e-Newsletter - Mississippi World Trade Center

Volume III
2014
e-Newsletter
Fall
Events / Membership / Other Resources
SEMINAR: PRACTICAL LESSONS FOR
DOING GLOBAL BUSINESS
Experts Come Together for Wednesday,
October 15, 2014 Business Seminar
Wondering what type of intellectual property
protection your business needs, where to find funding
sources and insurance, how to increase your logistics
chain efficiency, globalize your website, or determine
what foreign market to enter?
We've brought together experts and trade specialists
from the international business community for a one
day seminar to cover key considerations for doing
business globally, share tips of the trade, and provide practical lessons that work for your
business.
The seminar will consists of speakers that are professionals in industries ranging from legal
services, supply chain and logistics, travel agencies, trade specialists, banking agencies, and
marketing agencies. It will consist of 9 sessions that will last from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with
breaks throughout the day including a provided lunch.
The sessions will cover a range of topics that will not only help make your business more
effective, but it will also enhance your employees' skills and abilities to navigate in the
growing global market. A full list of the sessions with brief descriptions are listed below:
"Being Proactive with your Intellectual Property in a Flat World" will begin the seminar
with Jason Bush from Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC. Jason will
discuss the how intellectual property is necessary to not only protect, but also to capitalize in
today's business world.
Bill Kraus from Page & Jones will be our speaker for "The Logistics Value Chain." Bill will
discuss the importance of having an effective and efficient logistics chain and how it can add
value to your business.
Our third session will be presented by Barbara Travis, Anita Nooe from Travel Planners,
LLC, and Jane-Halbert Jones from More Than a Tourist. They will present the session of
"Cross-Cultural Connections & Why it Matters." This session will discuss the importance of
making and establishing connections cross-culturally to not only enhance employees' cultural
awareness, but also to enhance the business connections your company can make
internationally.
"Research Tools for Trade" will be presented by Tracy Diez from the World Trade
Center Mississippi. Tracy will discuss the powerful research and tools that World Trade
Center Mississippi can provide to businesses seeking new or growing foreign markets and
discounts available for members.
A representative from the Mississippi Development Authority will present "Having an
Export Strategy is Key to Successfully Doing Business Globally." Exports account for nearly
25 percent of U.S. economic growth during the past decade and they are expected to grow
by nearly 10 percent per year for the next several years. The representative will discuss how
exporting has brought growth to many U.S. businesses and how implementing a global
strategy can can bring growth to your business too.
Our sixth session will be presented by a representative from The Cirlot Agency. "Globalizing
Your Website" will cover how to make your website globally accessible, how to market your
website, and how to make it accommodating for international markets.
Walter Dyminski from BancorpSouth
will begin the finance portion of the seminar with "Show Me The Money." The session will
cover how to access different funding sources, especially loans for exporting goods. It will
also cover the small business loan process and how to make it easier for businesses to
access funds.
Nick Walters of Stone-Adams Financial Partners will present "EXIM Bank and Small
Businesses Can Be a Good Fit." Nick will discuss the assistance that the Export-Import Bank
of the United States brings to Mississippi businesses involved in exporting.
The final session is presented by Valerie Adams of Trustmark National Bank. Valerie will
present "Methods of Payment," which will cover different ways to receive payment when
conducting business internationally.
Whether you are interested in going global or already doing business on the international
scale, this seminar will supply you with the resources and tools to enhance your international
experience. Please click HERE for access to more information, to register, or click HERE to
access the full agenda.
ANNUAL MEETING & GLOBAL
BUSINESS AWARDS
Save the Date: Thursday, November 20, 2014
World Trade Center Mississippi is pleased to announce
the 2014 Annual Meeting and Global Business Awards
on November 20th from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the
Country Club of Jackson.
The luncheon, with Barbara Travis serving as Master of
Ceremonies, is coordinated by WTC Mississippi
focusing on international business excellence, arts &
culture, music, and education.
WTC Mississippi has the distinct privilege of including in the program a special performance
from Miss Mississippi, Jasmine Murray.
The prestigious Tozzoli Award for Distinct International Business Leadership will be
presented to Barry Cannada, the Chairman of the Business Department for Butler Snow. The
award is named for Guy Tozzoli, New York World Trade Center Association founder, and
honors outstanding Mississippians who have attained national and international success
while steadfastly remaining loyal to and headquartered within the state
Senator Hillman Frazier, from the State of Mississippi, will receive the Global Understanding
& Cultural Advocate Award for his immense contributions to the support of arts and cultural
programs in the state.
