Cultural Sensitivity Session Offered For Busness People

Though they’re probably very aware and responsive, Spokane’s business people could probably use a cultural sensitivity course to prepare them for the expectations and customs of other nations.

When is a handshake appropriate? How often and how long should you look your foreign counterpart in the eye? These questions and more will be answered at a seminar sponsored by the Spokane Regional International Trade Alliance.

The workshop on cultural sensitivity in international business will be held Tuesday at the Small Business Development Center, 665 N. Riverpoint from 6 to 9 p.m.

Participants will learn about appropriate eye contact, handshakes, gestures and “after-hours” etiquette in what could be an entertaining and informative class. The course also makes specific recommendations for the business woman working abroad. Cost is $35. Call (509) 358-7890 for reservations.

In other events this week:

Today

The U.S. Commerce Department releases its personal income report for January.

Tuesday

The Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce holds a briefing for people interested in applying for the Leadership Spokane class of 1999. The meeting is from noon to 1 p.m. at the Washington Mutual Savings Bank, 601 W. Main. For information, call Judith at (509) 459-4110.

The University of Washington School of Business Administration is in Spokane to recruit executive managers for the school’s Master’s of Business Administration program from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Cavanaughs Inn at the Park. For information, call (888) 622-3932.

Wednesday

The Washington State Fruit Commission holds a board of directors meeting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel in Pasco. For information, call (509) 453-4837.

The River Park Square development team holds a community meeting to discuss the downtown project. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the West Central Community Center, 1603 N. Belt.

The Washington State B Basketball tournament tips off at 9 a.m. at the Spokane Arena and runs through Saturday.

Thursday

The nation’s large retailers announce sales figures for February.

Friday

The National Farmers Union holds its 96th annual convention through March 9 in Albuquerque, N.M.

Saturday

The Spokane Chapter of National Association of Women in Construction and the Inland Northwest Chapter of Associated General Contractors sponsor their sixth annual Block Kids competition. Children in grades one through six will have one hour to build a project of their choice with Legos and other materials provided. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. at the Carpenters Apprenticeship Hall, 5309 E. Third. Call 926-8235.

Sunday

The annual National Grain and Feed Association convention is held through March 10 in Orlando, Fla.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: ON THE SHELF Forbes, March 9: Leveraged buyout funds are all the rage, according to the cover story, but the risks are great. Business Week, March 2: The economic impact from the computer glitch associated with the year 2000 will be worse than many expect, the magazine says.

Fares take off American Express has confirmed what business travelers have contended for months: During 1997 air fares shot up more than any year since 1993. Here, according to American Express, is how prices have fluctuated for the typical business fare - a three-day advance purchase ticket - over the past five years: 1997 - up 16 percent. 1996 - up 9 percent. 1995 - up 3 percent. 1994 - down 6 percent. 1993 - up 22 percent.