Call for Papers: International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility (ICCSR)

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Abstract submission deadline: 15 September 2014
Early Bird Registration deadline: 30 September 2014
Final Registration deadline: 30 October 2014

On behalf of Conference Organizing Committee, it is our great privilege to invite you to the International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility, to be held on 4th and 5th November 2014 in Colombo (Hotel Galadari), Sri Lanka. We would like to invite scientists, researchers, scholars and practitioners from around the world to be a part of this conference. The Conference will be organized by The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM). ICCSR 2014 attempts to open international platform to researchers and scholars across the world to debate and discuss upon number of strategic aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Other than participating to the academic sessions, participants can explore traditions, beauty and hospitality of Sri Lanka. Delegates will have extensive opportunities to visit and enjoy exciting places in Sri Lanka during their stay in Sri Lanka and with the post conference tour organizing by Conference organizing committee. Moreover, Participants can network with each other during the social network dinner, cultural show and during the discussion forums to build international network and share knowledge with each other.

Web address: http://csrconference.co/

San Diego Sunday Farmer Markets

Few things are better than going back to nature’s simplicity when buying food. No heavy pesticides, artificial flavoring, or wax covered fruit. Farmer markets offer an opportunity to experience products how they were before mass marketing and encourage support of local farming families. Consider the difficulties many small productions have in getting recognition for their brands.

In San Diego, local farmer markets enhance the décor and culture of the downtown regions.  Local residents and visitors enjoy seeing the sites and walking around the markets to see what local products are available. Cottage industry sales become part of local expression in the form of native produce, crafts, jewelry, clothing, and food.

Two farmer markets are within a few miles of each other and are easily walked. 

Third Avenue Certified Farmers Market and Asian Bazaar: A rather small farmer market that appears to be slowing down in terms of participants. One can visit local Chinese restaurants, stores, and museum while picking up a few household items. There isn’t a lot of fruit or vegetables but there are local businesses and vendors with items for sale. Consider Olivetti’s Fine Oils and Vinegars at http://www.olivettioilandvinegar.com

Sunday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
400 block of Third Ave. between Island Ave and J Street

Seaport Village Headquarters: A fairly strong market that offers fruit & vegetables, household items, jewelry , honey, bags and clothing. It isn’t as large as some of the other markets offered on Saturday but does provide many of the basic items you need. Of particular interest are the natural free range eggs. Papa’s Garden offers a playground for their exceptionally cared for chickens. You can order at papas_garden@hotmail.com

Sunday: 10:00-2:00PM

Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway

Farmer markets are more than simply selling products for profit. They also take on a form of direct marketing allowing small businesses to gain interest and attention from their target market (Tijani & Yano, 2007). There isn’t much difference between farmer markets and the ancient bazaars. It becomes a place of community where people meet, talk, socialize, and purchase products. If nothing else it gets people enjoying the outdoors.

Tijani, S. & Yano, I. (2007). The direct farmer’s market: a tool for rural female empowerment. Direct Marketing, 1 (4).

How Bloggers Foster Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Word of Mouth Marketing (WOMM) is a method of transferring knowledge about products and services through social networks. Companies are moving toward using social media marketing methods to encourage their messages to spread into difficult to reach groups. A study of bloggers by Kozinets, et. al. (2010) shows how social media communication works within groups cultural norms. The character of the blogger takes on a new form of endorsement or criticism of products. 

In 2008, companies spend $1.54 billion on WOMM initiatives and the amount is expected to increase to $3 billion in 2013 (PQ Media, 2009). The market has a positive impression of independent bloggers and social media users who promote or reject products based upon their unique perspectives. 

The types of blogs vary depending on their personality. Some blogs focus on one concept in a niche market while others focus on multiple concepts. The different being the topics of interest to bloggers and what they find interesting enough to write about.  The process of writing on a blog has become known as “Identity Projects”.

Bloggers fit within a social network based upon their interests and vantage points. People interested in similar ideas, concepts, and products read blogs in order to understand and obtain additional information. 

The collection of likeminded individuals in a social network helps companies sell products and ideas. The same process that exists in face-to-face communication is similar in the online world. Bloggers become opinion generators that foster or squash products in their social network. 

Word of Mouth (WOMM) in online media is a secondary but significant source of developing opinions about products and services that can have an influence on public opinion and purchasing behavior. The researchers found in their study of 80 bloggers that they are not only social networks that use communal vs. commercial norms but they also become opinion generators based on trust, friendship, and alliances.  Bloggers as opinion generations can 1.) communicate the message; 2) stake reputation on the marketing message; and 3) convert the message into language, substance and tone that their readers understand.

Kozinets, R. et. al. (2010). Networked narratives: understanding word-of-mouth marketing in online communities. Journal of marketing, 74 (2). 

PQ Media (2009). Exclusive PQ Media Research: Despite Worst Recession in Decades, Brands Increased Spending on Word-of-Mouth Marketing 14.2% to $1.54 Billion in 2008 retrieved from http://www.pqmedia.com/about-press-20090729-wommf.html.

Ocean Beach Pier Offers Bait Shop and Dining Catches

San Diego has plenty of great piers to throw in a line and catch your dinner. Pier fishing is a common activity by San Diegans who love the fresh air, crashing waves, and warm California sun. Ocean Beach Municipal Pier is one of my favorites and provides a choice location to station your bucket and pole after a long day’s work. As the world’s longest concrete T-shaped pier there are ample spaces to find a spot. 

“Fishing  is much more than fish. It is the great occasion when we may return to the fine simplicity of our forefathers.” –Herbert Hoover

Ocean Pier may be a simple and cheap way to go fishing but there are a few luxuries that you won’t find in other places. If you don’t get lucky and end your trip without a catch you can always take a seat at the Ocean Beach Pier Café. Their menu offers seafood at prices that beat out many of their competitors. Not hungry? Order a coffee or smoothie and go back to fishing. 

Likewise you may need some live bait, fishing hooks, or new line. Next to the café is a bait shop that offers the necessities to ensure that you have what you need. No point in going back home when you just got there. The entire fishing process is easy at Ocean Beach Pier and it is a great place to spend a few hours with family, friends, or by yourself. 

The water is around 25 deep with significant sea life such as kelp and seaweed. It is best to use a 20 pound line to ensure that heavy chunks of sea debris doesn’t snap your line. Different types of fish are regularly caught that include bonito, perch, halibut, lobster, sea bass, and mackerel. I caught a rather small croaker. Not enough to make much out of it. Enjoy your fishing trip!

Ocean Beach Municipal Pier

1950 Abbott St
San Diego, CA 92107