Ivy Tech China Blog – Day 8–May 18, 2008

Welcome to the Ivy Tech China Blog for the trade delegation from Northwest Indiana –

Day 8 was the final travel last day as we rose early to have breakfast & leave for Shenyang airport by 8:15am. The sendoff from the hotel by the Shenyang officials was quite moving as we’d spent 3 days getting to know & understand the Chinese culture & history of about 18 centuries from this friendly group from the city of Shenyang. As mentioned before the Chinese are a proud culture of the heritage & history just as any other country in the world is.

               When we arrived at the Shenyang airport we found that our flight on Air China was canceled. This caused the group to run around trying to rebook another flight. With the help of 2 Chinese speaking trade members the process of rebooking 24 seats & getting to the gate 1 hour earlier than the canceled flight was interesting at best and just about seamless. Without the help of Chinese trade members we most likely would have missed our flight from Beijing to Chicago. The plane ride from Shenyang was very rough due to high cross winds as the plane bounced around form side to side. We circled Beijing 3 times before landing due the high winds as to make a safe approach & landing.

               We then proceeded to check-in for the 4pm flight to Chicago. With all 295 passengers aboard the 747, the captain & crew tried to get the 4^th engine started but was unable. We then retuned to the gate & the maintenance tried numerous times, but engine number 4 wasn’t cooperating. We then deplaned to get on another 747 and completed this by 7pm. Note that most of us had been up since approx. 6am & we had another 12 to 13 hour flight before landing in Chicago. The second 747 started & we taxied & took off at 7:30 pm flying Northeast over Mongolia, Korea and Russia heading for the Artic Circle and the Great Circle Polar Route and Chicago. The captain indicated that since we were 3.5 hours late & that he would try to make up a little time using the eastward jet stream of a 100+ mph tailwind. Well, he was right on target as the plane had a top speed of 685 MPH –just a few miles an hour under the “sound barrier” of approximately 710 to 715 MPH.  We arrived in Chicago at 6:40pm –flight time of 11 hrs &15 minutes.

               This concludes the Ivy Tech China Blog & with an awesome week of highs & lows as we left a very friendly, hospitable & sincere group of Chinese friends who energetically shared their culture, history and warm smiles with 24 Americans who will never forget this proud culture. We also know how sad they were as their country dealt with news of the thousands of residents that perished in the earthquake in Southern China last Monday. The news of this earthquake last Monday also caused the delegation families to have great concern for the well being of us as we didn’t find out about the earthquake until about 3 hours after it happened.

               Thanks to all of you who took the time to read the blog. I hope you learned about China at the same time as I did. I’ve included a few pictures from the trip & the final day . 

Sincerely, Bill Thon

Ivy Tech China Blog – Day 7–May 17, 2008

Welcome to the Ivy Tech China Blog for the trade delegation from Northwest Indiana –

Day 7 was the last day before we departed for Shenyang & then onto Beijing to fly home to Chicago. The morning of May 17^th was full of excitement as we prepared to witness the signing of the Sister’s city agreement between Fuxin, Liaoning Province, China and Gary, Indiana of the United States. The conference room of the Fuxin Guest house was crowded by approximately 75 to 85 participants including dignitaries from the Liaoning Province, the City of Fuxin, Liaoning Technical University and the mayor of Gary Indiana. The conference center had a large banner (see photo) indicating the agreement & historical signing. Speakers for the province, city of Fuxin, city of Gary indicated their commitment to exchange ideas & share best practices for economic development to help each of them. The signing of the document lived up to the hype as all participants were excited about seeing how the cities can help their residents from China & the United States as we share how each city can improve and help it’s sister. (see photo)

