County and Chinese sign historic memorandum

delegation from China's Xiuzhou District in the Zhejiang Province and officials from Lincoln County took part in a formal ceremony Thursday, October 25, during which a memorandum of understanding was signed, designating the district and the county as sister communities. Walker Norman (l), chairman of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners, and Hailong Qi, deputy governor of the Zhejiang Province of China, are shown signing the memorandum, while interpreter Jian Hong Huang looks on.

In March of 2006, representatives of Lincoln County and the State of Georgia visited the Xiuzhou District and took part in a similar ceremony, held in Jiaxing City.

The purpose of the sister community relationship is to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the American and Chinese people and consolidate and develop friendly cooperation and exchanges between the two countries.

Among the Chinese delegates attending the Lincoln County Friendship Community Ceremony were Hailong Qi, deputy governor, Zhejiang Province; Yong Zhang, cooperation director, Fair Trading Division, Zhejiang Foreign Trade and Economics; Shui Lin Xu, president, Hero Metal Furniture Company, Ltd.; Ling Ling Gu, sales manager, Hero Metal Furniture Co.; Hai Hua Xu, vice general manager, Hero Metal Furniture Co.; Rui Hong Yu, general manager, Zhejiang Yinmao Import & Export Company, Ltd.; Jin Rong Shen, general manager, Jiaxing Chengheng Textile Industry Company, Ltd.; Yu Ping Hong, vice general manager, Zhejiang Shiner Import & Export Company, Ltd.; Qing Wei Qian, manager, Hero USA; and Jiang Percy, translator for the Hero contingent, and his wife, Ping Zhang.

Pictured kneeling beside the marker at the Friendship Fountain, designating Lincoln County and China's Xiuzhou District as sister communities, is Shui Lin Xu, president of the Hero Metal Furniture Company. Last Thursday, the company opened a new 36,000-square-foot distribution center in the Highway 378 Industrial Park.

Jian Hong Huang served as the translator for the Friendship Community Ceremony, which was hosted by the Lincoln County Board of Com- missioners and the Lincoln County Development Authority. Brittany Perkins, Junior Miss Lincoln County, was the official greeter.

Held in the courtroom at the Lincoln County Courthouse, the ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, led by Maurice Cadden, vice commander of American Legion Post 194.

Following the pledge, George Leverett III, chairman of the Lincoln County Development Authority, welcomed those present for the historic occasion.

"We are really living in a global society as evidenced by what is happening today," said Leverett. "During their visit, the Chinese delegates spent three days in Atlanta and three in Lincolnton. They have seen the best of Atlanta as well as the best rural community in the State of Georgia. We look forward to a mutually prosperous relationship with our Chinese friends."

The chairman also thanked all those who helped make the sister community relationship a reality, including Alana Burke, executive director of the development authority; various state and local officials; and several private individuals and companies, especially the Georgia Power Company.

Following Leverett's remarks, Alana Burke introduced the Chinese delegation, along with state and local dignitaries such as John Perryman, senior project manager for Georgia Power; Wendy Bibb, senior regional project manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD); Jeannie Buttrum, regional tourism representative with the GDEcD; Dwaine Biggerstaff, mayor of the City of Lincolnton; County Commissioner Darrell Henderson; Probate/Magistrate Judge Lee Moss; Superior Court Clerk Bruce Beggs; Dr. Randall Edmunds, superintendent of schools; and Norman Pursley, development authority member.

On behalf of Lincoln County, Walker Norman (l), chairman of the board of commissioners, presents a set of framed photographs to Hailong Qi, deputy governor of the Zhejiang Province of China. The presentation was made at the Friendship Community Ceremony held Thursday, October 25, at the Lincoln County Courthouse

Burke went on to note that without Perryman, Bibb, and Buttrum, the week would not have been possible.

The next segment of the program featured g reetings delivered by Jennifer Hayes, representing United States Senator Saxby Chambliss; Nancy Bobbitt, representing United States Senator Johnny Isakson; Reagan Williams, representing Congressman Paul Broun; and State Senator Bill Jackson.

