FEATURED PRESENTER

Michael Weidokal—International Economist, International Strategic Analysis

Michael is an internationally-recognized economic and geopolitical forecaster who helps business leaders, policymakers and the wider public to understand the issues and trends that are impacting the world today, and will shape the world in the years to come. He is the president and founder of International Strategic Analysis (ISA), a leading provider of economic forecasting, international market intelligence and geopolitical analysis with clients all around the globe.

Michael’s ability to combine international economics, geopolitics and history allows him to have a unique perspective on the issues and events that are taking place throughout the world. His areas of expertise include the fields of international economic competitiveness, global market selection and geopolitical risk assessment. Furthermore, he has repeatedly proven to be able to accurately predict important trends and developments before they happen.

SESSION MODERATOR

Kellie Green, CGBP—President, Innovative Global Logistics Strategies (New York)

Kellie Greene is the President of Innovative Global Logistics Strategies, LLC offering global logistics and supply chain consulting services. With over 25 years of experience in both domestic and international logistics and supply chain management, transportation, warehousing and distribution, import/export operations and trade compliance, Kellie brings a wealth of knowledge for advancing global business and operations. She is passionate about helping companies “go global” and has worked with several small and medium-sized enterprises in assisting them with gaining entry in overseas markets and expanding their operations.

FEATURED PANELISTS

Bob Imbriani, CGBP—Exec. Vice President International Services, Team Worldwide

Bob has been in the international/domestic transportation and logistics field for over five decades. He has held various senior executive positions with major U.S. Customs brokers/freight forwarders. He is currently Executive Vice President, International for Team Worldwide & President of Team Ocean Services, Team International Trade Services and Team Canada. Bob is a well-known speaker and educator in the areas of trade compliance, contract negations, transportation, logistic/supply chain solutions, customs brokerage, trade development and financial services.

Team Worldwide is a full-service global logistic provider, with over 45 branch locations in the U.S. and Canada. The company prides itself on meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of clients, partnering with them to support their future growth. Services offered include international air and ocean freight forwarding, consolidation services, domestic air and surface transportation, warehousing and distribution, order fulfillment, customs brokerage, ocean projects, letters of credit expediting, insurance and bonds, compliance audits, consulting, and training services.

Chuck Mills—President, Mills Machine Company

Charles is the third generation President of Mills Machine Company. A graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma, Chuck is a former Mayor of the City of Shawnee. He still serves on many statewide focusing on global trade, small business, economic development, workforce development and education.

Mills Machine Company (est. 1908) is an international custom manufacturer of earth drilling tools, bits and related accessories for water well, environmental, mining, geothermal, soil sampling, construction, and shallow oil and gas drilling. With more than 100 years’ experience under the same family ownership, Mills Machine Company has earned the reputation as being the “driller’s custom job shop.” Since 1980, the company has exported to more than 75 countries, and its exports account for 25 percent of its drilling tool, bit and accessory sales.

Kimberly Kirkendall, CPA—President, International Resource Development, Inc.

Kimberly began her career in China in the last 1980s in manufacturing and supply chain. In the 35 years since she has developed an expertise in international trade and operations, with a CPA on the side. She is the President of International Resource Development (consulting), a Beachhead Advisor for New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, an Adjunct Professor at Baldwin Wallace teaching Supply Chain, as well as being involved with other organizations as an Advisor or Director.

IRD provides international operations consulting to companies in the US and worldwide. During the last two years of Covid projects have included; managing the liquidation of a US-owned company in China, leading a team to start a few new companies overseas, resolving multiple supply chain challenges, providing market research for international B2B market entry, developing a few Supply Chain Management Systems, etc. Our clients this last two years are headquartered in the US, NZ, Australia, Latvia, Argentina, France and around the world.

Gabriel Shweiri, CGBP—President, BGI Worldwide Logistics Inc.

Gabe has over 30 years of experience in international trade a logistics. In addition to his position at BGI, he has been an educator for 20+ years and currently serves as Department Chair and Professor of Global Business & Entrepreneurship at Santa Ana College. He holds the Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) credential and is a certified CGBP trainer.

BGI is a freight forwarder based in the U.S. that focuses on creating partnerships to pave the way for sustainable business growth. Customer care and the needs of our clients are at the forefront of the company’s values. As a non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC), and licensed property broker BGI takes the burden of shipping products around the country and the world. BGI’s goal is to create a one-stop third-party (3PL) supply chain and logistics resource and set itself apart from other forwarders by offering a personalized experience and customized worldwide logistics and forwarding services for companies across the nation.

Chris Stock—Global Director of Aquaculture Sales, Zeigler Brothers 

Chris is a biologist by training with a BS from Bucknell University and an MSc from the University of Stirling (UK). After first coming to Zeigler in 2005, he has gained significant experience with international business, managing Zeigler’s Asia sales for many years prior to taking over global sales responsibilities in 2019.

Zeigler Bros., Inc., is a specialty manufacturer of nutritional products for the worldwide aquaculture industry. Zeigler has been operating for 87 years from its home base outside Gettysburg, PA and for over 3 decades has been a very active exporter with on-going sales to every continent. The company is a past recipient of the Commerce Department’s E Award and was also previously named the Small Business Administration’s National Exporter of the Year.