5 Marketing Tips To Make Your Local Business Unforgettable

Business News

Local businesses may dream about eventual worldwide recognition, but it’s more important to attract local attention first. Making your business stand out in your community requires creating and maintaining a connection with customers. Many marketing strategies can help you achieve results. Here are five marketing tips to make your local business unforgettable. 1. Build Strong Community Connections Make your business better known by taking an active part in the community. Event or club sponsorships and participation in local charities build goodwill while raising awareness of your business and what you do. People will always remember how you made them feel, so ensure it’s a positive interaction. 2. Use Local SEO Can local customers easily find your website? Make sure it’s optimized for local search results on Google and other search engines by using keywords and phrases specific to your business and region. Keep your town’s name near your goods and services—for example, “widgets in [Town Name], North Carolina”. Encourage customers to leave reviews on your website, social media, and resources like Yelp. Reviews bring the search engines to your website’s door, helping you turn up in the top results. 3. Leverage Social Media Speaking of social media, make the most of your pages on Facebook and other platforms. Stay active, making announcements, sharing customer testimonials, promoting sales, debuting new products and services, and including fun content like short explainer videos and memes that entertain and engage your audience. Use social media to answer questions after hours too. Customers will appreciate it. 4. Signage Is Vital While advertising seems increasingly digital these days, most businesses still need physical signage. Think beyond the signs outside your store or office. Leave fliers and posters on public bulletin boards. Billboards are fine, but look for unique, cheaper places to advertise to many people at once. For instance, consider asking local construction companies if you can advertise on the fences surrounding their sites. You can also employ promotional flags in your marketing campaign—their unusual shape and demand for attention are truly effective. 5. Create a Loyalty Program When customers repeatedly come to you, make sure they know how much you appreciate them by starting a loyalty program. These programs may include discounts, punch cards, or loyalty cards that grant “insiders” extra discounts, access to new products, and entry to special events. Loyalty programs make long-term customers feel special and create a sense of exclusivity that attracts new prospective customers. Those were five marketing tips to make your local business unforgettable. Implement them to make your company stand out as a pillar of support and reliability in your community!

Trump Nominates Former Sen. Kelly Loeffler for Small Business Administrator

Business News

President-elect Donald Trump on Dec. 4 nominated businesswoman and former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler to lead the Small Business Administration (SBA).Loeffler, 53, co-chairs the president-elect’s second inaugural committee with Las Vegas real estate developer Steve Witkoff. The role of SBA administrator requires Senate confirmation.
“Kelly will bring her experience in business and Washington to reduce red tape and unleash opportunity for our Small Businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. “She will focus on ensuring that SBA is accountable to Taxpayers by cracking down on waste, fraud, and regulatory overreach.”
Loeffler, raised on an Illinois corn and soybean farm, served in the Senate from 2020 to 2021. She was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp in 2019 following the Dec. 31 resignation of former Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.). She lost a 2020 special election in a 2021 runoff to Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.).
“Prior to her tenure in the U.S. Senate, Kelly built a 25-year career in financial services and technology,” Trump said in the post.
The SBA is an independent Cabinet-level federal agency dedicated to promoting and supporting small businesses in the U.S. economy. Created by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1953, the SBA maintains a vast network of field offices and partnerships.
SBA staff help entrepreneurs start and build companies by counseling small business owners, expanding access to federal contracts, and connecting these entities with lenders for funding.
In Trump’s first term, he had four SBA administrators, including Linda McMahon, who is now Trump’s Education Secretary nominee.
Isabel Casillas Guzman currently heads the SBA, taking over from Tami Perriello in March 2021.
The SBA recently announced $20 million in grants for 43 states to bolster small business exports.
“With 95 percent of the world’s consumers based outside of the United States, our small businesses need access to markets abroad to grow and create good jobs in America,” Guzman said in a statement.
Over the years, the federal agency has come under scrutiny over its mandate. In the past decade, reports have highlighted that the SBA has often helped larger businesses.
Most recently, the SBA was criticized over its handling of the pandemic-era Paycheck Protection Program after various organizations and businesses, including Planned Parenthood and some publicly traded companies, reportedly received loans for which they were not eligible.
From The Epoch Times

13 Essential Tips For Women Traveling in Morocco

Travel

Go World Travel is reader-supported and may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this piece.