This year's recipient of the Crystal Globe Member of Distinction Award is former CEO of
the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority, Dirk Vanderleest. Vanderleest has served the Airport
Authority for 25 years and has been a valued member of WTC Mississippi during his time
there.
The Global Arts & Music Excellence Award will be presented to Raphael Semmes, a talented
Mississippi musician. The meeting will include a a brief report on this year's accomplishments
from Board President Hunter Arnold, Vice President of Waggoner Engineering.
We hope that your company will take advantage of this opportunity to support individuals,
companies, and educational entities who engage in international business and provide
cultural and educational opportunities for the citizens of our state.
In order to purchase sponsorships or tickets, please visit the event registration page.
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear MSWTC Members,
For many reasons, it is an honor to accept my new role at the
Mississippi World Trade Center as your Executive Director.
I am extremely excited for the opportunity to lead WTC
Mississippi in engaging the community, our membership,
statewide leadership and critical partners to fully realize our
shared vision for global success.
I chose a career working in operational management because I am passionate about helping
others become successful in business, leadership and whatever they choose to do. I am
confident that with my diverse background of experience I will be able to make an impact
locally and globally for our members and the state of Mississippi.
Most importantly, I am committed to our promise to provide members with global business
connections through a variety of trade services, and to continue fostering international trade
investment and tourism in Mississippi and surrounding regions. I believe that the World
Trade Centers Association is making a difference in the global movement to increase
prosperity through trade and I will strive to make Mississippi and its businesses part of
that. Our investments in global research, trade education, trade information, and other
resources have helped local businesses thrive globally.
Barbara Travis, our retiring Executive Director, is an incredible model for this role and a
tough act to follow. Under Barbara's leadership, Mississippi World Trade Center has grown
into one of the top sources for international trade services and information for the state. Her
vision, determination, and creativity were vital in the establishment of the MSWTC and has
helped push Mississippi International Business forward into an even stronger competitor in
the global marketplace. I am grateful to Barbara for her commitment, training, and providing
continuity through our transition. There is no doubt she will remain a trusted confidant and
supporter as we continue our work.
I am delighted to continue my work with an organization made up of involved members,
supporters and partners. With a busy few months on the horizon, I hope to see you soon at
your office or at the Annual Meeting and International Business Awards Luncheon in
November.
Sincerely,
Tracy Diez
Executive Director
Mississippi World Trade Center
MSWTC THANKS BARBARA TRAVIS FOR 13
YEARS OF SERVICE
Barbara Travis, Executive Director for Thirteen Years,
Retires
Effective September 30, Barbara Travis will retire after 13 years
as the Executive Director of the Mississippi World Trade Center.
In 2001, Travis joined WTC Mississippi as its first director, a
position she has held her entire time with the organization.
Travis has focused on international business development and
expansion of international trade, investment and tourism
activities in Mississippi.
"It has been my absolute pleasure to be in a leadership position for more than 13 years and
to be a part of helping Mississippi companies better understand the global marketplace"
Travis said. "There are no adequate words to describe how happy I am to have had the
opportunity to serve the state, the Mississippi World Trade Center and its partners."
Central to her contributions as Executive Director is her enthusiasm and understanding of
the value that World Trade Centers bring to communities, and the importance of exports
and global trade in bringing wealth and jobs to the state.
"Barbara's role has allowed this organization to enhance Mississippi's position in the
worldwide marketplace," said Hunter Arnold, Waggoner Engineering's Vice President of
Business Development and President of World Trade Center Mississippi's board of directors.
"Her years of expertise have given this state vital business resources to compete for
international business opportunities."
Mississippi currently enjoys a $12 billion market in exported commodities alone - a figure that
has increased annually since the WTC was founded - but Travis says the state is making
equally significant gains in exported services in an era where businesses in Mississippi can
connect in seconds with like-minded corporations in all corners of the globe through
technology.
Travis says her proudest accomplishment isn't one particular deal or batch of jobs that came
to the state through her work, but instead the support of a "stellar staff and board" and the
WTC's internship program which is aimed at producing the state's next generation of people
who can boost Mississippi's worldwide presence.
Before joining the MSWTC, Travis developed MarketLynx Consulting, a consulting practice
focused on corporate and community marketing, public relations, economic and community
development and organizational effectiveness. She has also held positions at Rankin First
Economic Development Authority and the Mississippi Development Authority.
Travis is an active member and leader in numerous professional, service and civic
organizations, such as the Rotary Club of Rankin County, Metro Jackson Salvation Army, the
Rankin County Chamber of Commerce and River Oaks Hospital Community Advisory Board.
