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	<title>small-scale &amp;laquo; WordPress.com Tag Feed</title>
	<link>http://en.wordpress.com/tag/small-scale/</link>
	<description>Feed of posts on WordPress.com tagged "small-scale"</description>
	<pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:51:41 +0000</pubDate>

	<generator>http://en.wordpress.com/tags/</generator>
	<language>en</language>

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<title><![CDATA[อุตสาหกรรมผลิตภัณฑ์ป่าไม้ขนาดย่อม]]></title>
<link>http://sclaimon.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/%e0%b8%ad%e0%b8%b8%e0%b8%95%e0%b8%aa%e0%b8%b2%e0%b8%ab%e0%b8%81%e0%b8%a3%e0%b8%a3%e0%b8%a1%e0%b8%9c%e0%b8%a5%e0%b8%b4%e0%b8%95%e0%b8%a0%e0%b8%b1%e0%b8%93%e0%b8%91%e0%b9%8c%e0%b8%9b%e0%b9%88%e0%b8%b2/</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:39:38 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>SoClaimon</dc:creator>
<guid>http://sclaimon.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/%e0%b8%ad%e0%b8%b8%e0%b8%95%e0%b8%aa%e0%b8%b2%e0%b8%ab%e0%b8%81%e0%b8%a3%e0%b8%a3%e0%b8%a1%e0%b8%9c%e0%b8%a5%e0%b8%b4%e0%b8%95%e0%b8%a0%e0%b8%b1%e0%b8%93%e0%b8%91%e0%b9%8c%e0%b8%9b%e0%b9%88%e0%b8%b2/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[307451     อุตสาหกรรมผลิตภัณฑ์ป่าไม้ขนาดย่อม     Small-scale Forest Products Industries หลักการของอุ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><p>307451     อุตสาหกรรมผลิตภัณฑ์ป่าไม้ขนาดย่อม     Small-scale Forest Products Industries</p>
<p>หลักการของอุตสาหกรรมผลิตภัณฑ์ป่าไม้ขนาดย่อมระดับชนบท ชนิดของวัตถุดิบและผลิตภัณฑ์ป่าไม้ การวางแผนเพื่อลงทุนและเทคโนโลยีในการผลิตสํ าหรับผลิตภัณฑ์แต่ละชนิด สรุปอุตสาหกรรมชนบทและเทคโนโลยีที่เหมาะสมเท่าที่มีอยู่ในประเทศไทย</p>
<p>(Principles of processing technology applied to small-scale forest products industries; raw materials, types of products and forest products industries in Thailand; principles of investment planning and wood machining technology; forest products for construction. furniture, packaging, sports goods and musical instruments, wood crafts and other product, production of charcoal, gums, resins soil conditioner and other products.)</p>
<p>(307451 มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์)</p>
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<title><![CDATA[Ag Secretary Vilsack Awards $1.4 Million To Help Small &amp; Socially Disadvantaged Producers &amp; Cooperatives]]></title>
<link>http://purdueorganicandalternative.wordpress.com/2009/09/29/ag-secretary-vilsack-awards-1-4-million-to-help-small-socially-disadvantaged-producers-cooperatives/</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:12:08 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>purdueorganicandalternative</dc:creator>
<guid>http://purdueorganicandalternative.wordpress.com/2009/09/29/ag-secretary-vilsack-awards-1-4-million-to-help-small-socially-disadvantaged-producers-cooperatives/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[from: cattlenetwork.com &#8220;Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA has selec]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><p><em>from: cattlenetwork.com</em></p>
<p>&#8220;Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA has selected 10 organizations in eight states to receive $1.4 million in grants to assist small, socially disadvantaged agricultural producers and cooperatives in rural areas.</p>
<p>&#8220;These grants will help owners of family farms, cooperative members and small business owners to better market their products and services to add profit and efficiency to their operations,&#8221; Vilsack said. &#8220;President Obama and I believe in providing the stability and support these small-scale producers need to furnish fresh, locally produced goods to their customers, and these investments will help make that possible.&#8221;</p>
<p>This funding is being awarded through USDA Rural Development&#8217;s Small, Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grant Program, which is part of the Department&#8217;s ongoing effort to expand outreach to rural residents to ensure that all communities have equal access to USDA programs and services. Funding is being awarded to cooperatives or associations of cooperatives where at least 75 percent of the governing board or membership has annual gross agricultural product sales of $250,000 or less in the last three years. Grants can be used for product improvements, business plan development or economic development activities.&#8221;</p>
<p><a href="http://cattlenetwork.com/Ag-Secretary-Vilsack-Awards--1-4-Million-To-Help-Small---Socially-Disadvantaged-Producers---Cooperatives/2009-09-28/Article.aspx?oid=841077&#38;fid=CN-LATEST_NEWS_&#38;aid=760">Full Article Here</a></p>
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<title><![CDATA[Light on the Land Small-scale Logging field day: Sept. 19, Brainerd]]></title>
<link>http://myminnesotawoods.org/2009/09/10/light-on-the-land-small-scale-logging-field-day-sept-19-brainerd/</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:08:26 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Eli Sagor</dc:creator>
<guid>http://myminnesotawoods.org/2009/09/10/light-on-the-land-small-scale-logging-field-day-sept-19-brainerd/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Small-scale Logging Field Day: September 19, 2009, Brainerd. Download complete event details (PDF) S]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><p><strong>Small-scale Logging Field Day: September 19, 2009, Brainerd.</strong> <a href="http://myminnesotawoods.wordpress.com/files/2009/09/light-on-the-land-2009.pdf"><strong>Download complete event details</strong></a> (PDF)</p>
<p>Small-scale logging is a system and a range of equipment that increases logging flexibility and extends production seasons.  Small-scale logging is designed for harvesting operations where maneuverability is a primary concern.  It is not logging small trees and/or small volumes.<br />
<strong><br />
Why attend? </strong><br />
<a href="http://myminnesotawoods.wordpress.com/files/2009/09/light-on-the-land-2009.pdf"><img class="alignright" title="Brocure cover" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2584/3907108096_a6736c6817.jpg" alt="" width="191" height="500" /></a>Whether you are a logger, forester, woodland owner, or other land manager, this field day will show you how to maximize profitability through the use of small-scale logging and harvesting equipment, using efficient and safe techniques.</p>
<p>From tree  to finished product is the main theme of this event, with a focus on the private landowner.</p>
<p><strong>Equipment displays:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li> Peterson swing blade sawmill</li>
<li> Mulch-R&#8217;Down brush clearing</li>
<li>ATV arches</li>
<li>Farmi Winch</li>