During the second signing ceremony I signed an international agreement (see attached) with Liaoning Technical University in Fuxin, Liaoning Province, China, as the representative for the college. This agreement was signed by Shao Liangshan, Vice President/Liaoning Technical University. Witnessing this agreement was Dr. Xu Ping – Director of Foreign Affairs/ Liaoning Technical University, Mayor Rudy Clay, Ross Horano, Jenny Guo and the 22 members of the Northwest Indiana Trade Delegation. The signing followed the Sister City Agreement that included numerous Chinese dignitaries from the provincial & Fuxin government offices. I met with Liaoning Technical University on Friday & expressed an interest of the college to enter into the agreement. Liaoning Technical University has asked if we have the following: 1) an international student exchange program, 2) interest to have our students attend their university, 3) continued discussions & agreements about curriculum and transfer of credit, 4) ESL (english as a second  language) programs for Chinese speaking students, 5) possible faculty exchange programs, etc. Liaoning Technical University has over 28,000 students. Dr. Krewsie Aggrey/Vice Chancellor/Academic Affairs/IUN & Denise Dillard/Vice President/Methodist Hospitals also met at the university to discuss their interests & potential agreements.

I’ve included a picture from the ceremony and others. 

Tomorrow is our long travel day as we make our way from Shenyang to Beijing & then onto Chicago.

Below is the itinerary for Sunday:       

Day 8 – Sunday, May 18^th

            Morning          Breakfast at Shenyang hotel –

                                    Board bus for Shenyang

                                    Fly Shenyang to Beijing

                                    Fly Beijing to Chicago

Attached photos – # 1244 – sister city signage – 25ft x 25ft -

                              # 1254 – Mayor Clay after agreement is signed

                              # 1260 – presentation of the key to City of Gary –Fuxin Guest House  

                                # 1263 -  signing agreement/ Liaoning Technical College- Fuxin Guest

                                            House 

                              # 1271-  downtown  Fuxin with bicycle cab

Ivy Tech China Blog – Day 6 –May 16, 2008

Ivy Tech China Blog – Day 5 –May 15, 2008

Welcome to the Ivy Tech China Blog for the trade delegation from Northwest Indiana –

Day 5 was packed with important meetings as we met with the business leaders in the city of Shenyang, Liaoning Provence, China. The city, province & leaders rolled out the “red carpet” as we met with several businesses to review their operations in Shenyang. The City of Shenyang is divided into many distinct neighborhoods that depict the growing revitalization of this very large city of 3.5 million residents. The economic development strategy will rebuild many sections of the city that are old & in need of repair. The Chinese take a very fast-paced approach to this revitalization of their cities. Numerous technology parks are being developed at a very accelerated pace, as I mentioned in a previous post. Many of the “tech parks” start from farmland & complete the construction of the new business community within 2 to 3 years. (including schools, hospitals, homes and retail businesses for the use of the residents as employees)

The highlight of the day was a reception at a local hotel. The dinner was a  traditional Chinese menu of beef, chicken, pork & numerous greens and seafood dishes such as jellyfish, scallops, shrimp, calamari and that is presented on a large round glass carousel. Many of the dinner tables are round in the Chinese restaurants to accommodate the 20 to 25 dishes of food. The Chinese culture feels this is the highlight of their day as they gather for dinner for at least 1½ hours each day.

At the conclusion of dinner we had a formal ceremony to sign an international friendship & cooperation agreement (see attached) with Liaoning Economy Occupational Technological College in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China, as the representative for the college. This agreement was signed by Liyi Ding, Vice President. Witnessing this agreement was Guang Yang, College President, Fuqiang Wang, General Manager Liaoning College, Gary Mayor Rudy Clay, Ross Horano, Jenny Guo and the 22 members of the Northwest Indiana Trade Delegation. The dinner sponsored by the Liaoning College included another 25 guests from their college. I met with Liaoning College earlier in the day & expressed an interest of Ivy Tech Community College to enter into an international agreement. Liaoning College has asked if we have the following: 1) an international student exchange program, 2) interest to have our students attend their college, 3) continued discussions & agreements about curriculum and transfer of credit, 4) ESL programs for Chinese speaking students, etc. Liaoning Economy Occupational Technological College has over 7000 students with an extensive building plan to increase the size of their college to approximately 11,000 students in 2 years. Today during the conference a collection was taken for the victims of the earthquake. We also observed a moment silence to honor the families that were stricken by this disaster in southern China.

I’ve included a picture from the signing and one from the seminar this morning. This week has been just great as each of the groups that we’ve met with are very excited to enter into agreements with the City of Gary & or businesses.

