Business

How Japan ‘Re-made’ Georgia Native Aiyana Mathews’ International Business Career

Published

3 years ago

May 18, 2023

Aiyana Victoria Mathews, founder and CEO of Gardner-Mathews Global Management, is this year's Global Languages Leadership Meeting at Georgia State University Friday, May 19, 2023. Photo courtesy of Aiyana Mathews.

ATLANTA, Ga. (FNN) – The Center for Urban Language Teaching and Research at Georgia State University interviewed with Aiyana Mathews, keynote speaker for CULTR’s upcoming 8th Annual Global Languages Leadership Meeting, a sold-out event happening Friday, May 19.

During her speech, titled “Made in GA: Re-Made in Japan,” Mathews will share her experience as an international scholar and business advisor to illustrate the importance of both learning languages as well as using them to drive business engagement.

Mathews shared some of her background and aspirations with Global Atlanta in a recent interview ahead of the GSU event. To learn more about how Mathews’ experience and skills might serve your business, reach her via LinkedIn. The interview follows below.

Global Atlanta: Aiyana, you’re now CULTR’s keynote speaker for GLLM, but how did you first become involved with the center?

Mathews: In August of 2022 I participated in World Language Week, joining a panel on Global Business. The feedback from the students and other panelists led CULTR to invite me to be the keynote speaker for this month’s event. Being a business professional who speaks Japanese was a chance to demonstrate to GSU students what opportunities exist in the business world with a foreign language skill.

I also aim to encourage other multilingual professionals to share their experiences and normalize the non-linear path for a career because that’s likely what will happen for students who learn Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTLs) – their career may take a non-linear path, and that’s okay.

Global Atlanta: What does language mean to you?

Mathews: Being able to connect with a person in their native language has always been a personal goal for me. Language connects you in a way that nothing else can. It has afforded me the opportunity to make connections and foster friendships with a myriad of people and different backgrounds. Language is very important to me, and I am very happy that I can use this skill in business.

Global Atlanta: Please share with us how you first became interested in international communities and relations.

Mathews: I have always been drawn to all things international, even as a kid. My father was my first influencer, exposing me to many cultures at a young age. Through his businesses, I was introduced to Spanish-speaking people, which was the impetus for me to learn Spanish in high school.

Since Atlanta is home to many nationalities, it was easy for my interest in languages and cultures to flourish and to make internationalism part of my everyday life. I spoke about this specifically in an NPR StoryCorps interview.

Global Atlanta: What role does your company play in the international business arena?

Mathews: As founder and president of Gardner-Mathews Global Management, I have more than a decade of experience in operations management, project management and international business development.

My advantage is that I’m not locked into a single industry sector; I have thus far worked with manufacturing, technology and aerospace industries. As a result, I have fostered relationships with Japan and other nations that have turned into successful partnerships, expansions into new markets and opportunities to increase clients’ visibility, such as the 2017 Florida-Japan Aerospace and Aviation Summit.

Global Atlanta: Did you study foreign languages in college?

Mathews: Although my studies at Rochester Institute of Technology (R.I.T.) were a blend of engineering, business and the arts, it was very important to me to add an international component, which is why Spanish and Latin American literature was my minor, and I took courses in international business.

In October 1999, at the end of my freshman year, I was accepted to Chiba University as an International Research Scholar where I conducted research on the comparison of soy-based ink versus traditional ink for the printing industry.

Global Atlanta: Was your time at Chiba University your only experience in Japan?

Mathews: Outside of traveling there for many years, I moved to Japan again as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) with the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET). I lived in the northern part of Japan in the Miyagi Prefecture from 2007-2010, where I became acclimated and proficient in Japanese language, culture and work society.

Working in Japan gave me a broader experience than when I was a student. I worked in various schools, not only connecting with the students but also with the Japanese educators. I also began to volunteer in my community and developed my own monthly cross-cultural events in order to bring people together, network, learn from each other and foster relationships – all the things I do now. The events ranged from a Sri Lankan dinner party to a Friday fish fry featuring hushpuppies – a true Southern staple.

My dinner parties drew other English-speaking people as well, so the participants met and practiced English with a wider network. I extended these monthly cultural parties for three years while working there. As a result of this, I was asked to be the director of the Miyagi Art and Culture Show, a prefecture-wide showcase hosted in Sendai City.

Global Atlanta: How has your experience in Japan helped you in your business?

Mathews: Having an understanding of Japan and the Japanese language has definitely made me an authority in international business. This has helped me earn clients’ trust and confidence that I’m dedicated to their projects and to helping them reach their goals.

Helping clients navigate business opportunities in Japan is definitely my strong suit, but I also help companies do business in other international markets. Many of the business practices I learned in Japan translate quite well to other countries, even if the cultures are seemingly different.

