SMITHFIELD, RI – Bryant University will host the 38th World Trade Day on Wednesday, May 22 on its Smithfield, RI campus. Presented by the John H. Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University, this year’s topic is “Supply Chain Resiliency.” To register for the full day event, visit WorldTradeDay.Bryant.edu.
This year’s World Trade Day at Bryant University will tackle the ongoing issues around our global supply chain and examine its impact nationally and regionally, posing important questions and proposing innovative solutions. The event will feature keynotes from the CEOs of Breeze Air, Regent, and Taco Comfort Solutions. Breakout panels include discussions ranging from global canal management and its impact on supply chain to how AI will transform the industry. Representatives from MassPort, the US Commerce Department, and the state of Rhode Island will be participating throughout the day. The full day wraps up with a networking event featuring local eats and sips.
“As supply chain disruptions continue to weigh on business owners, their ability to respond quickly in the face of unexpected circumstances is of critical importance,” says Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “As a thought leader in global trade and business strategy, Bryant is proud to host some of the region’s most influential business and government leaders. We invite them to collaborate with our faculty experts on solutions to keep business competitiveness and the economy strong in Rhode Island and the New England region.”
“Navigating today's supply chain challenges requires collective wisdom and strategic foresight,” says Betty Robson, CEO of JF Moran. “Bryant University and the Chafee Center leads Rhode Island’s expansion on the global stage, and this year’s World Trade Day is crucial to fostering collaborations that enhance our resilience in an interconnected world."
“Rhode Island’s economy is strengthened by global interconnectedness and international trade,” says Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner. “RI Commerce’s close partnership with the Chaffee Center and Bryant University is helping develop a responsive ecosystem that fosters international engagement, strong trade relations, and a more sustainable supply chain.”
“The Chafee Center works diligently with our local business partners to help them identify new markets and export their goods and services around the world; and we couldn’t do it without a resilient supply chain,” says Eva-Marie Mancuso, director of the Chafee Center. “This year's World Trade Day merges Bryant’s academic brain power with industry might to discuss the challenges and solutions to keeping our international trade partnerships strong.”
World Trade Day is one of the largest events of its kind in the region and provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage in in-depth discussions on current global issues. Participants from all industries, including companies of all sizes, will be represented, offering opportunities for learning, networking, and thoughtful discussion to help navigate the ever-changing global landscape.
About the John H. Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University
For over 40 years, the John H. Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University has been a resource for Rhode Island businesses, as well as global businesses, students and individuals interested in global trade.
As Rhode Island’s designated agency for trade and export activities, the Chafee Center has an official relationship through Rhode Island Commerce and receives federal and state grant funding. The services provided through this partnership focus on global business expansion and retention and foreign direct investment attraction.
The Chafee Center’s programs include corporate training, international trade missions and shows, market research, and broad-based events, and activities through the federal STEP grant (State Trade Expansion Program). The Chafee Center works closely with Bryant University faculty, staff, and students to provide customized business consulting services to Rhode Island-based enterprises.
About Bryant University
For over 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. The university delivers a uniquely integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, liberal arts, and health and behavioral sciences.
Located on a 428-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 38 states and 49 countries. Bryant is recognized as a top 1% national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, College Factual and Barron’s. Bryant.edu
The Vision 2030 strategic plan sets an exciting trajectory for Bryant University. Priorities include an ecosystem of academic excellence, vibrant student life, competitive athletics and facilities, and championing access and economic mobility. Vision2030.Bryant.edu
