SEMINAR MAY 16
Annual Energy Seminar-Wednesday
RENEWABLE ENERGY -TURKMENISTAN DELEGATION
The Central Asian Productivity Research Center sponsored a seminar focused on “Renewable Energy” on Tuesday, 8:30-noon, May 16, for a delegation of five specialists from Turkmenistan, in Central Asia. at the Club Quarters, 75 East Upper Wacker Drive.
OFFICIAL WELCOME:
Professor Harry Lepinske, CAPRC’s founding chairman
OVERVIEW
Jafer Hasnain, managing principal, Sea spire Advisors, LLC and CAPRC advisory board member.
Alex Mathew, chair operating officer, Turn W2E and CAPRC advisory board member James Toscas, former executive director of the American Nuclear Society, management consultant and CAPRC advisory board member Romuald Poplawski president of U.S. Global Energy LLC, and CAPRC advisory board member.
CONVERTING WASTE INTO ENERGY “Waste Plastic as Clean Energy”.
Plastic pollution is a major problem in urban areas, rural villages, and towns near water sources, with plastic waste ending up in landfills, dumped on roadsides, or discharged directly into water bodies. Governments are prioritizing the elimination of plastic waste, but a single solution has not been plausible due to the varied composition and recyclability of plastic waste. Incineration is not a viable solution, and circular economy initiatives have been hampered by the quality of the waste. However, Biomass Energy Systems Inc (BESI) offers a novel solution for converting plastic waste into fuel gas, which can easily coexist with coal, natural gas, and oil in energy applications. This solution is technically sound and environmentally safe and can be scaled up to tackle plastic pollution issues of any size.
BESI’s TURNW2E™ Plastics Conversion System uses gasification to convert contaminated waste plastics into fuel gas and clean energy. This technology can be scaled from capacities ranging from 10 to 100 tons per day and can be installed and operated without highly skilled labor. The solution adds to global sustainability by reducing the use of natural resources and allowing countries to export more of their natural resources while contributing to lower carbon footprints and meeting climate change goals.
Turkmenistan’s government is continuously investing in oil and gas to modernize and expand the electricity and heat sector. The energy sector is almost completely subsidized, with citizens receiving free electricity, heat, and gas until 2030.
The government is taking steps to reduce subsidies and working to increase exports.
Turkmenistan is part of the EU4Energy Program, an initiative focused on evidence-based policy-making for the energy sector.
Wednesday, Feb. 8 , 2023
CAPRC Q1 NETWORKING/BOARD MEETING
WOLF’s Head Inn, Intersection of Joliet and Wolfs Roads.
Just east of the Tri-State Tollway and I-55 intersection.
AGENDA
11:00 Registration
11:15 OPENING REMARKS-Lepinske
MINUTES Hickman
COMMITTEE REPORTS
MEMBER RELATIONS-Krzyston
Memorial-Professor Roger Hamburg Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus-Political Science
Nomination-Associate board member
AGRICULTURE -Headley
Presenting today’s program. Report about his offshore work
CENTRAL ASIA WATER CRISIS -Herche
EDUCATION AND TRAINING -Prabhaker/Preston
Spring Management Training programs
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT -Boyan
ENERGY -Arslan-Ayaydin
Annual Energy Seminar-Wednesday, March 15
Conference Room, Turkish Consulate General
FINANCE AND ECONOMICS -Toscas
GLOBAL LOGISTICS SUPPLY CHAIN COMMITTEE (formerly maritime committee) Capt. Naseer
HEMINGWAY PROJECT Memmedova
LEGAL
MARKETING
PRODUCTIVITY Paturi/Melka
QUALITY MANAGEMENT -Kalaras
SILK ROAD CONFERENCE -Lepinske
Wednesday, Nov. 9 2022 CAPRC Q4 Business Meeting
EVERGREEN RESTAURANT 21411 S. Wentworth Ave. In Chicago’s Chinatown
11:15 Annual Commitee Reports
12:40 Cyber Security Seminar
November 2022
Turkiye and Central Asia by EngmJ-üvesin
Central Asia has an important place in Turkish foreign policy, not least because of its strategic and economic potential, but also due to the cultural, linguistic and kinship bonds which unites us. Many Turks like to trace their lineage back to Central Asia, taking pride in these ties steeped in history, tradition and folklore. The region is where Turkish identity is rooted and flourished.
An endemic trait of Turkey, dictated by geography and the currents of history is that, it is the eastern-most country of Europe and western-most country of Asia. Turkey’s integration with western economic and political systems does not mean it detaches itself from its roots in the East. These are complementary attributes. Straddling two continents, ideally positions Turkey to harness the confluence of immense economic and business potential. Today, I will touch upon Central Asia’s economic prospects in the Asian Century and how its strengths and proximity to this emerging center of gravity effects it in general. I will then explain Turkey’s approach to the region within the context of its “Asia Anew Initiative” and with a focus on the “Middle Corridor”.
The 21st century is frequently characterized as the “Asian century”. An era in which Asia is reaching economic predominance once again. Asian economies are on track to become larger than the rest of the world combined in purchasing power parity terms. By 2030, it is expected that the world’s 10 biggest economies will largely be made up of current emerging markets. By 2040 Asia is expected to reach 50 percent of global GDP. And by 2050, the Asian Development Bank estimates, 3 billion Asians could have living standards similar to those of contemporary Europe, and Asia could account for over half of global output. Thanks to persisting demographic, economic and political trends, the center of gravity is shifting eastward. Asia’s growing middle class, rising consumption levels, strides in technology and urban infrastructure, higher levels of intra-regional trade and supply chain networks, regional cooperation mechanisms and China’s expanding geopolitical influence are some of these trends driving this change. As such, Asia is destined to shape the next phase of globalization. In their 30 years of independence, Central Asian Republics have achieved substantial progress in many areas, particularly solidifying their sovereignty, institutionalizing their state structures and improving their level of integration with the world. In the last 3 decades, these countries have shown notable development potential. Many Central Asian Republics have embarked on market-oriented economic reforms to boost economic performance and private sector competitiveness. In the first decade of the 21st century, they recorded significant growth rates, some of the fastest in the world. This owed in no small part to their high-priced natural resource yield of oil, natural gas, cotton and gold. These resources have been the driving force that brought much needed capital into then, small, land-locked economies.
