Following closely on Governor Rick Snyder’s fall trade mission to China and the opening of the Michigan China Center in Shanghai, Oakland University presents an executive forum and networking session where Chinese and American government, business and education leaders will present and discuss strategies to support Michigan’s China initiatives as part of its Ambassador Leonard Woodcock Legacy Seminar.

The free seminar is Nov. 1, 2-4:30 p.m., at Oakland University’s Meadow Brook Hall. A networking reception will be held after the seminar from 4:30-6 p.m.

Attendees will gain information on how they take advantage of opportunities in this growing market.

Representatives of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will report on the September 2012 Michigan Trade Mission to China and Governor Snyder's China initiatives. Confirmed speakers include: Chinese Consul General Yang Guoqiang; Tom Watkins, president and CEO TDW and Associates and former superintendent of Michigan schools; Alan Flint, vice president, International-5/3 Bank, Chicago. In addition to Chinese Consul General Yang Guoqiang, a delegation from the Chicago Consulate General, and Michigan government and business practitioners will be in attendance.

The seminar series focuses on a building a two-way bridge between the United States and China to foster solid, ongoing relationships across borders, cultures and politics to assist business in both countries gain a foothold and expand. This session specifically will focus on Michigan’s improving relationship with China. Representatives of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will report on the Michigan Trade Mission to China (Sept. 2012), and Governor Snyder's China initiatives.

This year’s Woodcock Seminar is supported by the Center for Integrated Business Research and Education at the Oakland University School of Business Administration, OU’s School of Engineering and Computer Science, OU INC, the Detroit Chinese Business Association, the Chinese Association of Greater Detroit, Automation Alley and Miller Canfield