Afro-Brazilian Women Entrepreneurs

Dr. Andrea Smith-Hunter, Associate Professor of Management at Siena College, New York, will speak on "Women Entrepreneurs in Brazil: With a Special Look at Afro-Brazilian Women Entrepreneurs" at noon 6 November in Room 409 of the Campus Center at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis.

For more information, contact Alicia S. Anino.

IU President to Lead Delegation to Asia

Indiana University President Michael McRobbie will lead a delegation to South Korea and China later this week, according to Inside INdiana Business.

The group hopes to form new partnerships with several leading research universities during its six day visit in South Korea. Some will continue on to Beijing, where McRobbie will visit Peking University and speak at the Fifth Beijing Forum about IU's International Strategic Plan.

Pakistan Joins IU Global Research Network

Pakistan has joined a global research community through a new high-speed network, managed by Indiana University, according to Inside INdiana Business.

The connection enables Pakistani scientists from 60 universities and institutes to work with their international peers on research projects that require fast data transfers.

IU Delegation in China

Indiana University School of Education Dean Gerardo Gonzalez is leading a delegation in China this week, reports Inside INdiana Business. The purpose is to explore new possibilities for collaboration with Chinese universities and providing professional development to its higher education leaders.

Five IU faculty members and a higher education policy studies student from China are visiting six Chinese universities.

USI to Hold Discussion on Global Economy

The global economic crisis will be examined next month by an international panel of experts from the University of Southern Indiana, reports Inside INdiana Business.

The open discussion, set for 3 November, is designed to answer people's questions about the possibility of a global recession and the impact of the financial downturn on the Evansville area.

A Celebration of the Life of Nelson Mandela

A Celebration of the Life of Nelson Mandela is planned Monday (27 October) at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis.

A film festival runs from noon to 5 p.m. in Taylor Hall 115. At 6:30 p.m., there's a reception (featuring African food) with filmmaker Peter Davis in Herron Auditorium H101, followed at 7 p.m. by Davis' lecture and screening.

Davis, a citizen of the United Kingdom, is a well-known documentarian of the South African Apartheid era and is a personal friend of the Mandela family. His lecture, entitled “Madiba and Me,” will be followed by a showing of his latest film release called “Nelson Mandela: From Prisoner to President.”

Davis’ presentation will be proceeded by a short introduction by Professor Bessie House-Soremekun on fighting Apartheid abroad and at home.

The afternoon's film festival includes Davis' films on South Africa, including “Generations of Resistance,” “The White Laager,” “Winnie Mandela,” “In Darkest Hollywood,” and others. The film festival also will feature posters developed by Davis in his long fight against Apartheid.

All events are open to the public at no charge. For more information, contact Ian McIntosh, 317:274-3776.

IEDC Awards Go to Purdue Research Foundation

The Purdue Research Foundation has won three International Economic Development Council Excellence (IEDC) in Economic Development Awards, reports Inside INdiana Business.

It has been honored in the categories of entrepreneurship, partnerships with educational institutions and technology-based economic development. The IEDC is the largest group of economic development practitioners in the world with members in several nations including the U.S. Canada and Australia.

Dow AgroSciences Buys Brazilian Firm

Dow AgroSciences is adding hundreds of employees, the majority at its global headquarters in Indianapolis, reports Inside INdiana Business.

The company recently completed its seventh acquisition, in the past 18 months, with the purchase of a corn seed production facility in Brazil. President and Chief Executive Office Jerome Peribere says South America is a critical component in its global corn seeds strategy to reach $1 billion in sales. He says the agricultural industry is in the midst of a major revolution, with the methods of farming changing rapidly and creating new growth.

Music From the End of The Andes

"Music from the End of the Andes" is a celebration of Latin America at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.

Paula Monsalve (pictured) and musicians from the Latin American group, NAN, will highlight songs from Paula's new album, Reina Mia (Queen of Mine) in performances at noon, 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the Lilly Theater on 31 October.

For more information, call the museum, 317:334-3322.

Ann Katz Festival of Books

This year's Ann Katz Festival of Books at the JCC Indianapolis includes a special exhibit of artwork from Israeli children, a film, book sale and (of course) a terrific mix of authors.

The three-week-long event runs 29 October through 20 November at the JCC, 6701 Hoover Road, Indianapolis.

The complete schedule is here, but of special note to this website are these two:

* The 7 p.m. presentation 12 November by Andrei Cherny, author of The Candy Bombers: The Untold Story of the Berlin Airlift and America's Finest Hour.