However, Central Asia’s land-locked geography does not take away from its geostrategic importance. It never has. Today, as it has been for centuries, it connects the East and the West, providing a route for trade, following the beaten track of the ancient Silk Road, which is now once again becoming the conduit of goods and riches. Furthermore, the region is also an exporter and transit route for energy resources, multiplying its strategic significance. One would be remiss if one did not include the Caucasus within this strategically important geography, as it is one of Central Asia’a gateways to Europe and it also shares the natural resources of the Caspian basin.
In the Post-Cold War era, Central Asian Republics, including Azerbaijan, developed political and economic relations with the West and some of them also joined European cooperation mechanisms. Investments from the European Union constitute 40 percent of the region’s total foreign direct investment.
In the context of the Asian Century, as new opportunities surface, Central Asian countries increasingly look towards the East. Likewise, Asian states are equally turning to Central Asia in their search for energy resources and new markets. This reciprocal dynamic engenders closer ties. Central Asia constitutes a transit route for long-haul connectivity projects, in the form of new Silk Road initiatives. The region hosts several routes of the “Belt and Road Initiative”.
For the rising powers and emerging economies of East, South and West Asia, Central Asia represents an obvious hinterland to engage, as they reach out to new markets. As a result, a natural propensity is taking shape among sub-regions of Asia, which sees them develop intra-regional connections. Central Asian states are increasingly involved in this trend. The region is set to benefit from the interests of both the East and the West in the form of investment in industrial capacity building, mainly in the hydrocarbon sector and large infrastructure projects.
It should always be kept in mind that this is an era of transformation, and by its very nature, the highly dynamic developments in the continent and diverging interests of rising economic powers may bring conflicts to the fore which may affect progress in the trends I mentioned above.
Furthermore, unforeseen challenges may continue to surface. The Covid-19 pandemic’s devastating effects to the global and national economies may take years to recover from. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan together faced an estimated contraction of 1.7 percent in 2020. According to the World Bank, in Central Asia, growth in 2021 is forecasted to be slower than the global average for Emerging Markets and Developing Economies and just below the average for the EMDEs in the Europe and Central Asia region. However, among the assessed Central Asian countries, there is a great range in conditions.
Where does Turkey stand in this era? Against this backdrop, Turkey announced its “Asia Anew Initiative” in 2019. In a nutshell, this initiative intends to streamline Turkey’s relations with the Asian countries with a comprehensive and holistic perspective. We aim to re-connect with Asia with stronger bonds. We want to explore the new opportunities presented by new areas of cooperation on the basis of mutual benefit, taking into account the particular needs and differences of the regions, sub-regions and countries in the continent. Consequently, our outlook towards Central Asia is an integral part and parcel of our policies towards the wider continent. This is not to say we are starting from scratch.
Turkey is the first country which recognized Central Asian Republics. Since 1991, our desire for a stable, independent and prosperous Central Asia has guided our policies towards the region with a view to support building free market economies and functioning democracies. Given our common historical, linguistic and cultural ties, we have sought to increase engagement with this region on a broad range of issues. The High Level Strategic Cooperation Councils with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and recently with Uzbekistan provide a useful platform to deepen our relations. We also have also a similar mechanism with Tajikistan.
Turkey’s economic relations with the Central Asian Republics have developed rapidly, and significant progress has been achieved in the fields of trade, transportation and communications. The Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA) was established in order to provide development assistance to these countries and has been operating successfully in close cooperation with the local authorities. Around 4 thousand Turkish companies are operating in the region. Turkey’s trade volume with the countries of the region however does not live up to its potential. It was about 8 billion USD in 2020.
Turkish investments are concentrated in the construction sector throughout the region. Turkish contractors have completed projects worth billions of dollars in the past three decades. The region is also significant for Turkey’s goal of becoming an energy hub. To that effect, a growing amount of Kazakh oil is expected to be pumped through the Baku- Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline in the near future. Similarly, Ankara expects Turkmen gas to be connected to the Southern Gas Corridor through the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), the construction of which has recently been completed. Institutionalization of Turkey’s ties with Central Asian states in the past decade has established a basis for stronger diplomatic and economic relations for the future. The Turkic Council is an important platform in this respect. Turkey will continue to focus on enhanced regional and global connectivity and energy projects, and sustainability of supply chain networks.
In this regard, Turkey has developed the “Middle Corridor Initiative”. The project is one of the most important components of the efforts to revive the ancient Silk Road. Beginning in Turkey, it passes by rail and road respectively through Georgia, Azerbaijan and the Caspian Sea, and crossing the Caspian Transit Corridor, reaches China by following Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan route. On this route, ports of Alat (in Azerbaijan), Kuryk (in Kazakhstan) and Turkmenbashi (in Turkmenistan) are the main points of multimodal transport.
The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) Railway which was inaugurated in 2017 constitutes an vital part of the Middle Corridor. The BTK offers a new perspective for uninterrupted trade between China and Europe and has an initial capacity of 1 million passengers and 6.5 million tons of cargo, which is foreseen to be increased to 3 million passengers and 17 million tons of cargo per year by 2034.
