Join us in exploring how Canada, the United States and Mexico can collaborate through industry, government, universities and independent research institutes to secure a healthy North American auto industry in an ever-evolving global economy. Experts from academia, government, industry, finance, labor unions, and research institutes are the targeted audience for this conference. Discussions led by international experts will focus on identifying policy options and seeking consensus on future steps to strengthen the North American auto industry.

Academic sessions will be concentrated in the morning; afternoons and evenings will be devoted to explore the rich commercial, cultural, historical, and scenic heritage of Istanbul. There will be opportunities to network among the participants and meet with local business and academic constituents.

The study abroad tour will include extensive industry and academic oriented visits in Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg. The program will provide an opportunity for participants to interact with business faculty at various leading South African institutions (University of Cape Town, University of Western Cape, Stellenbosch University, University of the Witwatersrand), financial and business leaders, labor leaders, and medium and small scale South African entrepreneurs. In addition, there will be numerous site visits to a diversity of business enterprises from large shipping ports, mines, and modern factories to wine producers and microenterprises in urban townships. Special attention will be given to the post-apartheid commitment to Black Empowerment and to South Africa's growing economic involvement and influence throughout Africa.

The conference will focus on the theme entitled "From the Silk Road to Global Networks."

Global Leadership and International Business - Presented by Nancy Bennett, Director of Global Learning & Performance, College of Leadership, General Motors University (www.gm.com)

A conference for Michigan community college educators

The Greater China Supply Chain Forum is a core project of the Broad International Business Forum (BIBF), held each fall at Michigan State University. Each year over 300 students, faculty and professionals converge to hear top managers speak about their experiences in China. These managers travel to East Lansing from around the globe to represent such multinational corporations as Dell, Whirlpool, UPS, GM, A.T. Kearney, and many more. Three panels of speakers are joined by guest moderators to provide a full day of presentations and Q&A on focused topics in current, international business

"CrossCom National: Starting an Overseas Company" presented by Bruce R. Leech, Philanthropist Former Founder & Chairman, CrossCom National, Inc. (www.crosscomnational.com)

The Michigan Challenge: Despite a slowdown in the automotive sector (and in some ways because of it) Michigan is now poised to capitalize on key emerging trends in international trade. At the state, regional, and corporate levels, we can and must now serve as our own global trade mission. The October 24, 2006 event of the The Greater Lansing Chapter United Nations Association-USA, sponsored by several local organizations (including MSU-CIBER) is intended address these challenges for Michigan.

Join us for expert analysis of issues and trends regarding the inter-relationship between Michigan and China while exploring such topics as: trade and labor, energy and environment, foreign relations, and intellectual property rights.

Chris Holman, Publisher, The Greater Lansing Business Monthly Host, "Business Today with Chris Holman," WILX TV Host, "The Chris Holman Morning Show," WILS Radio (www.lansingbusinessmonthly.com)