Fifth Global Trade and Investment Forum

Fifth Global Trade and Investment
Forum

October 3, 2018

Gilbert B. Kaplan, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, gave the keynote speech. Kaplan, who was nominated by President Trump and appointed to his position on March 20, 2018, was a partner at King & Spalding and part of the International Trade Practice Group. He is a native of Greater Binghamton.

BINGHAMTON, NY – Gilbert Kaplan, under secretary for international trade for the United States Department of Commerce, will be the featured speaker at the Binghamton University Center for International Business Advancement’s (CIBA) fifth Global Trade and Investment Forum on Oct. 3. at the Smart Energy Building at the Innovative Technologies Complex (ITC), 85 Murray Hill Road, Vestal. The event, which is open to the public, goes from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., including lunch and a keynote address by Under Secretary Kaplan beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Kaplan is an Endicott native whose father worked as a physician for the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company. Because of his personal knowledge of the region’s manufacturing challenges, he has incorporated the story of Endicott’s and Greater Binghamton’s struggles in speeches he delivers as under secretary for international trade.

Kaplan will discuss his views on the importance of international trade for American industries. He will also elaborate on his views on international trade policy, specifically how his office is working to bring about more trade deals by removing barriers for American companies and “leveling the playing field” for U.S. businesses and their workers.

“CIBA is one more initiative that moves us forward toward creating a fully integrated approach to global affairs and accomplishing our strategic goals,” said Donald Nieman, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost of Binghamton University. “It is also another means for Binghamton University to expand its community outreach and support of the economic revitalization and growth of the region.”

The CIBA forum is dedicated to increasing the globalization of businesses and academic and political communities in New York’s Southern Tier. Past forums have included topics such as global entrepreneurship, cash flow analysis and marketing strategies for global success.

The event includes lunch, refreshments and a panel discussion starting at 9:30 a.m. on the importance and challenges faced by American companies wanting to participate in international trade. Registration for the forum is required.

The Fifth Global Trade and Investment Forum is kindly sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission; the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce; the Office of Federal Relations, the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnerships, and the School of Management at Binghamton University; the Economic Development Office – City of Binghamton; the Global NY Program and the Southern Tier Regional Office of Empire State Development; Raymond Corporation; Universal Instruments; Commerce Chenango; and The Agency, Broome County IDA/LDC.

9:00 am. Registration. Coffee, tea, conversations
9:30 am. Panel Discussion: The Southern Tier and the Global Economy – 2018. Panel participants include:
- Sandeep Dalvie, Vice President Global Supply Chain, Universal Instruments;
- Patti Wilcox, Co-Owner, Awestruck Ciders;
- Steve Craig, President and CEO, Commerce Chenango;
- Ed Kowalewski, Director for International Investment Programs, Empire State Development & Global New York;
- Donna Howell, Southern Tier Regional Director, Empire State Development Corporation;
- Stacey Duncan, Deputy Director of Community and Economic Development, The Agency/Broome County IDA.
11:30 am. Lunch is served.
12:00 pm. Introduction of the Keynote Speaker.
12:15 pm. Keynote Address by Gilbert Kaplan, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade.
1:00 pm. Questions/Answers Session.
1:30 pm. End of event.