There are other major infrastructure projects connecting Europe with Asia. The “Marmaray” undersea railway, Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge over the Bosphorus and the Eurasia Tunnel, all connecting Asia and Europe were respectively completed in 2013 and 2016. Further projects are in the works to enhance regional interconnectivity and supply chain networks. These are the Three-Level Tube Tunnel Project in istanbul, (^anakkale Strait Bridge project, to name a few.
The annual cargo volume from China to Europe is 10 million containers. 96% of these containers are transported via sea route, the Southern Corridor. The remainder is carried by the Trans-Siberian Railway, also called the Northern Corridor. The Middle Corridor offers a faster and more economically viable alternative to both of these routes. It is 2.000 km shorter than the Northern Corridor. The Southern Corridor takes 45 to 62 days to traverse. Once the high-speed rail lines interconnected with the Baku-
Tbilisi-Kars railway is fully operational, travel time between China and EU countries will be reduced to 12-15 days. Furthermore, the Middle Corridor offers viable options for the cargo traffic in Asia so that the loads can reach Middle East, North Africa and the Mediterranean region by utilizing port connections in Turkey.
If the Middle Corridor is used effectively, important economic opportunities will arise for the Central Asian countries to benefit from trade between China and Europe, estimated to be worth 600 billion US Dollars annually. In particular, establishment of logistical centers and free trade zones at the ports of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan will facilitate the development and deepening of Trans-Caspian cooperation.
In addition to the “Caravansarai Project” which provides for cooperation between customs authorities in the region within the framework of the Middle Corridor, a “Common Cooperation Protocol” was signed by the Ministers of Transport of the members of the Turkic Council. A Coordination Council was launched at the level of Deputy Ministers to provide practical solutions for problems that may arise between these countries in the field of transportation. A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed for the purpose of establishing a Sister-Port Relationship between the ports of Baku, Aktau and Samsun. The Middle Corridor initiative, envisaging the revival of the ancient Silk Road, creates a synergy with China’s Belt and Road Initiative. In this framework, Turkey supports the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on the basis of its goal of becoming a regional transport and logistics hub. As I just stated, this synergy will magnify opportunities in Central Asia, through enhanced cooperation and the dividends it entails for all involved.
A “Memorandum of Understanding on Aligning the Belt and Road Initiative and the Middle Corridor Initiative” was signed between Turkey and China in 2015. In the November 2019 framework of the-BRI, the first freight train from China’s Xi’an city to Istanbul completed its journey in 12 days. It went onwards to Prague and reached its final destination, having traversed 11.500 km. in 18 days. The train traveled on the Middle Corridor and Turkey’s transport infrastructure, including Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and the Marmaray undersea tunnel. In December 2020, the first train from Turkey to China via Middle Corridor completed its journey in 13 days. The route is planned to carry 200 blocks of trains in 2021.
By-EngmJ-üvesin
Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2022 CAPRC Q3 NETWORKING/BOARD MEETING
EVERGREEN RESTAURANT 21411 S. Wentworth Ave. In Chicago’s Chinatown
Friday, October 7 16th Annual Silk Road Conference
Illinois Institute of Technology’s Kent College of Law Auditorium
An informative day sharpening your management skills focusing on international business, trade, and investments.
08:45 Ribbon-cutting ceremony
09:00 OPENING REMARKS-
Professor Harry Lepinske, CAPRC Chairman and retiree,
Purdue University, NW, NIU
OFFICIAL WELCOME
Professor Paul Prabhaker, Vice president Emeritus,
Northern Illinois University and CAPRC vice chairman
OFFICIAL WELCOME TO THE ILLINOIS BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Gary Camarano, Economic Development Director & Enterprise Zone
Administrator Whiteside County, Illinois
09:15 CENTRAL ASIA IS OPEN AND LOOKING FOR PARTNERS (ZOOM)
Tanner Johnson, Policy Team Lead Office of Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia
International Trade Office U.S. Department of Commerce
Washington, D.C.
09:45 CENTRAL ASIAN MARKETS: AN OVERVIEW OF FOUR COUNTRIES
Elena V.Son, Executive Director
The American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce (AUCC)
The US-Kyrgyzstan Business Council (USKGZBC)
The US-Tajikistan Business Council (USTJBC)
The US- AFGANISTAN BUSINESS INITIATIVE (USAB
10:30 UNDERSTANDING CENTRAL ASIAN MARKETING
Professor Colleen Hickman
11:00 SOCIOCULTURL ASPECTS
Prof. Lepinske
11:30 UNDERSTANDING LEGAL ASPECTS (TBA)
Mukhammadli Makhmudov, Managing Partner Legal Max,
Almaty, Kazakhstan
AFTERNOON AGENDA
13:30 LOGISTICS CHALLENGES-Panel Discussion
MODERATOR: Kasi Paturi, president, Pan Asian American Business Council
PANELISTS:
Captain Shahid Naseer, president and CEO, HAARS International Inc.
Larry Bajmakovich, Midwest Sales Manager, BDG International, Inc.
14:15 INTERNATIONAL TRADE PROJECT FINANCE
Tools available to explore export sales opportunities
Joobin Mansourian, Managing Director SONIA TECH USA, Inc.
15:15 ISLAMIC BANKING
Prof. Dr. Ozgur Arslan-Ayaydin
Clinical Professor of Finance University of Illinois
15:45 OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES WITH OILSEEDS IN CENTRAL ASIA
David Headley, Chairman CAPRC’s Agriculture Committee
A timely report about Mr. Headley’s project in Central Asia
16:00 CONCLUDING REMARKS
Alex Mathews, chief Operating Officer, Biomass Energy Systems Inc.