Global Atlanta: What services does Gardner-Mathews Global Management provide?

Mathews: We are a consulting firm focused on making companies’ operations more efficient, including sales and marketing, social media management and corporate events. We also help companies expand into new markets. I invite anyone who is interested to complete our query form or call (678) 995-3206.

________________________________________

This article was a collaboration with FNN News Atlanta reporter Mellissa Thomas and Global Atlanta’s Leigh Villegas.

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GOAA Highlights Airport Improvements, Approves New Small Business Policies

Published

6 days ago

October 22, 2026

FNN NEWS

Gate Link train on an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with palm trees, airport buildings and a control tower behind it.

A Gate Link train travels along an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with the airport’s control tower in the background. Photo courtesy of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

Terminal upgrades, parking projects and international connections mark the authority’s fiscal year review.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority highlighted terminal improvements, expanded international connections and parking projects during its fiscal 2026 review, while its board adopted changes to a local business program and announced a new statewide small business initiative.

The updates affect Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport, which GOAA operates.

“We are undertaking an ambitious effort to redefine what it means to deliver a world-class airport experience,” GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle said in the authority’s announcement.
“As we welcome more visitors, more airlines, more routes, and new programs, our responsibility is to elevate every part of the journey — making it more welcoming, intuitive, and connected.”

A Gate Link train travels along an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with the airport’s control tower in the background. Photo courtesy of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

Terminal Improvements Focus on Connections and Families

Among the completed projects was an enclosed pedestrian bridge with moving walkways connecting Orlando International Airport’s train station and Terminal C.

Terminal C also opened a new wing serving gates 250–254, providing additional capacity and becoming the new home for Virgin Atlantic’s airport operations.

Three new Family Zones — one in each terminal — offer spaces for children and families to play, read and recharge. GOAA also highlighted improvements to directional signs along airport roads, in parking areas and throughout the terminals.

Parking Expansion and $40 Million Improvement Program

GOAA reported progress on a parking guidance system at Terminal C, with phased activation across all garages planned through mid-2027.

Dedicated employee parking areas are intended to free additional spaces for travelers. Planning is also underway for two new garages expected to add 8,000 public parking spaces over the next few years.

Separately, the authority’s $40 million Beautiful Airports Program targets safety, functionality and appearance across garages, terminals and other airport areas.

Aviation Investments and International Service

The fiscal year review highlighted a $50 million investment by dnata, a $26 million redevelopment by Signature Aviation at Orlando International Airport and groundbreaking for Sky Harbour’s $40 million campus at Orlando Executive Airport.

International service developments included ZIPAIR’s nonstop passenger charter flights between Orlando and Tokyo and Iberia’s launch of nonstop service to Madrid.

GOAA described ZIPAIR’s service as the first passenger charter connection between Florida and the Asia-Pacific region.

Business Policy Changes Broaden Eligibility

The board adopted revisions to GOAA’s Local Developing Business program following research, town halls and discussions with internal experts.

The changes increase the allowable personal net worth threshold and clarify how assets are excluded from that calculation, including primary residence equity, business equity, retirement assets and certain nonliquid holdings.

Business size standards were also revised to account for inflation and increased operating costs. The announcement did not specify the updated financial thresholds.

A new Small Business program will complement the local program and extend eligibility to qualifying businesses throughout Florida. Under the announced framework, participating businesses must fall within 50% of the applicable U.S. Small Business Administration size standard.

GOAA said detailed guidelines for both programs would be posted on its website. Those guidelines will provide businesses with the information needed to assess eligibility.

Business

Florida Restaurant Show 2026: Orlando Event Features Chef Competitions, Pizza Innovation and Restaurant Solutions

Published

3 weeks ago

October 9, 2026

FNN NEWS

The combined events celebrate their 55th and fifth anniversaries Oct. 25–27 at the Orange County Convention Center, featuring education, culinary competitions and a $5,000 attendee giveaway.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Florida Restaurant Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit are marking milestone anniversaries at the Orange County Convention Center, bringing restaurant, pizza and foodservice professionals together Oct. 25–27 for product demonstrations, education, culinary competitions and networking.

The Florida Restaurant Show is celebrating its 55th anniversary, while the Pizza Tomorrow Summit marks its fifth. One registration provides access to both events.

Organizer Restaurant Events announced a total of $5,000 in attendee giveaways during the three-day gathering. Attendees can pick up a ticket at registration for a chance to win.

Education Addresses Food Costs, Staffing and AI

More than 40 hours of education cover profitability, food costs, operations, marketing, artificial intelligence, staffing, leadership and customer engagement.

Featured programs include Restaurant Management 201 and 301, presented by Darren Denington, founder and operator of Service with Style, and Alison Anne, leader of Restaurant Revolution.

