Bryant University World Trade Day 2014 – Back to the USA: Partnering for Global Success

Cheryl Merchant, president and CEO of textiles manufacturer Hope Global, received the 2014 New England Businesswoman of the Year award at Bryant University’s annual Women’s Summit on March 14. She also spoke at World Trade Day.

SMITHFIELD, RI – Bryant University’s World Trade Day 2014 was held on Wednesday, May 21, 2014. More than 500 people registered for this year’s event and participated in a wide range of activities including breakout sessions, a morning keynote presentation and panel discussion, more than 30 exhibitor displays, and an afternoon keynote featuring a presentation by the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

There was a lot of enthusiasm generated throughout the day as people networked, shared firsthand experiences, and participated in animated discussions. Attendees, presenters and sponsors alike expressed their appreciation for the quality of the speakers, the relevance of the breakout session topics and the overall organization for the entire day.

According to Peter Friedmann, the morning keynote speaker, ” What an impressive day! I have been involved in trade forums around the country, from New England to Los Angeles, and no single day program compares to Bryant University’s Rhode Island Trade Day. The depth of coverage of practical components of trade was impressive. The caliber of presenters, and the multitude of subject matter choices available to attendees made this a very worthwhile investment of time. I am sure the dividends will be substantial for the attendees.

Panels on practicalities of domestic production, on-shoring and foreign production, legal exposure, import and export supply chain, regulatory compliance, financing, transportation were exceedingly well organized; concise and efficient. The opportunity to meet experts in all these areas for follow-on inquiries and professional business relationships was a particular benefit for myself and all attendees.”

Bryant looks forward to our 30th annual World Trade Day to be held on May 20, 1015.

Jakob van Zyl, Ph.D., associate director at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory

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