Member, CAPRC’s Energy Committee
Friday, September 9 CAPRC Q3 Business Meeting
Northern Illinois University
Naperville, Illinois Campus
Tuesday, June 21, 2022 WORLD EXPERTS TO DISCUSS CORPORATE ESG
A timely seminar, focused on reporting disclosure of environmental, social, and corporate government data (ESG) and designed for corporate managers and investors, was presented by the Central Asian Productivity Research Center on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Northern Illinois University, 1120 Diehl Rd (one mile west of Naperville Rd) Naperville, Illinois. Registration at 0930 AM, seminar from 10 to 1130.
Moderator was Professor Harry Lepinske, CAPRC chairman, and retired Professor of International Business, from Purdue University NW, with teaching experience at Illinois Institute of Technology and Global Programs, College of Business, Northern Illinois University.
Focused on “The Thematic Content of ESG Reports: A Topic Modeling Approach” , Professor James Thewissen, professor of corporate finance at the Universite’ Catholique de Louvain, Belgium’, who serves as an expert at the European Commission for Horizon 2020/Europe and the National Bank of Belgium. He also develops policy recommendations for the Financial Innovation Standing Committee at the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) . He is prominent in the field of international finance, econometric modeling learning methods to optimize the reporting of financial information for FinTech companies and leading corporations. He is also prominent with articles in leading financial, accounting, and banking journals. Professor Thewissen is teaching a summer program at the University of Illinois-Chicago
He focused on the applying a novel topic modeling method to map the content of firm ESG reports and analyze its informational value to investors and related pragmatic information.
Following Dr. Thewissen was Dr. Ozgur Arslan-Ayaydin, Ph.D, ad award-winning professor of finance at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Her research interests are corporate finance and corporate governance and some of her most outstanding reports can be found in the world’s leading journals. She also is vice-treasurer of the Amsterdam-based Center for Energy and Value Issues (CEVI, and chairman of the CAPRC’s energy committee. She has co-edited three books on energy finance .Dr. Arslan-Ayaydin also acts as external evaluator and rapporteur to research projects submitted to the European Commission, which has awarded the Jean Monnet Scholarship to support Dr. Arslan-Ayaydin’s doctorate studies at he University of York, UK.
She focused on the “S” of ESG” and the important factor in investor’s, practitioners and policy-makers’ decision-making process. Of the components of ESG, “S” is the important “social aspect’, which has been gaining prominence during the past five years, and especially after the beginning of the Russo-Ukraine War. She also will discuss how a the recent events affect the financial markets and key macroeconomic indicators in Europe, Middle East and Central Asia
Friday June 10, 2022
CAPRC Q2 BOARD MEETING
CAPRC Webinar, March 22, 2022
ENTRREPRENEURSHIP & SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
OBJECTIVE: This webinar will explain core concepts of Entrepreneurship and Business Ownership with the objective of promoting the desire among participants to become business-owners themselves. The different steps involved in becoming entrepreneurs will be explained and discussed. Part of session will discuss strategies for developing small businesses.
WEBINAR LEADER:
Prof. Jamaluddin Husain, PhD
President, Entrepreneurship & Development Foundation – USA
Professor Emeritus of Entrepreneurship, Purdue University
For more information [email protected]
Monday March 21, 2022 Your Business and the Russian-Ukraine War
A discussion focusing on “Your Business and the Russian-Ukraine War” will highlight the first quarter meeting of the Central Asian Productivity Research Center scheduled at 11:15 on Monday, March 21, at Wolf’s Head Inn, located in the shopping center located at Joliet and Wolf Roads. The event is sponsored by the CAPRC energy and economic development committees.
Chairing the meeting is Professor Harry Lepinske, CAPRC chairman, who entering the former Soviet Union market in January 1978 and was in Moscow when the USSR collapsed in December 1991 His last visit to Moscow was January 1994.
Moderating this event is James Toscas, former executive director and CEO for the American Nuclear Society, who has had experiences with dealing with Russia (i.e USSR)
To register, send business card information to: [email protected]
Registration fee is only $25, including lunch ($35 at the door Mail checks to
CAPRC
5220 Ellington Ave.
Western Springs, IL 60558 no later than March 18.
Monday, March 21, 2022 CAPRC Q1 NETWORKING/BOARD MEETING
Wolf’s Head Inn 939 Joliet Rd., Indian Head Park, IL
EASY ON-EASY OFF
Southbound Tri-state: Joliet Exit
North bound Tri-state: Wolf Rd Exit
PROPOSED AGENDA
1100: Registration
1115: OPENING REMARKS-Lepinske
Minutes-Melka
COMMITTEE REPORTS
MEMBER RELATIONS-Krzyston
AGRICULTURE-Headley
CENTRAL ASIA WATER CRISIS-Herche
EDUCATION AND TRAINING-Prabhaker/Preston
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ENERGY-Arslan-Ayaydin
ENTREPRENEURSHIP-
FINANCE AND ECONOMICS-
GLOBAL LOGISTICS SUPPLY CHAIN COMMITTEE
HEMINGWAY PROJECT-XMemmedova
LEGAL
MARKETING
PRODUCTIVITY: Paturi/Melka
QUALITY MANAGEMENT-Kalaras
SILK ROAD CONFERENCE-Lepinske
REGIONAL COORDIATOR REPORTS
March 15-May 17 MANAGEMENT TRAINING SCHEDULE (On-Line)
NAXCIVAN STATE UNIVERSITY and
CAPRC BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTE
Weekly Tuesday Agenda
Mar 15: Introduction to Business
Mar 22: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
Mar 29: Leadership and Organizational Management
Apr 5: Productivity
Apr 12: Quality Management
Apr 19: Introduction to Marketing
Apr 26: Introduction to Finance
May 3: Introduction to Economic Development
May 10: Strategic Planning
May 17: Productivity and Employee Substance Abuse
May 24: Open Discussions
Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021 2021 CAPRC ANNUAL MEETING
Northern Illinois University
09:30(CST) Registration/Networking
10:00 Business Session
Annual Committee reports
Regional Coordinator Reports
GUEST SPEAKER CENTRAL ASIA: EXPERIENCES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Professor Dr. Jamaluddin Husain, Ph.D.
