Students from all disciplines are encouraged to submit 1-page abstracts of presentations on topics related to Latin America and the Caribbean and our conference theme. Papers on other topics related to Latin America and the Caribbean are also welcome.

The Global Business Club of Mid-Michigan focuses on global issues of interest to the mid-Michigan business community. In this role, the GB Club is dedicated to supporting global business growth of the State of Michigan and its diverse manufacturing and service organizations. The main activity of the GB Club is the luncheon speaker series.

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.

The Honorable Tom Ridge.

The inextricable link between security and prosperity in a progressively interdependent world has generated enormous political and economic benefits but also consequent challenges. As the interdependence grows, so grows the vulnerability. Terrorism, natural disasters, criminal acts, vendor issues, accidents and geopolitical influences can have debilitating effects on economies and thus have put issues such as supply chain security, cross-border collaborations and security investment at the forefront of every proactive business and government agenda.

Secretary Ridge, the nation's first secretary of Homeland Security and former governor Pennsylvania, will share his views of today's risk-centric environment and how to minimize those risks in favor of greater resiliency and security across the globe.