International Business Council

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The Memphis International Business Council (MIBC) is a group that supports the local business community in tandem with the International Division of the Greater Memphis Chamber. The Chamber held numerous discussions with its vested international business constituents, heard the pleas of its members who wanted access to global opportunities, and as a result created a resource that delivered a stronger, more engaged presence in the international business community.

The MIBC mission is to serve as a working platform to facilitate the growth of international trade and foreign direct investment in Memphis; educate Memphis businesses in conducting business on an international basis; and drive economic development through interaction with foreign organizations.

The following is a listing of Memphis business and civic leaders that serve as the Executive Directorate of the International Business Council:

  • Chair, Charles Blatteis, Attorney – Burch, Porter, & Johnson, PLLC
  • Vice Chair, Robby Beau, Managing Director– FedEx Express
  • Mike Demster, VP International Business – Greater Memphis Chamber
  • Carey Treadwell, Director of Global Business – Mallory Alexander
  • Yi Liu, President – NBM Associates
  • Christi Hufford, Attorney – Siskind, Susser, Bland, PC
  • Keith Loveless, Director – Center for Advanced Intermodal Technologies
  • Andrew Russell, Manager International Sales Collaboration – FedEx Services
  • John Oros, Executive VP – Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • Erly Alonzo, President – Flight Support Solutions
  • Kanzi Takayama, Vice President – Goh America
  • Mark Field – Attorney – Evans, Petree, Bogatin, PC
  • Cliff Stockton, Senior Advisor Existing Business – Greater Memphis Chamber
  • Dr. Rajiv Grover, Dean, Fogelman College of Business – University of Memphis
  • Leigh Shockey, Chariman & CEO – Drexel Chemical
  • T.C. Jones, Vice President – Sharp Electronics
  • Dr. Ben Kedia, Director, Robert Wang Center – University of Memphis
  • Brad Champlin – Regions Bank (Ret)
  • David Spann – U.S. Commercial Service (Ex-Officio)

International Business Council Structure

International Business Council Committee Organizational Chart

Committee Assignments

The MIBC consists of three subcommittees – Knowledge Enhancement, Economic Development and Marketing. Each committee is responsible for its on set of activities and events to meetthe needs of those interested in international business.

The Knowledge Enhancement Committee works to deliver international education and training opportunities to Memphis businesses. This committee organizes seminars and workshops on topics such as International certificates, immigration, and international tax. The committee also develops an inventory of internationally-focused resources for companies interested in expanding globally.

The Economic Development Committee works to drive international economic development programs and projects. This committee hosts foreign business delegations and trade representatives from around the world. In addition, the committee is responsible for establishing protocol for visiting trade groups and officials, and developing country-specific strategies for trade opportunities. Within in this committee there are three regional advisory teams that identify and prioritize strategies by business sector and country: Team Americas, Team Asia and Team EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa). These teams make tactical recommendations to capture business development opportunities for International constituents. They also serve as region-specific rapid response teams for international business visitors and diplomatic delegations.

The Marketing Committee serves as a clearinghouse for Memphis-specific international business activities. The committee promotes Memphis as an international business destination through the development of its international marketing plan, which is consistent with MemphisED. They also create collateral pieces for distribution to Memphis business leaders and visitors. The Marketing Committee is responsible for identifying community assets for each targeted country or region using sector-specific groups.