17th Annual U.S.-China Trade Conference
“CAPITALIZING ON THE TRANSITION OF CHINA’S ECONOMY”
Monday, October 24 and Tuesday, October 25
Swissotel Chicago, Chicago
This is a reminder that the 17th Annual U.S.-China Trade Conference is about three weeks away. This comprehensive, highly condensed conference will be held on October 24th and 25th at Swissotel Chicago. We have assembled over 25 experienced practitioners who will share the lessons that they have learned in the last four decades in conducting U.S.-China business. Many of these case studies are seldom discussed. The event will also offer an unmatched opportunity to MEET FACE TO FACE WITH DECISION MAKERS AND INVESTORS in U.S.-China business. Both “China Hands” and “newcomers” will benefit tremendously from this gathering. The following is a list of conference speakers:
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The Honorable Hong Lei, Consul General of PRC in Chicago and former spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will comment on new U.S.-China order.
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Pin Ni, President, Wanxiang America Corporation, one of the largest investors in the U.S. and the largest auto parts company in China will talk about the oppotunities for Chinese investors in the United States.
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Michael Turansick, Managing Partner, Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, the world’s largest immigration law firm and Co-Chair of the Conference will address immigration rules and regulations on the global impact on workforce.
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Stella Su, Principal and China Practice Leader, Plante Moran, PLLC and Co-Chair of the Conference will comment on the new VAT in China on business.
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Glenn and Danny Spungen, former shareholders of PEER Bearings will tell the insider story of their family business. Started as a small shop in downtown Chicago in 1941, PEER Bearing Company made headlines when the family gave $6.6 million in bonuses to its 230 employees upon its sale to Swedish company SKF. The company rose with China and was sold because of China. The journey was financially rewarding but was long and full of twists and surprises. When the company was sold, many unknowns surfaced to the stakeholders.
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Youming Ye, Managing Director, The Jordan Company China and former Chairman, ACG China
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Govind Arora, VP - Worldwide Strategic Sourcing, Snap-on Incorporated
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Michael Rodenberg, President, Murakami Manufacturing U.S.A. Inc.
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James Klotz, Vice President Global Supply/GM Asia, Douglas Dynamics, LLC;
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Inwha Huh, Executive Vice President and Regional Head, Global Trade & Receivables Finance, HSBC Bank USA N.A.
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Todd Fyall, Vice President of Global Business Development, Hatch Stamping Company
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Mike Smith, President, Termax Corporation
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Rodger Butler, Founder and Former Major Shareholder, Peoria Tube Forming Corp. in the U.S.A.
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Brent Anderson, President and Shareholder; Ross Anderson, Shareholder and former Director of Global Operations, Midwest Rubber Service & Supply Co.
We hope that you will join us on October 24 and 25 at the 17th Annual U.S.-China Trade Conference. Please register on or before Monday, October 17, 2016. Please find below the registration form for the conference which can be emailed to info@usccc.org, faxed to (312) 368-9922 or mailed to U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce, 55 W. Monroe Street, Suite 630, Chicago, IL 60603.
Event Photos are available on our event photo page.
Registration
Registration for this event is closed. We thank you for your interest
Conference Location
The U.S.-China Trade Conference is being held at Swissotel Chicago, 323 E. Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
Accommodation
Swissotel Chicago has a block of rooms available for conference participants at a special rate of $319.00 per night. To make a reservation, please contact Swissotel directly.
By Phone: 888-73 SWIS (888-737-9477) and mention 17th Annual U.S.-China Trade Conference
Program
Monday, October 24
8:00 a.m - 9:00 a.m.
Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Welcome Remarks and Messages from the Co-Chairs.
Siva Yam, CPA, CFA, U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce (USCCC); Stella Su, Principal and China Practice Leader, Plante Moran, PLLC; Michael Turansick, Partner, Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP
9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
China in Transition: Its Economy and Business Practice. A Panel Discussion.
