A send-off ceremony was held for Lincoln County officials and others who left Tuesday, March 7, for eight days in Jiaxing City, China, as guests of the Hero Metal Furniture Company. During their visit, the local representatives will engage in an exchange of culture and ideas which could help the county make industrial contacts in China. Pictured with a proclamation designating Jiaxing City as a sister community are: (front row, l-r) Karen Faaborg of Top Grill, LLC; Sherman Norman; (middle row) Erin Faaborg, vice president of sales for Top Grill, LLC; Walker Norman, chairman of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners; Commissioner Allen Walker; (back row) Senator Jim Whitehead; Alana Burke, executive director of the Lincoln County Development Authority; Kathy Oxford, international trade specialist with the Georgia Department of Economic Development; and Commissioner Larry Collins. Burke, Oxford, Norman, and Chris Faaborg (not pictured) are making the trip to China.