Local entrepreneurs and professionals from innovation and technology based businesses will get to polish their international business relations skills at a German themed educational and networking event sponsored by the Charlottesville Business Innovation Council (CBIC) on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the SPEAK! Language Center . The event is the second internationally themed event in the Afterhours Passport Series sponsored by CBIC and SPEAK! which debuted with a very popular Italian event in August. An innovative language, culture and travel enterprise specializing in Romance, Asian, Slavic as well as English and - of course - German languages, Speak! is the ideal location for such a globally-inspired gathering.

“With the increasing focus on globalization and international markets, it is crucial that our local entrepreneurs and innovative tech companies understand the subtleties and nuances of successfully navigating business opportunities across the globe,” said Tracey Danner, Interim Executive Director of CBIC. The Afterhours Passport series is designed to bring the world to Charlottesville's innovative tech and entrepreneurial crowd - a "staycation" of sorts with professional advice, food, wine, music, and travel-related tips combined with a globally-savvy professional networking crowd.

Thanks to support from CBIC Passport Series’ Sponsor, Gardner L. Bloemers, Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch, participants will enjoy German food from the Bavarian Chef and a variety of German beers and wines from the Market Street Wine Shop, while learning about the German business culture from executives and innovators who have lived and worked in Germany.

During a short cross cultural vignette, experts who speak the language fluently will provide valuable insights including dos and don'ts and other tips when working with Germans to advance participants’ international relation skills. This and other CBIC Passport Series events are open to all entrepreneurs – seasoned or aspiring – and anyone who wishes to network with these innovators who help drive our region’s economy. Event details and registration are available at http://www.cvillebic.org/events.