VAGTC hosts Office Furniture Symposium

The Van Andel Global Trade Center at Grand Valley State University will take a look at the "The Double Edged Sword: Being a Supplier in a Global Market" in the third Global Office Furniture Symposium. The symposium is Wednesday, September 12 from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. in Grand Valley’s Eberhard Center.

The keynote speaker will be Peter Martin, CEO of Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Co. Operating effectively in a global economy is a critical requirement for a growing number of companies. Martin will discuss various aspects of setting up a global supply chain, including why it is necessary, issues associated with “going global,” and the trials and tribulations of doing business in Asia. Other speakers and topics include:

• Fred Keller, chairman and CEO of Cascade Engineering, “Sustainability and Innovation – A Symbiotic Partnership”

• Gary Wernlund, office furniture sales manager of Stiles Machinery, “Global Influences – Technology and Relationships”

• Mark LaCroix, vice president global sustainability with InterfaceFABRIC Complex Choices, “The Many Shades of Green.”

• Michael A. Dunlap, principal of Michael A. Dunlap & Associates, “Office Furniture Industry Trends – Where Have We Been? Where Are We Going?”

• Andrew Thorson, partner at Warner, Norcross & Judd, LLP, “Mergers and Acquisitions in Asia - Strategies for Success”

• Carlton Chen, president of China International Freight Global Supply Chain Solutions, “Focus on Ocean Logistics”

A panel discussion will be moderated by Kathleen Ponitz, senior vice president and director of marketing, Progressive AE. Panelests include Trendway Corp. President Bill Bundy, Gill Industries Inc. President Richard Perrault, and Herman Miller President and CEO Brian Walker.

The symposium is Wednesday, September 12, 2007 from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. in the Eberhard Center on Grand Valley State University’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus. The registration fee is $195 and includes materials, parking and meals. For more information or to register, visit www.vagtc.org or call (616) 331-6811.