<li>Portable Winch(TM)</li>
<li>Log-rite Tools</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Informational Displays and Forest Products:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li> Lumber drying</li>
<li> Lathe turnings</li>
<li> Custom log work</li>
<li> Growing mushrooms</li>
<li> Maple syrup</li>
<li> Silent Auction</li>
<li> Wood carving, crafts, furniture,</li>
<li>misc. lumber, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p>For more details, including schedule and registration information, <a href="http://myminnesotawoods.wordpress.com/files/2009/09/light-on-the-land-2009.pdf"><strong>check out the event brochure</strong></a> (PDF) or contact Gary Bradford at (218) 927-4599 or Patrick Lanin at (218) 764-3315.</p>
<p>This event is hosted by Northwoods Forestry Cooperative and the Brainerd Chapter of the <a href="http://minnesotaforestry.org"><strong>Minnesota Forestry Association</strong></a>.</p>
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<title><![CDATA[Pocket Art--Old and New]]></title>
<link>http://drawnasunder.wordpress.com/2009/09/09/pocket-art-old-and-new/</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:28:07 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>TML</dc:creator>
<guid>http://drawnasunder.wordpress.com/2009/09/09/pocket-art-old-and-new/</guid>
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<title><![CDATA[Pocket Art--Old and New]]></title>
<link>http://tuesdaypaints.wordpress.com/2009/09/09/pocket-art-old-and-new/</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:28:07 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>TML</dc:creator>
<guid>http://tuesdaypaints.wordpress.com/2009/09/09/pocket-art-old-and-new/</guid>
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<title><![CDATA[SOMALIA: CHRISTIAN SHOT DEAD NEAR KENYA BORDER]]></title>
<link>http://pbaptist.wordpress.com/2009/08/23/somalia-christian-shot-dead-near-kenya-border/</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2009 09:51:31 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Particular Kev</dc:creator>
<guid>http://pbaptist.wordpress.com/2009/08/23/somalia-christian-shot-dead-near-kenya-border/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Muslim extremists kill convert from Islam they were monitoring. NAIROBI, Kenya, August 22 (Compass D]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Muslim extremists kill convert from Islam they were monitoring. NAIROBI, Kenya, August 22 (Compass D]]></content:encoded>
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<title><![CDATA[New Opportunities for Small Flock Poultry Producers]]></title>
<link>http://purdueorganicandalternative.wordpress.com/2009/08/19/new-opportunities-for-small-flock-poultry-producers/</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:32:43 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>purdueorganicandalternative</dc:creator>
<guid>http://purdueorganicandalternative.wordpress.com/2009/08/19/new-opportunities-for-small-flock-poultry-producers/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[from: thepoultrysite.com &#8220;Casey Ritz, Extension Poultry Scientist at the University of Georgia]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><p><em>from: thepoultrysite.com</em></p>
<p>&#8220;Casey Ritz, Extension Poultry Scientist at the University of Georgia explains how small-scale producers can target or customise their production and marketing to capitalise on growing consumer trends in the July issue of the University&#8217;s Poultry Tips.&#8221;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/1493/new-opportunities-for-small-flock-poultry-producers">Full Article Here</a></p>
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<title><![CDATA[Couple find life on the farm satisfying]]></title>
<link>http://purdueorganicandalternative.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/couple-find-life-on-the-farm-satisfying/</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:50:37 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>purdueorganicandalternative</dc:creator>
<guid>http://purdueorganicandalternative.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/couple-find-life-on-the-farm-satisfying/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[from: timesdaily.com &#8220;They had never raised chickens and sold eggs until moving to the Shoals.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><p><em>from: timesdaily.com</em></p>
<p>&#8220;They had never raised chickens and sold eggs until moving to the Shoals. With a flock of more than 100 laying hens, the couple sell eggs from the free-range chickens at their home and on Saturday&#8217;s during the spring and summer at the farmers market. The demand for the eggs is so keen that they often have all the eggs sold before they arrive at the market.</p>
<p>&#8220;Our telephone rings all the time with customers wanting to order eggs and pick them up on Saturday morning.&#8221; Joy Herring said. &#8220;We never imagined when we began selling eggs that they would become so popular.&#8221;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20090813/ARTICLES/908135031/1011/NEWS?Title=Couple-find-life-on-the-farm-satisfying">Full Story Here</a></p>
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<title><![CDATA[Farm tours for beginning organic farmers planned for August, September]]></title>
<link>http://purdueorganicandalternative.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/farm-tours-for-beginning-organic-farmers-planned-for-august-september/</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:54:31 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>purdueorganicandalternative</dc:creator>
<guid>http://purdueorganicandalternative.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/farm-tours-for-beginning-organic-farmers-planned-for-august-september/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[from: hpj.com &#8220;A great way to learn about farming techniques is to visit successful operations]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><p><em>from: hpj.com</em></p>
<p>&#8220;A great way to learn about farming techniques is to visit successful operations. With the increased interest in organic farming, an opportunity is available for new and transitioning organic growers to visit farms and observe some of the methods of organic agriculture. </p>
<p>New Mexico State University College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and the New Mexico Organic Commodity Commission are presenting a series of seven farm tours that are being hosted by organic producers of a variety of crops throughout New Mexico. </p>