* The 7 p.m. presentation 13 November by Jennifer 8. Lee, author of The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food (did you know there are more Chinese restaurants in the U.S. than McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's combined?).

It's Not Too Late to Catch Musica Latina

Dance Kaleidoscope's "Musica Latina," a family-friendly fiesta of Latin and Hispanic music and contemporary dance choreographed by artistic director David Hochoy continues at 8 p.m. tomorrow (18 October) and 2:30 p.m. Sunday (19 October) in the Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 West Washington Street, Indianapolis.

Featured are Concierto de Aranjuez (concerto for classical Spanish guitar); Canciones (set to Mexican Mariachi-style songs); and Fire (a Cuban "salsa-style" dance variation)

Tickets are $35 -- but for the Sunday Family Matinee, all tickets are $10 each if purchased day of show. For more information, call 317:940-6555 or go online for tickets.

South Korean Firm Purchased

According to Inside INdiana Business, Ener1, Inc. announced today it has agreed to acquire an 83% interest in Enertech International, one of South Korea's leading lithium-ion battery cell producers. The purchase follows the recent announcement of the company's plans to expand the manufacturing capacity of its lithium-ion automotive battery subsidiary, EnerDel, based in Indianapolis.

Celebration of International Cultures

Valparaiso University will host a Celebration of International Cultures tomorrow (16 October) in honor of the inauguration of the University's 18th president, Mark A. Heckler, according to the Office of University Relations.

The showcase of Valparaiso's international study programs, international students and international service projects and research will take place from noon to 3 p.m. in the Christopher Center for Library and Information Resources and is free and open to the public.

During the Celebration of International Cultures, organized by Valparaiso's Office of International Programs, the public is invited to talk to students and faculty involved with Valparaiso's Confucius Institute, German and French clubs, International Student Association, medical mission trips to Central America, water quality research in China, and other international organizations and study programs. An alumna and Valparaiso business owner also will discuss her native country of Macedonia.

Music and dancing of various cultures will be performed throughout the event and photographs taken by students participating in Valparaiso's study abroad programs will be displayed. Refreshments highlighting the food of various cultures will be offered, including pita bread with minted cucumber and hummus dips, Ethiopian honey bread, baklava, vegetable pot stickers, spanikopita and Chinese almond cookies.

Valparaiso has won national recognition as a model in preparing its graduates with strong cross-cultural skills and global awareness, receiving the prestigious Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization earlier this year. This fall, the University also set a new high in international student enrollment, with 245 students on U.S. student visas registered from more than 50 countries.

Egyptian Scholar Visits Indiana

An internationally-respected expert on terrorism will participate in a panel discussion at Valparaiso University Thursday (16 October) as part of a two-week visit to campus through the Fulbright Scholar program.

Dr. Abd El-Aziz Shady, a political science professor and director of Cairo University's Program on Terrorism Studies, will discuss "The Future of Terrorism: A Look at Current Middle East Affairs" at 6:30 p.m. in the Christopher Center for Library and Information Resources. The panel discussion is free and open to the public.

Responding to Dr. Shady's remarks will be Dr. Chuck Schaefer, an associate professor of history whose scholarship and teaching interests include modern African and Middle Eastern political and social history; Dr. Nelly van Doorn-Harder, Patheja professor of world religions and ethics and one of the world's leading scholars on Muslim-Christian relations; and Dr. Susan Shearer, an adjunct assistant professor of political science whose research and teaching focuses on international relations and U.S. foreign policy.

Dr. Shady's research has focused on religion and democratization in the Arab world, the nation-state's absence and terrorism in the Middle East, and Christian perceptions of Islam in the United States. He is spending six weeks in the United States discussing those issues and others as part of his participation in the Fulbright Scholar program.

Dr. Shady will speak on “Women in Muslim Society” during the 21 October gathering of the Indianapolis Committee on Foreign Relations. The event begins at 5:45 p.m. in the Woodstock Club, 1301 West 38th Street, Indianapolis. Guests are welcome by reservation only; contact Courtenay Weldon. Cost is $35-45.

America's Future as a World Power

A tripartite discussion of the future of America's power in the world takes place Wednesday (15 October) at Butler University in Indianapolis.

John Clark of Sagamore Institute for Policy Research, Dave Mason of Butler University and Michael Kraig of the Stanley Foundation are the discussants.

It starts at 3 p.m. in Pharmacy Room 204 on the Butler campus. You can read more about the event here.

Prof. Mason's new book is The End of the American Century that dissects in great detail the causes of the current (and he believes continuing) decline of American power in the world.

