The 2011 National District Export Council Leadership Forum (DEC), was held at the Ronald Reagan Center in Washington D.C., April 11-12, 2011. 

Included in the forum was a Plenary Session, focused on National Policy Positions in addition to a Planning Session which reviewed potential conference dates, locations and planning responsibilities.

DEC Best Practices was the focus of additional sessions, including: Legislative/Congressional Outreach; Incorporation, Bylaws and Fundraising; Export University; and The DEC 100 Mentoring Program.  DEC strategy implementation and resources available to DEC leaders were also discussed.

The conference also explored strategies for CIBERs to further assist the U.S. Commercial Service, District Export Councils and U.S. businesses, creating opportunities for additional connections with language training, international education and the research capacities of universities nationwide.

Speakers included: Suresh Kumar, Director General, U.S. Commercial Service; Francisco Sanchez, Undersecretary for International Trade, ITA; and Greg Sandler, National DEC Chair, among others.  The Networking Reception on April 11th included officials from the Department of Commerce, congressional and NGO leaders and their respective staff.

The event was Sponsored by the Centers for International Business Education and Research (CIBER), San Diego State University and Co-Sponsored by Michigan State University and other CIBERs.

Additional information may be found at the following web site:

http://ciberweb.msu.edu/pages/eventdetails.aspx?ActivityID=12206&folder=3

 

Written by: Madison Hall, Writer, MSU-CIBER