Tomorrow we travel to Fuxin, Liaoning Province to meet with their city officials & also discuss signing another international agreement with Liaoning Technical University in Fuxin. This university has approximately 28,000 students. As we’ll be traveling to Fuxin by bus this will enable to see the rolling hills & farmland of this large province in the northeastern area of China

Below is the itinerary for Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Day 5 – Thursday, May 15^th  

            Morning          Breakfast at Hotel

                                    City of Gary Presentation

“Doing Business with Gary” – Mayor Rudy Clay

                                    City of Gary Investment Opportunities Presentations

                                    By Majestic Star Casino & Hotel & the New Gary Development Group

Meet with Liaoning Economic Opportunity Technological College                    

Lunch             Vice Governor of Liaoning Province

Afternoon       Meetings with Shenyang Business Leaders

Dinner             Hosted by Government of Liaoning Province

Day 6 – Friday, May 16^th

            Morning          Breakfast at Hotel

                                    Depart for Fuxin by bus

Check into hotel:       Fuxin Guest House

                                    16 Zhonghou Road

                                    Fuxin, Liaoning, CHINA

                                    86 04 18 3898 8888

Lunch              Vice Mayor of Fuxin

                                    City of Gary Presentation

                                    “Doing Business with Gary” – Mayor Rudy Clay                                       

Afternoon       Tour of Fuxin Economic Development Zone & meetings with Liaoning  

                      Technical University

Dinner Hosted by Fuxin Economic Development Zone

                                    City of Gary Investment Opportunities Presentations by

                                    Majestic Star Casino & Hotel & New Gary Development Group                      

Day 7 – Saturday, May 17^th

            Morning          Breakfast at Fuxin Guest House

                                    Signing of Sister Cities Agreement –meeting with Liaoning Technical

                                 University

Meetings with Fuxin Business Leaders                             

            Lunch              Hosted by City of Fuxin

            Afternoon       Depart for Shenyang

                                    Check into hotel

Attached photos – # 1165 – New Technology Park Model – Shenyang, China

                              # 1180 – Economic Development Seminar – Shenyang, China

                              # 1210 – Signing the 1^st International Agreement with Liyi Ding –Vice

                                             President of Liaoning Economy Occupational Technilogical

                                             College

Ivy Tech China Blog – Day 4 –May 14, 2008

Welcome to the Ivy Tech China Blog for the trade delegation from Northwest Indiana –

(Please note that I’m unable to access the blog from China and won’t be able to read any posts from the readers as this is being posted each day from the college.

Day 4 was about Chinese history and cultural learning while we visit Tian An Men Square,

    The Forbidden City & the Great Wall of China and a Chinese marketplace near

    the Olympic village.

Tian An Men Square – (the gate of heavenly peace)

Tian An Men Square is the main entrance of the imperial city in both Ming & Qing dynasties, where the emperor promulgated his edict. The Square is very tall and looks majestic with its upturned eaves, carved beams and yellow walls. China states that the square is the new symbol of their country. Please note in the photo of the square that all the structures are reddish in color. The Chinese gods thought that red was powerful. All entrances in any palace, square, or buildings of historical importance faced south. The Chinese believe that the south facing buildings gets energy from the sun. The upturned eaves indicated dragons, & powerful animals to keep evil spirits out of the buildings. The size of the square is 720,000 square meters.

The Forbidden City   

The Forbidden City is located just south of Tian An Men Square. The Palace Museum is located with The Forbidden City & is exactly the same size as Tian An Men Square. To say that these 2 areas are massive in length & width doesn’t quite explain their size. If you stand on one corner of the square or forbidden city you can’t see the other corner due to the distance. The Forbidden City has one straight line path that runs down the middle of the entire palace. All measurements, buildings, & rooms are perfectly parallel to the middle line. Each of the 8707 rooms is perfectly square. All courtyards, motes, lawns & gardens were designed in a perfect square. The Forbidden City was built in 1406. It took 100,000 worker slaves 14 years to build the city. The city was the former palace of 14 of the ruling emperors during the Ming & Qing dynasties. The emperors “employed” thousands of workers to protect anyone attempt to place harm on him.

