The Arkansas World Trade Center, in partnership with the Department of Commerce, will host a Brown Bag Lecture Series this May in celebration of World Trade Month. All events are held at The Arkansas World Trade Center located at 3300 Market Street, Suite 400, Rogers, AR  72758.

Free Trade Agreements and the State of Trade
Speaker: Israel Hernandez, Assistant Secretary for Trade Promotion and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service
Thursday, May 1, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.   

Opportunities and Challenges in Doing Business with India 
Speaker: Dr. Abdul Shaikh, senior international economist and regional coordinator for Africa, Middle East and South Asia Trade Information Center
Thursday, May 8, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.  

State of Trade in the Western Hemisphere and the Colombia Free Trade Act 
Speaker: John Anderson, Senior Director for Western Hemisphere affairs, International Trade Administration
Thursday, May 15, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.  
 
Opportunities and Resources in China 
Speaker: Matthew Quigley, international trade specialist, China Business Information Center
Thursday, May 22, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.   

African Growth and Opportunity Act and African Trade Initiatives 
Speaker: Karoli Ssemogerere, attorney and expert on U.S./Africa affairs
Thursday, May 29, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.  

If you are interested in learning how to maximize your company’s potential in these emerging markets, you’ll want to attend these free lectures at the Arkansas World Trade Center. Please remember these are “Brown Bag” events. You may bring your lunch or order from Baker Brothers. Beverages are provided by AWTC. http://www.arwtc.org/newsmanager/articlefiles/76-WTM_website.pdf

If you are considering a career in the Wal-Mart supplier community, Cameron Smith has some great advice for you. Make time to visit the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce Job Fair on May 5th at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center to hear Cameron’s presentation on How to Break into the Supplier World. The presentation begins at 12:30 p.m. and is free to the public.

Cameron will tackle the frequently-asked questions of career changers, newcomers and recent graduates and provide “golden nuggets” of proven tips that can help you map your route to a supplier job. Anyone wishing to learn more about the phenomenon of Wal-Mart vendor teams, what they do and the skills they require will want to attend this free presentation.

The Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce Spring Job Fair is set for noon to 7 p.m. on Monday, May 5th, and will include representatives from dozens of employers in Northwest Arkansas. For more information, contact the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce at 479.636.1240.

DBB is a professional speaker series for current and prospective suppliers to Wal-Mart Stores and SAM'S CLUB focusing on best practices topics that are critical to success when you are Doing Business in Bentonville.

Upcoming programs:

• May 22: Category Management
• September 18: Consumer Insights
• October 23: Category Management
• November 20: Sustainability - Progress and Future Outlook

Register today to attend the next DBB so you are prepared to expand and improve your business with all divisions of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.