Panel Moderator: Siva Yam, CPA, CFA, U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce
Panelists: Youming Ye, Managing Director, The Jordan Company China; TBA
10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
How Does Logistics Impact Internal and International Trade in China?
Jinying Li, Director, China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing Planning Institute
10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Coffee Break and Networking
10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Risk Management in Global Sourcing: Financial Health of Suppliers; Interruption in Logistics. A Panel Discussion.
Panel Moderator: Govind Arora, VP - Worldwide Strategic Sourcing, Snap-on Incorporated
Panelists: Michael Rodenberg, President, Murakami Manufacturing U.S.A. Inc.; James Klotz, Vice President Global Supply/GM Asia, Douglas Dynamics, LLC
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Managing Global Work Force: Dos and Dont's.
Michael Turansick, Partner, Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP
12:00 p.m - 1:30 p.m.
Executive Lunch and Keynote Speech.
Special Remarks: The Honorable Hong Lei, Consul General of PRC in Chicago
1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Afternoon Keynote Speech: "My Journey to Chicago - How Did I Build a Conglomerate?"
Pin Ni, President, Wanxiang America Corporation
2:15 p.m.- 2:45 p.m.
What are the Implications of Recent Changes in VAT and Other Tax Policy on U.S.-China Business
Stella Su, Principal and China Practice Leader, Plante Moran, PLLC
2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Coffee Break and Networking Session
3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Financing Companies to Go Global
Inwha Huh, EVP and Regional Head, Global Trade & Receivables Finance, HSBC Bank USA N.A.
3:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Expanding Business in China - the Success Factors and the Challenges. A Panel Discussion.
Panel Moderator: Stella Su, Principal and China Practice Leader, Plante Moran, PLLC
Panelists: Todd Fyall, Vice President of Global Business Development, Hatch Stamping Company; Mike Smith, President, Termax Corporation
4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Is China Still Competitive as a Global Manufacturer?
Francis Bassolino, Managing Partner, Alaris Consulting
5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Cocktail Reception/Networking
6:15 p.m.
Networking Dinner
Tuesday, October 25
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Living the American Dream: Started New Ventures through International Alliances and Retired.
Rodger Butler, Founder and Former Major Shareholder, Peoria Tube Forming Corp. in the U.S.A., Pacific Changzhou Tubing Co. Ltd in China, Pacific Holding and Trading Corp. in the Cook Islands
9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
From Canton Fair to Sale of Company: A Financially Rewarding but Long, Uncharted and Exhausting Family Journey. Family + Foreign Partners - Complexity; Profit Sharing; Ownership; Infighting; Transparency.
Moderator: Siva Yam, CPA, CFA
Panelists: Danny Spungen, Former V.P. Sales & Marketing and Shareholder; Glenn Spungen, Former V.P. Sales & Operations and Shareholder, Peer Bearing (sold to SKF)
10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Coffee Break and Networking Session
11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Family Business Matters: OVercoming Objections to Go Global. A Case Study.
Brent Anderson, President and Shareholder; Ross Anderson, Shareholder and Former Director of Global Operations, Midwest Rubber Service & Supply Co.
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Overcoming the Challenges of Branding and Selling in China.
TBA
12:00 p.m.
Closing Remarks and Adjournment
Speakers
Ross Anderson
Founder and Chief Global Mentor, Bright Global Futures
Co-Owner, Midwest Rubber Service & Supply Co.
Ross Anderson lives in Minneapolis, MN with his wife and 2 young boys. He is the Founder and Chief Global Mentor for Bright Global Futures (BGF). BGF builds global competencies for international students, professionals, and companies with an innovative combination of experiential learning, supported by mentors and a web-based learning management system. Bright Global Futures provides unforgettable mentor/student experiences and an optimized ecosystem for personal growth and development.
Additionally, Ross is co-owner of Minneapolis-based Midwest Rubber Service & Supply Co (1976), where he served until 2016 as Global Director of Operations & Innovation for the manufacturer, fabricator, and distributor of high quality rubber products.
