VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHLJ #0019/01 0211440
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 211440Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY LJUBLJANA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 7146
INFO RUEHVI/AMEMBASSY VIENNA 1870

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