Milwaukee trade conference to focus on global economy

The Milwaukee World Trade Association will hold its 44th annual Wisconsin International Trade Conference on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Italian Conference Center, 631 E. Chicago St. Speakers at this year’s event include several prominent Wisconsin manufacturers that have experience with importing and exporting, as well as Canadian manufacturers who will speak about important and exporting from their country. The Milwaukee World Trade Association is the global arm of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC).

The conference’s agenda includes:

Morning Session 1 – China

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Featuring presentations by Paul Swenson, Shanghai representative for the Wisconsin Department of Commerce; Todd Ericksrud, vice president of logistics sector sales, Schneider; Paul Carbone, managing partner with Baird Capital Partners; Doug Wilson of Witco Forklifts; Doug Tucker and Tina Chan of Quarles & Brady; and Jerry Golebiewski of Armor Protective Products.

Morning Session 2 – U.S. Export Compliance

Featuring a panel discussion with Linda Bourdo-Zuehlke of GE Healthcare; Candace Knuteson of Derco Aerospace; Joan Koenig of Drinker Biddle; and Jody Swentik of Trek Bicycle. Discussion will be moderated by Steve Rubinson of Johnson Diversey Inc.

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A lunch session from noon to 1:30 p.m. will include appearances and award presentations by Gale Klappa, chairman of the MMAC and Wisconsin Energy Corp.; Adele Walsh, president of the Milwaukee World Trade Association; Eric Ness, district director for the Small Business Administration; and Wisconsin Gov. James Doyle.

Afternoon Session 1 – Canada

Featuring a panel discussion with: Georges Rioux, Canadian Consul General; Nancy Ward, Wisconsin Department of Commerce Canadian representative; JoAnn Foster Queen, international trade specialist with the U.S. Department of Commerce; Bill Werra of Sentry Equipment; Roch Lambert, vice president and general manager of Bombardier Recreational Products; and Greg Charlesworth, vice president of foreign exchange services with M&I Bank. The discussion will be moderated by Steve Jagler, executive editor of Small Business Times.

Afternoon Session 2 – Best Practices in International Distributor Management

Featuring a panel discussion with: Cathy Davies of Reinhart, Boerner, Van Deuren S.C.; Rob Lewis of PDQ Manufacturing; and Joe Spector of Briggs & Stratton Corp. Moderated by Jen Pino-Gallagher, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture.

Afternoon Session 3 – Midwestern Strategies for a Global Economy

Featuring a debate between Richard Longworth, fellow with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and John Bosbous: treasurer of Bucyrus International, Frank Bryant: vice president of strategic development of In-Sink-Erator, and Salim Hawi: director of international shared services with Oshkosh Corp. The debate will be moderated by Robert Ricigliano, director of the Institute of World Affairs, UW-Milwaukee.

For information about the conference, call the MMAC at 414-287-4141.

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