Rudolph addresses World Trade Week

Ben Rudolph, a professor of marketing in Seidman College of Business, delivered a speech during this week's World Trade Week activities. Rudolph's speech focused on understanding different cultures and business etiquette.

Hear audio clips from Rudolph's speech:

• Rudolph said that on an international level, it's important to understand a client's specific needs.
• Rudolph also said said language barriers continue to be a point of concern for international business
• Rudolph said half of the profits from the S & P come from outside of the U.S.

The speech was part of the 22nd annual World Trade Week activities, which runs this week and focuses on current trends in global business. With a focus on small business and Michigan's growing life science industry, speakers offer advice on how to succeed in international markets.

Also on the agenda this year is the third annual WTW Student Global Awareness Day. The mission of this collaborative program is to help Grand Rapids Public High School students better understand how the global economy affects them today and how it will affect their future. This final-day capstone event held on GVSU's Pew Grand Rapids Campus sums up the students' prior six-week Junior Achievement Global Marketplace course. This program will showcase some of the area's international businesspeople discussing their preparation, career experiences, and advice for success. Students will also experience international cuisine, and exhibits by universities and schools offering foreign study programs and international career ideas.

Upcoming World Trade Week events include:

• May 10: World Trade Week International Business Conference discusses "Global Trends" in Kalamazoo from 8-11 a.m. at Kalamazoo Country Club, 1609 Whites Road
• May 11: Student Global Awareness Day, on Grand Valley State University's Allendale Campus.

For more information call (616) 331-6811 or visit www.gvsu.edu/wtw .