<p>&#8220;These farm walks are targeted at new or transitioning organic growers, or those thinking about converting to organic production. The aim is to provide them with an informal overview of approaches to pest management in organic systems, and perhaps more importantly, an opportunity to meet other growers and to learn from each other,&#8221; said Tess Grasswitz, NMSU Extension urban/small farm integrated pest management specialist.&#8221;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.hpj.com/archives/2009/aug09/aug10/0804organicfarmtoursrhPR1-p.cfm">More Info Here</a></p>
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<title><![CDATA[Gredig: Is Organic Losing its Luster?]]></title>
<link>http://purdueorganicandalternative.wordpress.com/2009/08/11/gredig-is-organic-losing-its-luster/</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:54:03 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>purdueorganicandalternative</dc:creator>
<guid>http://purdueorganicandalternative.wordpress.com/2009/08/11/gredig-is-organic-losing-its-luster/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[from: farms.com &#8220;I’ve watched the organic farming movement with interest over the past 10 year]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><p><em>from: farms.com</em></p>
<p>&#8220;I’ve watched the organic farming movement with interest over the past 10 years or so. It’s not because I have any philosophical motivation to become an organic producer – I’m interested because smaller scale crop operations have to look for every opportunity to derive more revenue and margin from every acre.</p>
<p>I have great respect for those producers who make the commitment to an organic production system and make it work. It requires a significant step-up in management and there is a steep learning curve to farming without herbicides and chemical fertilizers.</p>
<p>Having said this, I’ve not made the jump for a number of reasons.&#8221;</p>
<p><a href="http://farms.com/FarmsPages/Commentary/DetailedCommentary/tabid/192/Default.aspx?NewsID=22714&#38;CV=1">Full Story Here</a></p>
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<title><![CDATA[A Small-Scale Agriculture Alternative: Poultry]]></title>
<link>http://purdueorganicandalternative.wordpress.com/2009/08/07/a-small-scale-agriculture-alternative-poultry/</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2009 09:53:05 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>purdueorganicandalternative</dc:creator>
<guid>http://purdueorganicandalternative.wordpress.com/2009/08/07/a-small-scale-agriculture-alternative-poultry/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[from: thepoultrysite.com &#8220;The low investment and small area required to raise a flock of domes]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><p><em>from: thepoultrysite.com</em></p>
<p>&#8220;The low investment and small area required to raise a flock of domestic poultry makes this an ideal venture for the beginning small or part-time farmer. Domestic poultry can supplement family food supplies and small specialised poultry producers can sell to several niche markets. For example, producers can consider selling organic meat and eggs, brown eggs, range-reared meat and eggs, live birds for ethnic markets, and birds for hobby, leisure and purebred exhibition purposes. Most small speciality poultry enterprises raise chickens or waterfowl. </p>
<p>To ensure profitability, the small specialty poultry producer must do careful research on market opportunities. Successful producers for niche markets usually have unique products, good customer loyalty, limited competition and the ability to maintain a profit margin when in competition with larger businesses.&#8221;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/1495/a-smallscale-agriculture-alternative-poultry">Full Article Here</a></p>
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<title><![CDATA[Day 30 - Farming; “it’s like being a ninja.”]]></title>
<link>http://trailingtiffany.wordpress.com/2009/07/26/day-30-farming-%e2%80%9cit%e2%80%99s-like-being-a-ninja-%e2%80%9d/</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2009 14:49:09 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>trailingtiffany</dc:creator>
<guid>http://trailingtiffany.wordpress.com/2009/07/26/day-30-farming-%e2%80%9cit%e2%80%99s-like-being-a-ninja-%e2%80%9d/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Day 30 The average age of today’s farmer is 57, but they’re getting younger according to an article ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Day 30 The average age of today’s farmer is 57, but they’re getting younger according to an article ]]></content:encoded>
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<title><![CDATA[Slaughter, Processing and Sales Guidelines for Small Scale Producers]]></title>
<link>http://purdueorganicandalternative.wordpress.com/2009/07/23/slaughter-processing-and-sales-guidelines-for-small-scale-producers-2/</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:18:16 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>purdueorganicandalternative</dc:creator>
<guid>http://purdueorganicandalternative.wordpress.com/2009/07/23/slaughter-processing-and-sales-guidelines-for-small-scale-producers-2/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[from: thepoultrysite.com &#8220;The inspection status of a poultry slaughter establishment determine]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><p><em>from: thepoultrysite.com</em></p>
<p>&#8220;The inspection status of a poultry slaughter establishment determines where the poultry products can be distributed and sold &#8211; this is one of the main focuses of a new report from Iowa State University on poultry slaughter, processing and sales guidelines for small scale producers, writes TheMeatSite Senior Editor, Chris Harris.&#8221;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/1468/slaughter-processing-and-sales-guidelines-for-small-scale-producers">Full Article Here</a></p>
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<title><![CDATA[Magazine Debate: Value chains address poverty...?]]></title>
<link>http://researchintouse.wordpress.com/2009/06/29/magazine-debate-value-chains-address-poverty/</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:55:09 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>researchintouse</dc:creator>
<guid>http://researchintouse.wordpress.com/2009/06/29/magazine-debate-value-chains-address-poverty/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The June 2009 issue of the LEISA magazine opens the debate on the value of value chain development f]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><p>The June 2009 issue of the LEISA magazine opens the debate on the value of value chain development for poverty reduction.</p>
<p>Victor Attuquaye Clottey (Ghana) argues that innovative agri-business has the potential to get farmers out of the poverty chain. Farmers in northern Ghana doubled their incomes from selling farm products in 2005-2008.</p>