After lunch we visited a vase manufacturing facility that still uses 800 year old techniques to manufacture copper enameled vases & other products. We then drove to the Great Wall of China located north of Beijing.

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China was built over 2,000 years ago, by Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China during the Qin (Ch’in) Dynasty (221 B.C – 206 B.C.). In Chinese the wall is called “Wan-Li Qang-Qeng” which means 10,000-Li Long Wall (10,000 Li = about 5,000 km).

After uniting China from seven Warring States, the emperor connected and extended four old fortification walls along the north of China that originated about 700 B.C. (over 2500 years ago). Armies were stationed along the wall as a first line of defense against the invading nomadic Hsiung Nu tribes north of China (the Huns). Signal fires from the Wall provided early warning of an attack.

The Great Wall is one of the largest building construction projects ever completed. It stretches across the mountains of northern China, winding north and northwest of Beijing. It is constructed of masonry, rocks and packed-earth. It was over 5,000 km (=10,000 Li) long. Its thickness ranged from about 4.5 to 9 meters (15 to 30 feet) and was up to 7.5 meters (25 feet) tall. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Great Wall was enlarged to 6,400 kilometers (4,000 miles) and renovated over a 200 year period, with watch-towers and cannons added. The great wall is the only structure on earth that’s visible from rotating satellites or manned spacecraft. While driving towards to wall it was visible from almost 3 miles away. We walked the Badaling section of the wall that had stairs that had 70-80 degrees of slope and were difficult to maneuver.

Tomorrow we’ll the day leaving Beijing to fly to Shenyang in the northeastern section of China called the Liaoning Provence. Shenyang is approx. 600 miles from Beijing.

Below is the itinerary for Tuesday and Wednesday

May 13, 2008 – Tuesday – Beijing

7:30 AM                              Breakfast at hotel

8:30 AM                              Forbidden City Tour (Next to Tiananmen Square)

1:00 PM                              Tour of the Great Wall of China                                

   4:30 PM                Tour of the Chinese marketplace near the Olympic village.

7:30 pm                           Arrive back at hotel for dinner

May 14, 2008 – Wednesday – Beijing – Shenyang

7:00 AM                              Breakfast at hotel           

                                             Check out of hotel

8:00 AM                              Depart hotel for Beijing International Airport        

                                             We will assemble in the hotel lobby and go by chartered bus to the airport.

10:30 AM                            Depart for Shenyang International Airport via Air China -Flight 6102

11:40 AM                            Arrive Shenyang International Airport

                                             After picking up your luggage and leaving the secured area, we will be

greeted by a Shenyang government official.  We will take a chartered bus to the hotel.

12:30 PM                            Check into Sheraton Shenyang Lido Hotel

                                             1386 Qingnian Street

                                             Heping District                                                                                                                                                         Shenyang, Liaoning, CHINA 110004

                                             86 24 2318 8888

                                             86 24 2318 8000 fax

                                             www.sheraton.com/shenyang

1:00 PM                              Luncheon with Mayor of Shenyang           

3:00 PM                              Tour of Shenyang Economic Development Zone

7:00 PM                              Dinner with Liaoning Province Vice Governor

Attached photos – # 1090 – The Forbidden City

                              # 1091 – The trade delegation in Tian An Men Square

                              # 1095 – the palace eaves-

                                      # 1105 -  the palace roof

                              # 1129 – the Great Wall of China lookout

                              #  1131 – The Badaling Section of the Great Wall

                              #  1134 – Bill on the Badaling Section

 Welcome to the Ivy Tech China Blog for the trade delegation from Northwest Indiana –

(Please note that I’m unable to access the blog from China and won’t be able to read any posts from the readers as this is being posted each day from the college.

Day 3 was a long meeting day as we started at 8am to meet the Chinese Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (CASME) at their location in Beijing. The CASME group is responsible for approx. 80 businesses that have been developed in a “Technology Park” & have completed this in just 10 years. The technology park has hospitals, schools, housing & all necessary business sources for their community. All 200,000 employees of the 80 businesses live in the technology park. Mayor Clay presented a key to the City of Gary at the end of the meeting. Lunch was at a traditional “Cantonese” restaurant (the Chinese culture has 4 types of food categories- I’ll explain later)

      After lunch we visited a silk manufacturing center where silk worms are raised to produce

 silk for clothing, bedding & bullet proof vests for the military & police. The silkworm only lives for 45 days. After the silk is removed from the cocoon, it’s washed, stretched & then dried for preparation to be made into silk thread.

