Upcoming Programs

There are currently no upcoming corporate programs.

Recent Programs

Looking Ahead: Japan's Economic and Political Relations with the U.S. and East Asia
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
MIC and the Japan America Society of Minnesota (JASM) presented a business breakfast forum with:
Masataka Okano, counselor of Political Affairs, Embassy of Japan;
William Farrell, chairman, Dynamic Strategies Asia; and
Masayoshi Yamashita, NTT chief corporate representative.

The panel, moderated by Atsushi Yamakoshi of Keidanren-USA, focused on where Japan's economy is headed with respect to the United States and East Asia, and provided insight into Japan's ever changing political landscape.  China's rapid change and economic growth has dominated headlines in recent years, but, as the world's second largest economy, Japan continues to play an important role in the context of China, the U.S. and the rest of East Asia.

Cosponsors: Japanese Embassy to the United States, Keidanren-U.S.A. and the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS)

Is the Atlantic Getting Wider?
A Business Breakfast Briefing with
British Consul General Andrew Seaton
Friday, September 14, 2007
Consul General Seaton offered his reflections on transatlantic relations, looking at the strategic, political and business aspects of this relationship from the perspective of his four years as British Consul General in the Midwest.  

Andrew Seaton assumed his post as British Consul General in Chicago in August 2003.  Prior to his arrival in the Midwest, CG Seaton headed the China Hong Kong Department at the British Foreign Office in London, after serving as Deputy Consul General and Trade Counselor in Hong Kong.  CG Seaton has also worked in the British Overseas Development Administration as Head of the Aid Policy Department, responsible for development aid strategy and resources.

Globalisation: Can We All Be Winners?
A public forum with His Excellency Alan Charlton
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Ambassador Charlton spoke on the British government’s international efforts to improve the global environment.  A report on global warming by Sir Nicholas Stern, head of the British Government Economic Service, outlines not only the environmental aspects of global warming, but also estimates the negative impact on world’s gross domestic product.  The Stern report is the first major economic analysis of the potential costs of tackling, and of failing to tackle climate change.

"For all of us - governments, businesses, faith groups, individuals - climate change is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century," commented Ambassador Charlton. 

In Washington since May 2004, Ambassador Charlton is the Deputy Head of Mission for the British Embassy.  A member of the British Diplomatic Service since 1986, Ambassador Charlton has served in Germany, the Balkans, Jordan, and Israel.