She is also licensed as a Certified Economic Developer by the International Economic
Development Council and a Professional Community and Economic Developer by the
Community Development Council.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi University for Women, a Master of
Arts degree from Mississippi State University and has completed coursework for a Ph.D. in
International Development from the University of Southern Mississippi.
GLOBAL BUSINESS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
January - July 2014: MSWTC's Six Session Program for Leadership in
Global Business
International know-how is quickly
becoming the key to success in a global
business. By investing in your employees
now, you are setting your company up for
success in the future.
World Trade Center Mississippi proudly
announces the Global Business Leadership
Program, a six-month program
beginning January 2014 that prepares existing and emerging leaders for a future in an
increasingly complex and globally-connected world.
The program is designed to educate participants about effective global management styles
andprovide insight into crucial cultural knowledge and strategies that strengthen business
operations and competitiveness in a global marketplace. Participants sharpen their
international leadership skills while gaining a deeper understanding of various aspects of
global team building and solutions for cross-cultural communication that can be applied to a
broad spectrum of business, workplace, and community situations. The program provides
real-world applications for professionals to improve their businesses and provides
exceptional networking opportunities with other professionals from multiple industries.
The Global Business Leadership Program is a six-month program, with six monthly sessions
from January to June. The first and final sessions meet in Jackson; others meet across the
state for visits at industry-leading companies that conduct business abroad. The program is
instructed by business executives from Mississippi globally-connected companies and select
professors from universities with international business curriculums.
Company Benefits of the Global Business Leadership Program:
 Participants gain a thorough and deeper understanding of leadership styles that
transcend cultures and learn how to conduct business internationally from current
professionals in the field
 Participants gain hands-on experience by working in groups with industry
professionals to solve real-world cases to better understand dilemmas in multicultural environments
 Participants build confidence with international relations and learn to asses new
developments in the fields of international business and cross-cultural communication
 Participants will return with new-found, real-world knowledge that can be adapted and
implemented to meet specific company needs
 Participants have face time with speakers and top executives from some of
Mississippi's largest and most successful globally-competitivecompanies
 Participants have opportunities to network and exchange ideas with professionals
and future leaders across multiple industries in the state
 Participants receive trade publications such as the Impact Analys from World Trade
Center Mississippi and stay current and ahead of the business world by receiving
cutting-edge information, strategies, and insights into the global marketplace
For additional information or to apply, contact Tracy Diez ([email protected]) or Carly
McKie ([email protected]) by email or phone (601-353-0909).
"SPANISH TASTE OF ART" BUSINESS-AFTERHOURS
MSWTC Young Globals Professional Network's
September Event
MSWTC's young professional network, The Young
Globals, hosted a "Spanish Taste of Art" Business-AfterHours at Downtown Jackson Partners in the Electric
Building on September 30.
The ultra-modern reception room was the perfect fit for
wine tasting and networking. Chef Luis Bruno provided a delicious assortment of authentic
Spanish Tapas that included goat cheese and herb terrine with crostini, serrano manchego
croquettes, bacon wrapped chorizo stuffed dates, seafood paella, and savory meatballs with
tempranillo tomato sauce.
Norm Rush was our guest sommelier for the evening. Norm provided pairing suggestions
and knowledge about the six types of wine that were imported from Spain, Chile, and
Portugal. You can find the different types of wine at Kats Wine and Spirits. MSWTC extends
a thank you to everyone who participated in the success of "Spanish Taste of Art" and we
look forward to seeing you at our next event!
To stay up to date on all upcoming Young Globals events and news, follow our page
at MSWTC Young Globals.
BUSINESS-AFTER-HOURS: BREWS &
BITES
MSWTC Young Globals Professional Network's
August Event
The Young Globals Professional Network hosted a Brews
& Bites Business-After-Hours for an end-of-summer
networking event on August 5. Young professionals
enjoyed pizza, appetizers, and specialty internationalthemed cocktails like the Pimm's Cup, Singapore Sling,
and French 75 in the Pie Lounge and patio of Sal &
Mookies.
We had a wonderful evening connecting with new faces from various Mississippi industries.
MSWTC extends a thank you to our sponsors, Sal & Mookie's and Capital City Beverages,
for making the event a success.
To stay up to date on all upcoming Young Globals events and news, follow our page
at MSWTC Young Globals.
GLOBAL EXECUTIVE SPEAKER SERIES: RHONDA KEENUM
Public Relations Thru A Global Looking Glass
World Trade Center Mississippi had the pleasure of
hosting guest speaker, Rhonda Keenum, at The Capital
Club in Jackson, MS as a part of the Global Executive
Speaker Series. This event was held on August 21, 2014
and the audience of over 40 business professionals and
MSWTC Young Globals were privileged to hear Ms.