In 2007, Ross moved to Shanghai to establish a WOFE (Wholly Owned Foreign Enterprise) to manufacture and sell their high-performance products in the Chinese market. Consequently, four years later, the company further committed to global growth by establishing Midwest Rubber B.V. in the Netherlands. As Midwest Rubber has evolved from a small Midwestern company with a regional presence, into one with global reach and brand-named products, Ross has been part of the journey as an entrepreneur, manager, and family business co-owner. Prior to joining the family business, Ross held sales & marketing positions with Hormel Foods Corporation, Careerbuilder.com, and Totino-Grace Private High-school and holds a B.A. in Business Management from St. Johns University.
Govind Arora
Vice President- Worldwide Strategic Sourcing, Snap-on Incorporated
Govind joined Snap-on in August, 2006. Govind is responsible for working with the Snap-on global businesses to establish best practices and processes for sourcing, procurement and quality, to establish strong business relationships with suppliers around the world, to formulate strategies to achieve high quality, delivery and cost savings goals and objectives. Govind possess significant experience in the areas of leveraging capabilities and resources worldwide while establishing a strong process foundation through the use of 80/20 Principle
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Prior to joining Snap-on, Govind was senior vice president, worldwide manufacturing, sourcing, distribution and logistics at General Binding Corporation (GBC). Prior to GBC, Govind spent time at Federal Signal Corporation, Hammond Organ Company and at Essex Corporation. Govind holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from India, a Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of California Berkeley, and MBA from Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.
Francis Bassolino
Managing Partner, Alaris Consulting
Francis Bassolino is the Managing Partner of Alaris, a strategy and operations advisory firm. Francis specializes in providing strategic and operational support to companies building businesses in Asia. He implements sourcing programs, develops strategic initiatives and designs global expansion plans. Francis has served clients such as Citicorp, Honeywell, Yao Ming, and TPG. His experiences in Asia over the past 20 years span consumer finance, marketing and manufacturing.
Recent automotive work has included projects such as:
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Defining the macro supply chain and related support infrastructure for OE production in China
Previously, Francis was a Senior Manager with Deloitte & Touche's China Business Services group where he focused on corporate finance and conducting financial and operational due diligence for mergers and acquisitions. Other experiences include operations management for a global logistics firm and business management for a large, Asia based conglomerate with interests in real estate, manufacturing and biotechnology.
In addition to frequently speaking at public events, Francis has published articles in the Asian Venture Capital Journal, The Deal, The China Business Review, Forbes, The China Economic Review, The Harvard China Review, and The Journal of Private Equity. He has also aired commentaries on National Public Radio.
Francis holds an MBA from the University of Chicago where he majored in Entrepreneurship and Finance. Francis graduated from the Johns Hopkins-Nanjing University Center for Chinese and American Studies, and was an exchange student at Nanjing University as well as Tunghai University in Taiwan. Francis is currently an adjunct Lecturer of Marketing at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.
Francis is a past member of the Council on Foreign Relations (New York). Fluent in Mandarin, Francis resides in Shanghai with his wife and daughter.
Rodger Butler
Former President, Peoria Tube Forming Corp.
For 30 Year’s Rodger Butler Was the Founder and Major Shareholder of Peoria Tube Forming Corp. in the U.S.A. (established in 1980), Pacific Changzhou Tubing Co. Ltd. In China (established in 2003) and Pacific Holding and Trading Corp. in the Cook Islands (established in 2002) His Companies employed approx. 300 people worldwide and were key and strategic suppliers to the all of the Major Large Construction and Mining Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’S) worldwide. After divesting all of them in 2010 he retired in 2011.
During his career Rodger developed strategic alliances with Companies in Korea and Japan as well as established a global supply chain network for raw materials used by his Companies. Rodger has extensive experience in Mergers and Acquisitions as well as due diligence in establishing Manufacturing Companies in Various Countries in Asia, The U.S.A. and Europe.