Dr. Husain is known in many countries for his dedication to helping young people with their education and career development.
11:45 Concluding Remarks
12:00 Luncheon: Gourmet Buffet
13:00 THE NEW MOSCOW “Marking the Fall of the Soviet Union”
AUTUMN SCHEDULE 2021
CENTRAL ASIAN PRODUCTIVITY RESEARCH CENTER’S
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTE
To Register for this series, and receive your LINK to all presentations click:
BUSINESS LECTURE REGISTRATION
The Zoom link will be e-mailed to you.
CAPRC’S BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTE LECTURE SERIES OCT 5-NOV.2
The Central Asian Productivity’s Business and Professional Institute , once again, is presenting an autumn 2021 five-week lecture series,especially designed for Central Asia. This is a popular business and management educational program offering open enrollment.
Originating from the United States, all professors have a successful career in both educational and business and/or government and are affiliated with prominent universities.
All presentations are scheduled at 08:00 (Chicago Time/1700 Baku time) on Tuesdays . Effective November 2, time will be 07:00/17:00.
October 5 “Understanding Business”
Professor Paul Prabhaker
Professor Prabhaker has held prominent positions at prominent educational institutions, including Illinois Institute of Technology and Northern Illinois University’s College of Business , where he still is actively involved.
October 12 “Understanding Quality Management”
Professor John Kalaras
Known world-wide for his work in the field of quality management,Professor Kalaras is founder of the Quality Management Institute,Professor at Keller MBA Program, and chairman for the CAPRC’s Quality Management Committee
October 19 ”An Alternative Mode of Doing Business”
Professor John Kalaras
November 26 “Advanced Business Strategies”
Professor Paul Prabhaker
November 2 “Mental Health And Productivity”
Adjunct Prof. Ronald Melka
Professor Ronald Melka is co-chairman of the CARC’s Productivity Committee, a former adjunct at Illinois Institute of Technology, known for his work in public policy, and is executive director for Lyons Township Mental Health Commission
There is NO REGISTRATION FEE, but registration is required.
To Register for this series, and receive your LINK to all presentations click:
The Zoom link will be e-mailed to you.
DELAY TALKS FOR WORLD PRODUCTIVITY CONGRESS IN CHICAGO IN 2021
Kasi Paturi, the CAPRC’s chairman for the CAPRC Productivity Committee, reported, that because of COVID 19, all activities of the Productivity Committee have been postponed. “I have been discussing plans about the proposed World Congress to be held in Chicago in 2021, with the Congress Chair Peter Watkins, but plans also have been delayed.” he commented.
Paturi also is president of the Pan Asian American Business Council (PAABC)
2021 SILK ROAD WEEK – VIRTUAL CONFERENCE
Monday, September 13 10:00 An Alternate Mode of Doing Business Presented
Professor John Kalaras
Monday 14:00 The Pandemic and Challenges to Productivity
Mr. Kasi Paturi and Mr. Ron Melka
Tuesday, September 14 10:00 CAPRC’s Annual Energy Seminar
Professor Ozgur Arslan-Ayaydin
Bonus ISA Presentation: Virtual Farm Tour (1 ½ Hours)
Friday, September 17, 2021 08:00 2021 Silk Road Conference
Representatives from the Central Asian nations meet during the 16th Annual Silk Road Conference on Friday, September 17, 2021,culminating the Silk Road Week, Sept 13-17, promoting bilateral business and trade.
The keynote speaker was Ambassador George Krol, former ambassador to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, who now is serving as an instructor at the U.S. Naval War College.
Organized by the Central Asian Productivity Research Center (CAPRC) and co-sponsored by the Global Programs, College of Business, Northern Illinois University, the 15th annual Silk Road conference will provide practical information about how to do business in China, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Senior foreign diplomats and local business professionals will have a chance to meet one-on-one to discuss bilateral business, trade, and investments”, according to Erin M. Cole, President & CEO of the Clinton Regional Development Corporation and Chair of the CAPRC 2021 Silk Road Conference.
Supporting organizations include the Clinton Regional Development Corporation and the Illinois Soybean Association. The CAPRC also celebrated its 22th anniversary. It was founded in May and June 1999 in Turkey and Azerbaijan. Today, it has representation from the Mediterranean Sea to the China Sea.
“Business and trade seminars, private meetings, and field studies will be scheduled during the CAPRC’s Silk Road Week starting on Monday, September 13,”Ms. Cole added. “There are special activities planned for the visiting foreign diplomats, including a one-day agriculture tour for the foreign diplomats, sponsored by the Illinois Soybean Association. This event will be directed by David Headley, team leader for the ISA and chairman for the CAPRC’s Agriculture committee, Ms. Cole added.”
The CAPRC has organized conferences , seminars, and other business events throughout Central and Southeast Asia.