Dr. Kraig is Director of Policy Analysis and Dialogue at the Stanley Foundation, a think-tank based in Iowa. He's leading a major project called "Rising Powers: New Global Realities".

Fall Forum on the Social Consequences of Immigration

The Fall Forum on the Social Consequences of Immigration will be held from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. tomorrow (13 October) in CE450, Campus Center, Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis.

Sponsored by the IUPUI Mexico Interest Group and the Office of International Affairs, the forum will explore the impact of Mexico-Indiana immigration on both Indianapolis and the sending communities in Mexico. It includes a session on Spanish immigration exploring the similarities and differences of immigration to Spain and immigration to the U.S.A.

Dow AgroSciences Buys German Seed Company

Indianapolis-based Dow AgroSciences LLC has purchased Südwestsaat GbR, a hybrid maize company headquartered in Germany, reports Inside INdiana Business.

SWS focuses on breeding, development, registration and production of high performing maize hybrids for Europe.

International Distillers Grains Conference & Trade Show

The International Distillers Grains Conference and Trade Show is set for 19-21 October in the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown.

It's sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council, which develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, grain sorghum and related products. Founded in 1960, the Council is a private, non-profit corporation with nine international offices and programs in more than 50 countries.

Inside INdiana Business reports that Hoosier growers and the international buyers of their products will meet face-to-face this month, thanks to a series of tours and farm visits organized through regional cooperative Co-Alliance LLP.

The three-day tour event welcomes dozens of grain buyers, company representatives and government officials from Korea, Taiwan and several North African nations, and provides them with a closer look at American agriculture. The group will already be in Indiana to attend the U.S. Grains Council’s International DDG Conference in Indianapolis. (DDG = U.S. corn and distiller’s dried grains)

For a look at a recent U.S. Grains Council Global Update, click here.

Museums in Africa and the United States

Dr. Boureima Diamitani, executive director of the West African Museum Programme, will join Dr. Maxwell L. Anderson for a conversation about colonial collections and post-colonial communities, conserving cultural and art history, and the impact of civil wars on cultural heritage preservation.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow (9 October) in the Deer Zink Events Pavilion of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis. It's open to the public at no charge as part of the Conversation Series: Museums in a Global Context (in honor of the 125th anniversary of the IMA).

CTS Corp. Lands Japanese Contract

Elkhart-based CTS Corp. says its automotive products unit has been awarded production programs from a Japanese manufacturer for a new accelerator pedal module, reports Inside INdiana Business.

It will be built in North American and Europe starting in late 2010. CTS says total revenue from the deals is expected to be more than $24 million over the five year life of the programs.

Media in the Former Soviet Bloc

Ken Jaques, president of Global Communication Strategies, will speak on “The Evolution of Media and Media Relations in the Former Soviet Bloc” at 4 p.m. 14 October in the Oak Room of the Indiana Memorial Union on the campus of Indiana University Bloomington.

An overview of the problems of transition that confronted media, business, and governments on the territory of the former Warsaw Pact in the last two decades, his talk will also address the recent conflict between Georgia and Russia in the context of the "media war" which it generated.

Mr. Jaques has worked extensively as a communications and business consultant to the U.S. government and the governments of Georgia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Croatia, and Russia. He also served as press secretary to US Senator Frank Lautenberg for many years and as a reporter for leading news organizations including CNN and the Congressional Quarterly magazine.

"Jitro" Performs in Indianapolis

“Jitro”, an all-girl Czech choir, performs at 7 p.m. 2 November at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 6050 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.

The performance is co-sponsored by St. Paul's and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. "Jitro", which has garnered dozens of international awards, will be taking the stage with a special appearance by the Indianapolis Children’s Choir.

"Jitro" (which means “daybreak” in Czech) is based in Hradec Kralove, a town in the Czech Republic. It is an organization of 500 girls in seven preparatory school ensembles, of which only the best 25-50 qualify to tour.

Tickets ($10 and $15) can be ordered online and by calling 317:940-9640.

Ballard to Head Overseas

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard took the opportunity during his remarks at yesterday's presentation by a member of the German Bundestag to talk about his vision for globalization of Indy.

He announced yesterday that he'd be making two trips abroad within the next year, one to Europe and the other to South America. He intends to find more Sister City affiliations for Indianapolis, he said.

Meanwhile, rumor has it, Ballard has killed the budding Sister City relationship Indianapolis had started with Eldoret, Kenya, saying that there was no economic benefit for Indy in that partnership.