On behalf of Senator Chambliss, Hayes congratulated Lincoln County and the Xiuzhou District for forming "a partnership that exemplifies fair and free enterprise at work in a free marketplace. This relationship will enable us to share and capitalize on all of our resources and enhance the quality of life for all involved."

Speaking for Senator Isakson, Bobbitt said, "The senator would like to commend Lincoln County officials for all of their hard work in forming an alliance with international companies. To ensure success in future years, our counties and cities must learn to market themselves as global communities. Congratulations to the delegates from Hero and the Chinese government. We look forward to a very long, working relationship."

"On behalf of Congressman Paul Brown, it is my pleasure to extend greetings to our friends from China," stated Reagan Williams, a field representative for the congressman. "Your decision to place a business in this county is an exceptional choice. The citizens are very passionate about their county, which is a phenomenal place to live and work.

"Lincoln County has a rich history, and its future is very bright," he continued. "Thank you for bringing Hero Metal Furniture to the county and for making a positive contribution to the quality of life in this community by bringing in good jobs. Thank you for investing in the people of Lincoln County."

In his comments, Senator Jackson complimented the officials of Lincoln County for their efforts to bring the Chinese company to Lincoln County, singling out Walker Norman, county commission chairman; George Leverett; and Alana Burke. He added that Burke has "worked tirelessly to make this a reality.

"It's heartwarming to see good things happening that will help us reach our common goals. May God bless us all as we begin this economic venture. May it be good for our Chinese friends and the people of Lincoln County."

At this point in the program, those in attendance watched two PowerPoint presentations. One featured a look at the schools, culture, industries, and opportunities for growth in the Xiuzhou District, courtesy of Deputy Governor Qi. The other presentation focused on Lincoln County and was prepared by Jill McKinney, website manager and GIS coordinator for the county.

Next, Amanda Scott, a junior at LCHS, read a letter from Ming Chao Zhang, governor of the Xiuzhou District, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province.

After extending his greetings to Chairman Norman, the governor wrote: "In March of 2006, you and the Lincoln County delegation visited the Xiuzhou District, and on March 11, on behalf of the governments of both sides, a memorandum of friendship community relations was signed by you and Mr. Zhu Yawei, who was an enhanced result through group effort and teamwork."

In other comments, he expressed his appreciation to his family; the people of Lincoln County; Shui Lin Xu; Jiang Percy; Yu Ping Hong; Wendy Bibb and the Georgia Department of Economic Development; Alana Burke, George Leverett, and the Lincoln County Development Authority; Walker Norman; and Ernie Doss.

Regarding Burke, Faaborg said, "What an asset to Lincoln County - if it were not for her, we would never have moved here from Louisiana."

In closing, he said, "I thank God then the governor of the Xiuzhou District. At that time, a Mongolia grandiflora tree was planted in Xiuzhou Park, which symbolizes the friendship between the Xiuzhou District and Lincoln County, and the seeds of friendship were sown.

"For more than one year, we, on both sides, based on the principles of peace, friendliness, and mutual benefits, have been conducting communications and collaborations in economy, technology, and trading, establishing very friendly and cooperative ties between the two sides.

"As a particular example, the Zhejiang Hero Metal Furniture Shareholding Company, Ltd., with support from you and Lincoln County Government, will hold its grand opening ceremony on October 25, 2007, which will be the best translation of our friendly cooperation.

"For more than one year, the economic development of the Xiuzhou District has been booming, and the market has been robust, with flourishing industries and a stabilized society...Multiple American enterprises have invested in Xiuzhou, including Leggett & Platt, Parker Hannifin, Prologis, and AMB Property.

"Xiuzhou has been constantly increasing its efforts to open up to the outside world and involve itself in international competition. As a result, the district's ability to undertake the international industry transfer has been growing with each passing day."

Governor Zhang also wrote that he is looking forward to representatives of governmental agencies, industries, and entrepreneurs visiting the Xiuzhou District for exchanges of information and collaboration.