As a physician and health coach, I curate and lead wellness travel experiences for women around the globe. I’ve explored countless destinations, and Morocco remains one of my all-time favorites.

There are many reasons why this magical country in northern Africa is such a hot travel destination. It has a vibrant culture, magnificent architecture and craftsmanship, stunning natural landscapes, delicious food, incredible hiking and unsurpassed hospitality.

While traveling in Morocco as a woman is relatively safe and easy, I’ve learned quite a few helpful tips I now share with my guests to enhance their experience. From one girlfriend to another….

Spices: Bring Zip-Lock Bags

Spices in the bustling market of Rissani, Morocco. Photo by Stacey Funt

Spices from the markets in Morocco are excellent and cheaper than at home. But they are sold in thin plastic bags that can stink up your luggage and clothes. On my first trip, I smelled like dinner for the last few days.

Consider bringing a couple of zip locks or vacuum-sealed bags and waiting to shop toward the end of your trip. A thin Sharpie or pen to write on the bags is also helpful since cumin and coriander can look similar once you get home.

Hammam: Take a Bikini Bottom

Beautiful mosaics are everywhere. Image from Canva

The Hammam is a ritual body scrub for women. If you go to a private hammam, you will most likely sit in a beautiful, tiled room with 1-3 other women wearing nothing but a bikini bottom. A woman douses you in hot water and exfoliates every visible inch of your skin with a mitt. In the end, you will feel like Cleopatra.

I have sensitive skin and motion for them to go a little bit lighter with me. Heads up, if you have had breast surgery with sensitive regions, motion for them not to scrub there. Bring a plastic bag for your wet bikini if you are on the move shortly afterward.

Oils: Buy From a Reputable Seller

Jasmin-scented Argon oil, prickly pear oil, Neroli oil and rose oil are all amazing and a fraction of the cost from home. However, there is significant variation in quality.

If you are in Marrakesh, visit the shop Herbalism inside the medina. In addition to being of excellent quality and ethically sourced, they are very knowledgeable in natural medicine and will help you.

Massage: Breast Massage is Standard  

Unlike in the USA, breast massage is part of a full body massage at the spas in Morocco. If you are modest, you can motion to avoid certain areas. Some spas will also use oils on your face and hair, so if you are going out right after, you can say no thank you. 

Rugs: You Will Most Likely Want One

Handmade wool carpets in Morocco. Photo by Stacey Funt

Rug shops take credit cards, like to bargain and will also ship. Hand-woven Moroccan wool rugs by women from the desert or the mountains are spectacular works of art and can also be hung on a wall.

Again, go to a reputable place such as Fadma Rugs in Marrakesh. Abdul is warm and knowledgeable with fair pricing. If you want to buy a rug, don’t rush. You will be given tea and shown many options.

Looking online before your trip may help focus your search. If you buy a runner or thinner carpet, it can usually be packed to fit in your luggage.

Read More: Adventures in Agadir: Exploring Morocco’s Enchanting Coastal City

Health: Bring Basic Medications

Hiking in Dades, Morocco. Photo by Stacey Funt

Pepto-Bismol, Imodium, antibiotics for travelers’ diarrhea, electrolytes and Advil are good to have on hand. Getting sick while traveling is never fun. The locals will offer you tea with herbs for almost any ailment, which I have taken, but I found my OTC meds to be the quickest acting.

It’s also a great idea to have travel insurance with medical coverage and emergency evacuation, especially if you will be hiking or in more remote areas.