His remarks were made during Friday's breakfast with Dr. Werner Hoyer in the offices of the Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. Dr. Hoyer (who spend a high school year in Montana and attended US colleges) talked about "Global Challenges and Changes in Leadership in the United States and Europe" in a presentation sponsored by the Indianapolis Eric M. Warburg Chapter of the American Council on Germany, Indianapolis-Cologne Sister City Committee and Independent Colleges of Indiana.

No doubt the Indianapolis mayor's upcoming trip to Europe (which includes, he said, a stop in Cologne) will be a topic at tonight's Taste of Germany. Ballard is expected to attend the fundraiser benefiting the Indianapolis-Cologne Sister City Committee and the Indianapolis Fire Department's Survive Alive Program. Ballard was stationed in Germany during his time in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Hill-Rom Purchases Swedish Company

Batesville-based Hill-Rom has purchased Swedish company Liko, which supplies patient lifts and slings. The deal is worth approximately $183 million, reports Inside INdiana Business.

Liko (Liko Vårdlyft AB) had revenues of approximately $75 million during its fiscal 2008.

German-American Weekend in Indy

German-American Day has turned into German-American Weekend – at least in Indianapolis. In addition to events traditionally sponsored by various local organizations on the actual holiday – 6 October – the city celebrates the 20th anniversary of its partnership with Cologne, Germany, as part of Sister Cities International, today through Monday.

A 30-member delegation from Cologne arrived in Indianapolis Tuesday, representing the German portion of the two-city partnership.

Today, after breakfast in the Columbia Club, Dr. Giles Hoyt leads the visitors on a downtown walking tour, highlighting the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. In the afternoon, there are visits to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. This evening includes a dinner hosted by the Indianapolis-Cologne Sister City Committee.

Friday morning starts with an 8:15 a.m. breakfast with Dr. Werner Hoyer, a member of the German Bundestag (FDP party), in the offices of the Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. Dr. Hoyer will discuss "Global Challenges and Changes in Leadership in the United States and Europe" in a presentation sponsored by the Indianapolis Eric M. Warburg Chapter of the American Council on Germany, Indianapolis-Cologne Sister City Committee and Independent Colleges of Indiana.

Friday also includes a visit to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, followed by stops at other attractions in White River State Park including the Indiana State Museum and the Indianapolis Zoo. An architectural tour of Columbus is scheduled for Saturday.

Saturday evening, the Cologne visitors will participate in “A Taste of Germany”. The fundraiser, which benefits both the local Sister City committee and the Indianapolis Fire Department Firefighters Local 416 “Survive Alive” Program, is 5-9 p.m. in the historic Firefighters Union Hall, 748 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis. There’ll be authentic German food, plus 16 different labels of German beer to try. Admission (over 21 only) is $50.

The annual German-American Day Celebration at the Indianapolis City Market hosted by the Indiana German Heritage Society is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday. There'll be music by Die Doppel-Adler and traditional dancers performing.

German-American Day celebrations continue from 5-6:30 p.m. Monday in the Biergarten of the Athenaeum / Das Deutsche Haus, 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis, with an informal party to bid auf Wiedersehen to the Cologne visitors.

The Sister City agreement was signed in 1988 by then-Mayor William H. Hudnut III, and reaffirmed in 1998 by then-Mayor Stephen Goldsmith. It will be reaffirmed this year by Mayor Greg Ballard.

Chairman of the Indianapolis-Cologne Sister City Committee is Sven Schumacher.

German-American Day commemorates Oct. 6, 1683, when the first immigrants from Germany arrived on North American soil.

Immigration in Bartholomew County

"Immigrants and Immigration in Columbus and Bartholomew County" is the topic for a Civic Discussion Forum at 7 p.m. 23 October in the Custer-Nugent Lecture Hall in the Columbus Learning Center, 4555 Central Avenue, Columbus.

It's hosted by Indiana University-Purdue University in Columbus, in collaboration with various local education and nonprofit partners.

Presentations by Dr. Robert Aponte (pictured, left) and Dr. John E. Bodnar (pictured, right) will be followed by discussion.

Dr. Aponte, chair of the Department of Sociology and Associate Professor of Sociology at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, has researched, published, and taught extensively on a variety of topics related to historic and contemporary Hispanic communities in the Midwest and elsewhere.

Dr. Bodnar, Chancellor’s Professor of History and Director of the Institute for Advanced Study at Indiana University-Bloomington, has researched, published, and taught extensively on the immigration of a variety of European groups to Indiana and the Midwest and on the history of patriotism in America.

Following their presentations will be a discussion moderated by Dr. Douglas G. Gardner, project director of the forum and Coordinator of the History Program.