International Professional U.A. Invites Area Membership

While the primary focus of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce's International Division is to help Wisconsin firms sell more products and services abroad, "International" does not just mean exporting in the Madison area. A new group, International Professional U.A., has been formed to create a social network in the Madison area for international professionals, their families, and those interested in meeting people from other countries.

Members come from a variety of countries and cultures and include business executives, entrepreneurs, researchers, educators, graduate students, attorneys, accountants, real estate agents, and homemakers. Most are foreign born and hold visas or greencards, or are naturalized citizens. Some members are North American-born, but have experience living and working abroad or in international businesses and organizations.

The group holds monthly international "happy hours”, the second Wednesday of each month at different venues in Madison. The group also hosts periodic educational "lunch-and-learn” events. While the group serves a primarily social purpose, it is an excellent networking resource for people interested in doing business internationally. At each happy hour, a business card book is provided for the purpose of making commercial connections.

More information about International Professionals U.A., including a calendar of upcoming events, can be found on-line at www.internationalprofessionals.org.

--Stanley Pfrang

The newsletter is issued electronically every other month.

Please send comments or questions to Barbro McGinn, editor.