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Contact:
Tom Davis
Troy Office of University Relations
334/670-3196
tomdavis@troy.edu
Office of University Relations
253 Adams Administration
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3196
(334) 670-3274 (fax)
| U.S. should keep borders open to business, Sodexho CEO tells audience at TSU |
| Despite
ongoing concerns about national security, the United States should
keep its borders open for both economic and historic reasons,
Sodexho president and chief executive officer Michel Landel told
a Troy State University audience today. Landel spoke to more than 300 students, faculty and guests as part of the Sorrell College of Business Speaker Series. The event, which is designed to expose students to outstanding business leaders, was held in the Trojan Center Theatre on the TSU campus. A native of France, Landel said he has a strong appreciation for the “forward-looking spirit” that has helped the United States become the world’s economic leader. That spirit should not be deterred by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, he said. “The American people have always looked to the future with hope and optimism, but the terrorist attacks shattered the nation’s sense of security,” he said. “The slumping economy requires keeping the nation’s borders open to business, as well as to the world’s people. “The dream of a better life will continue to bring people to U.S. shores.” Sodexho, a subsidiary of France-based Sodexho Alliance, is the leading provider of food and facilities management in the United States and Canada with 6,000 corporate and institutional customers. The company employs 130,000 people and has annual revenues of more than $5 billion. The key factor in the company’s success, Landel said, is understanding its customers. “You have to put your customers at the center of everything you do and provide the service they want,” he said. “Successful business always starts with understanding customers and their needs. As future business leaders, you should never forget that.” Landel urged students to be open to people from different cultures. “The world is shrinking rapidly,” he said. “You will likely find yourself working with people whose culture and background are entirely different from yours. “Success will require you to find ways to work with and understand these people.” |