Kellen News
For Immediate Release:
Stan Samples
404-836-5050
ssamples@kellencompany.com
Opening Non-Profit Doors in China
Kellen Company conference raises awareness of opportunities for non-profit organizations in China
Pictured (from left to right): Gene Eckhart, Steve Townsend, David Tharp, Peter Rush, Yu Lu, Randy Ma. (not pictured: Victor Yuan)
Peter Rush
Victor Yuan
NEW YORK, NY (Dec. 10, 2007) To gain more insight into the fastest growing economy in the world, leaders of associations, professional societies and other not-for-profit organizations from across the nation gathered in New York City Thursday for a day-long conference to explore opportunities in China.
Hosted by Kellen Company, a professional services firm, "Entering China: Opportunities and Challenges" encompassed the risks and rewards of doing business in the thriving Chinese economy. (Conference agenda located here.) Global trade, evolving technology, and knowledge exchange have erased international professional borders and organizations are quickly discovering that globalization is key to success. With non-profit organizations representing an estimated economic impact of 10 percent of U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), an increasing number of association leaders are looking to develop their services for China – one of the hottest markets for international expansion.
"As business becomes increasingly global, it’s imperative that associations and not-for-profit leaders recognize the importance of marketing their services and expertise to an international audience," said Peter Rush, Chairman and CEO of Kellen Company from it’s New York office. "Associations have the knowledge and experience to pay a larger role in world. The development of international standards by association and certification programs have the ability to increase product safety and facilitate trade."
China has exploded onto the international business stage in recent years – a growth driven by an abundant labor market, a rapidly growing consumer base and enormous market potential. To comply with World Trade Organization obligations, China has made significant changes to its laws and practices. Trade and professional associations are positioned as a key to the transformation process, and a pathway to important assets of quality standards, education and certification.
Kellen Company manages more than 80 associations through its offices in the U.S., Europe and China. Kellen Company has helped a number of associations globalize in recent years. The company has worked closely with Chinese government officials and regulatory bodies in the management and representation of trade associations. Associations are looking to companies like Kellen for advice how to start in China at an affordable entry level, to manage their foothold or conference, and to monitor legislative and regulatory developments.
Featured conference speakers included Yu Lu, the Secretary General of China Consulting Association and Victor Yuan, Chairman of Horizon Research Consultancy Group. (Speaker biographies located here.) The two experts not only provided an overview of the current association environment yesterday, but also discussed future market trends and how they might impact U.S. based organizations as well as China national associations.
The goal of this conference was to equip attendees – who ranged from executive directors and presidents of non-profit organizations to board members, advisors and business managers – with the knowledge needed to gain successful footing in the China market.
Several speakers shared their own work experiences in China, including business Gene Eckhart, who – as Director of International Operations for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association – assisted members with certification, standardization and other tools necessary to increase exports to China. David Tharp, Executive Director of the International Association for Food Protection, explained the key factors to conference planning and information exchange, including press involvement, organizational issues and exhibitor involvement.
"This was an excellent way for members of the U.S. association community to meet and brainstorm with business leaders from China," said Randy Ma, Manager of Kellen’s Beijing office. "With many of China’s associations now repositioning and establishing new governance and partner relationships, there are a number of opportunities for organizations looking to expand their services and membership base into China."