AGENDA
8:00 – 8:15 Welcome Remarks: Erin Cole, CAPRC 2021 Conference Chair; CAPRC Chairman Professor Harry Lepinske, President, International Marketing Services, Ltd.; and Professor Paul Prabhaker, Associate Vice President Emeritus, College of Business, Northern Illinois University
8:15 – 8:30 Opening Remarks and Keynote Introduction: Erin M. Cole, President & CEO, Clinton Regional Development Corporation
8:30 – 9:00 Keynote Address—30 Years Since the Fall of the Soviet Union: U.S. Ambassador George A. Krol, former Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Belarus and Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs at the U.S. Department of State (Retired)
9:00 – 9:30 Overview of How to Do Business in the Silk Road Countries
Erin M. Cole, Clinton Regional Development Corporation
9:30 – 10:00 Illinois Presentation: From Factories to (soybeans) Farms
David Headley, Trade Team Lead, Illinois Soybean Association
10:00 – 10:30 Business Opportunities in Turkey
Honorable Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Chicago, Mr. Engin Turesin
10:30 – 11:00 Business Opportunities in Azerbaijan
Natig Bakhishov, Executive Director of the United States – Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce
11:00 – 11:30 China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Better Future Based on Extensive Consultation, Joint Contribution and Shared Benefits
Honorable Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago, Mr. Zhao Jian
Commercial Counselor of the P.R. China in Chicago, Mr. Hu Yingzhi
11:30 – 12:00 Business Opportunities in Pakistan
Honorable Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago, Mr. Tariq Karim
12:00 – 12:15 Final Q&A and Closing Remarks
Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021
CAPRC Q3 “LIVE” NETWORKING BOARD MEETING
ZOOM ( OUTSIDE MIDWEST) MEETING
Wolf’s Head Inn 6939 Joliet Rd. Indian Head Park , Il
June 16, 2021
CAPRC OFFERS “CENTRAL ASIAN LEADERSHIP-TEAMBUILDING WEBNAR II (encore)
Organized and presented by the CAPRC’s Business and Professional Institute is an encore three-hour business course focusing on “ Leadership and Team building” via Zoom, on Wednesday, June 16. 2021, especially designed for Central Asian professionals.
Repeating this program by popular demand, the focus will be on : “Leadership and Team building”, “Leadership and Communications”, “Leadership and Total Quality Management (TQM)”, “Leadership and Productivity” . This program also will be a convenient opportunity to learn business English.
Originating from the Chicago area at 7am, students will attend the class based on Central Asian local times, such at 17:00 in Baku.
Dr. John Kalaras, of Keller MBA program, and founder of the Quality Training Institute, will teach the entire program. Prof. Kalaras has worked with quality-driven business leaders to improve “return on investment” by goals and by providing solutions to reduce costs, build leadership, improve efficiency to achieve operational excellence.
Monday April 19, 2021 Central Asian Leadership and Team Building Webinar
7:00am CST 17:00 (Baku Time)
This was a timely event focusing upon ” Leadership an Team Building” designed for young professionals and university students to assist in your career development. Presentation and discussions will be in English.
Feature moderator will be John Kalaras Phd. Mr. Kalaras works with quality driven business leaders, professionals, and companies to achieve sustainable growth, improve ROI and goals, by providing solutions to reduce costs, build leaderships, improve efficiency to achieve operational excellence. Employee engagement constitutes the back bone of his methodology.
Friday, April 9, 2021 CAPRC Q2 BOARD MEETING
BOTH “LIVE” and ZOOM MEETING
Wolf’s Head Inn 6939 Joliet Rd.
Indian Head Park, Illinois
ZOOM will be provided for those unable to attend in person
FRIDAY, Feb. 12, 2021 12:00(CST) 20:45(Istanbul Time)
“TURKISH FINANCIAL MARKETS”
Dr. Murad Kayacan, retired prominent Istanbul Stock Exchange economist and financial specialist, will discuss “Turkish Financial Markets” (with comments about central Asia) at 11:45 AM., Friday, February 12, during a Zoom presentation sponsored by the Central Asian Productivity Research Center. He also serves on the CAPRC’s finance committee.
ZOOM instructions sent to pre-registered attendees only.
Friday, April 16 CENTRAL ASIAN LEADERSHIP SEMINAR
Time: 07:00 to 09:30 (CST); 17:00 to 19:30 (Baku time)
Purpose: To bring Central Asian and American colleges students together to better understand the cultural aspects common to both groups to build strength in business leadership.
PROPOSED AGENDA
08:30 Registration/Reception
09:00 OPENING REMARKS
Prof. Harry Lepinske, Chairman
Central Asian productivity Research Center
OFFICIAL WELCOME
Prof. Paul Prabhaker, Assistant Vice President Emeritus
International Alliances, Northern Ill.Univ. College of Business
09:15 INTRODUCTION/OVERVIEW (Session 1)
10:15 LEADERSHIP AND TEAMBUILDING (Session 2)
11:15 BREAK (Zoom time-video)
11:30 LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNICATIONS (Session 3)
12:30 LUNCH (Zoom time-video)
13:30 LEADERSHIP AND TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT (TQM) (Session 4)
14:30 LEADERSHIPAND PRODUCTIVITY (Session 5)
15:30 DISCUSSION SESSION (Moderator) (6)
15:45 CONCLUDING REMARKS (TBA) (7)
FRIDAY, Feb. 12, 2021 Time: 11:00 CST
CAPRC Q1 2020 ADVISORY BOARD ZOOM MEETING
ZOOM instructions sent to pre-registered attendees only.
