Expert on international trade to speak at SRQ Airport

SARASOTA, FL (May 29, 2009) – What kind of international trade opportunities does the global economy have for local businesses and entrepreneurs?

An expert on international trade will provide some answers to that question at a forum from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18 at the Dan P. McClure Auditorium at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

Liz Reilly, director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Trade Roots program, will lead a discussion on “Emerging Opportunities with International Trade” at the forum, jointly sponsored by the International Business Council of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee’s Institute for Public Policy and Leadership. A reception will follow the presentation.

As director of the U.S. Chamber’s TradeRoots program, Reilly works with the Chamber’s grassroots network to build a coalition of trade advocates and educate members of Congress and their constituents on the importance of trade. In that capacity, she tries to expand coalitions for bilateral trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. She works closely with the business community, trade associations, local and national chambers of commerce and government agencies to advance trade. This includes directing international strategic planning sessions to support the trade agenda and to open international markets for American producers throughout the U.S.

Reilly is also a professor for the Institute for Organization Management (IOM). She holds a Masters Degree in international commerce and policy from George Mason University.

Admission for chamber members is $20 online or $25 at the door. Non-member tickets are $25 online or $30 at the door. To register online, go to www.sarasotachamber.com and click on the events calendar. Payment can be made online.

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is an 1,800-member, not-for-profit organization representing greater Sarasota County businesses. Incorporated in 1920, it is the largest Chamber of Commerce in the county. Growing at a rapid pace to serve the educational, social, governmental, and economic and leadership development needs of greater Sarasota, The GSCC is the bridge that links businesses, organizations and residents together with innovative programs that strengthen long-term economic vitality, business success, job creation and quality of life. As a major force in the area's economic prosperity and the community's outstanding lifestyle, The Chamber strives to keep its programs current and responds to the demands of Sarasota's modern business climate. The Chamber’s mission is to provide leadership to achieve a diverse, well-balanced economy to improve the quality of living and working in greater Sarasota, and it exists to maximize its members’ success, the community’s competitiveness, and the area’s economic strength.

The Chamber launched the International Business Council in recognition of the international cultural, art and tourism opportunities that exist for Sarasota business people. The IBC’s goals are to educate the business community about activities in international business, to provide opportunities for those interested in international business to connect with the proper sources, to expand international relationships and exchanges, and ultimately to create more jobs, income, tax revenue and economic benefits for the Greater Sarasota region.

For more information, visit www.usf.edu/ippl or call David Klement at (941) 359-4216 or Vicki Vega at (941) 955-2508 x244.