International business panel will explain challenges and opportunities available for small businesses outside the US to improve their revenue and/or cost structures.
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Event Details
"Made in America" has been a rallying cry for the latest economic recovery, but for small business in particular that need not imply focusing solely on what's close at hand. Globalization 2.0 is a confirmed megatrend, with the US accounting for roughly a 20% and forecasted declining share of world GDP. Yet it can also introduce significant uncertainties for the unprepared.
Our speakers, longtime experts in seeing around foreign corners, will discuss how external sales can turbo-charge business growth and the variety of public and private resources available to entrepreneurial organizations for positioning themselves in culturally diverse settings. A case study of one of the past year's most volatile markets, Russia, will be examined to illustrate potential risks to be hedged.
Booth alumni and faculty and Entrepreneurial Roundtable members: $15 until April 15, then $5 more.
General public: $20 until April 15, then $5 more.
Registration
Register Online
You can save $5 if you register by April 15.
Deadline: 4/20/2015
Speaker Profiles
Richard Paullin (Panelist)
Executive Director, International Trade Association of Greater Chicago
http://www.itagc.org/board-of-directors/richard-paullin/
In his present role since 1994, Richard has served on the Illinois District Export Council since 1987 (Chairman since 2000) upon appointment by the US Secretary of Commerce. He has also been a special advisor to the Department of Commerce on manufacturing and on its global supply chain initiative. A former adjunct faculty member in business at DePaul University, he is active on multiple private and public sector advisory boards. Richard earned his Bachelors degree from the University of Denver.
Al Powers (Panelist)
Ambassador/Former CEO, NOW Health Group
http://www.nowfoods.com/AboutUs/History/
In a 40 year career at NOW starting at The Fruitful Yield retail stores and ending as CEO, Al helped build one of the largest independent manufacturers of health-oriented food, nutritional and personal care products. A member of the initial Illinois Export Advisory Council, Al also received the 2008 Presidential "E" Award for Excellence in Exporting from George W. Bush. He has been active in global philanthropy in Africa. Al earned his BS in Business from DePaul University.
Martti Vallila (Panelist)
Founder/Principal, MVC
http://marttivallila.com/
Martti has facilitated the commercialization of scientific and technical knowledge from Russia since 1992 through a variety of spin-off companies addressing applications in distance measurement, mobile communications, fire-fighting and neurological disease. Previously a global sales and marketing manager for IBM, he holds two US patents, has studied five languages and has written Bannana in Russia. Martti earned degrees in BA-Anthropology, Stanford U. and MBA- International Business, Chicago Booth.