Money: Bring Cash and an ATM Card

Handmade carpets outside a Marrakesh shop, showcasing vibrant colors and traditional craftsmanship. Photo by Stacey Funt

Don’t rely on a credit card, especially outside the main cities. Use your ATM or go to the cash exchange to get Moroccan Dirhams. ATMs can run out of cash, so go earlier in the day if you can.

You will be tipping a lot. A note on tipping: If you have a massage or Hammam at your hotel or riad, tip the woman directly rather than add it to the general staff tip box.

Alcohol: Ask Your Driver to Stop at a Liquor Store

Many places in Morocco won’t sell or serve wine. But, many will allow you to buy liquor and bring it with you. Double-check with your accommodations to confirm.

Many of the streets in the medina are cobblestone, and while flip-flops or thin-soled shoes are adorable, they can be very hard to walk in. But you can buy the cutest ones there to wear at home.

Handmade home decor in Marrakesh. Photo by Stacey Funt

Trust me, you will probably need it. If you fly Royal Air Maroc, they allow two free checked bags on the flights. Bring a portable charger. Remember that chargers go in your carry-on, not checked luggage. Pack light.

Morocco is a large country that often requires long-distance travel and multiple accommodations, so you won’t want to be burdened by large luggage. Most good Riads and hotels can do your laundry for a small fee-inquire in advance.

Packing cubes can be a lifesaver for staying organized. While you will not have clothing restrictions in the main cities, it’s best to be more conservative in the smaller towns and rural areas. I always suggest carrying a scarf in your bag, just in case.

Apps for Sharing

Photocircle is fantastic for photo sharing. You can download the app before you go, create a group and invite your friends.

Splitwise is a straightforward way of keeping track of shared expenses. You can easily plug in all payments for automatic tabulation of who owes what. 

Safety: Have Wi-Fi and Use Standard Precautions

Merzouga and Erg Chebbi dunes, Morocco. Photo by Stacey Funt

Wi-Fi is very helpful for directions and messaging/calling on WhatsApp. You can get an inexpensive ESIM card from online sites such as Airalo or  Holafly or sign up for international calling from your carrier.

Ask for the WA number from someone at your hotel. This can be helpful to find your way home or help with a reservation. If you need directions, ask a shop owner. People in the street may expect you to pay if they assist you.

Traveling with a safety purse like the Travelon mini cross-body bag can be reassuring. Do not take photos of the men with monkeys or snakes in the main square in Marrakesh, or you will be harassed until you pay.

There is very little catcalling- just some aggressive sellers. But regular common sense and awareness of your surroundings are wise.  

Read More: Why Airalo is My Go-To eSim When Traveling Abroad

Attitude: Expect the Unexpected and Go With It

While traveling in Morocco is one of those magical places that will stay with you forever, it can also include long car rides, electricity outings, road closures and even a moody camel. Whatever happens, let it be part of the experience, and you will love this unforgettable adventure.

Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:

Author Bio: Stacey Funt, MD, NBHWC, is a physician, certified health coach, and founder of LH Adventure Travel, a company specializing in women’s small-group wellness adventures worldwide. Stacey curates immersive travel experiences in breathtaking natural settings and vibrant cultural landscapes, inspired by the principles of well-being: movement, nourishing whole foods, relaxation, and sisterhood. Combining her medical expertise with a passion for travel, she designs journeys that leave women feeling connected, rejuvenated and inspired.

Go World Travel Magazine is a digital magazine for world travelers. Our editorial content is produced by a dedicated team of travel journalists who know the regions they cover. We cover travel in more than 90 countries. Latest posts by Go World Travel Magazine (see all)

Chinese Tycoon Ren Li Honored As Responsible Business Leader At Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards 2024

Business News

Letright Corporation Founder recognized for his commitment to sustainable practices, ethical integrity, and impactful leadership.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 December 2024 – Ren Li, the visionary founder of Letright Corporation, was awarded the Responsible Business Leader title at the prestigious ACES Awards 2024. His recognition highlights his pioneering efforts in integrating sustainability into business operations and his unwavering commitment to ethical governance and community welfare.

