A tenured professor of finance and director of the Bowie State University Virtual Incubator Network, Dr. Granville M. Sawyer, Jr. holds a B.S. in engineering from the University of Tennessee, a M.S. in industrial administration from Carnegie Mellon University, and a Ph.D. in finance from the University of Tennessee.  He has consulted nationally and internationally, escorted groups of students to African countries to experience how business is done there, and is a frequent speaker on the topics of finance, economics, minority business, and entrepreneurship.  In addition to Bowie State, Dr. Sawyer has taught at the University of Tennessee, Drexel University, Seton Hall University, the College of Insurance, and Norfolk State University.  

As Vice President of the Prince George's County, MD Economic Development Corporation, where she serves as Director for the Africa Trade Office (ATO), much of Ms. Patricia E. Hayes-Parker's responsibilities have centered around international relationships with countries in Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean. Her successful endeavors include projects between various foreign countries and departments within Federal, state or county government entities. Her office hosts more than 20 in-bound foreign delegations annually and conducts business-to-business matchmaking for U.S. companies to engage with successful African companies.

Please tune in to Biz Talk this Thursday, when Ms. Hayes- Parker, Dr. Sawyer, and Host Joshua Smith will share their views and experience in international business development and other key issues which impact small and minority businesses in today's global economy.