SUMMER INTERNSHIP 2006
		Henry Ling Hou - MBA, Haskayne School of Business CEI Host Organization - Collective Kitchens CEI Funding partner - Nexen Inc.

Dear CEI folks,

I am an MBA student at Haskayne School of Business in University of Calgary. Prior to Business school, I had worked in Sales and Marketing in the consumer product industry for many years. I am very happy to particicpate the CEI program this summer since it is my first time working in a not-for-profit organization.

The Centre for Newcomer is a non-denominational, non-profit organization working with immigrants, refugees and their communities to assist their settlement and integration in Canada. As a social enterprise under this organization, EthniCity Catering sells multi-ethnic food to Calgary customers in order to provide transitional employment experience and training to immigrant women by employing immigrant women who face challenge working in Canada.

My internship project in the organization is to develop a strategic business plan for EthniCity Catering in order to provide more employment opportunities and reduce dependence on grant. Contrary to for-profit organization, EthniCity Catering's goal is to maximize its social responsibility – providing training and employment for immigrant women. The commercial operation model, however, can certainly improve non-profit organization's sustainable ability to meet its social objectives. On the other hand, social responsibility is critical for firms' success in today's environment. Through this project, I hope I could not only apply my business knowledge and skills to develop a strategic business plan, but also find a strategy to better balance the social responsibility and business goals.

I look forward to having more news from your experience on the CEI program.

Wish you have a wonderful summer and enjoy your projects.

Best regards,

Henry Ling Hou