“It is our intention to continue promoting economic development and tourism in our city and abroad through the exposure of arts & culture. We are outlining a working model for future generations to use in efforts to further breakthrough and make connections with Africa.” Damon J. Batiste, President of NOSACONN, stated.
Ernest Kelly, president of the International Arts Foundation added, “This is an ongoing effort to continue to focus on a broad spectrum of business concerns within the realm of tourism, technology, entertainment, air transportation and housing. Over the past few years we recognize a need for New Orleans to reach out to Africa as New Orleans has a great concentration of Africans.”
Kelly continued, “We have seen a growth in the interest of business opportunity and exchange as well as a merging of infrastructures. This is the main objective of the Doing Business with Africa forum.” The IAF joins the City of New Orleans and the World Trade Center of New Orleans in presenting ambassadors and business leaders, local and State officials in presenting the “Doing Business with Africa” forum. The forum will be at The World Trade Center of New Orleans at from
8:00 am to 3:00 pm on Thursday November 11th.
During the “Doing Business with Africa” forum United States government initiatives for international business exchange will be discussed. Communication between the City of New Orleans and the City of Durban, South Africa has already been established through the efforts of Ernest Kelly and Damon J. Batiste. “Plans are being confirmed for a New Orleans style entertainment district, which in itself will initiate an economic stimulus to both cities.” Stated Ernest Kelly, President of Ernest Kelly Accountants, LLC, a 20 year old New Orleans based business that understands the needs of international business exchange
Highlights include: Educational Workshops highlighting African Culture & Tradition in conjunction with the 47th Anniversary of the African Studies Association National Convention, African Jazz/Student Exchange, Africa Business Networking & Music for Africa Fashion Show, As well as international entertainment presentations by Ferro Gaita (Cape Verde Islands, West Africa), Lion King & Zulu Warriors (SA), Musi Manzini (SA) and Carlos Burity (Angola) and New Orleans’s own the Batiste Brothers and youth sensation Jonathan Batiste.
Making the Connection Week: Cultural Exchange was formed by Damon J. Batiste who saw first hand the vast opportunity of growth international business exchange could afford both New Orleans and Africa. For the past five years he and Ernest Kelly traveled extensively through South Africa. NOSACONN and The IAF have combined experiences with the international business exchange and present the opportunity as a platform for networking, gathering information and experiencing international arts and culture to the community.
http://www.nosaconn.com/ or http://www.internationalartsfestival.com/ – for complete schedule & details
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