Keenum speak on "Public Relations Thru A Global
Looking Glass."
Rhonda Keenum is Mississippi State University's First Lady, Board Member of World Trade
Center Mississippi, and President of Keenum Company which is a public affairs firm
that provides strategic counsel, government relations and communication services to a
diverse group of leading corporations, coalitions and trade associations. Mrs. Keenum
served as Director of the Office of Public Liasion and Deputy Assistant to President George
W. Bush and previously also served as the acting Undersecretary for Commerce for
International Trade Administration.
RESEARCH SERVICES
What We Offer
Now introducing: powerful, comprehensive research
services. World Trade Center Mississippi provides reliable
and up-to-date insight into the status of the international
marketplace to leading Mississippi industries such as
energy, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, agriculture
and more. This global import/export data research and analysis translates into
international competitive advantages for businesses. Our research capabilities assist
companies in exploring new and growing markets, finding qualified trading partners,
identifying market trends, locating new suppliers, international business intelligence and
more.
For more information on research and pricing, contact Tracy Diez
at [email protected] or 601-353-0909.
NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
Shannon Lumber International
New Member Shannon Lumber International provides everything from logs and lumber to
hardwood products with special dimensions, strips, and specified lengths. In addition to the
quality lumber Shannon Lumber International provides, they also specialize in building
programs and alliances with small-to-medium-sized manufacturers and those companies just
getting started in buying U.S. hardwoods.
Discount Tractor & Equipment
Discount Tractor & Equipment is one of our newest members and
is currently seeking buyers in a variety of international markets
for agriculture, construction, and vehicle equipment. It is located in
Hattiesburg and is focused on providing high-quality service
and customer satisfaction.
To learn more these companies and what benefits becoming a
member of MSWTC can bring to your company,please visit
here.
MEET OUR INTERNS
Yuhan Zhao is a native of China and a graduate of Mississippi
College, where he received a B.S. in Graphic Design. He is
completing an internship at MSWTC and is pursing a career in
graphic design.
Marcus Dufour is a New Orleans native and recent
grad of Southern Miss. He is pursuing a Masters in
Business Administration at Millsaps College. Marcus
is interested in international affairs and business, and
is interested in becoming an international business consultant upon
graduation.
Margo Kaufman, from Washington state, is a senior studying at
Belhaven University. She is pursuing a degree in International
Studies with a minor in Dance. Margo enjoys traveling and learning
about other cultures and languages, particularly French and
Spanish.
To learn more internship opportunities, please
visit http://mswtc.org/services/internships/
YOUNG ARTISTS & AUTHORS GLOBAL
SHOWCASE
Mississippi World Trade Center Institute announces the
winners of the Seventh Annual Young Artists & Authors
Global Showcase, a statewide high school art and writing
competition.
The judging panel, made up of Wyatt Waters, Marshall
Ramsey, and Dr. Emilia Bachrach, selected winners in
artwork and writing categories. Waters, Ramsey, and
Bachrach evaluated entries on the basis of theme
interpretation, composition and originality.
Mississippi World Trade Center received 118 entries from
high schools across Mississippi. All finalist's entries are
currently on display in the lobby of the Mississippi World
Trade Center at 200 S. Lamar St., Jackson, Miss. 39201
until October 30, 2014.
Awards were presented to winners during an Open House Reception on October 7. In the
Artwork Category, Lauryn Smith of Meridian High School was selected as the 1st Place $200
Award Winner. Deborah Wells of Terry High School was selected as the 2nd Place $100
Award Winner and Nikki Campbell of Center Hill High School was selected as the 3rd Place
$50 Award Winner.
In the Writing Category, Emma Gousset of Tupelo High School was selected as the 1st
Place $200 Award Winner. Josslyn Littles of Murrah High School was selected as the 2nd
Place $100 Award and Krystal Kearns of D'Iberville High School was selected as the 3rd
Place $50 Award Winner.
The Mississippi World Trade Center Institute hosts the competition annually in an effort to
educate Mississippi high school students on the value of learning about other cultures and to
promote a deeper understanding of global affairs. The competition encourages creative
thinking inside and outside of the classroom while supporting arts and writing education in
the process. Mississippi students are encouraged to enhance their cultural awareness and
creatively interpret an international concept through a variety of artistic mediums including
painting, drawing, photography, computer graphics, poetry, and essay. The theme for 2014
was "A Journey Through Asia."
UPCOMING EVENTS
Local and International Calendar
For a full list of upcoming events of World Trade
Center Mississippi and our partners, please visit
our events page.