We then visited a large 22 story Russian Trade Center to view the many types of articles for wholesale purchases. The day ended with a dinner & presentation with the CASME group who hosted the trade delegation at a traditional “mandarin” dinner( this is the second type of Chinese food. At this dinner the City of Gary, The Majestic Star Casino & The New Gary Development Group presented their ideas regarding economic development opportunities in the city.

Late in the afternoon the country of China had an earthquake where the epicenter was located approximately 2000 miles southwest of Beijing. According to the news releases, Beijing received an earthquake of 2.2 magnitude- enough to shake a few buildings and alarm the employees.  The Trade Delegation was not aware of this earthquake until later afternoon. No injuries or damage was reported in Beijing or surrounding towns but approximately 17,000 residents lost their lives near the epicenter.

Here are a few interesting facts about the Chinese culture that we learning from our guide while traveling throughout the city:

1) The country of China began in the year 220. Many dynasties ruled for many centuries,  with the Ming Dynasty being one of the earliest. 

 2) The Chinese culture believes very strongly as to how the country was developed in the

      early centuries.   

 3) The Chinese have many beliefs that are foreign to our American culture. One is that all

      houses have a large “curb” in all entrances to the homes. This is believed to keep

      evil spirits from coming into the house from under the door.

4) The Chinese also believe in a numbering system using the number 9 as the last number

     in keeping track of many items. I’ll continue to share some of that information on the blog

     during the week.

Tomorrow we’ll the day learning about Chinese history and cultural while we visit Tianomin

    Square, The Forbidden City & the Great Wall of China and a Chinese marketplace near

    the Olympic village.

Below is the Itinerary for Monday and Tuesday

May 12, 2008 – Monday – Beijing –Day 3

8:00 AM                  Breakfast at hotel

9:00 AM                  Meeting with City of Beijing Vice Mayor

10:00 AM                Tour of Beijing Economic Development Zone

Noon                      Luncheon with Beijing City Officials

2:00 PM                  Visit to Russian Trade Center

7:00 PM                  Dinner hosted by Chinese Association of Small and Medium

                              Enterprises (CASME) – Mr. Ximin Shao, Chairman at Zou Jiaz huang

                                    Restaurant

City of Gary Presentation

                              “Doing Business with Gary” – Mayor Rudy Clay

May 13, 2008 – Tuesday – Beijing

7:30 AM                  Breakfast at hotel

8:30 AM                  Forbidden City Tour (Next to Tiananmen Square)

1:00 PM                  Tour of the Great Wall of China                       

   4:30 PM                 Tour of the Chinese marketplace near the Olympic village.

7:30 pm                    Arrive back at hotel for dinner

Attached photos – #1058 – downtown Beijing

                              # 1071 – CASME technology park

                              # 1077 — CASME group & NW Indiana Trade Delegation

Welcome to the Ivy Tech China Blog for the trade delegation from Northwest Indiana –

(Please note that I’m unable to access the blog from China and won’t be able to read any posts from the readers as this is being posted each day from the college by Marcos Rodriguez)

Day 2 was a long travel day as we left Chicago & traveled NNW(north/north/west) towards Canada & the Artic Circle via the great polar circle route (see the attached map) over Siberia/Russia to the northeastern China landing in Beijing, China on Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 2:30pm-

Here are a few facts:

1) The plane averaged 528 miles/hour- with a top speed of 637 m.p.h. over the artic circle due to a strong tailwind.

 2) The lowest outside temperature was -72 degrees below zero again, over the artic circle.

 3) When we landed in Beijing all passengers, all passengers were greeted by a few ladies

     dressed in traditional Chinese silk dresses. (Photo to follow)

4) During the flight I read a National Geographic Magazine totally written on the country of

    China. So I’ll share some of that information on the blog during the week.

