Financial experts to examine the shifting dynamics of globalization at Automation Alley’s ‘Global Economic Outlook for 2020 and Beyond’ on January 16

TROY, Mich. — Automation Alley, Michigan’s Industry 4.0 knowledge center and leading technology and manufacturing business association, announced it will host its annual Global Economic Outlook for 2020 and Beyond on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, from 8-11:30 a.m. at its Troy headquarters, 2675 Bellingham. At the event, a panel of financial and business experts will address projected trends and identify industries that will either benefit or be challenged by globalization in the short, medium and long terms. 

James E. Glassman, managing director, JPMorgan Chase & Co. and head economist at Chase Commercial Banking, will deliver the keynote on future business and the overall economic outlook. Other presenters include Chris Holman, founder and CEO of Michigan Business Network, who will speak on Michigan’s Future Business Index, and Tim Finerty, CPA, shareholder at Clayton & McKervey, who will provide an update on global free trade. A panel discussion by Elena Stegemann, COO, McCreadie Group, Inc., and Gianluca Romano, president of Americas, MIC Customs Solutions, will consider the opportunities and challenges of doing business overseas. Noel Nevshehir, Automation Alley’s director of International Business Services, will moderate the session. 

“This event is designed for business managers and industry leaders who watch trends and want solid information on the state of the global economy in order to strategically plan for 2020 and the future,” Nevshehir said. “With the U.S. now in its 10th year of economic growth, the economy in general is strong; however, there are global factors, such as tariffs, geopolitical risks and trade that could allay ongoing progress for our country, state and region.” 

Topics will include the U.S.-China trade dispute, Brexit, the current and future state of our nation’s trade agreements with major trading partners and the impact of the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Closer to home, topics will examine how these and other factors will affect Michigan’s business climate, especially automotive, defense and other advanced manufacturing and high-tech industries. An audience Q & A will conclude the event. 

There is a charge to attend. To register, or for more information, visit the Automation Alley website, or call 800-427-5100 or email. A light buffet breakfast will be served before the presentations. 

About Automation Alley
Automation Alley is Michigan's Industry 4.0 knowledge center, with a global outlook and a regional focus. Our programs give companies a competitive advantage by helping them along every step of their digital transformation journey. We obsess over disruptive technologies like AI, the Internet of Things and automation, and work hard to make these complex concepts easier for companies to understand and implement. As a nonprofit technology and manufacturing business association, we connect industry, academia and government to fuel Michigan's economy and accelerate innovation.

Our Mission 
The mission of Automation Alley is to position Michigan as a global leader in Industry 4.0 by helping our members increase revenue, reduce costs and make strategic decisions during a time of rapid technological change. 

Media Contacts:
Nicole Kampe
Automation Alley 
248.457.3301 

Barbara Fornasiero
EAFocus Communications
248.260.8466