WMU News

Workshop to offer exporting tips for West Michigan businesses

March 9, 1999

KALAMAZOO -- Business executives looking to venture into exporting or enhance their present exporting activities can take advantage of a one-day workshop Friday, March 19, at Western Michigan University.

Experts on international banking, law, marketing and shipping will offer their experiences and advice in "Enhancing Export Opportunities," a practical workshop designed for managers and executives interested in overseas sales. The workshop will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fetzer Center.

The event is part of WMU's effort to assist the entry of Michigan firms into the rapidly growing export market, says Dr. F. William McCarty, professor of finance and commercial law, who is organizing the workshop with Dr. Zahir A. Quraeshi, WMU professor of marketing. According to McCarty, to be competitive firms must increase sales and take advantage of the global market by enhancing their exports.

The event will begin with registration, breakfast and welcoming remarks by U.S. Rep. Fred Upton and Dr. James W. Schmotter, dean of the Haworth College of Business.

Highlights will include seven sessions devoted to topics and questions regarding exporting. A luncheon keynote address describing "Economic Relations Between the United States and Japan: Japanese Success and Failure" will be delivered by Naoto Amaki, Consulate General of Japan at Detroit.

Other topics for sessions will include: "Strategies for Entering Foreign Markets," with Bob Perkins of APERKS International; "Export Market Evaluation," with Tom Maguire of the U.S. Department of Commerce; "Getting Your Products There," with Valerie Holtrop of Total Logistic Control L.L.C.; "Getting Paid," with Charles Penfold of National City Bank; and "Legal Concerns for Exporters," with Michael B. Camarota of Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone P.L.C.

A session outlining "State and Regional Assistance," will be presented by Janet C. Clark and Patricia VanderVoord of the Michigan Jobs Commission with Janette Burland of BC/CAL/KAL Inland Port
Development Corp. and Patricia Guenther of WESTOPS, WMU's Office of Public Service.

The workshop is sponsored by WMU's Haworth College of Business, the U.S. Department of Education, National City Bank and the law firm of Miller Canfield, Paddock and Stone.

Cost is $40 per person and includes a continental breakfast and lunch.; luncheon only is $15 per person. To reserve a space, persons should call Jeanne Wagenfeld at (616) 387-5069 or fax a reservation request to (616) 387-5710.

Media contact: Marie Lee, 616 387-8400, marie.lee@wmich.edu


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