Experience the Manufacturing and Trade Summit, where industry leaders unite to explore cutting-edge trends, strategies, and technologies.  Discover the future of manufacturing and trade, forge valuable connections, and unlock growth opportunities. Reserve your spot now!

8:00 am – Doors open/Check-in Begins/ Breakfast Buffet Open

8:30 am – Welcome

8:35 am - State of the Supply Chain presented by Marek Kolinski, Assistant Professor of International Supply Chain Management, University of South Dakota

9:45 am – Networking Break

10:00 am – Panel Discussion on International Trade

Michelle Bekkering, National Engagement Director, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition
Georg Sparber, Ambassador of Liechtenstein to the United States
Rob Hrabe, Chairman & CEO, VRC Metal Systems

Moderated by: Luke Lindberg, President & CEO, SD Trade

11:00 am - Networking Break

11:15 am - Automation to Overcome Workforce Shortages presented by Travis Thiex, Business Advisor, SD Manufacturing & Technology Solutions

12:00 pm – Event Concludes

*the schedule is subject to change

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About the Speakers:

Marek Kolinski is an Assistant Professor of Decision Science and Supply Chain Management at Beacom School of Business at the University of South Dakota. Before joining Beacom, he worked for 12 years in supply chain, manufacturing, and product management, primarily in the construction materials industry. Marek has successfully led projects optimizing supply chain network design, omni-channel sourcing, and aligning supply chain and operations strategies.

Marek holds a Bachelor's in Supply Chain Management and Information Systems and a Master's in Quality Manufacturing Management degrees from Pennsylvania State University. He also holds a Ph.D. in Strategic Management from Kennesaw State University.

Georg Sparber is Ambassador of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the United States of America since 2021. He also serves as Liechtenstein’s Permanent Observer to the Organization of American States.

Before assuming his current duties, he held the position of Deputy Permanent Representative of
Liechtenstein to the United Nations in New York since January 2017. His portfolio included disarmament, peace and security and political issues.

 Ambassador Sparber holds a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, where he also finished his graduate studies. During his studies he spent time at Sorbonne University in Paris and at Rutgers University, New Jersey. He grew up in Liechtenstein where he received his primary and secondary education.

Ambassador Sparber is married to Yvonne Sparber, they have five children.

Michelle Bekkering currently serves as National Engagement Director for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC). At USGLC, Bekkering leads efforts to foster and maintain a wide-ranging, bipartisan coalition of leaders and organizations committed to strengthening America’s leadership in the world, through smart and effective investments in development and diplomacy, in order to advance America interests at home and abroad.

Rob Hrabe is currently the CEO of VRC Metal Systems, LLC of Box Elder, South Dakota. Rob retired from the USAF in 2006 after 22 years to become the President/CEO of H. F. Webster Inc. which developed and implemented friction stir welding technology into DOD and commercial applications. Subsequently, Mr. Hrabe founded H. F. Webster Engineering Services Inc. developing and implementing various technologies including cold spray.  In 2013, Mr. Hrabe co-founded VRC Metal Systems.

Travis Thiex is an experienced professional specializing in manufacturing, process innovation, Lean and automation. With a background in leading new product development and operational improvements, he has successfully guided numerous projects involving automation and robotic integration. Travis provides valuable insights on workforce challenges and has a deep understanding of lean manufacturing principles. His practical experience, combined with two degrees from South Dakota State University, makes him a trusted advisor in management, robotics, lean and automation.