SLOVENIA FY09 BFIF PROPOSAL

UNCLAS LJUBLJANA 000019

SIPDIS

EEB/CBA DENNIS WINSTEAD
VIENNA FOR CHRIS QUINLIVAN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: BEXP ABUD AMGT BTIO ECON EINV ETRD SI
SUBJECT: SLOVENIA FY09 BFIF PROPOSAL

REF: A. 08 STATE 128559

B. SARAJEVO 75


1. Post is pleased to forward Embassy Ljubljana's proposals
for FY09 BFIF funding as requested Reftel A.


2. Project Proposal 1: "How-To Open An American Franchise"
seminar

a) Justification: Post believes significant interest exist
in franchising American name brands in Slovenia. Only two
American brands currently have any franchise outlets in
Slovenia: ReMax and McDonald,s. Slovenia is an attractive
market with a population with disposable income and an
interest in Western brand names. Several investors have
approached Emboffs to ask about opening American brands in
Slovenia; however their requests have often been uninformed,
specifically wanting to open stores that do not franchise.
Therefore, Post believes that Slovenian investors would
attend a seminar explaining how to franchise American brands.
Post has arranged with Embassy Belgrade to have two of their
experts on U.S. franchising come to Ljubljana to lead the
seminar. Post is seeking to partner with local groups to put
on the seminar. The seminar would provide basic information
about what franchisees need to know before starting, as well
as some Slovenia specific information about markets and
financing, and would culminate in a networking reception.

Post plans to present the Franchise show in early March. The
event will function as a primer for individuals and companies
interested in attending the 17th Annual International
Franchise Expo (IFE) in Washington DC March 20 - 22.
Additionally, Post plans to give participants CD-ROMs with
the Country Commercial Guide on it. When in Washington, IFE
attendees can use the CDs to show potential franchisors that
Slovenia is an attractive market for their brands.


b) Planning milestones:
January 22: Meet with partners
January 23: Outline program, arrange venue
February 2: Finalize program. Start advertising to email
lists.
February 5: Arrange speakers travel, hotels
March 3: Produce CD-ROMS
March 5: Franchise Show in Ljubljana
March 20: IFE in DC

c) Estimated costs:
$0 Venue (provided by Chamber of Commerce or other partner)
$0 Advertising (through partners, electronic mailing
lists)
$1500 Catering
$1000 Travel, hotel, and per diem for 2 speakers
$500 CD-ROMs with CCG
--------------
$3000 Total

d) Anticipated outcomes: Increased interest by Slovenian
investors in U.S. franchises. We will educate Slovenian
investors about the possibilities of franchising. Event
attendees will also be equipped to go to the IFE in DC to
meet with franchisors.

e) Points of contact:
Pol/Econ Officer Drea Finnegan
e-mail: FinneganAL@state.gov
tel: 286-1-200-5573

Econ Specialist Matjaz Kavcic
e-mail: KavcicM@state.gov
tel: 386-1-200-5644


3. Project Proposal 2: Hotel Trade Delegation

a) Justification: Several mayors and one real estate
developer have approached the Embassy asking to meet
representatives of American hotel chains. Slovenia does not
currently have any American branded hotels, or any four star
hotels. Some of the mayors have expressed an interest in
increasing tourist lodging options. Others mentioned a
dearth of professional meeting space. Post proposes to
organize a tour of Slovenia for representatives of the major
U.S. hotel chains (Starwood, Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt).

b) Planning milestones:
January 16: Send letter from the Ambassador to European
representatives of each brand to raise awareness
Early May: Contact mayors, developers, etc. to arrange tour
points

July: Draft schedule and set up specifically requested
meetings
August: Plan reception and invite
September: Hotel tour of Slovenia

c) Estimated costs: (the Trade Delegation participants would
pay for their own travel to Slovenia, food and lodging)
$1000 Minivan and driver rental for three days
$800 Reception catering
$200 Produce appropriate marketing materials
--------------
$2000 Total

d) Anticipated outcomes: Increased interest in American
hotels in investing in Slovenia.

e) Points of contact:
Pol/Econ Officer Drea Finnegan
e-mail: FinneganAL@state.gov
tel: 286-1-200-5573

Econ Specialist Matjaz Kavcic
e-mail: KavcicM@state.gov
tel: 386-1-200-5644



4. LES Internet Connection for Access to Commercial
Databases

a) Costs:
$20 Approximate monthly charge (varies with exchange rate)
--------------
$240 Total

5) Pol/Econ Chief, Pol/Econ Officer and an Econ Specialist
to attend regional Balkan Energy Meeting (reftel B)

a) Costs: (assuming meeting location is Sarajevo)
$1128 Two days per diem for three
$900 Travel for three
--------------
$2028 Total

6) Training for Pol/Econ Officer and Econ Specialist in
Vienna (working with Partner Post)

a) Costs:
$1244 Two days per diem for two
$300 Travel by train for two
--------------
$1544 Total
FREDEN