Andy Bertsch

Andy Bertsch, associate professor at Minot State University, finalizes the arrangements with a guest speaker for the upcoming 2003 Scandinavian North American International Business Conference.Bertsch said the first of its kind conference is being held in connection with the Norsk Hostfest to better help showcase businesses from each country.
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- Andy Bertsch said he was in the wrong place at the right time.

Bertsch, an assistant professor at Minot State University, was at a gathering during last year's Norsk Hostfest just to visit with an old friend, former governor Ed Schafer.
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"Ed had laid the groundwork and interviewed a number of businesses that wanted to be able to link up with the Scandinavian companies that were doing business here," Bertsch said.
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"We wanted the first one to coincide with Hostfest and allow local businesses to get in on the ground floor of what we feel will be some great opportunities," Bertsch said.

The conference will be held at the Minot International Inn beginning Monday, Oct. 13, at 8:30 a.m. Registration is required.

Opportunities

Those great opportunities go beyond the two-day session, according to Bertsch.Along with prominent keynote speakers and breakout sessions, for North Dakota, the connections made could be quite long lasting.

"There will display booths for products throughout the day on Monday," Bertsch said.
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Bertsch said that allows for more and diverse subjects to all in attendance.

"A lot of Scandinavian businesses expressed an interest in product liability and we have one of the more knowledgeable people in that area right here at the McGee Law Firm," Bertsch said, referring to presenter Colin Dobrovolny.
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On day two, Bertsch said the keynote speaker will be Kjell Nilsson on the European culture and business environment, Claire Welsch speaking on ISO 9000, relating to EU compliance of products and Steve Keim of the North American Trade Development.
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Bertsch added that a panel discussion will be held in the morning session of day two and the conference will wrap up with the person who originally drew up the foundation of the event - Ed Schafer, speaking about Expand America.
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Bertsch said that registration, tours and a social and buffalo dinner will be provided on Sunday, Oct. 13, as part of the conference schedule of events.

He added that the conferences should become an annual event, linked with other countries in Asia, Europe and South America.More information can be obtained by contacting Bertsch at 858-3866, 1-800-777-0750, extension 3866 or visiting (www.minotstateu.edu/business) and selecting conferences