Oscar Santillan, from Otavalo Ecuador, will present a program on Fair Trade. Sr. Santillan will bring a slide show showing operations in Otavalo, Ecuador.

The State of Michigan is in the midst of a decades long transition from a predominantly manufacturing economy, largely geared to a North American market, to becoming a successful participant in an increasingly complex, globalized world.

Optimal use of existing and new resources will be a key factor in achieving a common goal: A more diversified Michigan economy and broadly educated workforce which not only benefits the people of Michigan but contributes to a better life for the world's citizens.

The goal of this second International Trade Symposium is to make a timely, practical educational contribution to this complex process.

The program has been planned as an overview/update for leaders involved in a variety of roles in strengthening Michigan's economy:

- international business entrepreneurs

- economic development professionals,

- government officials and employees concerned with economic development,

- agricultural export entrepreneurs & leaders,

- academic faculty and students interested in international trade issues,

- non-profit leaders with international interests.

October's Global Business Club luncheon will be held in concert with the anniversary celebration of the founding of the United Nations. It features an address on The UN Global Compact Approach to International Development by Carrie Hall of the United Nations Global Compact Office.

Carrie Hall joined the UN Global Compact in 2004 and is a communications and public affairs adviser for the initiative. She has served as editor of the Compact Quarterly since 2005. In addition, Ms. Hall manages a broad range of communications for Global Compact. Prior to joining the United Nations staff, she was a vice-president at Hill & Knowlton, an international public relations agency. She holds a Masters in Public Administration from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.

The Lansing Regional Chamber Economic Club is dedicated to promoting and stimulating economic growth through timely and insightful community forums presented for personal and professional development. The Economic Club provides a forum where local business and community leaders can hear presentations on a broad range of business-related topics. Past presentations have ranged from how global economic trends affect the national and local economy, to hearing how leaders from different walks of life have achieved their success and view of the future. Juliette Okotie-Eboh, Vice President of Community Affairs at the MGM Grand Detroit, will speak at the October luncheon.

This conference examines the poetry & philosophy of Rumi, the 13th-century Muslim poet, philosopher, & mystic, & its relevance to contemporary understandings of Islamic culture. It also deals with renewed interests in Rumi's writings in recent years throughout the Middle East, Europe, & the United States. The starting point of the conference is Rumi's well-known verse "come, come again, whoever you are, come!" Rumi's eloquent & humanistic poetry, written sometimes with a sense of humor, creates a window on Islamic beliefs, values, & wisdom that is far removed from images of violence & terrorism. Bringing well-known scholars of Islamic mysticism, Rumi, & the Middle East together, we explore Rumi's writings, their place in Islamic literature & society, & their resurgence as bestsellers in the West. The universality of Rumi's poetry fosters an understanding of the human experience that transcends the boundaries of nations, religions, & languages.