With women accounting for 27 percent of today’s manufacturing sector, the Detroit law firm of Foley & Lardner will address global logistics, antitrust issues, price fixing, and compliance with female industry professionals on Wednesday evening at the London Chop House in downtown Detroit.
Topics include anti-bribery statutes, protection of intellectual property, the importance of human capital, and how the supply chain interacts with financially troubled sub suppliers.
“The automotive industry has been under intense scrutiny by (the U.S. Department of Justice),” says Brandi Walkowiak, senior counsel at Foley & Lardner. “There’s a (global) price fixing investigation that’s been going on for years. There have been over 24 companies and 26 individuals that have pled guilty. That’s a big topic of discussion.”
The event will focus on the fundamental changes underway as the global supply chain reinvents itself. “The manufacturing sector is a global business. People are entering into agreements and doing (joint) ventures with companies internationally. It’s important that domestic companies and our clients understand (compliance and anti-bribery statutes), and what relationships and transactions could have them run afoul of the law,” Walkowiak says.
The Foley Women’s Network is a resource for training programs, business development, and networking. In addition, presenters will focus on the next generation. “Women as young girls are not necessarily encouraged to think about (manufacturing) as an option,” she says. “But not only are there women in this sphere today, they’re making huge strides and the industry is booming again.”
The event is open to Foley’s manufacturing clients. For more information, call 313-234-7100.
