Weis' presentation is entitled Healthcare Reform--What Still Needs to Be Done and will cover the following: The Healthcare Environment Mayo Clinic Strategic Priorities Mayo Clinic's Solutions Mayo Clinic Care Network and Sparrow This event is generously sponsored by Sparrow Health System.

Jim Delany is the current commissioner of the Big Ten Conference, a role in which he has served since 1989. He is regarded among college athletics as being influential in the creation of the Bowl Championship Series and its maintenance. During his tenure as commissioner of the Big Ten Conference, Delany has overseen: The creation of the Big Ten Network The expansion of the conference to 14 schools with the addition of Penn State University in 1990, the University of Nebraska in 2011 and in 2012, the University of Maryland and Rutgers University. Guaranteed participation for Big Ten schools in seven different bowl games Development and implementation of the first college football instant replay system An increase in average Big Ten football game attendance from 58,000 per game to 72,000 per game by 2005 Negotiations with CBS to achieve a US$6 billion 11-year contract for men's basketball NCAA tournament games

In May 2012, Dart Container acquired Illinois-based Solo Cup Company and now has approximately 15,000 employees and more than 45 production, distribution center, and office locations in eight countries. Dart plans to build a new corporate headquarters building and warehouse facility as well as expand existing buildings on its Alaiedon Township campus to integrate Solo Cup corporate and administrative operations into Darts location in Michigan. The employment growth will be fueled both by the relocation of some Solo Cup Company staff from the Chicago area to Mason and new jobs that will be available to Michigan residents.

Sparks will provide an overview of the natural gas industry and discuss many of the changes in recent years that have led to an increased energy supply and lower costs. He will also discuss Consumers Energys natural gas infrastructure, and how it enables Consumers Energy to pass on these lower natural gas fuel prices to its customers. Sparks has overall responsibility for daily energy supply operations, including natural gas and electricity purchasing and delivery. He previously was the director of fossil fuel supply and oversaw the procurement and transportation of fuel for the utilitys fossil-fuel generating plants. From 2001 to 2006, he served as director of electric system planning and protection and was responsible for the relay protection and planning of the utilitys high-voltage electric system. Before 2001, he held increasingly responsible engineering and management positions in the electric system operations and electric transmission areas. Sparks joined the company in 1990 as a graduate engineer who handled electric system, bulk power substation, distribution substation and customer substation planning for western Michigan. Sparks graduated from Michigan Technological University with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. He also received a master of business administration from Western Michigan University. Sparks is a registered professional engineer with the state of Michigan and a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

By all accounts, Zimmermann and Travel Michigan are doing an outstanding job in building and promoting Michigans powerful tourism industry. During his tenure at Travel Michigan, Zimmermann helped launch the Pure Michigan branding campaign, which has continued to earn national recognition. During his Economic Club appearance, Zimmermann will discuss the Pure Michigan brand and the status of the campaign today, including its expansion to include economic development and business initiatives including Pure Michigan Business Connect and Pure Michigan Talent Connect.

Speaker Michael Finney, Michigan Economic Development CorporationFor more information & registration, go to http://www.portlansing.com/conference/ 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.

Howdy Holmes, President & CEO, Chelsea Milling Co. (Jiffy Mix). Program begins at Noon; please arrive early for registration & networking. Single Tickets $40, or tables of eight $300 (includes lunch). Pre-registration is required.

Jim Herbert, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Neogen Corporation. Program begins at Noon; please arrive early for registration & networking. Single Tickets $40, or tables of eight $300 (includes lunch). Pre-registration is required.

Catherine Creamer, Executive Director of Art Prize. Program begins at Noon; please arrive early for registration & networking. Single Tickets $40, or tables of eight $300 (includes lunch). Pre-registration is required.

Mark Lange, Executive Director, and Penny Lewandowski, Director of Entrepreneurship Development Edward Lowe Foundation. Sponsored by Rehmann. Program begins at Noon; please arrive early for registration & networking. Single Tickets $40, or tables of eight $300 (includes lunch). Pre-registration is required.