Search
Close this search box.

NDTO News Article

Press Release: 2013 Global Conference Draws Area Exporters, International Business Experts

Feb. 19 event to be moderated by former Global President of the Entrepreneurs’ Org., Troy Hazard

BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota businesses and international trade professionals from around the world will have the opportunity to connect at Global Business Connections 2013, hosted by the North Dakota Trade Office on Feb. 19 at the Ramkota Hotel, Bismarck.  The event will consist of educational breakout sessions, a panel discussion with leading business professionals, a networking reception and a keynote address provided by international entrepreneur and business television correspondent, Troy Hazard.  Additionally, Gov. Jack Dalrymple will present the 2012 Global Business Awards during a special ceremony.

“North Dakota continues to expand its presence in the global marketplace and this annual conference is a valuable tool for emerging and experienced exporters who want to take greater advantage of export opportunities,” said Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley, chairman of the North Dakota Trade Office board of directors.

The conference will feature educational breakout sessions surrounding the following topics:  The Bank of North Dakota’s Export Enhancement Program; Navigating the Food Safety Modernization Act; Doing Business in Singapore; and, Increasing Exports with Innovation Jumpstart.  These one-hour sessions are designed to give a close-up look at hot button international issues and allow participants to ask questions of experts in each field.

The Export Enhancement Program, a new agreement between the Bank of North Dakota and Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank), will be officially introduced to the public during GBC 2013.

“Issues such as the Food Safety Modernization Act and the new Export Enhancement Program with Ex-Im Bank and the Bank of North Dakota are on the minds of our exporters – they are looking for more information, and this event will provide a venue for attendees to ask questions,” said Dean Gorder, executive director of NDTO.  “GBC brings together exporters of all experience levels and global business experts from around the world and is an opportunity for business leaders to tap into a variety of international resources.”

Australian serial entrepreneur, Troy Hazard, will kick off the event at the opening luncheon, act as moderator for the panel discussion and tie the day together with a closing keynote.  Hazard is a national network television host, best selling business author and has served as the Global President of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, in addition to building 11 businesses over the past two decades.  Hazard currently hosts ‘Gettin’ Down 2 Business!’ on BIZ TV Network.

Gov. Jack Dalrymple is scheduled to present North Dakota’s 2012 Exporter of the Year Award and the Service to Exporters Award to two North Dakota companies that have demonstrated excellence in the international marketplace over the past year.

Other speakers and panel guests include:  Gov. Jack Dalrymple; Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley; Howard Dahl, Amity Technology; Steve Dickinson, Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.; Tom Heffelfinger, Best & Flanagan, former U.S. Attorney of Minnesota; King Rogers, King Rogers Group, LLC, Temi Group; David Saxowsky, NDSU; Randy Schwartz, Dakota Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Bob Humann, Bank of North Dakota; Curt Hanson, Trade Acceptance Group.

To view the GBC 2013 agenda or to register, visit www.ndto.com.