Madison International Trade Association: Upcoming January event to examine economic forecast for 2011

CONTACT:

Jen Pino-Gallagher

Communications Director

Madison International Trade Association

Ph: 608-516-3257

Jen.PinoGallagher@Wisconsin.gov

William Strauss of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is keynote speaker

Madison, WI, January 4, 2011 – The Madison International Trade Association (MITA) is hosting an event on January 11th entitled “2011 Economic Prospects: Foreign Currency Hedging Strategies in Uncertain Conditions.” The event will take place at the Fluno Center for Executive Education in downtown Madison (601 University Avenue). Registration starts at 11:30 a.m.; the program begins at 12:30 p.m and includes lunch.

Topics will include the current global economic recovery and the sluggish growth rates currently seen in the U.S. and Europe; in particular participants will examine how the Midwestern economy is faring. Discussion will also focus on projections for the trajectory of the U.S. economy in 2011, the major obstacles that are slowing the recovery, and the role of key Midwestern business sectors in reigniting economic growth.

William Strauss, a senior economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, is a highlighted speaker. Antonio Mello, Frank Graner Chair in Finance at the Wisconsin School of Business, will discuss trends in international currencies and share thoughts on hedging strategies that companies can use to protect themselves from currency risk in a volatile environment.

Ken Wasylik, President of the MITA Board of Directors, stated, “We are very pleased to offer a program in January that examines both the international economy and the role of Midwestern companies in the economic recovery. Both Strauss and Mello are respected experts in the field of international trade, and we are pleased to offer a unique opportunity for the Madison community to hear first hand from those who are able to fully explain today’s economic conditions.” Jen Pino-Gallagher, MITA’s Communications Director and a member of MITA’s Board of Directors, is also an Economic Development Consultant at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. “This January program will kick off a very special year for MITA,” said Pino-Gallagher. “In 2011, the Association will be launching more tools and resources that will be of great value to all those across the state who are involved, either directly or indirectly, with international trade – these include business people, academics, and educators.”

Registration deadline is Friday, January 7, and can be made by contacting Jill Carmichael at jcarmichael24@gmail.com (or 608-241-1341) or online at https://s08.123signup.com/servlet/SignUp?PG=1520084182300&P=15200841911421289700.

About MITA

MITA is a Madison, Wisconsin-based organization whose mission is to foster understanding of the issues, practices, information, legislation and trends that affect and influence all aspects of international trade. Membership includes a broad spectrum of professionals interested in and involved with international trade throughout the state of Wisconsin. Membership, meetings and information are open to all interested parties of the public, and professionals at all levels of international organizations participate in MITA activities. Member companies include manufacturers, food companies, and services providers such as freight forwarders, banks, law firms as well as universities and governmental institutions. More information is available at the website: http://www.mitaweb.org.