, "Kinetic has had great success partnering with international companies to develop their e-business tools, and I believe sharing those experiences with Joe helped him get a better idea of the unlimited potential the web can offer for companies like Moville Clothing."

Minnesota Technology, Inc. Trains Visitors in Ebusiness

The AMBIT program participants also attended training in Washington, DC, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, provided by Minnesota Technology, Inc. (MTI). The training helped the participants focus on their core business as the driver for technology acquisitions. Jan Hepola, the lead e-business trainer for the MTI team, explains, "We want to move away from the idea that e-business is a separate piece and realize that it's just part of the business. We don't want to focus on technology for technology's sake: it is a tool to improve your internal business processes and external relationships with customers and business partners." Among other topics, trainer and guest speakers discussed web marketing, technical and creative aspects of web design, search engine strategies, customer relationship management, knowledge management, and Internet security. While the focus of AMBIT is on providing U.S. management training for the interns, other benefits are realized, including shared professional expertise and insights into the European business climate. These valuable experiences enhance prospects for mutual trade. The Director of the AMBIT Program at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Tracy Rollins, says, "Our goal is for these managers to take back practical knowledge that they can immediately apply. Our return on investment will be the new relationships created between our companies and theirs."