MEMBER RELATIONS
Introducing three new Regional Coordinators
Award “Certificates of Appreciation”
AGRICULTURE
CENTRAL ASIA WATER CRISIS
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Central Asian Leadership Seminar on Monday, April 19, 2021
ZOOM lectures presented by Prof. John Kalaras
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ENERGY -ANNUAL ENERGY SEMINAR
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
PRESENTATIONS:
Professor Dr. Murad Kayacan, RC, Istanbul
Hon. Made Sentanajaya Consul General-Indonesia
HEMINGWAY PROJECT USA- Pro. Xumar Memmedova
From Hemingway Museum and Library, Azerbaijan
TV Production
LEGAL Kazakhstan’s New IP Legislation
MARITIME
MARKETING
FRIDAY, Feb. 12, 14:00(CST)
FOCUS ON CENTRAL ASIA: 2021 A round table Zoom discussion
Hon. Javed Umrani, Consul General
Pakistan Consulate General, Chicago
Hon. Engin Turesin. Consul General
Turkish Consulate General, Chicago
ZOOM instructions sent to pre-registered attendees only.
Friday, Nov. 20, 2020
CENTRAL ASIAN ROUND TABLE BUSINESS DISCUSSION
A timely Round Table Business Discussion focused on the economic and business environment was presented by the Central Asian Productivity Research Center. Presenters , who were all regional coordinators for the CAPRC, were: Shairbek Dzhuraev, director of Crossroads Central Asia, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic; Basrad Pashayev, international business consultant and entrepreneur, Baku, Azerbaijan; and Zafer Karaca, entrepreneur and attorney with offices in London, and Istanbul.
CAPRC INTRODUCES NEW ZOOM
BUSINESS PROGRAM TO AZERBAIJAN UNIVERSITY
Following an administrative transition at Nakhchivan State University, Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Azerbaijan, the CAPRC has been invited to revive a course it introduced 21 years ago,“Introduction to Business”, with a focus on English business terms.
At the invitation of NSU’s Rector Elbrus Isayev, to CAPRC’s Professor Harry Lepinske, both long-time friends, the program that used to be presented by volunteers who visited the university, now will be presented, at first, for NSU faculty members, via Zoom.
CAPRC’s Chairman, Professor Harry Lepinske, has appointed Professor Paul Prabhaker administrator of this volunteer program. Professor Prabhaker who has served as vice president of global programs, at Northern Illinois University, in DeKalb, Illinois, with administration the at Illinois Institute of Technology and is chairman of the CAPRC;s Education and Training Committee, has a wealth of experience with teaching and administration for international programs.
Basrad Pashayev, a prominent business leader in Baku, will serve as the liaison between the two institutions. He was one of the original students in the CAPRC programs in Azerbaijan 21 years ago.
Kwan Segal , co-chairman for the CAPRC’s Education and Training committee, and Anthony Preston, Executive director for Global Programs, NIU, and associate dean for MBA program, and CAPRC advisory board member, will serve as an advisors
Friday, November 13, 0930 Q4 Advisory Board Meeting
NIU Facility
105 W. Madison St. , 17th Floor.
October 26, 2020 CAPRC Business and Professional Institute
Nakhchivan State University On-Line Lecture: Marketing Plans
Speaker: Jamaluddin Husain, CAPRC
October 19, 2020 CAPRC Business and Professional Institute
Nakhchivan State University On-Line Lecture: Finance and Securities Markets
Speaker: Yuri Hoffman, CAPRC
October 12, 2020 CAPRC Business and Professional Institute
Nakhchivan State University On-Line Lecture: Marketing
Speaker: Colleen Hickman, CAPRC
October 5, 2020 CAPRC Business and Professional Institute
Nakhchivan State University On-Line Lecture: Teamwork, Improving Performance, Production, Organization Management, Leadership, and Motivation
Speaker: Harry Lepinske, CAPRC
September 28, 2020 CAPRC Business and Professional Institute
Nakhchivan State University On-Line Lecture: Organization Management, Leadership, and Motivation
Speaker: Ronald Melka, CAPRC
September 21, 2020 CAPRC Business and Professional Institute
Nakhchivan State University On-Line Lecture: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
Speaker: Jamaluddin Husain, CAPRC
September 14, 2020 CAPRC Business and Professional Institute
Nakhchivan State University On-Line Lecture: Introduction to Business Strategy
Speaker: Paul Prabhaker, CAPRC
Friday, Sept 25, 0930 Q3 Advisory Board Meeting
Bemis Woods western Springs, IL Outdoors due to Corona19 Virus
August 2020 CAPRC Newsletter
June 26, 2020 9:30 AM Preparing for Global Trade Disruption
ON-LINE SEMINAR
Since this is CAPRC’s 1st virtual seminar, there is no fee for registering or attending. However any contribution you can make to CAPRC to offset costs are greatly appreciated.
To make a donation using PayPal simply make a donation to [email protected]
THE WORLD REOPENS
Following several months of inactivity caused by the Covid-19 virus, the Central Asian Productivity Research Center has announced a dynamic return to normalcy. Its first event is a timely conference focusing on PREPARING FOR GLOBAL TRADE DISRUPTION on Friday, June 26, followed by training programs for several foreign delegations arriving in Chicago from Central Asia.
A TIMELY PROFIT-ORIENTED EVENT
You all know the business world is changing, and changing rapidly. The infamous virus has changed much in our lives and that of business, government, and academia.
Many company decision-makers will need to review company policies, practices, and procedures. It will be an even greater challenge for those involved in international business and trade.
GREETING
Harry Lepinske, Chairman Central Asian Productivity Research Center
Paul Prabhaker Vice Chairman Central Asian Productivity Research Center
OFFICIAL WELCOME
Erin Cole, President/CEO Clinton (Iowa) Development Corporation
Former U.S. Diplomat and USAID Executive
PREPARING FOR GLOBAL TRADE DISRUPTION
Moderator: Kasi Paturi President Pan Asian American Business Council
Panelist: Alex Mathew COO Biomass Energy Systems Inc.