James Klotz, CPSM, C.P.M.
Vice President, Global Supply and General Manager- Asia, Douglas Dynamics, LLC
Jim Klotz is the Vice President, Global Supply and General Manager-Asia for Douglas Dynamics, LLC based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA. Mr. Klotz has responsibility for the global sourcing efforts for materials, components and services to support Douglas’ manufacturing and truck equipment upfitting locations across 17 locations across the US. He also directed the establishment of DD’s WFOE sourcing office in Beijing, China and has responsibility for the business development activities for Asia for the Western, Fisher and Henderson brands. Mr. Klotz has lead the evolution of the company’s Beijing location into the Douglas Sourcing Office, supporting sourcing, quality and logistics for
all DD divisions. He is a Certified Professional Supply Manager and Certified Purchasing Manager and has been employed with Douglas since March 2006.
Mr. Klotz has been traveling to Asia since 1998 in sourcing roles in the office furniture industry. As Director-Global Sourcing, he established a FRO in Shanghai, China for Teknion, LLC, Toronto, Canada to support the initiation of sourcing from China. Mr. Klotz served as Vice President-Procurement and was responsible for establishing the Asian sourcing program for the HNI Corporation which eventually led to formation of a wholly owned sourcing office in Shenzhen. He has served in variety of operations management roles with J. L. Clark Co. and Rockford Products.
The Honorable Hong Lei
Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Chicago
Mr. HONG Lei, born in August 1969, graduated with a BA degree.
1991-1994 Staff member, Attaché, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China (MFA)
1994-1997 Attaché, Third Secretary, Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands
1997-2000 Third Secretary, Deputy Division Director, Department of Information, MFA
2000-2004 Second Secretary, First Secretary, Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco
2004-2007 First Secretary, Division Director, Counsellor, Department of Information, MFA
2007-2010 Counsellor, Department of Information, MFA
2010-2016 Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Deputy Director General, Department of Information, MFA
2016- Consul General of China to Chicago
Married with a son.
Jinying Li
President, China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing Logistics Academy
Jinying Li,senior logistics expert, president of China Federation Logistics and Purchasing Logistics Academy, the director of China Logistics Planning and Consulting Professional Committee, the honorable guest researcher of China Society of Logistics , has deep research and practical experience in the field of logistics industry and international logistics cooperation, logistics park, cold-chain logistics and supply chain management. Mrs. Li organized and patriated a numbers of international logistics cooperation projects, such as “the white paper of the cooperation of economic, trade and logistics between China, Japan and Korea”, “I-logistics, the international logistics distribution system”, “the capacity building of small and medium-sized logistics enterprises” designed by Asian Development Bank and APEC. China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing (CFLP), the only national level professional organization of China’s logistics industry, was established in Beijing and approved by the State Council in 2001. CFLP originates from the China Ministry of Materials & Equipment, after “Reform and Open”, Institutional reform, and it is named as China Federation of Logistics& Purchasing (CFLP), China society of logistics (CSL). There are more than 1000 employees in the associations and institutions under the Administration of CFLP. The mission of CFLP is to promote the innovation and development of logistics and procurement in China. The government authorizes CFLP the functions of logistics related foreign affairs, science and technology, trade statistics and standards drafting& revising, PMI index publication, and etc. today CFLP has more than 9000 members that most of them are logistics and manufacturing companies in China.
