Printable
ShareLANSING, Mich.–– Port Lansing will host its first global logistics conference on November 10th at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing. The goal of the conference is to inform Michigan businesses how to utilize Port Lansing for their international logistics activities and provide insight to other important challenges and opportunities related to expanding into global markets.
The Port Lansing 2010 Global Logistics Conference, sponsored by Citizens Bank, will have sessions led by international business and trade experts that will focus on the leveraging Michigan assets and resources to help expand business globally. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with professionals and learn more about Michigan’s position as a global supply chain hub, financing global efforts, mistakes to avoid when doing international business, working with Port Lansing for international logistics, and more.
“Our goal is to educate businesses considering international trade,” said Bob Selig, executive director of the Capital Region Airport Authority, “Businesses in Michigan have the chance to increase their revenue and reach by expanding internationally. Port Lansing is a relatively new asset that has the capacity to help improve efficiencies and reduce overall global logistics costs.”
“We are proud to sponsor the Port Lansing 2010 Global Logistics Conference,” said Michael Debri, Lansing community president and senior commercial relationship manager for Citizens Bank. “Port Lansing is a tremendous business resource located right in our backyard that can help Michigan businesses grow in this global marketplace.”
The keynote speaker for the conference is John Sztykiel, CEO of Spartan Motors, a local manufacturer of specialty vehicles and chassis that currently exports to foreign markets and is expanding their global presence. The fifteen guest speakers will share their international insights individually and on four panels throughout the day. The speakers come from industry and agencies around the state representing key sectors in global commerce including manufacturing, finance, global logistics, and international trade advising.
The conference is scheduled from 9:30am to 4:15pm on November 10th. The full agenda, speakers and biographies, along with registration and information on accommodations are available online at www.portlansing.com. Attendees of the conference will include manufacturers, distributors, and logistics service providers involved in importing or exporting, or others interested in learning more about the opportunities and challenges of global commerce. Early registration for the conference is $85, which includes lunch. After October 31st, registration will be $110.
The conference is being organized by the Capital Region Airport Authority, in partnership with the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. Other program sponsors include Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C., FlyLansing.com (Capital Region International Airport) and the Greater Lansing Buisness Monthly. Supporting sponsors include Global Image Network, Michigan State University’s Center for International Business, Education & Research, the Global Business Club of Mid-Michigan, LEAP Inc. and the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce.
To learn more about the event and to register visit: www.portlansing.com or call Brent Case at 517-853-6464.
####
MEDIA INFO: Agenda, Speakers and Bios available at www.portlansing.com/conference. Other experts in the field that will be speaking at the conference include:
- Michael Debri, Citizens Bank’s Lansing Community President;
- Bob Selig, Executive Director, Capital Region Airport Authority
- Melissa Roy, Senior Director, Government Relations, Detroit Chamber
- Dave Closs, Ph.D., Michigan State University
- Kevin Smith, Sr. Vice President, Sandler & Travis Trade Advisory Services
- Tom Zernick, Vice President, Citizens Bank
- John O’Gara, Regional Manager, U.S. Small Business Administration’s Export Solutions Group
- Leslie Swanson, VP Specialty Finance, Citizens Bank
- Chris Holman, Editor, Greater Lansing Business Monthly
- Tony Kayyod, President, KAYTEK International
- Paul J. Millenbach, Attorney, Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC;
- Fathy Shetiah, CEO, Global Image Network
- Brent Case, Director, FTZ No. 275 and International Trade Development, Lansing Regional
- Chamber of Commerce
- Garry Tripp, Manager of Supply Chain Business Development, Central Global Express
- Joseph Badra, President, International Consulting & Contracting Services, Inc.
