This program will feature panelists from the US Department of Commerce (USDoC), private sector companies engaged in African investment, and African University representatives. The panel will begin with a brief overview of the landscape of US investment in Africa from Robert Telchin (US DoC), after which panelists will give brief remarks about their experiences with private sector engagement in Africa. The panelists will then engage in a dialogue with the audience about the potential of innovative partnerships to shape future engagement among African and global universities; private sector investors; non-governmental and governmental actors and others to meet global challenges.

Lansing Economic Club Luncheon - Celebration of Regional Growth Awards

Speaker Neil Sheridan, President, SVPI You have just seconds to get someone's attention, and perhaps minutes to win them over to your way of thinking. Whether you are attempting to get an investor's attention or convince a potential customer or overseas partner to give you a second look, your business pitch is everything. This half-day workshop will get you there. Our keynote speaker and facilitator Neil Sheridan is a researcher, adviser and speaker on organizational and business growth, and regularly conducts extensive trainings for businesses and entrepreneurs to prepare them for pitch competitions. Neil is President of SVPI, LLC, a Michigan advisory and management corporation active internationally. SVPI assists clients with strategy, valuation, performance, and innovation initiatives. Neil speaks internationally on strategy and innovation leadership as a keynoter, moderator or panelist. The 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.

Lansing Economic Club Luncheon - Ron Fournier, Crains Detroit Business

The International Business Institute for Community College Faculty is a one-day workshop hosted by Florence-Darlington Community College in Florence, South Carolina.

Speaker Kendra Kuo, Director, US Export Assistance Center, Grand Rapids This event will cover the basic concepts in exporting--from doing research to select your target market, how to best take advantage of international trade shows, and method of entry to the logistics and legalities of shipping your product overseas and getting paid. This session will offer a wealth of information to those considering or new to exporting, as well as some tips and ideas for those already in the export game. A portion of the morning will include group discussion, as well as time for questions and answers. Jade Sims, Trade Specialist at the MSU International Business Center, will lead the morning program. Our luncheon keynote will be provided by Kendra Kuo, Director of the US Export Assistance Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has spent most of her career helping Michigan companies grow their sales by connecting them to booming international markets. The 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.

Present globalEDGE at the annual USASBE conference.

Thomas J. Holt, MSU, School of Criminal Justice, to discuss latest trends in cyber security and how to better protect your business from attack.

AACCs Workforce Development Institute 2018(WDI) continues to be a pre-eminent opportunity for in-depth exchanges and networking for economic and workforce leaders at community colleges and their partners. On campuses and in communities across the country, innovation abounds: in program design, development, and delivery, in services to students and employers, and in creative solutions to workforce and economic development challenges.

Speaker The Gluten Free Bar Our morning seminar will focus on the topic of Global Branding; we will explore methods for presenting a consistent brand while tailoring the message to best reach global audiences with unique preferences in the ways they are reached. Our luncheon keynote will be presented by brand owners of The Gluten Free Bar, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's (MDARD) first-ever recipient of the 2017 Michigan export Rising Star Award. The Rising Star Award was created to recognize a company that is new to exporting or is just starting to increase their exports into one or more countries. The Gluten Free Bar sets a great example for other small- and medium-sized companies as to the opportunities exports provide in generating more sales and growth for a company, said Jamie Clover Adams, MDARD Director. Exports are critical to the Michigan food and agriculture economy, and companies like The Gluten Free Bar are a vital part of the growth. Join us to find out how they're growing the company through exporting, network with growers and food processors, and learn the ins-and-outs of achieving global success! The 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.