Ren Li, Founder of Letright Corporation (centre), was honoured as the Responsible Business Leader at the prestigious ACES Awards 2024 held recently in Bangkok, Thailand. The award was presented on stage by Dr. Shanggari Balakrishnan, President of the ACES Awards (left), and Hemant Batra, Honorary Chairman of the ACES Council (right)

The award ceremony, held on November 14, celebrated leaders who exemplify sustainable practices and ethical integrity. Ren Li’s journey began in 1999 when he founded Letright Corporation, tapping into China’s burgeoning furniture market. His commitment to sustainability was evident as early as 2001 when he ceased the production of wooden patio umbrellas, driven by a sense of responsibility and love for the planet, rather than external pressures. Letright embraced these values even before the Paris Agreement in 2015.
Under Ren Li’s leadership, Letright has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation. In 2001, Letright revolutionized the industry by mass-producing solar lights, laying a strong foundation in photovoltaic technology. By 2007, the introduction of Polywood, a wood-effect material, further reduced wood usage, balancing sustainability with business success. In 2016, Letright adopted eco-friendly technology to create wood-effect finishes on non-wood outdoor furniture, satisfying consumer demand while expanding market share.
In his acceptance speech, Ren Li expressed gratitude to his team at Letright Industrial Corp., Ltd., and his family, especially his daughter, for their unwavering support. He also acknowledged the ACES platform for fostering a community of leaders dedicated to sustainable development.
Ren Li highlighted Letright’s innovations, such as the Solaryard Smart Pergola launched in 2023, which is pivotal in enriching outdoor living while contributing substantially to sustainable development. This groundbreaking product addresses outdoor challenges and transforms spaces into vibrant, energy-efficient environments. He noted that the market for smart pergolas is projected to exceed 100 million units over the next decade, potentially generating 200 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity and significantly reducing global carbon emissions.
He concluded by reaffirming his belief that businesses have a responsibility to drive economic progress while protecting the planet and communities. He urged entrepreneurs to embrace sustainability as a necessity for creating a future where people and nature thrive together. “Thank you all for your support and belief that business can and should be a force for good. Let us continue to lead with purpose, inspire others, and create brighter, sustainable solutions for the challenges that lie ahead. Together, we can reshape the future of global business and the environment,” Ren Li stated.
Hashtag: #LetrightCorporation #ACESAwards2024 #ResponsibleBusinessLeader #Sustainability
https://www.letright.com
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Letright Corporation
Founded in 1999 by Ren Li, Letright is a fully integrated outdoor furniture company offering comprehensive solutions in design, R&D, manufacturing, and sales. The company holds over 1,000 product patents and has received numerous international design awards, including IF and Red Dot. With a presence in over 70 countries, Letright has established strategic partnerships with major retailers worldwide, known for its exceptional product design and market insights. Committed to becoming a global leader in outdoor living through innovation and sustainability, Letright has embraced eco-friendly materials and technologies, moving away from solid wood to sustainable alternatives. In 2023, Letright launched the Solaryard Smart Pergola, a revolutionary product enabling year-round outdoor enjoyment with negative carbon emissions. This dedication to excellence and environmental stewardship is encapsulated in its mission: “Better outdoor living, happier human beings.”

