The event is Tuesday, October 11, at DeVos Place, 303 Monroe, in downtown Grand Rapids. The symposium runs from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The fee is $150, with discounts for groups of three or more.
The purpose of this year's symposium is to improve the capabilities of office furniture suppliers and manufacturers enabling them to prosper in the dynamic global office furniture industry. As identified in feedback to last year's program, more technical information will be delivered through concurrent sessions.
Concurrent sessions will focus on the following three tracks: China, Fundamentals of Trade and Office Furniture Manufacturers. Hands-on practitioners will share a practical approach for successfully competing in the global market place.
The keynote speaker -- Theo Magermans, Internal Business Development Manager, Samas Group (Netherlands) -- will discuss the changing workplace in regards to the global market. Also speaking is James Glassman, Managing Director and Senior Policy Strategist, JP Morgan Chase & Co., who will deliver an assessment of the economic outlook, with a particular focus on globalization and the emergence of East Asia and its implications for business.
Additional presenters include:
- Janet Clark, Michigan Economic Development Corporation -- Export Services
- Wallace Epperson, Managing Director, Mann, Armistead & Epperson, Ltd.
- Rol Grit, President, GT Industries
- Jim Gresehover, Director of International Development, Guardian Industries
- Kendra Kuo, U.S. Department of Commerce -- Export Assistance Center
- Jeffrey Meyer, Executive Director, Van Andel Global Trade Center
- Francisco Perez, Vice President -- Hush Puppies International, Wolverine World Wide
- Fred Ruttan, Director Global Purchasing, Haworth, Inc.
- Chuck Saylor, Founder and President, izzydesign
- Drew Schramm, Vice President Supply Chain Management, Herman Miller, Inc.
- Kok-Chi Tsim, Managing Director & Senior Director of International Strategy, JP Morgan Chase
- Ray Wood, Attorney, Warner Norcross & Judd
The event is sponsored by JP Morgan Chase & Co., MiBiz, Michigan Radio, and Warner Norcross & Judd. For questions or to register, visit the VAGTC online at www.vagtc.org, or call (616) 331-6811.
