ED Now

In a blow to its plan to build a global network of highly automated factories, Adidas has announced it will close its “Speedfactories” in Atlanta and Ansbach, Germany by April. The state-of-the-art automation offered by the Speedfactories, which have only opened within the last few years, promised to shorten Adidas’ supply chain, make production faster, and speed shoes onto American and European store shelves. The factories are more flexible, allowing the manufacturer to create small batches of customized shoes. They are limited in the types of shoes they can produce, however, with the German factory set up to make only running shoes and not leather shoes. Adidas has decided to refocus its Speedfactory technology and ...

Bipartisan House and Senate members proposed new fast tracking trade powers for the President. Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) advanced to the floor of the House and Senate last Friday, which would enable greater executive powers in negotiating trade deals abroad. The bills in the House and Senate, HR 3830 and S 1900 respectively, requires Congress to vote up-and-down on trade deals the President reaches without the ability to offer amendments. TPA also counters greater executive by mandating increased disclosure to congressional committees while trade packages are in negotiation. Congress proposed a renewal of the TPA, which expired in 2007, in the midst of significant trade deal negotiations between America and Asia in the Trans-Pacific ...

Organizers for the Asian Financial Forum reduced ticket prices for Economic Developers. The Asian Financial Forum scheduled for January 13 – 14, 2014 cut forum fees by 60% from $950 to $380 for all SelectUSA participants, Economic Development Organizations (EDO) and state governments. Hong Kong Trade Development Council organizers host the forum as a means to match investors across the world with businesses, regions and economic developers seeking foreign direct investment (FDI). Trade Show opportunities range from matchmaking services to pitch ideas before investment boards to education on China’s economic development incentives and networking opportunities. Sessions during the two day event share with guests how to take ...