In closing, the governor referred to the Friendship Community Ceremony as an activity that "symbolizes the opening of a new chapter in the history of the two regions' friendship, which will be raised to a new height, presenting a new vision for the further development of the friendship between the people in the two regions...May our friendship tree be green forever!"

The reading of the letter was met with a round of applause from the audience.

The next speaker was Erin Faaborg, chief financial officer for Top Grill Imports, LLC. The Faaborg family was instrumental in bringing Hero Metal Furniture to Lincoln County.

"The establishment of a sister community relationship provides us with a unique opportunity for the promotion of ideas and the exchange of culture," said Faaborg. "Thank you all for the great effort and countless hours spent to make this opportunity a reality."

Following Faaborg on the program was Commission Chairman Norman, who welcomed the Chinese delegation to "Georgia's Freshwater Coast."

"Thirty-five years ago, in 1972, the first United States president touched the grounds of China," stated the chairman. "That day made history throughout the world. In 2006, our delegation from Lincoln County made history on the grounds of Jiaxing City. Today, with all of you, we're making history once again as we welcome our Chinese friends to our community."

Referring to the poem, "The Road Not Taken," by Robert Frost, Norman said, "In 2007, we all live in a global society, and we will have to travel roads less traveled. Frost's poem concludes by pointing out that the road less traveled was the best road to take.

"Lincoln County is traveling on a new road. I am proud and hope the people of Lincoln County are proud we have joined other communities in this great nation in extending the hand of friendship to the international community.

"Not only are we importing, we are also exporting to China," Chairman Norman continued. "We appreciate the fact that Governor Sonny Perdue has opened up the state to international trade."

The chairman indicated that Georgia is ranked 14th in the nation in exports to the People's Republic of China. With a 232-percent increase over the last seven years, the state's exports to China now exceed $1 billion.

He went on to note that the Georgia Department of Economic Development now has an office in China. "It is important for us as a society, state, nation, and country to be a part of world trade."

Speaking to Deputy Governor Qi, Chairman Norman said, "We look forward to a long and friendly relationship with you, your district, and country as we promote economic growth in Lincoln County and other parts of the world. Thank you for coming. We wish you and your delegation a safe trip home."

Next on the program was Deputy Governor Qi, who stated, "Our delegation is from China, which is far away. But it feels like this is our home. Everyone is very friendly. Thank you. We've had a great time here."

In other remarks, he said, "Today is a special day for Lincoln County and the Xiuzhou District. It is very important because we are signing a memorandum of understanding, which will establish the Xiuzhou District and Lincoln County as sister communities. Lincoln County is the first county to become our sister community. Let us remember this special day forever."

Deputy Governor Qi then thanked everyone who was in attendance at the ceremony. "We hope our business ventures will be successful. Happiness and friendship forever."

The governor was rewarded with a long round of applause.

The remainder of the program was devoted to the signing of the memorandum of understanding, designating Lincoln County and the Xiuzhou District as sister communities.

The document, signed by Chairman Norman and Deputy Governor Qi, on behalf of Governor Chao Ming Zhang, states:

.. "The two communities will seek cooperation and exchanges on the basis of mutual trust and friendly relations.

.. "The two communities will carry out, in accordance with the principles of equality and mutual benefit, exchanges and cooperation in various forms in the fields of economy, science and technology, culture, education, sports, and others. Special attention will be paid to practical exchanges and cooperation between their manufacturers and educational institutions to promote common prosperity and development.

.. "Regular contact shall be maintained between the leaders and relevant departments of the two communities to facilitate communications on exchanges and cooperation as well as matters of common concern. Regular visits shall be conducted by delegations from the two communities to further promote mutual exchange as well as friendly relations between the two communities."

Following the signing of the memorandum, Chairman Norman and Deputy Governor Qi made a toast to friendship and then exchanged gifts.

At this point, the ceremony shifted venues to the Friendship Fountain, located across the street from the courthouse.

Guests were greeted by the sound of the LCHS Jazz Band playing "Georgia On My Mind."