Panelist: Jerry Strub , Chief Executive Officer, Strategic Growth Consulting, Inc.
VIEWS FOCUSING ON EXPORTS
Moderator: Romuald J. Poplawski, President U.S. Global Corporation
Panelist: Jafer Hasnain Managing Principal Sea Spire Advisors LLC
Panelist Capt. Shahid Naseer, President and CEO SHAARS International
CAPRC Advisory Board Member
INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW WORLD TRADE CENTER (Scheduled for Thursday 10:30 AM)
PROPOSED WORLD TRADE CENTER (30 min)
Presenter: Bill Lada, World Trade/Global Trade Illinois
PLANS FOR NEW SMART CITY (30 min)
Presenter: Paul McDermott, President/CEO Civilocity Inc.
Webinar Review
Dr. Paul Prabhaker, NIU,
CAPRC Advisory Board Member
CONCLUDING REMARKS
Anthony Preston, Executive Director Global Programs College of Business NIU
CAPRC Advisory Board Membe
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 NGOs AND PUBLIC POLICY
Presented by: Central Asian Productivity Research Center
World Chicago
Ron Melka, executive director for Lyons Township (Illinois) and a CAPRC associate professional, (right) is seen , stressing concepts during a training session for representatives from Kazakhstan at World Chicago, Chicago. The Central Asian Productivity Research Center’s Education and Training Committee, conducts an average of ten sessions per year for visitors from Central Asia.
Professor Melka is an adjunct professor of public policy at Illinois Institute of Technology
9:00am Networking
9:30am OPENING REMARKS
Nina Wilson Program Associate, World Chicago
Professor Harry Lepinske, Chairman
Central Asian Productivity Research Center
OFFICIAL WELCOME
Alex Nisengolts, attorney-at-law
Alex is an attorney at- law in Illinois, and a Russian-speaking
professional with strong legal experience with Kazakhstan
GOVERNMENT, NGOS AND PUBLIC POLICY
Ronald Melka, MPA, executive director
Lyons Township Mental Health Commission
Ron is directly involved in working with government at
all levels and setting policies for workable programs with NGOs.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND PUBLIC POLICY
Jim is president of his own consulting firm, but has been
Executive director for the Portland Cement Association (PCA)
President of the Precast/Prestressed Cement Institute (PCI)
Executive vice president of the American Nuclear Society
FINAL DISCUSSIONS
January 24, 2020 CENTRAL ASIAN PRODUCTIVITY RESEARCH CENTER
Q1 BUSINESS MEETING
January 17, 2020 SUCCESSFUL OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS
Prominent representatives from business and academia gave timely presentations focusing on successful offshore renewable energy projects in which they are involved during the Central Asian Productivity Research Center’s annual Energy Seminar Friday, January 17.
It was hosted by the Consul General of Turkey Ayse Selcan Sanli, at the consulate conference room in Chicago.
This working relationship has produced the annual seminar for more than a decade.Prior to this alliance, the host organization, the International Press Club of Chicago, began its support in 2001.
Professor Harry Lepinske, CAPRC chairman, is seen opening the seminar
Opening the event was Turkish Consul General Ayse Selcan Sanli
Professor Ozgur Arslan-Ayaydin, finance professor, at the University of Illinois-Chicago, known for her research and writings in the field of the financial aspects of energy, is seen
Explaining “Blockchain As A Technology Backbone For An Open Market” .She also is chairman of the CARC’s energy committee.
Romuald Poplawski, president of U. S. Global Energy LLC, discussed “International Project Development”, focusing on solar, wind, and other alternative opportunities.
F. Lee Simmons, CTO/Head of Global Technology Department of Bioenergy Corporation, a Kaltija Company, Chicago, discussed “ Novel Waste Conversion Methods Providing Sustainable Non-Combustible Energy Generation For Urban Environments”.
Jafer Hasnain, president Seaspire Advisors LLLC, focused on “Lessons from the Frontier Markets”.
Alex Mathew, chief operating officer, Biomass Energy Systems, Inc. was unable to attend. But is available to chat upon request, regarding his proposed topic, Reuse, Recycling and Conversion of Plastic Contaminated Food Waste To Products.”
Professor Harry Lepinske (right), CAPRC chairman, welcoming Ms. Katarzyna 
Szszot, a CAPRC regional coordinator in Poland, to the CAPRC Annual Energy Seminar held at the conference center of the consulate of the Turkish Republic on January 17.
Katarzyna Szszot, formerly worked with Poland’s Minster of Entrepreneurship and Technology, now is associated with the University of Economics and innovation, in Lublin, Poland. She serves on the CAPRC’s Entrepreneurship and Education and Training Committees
January 2020 CITY OF ROCKFORD HONORS CAPRC BOARD MEMBER
The City of Rockford’s Mayor Tom McNamara (right) is seen presenting the “Key to the City” to Shahid Naseer, a CAPRC board member and entrepreneurs, for his outstanding achievement in the city. His wife, Dr. Aliza Naseer joined him for this outstanding ceremony.
A retired merchant sea captain, he now operates a successful export company in Rockford, and serves as co-chairman for the CAPRC’s maritime committee.
2019 15th Annual Silk Road Conference
2018 14th Annual Silk Road Conference
2017 13th Annual Silk Road Conference
2016 12th Annual Silk Road Conference
2015 11th Annual Silk Road Conference
November 28, 2005 The 1st New Silk Road Conference
Updated November 11, 2020 by Michael Alexander Krzysotn
Alexander Krzyston