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	Belson to scrub its image Man disturbs meeting Tuesday, March 5, 302 AP Web posted at 1309 UST. While Belson Corporation reported Û27 billion in nett profits, its Chairman has spent the bulk of his message strategising over how to keep the company spared from the public's ire. At today's annual general meeting, Belson Corporation's Chairman announced in his Chairman's report to shareholders, the company's Û33 billion gross profits, Û7 billion dividend to shareholders, the purchase of CimRail and BlueTel, and expansion that will see Belson grow in Utania and overseas. Yet, since the stunning announcements, the Chairman spent some 35 minutes reporting on the company's strategy for avoiding the public's ire. He declared it the "greatest risk to the Belson Corporation". Chairman Mark J. Belson told shareholders, himself a 20% shareholder, that the company "faces the very real possibility of nationalisation, break-up or legislative competition", all of which stemmed from public dissent against the company, its size and ability to manipulate the market -- perceived or otherwise. "We must face the fact that Belson Corporation represents not only 10% of the stock market, but that the company could now represent nearly 10% of the economy." He said the challenge was to reduce public opposition to the company, five ways: Employ a foreign and a domestic marketing consulting firms to advise the company, Promote the benefits that Belson was sowing back into the community, Promote the number of jobs that Belson was providing to families, Expand the company to provide more jobs, and Reduce the impact the company has within Utania by investing overseas. "It is inevitable that Belson either moves with public opinion, lest we face the intense, blinding light of public scrutiny and condemnation. The company's ethics must be updated, the company's development objectives must be improved, and we must look to ways of benefitting the majority of Utanians rather than a minority." Given the recent uproar over Gvonj's poor state, Mr Belson suggested the Board would "look closely" at development opportunities in Gvonj. Mr Belson was quick to point out that the company had employed an additional 12,000 Utanians last year, a growth of 4.6% in employment. Disturbance David Kopoya, a minor shareholder and an Utani Chief, was quick to tell reporters and other shareholders how to fix the company's public image "Pay Utani farmers their fair share", he shouted from the balcony of the auditorium. "Then see that the public will love you!" Mr Kopoya was at first warned to cease by AGM officials, but he persisted interrupting the Chairman. "Don't pay high-price consultants what I can tell you here and now for free: pay Utani farmers the honourable price for their goods and then you will find Utanian people will respect you!" "Do not deprive the Utani farmer and he will learn to love you more!" Mr Kopoya was escorted from the building and proceeded to continue his cries for justice for the Utani farmers contracted by Belson. "I don't care that they threw me out, no", a defiant Mr Kopoya told reporters upon his eviction. He said he had a plan for the restructuring of the company that would be "inclusive of ALL stakeholders". Utani farmers are contracted by Belson Corporation in long-term contracts, ten years or more, to supply grain, meat or other produce, and are paid, on average, less than 12% the international price for the goods, while non-Utani farmers are paid up to 25%. This obvious profiteering at the expense of the local communal farmers had been considered acceptable practise while the country was ruled from Guwimith, but the Utanian press, public and government have each been increasingly scathing of the company and its practises. Utani-Saedaj Government MPs have been calling for the nationalisation of the Belson Corporation for years. To date, President Okarvits has not ruled the possibility out, but has preferred to offer an alternative produce buyer, that would offer better prices than Belson, the Utanian Agricultural Board. But, without freedom from their contracts to Belson, few farming communities have been able to sign with the Board. Related Stories Belson declares Û34 billion profit!! Belson to take over CimRail Belson buys Blue Telecommunications Related Websites Belson Corporation webpage Other News Rovens elects new President	Related Articles Belson declares Û34 billion profit!! Belson to take over CimRail Belson buys Blue Telecommunications Other News Rovens elects new President ©Zeitgeist Magazine, 300 AP. <TECH> ©Mike Ham, 2000. All rights reserved. No reproduction without, at least, tacit approval. ;-)