The Bermuda International Business Association announced yesterday that its annual International Business Weeks is set to kick off on September 20 and run through October 16.

In a Press statement, BIBA said the month-long event was designed to heighten the public's awareness of careers, scholarships, charitable contributions and training programmes offered by the international business sector to the local community.

Chairman of the Local Awareness Committee, Anthony Roberts said: "After last year's IB Week celebration was disrupted by Hurricane Fabian, we decided to extend the event to a four-week format instead of just one. This should provide the community an opportunity to attend multiple events over an extended period."

BIBA said the highlight of IB Weeks this year would be the second Annual Career Development Conference, where information on such topics as time management, negotiation, and pursuing your passion would be provided.

James Malinhchak, well-known speaker on the US college circuit, will also return this year after being well-received at last year's event.

"We've decided to bring him back as the keynote speaker for this year's conference, so that as many people as possible can have the opportunity to benefit from his motivational strategies. James inspires his audience to jump up and make things happen, and we are very pleased that he will be here in Bermuda again, doing just that."

Local programmes and marketing coordinator Kristin White said the format of the event would include elements from past years including a daily radio quiz and a debate ? from students on Bermuda's National Youth Debate Team ? on whether or not international business makes a positive difference in Bermuda.

BIBA will also be visiting primary schools with BIBA's 'Reba & Bobby Biba' promotional giveaways. R

eba and Bobby Biba were launched as the mascots of the Primary School Programme in 2002 and are featured in the International Business Colouring Book, a popular give-away item with young students.

Also planned for IB Weeks 2004, is a 'How-to for Job Seekers' session, designed to offer those in search of employment assistance with writing a resume; preparing for a job interview; and obtaining information on various scholarships and training programs available on the Island.