Dear All,

Welcome to the first issue of the redesigned a-connect Independent Professionals Newsletter. a-connect is the leading global supplier of exceptional independent talents, connecting outstanding IPs with exciting and challenging projects at leading companies worldwide. a-connect provides IPs with a comprehensive range of services: from project acquisition and scoping; to IP selection, matching and placement; to project management and quality control; to access to know-how and research; to administration and documentation support.

In this issue we feature an interview with a-connect client Christian Seifert, CEO of the German Football League, who has been working for the past several months with a team of our IPs to develop a business plan and implementation blueprint for the insourcing of television production for league matches. With the World Cup now underway, and Germany a perennial favorite to finish strongly, the project could not have come at a better time. For Seifert's perspective on what it's like to work with our IPs, and the value a-connect delivers, see our interview with him in this issue.

Also in this issue we are delighted to report exciting new developments at a-connect, from challenging recent projects to new additions to our team, and we encourage you to share with us your thoughts on these as well as feedback on our newsletter format. Within each article you will see a “Letters” link that allows you to post your comments to us electronically.

Please note that you are receiving this mail automatically as a current or former IP. To ensure reliable delivery to your inbox you should add us to your address book: info@a-connect.com. You may choose to opt out of this mailing list by entering your email address in the Subscribe box on the cover page and selecting the Remove button. But we hope you will stay with us and enjoy receiving our periodic commentary and updates.

Once again, welcome, and we are delighted to have you as a member of the world's most exclusive team of independent talents!