A new program, “The Wizard Behind the Curtain,” presented by Maverick Theory founder Michael Tipps, examines how owners and entrepreneurs develop restaurant concepts and turn ideas into businesses.

A Team Bundle Package offers savings and flexible attendance options for groups of six from the same organization, allowing employees to explore sessions relevant to their roles.

Culinary Competitions Spotlight Professional Chefs

The Sunshine Plate Challenge Arena features more than 30 professional chefs across four American Culinary Federation-sanctioned competitions, organizers said.

The announced schedule includes:

Sunday, Oct. 25: Student and professional pastry sculpture competitions and the Professional Pork Challenge.
Monday, Oct. 26: The Professional Seafood Challenge, sponsored by Bar Harbor Seafood.
Tuesday, Oct. 27: The Professional Beef Challenge.

The arena’s Sunday programming also includes the Hospitality School Showdown, featuring culinary faculty and alumni representing four Florida hospitality programs.

Unox sponsors the arena, with product support from Gordon Food Service, Bar Harbor Seafood, Expedition Provisions, Yukan Foods, Pizzacini and Keg Kraft Beverage Company.

Pizza Tomorrow Summit Highlights Industry Innovation

The Pizza Tomorrow Summit features education, demonstrations and competitions focused on the pizza industry.

Its announced Monday programming includes a live taping of the “So You Want to Run a Restaurant” podcast with California Pizza Kitchen co-founder Rick Rosenfield. The session, sponsored by Back of House, includes a discussion and giveaway of his book, “The California Pizza Kitchen Story.”

The U.S. Pizza Team and Galbani Professionale U.S. are also hosting the 2026 Galbani Professionale Pizza Cup. Pizza makers and pizza acrobats compete in culinary and acrobatic events, with grand-prize winners earning a trip to compete at the World Pizza Championships in Parma, Italy.

One Registration Connects Two Industries

By holding the events together, organizers give restaurant operators access to ideas emerging from the pizza industry while connecting pizzeria operators with equipment, technology and education relevant to the broader foodservice market.

The Florida Restaurant Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit conclude Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Orange County Convention Center.

Business

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson Listed as Speaker for Global AI, Supply Chain Summit

Published

3 weeks ago

October 9, 2026

FNN NEWS

Organizers say the Oct. 26–27 conference will bring together business leaders, policymakers and technology professionals for discussions on global commerce, digital transformation and industry innovation.

DALLAS, TX (FNN) — Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson is listed as an invited speaker for the Global Procurement, Supply Chain, AI & Logistics Summit and Global Recognition Awards 2026, scheduled for Oct. 26–27 in Dallas, according to an announcement from the event’s organizer.

The American Association of Procurement, Supply Chain and Tourism Management, known as AAPSCM, said the two-day summit will take place at the AC Hotel & Residence Inn Dallas by the Galleria, 5460 James Temple Drive.

The conference will focus on artificial intelligence, supply chain resilience, innovation and the future of global commerce.

Mayor listed among international speakers

Organizers identified Johnson among the invited speakers joining executives, policymakers, academics, consultants and professionals in procurement, supply chain management, technology and logistics.

The announcement describes participants as coming “from the United States and around the world.”

According to the release, Johnson is listed among speakers participating in the Oct. 27 program. The announcement does not specify the subject or time of his remarks.

AI, forecasting and digital transformation

The second day’s agenda includes a session on artificial intelligence and machine learning in inventory management, forecasting, and sales and operations planning.

An executive leadership session titled “Driving Innovation & Digital Transformation” is scheduled to follow.

The program will examine technology’s role in procurement, logistics and supply chain operations, with an emphasis on how leaders respond to changing business conditions.

Awards to recognize industry achievement

The summit will also include procurement and supply chain awards, followed by Global Excellence Awards recognizing individuals, organizations and industry leaders.

Organizers said the awards program includes more than 35 categories spanning procurement, supply chain management, artificial intelligence and logistics.

The announcement describes the awards as recognizing “achievement, innovation and leadership.”

Executives and decision-makers expected

AAPSCM said it expects attendees to include chief executives, chief procurement officers, chief supply chain officers, chief operating officers and technology leaders.

The anticipated audience also includes procurement directors, logistics professionals, government representatives and specialists in AI and digital transformation.

About the organizer

AAPSCM describes itself as a U.S.-based nonprofit professional organization that supports professional development through certification, education, training, membership, conferences and international collaboration.

Event and registration information

Event: 2nd Global Procurement, Supply Chain, AI & Logistics Summit & Global Recognition Awards 2026
Dates: Oct. 26–27, 2026
Venue: AC Hotel & Residence Inn Dallas by the Galleria
Address: 5460 James Temple Drive, Dallas, Texas 75240
Organizer: American Association of Procurement, Supply Chain and Tourism Management
Registration: aapscm-conferences.org
Organization: aapscm.org