Texas A&M International University

2004-2005 Western Hemispheric Trade Keynote Speaker Series Begins Sept. 28

The Texas A&M International University 2004-2005 Western Hemispheric Trade Keynote Speaker Series will begin Tuesday, September 28, with a discussion on future economic development in the border region by Dr. Henry Cuellar, former Secretary of State and State Representative. Cuellar's lecture is titled "Future Trends in the South Texas Economy."

Offered by the College of Business Administration's Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade (CSWHT), the lecture will take place from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 111. The event is free and open to the public.

A public official in state government for over 20 years, Dr. Cuellar helped secure billions for local school funding by creating the largest scholarship program in Texas history. He authored the Texas Grant, the Children's Health Insurance Program, the landmark colonias legislation, the state performance-based budgeting system, and co-sponsored a historic Texas tax cut that included the popular three-day tax holiday for consumers and small business.

Virginia Vincent, associate director of the CSWHT, said attendees of the Series will have the opportunity to learn about recent issues that impact trade and development in the Americas and in turn impact Laredo from leading researchers and policy makers.

"The Series presents realistic and targeted lectures communicated by prominent leaders, renowned experts and exceptional scholars in the trade and international business field. It brings to the University individuals of brilliant accomplishment and expertise to enhance the academic experience of TAMIU students, faculty and the community. Through this Keynote Speaker Series, the University brings the caliber of speakers that you would normally see in larger venues, larger cities," added Vincent.

Vincent said the CSWHT plans on having a keynote speaker once a month through April 2005.

The next lecture will be held Tuesday, October 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 116, unless otherwise specified. Jaime Alonso Gómez, Dean of the Graduate School of Business Administration and Leadership (EGADE) at Monterrey Institute of Technology (ITESM), will discuss "International Business and Cross Cultural Management."

For more information about any of the lectures in the Series, please contact Vincent at 326.2827, visit offices at the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 222D or e-mail vvincent@tamiu.edu.

University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

This story by student intern Rudy Zúñiga.