VOA Exclusive: US House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks with Taiwan president

US & Canada

State Department —  The United States has dismissed Chinese objections to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s stopovers in Hawaii and Guam during a Pacific tour, reaffirming that transits through the U.S. by Taiwan’s democratically elected leaders are routine and consistent with long-standing bipartisan U.S. policy. Amid China’s criticism, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and former Democratic…

Vaccine targeting common gut bacteria E.coli could help prevent cancer, scientists suggest

Science and Health

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreVaccines targeting common gut bacteria E.coli could reduce rates of colon cancer in countries such as the UK, scientists have suggested.Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute have suggested higher rates of colorectal, bladder and prostate cancers across industrialised countries could in part be explained by two strains of E.coli which cause high rates of urinary tract infections and bloodstream infections.In a paper, published in The Lancet, scientists suggest a vaccine or probiotic which prevents these two strains from circulating could reduce the risk of cancer. However, they stress further investigation would be needed.Professor Jukka Corander, senior author from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, University of Oslo and the University of Helsinki, said: “We have been using large-scale genomics to track E. coli strains across multiple countries for the last 5 years, using data that goes back to the early 2000s.“This has allowed us to start to see the possible connections between two E.coli strains and cancer incidence rates.”She added, “by working together with cancer and microbiome experts, we are hopeful that in the future this work might lead to new ways to eradicate colibactin-producing E. coli strains.“Vaccines or other interventions that target these E.coli strains could offer huge public health benefits. Such as reducing the burden of infections and lessening the need for antibiotics to treat these, as well as reducing the risk of cancers that could be linked to the effects of colibactin exposure.”The bacteria, E. coli, is commonly found in the human gut. Most strains of E. coli are harmless; however, if the bacterium gets into the bloodstream due to a weakened immune system it can cause infections, ranging from mild to life-threatening.The two strains of E.coli looked at by the researchers are the leading cause of UTIs and bloodstream infections across industrialised countries. They also suggest targeting these bacteria could reduce antibiotic medication use in industrialised countries.Using genomic surveillance data from countries including the UK, Norway, Pakistan and Bangladesh researchers tracked the different strains of E.coli.Previous premilitary research suggests that two strains E.coli can produce a substance called colibactin which plays a role in the development of cancers of the urinary tract and have been linked to tumour samples from colon cancer patients.Comparing the rates of these strains with cancer rates they found industrialised counties where these strains circulated also had higher levels of bowel, bladder and prostate cancers.However in countries such as Bangladesh and Pakistan these strains of E.coli were much rarer as were incidences of bowel, bladder and prostate cancers.The paper suggests further large-scale investigation is needed, including wide-spread tumour sampling, to clarify the role of colibactin in cancer.Dr Tommi Mäklin, first author of the study, from the University of Helsinki and the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: “E. coli can be found around the world, in many different forms, and understanding how strains of this bacteria impact humans differently can give us a more complete picture of health and disease.“Having access to global genomic data on which strains are found in an area can uncover new trends and possibilities, such as strains in industrialised countries potentially being linked to the risk of certain cancers. We also need to keep ensuring that countries and regions around the world are included in genomic surveillance research so that everyone benefits from new discoveries.”

Vaccine targeting common gut bacteria E.coli could help prevent cancer, scientists suggest

