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Inaugural Port Lansing Conference to Help Companies With Logistics

Port Lansing, mid-Michigan's only port of entry direct from overseas, will  host its first global logistics conference on Nov. 10 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing.

The goal of the conference is to inform Michigan businesses how to use Port Lansing for their international logistics activities and provide insight to other important challenges and opportunities related to expanding into global markets.

The Port Lansing 2010 Global Logistics Conference, sponsored by Citizens Bank, will have sessions led by international business and trade experts that will focus on the leveraging Michigan assets and resources to help expand business globally.

Attendees will have the opportunity to network with professionals and learn more about Michigan's position as a global supply chain hub, financing global efforts, mistakes to avoid when doing international business,working with Port Lansing for international logistics, and more.

"Our goal is to educate businesses considering international trade," said Bob Selig, executive director of the Capital Region Airport Authority, "Businesses in Michigan have the chance to increase their revenue and reach by expanding internationally. Port Lansing is a relatively new asset that has the capacity to help improve efficiencies and reduce overall global logistics costs."

Added MichaelDebri, Lansing community president and senior commercial relationship manager for Citizens Bank: "Port Lansing is a tremendous business resource located right in our backyard that can help Michigan businesses grow in this global marketplace."

The keynote speaker for the conference is John Sztykiel, CEO of Spartan Motors, a manufacturer of specialty vehicles and chassis that currently exports to foreign markets and is expanding their global presence. The 15 guest speakers will share their international insights individually and on four panels throughout the day. The speakers come from industry and agencies around the state representing key sectors in global commerce including manufacturing, finance, global logistics, and international trade advising.

The conference is scheduled from 9:30am to 4:15pm on Nov. 10. The full agenda, speakers and biographies, along with registration and information on accommodations are available online at www.portlansing.com. Attendees of the conference will include manufacturers, distributors, and logistics service providers involved in importing or exporting, or others interested in learning more about the opportunities and challenges of global commerce.

Early registration for the conference is $85, which includes lunch. After Oct. 31,registration will be $110.

The conference is being organized by the Capital Region Airport Authority, in partnership with the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. Other program sponsors include Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C., FlyLansing.com (Capital Region International Airport) and the Greater Lansing Buisness Monthly. Supporting sponsors include Global Image Network, Michigan State University's Center for International Business, Education & Research, the Global Business Club
of Mid-Michigan, LEAP Inc. and the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce.

To learn more about the event and to register visit www.portlansing.com or call Brent Case at (517) 853-6464.

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