The culture, education & economic growth in China is changing as the population grows. Currently, Beijing is the 3^rd largest city in China with 17 million residents. Please note that each family may have one child without penalty, due to the population growth. The family may opt for a second child, but must pay a very substantial payment for this decision. The farming family is the only families allowed to have 3 children to help with the chores. 3 children in any other family isn’t allowed.

Travel within the city is sometimes a little slow due the traffic of all the residents.  According to the National Geographic Magazine information the education of the students is very competitive. Each student is tested prior to entering 1^st grade & then placed in appropriate schools as to their scores, similar to the U.S. The difference is that during elementary school the parents have the option to send their “child” (see the note above for this explanation) to a private school. The normal school day is approximately 8am to 5pm – Monday through Friday. The difference is that the students are under extreme pressure to learn at a very fast pace. Failure to keep pace is considered a disgrace in the Chinese culture as each student is expected to perform at a certain level. The article continued to mention the very busy, almost regimented daily schedules for the students.

The day ended with a traditional Chinese dinner at the “King Chou Restaurant”. A 200 year old Beijing restaurant with all the cultural effects. (see the attached photo)  

Below is the Itinerary for Sunday & Monday:

May 11, 2008 – Sunday – Beijing

3:00 PM                              Arrive at Beijing International Airport

                                             After going through Passport Clearance, you will pick up your luggage

and then leave the secured area.  On the plane, you will be given 3 forms to complete:  Chinese Entry Form, Health Form and Customs Form.  On the Entry Form, list the Days Hotel & Suites Beijing as the place you will be staying.

After leaving the secured area, Jenny and Ross will meet you and assemble everyone for the chartered bus ride to the hotel.                

5:00 PM                              Check-in at Days Hotel & Suites Beijing

27 Hua Wei Li
Chao Yang District
Beijing 100021

Tel: +86-10-6773 1234-3589
Fax: +86-10-8778 9200
Email: sales@mail.dhsbj.com

http://www.dayshotelsuitesbeijing.com

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM           Reception

This will be an opportunity for the delegation to meet with the leaders of the China Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (CASME) who have organized the Beijing activities.  

The delegation will be briefed by CASME about the details of the Beijing

itinerary.

May 12, 2008 – Monday – Beijing –Day 3

8:00 AM                              Breakfast at hotel

9:00 AM                              Meeting with City of Beijing Vice Mayor

10:00 AM                            Tour of Beijing Economic Development Zone

Noon                                   Luncheon with Beijing City Officials

2:00 PM                              Visit to Russian Trade Center

7:00 PM                              Dinner hosted by Chinese Association of Small and Medium

                                             Enterprises (CASME) – Mr. Ximin Shao, Chairman at Zou Jiaz huang

                                    Restaurant

City of Gary Presentation

                                             “Doing Business with Gary” – Mayor Rudy Clay

Welcome to the blog of the trade mission trip to China from Northwest Indiana as governmental , business & educational leaders will visit 3 cities to complete our oversea contacts as mentioned in the article below by Jon Siegal/Post Tribune. Jon’s article is an excellent explanation of the trade mission from Northwest as we continue to work towards increased economic development for our region. Also included in the visit will be meetings with Liaoning University as Ivy Tech Community College will focusing on a Memorandum of Understanding with the university.  I’m representing Ivy Tech Community College and will be posting daily updates from the 3 cities of Beijing, Shenyang & Fuxin. I will focus on some history and cultural information for each city.

Thanks, Bill Thon- Ivy Tech Community College/Northwest -Executive Director of Workforce and Economic Development. 

‘A new Chinatown’

May 5, 2008

By Jon Seidel Post-Tribune staff writer

GARY — Next week’s trip to China by a City Hall delegation could mean drastic, long-term changes for the region’s largest city if it is successful.

The privately funded trip is being organized by Chicago-based Eureka Group. Vice president Jenny Guosaid she wants to bring back Chinese business owners and convince them to invest in Gary.

“What we want to build is a new Chinatown,” Guo said.

Joel Rodriguez, a special assistant to Mayor Rudy Clay, said word of the trip is generating a buzz among regional businesses. The travelers are 13 business leaders and eight government officials, including Clay’s wife, Christine Clay.

