William Holstein, author of WHY GM MATTERS: Inside the Race to Transform an American Icon, will hold a press conference & offer the keynote address at a fundraising luncheon to benefit the annual Lansing Diversity Celebration and a planned manufacturing diversity summit. A book signing will follow lunch.

Expert Panel discusses involvement with Michigan's Transportation Funding Task Force.

In consultation with the National Advisory Committee, the conference program will be developed to: 1) highlight the significant impacts of Title VI programs in the United States over the past 50 years; 2) demonstrate the pressing need for Title VI programs given future and current needs; and, 3) address future directions of Title VI programs. Presenters at the conference will include invited keynote speakers to be determined in consultation with the National Advisory Committee. In addition, concurrent breakout session panels will include speakers solicited in a "Call for Proposals."

Dr. Jeong is an assistant professor of economics at Vanderbilt University. He will present "Complementarity and Transition to Modern Economic Growth." This paper addresses an interesting question in economic development, the nature of the transition to sustained economic growth. He proposes and analyzes a new growth model that is able to generate a gradual transition to sustained growth. He then estimates key model parameters using data from Thailand's economic transition of 1976-1996, and finally shows that model simulations replicate well Thailand's economic transition.

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. The luncheons are open to the general public. Typically, about 100 business executives, public policy makers, and academics attend each luncheon.

CATJ annual conferences provide a forum for discussion of major issues relating to the quality and future of Japanese language instruction in the U.S., as well as problems unique to our setting. One of the major issues to be discussed at this year's conference is the preparation of students for entry into business communities.

Dr. Dinkelman will speak on the topic, "The Effects of Rural Electrification on Employment: New Evidence from South Africa."

Michigan State University is known worldwide for its commitment to international education in an era of ever-increasing globalization. With more than 200 study abroad programs and approximately 50 languages offered on campus, MSU is one of the leading universities in the country for internationalizing the student experience. On Saturday, April 18, 2009, MSU will again invite hundreds of high school students, teachers, administrators, and parents to campus to explore a world of languages during the Fifth Annual World Languages Day. Free to all participants, this day-long conference will focus on the experiences that languages offer, and highlight the opportunities available for language and international study at MSU.

According to Lansing's Refugee Development Center as many as 500 new arrivals from around the world resettle in Lansing, which makes our community among the top 10 cities in the nation for global refugee resettlement. Mid-Michigan regionally gains 13,000 international immigrants, representing 20 ethnicities each year. This fun, family event shines a spotlight on Lansing's diversity. Last year's event featured over 25 exhibits and nearly 2,000 people turned out to celebrate the rich multicultural heritage of our community.

Speaker, TBA, General Motors Executive