Michael A. Rodenberg
Executive Managing Officer, Murakami Corporation Japan
President/COO, Murakami Manufacturing North America
Michael A. Rodenberg is an Executive Managing Officer of Murakami Corporation Japan and President/COO of Murakami Manufacturing North America. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Japanese from Brigham Young University and a MBA in Global Management from the University of Phoenix. Over the past 20 years, Mr. Rodenberg has worked at several leading public companies with assignments in Japan, China, and various locations in the U.S. His experience includes, manufacturing operations, new product and market development, and mergers and acquisitions. In 2013 he was selected as the first non-Japanese to serve on the board of Murakami Corporation, an organization with over 130 years of history and tradition. Murakami’s operation in Kentucky, was featured in the 2014 summer edition of Motorworld Magazine for its effort in bridging the gap between two cultures. In 2015, he received The Kentucky Outstanding Civic Education Leadership Award, from the Secretary of State, which recognizes community leaders who have made notable contributions toward promoting or implementing civic learning to prepare students to be active and engaged in their communities.
Michael Smith
Co-Owner, Termax Corporation
Michael Walter Smith resides in Palatine, IL with his wife Kelly of 33 years. They have 3 childre and one grandchild on the way. He loves to ride his Harley, travel, and attempts to play golf.
He is co-owner of Termax Corporation which is globally headquarterd in Lake Zurich, IL with warehouses and manufacturing operations in Mexico, China, Canada, and South Korea.
Termax has approximately 450 employees worldwide serving the global Automotive OEM markets. He, along with his company, have 48 active patents, as well as 24 pending. Numberous top awards have been bestowed upon his companies from General Motors, Chrysler, Ford Motor Company and a along list of tier ones.
Charity is an important part of Mike’s life. He believes it’s our duty to give back to the community and less fortunate. Mike values the days when he would run the presses, sell the product, pack the boxes and do whatever it took as a 5 person operation.
Danny Spungen
+1.847.755.4675
Who am I?
Semester at Sea S-81 • Tillburg Netherlands
Rotary Foreign Exchange Students • 1840 Penny Black
1907 $20 High Relief • 1887 Old Judge • Tennis
Shanghai Memory • Great Dane & Retrievers
WWII Scourge • FH206-20C Ball Bearing .81X
Can't Live Without Family & Friends
Looking Over the Edge
Trying to be the Person My Dog Thinks I am
Glenn Spungen
President, PEER Chain Company
Mr. Glenn Spungen is currently President of Peer Chain in Waukegan, Illinois. This is a family run business that stresses “rapport building” and strives to be different! The Spungen family also started and owned Peer Bearing Company from 1961 – 2008. When the company was sold in 2008, they had over 1300 employees with manufacturing facilities in China, Thailand, and Argentina. , Mr. Spungen has plenty of stories that will be both eye-opening and enlightening in regard to doing business overseas.
Mr. Spungen holds a Bachelor of Science in Management & Organizations from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He enjoys travelling overseas, ice hockey, golf, bike riding, concerts, chess, and spending time with his wife and three children.
Stella Su, MBA, CPA/ABV
Principal, Forensic & Valuation Services Group, Plante Moran PLLC
Stella is experienced in valuation of businesses, partnership interests and intangible assets. She has executed M&A buy-side and sell-side transactions in many industries including manufacturing, automotive, distribution, contracting and construction, healthcare, insurance, metals, chemicals, printing, consumer products, retail and real
estate. She also advises clients on business planning.
EDUCATION
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Master of Business Administration and Master of Arts, University of Illinois at Chicago, with Concentrations in Finance and Economics
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Bachelor of Science in Finance in International Finance, People’s University of China
PROFESSIONAL
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Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
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Organization for Asian Americans (OCA) – Greater Chicago Chapter – Board Member
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Chicago Sister Cities International, China Committee – Member
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American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) – Member
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Illinois CPA Society – M&A Special Interest Group Committee – Member
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Business Valuation Association of Chicago – Member
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International Trade Association of Greater Chicago – Member
Michael F. Turansick
Partner, Fragomen Del Rey Bernsen & Loewy LLP
Michael F. Turansick is a Partner at Fragomen, Del Rey Bernsen & Loewy LLP and manages the Firm’s Chicago office. A graduate of Fordham Law School in New York City, Mr. Turansick has been practicing in the field of immigration and nationality law for over 25 years. He manages a diverse practice that it is comprised of individual, start-up, mid size, and large multinational companies encompassing a broad range of industry sectors. His work on behalf of clients includes advising on PERM compliance strategies, the immigration consequences of Mergers & Acquisitions and other corporate restructurings, Form I-9 and H-1B/LCA compliance, EB-5 immigration options and strategic immigration program management. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Bar Association and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), where he was Chair of AILA’s New York Chapter in 1999-2000. A frequent author and speaker on immigration topics, Mr. Turansick is listed in the current edition of The International Who’s Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers.
