Global Quality Management: Controlling Your Risks and Costs Worldwide

Date:  September 9, 2008 Time:  11:30 AM - 2:00 PM Location:  Sheraton Madison Hotel, 706 John Nolen Drive Web Address:  http://www.bus.wisc.edu/ciber/events/ciberevents.asp?eid=964 Sponsor:  Madison International Trade Association (MITA) Co-Sponsor:  Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER), Center for World Affairs and the Global Economy (WAGE) Cost:  $30 for MITA members, $35 for non-members.

Overview
Companies sourcing from China and greater Asia have enjoyed relatively stable conditions for nearly 20 years. Unfortunately, conditions affecting raw materials, labor, logistics, quality, regulations and currency translations are now changing rapidly and inducing disruptions in supply chain structures across the region. These changes are substantially increasing outsourcing risks and costs for virtually all companies engaged in Asian trade. There are also conditions and emerging trends affecting U.S. exports to Asia, some of which benefit U.S. exporters and others that do not.

In this program we'll review the current reality of sourcing from and exporting to Asia along with the present and expected trends emerging throughout the region. Attendees will receive information that will enable them to enhance their understanding of the present conditions and ongoing dynamics and the resources available to help them create and maintain effective manufacturing and export strategies, contain costs and anticipate potential Asian supply chain failures that can lead to delivery delays, increased warranty costs and product recalls.

Speaker Biography
Michael L. Hetzel is vice president of Americas of Pro QC International (www.proqc.com), a quality and engineering services firm with operations in more than 30 countries, and president of Northern Galaxy Corporation (www.northerngalaxy.com), a consulting firm providing global business services in areas including strategic planning, export assistance, foreign investment and international M&A services. He has more than 20 years of manufacturing experience, over 18 years in international trade, and is a member of the Federal Reserve Bank Chicago District Industrial Roundtable along with serving as a director on several corporate boards.

Registration
Online registration will be available shortly through the MITA Web site. You may also register by sending an e-mail to Jill Carmichael, MITA Treasurer, at jcarmichael@johnsonbank.com.