The 7th Annual International State of the State

Event Title: The 7th Annual International State of the State

When:  Monday, September 26, 2011
            (Luncheon Meeting)
Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix, 2401 E. Camelback
            Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016
            Main Ballroom - Please valet park or
            park in the Esplanade Parking Structure
Time:   Registration 11:30 a.m. - Lunch 12:00 noon -
            Program 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Registration is Now Closed. No more registrations will be accepted.

The International State of the State Luncheon is a leadership panel discussion hosted by the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations. This year's interactive discussion will be moderated by Dr. Angel Cabrera, President of Thunderbird School of Global Management. The discussion will focus on Phoenix's position in the global community, and how our education systems and commercial market are shaping our global future.

Please join us for an afternoon of insightful dialogue with leaders in business, government, and education. We will examine the educational opportunities which determine our State's readiness to attract worldwide focus and investment. Our panelists have extensive background in both the private and public sector, and their discussions will focus on how to bring these two sectors together to encourage economic growth in Arizona.

Marco Gomez-Barrios, Ph.D. is the CEO and President of Drake Cement, an international company newly based in Arizona. He will discuss the current global business climate for companies looking to expand to Arizona, and the benefits that their presence can have on job creation and economic growth in our state.

Don Cardon, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, will speak to Arizona's global visibility, addressing our region's position in the global market and how we can improve our global standing in the coming years.

The Honorable Victor Treviño, the Consul General of Mexico, will also be joining the discussion to address the challenges and opportunities for security and trade with our neighbors to the south in the context of shared responsibilities.

The following agenda items will also be the subject of discussion for our panelists, members and guests:

What is Arizona's report card for attracting positive global recognition and international business?
What should Arizona's goals be in education, trade, and government for global engagement?
How do we identify competitive advantages for our state and spur economic success for Arizona in the global marketplace?

The International State of the State luncheon is the one program in the season which we open to the public. All those who attend the event are encouraged to participate in the Q & A following the speakers' remarks.

Click here for sponsor information or to buy a table.

Thank you to our event sponsors.