UNC Asheville Hosts Lecture Series on Globalization, Western North Carolina Economy

Globalization is a hot topic right now, but what does it mean for Western North Carolina’s economy? A new UNC Asheville lecture series will help students and community members understand this complex issue.

The four-part series, “Western North Carolina Goes Global: Perspectives on Our Changing Economy,” will bring representatives of WNC multinational corporations and importing companies to campus to discuss issues of globalization, including its impact on both the importing and exporting regions. Talks will be held from 12:15 to 1 p.m. in the Highsmith University Union Mountain Suites. All lectures are free and open to the public.

Scheduled talks in the series include:

• March 16 – Ben Cheeks, Sonopress Inc., vice president of operations

• March 21 – Mark Owen, Advantage West, community relations director

• March 23 – Alex Williams, Blue Ridge Imports, owner

• March 28 – Jennifer Elliott, Ten Thousand Villages, local store manager

“Today’s students who are preparing to enter the work world in the next 10 years face a very different market,” said Deborah Miles, Center for Diversity Education director. “This series will help students realize that even local businesses receive or ship order to places all over the globe. Because of this globalized economy, any career choice they make will require them to be knowledgeable about cultures outside the one they grew up in. To be successful they will need to understand the calendar of holidays, language, nuances of conversation, and more.”

In conjunction with the lecture series, the Center for Diversity Education is developing a traveling educational exhibit featuring regional importing and exporting businesses. The exhibit is expected to be completed by fall 2006.

For more information, call the Center for Diversity Education at 828/232-5024.

Media Contacts:

• Deborah Miles, Center for Diversity Education Director, 828/232-5024
• Jill Yarnall, UNC Asheville Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526