In today's economy, all businesses need to think globally. Any entrepreneur or CEO faces a world that is more interconnected and more competitive than ever -- and to succeed in the 21st century, any smart enterprise knows that its customer base is not just around the corner, but around the world. There is no doubt that the global economic landscape has changed dramatically in recent years...

‘Businesses here have awakened to the fact that their next order could come from anywhere. Exporting is a major reason why Kansas City companies—from transportation equipment to chemicals—are creating jobs once again.”

On Dec. 17, 2010, a Tunisian street vendor named Mohammed Bouazizi staged a desperate protest against corrupt local officials by setting himself on fire. The act helped trigger a revolution in his country and a wave of uprisings across North Africa and the Middle East. The consequences of his actions were complex, but his demands were simple: He wanted to earn a good living, start a business and...