<p>Gertjan Becx on the other hand says that there are many constraints for small-scale farmers to become entrepreneurial. Only &#8220;pro-poor&#8221; value chains will benefit the neeediest farmers.</p>
<p>What do you think? Is value chain development indeed going to lead to rural development and less poverty? Can men and women benefit equally? Or are other strategies more promising? Click <a href="http://ileia.leisa.info/phorum-3.4.8a/read.php?f=1&#38;i=1489&#38;t=1489">here </a>to post your comments!</p>
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<title><![CDATA[Search ALL Craigslist - Kijiji - Backpage at RaveTrade.com ]]></title>
<link>http://ravetrade.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/search-all-craigslist-kijiji-backpage-at-ravetrade-com-2/</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2009 16:08:53 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>ravetrade</dc:creator>
<guid>http://ravetrade.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/search-all-craigslist-kijiji-backpage-at-ravetrade-com-2/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Hi, RaveTrade.com is a 100% Free Photo / Video / Mp3 Classifieds Now You Can : 1) &#8221; Search ALL]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><div>Hi,<br />
RaveTrade.com is a 100% Free Photo / Video  / Mp3 Classifieds</p>
<p>Now You Can :</p>
<p>1) &#8221; Search <span style="font-style:italic;">ALL</span> Craigslist &#8221; &#38;  <span class="yshortcuts">RaveTrade.com</span><span> </span> with One Click  !</div>
<p>2)  <span style="font-style:italic;">Super</span> <span style="font-style:italic;">Search</span> Kijiji.com &#38; BackPage.com !</p>
<p>3)  Upload a Dynamic Slideshow from Slide.Com !</p>
<p>RaveTrade.com Max. Exposure / Mainstream  Classifieds.</p>
<p>http://www.ravetrade.com</p>
</div>]]></content:encoded>
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<title><![CDATA[Hand-made clothing and thinking for one's self]]></title>
<link>http://dianestranz.wordpress.com/2009/03/01/hand-made-clothing-and-thinking-for-ones-self/</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2009 16:19:26 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>dianestranz</dc:creator>
<guid>http://dianestranz.wordpress.com/2009/03/01/hand-made-clothing-and-thinking-for-ones-self/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[I believe part of the answer to America&#8217;s economic crisis is a return to self-sufficient local]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><p>I believe part of the answer to America&#8217;s economic crisis is a return to self-sufficient local communities, including local small-scale farming and the establishent of individual and community gardens, as well as a shift to regional small-scale manufacturing to produce the FEW goods of necessity which justify automated mass-production.  I do not think, by and large, that clothing production should be automated &#8212; except for local small-scale plants which produce basic, hardy cloths (denim for example) used as a &#8217;staple&#8217; for many different things besides clothing.</p>
<p>Accordingly, I believe deeply in the value of handmade clothing (really I believe deeply in the value of handmade almost ANYTHING:  a person truly close to God is a person who knows how to work with his hands and loves working with his hands and VALUES working with his hands!  It is almost sinful to be blase about the value of your own hands). </p>
<p>This morning I was trying to find information online about a wonderful festival I attended outside Dallas in 1997 called &#8216;Sheep to Shawl.&#8217;  At that festival I met a couple who run a small sheep farm in Duncanville and who sell the wool from their sheep (which they shear themselves) to local individuals who card and dye it by hand, then sell to local purveyors of knitting yarns.  Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous.  Anyway, in doing that google search, I happened upon the blog of knitter and free-thinker Donna Druchunas, a resident of Colorado (you&#8217;ve got to love that state).  I hope Donna does not hate me (or sue me!), but I am going to reprint an excerpt of one of her blog posts here, because it is just too wonderful:</p>
<blockquote><p>Do you know how to think for yourself?  I didn&#8217;t learn this important skill until I was almost thirty years old.  In grade school I memorized times tables and spelling, in high-school I learned how to pass standarized tests, and in church I was taught to follow rules simply because they were written in the Bible.</p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p>Today, someone got pissed off at me on the Knit Design group because I said that I think that many knitters suffer from an inability think for themselves regarding their knitting because they got gipped in school. Instead of learning how to think, we were mostly taught what to think. This has consequences in many areas of life, including knitting.</p>
<p>We were talking about the differences between line-by-line instructions and charts, and I said that in my classes, I find that many people have troubles with charts because they try to translate each symbol into words and then translate the words into stitches on their needles. The techniques I teach allow knitters to move directly from symbol to stitch, without looking at the chart legend every few stitches. I try to help my students learn how to read their knitting, so they can also memorize the patterns they are working on and free themselves from needing to slavisly follow line-by-line instructions <em>or</em> charts.</p>
<p>When I teach lace knitting classes and show my students how to read their knitting so they can anticipate mistakes as they go, by matching their knitting up to a chart, instead of blindly following instructions without paying attention to the fabric on their needles, I always have 2 or 3 students who are so excited to learn that THEY are in charge of their knitting and that they can decide what is right and wrong in a pattern for themselves.</p>
<p>Too many knitters go along blithely following the line-by-line instructions in a pattern without understanding how knitting stitches are formed, what the shapes of garment pieces should look like, or how the stitches on their needles work to create the pattern stitches they are trying to make. Without these skills, they are destined to remain chained to patterns, always worried about what to do if there&#8217;s a mistake in the instructions. How freeing it is to grow past this beginner stage!</p>