Science and Health

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreVaccines targeting common gut bacteria E.coli could reduce rates of colon cancer in countries such as the UK, scientists have suggested.Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute have suggested higher rates of colorectal, bladder and prostate cancers across industrialised countries could in part be explained by two strains of E.coli which cause high rates of urinary tract infections and bloodstream infections.In a paper, published in The Lancet, scientists suggest a vaccine or probiotic which prevents these two strains from circulating could reduce the risk of cancer. However, they stress further investigation would be needed.Professor Jukka Corander, senior author from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, University of Oslo and the University of Helsinki, said: “We have been using large-scale genomics to track E. coli strains across multiple countries for the last 5 years, using data that goes back to the early 2000s.“This has allowed us to start to see the possible connections between two E.coli strains and cancer incidence rates.”She added, “by working together with cancer and microbiome experts, we are hopeful that in the future this work might lead to new ways to eradicate colibactin-producing E. coli strains.“Vaccines or other interventions that target these E.coli strains could offer huge public health benefits. Such as reducing the burden of infections and lessening the need for antibiotics to treat these, as well as reducing the risk of cancers that could be linked to the effects of colibactin exposure.”The bacteria, E. coli, is commonly found in the human gut. Most strains of E. coli are harmless; however, if the bacterium gets into the bloodstream due to a weakened immune system it can cause infections, ranging from mild to life-threatening.The two strains of E.coli looked at by the researchers are the leading cause of UTIs and bloodstream infections across industrialised countries. They also suggest targeting these bacteria could reduce antibiotic medication use in industrialised countries.Using genomic surveillance data from countries including the UK, Norway, Pakistan and Bangladesh researchers tracked the different strains of E.coli.Previous premilitary research suggests that two strains E.coli can produce a substance called colibactin which plays a role in the development of cancers of the urinary tract and have been linked to tumour samples from colon cancer patients.Comparing the rates of these strains with cancer rates they found industrialised counties where these strains circulated also had higher levels of bowel, bladder and prostate cancers.However in countries such as Bangladesh and Pakistan these strains of E.coli were much rarer as were incidences of bowel, bladder and prostate cancers.The paper suggests further large-scale investigation is needed, including wide-spread tumour sampling, to clarify the role of colibactin in cancer.Dr Tommi Mäklin, first author of the study, from the University of Helsinki and the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: “E. coli can be found around the world, in many different forms, and understanding how strains of this bacteria impact humans differently can give us a more complete picture of health and disease.“Having access to global genomic data on which strains are found in an area can uncover new trends and possibilities, such as strains in industrialised countries potentially being linked to the risk of certain cancers. We also need to keep ensuring that countries and regions around the world are included in genomic surveillance research so that everyone benefits from new discoveries.”

OpenAI to partner with military defense tech company

Technology

OpenAI and military defense technology company Anduril Industries said Wednesday that they would work together to use artificial intelligence for “national security missions.”The ChatGPT-maker and Anduril will focus on improving defenses against drone attacks, the companies said in a joint release.The partnership comes nearly a year after OpenAI did away with wording in its policies that banned use of its technology for military or warfare purposes.

Founded in 2017, Anduril is a technology company that builds command and control systems and a variety of drones, counting the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom among its customers, according to its website.OpenAI said in October that it was collaborating with the US military’s research arm DARPA on cyber defenses for critical networks.”AI is a transformational technology that can be used to strengthen democratic values or to undermine them,” OpenAI said in a post at the time.”With the proper safeguards, AI can help protect people, deter adversaries, and even prevent future conflict.”

The companies said the deal would help the United States maintain an edge over China, a goal that OpenAI chief Sam Altman has spoken of in the past.”Our partnership with Anduril will help ensure OpenAI technology protects US military personnel, and will help the national security community understand and responsibly use this technology to keep our citizens safe and free,” Altman said in Wednesday’s release.Anduril was co-founded by Palmer Luckey, after Facebook bought his previous company Oculus VR in a $2 billion deal.The new partnership will bring together OpenAI’s advanced AI models with Anduril systems and software, according to the companies.”Our partnership with OpenAI will allow us to utilize their world-class expertise in artificial intelligence to address urgent Air Defense capability gaps across the world,” Anduril co-founder and chief executive Brian Schimpf said in the release.Schimpf said the collaboration would allow “military and intelligence operators to make faster, more accurate decisions in high-pressure situations.”gc/aha

OpenAI to partner with military defense tech company

Technology

OpenAI and military defense technology company Anduril Industries said Wednesday that they would work together to use artificial intelligence for “national security missions.”The ChatGPT-maker and Anduril will focus on improving defenses against drone attacks, the companies said in a joint release.The partnership comes nearly a year after OpenAI did away with wording in its policies that banned use of its technology for military or warfare purposes.

Founded in 2017, Anduril is a technology company that builds command and control systems and a variety of drones, counting the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom among its customers, according to its website.OpenAI said in October that it was collaborating with the US military’s research arm DARPA on cyber defenses for critical networks.”AI is a transformational technology that can be used to strengthen democratic values or to undermine them,” OpenAI said in a post at the time.”With the proper safeguards, AI can help protect people, deter adversaries, and even prevent future conflict.”