PHOTO GALLERY
Valerie Adams (Trustmark
National Bank) andCyndi
Saia (Viking Range
Corporation) at MSWTC's
Global Executive Speaker
Series featuring Rhonda
Keenum
Kathy Shook (Copper
Sculptures), Tina Holton
(Copper Sculptures),
Kimberly Mistal (Copper
Sculptures), Vickie Watters
(MDA), Regina Todd (MDA),
and Han Yu (MDA)
Carol Moore (U.S.
Commerce), Rose Boxx
(MDA), and Jessica
Gordon (U.S. Commerce)
at MSWTC's Global
Executive Speaker
at MSWTC's Global
Executive Speaker
Series featuring Rhonda
Keenum
Series featuring Rhonda
Keenum
World Trade Center
Mississippi team members
at MSWTC's Global
Executive Speaker Series
featuring Rhonda Keenum
Gracie Boland (MSWTC),
Aggie Sikora (MDA), Han
Yu (MDA), and Regina Todd
at MSWTC's Global
Executive Speaker Series
featuring Rhonda Keenum
Carly McKie (MSWTC) and
featured guest speaker,
Rhonda Keenum (Keenum
Company) at MSWTC's
Global Executive Speaker
Series
Barbara Travis (MSWTC),
T.J. Harvey (Alzheimer's
Association), and Amile
Wilson (Hapax Creative) at
the Young Globals' Brews &
Bites Business-After-Hours
Kelly Hamill (Mississippi
College Law School) and
Dee Hamill (Innovate
Mississippi) at the Young
Globals' Brews & Bites
Business-After-Hours
Christa Bower (Belhaven
University) and Reed
Bowen (Yates
Construction) at the Young
Globals' Brews & Bites
Business-After-Hours
Jessica Gordon (U.S.
Commerce), Margo
Kaufman (MSWTC) and
Kenya Collins at the Young
Globals' "Spanish Taste of
Art" Business-After-Hours
Nathanael Gassett (MDA),
Jessica Gordon (U.S.
Commerce), Gabriel Prado
(MDA), and Dee Hamill
(Innovate Mississippi) at the
Young Globals' "Spanish
Taste of Art" Business-AfterHours
The Young Globals'
"Spanish Taste of Art"
Business-After-Hours
featured wines from Spain,
Chile, and Portugal
presented by sommelier
Norm Rush, thanks to Kat's
Wine & Spirits.
Tina Hooker (Cirlot Agency)
and Kelsey Kitch (Cirlot
Agency) at the Young
Globals' "Spanish Taste of
Art" Business-After-Hours
The Young Globals'
"Spanish Taste of Art"
Business-After-Hours
featured an assortment of
Spanish dishes prepared by
Chef Luis Bruno
MSWTC Interns Margo
Kaufman, Marcus Dufour,
and Yuhan Zhao at the
Young Globals' "Spanish
Taste of Art" BusinessAfter-Hours
Austin Lane (Trustmark
National Bank), Gabriel
Prado (MDA), and Witt
Ruffin (Trustmark National
Bank) at the Young
Globals' "Spanish Taste of
Art" Business-After-Hours
The Young Globals'
"Spanish Taste of Art"
Business-After-Hours was
held in Marketing Center of
Downtown Jackson Partners
The Young Globals'
"Spanish Taste of Art"
Business-After-Hours
featured authentic Spanish
paella prepared by Chef
Luis Bruno
Judge Wyatt Waters
evaluated over 118 artwork
and writing entries from
high schools across
Mississippi for the Young
Artists & Authors Global
Showcase Competition
Judges Marshall Ramsey of
the Clarion Ledger and Dr.
Emilia Bachrach of Millsaps
College evaluated over 118
artwork and writing entries
from high schools across
Mississippi for the Young
Artists & Authors Global
Showcase Competition
Krystal Kearns of D'Iberville
High School (right)
presented with her 3rd
Place $50 prize for her
essay, "My Tokyo
Adventure" at the Young
Artists & Authors Global
Showcase Reception
Judge Marshall Ramsey
speaks with students at the
reception for the Young
Artists & Authors Global
Showcase Competition
1st Place in the Artwork
Category of the Young
Artists & Authors Global
Showcase Competition was
presented to Lauryn Smith
of Meridian High School for
her entry, "Fanatic"
Julia Rose Iacono of
Hartfield Academy accepts
an Honorable Mention
award with her mother at
the Young Artists &
Authors Global Showcase
Reception
WTC MISSISSIPPI Strategic Partners
WORLD TRADE CENTER MISSISSIPPI
Providing Mississippi with Global Business Connections
STAY CONNECTED