When the delegation returns, Rodriguez said, the city hopes to move forward on a new assembly and logistics center near Gary/Chicago International Airport.

“I think there’s a little bit over 300 acres of developable land that we are lookingat in terms of creating this foreign trade zone synergy,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said he, like Guo, is also looking for businesses to invest in Gary. He points out that Chicago’s Chinatown area has become too congested.

“They can’t move anywhere,” Rodriguez said. “They’re looking at Gary as the second Chinatown.”

Clay’s trip to China was announced in November, while the mayor was hosting a delegation of Chinese students.

Ross Harano, chief operating officer of the Eureka Group, said at the time that Gary offers an alternative to distribution centers in other parts of the United States with its access to major highways, rail lines and Lake Michigan.

The delegation from Gary is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on May 11. While it is there, its members are expected to meet with the vice mayor and tour a Russian trade center.

Later, it will make stops in Shenyang and Fuxin, meeting with the cities’ mayors and the vice governor of the Liaoning Province.

In each city, Clay is scheduled to give a presentation titled, “Doing Business With Gary.” Clay is also expected to sign a “Sister Cities” agreement with the mayor of Fuxin.

The visit will end May 18, when the delegation returns to O’Hare International Airport.

Preparations are under way in Beijing for this summer’s Olympics. Some are protesting those games because of China’s human rights record.

Ninghua Wang, a visiting assistant professor at DePaul University’s Department of Modern Languages in Chicago, said the delegation likely won’t have any problems during the visit.  “Believe me that the local government will guarantee the safety of their distinguished guests,” Wang said in an e-mail, “and the delegation will enjoy the hospitality of the hosts.”

Rodriguez and Haranohave said they also want to help the private business leaders build their own overseas contacts during the visit.

Day 1 – Saturday, May 10th

12:43 PM Departure – Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport

 United Airlines – Flight 851

 Sunday, May 11th (Travelers flying westbound will lose one day        

 crossing the International Date Line)- as this is 7000 miles to Beijing -we’ll be using the “great circle route” as we  fly to Beijing-

 3:00 PM Arrival – Beijing International Airport

Check into Hotel        Days Hotel & Suites Beijing

27 Hua Wei Li
Chao Yang District
Beijing 100021

Information about Beijing, China –

Beijing City

KingWu was the first to declare Beijing the capital city in 1057 BC. Subsequently, the city has gone by the names of Ji, Zhongdu, Dadu, and finally Beijing when the Ming Dynasty Emperor ChengZuchose the name in 1421. Before 1949, Beijingwas known as Pekingby the Western world. After 1949, the city’s name returned to Beijing, as it is known today.BeijingCity is an independently administered municipal district. She is situated in the northeastern part of China at an elevation of 43.5m above sea level. The climate in Beijingis of the continental type, withcold and dry winters and hot summers. January is the coldest month (-4 Celsius), while July the warmest (26 Celsius).

Beijing has a whole area of 16808 sq km (about 6500 sq mi), stretching 160 kilometres from east to west and over 180 kilometres north to south. She has 18 districts and counties with Dongcheng, Xicheng, Xuanwu, Chongwen, Chaoyang, Haidian, Fengtai and Shijingshan in the surburbs and Fangshan, Mengtougou, Changping, Tongxian, Shunyi, Daxing, Huairou, Miyun, Pinggu and Yianqingin the outer suburbs. Population in Beijing is about 12 million.

Popular tourist information -

Great Wall of China  (photo)
the symbol of ancient Chinese civilisation. It has a history of more than 2000 years. It starts at Jianyuguan Pass in the west and ends at Shanhaiguan Pass in the east, stretching over 6,350 km and is the only man-made object visible from the moon. The Badaling section, 75km northof Beijing, is the most representative.

Imperial Palace

(Gugong, Forbidden City) (map)
built from 1406-1420, the former residence of the Ming and Qing Dynasty (1406 – 1420) 24 emperors, which its name denotes the fact that only the royal family, ministers and tribute-bearingambassador were allowed inside. The palace is located in the center of Beijing, which sprawls over a total area of more than 700,000 square metres. The various buildings consists of more than 9,000 rooms and houses 1.05 million relics