Panelists will include:
Kevin Crumbo, CPA, CFF, CrFA, CIRA, CDBV, is a member in Nashville-based KraftCPAs PLLC and leads the firm’s turnaround and restructuring group. In recent years, a significant component of Kevin’s practice has pertained to the automotive supply industry where he has been involved in over 100 bankruptcy and distressed supplier matters, where activities have spanned multiple countries. The recent US economic downturn also escalated his work with manufacturers, homebuilders and retailers. Among numerous civic and community activities, Kevin is a former chair of the Nashville Chamber’s International Business Committee. In 2007 he accompanied Governor Bredesen on a trade mission to China, and Kevin just returned from Tokyo for the Southeastern US/Japan Association annual meeting.
John Scannapieco, J.D. is a partner in the Nashville office of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP He leads the firm’s international practice initiatives and its China practice team. John works with a variety of companies in connection with their business activities in China, Europe, the Americas and Africa. He also assists US companies with their activities overseas and foreign companies desiring to expand operations to the US. John is counsel to the TN Chinese Chamber of Commerce and a board member of the Nashville Chamber’s International Business Council.
John Aron is president of The Pasta Shoppe, a Nashville-based manufacturer and marketer of fun pasta shapes. Since 1994, the company has carved out a profitable niche in the multi-billion dollar pasta industry, and has leveraged its offering of “the world’s largest selection of fun shapes” into an international business segment that includes Asia, Europe, and South America. The company’s unique line of pasta appeals to women world-wide, and its production capabilities create a win-win for importers looking for a competitive edge in their home markets. The Pasta Shoppe was awarded the 2008 Governor’s Gates Award for Excellence in International Trade and is a three-time winner
of the Music City Future 50. John chaired the Nashville Chamber’s International Business Council that led the trade mission to China with Mayor Purcell in 2007. John is past president of the Tennessee Specialty Foods Association and past director of the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, an international organization with 2,400 member companies worldwide.
Tom Forsythe is vice president and director with a broad portfolio of duties for Nashville-based Kyzen Corporation. Kyzen was organized in 1990 to develop innovative and eco-friendly cleaning products for high technology manufacturers. A strong focus on the electronics and semiconductor industries has brought Kyzen from Nashville to the four corners of the world.
In the past two years, Kyzen has launched operations in Belgium & Malaysia. They also have staff in Mexico, Thailand and China supporting customers in over 30 countries --many of which Tom has visited recently. Kyzen exports from its Nashville headquarters and manufacturing facility to these foreign markets. During the past several years Kyzen has expanded into the industrial parts cleaning sector in North America, and is now entering those markets in Europe and Southeast Asia.
Tom is a graduate of the US Naval Academy with a bachelor’s in applied math and engineering; holds an MBA from Boston University; and is a former naval aviator. Well published, Tom is a frequent speaker at technology and business programs around the world and is a member of the board of directors for the SMTA, an international electronics technology association.
Pam Crays is vice president of carrier development for North America at Ozburn Hessey Logistics. Before joining OHL in 2007, Pam worked at Tech Data Corporation in Clearwater, FL as director of transportation for six years. While in Florida, Pam was a member of the board of directors for Salvation Army in Clearwater for five years. Pam also worked for Menlo Logistics in Atlanta, GA, after relocating from Michigan. She has over 20 years of experience in logistics, transportation, warehousing and supply chain. Pam has a B.S. in business administration from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI. Pam serves as the OHL Second Harvest volunteer coordinator.