Siva Yam, CPA, CFA
President, U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Siva Yam, CPA, CFA, an investment banker with over 20 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions, public offerings and private placements of securities, venture financing, and privatization, is Managing Director of Siva Yam & Associates, LLC, a private consulting and investment banking boutique, which specializes in cross border business and trade activities between the U.S. and Asia, and in particular, The Greater China Region. He is a Partner and CFO of Amicus Capital Partners, a startup private equity fund that specializes in the healthcare industry.
Mr. Yam is the current President of the United States-China Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit organization founded by Prescott S. Bush, Jr. that is dedicated to promoting trade and investment activities between US and China. He has served on the Advisory Board of the Federal Reserve Bank in Chicago and is an advisor to the North America Representative Office of Shenzhen. Prior to his current engagements, he was Co-Founder, Senior Managing Director, and Director of Investment Banking of Chicago Capital, Inc., an investment banking boutique. Prior to founding Chicago Capital, he worked in the Corporate Finance Department at Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, in various capacities, including as Co-Founder and a Managing Director of Stifel International Capital Markets, Inc. Mr. Yam has also authored and co-authored investment research reports including one recommendation that was featured in “Institutional Investor” as “Home-Run Hitter of 1993 #5 up 296.0%”, one of the best five stock picks in that year.
Mr. Yam is internationally recognized as an expert in US-China business. China Daily featured him on the front page of Business Weekly in August 2002 describing him as "Bridge US-China Business: USCCC tries to strengthen nations' trade, cultural relations". In March 2005, Investor's Business Daily stated "... American companies seeking advice on operating there often seek out Chicago investment banker Siva Yam, president of the U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce ..." In January 2006, Mr. Yam appeared on the cover of World Trade magazine with the cover story "Trading with China: A Guide for Newcomers - Siva Yam, U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce.” Again in March 2009, China Daily described “Siva Yam knows business - especially when it comes to US and Chinese relationships.”
A Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Financial Analyst, Mr. Yam speaks frequently at various conferences, seminars, and television interviews in both the U.S. and Asia on a variety of subjects. Some of his interviews have appeared in English, Chinese, German, Russian, French, Vietnamese, Thai, Italian, Spanish, and Hindu. In addition, he writes articles regularly for USCCC’s newsletters and international newspapers. Mr. Yam received his MBA from Duke University on a Fuqua Fellowship and his Bachelor of Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Wisconsin. Previously, he graduated from the Hong Kong Polytechnic with honors and is fluent in both English and Chinese.
Youming Ye
Managing Director, The Jordan Company (China)
Youming Ye is the Managing Director of The Jordan Company (China). Mr. Ye joined The Jordan Group in 1995 as Director of International Business and was promoted to Vice President. He is responsible for developing business opportunities in Pacific Rim countries, especially in China.
Since joining the Jordan Group, Mr. Ye has taken the leading role for investments/acquisitions in China. In addition to his responsibilities for investments, he also serves as board members on numerous portfolio companies.
Mr. Ye earned an MBA and a DBA from Arizona State University, and an MIM from American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird).
Mr. Ye is an Executive Director of China M&A Association and founding Chairman for ACG China Chapter. Mr. Ye is also the Vice Secretory General of the Shanghai M&A Club and a founding member of the Shanghai Economic Club.
Sponsors
We'd like to thank our sponsors for their generous support.