World Trade Week looks at global economy

More than 96 percent of the world’s consumers live outside the United States. The 23rd annual World Trade Week is aimed at helping regional companies tap into those global markets.

World Trade Week runs May 5-9. The week features speakers, panel discussions and other events focused on this year’s theme: “The New Realities of the Global Economy.”

The week’s keynote speaker is Thomas G. Travis, managing partner of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. and chairman of Sandler & Travis Trade Advisory Services. Travis has extensive experience in international trade and customs issues, including the representation of countries and private interests in matters before the World Trade Organization, the World Customs Organization, the U.S. Congress and federal agencies, and the revenue and customs services of many nations. Travis is widely recognized as a leading authority in the complex and highly technical world of international trade. He possesses extensive knowledge on subjects like the classification, valuation and origin of imported merchandise; preference systems; and free trade agreements between the U.S. and its trading partners.

Travis is speaking during a day-long business conference on May 8 in Grand Valley State University’s Eberhard Center, 301 W. Fulton St. in Grand Rapids. The conference begins at 7:30 a.m. and runs through 1:30 p.m. and includes breakfast and lunch. For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/wtw . MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE CONFERENCE IS ENCOURAGED.

Other highlights of the week include:

• Monday, May 5
Economic Club of Grand Rapids luncheon features speaker Rep. Vernon J. Ehlers; also the “World Trader of the Year” award will be announced. The luncheon is noon, DeVos Place. The cost is $30 for non-members, register on-line: www.gvsu.edu/wtw

• Wednesday, May 7
World Affairs Council’s WorldQuest International Trivia Game, 6 p.m. Wege Center, Aquinas College. For more information, contact Amy Kirkbride at (616) 776-1721 or [email protected]

• Friday, May 9
Student Global Awareness Day, which is a collaborative program 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 Grand Valley’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus sums up the students’ Junior Acheivement Global Marketplace course. This program will showcase some of the area’s international business people discussing their preparation, career experiences, and advice for success; international cuisine, exhibits by universities and schools offering foreign study programs and international career ideas; plus prizes, and an essay contest.

For more information or additional story ideas, please contact Brian J. Bowe at (616) 331-2221 or [email protected].