<p>The person on the Knit Design group who attacked me, said I was being insulting by criticizing the US educational system. Far from it! Criticizing a faulty system has nothing to do with insulting the people who have gone through that system. The students in my classes are intelligent and bright women. But some of them have gotten ripped off by an educational system that did not give them the confidence or critical thinking skills they need to realize that they do not have to follow rules and stay inside the lines! I hope that confidence and independence are two things I can impart to all of my students, regardless of their knitting skill level or past educational history.</p>
<p>Do I still knit from patterns? Sure. Sometimes it&#8217;s relaxing to make a design that someone else has figured out for me! But my ability to understand the underlying logic of patterns and the structure of knitting stitches and garment shapes, means that I can continue even if there&#8217;s a mistake in the pattern or if I want to make some changes to the design to suit my own tastes and body shape.</p>
<p>If I didn&#8217;t learn to think for myself for almost thirty years, that just shows that it&#8217;s never too late to gain the confidence needed to stop being a follower.</p>
<p><em>Question Authority </em>is my favorite motto and it applies in knitting as much as anywhere else!</p></blockquote>
<p>Please check out Donna&#8217;s blog for yourself &#8212; and learn to knit!  My daughter Bethany knits (although I am ashamed to admit I do not:  I do cross-stitch and used to do crochet in my youth, but that is the limit of my needlecraft skill). </p>
<p>Donna can be found on the web at <a href="http://www.sheeptoshawl.com">www.sheeptoshawl.com</a>.  </p>
<p>Diane Stranz</p>
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<title><![CDATA[Source Note #19: Kentucky a model for broadband expansion (Chicago Tribune)]]></title>
<link>http://jeremycabalona.wordpress.com/2009/02/23/source-note-19-kentucky-a-model-for-broadband-expansion-chicago-tribune/</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:10:24 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>jeremycabalona</dc:creator>
<guid>http://jeremycabalona.wordpress.com/2009/02/23/source-note-19-kentucky-a-model-for-broadband-expansion-chicago-tribune/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Title: Kentucky a Model for Broadband Expansion Summary: A Chicago Tribune article that compares the]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><p>Title: <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-wired_bdfeb22,0,6274484.story">Kentucky a Model for Broadband Expansion</a></p>
<p>Summary: A Chicago Tribune article that compares the health care crisis in rural Kentucky to the current lack of technology in many areas of the state.  It also uses Kentucky as a blueprint for broadband expansion nationwide. </p>
<p>Topic: <a href="http://jeremycabalona.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/should/">Should the Obama administration make it a priority to increase broadband access nationwide?</a><br />
Category: Journalistic, Mainstream</p>
<p>What is it? An online article from the Chicago Tribune.<br />
Publication Information:  February 22, 2009<br />
Author:  Rebecca Cole: Washington Bureau<br />
Location: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-wired_bdfeb22,0,6274484.story<br />
Accessed: February 23, 2009</p>
<p>Support:<br />
- Dr. Raymond Wells<br />
- President Lyndon Johnson<br />
- A July 2008 Pew Internet American Life Project report<br />
- <a href="www.connectkentucky.org">ConnectKentucky</a><br />
- Brian Mefford, former head of ConnectKentucky and now chairman and chief executive of ConnectedNation<br />
- <a href="http://www.connectednation.com/">ConnectedNation</a><br />
- Art Brodsky, communications director for Public Knowledge<br />
- Tom Reavis, Tennessee clothes salesman</p>
<p>Most of these sources add to the argument of Kentucky as a microcosm to nationwide broadband expansion.  The Pew study gives specific details.  Mefford and Brodsky give their professional opinion on the matter.</p>
<p>Audience and Agenda:<br />
The Chicago Tribune is the most circulated newspaper in the Chicago metropolitan area, and it is the 8th largest newspaper in the United States. (in terms of circulation) The Chicago Tribune has an average daily circulation of 554,180 readers.  </p>
<p>Usefulness:<br />
This article suggests that Kentucky could be a microcosm for the nationwide rural broadband expansion plan.  It also made me aware of a major technology corporation, ConnectedNation, which the government may turn to help implement its expansion plans.  </p>
<p>Works cited:</p>
<p>http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-wired_bdfeb22,0,6274484.story</p>
<p>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_tribune</p>
<p>http://archives.chicagotribune.com/2006/oct/31/business/chi-0610310218oct31</p>
<p>http://www.connectednation.com/who_we_are/</p>
<p>www.connectkentucky.org</p>
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<title><![CDATA[Source Note #18: Massachusetts Broadband Initiative (Masstech)]]></title>
<link>http://jeremycabalona.wordpress.com/2009/02/23/source-notes-17/</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:48:35 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>jeremycabalona</dc:creator>
<guid>http://jeremycabalona.wordpress.com/2009/02/23/source-notes-17/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Title: Bridging the Digital Divide: Massachusetts Broadband Initiative Summary: This is a status rep]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><p>Title: <a href="http://www.masstech.org/broadband/MBIFebUpdate.html">Bridging the Digital Divide: Massachusetts Broadband Initiative</a></p>
<p>Summary: This is a status report and overview of the Massachusetts Broadband Act. The bill, which was signed in August 2008 by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devall_patrick">Governor Deval Patrick</a>, grants $40 million to be granted towards broadband expansion in Massachusetts. </p>
<p>Topic: <a href="http://jeremycabalona.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/should/">Should the Obama administration make it a priority to increase broadband access nationwide?</a><br />
Category: Institutional, Government </p>
<p>What is it? An article updating the status of the Massachusetts Broadband Act as of February 2009 from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.<br />
Publication Information: Februrary 2009<br />
Author: Massachusetts Technology Collaborative<br />
Location: http://www.masstech.org/broadband/MBIFebUpdate.html<br />
Accessed: February 23, 2009</p>
<p>Support:<br />
- <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devall_patrick">Governor Deval Patrick</a> (D-Massachusetts)<br />
- <a href="http://www.masstech.org/invite/bband808.html">Massachusetts Broadband Institute</a> (MBI)<br />
- <a href="http://www.masstech.org/AgencyOverview/whatwedo.htm">Massachusetts Technology Collaborative</a></p>
