This webinar is FREE and open to all, but registration is required. Zoom details will be sent to all registered participants. Africa, as a whole, is experiencing significant political, economic and sociocultural changes that will determine, for the short and possibly the long terms, whether it is 'Africa rising' or 'Africa stagnating'. While we recognize the significant differences between Africa's regions and the unique context of each of its leading economies, there are common challenges that call for a unified and coordinated approach. In this webinar, Georgia State University professor Mourad Dakhli, and University of Pretoria professor Carolyn Chisadza invite you to join in on a conversation exploring the current realities and future prospects of Africa's economic and business context. Some of the topics that we will debater include institutional development across the continent, the changing landscape of doing business in major African economies, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on business, and the Pan-African Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its expected consequences.

The Lansing Chamber Economic Club will welcome two prominent economic experts, Quentin L. Messer, Jr., president and CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Patrick Anderson, principal and CEO, Anderson Economic Group.In partnership with the Michigan Business Network (MBN), Mr. Messer Jr. will break down the Future Business Index Survey and Mr. Anderson will discuss the 2021-2022 economic forecast highlighting Michigan's and the Lansing regions economic competitiveness. To register, please click on the URL.

Automation Alleys event will feature international business experts who will demystify the export process and explain why the opportunities to sell overseas far outweigh the challenges. Speakers will provide case studies on how companies can best position themselves to take advantage of business opportunities overseas while sidestepping some of the common hurdles faced by exporters. They will also focus on countries around the world with the highest demand for Michigans goods and services. For additional information and to register, please click on the website link.

Major trading companies and MNCs around the world are recognizing the transformative impact of block chain technology in operating global supply chains, managing trade finance, and unlocking new business models. For this webinar, we invited two scholars from fiancé and economics fields to gain a better understanding of the impact of cryptocurrencies in the future of international business and trade. Specifically, the general discussion point will be around the introduction of cryptocurrencies, asset market volatilities, and international business. Our panelists will also discuss the potential impact of block chain technology on international trade, international business and finance. This webinar will include short presentations followed by a discussion moderated by the co-hosts. Key Takeaways Gain insights into the introduction of cryptocurrencies in international business and trade Learn the potential impact of block chain technology in operating global supply chains, managing trade finance, and unlocking new business models Learn the current state of the transformative impact of cryptocurrencies in the future of international business and trade.

IBCs Global Business Club is hosting an event focused on foreign direct investment in Michigan. The webinar will give an overview of FDI and economic data pre and during the Covid-19 pandemic. After the keynote, a panel of economic development experts will discuss trends they have seen in FDI, discuss recent investment projects, and talk about what they foresee in the year to come. To register, please click on the website link below.

Emerging from the disruptive market forces of the twenty first century, the global automotive industry has become synonymous with more than just mobility.Advances in technology and the transformation of systems are enabling innovative products that allow vehicles to serve as platforms for other products; vehicles are becoming living rooms on wheels. Heritage brands are racing to compete with relatively recent market entrants who have refined over the air vehicle software updates that are used to optimize a vehicles performance. With a panel of global experts from both industry and academia, this webinar will explore the types of product possibilities that are emerging, the nature of the companies that will compete in this emerging space, and the implications for associated industries and supply chains. To register, please click on the website link below.

In recognition of this significant milestone, Ernest Green, a member of the Little Rock Nine, will join the Lansing Economic Club on Tuesday, Feb. 1. Mr. Green, a Michigan State University alumnus, will be interviewed by Elaine Hardy, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, City of East Lansing. Green will speak about the Little Rock Nine's importance in the continued fight for civil rights and justice in the United States.

In partnership with MSU faculty and the Committee of 100, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the inclusion of Chinese Americans across society, this event will provide an overview of Chinese American history in the US in an effort to combat anti-Asian hate and to raise awareness about the important role Chinese Americans have played in US history. The panelists will share their expertise, and the event will allow plenty of time for Q&A from the audience.

Automotive- and mobility-sector companies are invited to join MEDC, Ann Arbor SPARK, and MSU International Business Center for a virtual roundtable discussion to share insights into challenges and successes of entering new markets. The discussion aims to inform moderators of how export programs can be better aligned to support this industry in 2022 and beyond.This virtual event will be held February 10, 9am10:30am and is open to up to 20 companies statewide. If you are interested in participating, please contact your International Trade Manager.

This presentation offers an overview of the current problems and possibilities in the retailing industry with suggestions for educators and researchers, as well as practitioners in the area. Retailing is a service industry that exists in all the countries around the globe albeit at different levels of development. As a result, the transformation that the world is going through is most evident in retailing given its ubiquitous nature in peoples lives in the world. The digital revolution, along with changes in the macro environments and consumer behaviors, trigger and fuel this transformation.