FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                    March 26, 2008

GLOBAL E-COMMERCE IN RURAL AMERICAN BUSINESSES
ONE OF THREE SESSIONS AT NORTHWESTERN SYMPOSIUM

            One of three sessions scheduled during Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s symposium “Visions and Crossroads: Northwest Oklahoma – Our Next 100 Years” will cover the area of global e-commerce and how it can be utilized effectively in rural American businesses. The free event is Friday, April 25, and is open to the public. All three sessions will take place at 10:30 a.m. and repeated at 1:45 p.m.

            Robert Reeg, a 1978 Northwestern graduate now working as the chief technology officer at MasterCard International in O’Fallon, Mo., will be presenting the session titled ““Doing Business in a Global Economy – Bricks and Clicks Working Together.” His session will take place in the J.W. Martin Library.

            Reeg said the premise of his presentation will show that the Internet is changing not only how consumers relate to businesses, but how businesses construct their workforces.

            “Data shows the dramatic shift from rural population to city – this is a global phenomenon,” Reeg said. “The workforce population also is shifting age demographics as the baby boomers move to retirement. Will there be enough workers to fill jobs?”

            Reeg said business models have shifted dramatically as well.

            “There is less and less dependence on a physical plant and more opportunity to reach consumers through the Internet,” he said.

            Some examples he provides include the number of Amazon customers, the number of Internet businesses and the change in shopping habits. He said that MasterCard’s peak season stats show a big shift to buying over the web.

            Reeg questions if companies also can shift resource models.

            “Outsourcing of IT jobs is a prime example,” he said. “It’s been proven over and over again that software can be created through remote locations, enabling companies to leverage both global talent and differing cost models.”

            Examples of this include MasterCard’s offshore development center, as well as its rural development center in Iowa.

            As part of his presentation and through participant discussion, he’ll be asking the questions “what are the factors that make remote business support possible” and “what can the education system do to promote these efforts?”

            The two other sessions will be led by Northwestern alumni Christie Brungardt, Class of 1984, and Duane Pierson, Ph.D., Class of 1966. Brett Zollinger, Ph.D., Class of 1992, will be the keynote speaker during the symposium’s noon luncheon in the Student Center Ranger Room.

Brungardt’s session is titled “Grab the Bull by the Horns – Implementing Service Learning and Civic Engagement for Historic Community Revitalization, The Downtown Fort Hays Model.” Originally from the Kiowa/Anthony, Kan., area, Brungardt currently is an instructor of leadership studies at Fort Hays (Kan.) State University. In her session, she will demonstrate how students from Fort Hays have joined forces with the downtown Hays revitalization group to bring new life and opportunities to the community. Her session will be in the Joe. J. Struckle Education Center, room 109.

Pierson’s session is titled “Science and Technology as a Future Force for Jobs and Business Development.” Pierson, senior microbiologist for NASA, is a 2005 Northwestern Outstanding Graduate. He actively has been involved in microbiological and biochemical research for more than 30 years at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) and the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. His session, which will take place in the J.W. Martin Library, will discuss how science and technology are important forces for job creation and business development in the age of innovation.

Zollinger, director of the Docking Institute of Public Affairs and an associate professor of sociology at Fort Hays, will be speaking during the noon luncheon on “Community Change in the Rural Great Plains: How Did We Get Here and Where Are We Going.” This presentation will address past and current demographic and economic trends in Great Plains communities and the opportunities they present.

Oklahoma’s Lt. Gov. Jari Askins also will be speaking during the luncheon. She will be sharing her views of Oklahoma’s proud history and what she believes to be the state’s future opportunities.

The symposium is a new event at Northwestern and has been established because of the need to explore regional and community revitalization and encourage innovation within the regional economy in northwest Oklahoma, southern Kansas and the Texas panhandle.

The various sessions and luncheon presentation will help to connect leadership, experience and education with the people in the region so that ideas can be shared to benefit the area’s future.

Dr. Kay Decker, chair of the social sciences department and head of the symposium committee, strongly encourages faculty to bring students to each session. Additionally, she encourages business owners, economic and community development directors, educators and retirees to participate in the symposium. 

“The symposium is a prime opportunity for people in rural northwest Oklahoma to exchange ideas with respected leaders in the fields of business, science and technology, research and development, historic preservation and community revitalization, and education to spark regional development and enhance the way of life for regional citizens,” Decker said.

Pre-registration is required for the free luncheon, and a limited number of tickets remain. Decker also encourages anyone planning on attending the sessions, to pre-register with her as well so she will have an idea how many people may be attending the various sessions.

 Pre-registered participants for both the luncheon and the sessions will receive a packet of materials; however, those who do not pre-register cannot be assured of receiving a packet, Decker said. For those who have pre-registered for the luncheon, tickets to attend will be placed inside the packet. Also included in the packet will be a program detailing information to be presented during each of the three sessions, as well as the luncheon.

Registration for the day’s events will be from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Herod Hall lobby. A welcome to all registrants will begin at 9:45 a.m. in the auditorium. Following the welcome, participants will be led to the morning breakout sessions.

For anyone not registering in the morning, a table will be located near the Student Center Ranger Room prior to the luncheon and afternoon sessions. A symposium headquarters table will be located in the foyer of the west end of the Student Center following the morning welcome session for anyone needing help or directions.

For additional information about attending the symposium, please contact Decker at (580) 327-8521, (580) 327-8111 or kldecker@nwosu.edu. Up-to-date information is located at the symposium web site at www.nwosu.edu/symposium.

-NW-

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