Lake State graduate presents paper in Japan

A recent LSSU grad was highlighted in the latest edition of the LSSU Laker Log alumni magazine, for her scholarly work on the French high-fashion industry.

Letitia Phillips capped off her senior year at LSSU with a trip to Japan, where the 2010 Global Marketing Conference was held. Phillips is a Sault native and Sault High graduate who studied business, marketing, and French at LSSU.

She brought all those interests together in her paper, A Viability Study of the French Luxury Fashion Industry, which, as you might imagine, examined whether the exclusive, high-dollar French couture industry still has long-term business success in the cards. Phillips presented it at the Tokyo conference in September, which was themed around marketing in a turbulent environment, such as the current uncertainties in global economies. The paper's co-author was LSSU professor Ralf Wilhelms.

Besides the chance to present her study, Phillips also was able to attend presentations at the conference, which included eco-marketing, branding, fashion marketing, retail management, and marketing strategy, among other topics.

"All of the participants that I spoke to were really surprised that I was only an undergrad as the conference was geared toward students working on their Ph.Ds," says Phillips. "I met people from all over the globe who were in varying points in their education as well as careers. I was able to attend some really interesting sessions pertaining mostly to fashion marketing."

Phillips graduated from LSSU with three degrees, in French studies, international business and management. She next plans to pursue a master's degree in business administration.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Letitia Phillips, Lake Superior State University

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