The companies said the deal would help the United States maintain an edge over China, a goal that OpenAI chief Sam Altman has spoken of in the past.”Our partnership with Anduril will help ensure OpenAI technology protects US military personnel, and will help the national security community understand and responsibly use this technology to keep our citizens safe and free,” Altman said in Wednesday’s release.Anduril was co-founded by Palmer Luckey, after Facebook bought his previous company Oculus VR in a $2 billion deal.The new partnership will bring together OpenAI’s advanced AI models with Anduril systems and software, according to the companies.”Our partnership with OpenAI will allow us to utilize their world-class expertise in artificial intelligence to address urgent Air Defense capability gaps across the world,” Anduril co-founder and chief executive Brian Schimpf said in the release.Schimpf said the collaboration would allow “military and intelligence operators to make faster, more accurate decisions in high-pressure situations.”gc/aha

Tourism sector tired of “defending” itself, wants new narrative

Travel

Advocates at the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) congress in Vancouver said in presentations this morning that they want to get beyond explaining why tourism is important to the economy. 

Instead, the narrative should be on ways to capitalize on resources, Destination Vancouver CEO Royce Chwin explained to BIV in an interview between sessions.

Chwin, who previously spent nearly nine years as CEO of Travel Alberta, said during his time in that province he spent about 70 per cent of his time “defending the importance of a visitor economy for Alberta.” He now spends only about 10 per cent of his time doing that advocacy work in Vancouver because in B.C. “people already get it,” he said.

People in much of the rest of the country do not yet fully understand the importance of tourism, he added. That is why the industry must continually rattle off statistics to convey its significance.

TIAC CEO Beth Potter referred to Chwin during her speech, and said she agreed that the sector had been “sharing the same story for a long, long time.”

That story includes how tourism is a net beneficiary to the economy as tourists bring wealth to Canada.

Statistics Canada data hold that in 2022, the sector supported approximately 623,375 direct jobs and 1.9 million total jobs. In 2022, tourism contributed nearly $38 billion to Canada’s GDP and generated close to $94 billion in revenue for businesses, the government number cruncher calculated.

“We need to figure out a better way to tell Canadians and Canadian policy makers about our industry and why it is so important,” Potter said.

She added that changing political winds make it vital for the industry to have a compelling case to gain support from the highest levels of governments.

“We’re staring down at a federal election that pretty much guarantees we’re going to have a change in government,” she said.

“We will man the process, but you guys need to feed into it so that we have a better story to tell, so that I can walk into Pierre Poilievre’s office, if he becomes the new prime minister, and say, ‘Here’s why you need to pay attention to our industry.’ And he’ll get it. And he’ll do something.”

Much of the rest of Potter’s annual address focused on accomplishments in her industry.

She noted that she went to China earlier this year to meet with officials. “Multiple productive meetings” happened between her team and the Chinese ambassador to Canada, she said.

“While diplomatic tensions presented challenges this year, we remain committed to rebuilding that trust and fostering connections,” she said of her work in Canada-China relations.

Efforts such as going to China likely helped create conditions to increase travel from that country, she said.

Air Canada plans to more than triple its number of non-stop flights between Vancouver and mainland China in the next month and a half: to 14 weekly, up from four weekly.

The airline’s current four flights per week between Vancouver and China are to Shanghai, and it will start flying daily on that route starting Dec. 7.

It suspended its Vancouver-Beijing route during the pandemic and it plans to resume daily flights on that route starting Jan. 15.

Returning Chinese visits to Canada to 2019 levels will take work.  

In the first nine months of this year, visits from Chinese nationals to Canada through B.C. entry points were 55.4 per cent below the same time period in 2019, according to Destination British Columbia data. 

[email protected]

@GlenKorstrom

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