Meet the Experts on NAFTA

Description

In every trade agreement, there are winners and losers.  In today’s trade climate, both agriculture and manufacturing are bracing for potential challenges, and the current battle of tariffs and counter-tariffs is not allaying any concerns for either sector.
 
“NAFTA: Past. Present. Future?” features a panel of experts from agriculture, the Chambers of Commerce, and the International Trade Center at Bradley University.  Each panelist will express their concerns for what the results of the on-going re-negotiation of NAFTA might mean for their sector of the US economy.  The event will be held on Thursday, August 30 in the ballroom of the Student Center at Bradley University.  An optional dinner will be served at 5:30 pm, and the discussion will begin at 7 pm.  It is open to the public.  Tickets for the dinner and program may be purchased at www.pawac.org.
 
This event is co-sponsored by the Peoria Area World Affairs Council, the Institute of International Studies and the International Trade Center at Bradley.  For more information, contact PAWAC at (309) 677-2454.

On August 30, 2018, please join PAWAC in welcoming the following esteemed experts to for a panel discussion on the North American Free Trade Agreement for our program "NAFTA: Past. Present. Future?"

Mark Albertson is the Director of Strategic Market Development for the Illinois Soybean Association in Bloomington, Illinois. He works for all Illinois soybean farmers in the areas of international and domestic soybean marketing and promotion. Mark manages programs involving soy bio-products, livestock, soy exports, logistics and aquaculture.

Prior to Mark’s position with the Illinois Soybean Growers he worked for Archer Daniels Midland as a Commodities Merchandiser, Grain Elevator Manager and Credit Analyst.

Jim Ryan is an International Trade Specialist at Bradley University’s Illinois SBDC International Trade Center. He is the coordinator for the Foster
College of Business Global Scholars Program and lectures in international business.

Jim, a native Peorian, received his BA from Stetson University in Florida and an LL.B from the University of Glamorgan School of Law and Finance in Wales. After completing his law degree, he received a diploma from the Institute on International and Comparative Law at Oxford University in England and then returned to the U.S. to receive an LL.M in International and Comparative Law from the University of San Diego School of Law.

Maggie Sheely is Manager of Congressional and Public Affairs
in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Great Lakes Regional Office. To achieve the U.S. Chamber’s public policy goals, Maggie cultivates and maintains legislative, political, media and grasstops resources throughout Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Maggie assists with the U.S. Chamber’s efforts to strengthen its relationships with Members of Congress through member businesses, associations, and local and state chambers of commerce across the region.

Before joining the U.S. Chamber in 2013, Maggie served as Penn State University’s DC lobbyist for six years. She also worked on Capitol Hill and held several government affairs positions.