Relationship building.
In the world of international business, it?s a key to bridging cultural divides.
And in a world torn along ideological lines, business is emerging as a unifying factor, experts say.
“Frankly, the exchange of money is better than the exchange of bullets,” said Bill Burwell, director of the U.S. Export Assistance office in Baltimore. “It is better to be building lines of commerce than hurting people.”
That understanding is something the University of Baltimore is trying to spread next week as it hosts the second annual International Business Week, “Celebration Global Virtual Connections.”
“For issues of national security and for global societal welfare, it is important to create a much deeper understanding of other cultures and other economies,” said Christine Nielson, a professor of international business at UB?s Merrick School of Business and among the leaders of next week?s International Business Week festivities.
Seminars, workshops and discussions are the centerpieces of the weeklong activities.
Among the presenters is Fred Lissauer, vice president of global export business development at Baltimore?s McCormick & Co., who will speak at 5:30 p.m. Monday on “Building International Relationships: A Key Factor in Global Business Success.”
Also scheduled to attend are Vernon H.C. Wright, co-founder and former executive vice chairman and chief financial officer for MBNA America Bank; William H. Stone Jr., manager of international strategic programs for Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems in Linthicum; and Marco Di Casagrande, president of Lanterna Wine Distributors in Baltimore.
“This event is designed to strengthen [the] collaboration between UB?s Merrick School of Business and its partner institutions in Mexico and Portugal, with a shared goal to promote global educational experiences for their respective students,” Nielson said.
Carolos Machado, a professor at Portugal?s Universidade do Minho, will lead several discussions during the week, including “Virtual Classroom in International Business” at 9:30 a.m. Monday.
Daniel Carraza, a professor at Universidad International in Mexico, kicks off his presentations at 10:30 a.m. Monday with “International Collaboration through Partnerships.”
“Celebrating Global Virtual Connections”
» University of Baltimore
William H. Thumel Sr. Business Center
11 W. Mount Royal Ave.
Kicks off at 8 a.m. Monday
For information, e-mail Christine Nielsen at [email protected].
