Ron Kirk

With 95% of the world’s consumer’s living outside the U.S., Ron Kirk believes that trade is the strongest key to unlocking jobs and growth for our economy. In presentations, he ties together some of the most important issues facing the nation – jobs, the economy, global partnerships, workforce development and education, and energy dependence and delivers insights into international changes and competitiveness in the coming decade. Kirk explains to audiences how trade affects the marketplace and the American workforce. He also discusses how we transition from being the world’s biggest consumer to the world’s biggest supplier. Technology and innovation sit at the heart of that shift, and he addresses the role that science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education play in relation to employees’ job preparedness. Kirk also discusses how energy independence could allow the U.S. to be choosier about our strategic partners. With vast insight and hilarious anecdotes, Kirk tackles the issue of trade and its related issues puts them into perspective for the business community.