DETROIT, November 24, 2009 - The International Visitors Council of Detroit (IVC Detroit) has partnered with TechTown and Wayne State University to sponsor a corporate roundtable event featuring Cari Guittard, former Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. Attendees will receive materials and action tools to help their businesses cope with today's multicultural and global business environment.

Cari Guittard

The event is Wednesday, December 2 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at TechTown, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, Michigan 48202. Register at http://techtownwsu.org. Lunch will be provided. Other businesses around the country have paid more than $50 per ticket to hear Guittard speak, but IVC Detroit is offering this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity free of charge.

Guittard, now the Executive Director of Business for Diplomatic Action, will discuss ways in which local businesses can achieve financial results in the global marketplace by promoting a positive U.S. image abroad. By sensitizing businesses to the rise of anti-Americanism around the world, the event will enlist the metro Detroit business community in public diplomacy efforts aimed at building new bridges of respect and understanding that work to achieve improved financial results.

Today's changing global environment presents new challenges for American businesses, but also new opportunities for local business people to have a significant impact on U.S. international relations. In recent years, America's image overseas has measurably reduced business profits here in Michigan. For example, fewer people want to come as tourists, U.S. exports are being met with more boycotts, and students are beginning to prefer universities in other countries. Many businesses, small and large, are affected.

Cari Guittard has traveled the U.S. and the world speaking to hundreds of businesses that have seen the merits of international diplomacy. IVC Detroit is pleased to introduce Guittard's vast experience and expertise to Detroit area businesses. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn how to steer your business towards success in the global marketplace.

ABOUT IVC DETROIT

IVC Detroit is a non profit organization comprised of individual and corporate members working in partnership with the United States Department of State and USAID. IVC members are "citizen diplomats" who welcome international dignitaries into their workplaces and homes for an exchange of professional expertise and friendship "one handshake at a time." The purpose of these exchanges is to promote international understanding and respect between people from different countries and cultures.

ABOUT TECHTOWN

TechTown is an urban community of entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, mentors and corporate partners creating an internationally influential village in Detroit. TechTown brings the resources of Wayne State University to high-technology startup companies to diversify and strengthen Michigan's economy in high-growth emerging industries. For more information, visit www.techtownwsu.org.