I. Welcome/Introductions: Christine Grieve, SBTDC.II. Overview of Regional Export Strategies Project and Regional Export Survey Highlights: J.D. Snyder, MSU CCED, Project DirectorIII. Why Exporting is Important and Resources Your Company Can Use: Anita Walker, U.S. Export Assistance CenterIV. Reducing Financial Risk in International Sales: Bruce Brogan, Fifth Third BankV. MSUs Michigan Export Growth Program and globalEDGE Resources: Tunga Kiyak, MSU IBC/CIBERVI. My Experience in Exporting: Tom Gross, Dynamic Manufacturing, Weiland, Michigan

Speaker: Tony KayyodThe Global Business Club of Mid-Michigan focuses on global issues of interest to the mid-Michigan business community. The monthly GB Club luncheons provide outstanding speakers and relaxed networking opportunities. With extensive international experience, the speakers wrap personal insights around a practical and up-to-the-minute approach to conducting international trade.

Overview of Small Business & Technology Development Center - Chris Wendel, SBTDC Michigan Economic Development Corporation, STEP Grant Program - Chris Bosio, MEDC Export Team Finding New Markets & Strategies for Building an Export Plan - Kendra Kuo, U.S. Department of Commerce Resources for Research & Export Training - Jade Sims, MSU International Business Center International Shipping and Logistics - Susan Edwards, FedEx Getting Paid/Export Financing - Tony Talbot, Huntington National Bank

This seminar features industry thought leaders who will provide a glimpse into why food exporting remains a bright spot in today's economy.

Richard Yamarone, Bloomberg Economist. Sponsored by Comcast Business Class. Program begins at Noon; please arrive early for registration & networking. Single Tickets $40, or tables of eight $300 (includes lunch). Pre-registration is required.

Mark Lange, Executive Director, and Penny Lewandowski, Director of Entrepreneurship Development Edward Lowe Foundation. Sponsored by Rehmann. Program begins at Noon; please arrive early for registration & networking. Single Tickets $40, or tables of eight $300 (includes lunch). Pre-registration is required.

Catherine Creamer, Executive Director of Art Prize. Program begins at Noon; please arrive early for registration & networking. Single Tickets $40, or tables of eight $300 (includes lunch). Pre-registration is required.

Jim Herbert, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Neogen Corporation. Program begins at Noon; please arrive early for registration & networking. Single Tickets $40, or tables of eight $300 (includes lunch). Pre-registration is required.

Howdy Holmes, President & CEO, Chelsea Milling Co. (Jiffy Mix). Program begins at Noon; please arrive early for registration & networking. Single Tickets $40, or tables of eight $300 (includes lunch). Pre-registration is required.

Join the Special Libraries Association Michigan Chapter on May 2 to learn about globalEDGE, a free international business website that offers a wealth of information, insights, and resources on global business activities. globalEDGE has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and cited as a Best of the Best Business Website for International Business research by the Business Reference and Services Section (BRASS) of the ALA. globalEDGE features include a Resource Desk with links to thousands of high-quality international business websites, a vast IB glossary, Export Tutorials FAQ, and sections on trade blocs, countries, states, and industries featuring insights on doing business in the worlds markets and industries. Additionally, globalEDGE hosts an international business blog, the Market Potential Index for Emerging Markets, a Database of International Business Statistics (DIBS), and numerous other tools and resources for the international business practitioner, researcher, or educator. Sarah Singer, Assistant Director of MSUs International Business Center, will show us why globalEDGE is widely used by faculty, students, librarians, and business people around the world and how you can incorporate it into your research repertoire.