<p>There isn&#8217;t much support in this source because it is largely a layout of the Massachusetts Broadband plan.  Governor Patrick is cited because he is the author of the bill, and his specific words are included. The two governmental organizations are state institutions that intact the changes needed.</p>
<p>Audience and Agenda:  The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative is a Massachusetts state agency which works on issues pertaining to renewable energy and the &#8220;innovation economy.&#8221;  Its members include leaders from the fields of technology, academia, and the government.  Its purpose is to work with the Governor and state legislature on issues related to technology.  </p>
<p>Usefulness:  The Massachusetts Broadband Initiative provides an example of broadband expansion on a scale much smaller than that proposed by the Obama Administration.  The &#8220;<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stimulus_bill">Recovery Act</a>,&#8221; has $7.2 billion set aside for broadband, while this state initiative only has $40 million worth of funding.  It would be useful to look at the process that the state of Massachusetts has gone through in trying to achieve the same goals the Obama Administration seeks to achieve nationally. </p>
<p>Works cited:</p>
<p>http://www.masstech.org/broadband/MBIFebUpdate.html</p>
<p>http://www.masstech.org/broadband/MBIFebUpdate-p2.html</p>
<p>http://www.masstech.org/AgencyOverview/whatwedo.htm</p>
<p>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stimulus_bill</p>
<p>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devall_patrick</p>
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<title><![CDATA[Week 4.01: Online chat: A case study [short studies in IT]]]></title>
<link>http://johncummins.wordpress.com/2009/02/05/week-401-online-chat-a-case-study-short-studies-in-it/</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2009 20:25:20 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>vagabondrecon</dc:creator>
<guid>http://johncummins.wordpress.com/2009/02/05/week-401-online-chat-a-case-study-short-studies-in-it/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Article Review Kirkpatrick, G. (2005). Online chat facilities as pedagogic tools: A case study. Acti]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><p><strong>Article Review</strong></p>
<p>Kirkpatrick, G. (2005). <a href="http://alh.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/6/2/145">Online chat facilities as pedagogic tools: A case study.</a> <em>Active Learning in Higher Education</em>, 6(2), 145.</p>
<p>This is a sweet short study that actually only took 1 class period to complete. The 3rd year sociological reserach methods course was designed to help students think on their own and was taken after 1 year of research statistics and a second year of a more conventional lab research class. This class was designed to help the students think more on their feet. The first semester students worked together in groups to design research studies they would implement in the second semester. The class normally consisted of a brief review of the case study from the week before to refresh students before the 2 hour seminar. Students unused to &#8220;lack of direction&#8221; were given this time to briefly review and see where and what they had done on their own in their groups.</p>
<p>Students were overwhlemingly female (92.5%) and the number of students in the study was 40 (n=40).  Students had been used to discussing a participating in this particular course. Each week would typically begin with a discussion of an article (similar to Jay&#8217;s class) from the week before. After an hour of discussion the students would break up into groups, a problem presented (research problem) and each group would arrive at solutions to the problem. For this particular study, the students were to develop a questionnaire to assess small group researchers and be ready to discuss it the next week in the Blackboard chat or virtual class (VC).</p>
<p>The week of the VC the facilitator, in week 3 of class, did a 2 hour class in the Blackboard chat. The normal procedure for class was followed, with each groups questionnaire for assessment from the week before put up on the discussion board. Students were also given a website to explore. The facilitator served as the tutor in the VC. A teaching log was kept along with the log of the actual chat and the archive was analyzed for meaning. the author developed 4 types of student beahavior from the archived log: working, self-conciousness, setting up, and irrelevance. While the teacher perceived a lot of noise, the actual amount of irrelevance was only 3% of the chat. The largest chunk of chat was devoted to working (45%), followed by self-consciousness (27%), and setting up (25%). So, students were fairly on task.</p>
<p>Students do not see the importance of VC or of getting to meet fellow workers on line. They see a problem with chat taking time that is unnecessary. Solutions to this &#8220;problem&#8221; include having an assessment aspect built into these VC sessions in the future. All students found the chat easy to use and enjoyed it. One aspect that the facilitator noticed was that comments normally deemed to be trivial in class in the VC are seen as important as the facilitator&#8217;s comments and thus, seem to carry more weight than in a regular classroom. This seemed hard on the teacher initially and the teacher also had to exert authority that seemed harsh early on to get students on task. Talk that seemed nonsensical and that has been reported as such in other studies actually was deemed to not be any greater than the background buzz in a typical classroom.</p>
<p>I really like this study because it basically took 2 hours to complete minus the hours of analysis.</p>
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<title><![CDATA[The collapse of GTV, football and what it means to the African entrepreneur]]></title>
<link>http://ict4entrepreneurship.com/2009/02/02/the-collapse-of-gtv-and-what-it-means-to-the-african-entrepreneur/</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:38:21 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>zia505</dc:creator>
<guid>http://ict4entrepreneurship.com/2009/02/02/the-collapse-of-gtv-and-what-it-means-to-the-african-entrepreneur/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[African entrepreneurs invest in GTV Football Football in Africa is a passion shared from Morocco to ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><div id="attachment_433" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://mediaflip.wordpress.com"><img class="size-full wp-image-433" title="GTV Football Africa" src="http://mediaflip.wordpress.com/files/2009/02/getattachmentaspx1.jpeg" alt="African entrepreneurs invest in GTV Football" width="500" height="280" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">African entrepreneurs invest in GTV Football</p></div>