The first speaker was Chairman Norman, who said, "Six days ago, we dedicated the Friendship Fountain on behalf of the people of Lincoln County. It was paid for entirely by local businessmen to promote friendship throughout Lincoln County, the state, the nation, and the world."

The chairman told Deputy Governor Qi that the county was honored that the first festivities held at the fountain were in recognition of the sister community relationship with the Xiuzhou District.

After comparing the sister community relationship to a tree and a river, Deputy Governor Qi commented on the beauty of the fountain and said, "Thank you for your thoughtfulness and for everything you have done for us. We really appreciate it."

In other comments, Chairman Norman said, "I would like to thank Al and Elizabeth Arthur, who introduced us to the Faaborgs, who then introduced us to Hero Metal Furniture and our Chinese friends. The trees planted here at the fountain were donated by the Arthurs to pay tribute to local, state, national, and international friendships."

Lincoln County is also the distribution point for Charles Owen & Company, Ltd., a manufacturer of equestrian safety equipment based in Wrexham, North Wales.

To conclude the ceremony, Chairman Norman unveiled a granite marker commemorating the sister community relationship between Lincoln County and the Xiuzhou District.

The Chinese delegation, state and local officials, and others were treated to lunch in the fellowship hall at the Lincolnton United Methodist Church prior to attending a ribbon cutting ceremony at Hero Metal Furniture Company's new distribution center in the Highway 378 Industrial Park. Following the ceremony and a reception, hosted by Top Grill, the Chinese visitors headed back to the Atlanta airport.

The signing of the memorandum of understanding was the culmination of the Chinese delegation's whirlwind tour of Atlanta and Lincoln County.

Since the moment their plane touched down in Atlanta last weekend, the visitors from China have enjoyed a wide variety of activities.

Meeting the Chinese in Atlanta were Chairman Norman, George Leverett, Alana Burke, Wendy Bibb, Jeannie Buttrum, John Perryman, and Ernie Doss, director of the Lincoln County Department of Public Safety.

While in Atlanta, the delegates visited the Georgia Resource Center; toured the Governor's Mansion; met Governor Sonny Perdue; ate lunch at the State Capitol as guests of Senator Bill Jackson and Representative Barry Fleming; toured the capitol; visited the World of Coke, Centennial Park, and Pemberton Park; received a VIP tour of the CNN Center; and were the guests of honor at a dinner given by the Georgia Power Company and the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

After arriving in Lincolnton on Tuesday afternoon and checking in the Savannah Lakes Village Condominiums, the group enjoyed a low country boil, prepared by Bruce Beggs at the Mattison Farm off of Highway 79; a tour of Elijah Clark State Park and the Lincoln County Historical Park; lunch prepared by the Lincoln County Historical Society; a cruise on the Savannah River; and a dinner, hosted by Top Grill.

While at the historical park, Deputy Governor Qi was given letters from students at LCMS to distribute to children in China for the purpose of forming friendships by mail.

In an interview with The Lincoln Journal, the governor seemed to be very impressed by this gesture. "Now, we are building a relationship between the county and the Xiuzhou District. In the future, we will build relationships between schools and work to educate the children about Chinese and American culture. After all, the children are our future."

He also mentioned seeing a Chinese student from LCMS at the park. "I was so happy to see her - I sent her a gift."

In further remarks, Deputy Governor Qi said, "Lincoln County is clean and nice; the people are friendly; the food is good, especially the potatoes; and the lake is beautiful."

One of the features that the Xiuzhou District and Lincoln County have in common is a big lake. The district's lake is known as South Lake.

In conclusion, the governor said, "I was most impressed with Chairman Norman and his leadership; he has done a great job. I would definitely like to come back and visit our sister community."

According to Alana Burke, executive director of the Lincoln County Development Authority, "It was an absolutely wonderful week. The Chinese had a great time and were impressed with the sights in Atlanta and Lincoln County.

"I appreciate very much the opportunity to further market our community to the business people of Jiaxing City, with the hope of bringing more jobs to Lincoln County," she continued, adding, "We want China to support the economy of Lincoln County by bringing investments back to the USA."