North Park University Faculty Comment on Upcoming Chicago NATO/G8 Summits

CHICAGO, Feb. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Faculty with the School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM) at North Park University, Chicago, say the city will experience both the advantages and disadvantages of two significant global events Chicago will be hosting in May. Simultaneous meetings of leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the G8 nations are planned for May 19-21 in downtown Chicago. City leaders have been preparing for months, including planning for a significant security presence in the city in the event of likely demonstrations.

The summits provide for a "phenomenal opportunity" to witness in Chicago the core principles of a free-market oriented democracy, said Dr. Al Kamienski, SBNM associate professor of finance. Those principles are freedom of enterprise intersecting with freedom of expression, he said, speaking at a recent SBNM event at which faculty comment on the economic outlook for the coming year.

"The opinions of all, whether inside or outside of the '1 percent' must be allowed and respected," Kamienski said. "With a world-leading standard of living and a unique history of upward mobility, both the United States and Chicago -- a global financial, manufacturing and technology center -- are poised to show the world how liberty and the pursuit of happiness can co-exist in a peaceful, meaningful way."

The practical effects of the two meetings will be felt locally. Scores of local businesses and organizations are making plans to adjust their operations and related activities because of security restrictions in the days surrounding the meetings. Dr. Pier Rogers, director of the University's Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management, said she is concerned that nonprofit organizations with downtown facilities will have to make alternative plans to ensure their clients are still served.

The University has already been affected in at least one way. The 13th annual Axelson Symposium, a significant University educational opportunity for nonprofit professionals and volunteers, was moved this year from its traditional date in May to June 4-5 at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, Rogers said. The meeting's theme is "Reignite Your Vision."

More information about North Park University and the summits is at http://www.northpark.edu/News/Current-News/Chicago-Prepares-for-High-Profile-NATO-G8-Summits-in-May-2012 on the Web.

SOURCE North Park University