2. Our Mission
Attract non-English speaking business professionals
for English language and business culture immersion
Attract international businesses by recruiting foreign
direct investment
Business
Language and
Culture Exchange
3. Office of
Economic &
Regional
Development
Center for
English as a
Second
Language
BLACE
Customizable program
English instruction
Business
interaction/education
Professionals from
around the world
Business
Language and
Culture Exchange
4. Southern
Illinois
Anchored
by a major
U.S.
research
university
Heart of
the
American
Midwest
Exquisite
natural
beauty
Educated
and
diverse
population
Wide
variety of
businesses
Friendly people
who are willing
to teach as well
as learn from
foreign guests
Business
Language and
Culture Exchange
6. English Classes
- English for business purposes
- Improving listening skills
- Accent reduction
- Accurate English
- Specific language-dependent skills
* Effective presentations
* Using media
* Facilitating discussion
* Interacting with other cultures
American Culture
- Etiquette (business, social)
- Arts
- History
- Intercultural Communication
Business
Language and
Culture Exchange
7. Business Education
- Lectures by relevant SIU faculty
- Engagement with local entrepreneurs &
small businesses
- Visits to area corporations
- Business roundtables
- Small Business Start-Up workshops
Field Trips
- Local extended network
- Art
- History
- Culture
- Nature
Business
Language and
Culture Exchange
8. Business
Language and
Culture Exchange
Affordable
cost of living
Access to
major cities
Foreign
Direct
Investment
Excellent
transportation
system
Educated
workforce
Southern Illinois is
an excellent place
for growing
businesses to
land.
9. Business
Language and
Culture Exchange
Any Questions?
Karen M. Martin, Manager
BLACE
kmmartin@siu.edu
(618) 453-3342
Kyle Harfst, Executive Director
Economic and Regional Development
harfst@siu.edu
(618) 453-3427
http://econdev.siu.edu/our-programs/blace_develop.html
