Press Release

For Immediate Release
21 April 2006

ACTE and Rosetta Stone to Break Language Barrier

Alexandria, VA -- A common barrier to successfully conducting international business remains language, according to a study conducted by the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE). When polled, a significant number of ACTE monolingual members reported feeling at a "distinct disadvantage" when conducting business with colleagues who spoke two or more languages. Yet a new partnership between ACTE and Rosetta Stone is destined to break the language barrier for hundreds of travel management professionals and thousands of business travelers.

"The highly competitive nature of business, coupled with a new emphasis on cultural sensitivity, puts a much higher value on knowing the language and business practices of your customers and colleagues," said ACTE Executive Director Susan Gurley, who speaks French, German, Hungarian, and English. "While it is certainly helpful to understand the customs of another country, it makes a much better impression when you can express yourself in the language too."

The new partnership will make the renowned Rosetta Stone language learning products available to ACTE members and their companies at a 15% discount -- as a benefit of membership. Rosetta Stone is the #1 language-learning software in the world, used successfully by millions of people in 150 countries. It’s been adopted by government agencies and corporations — including Deutsche Telekom, IBM, and Lockheed Martin — and thousands of schools and universities around the world.

"The emergence of new and growing markets throughout Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Gulf regions has created a need for learning languages that may have been considered somewhat exotic a year ago," said Gurley. "A command of the language of your company's best customer could soon be a prerequisite for promotion."

Rosetta Stone offers language learning software in 30 languages globally. The software can be implemented on an individual PC or laptop, on a network, web-based or integrated with a corporate learning management system. This means that individual members and member companies can both benefit.

ACTE members may access Rosetta Stone language products directly through www.acte.org, at www.RosettaStone.com/ACTE, via email at [email protected] or by calling 1-800-811-2634.

For more information, contact:
Debbie Flynn
CEO
Brighter Group
The Pod, London's Vertical Gateway
Bridges Wharf, Battersea
London SW11 3BE England
T: 020 7326 9880
F: 020 7326 9890
E: [email protected]
W: www.brightergroup.com