History
In the late 1970s, Georgia Governor George Busbee funded the creation of the Georgia World Congress Institute (GWCI), an international educational and research organization housed at Georgia State University (GSU). Dr. Jim Crupi, then a GSU faculty member, conceived the idea of an international business fellows program to train Atlanta business executives in the intricacies of international business.
Influential Atlanta businessmen, including Coca-Cola executive Sam Ayoub and real estate developer John Portman, recruited rising leaders for the first SIBF class. In 1981, 26 intrepid, young executives spent two weeks studying in Atlanta and at the London Business School. After discussing the value of the program and the close bonds that were developed among the participants, the group decided to form an organization to perpetuate their experience and to maintain relationships between the members.
"Since inception, SIBF has remained committed to understanding the nuances that blend global business, culture and geopolitics together in order to give its members the social and professional network and insights necessary for success in the global economy. What makes SIBF unique is its ability to create educational experiences and relationships that build the necessary leverage to enhance both personal and professional development."
James Crupi, Founding Member
President & CEO, Strategic Leadership Solutions, Inc.