Business representatives of the Chicago International Trade Commissioner's Association recently spent a few days in Decatur, Ill., learning about the Decatur economy and opportunities in the area for business development and expansion.
The representatives made visits to the Archer Daniels Midland Co. facilities, including its intermodal ramp that is part of the Midwest Inland Port, Mueller Water Products and Millikin University.
Representatives from Ecuador, Bulgaria, Spain, Pakistan, Korea, Italy, Hong Kong, Argentina, Hungary, Mexico, South Africa, Haiti and Philippines took part in the visit.
Millikin President Dr. Patrick White says, "The representatives could all be part of creating partnerships to benefit students interested in Millikin's Performance Learning focus."
Recently, Millikin business students from Dr. J. Mark Munoz's international business consulting course have been working with officials from Ecuador on developing market research.
"It was really eye-opening for the students," said Dr. Najiba Benabess, dean of Millikin's Tabor School of Business. "The school would like for companies to provide opportunities for its students."
Dr. Benabess noted, "Businesses are our laboratory. Students can apply what they're learning in the classroom. Employers want their students already trained."
Dr. Benabess says the job market is always changing, referencing the 1980s as a time of growth and the 1990s as an era of technology. She said the current era remains undefined and suggests that it could be considered an era of collaboration.
"Businesses don't have time to reinvent the wheel," said Dr. Benabess. "We are looking for more chances to work together and share resources."