globalEDGE Business Beat

Jean Schtokal is an international trade attorney with 20-plus years' experience at Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith PC. She works in the areas of exporting, distribution, manufacturing and licensing agreements as well as the establishment of foreign and domestic subsidiaries, branch offices, joint ventures and strategic alliances.  In addition to her practice, Jean holds many leadership roles including: Chair of the West Michigan District Export Council, member of the Advisory Board for the Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) at Michigan State University, co-chair of the Global Business Club of Mid-Michigan and is the Executive-In-Residence at MSU's International Business Center-The Eli Broad College of Business.  She has an AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale and has been included in Best Lawyers in America® 2011-2021 for International Trade and Finance Law.  As a result of her efforts, Foster Swift received the prestigious President's "E" Award for Export Service in 2020.  Only 39 companies in the US were recognized.

Here's the third issue of our eNewsletter.

Happy New Year!

The first few days of a new year always bring me hope, freshness and happiness. I feel like a lot is possible because I have an entire year in front of me… I guess this is even more true this year and I am looking forward to a much better year ahead.

TikTok, WeChat & More: Talking Tech and IP in The U.S. & China

Part of the China & The World Speaker Series

The ​U.S. and China compete for global dominance in the areas of tech and innovation; however, in an era of global firms and global citizens they must also learn to cooperate.

Stephanie Kelly, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of Community Colleges for International Development (CCID). The organization, founded in 1976, has been helping member schools further their internationalization initiatives and develop globally competent workers for the past 40 years.

Sam Kaplan is the director of the Center of Excellence for Global Trade and Supply Chain Management located at Highline College. The Center works with education and industry throughout Washington on workforce development issues. Previously, Sam ran the Trade Development Alliance connecting Seattle-area businesses with international opportunities, worked on foreign affairs issues for a U.S. Representative and publishes the weekly e-newsletter, International Need to Know.

Allie Fox VanDriel is an International Marketing Specialist at the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s International Marketing Program, where she has assisted Michigan companies grow their exports around the globe for five years. Allie is a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP), a graduate of Michigan State University, and holds an MBA from Central Michigan University.

John Christian is President and CEO of CAPA Global Education Network. CAPA is based in Boston, but is a truly global organization with employees located all over the world, focused on bringing U.S. students abroad for professional formation experiences.

TikTok, WeChat & More: Talking Tech and IP in The U.S. & China

Part of the China & The World Speaker Series

The ​U.S. and China compete for global dominance in the areas of tech and innovation; however, in an era of global firms and global citizens they must also learn to cooperate.

Organized by U.S. Commercial Service West Michigan Office, Grand Valley State University Van Andel Global Trade Center, and Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Partner Event: Virtual ExporTech

Organized by U.S. Commercial Service West Michigan Office, Grand Valley State University Van Andel Global Trade Center, and Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Conducted online in virtual classroom sessions and online one-on-one coaching over a 11 week period

Partner Event: Virtual ExporTech

Organized by U.S. Commercial Service West Michigan Office, Grand Valley State University Van Andel Global Trade Center, and Michigan Economic Development Corporation