<p>Football in Africa is a passion shared from Morocco to South Africa. The recent Africa Cup in Ghana was probably one of the most watched events in the continent&#8217;s history. The British Primier League is also a favorite and you can find the games on tv in almost any African town or village. When GTV announced their satellite service football fans celebrated across the continent. So did a lot of African entrepreneurs who saw the opportunity to meet demand with GTV&#8217;s offer of premiership games.</p>
<p>It was said that GTV as a business depended on two ideas &#8211; football and price. Capturing Premier League rights, in a $30 million, three-year deal was the foundation the company aimed to build on. But despite some 700 million dollars in investment, GTV pulled the plug and television screens across the continent lost connection. The company&#8217;s board explained, “The current financial and global crisis has severely interrupted the company’s ability to secure further funding for the continued operation of the business.&#8221; And just like that, the company&#8217;s rush to expand across Africa comes to a stand still. This is hard to believe when the company had predicted a break even towards the end of 2009.</p>
<p>But the real problem isn&#8217;t with the big investor but with the small one. When GTV closes its doors it leaves out small scale entrepreneurs dotted across the continent. All of the hopeful business men and woman that made the &#8216;GTV Investment.&#8217;  These entrepreneurs put their money in a dish, a GTV decoder, smart card and the usually high installation costs. Not to mention the subscription fees that sometimes needed to be paid 12 months in advance. It wasn&#8217;t a surprise to learn the football games were only available as part of the most expensive package. What happens to these investments now?</p>
<p>Elias Biryabarema writes in The Monitor, &#8220;Football fans of the English Premier League will be the most disappointed after GTV, British-based pay satellite television company succumbed to the global financial turmoil, and with immediate effect switched off its signal worldwide. 45 permanent employees of the GTV Uganda lost their jobs instantly, more than 300 dealers and business partners, 7,000 subscribers are affected and tens of thousands of English Premiership viewers will miss their favorite weekend sit-outs.&#8221;</p>
<p>Its a shame, but I think both the fans and the entrepreneurs miss out on this one.</p>
<blockquote><p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-435" title="GTV Logo" src="http://mediaflip.wordpress.com/files/2009/02/logo.png" alt="GTV Logo" width="121" height="66" /></p></blockquote>
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<p><strong>GTV PRESS STATEMENT ON LIQUIDATION</strong></p>
<p><strong>LONDON – 30 January 2009 &#8211; Gateway Broadcast Services</strong> announced today that its Board of Directors has unanimously approved a plan to liquidate the Company.</p>
<p>The current financial and global crisis has severely interrupted the company’s ability to secure further funding for the continued operation of the business.</p>
<p>The company has worked extensively with external advisors and all internal resources to investigate, evaluate and analyze strategic alternatives for the Company to further continue to operate. In determining to approve the Company&#8217;s plan of Liquidation, the board and management carefully reviewed the advice and findings.</p>
<p>Gateway Broadcast Services, suppliers of the GTV service to subscribers across Africa has over the last 2 years invested a total of US$200 million and created jobs and competition in the 22 markets. The economic crisis that has emerged globally over the last few months has caused excessive demands on the business.</p>
<p>With immediate effect the service will be withdrawn.</p>
<p>“Increased instability in global markets interrupted our ability to secure funding on an acceptable timescale and have left us no choice but to cease operations,” said a company spokesman.</p>
<p>“We realise the negative impact this has had on our loyal customers, creditors and staff, all of who have believed in GTV and the revolution in pay TV it had created. We have tried every possible step to keep the company going but we are all the unfortunate victims of the current global economic crisis.”</p></div>
<div style="padding:5px;">Thank you.</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="padding:5px;"><strong>Interesting to read that Naspers is now looking to bid for the rights to broadcast English Premier League football in Africa.</strong></div>
<div style="padding:5px;"><a href="http://vcafrica.ning.com/profiles/blogs/naspers-is-looking-at-bidding"><strong>Read more. </strong></a></div>
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<title><![CDATA[Designer Crafts at the Mall Galleries]]></title>
<link>http://clarepardoephioro.wordpress.com/2009/01/05/designer-crafts-at-the-mall-galleries/</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:29:51 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>clarepardoephioro</dc:creator>
<guid>http://clarepardoephioro.wordpress.com/2009/01/05/designer-crafts-at-the-mall-galleries/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Just a quick blog today to remind you that I will be exhibiting at Designer Crafts next week at the ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><p><span style="color:#888888;">Just a quick blog today to remind you that I will be exhibiting at </span><a title="Designer Crafts Exhibition" href="http://www.designercrafts.org.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#888888;">Designer Crafts</span></a><span style="color:#888888;"> next week at the Mall Galleries, this is an inspiring event with work ranging from textiles,</span><a href="http://www.phioro.com" target="_blank"><span style="color:#888888;"> jewellery, silversmithing</span></a><span style="color:#888888;">, ceramics, glass, furniture and wood. Everything you need to get your creative juices flowing and find something to take home with you for the new year. Both established </span><a title="Clare Pardoe's webpage" href="http://www.phioro.com"><span style="color:#888888;">designer-makers</span></a><span style="color:#888888;"> and the newest talent will be showcasing their work in the exhibition so don&#8217;t miss out! I will be showcasing my current work and some new pieces never seen before. Do pop down and take a peek.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#888888;">Hope to see you there!</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#888888;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-87" title="designer crafts at the mall 2009" src="http://clarepardoephioro.wordpress.com/files/2009/01/dcatthemall09-copy.jpg" alt="designer crafts at the mall 2009" width="450" height="690" /></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#888888;">The Mall, London, SW1 (near Admirality Arch off Trafalgar Square)</span></p>
