CANCELED: International Business in Challenging Times

UPDATED AS OF 9/7/21: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED. REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED TO ALL REGISTERED ATTENDEES.

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected lives and livelihoods of people throughout the globe. It has profoundly impacted international travel, especially the ability of foreign nationals to travel to the United States in any capacity. In the process of limiting the virus’ harm, unprecedented disruption to the global economy and world trade has occurred. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will be felt for years to come. It is impossible to know all the effects to our local or international businesses that will continue to be felt in the future. However, studying the current measurable changes to our local businesses and global economy may provide a window into future consequences.

Please join the West Des Moines Sister Cities Commission for a breakfast on September 8 from 7:30-9:00 a.m. at Glen Oaks Country Club to explore International Business in Challenging Times. You will have a chance to hear a panel of experts in the field of international business discuss the effects of COVID-19 to our local business community and global economy.

Panelists

Dr. Chris Nelson, President and CEO, Kemin Industries

Since 1993, Dr. Nelson has guided Kemin Industries as president and CEO, achieving annual revenue of USD$1.1 billion and holding over 500 patents and applications worldwide. The company is a global ingredient manufacturer providing products and solutions for human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textile, biofuel and animal vaccine industries. Under his leadership, Kemin has more than quadrupled in size and now employs more than 3,050 people worldwide. Today, the company has manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa and the U.S. and operates in more than 90 countries.

Lori Chesser; Chair, Immigration Department, Davis Brown Law Firm

Ms. Chesser is a preeminent immigration lawyer and advocate. With a degree in finance, she initially practiced corporate law. Recognizing the need for immigration services in Iowa, she developed that practice and has worked primarily in immigration law for more than 20 years. Lori assists employers, business owners, and individuals as they navigate the complex U.S. immigration system. Her clients range from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies in sectors including healthcare, IT, insurance, agriculture, chemical, higher education, churches, and other non-profit entities.

Yuanbin Li, President and Senior Sales Engineer, Shine-link International Group, Inc., Huitong, Flystar, and Seasource Trading Company

Mr. Li is a Chinese native and currently works as a senior sales engineer for Shine-link International Group, Inc., an Iowa based company. It was founded in 1994 and has offices in Shanghai and Shijiazhuang, China. While with Shine-link, Mr. Li also served as President at Flystar, Huiotong, and Seasource - three trading companies in China. After more than 20 years of development, Shine-link International Group, Inc. continues to broaden its product lines. It provides products including OEM products for equipment, construction hardware, automobile and tractor parts. Their main customers include Mercury Marine, Weber Grill, Kohler Engine, Life Fitness, Pioneer, Fawn Engineering of Wittern Group, and Monarch Materials Groups.

Please note, this event will be in person and indoors. Seating will be socially distanced and masks are strongly encouraged when not eating.