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<title><![CDATA[Petits métiers d'avenir]]></title>
<link>http://sansconcessions.wordpress.com/2008/09/29/petits-metiers-davenir/</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:11:41 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Rabin</dc:creator>
<guid>http://sansconcessions.wordpress.com/2008/09/29/petits-metiers-davenir/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Anahita et d’autres promoteurs d’« Integrated Resorts Schemes » bien intentionnés auront beau lancer]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><p>Anahita et d’autres promoteurs d’« Integrated Resorts Schemes » bien intentionnés auront beau lancer des « Centres d’excellence » à travers l’île. L’« Empower-ment Programme » aura beau s’ingénier à trouver les meilleures formules de reconversion possibles pour des ouvriers peu qualifiés. Mille caravanes de l’entrepreneuriat pourront sillonner l’île. Mais les résultats escomptés ne seront pas au rendez-vous. Ils resteront mitigés. À moins que l’on ne se décide à travailler collectivement pour corriger nos faiblesses.</p>
<p>Le premier handicap à surmonter est le manque d’inventivité et de flair du Mauricien. Quand il est salarié, il rechi-gne à changer radicalement de secteur. Ou à se former pour gagner davantage. Quand il se rêve entrepreneur, le Mau-ricien joue avant tout aux opportunistes. Ne saisissant alors sa chance que si elle lui est mise sous le nez. Sinon, il se contente de copier la recette du voisin. Qui lui-même a été vaguement inspiré par une autre personne qui lui a juré qu’il y a de l’avenir dans la culture hydroponique, les confitures, la confection d’objets artisanaux basiques ou « enn ti baz minn ».</p>
<p>Malheureusement, presque tout le monde s’évertue à passer à côté d’une manne méconnue – donc forcément encore largement inexploitée à Maurice. Celle des métiers de services aux personnes. Qui n’obligent pas les potentiels entrepreneurs à être titulaires de diplômes universitaires de haut vol en finance ou en informatique. Mais qui nécessitent, en revanche, qu’ils aient une vision claire de services qui seront demandés dans le pays.</p>
<p>Les conclusions d’un récent rapport du Centre d’analyse stratégique du ministère du Travail français sont, à bien des égards, très instructives et transposables au contexte local. Ce document de prospective sur « Les métiers en 2015 » établit que les emplois du secteur des services à la personne vont connaître une croissance exponentielle.</p>
<p>À Maurice, deux facteurs concomitants aideront à stimuler la demande dans ce secteur. Le phénomène du vieillissement de la population est bien réel. Selon les statistiques officielles, 20 % des Maur-iciens étaient âgés de plus de 50 ans en juillet 2006. Ce pourcentage croîtra d’année en année. Ce qui laisse présager une plus forte demande pour les métiers liés au bien-être et à l’encadrement des seniors de notre pays.</p>
<p>Certes, avec de faibles revenus mensuels, peu de retraités vivant seuls pourront se permettre d’avoir recours aux services de personnes qui les aideront dans certaines tâches quotidiennes, ou qui viendront, par exemple, contrôler leur prise de médicaments ou faire des relevés basiques de température ou de tension artérielle. Mais une classe de retraités « can spend » existe et croîtra. C’est un marché niche de quelques milliers de personnes. Qui demanderont néanmoins à bénéficier de services personnalisés, et qui paieront pour…</p>
<p>Avec l’implantation des IRS et des arrivées touristiques qui flirteront avec les deux millions d’ici dix ans, une nouvelle catégorie de clients intéressera le secteur de services aux personnes. Les nouveaux résidents permanents du pays, ces « High Networth Individuals », seront de gros demandeurs de services à domicile.</p>
<p>Et pourvu qu’on satisfasse leurs exigences et autres critères de qualité, ils seront également prêts à débourser ce qu’il faut pour rémunérer leurs prestataires de services. La palette de métiers et de micro créneaux envisageables est infinie. On peut penser aux coupes et soins esthétiques et corporels à domicile. Aux coachs personnels de yoga, taï chi, « reiki », méditation ou de fitness. À une activité de jardinier paysagiste, de toiletteur pour chiens, ou encore de nettoyeur de piscine. Il suffit de réfléchir et d’imaginer à tout ce dont un couple avec ou sans enfants, un homme d’affaires vivant seul, ou une personne âgée peuvent avoir comme besoins pour trouver des possibilités de métiers ou de création d’entreprise spécialisée dans la prestation d’un service.</p>
<p>Les opportunités sont là. Il s’agit de les identifier. Et de bien s’organiser pour les exploiter. Chacun a le choix. Soit on ne se sent pas l’âme d’un entrepreneur, et dans ce cas, moyennant une formation ou un perfectionnement dans le domaine choisi, on peut espérer devenir salarié d’une entreprise prestataire de service. On peut aussi avoir l’âme d’un fonceur. Concevoir un projet, lancer son entreprise, seul ou avec des associés. Puis acheter le matériel nécessaire, de coupe, de taille, de soins pour exercer son nouveau métier. Au besoin, recruter des salariés. Le cercle vertueux est enclenché.</p>
<p>Mais il ne faut pas néanmoins perdre de vue certains impératifs. Fournir un mauvais service ou à un mauvais rapport qualité prix, c’est déjà garantir en partie l’échec de son entreprise. C’est pourquoi le secteur demandera à être réglementé efficacement. Avec l’exigence d’un haut niveau de qualité et de sérieux de ses prestataires.</p>
<p>Pour cela, la mise en place de certaines structures est cruciale. Le gouvernement doit cesser de repousser la création des Chambres des métiers sine die. Un secteur peu réglementé attirera sans doute une flopée de « braconniers » qui ne chercheront qu’à plumer des clients crédules. Il faut que des Guildes se mettent en place rapidement pour assurer une formation et un niveau de qualité adéquats pour les prestataires de services. Les Chambres des métiers devront également participer à une politique de validation des acquis et d’accréditation qui permettra aux prestataires et à leurs salariés de bénéficier de labels de qualité ou de diplômes garants de leur sérieux et de leur professionnalisme.</p>
<p>Aujourd’hui, comme hier, ce ne sont pas les opportunités qui font défaut. Il nous manque seulement des entrepreneurs innovants…</p>
<p>publié le 10 juin 2007</p>
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