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Mayor Bob Sheckler will return to China late this summer – invitation in hand – for the 1st World Emerging Industries Summit 2010.
Sheckler, who said his invitation is “quite an honor,” hopes to interest investors there “in any type of development that would complement the city, either on the highway or downtown.
“This has to be a two-way street. We can’t just take and not give,” he added. “They are looking for good opportunities for investments in Des Moines that will give them a good return for their dollar. Their interest is in profitable investments.
“I look forward to the exchanges I will have with my hosts, and to reporting back to our city when I return.”
Sheckler said Chinese investors like the Des Moines area because they can’t get its views of Puget Sound anywhere else “without paying premium dollars for them. And the marina is a huge attraction to them.
The proposed site north of 216th Street for the Des Moines Creek Business Park
“We’re squared away to bring in investments on Pacific Highway and to downtown now that the water issue is taken care of – and to Des Moines Creek Business Park,” he continued.
Sheckler was invited as the result of personal contacts he made with government leaders and business investors during his China trip last year.
He went there in November to build foundations for a sister-city relationship with Changle and an exchange program between Chinese community college students and Highline Community College.
But Sheckler came home with a lot more – an agreement for a multi-million-dollar hotel in Des Moines in addition to those relationships.
In addition to the hotel, with more than 300 rooms, this development – at the old state vehicle emissions testing site along Pacific Highway S. north of Kent-Des Moines Road – will feature a four- or five-star Chinese restaurant and, possibly, retail space.
“It will be a true Chinese restaurant,” Sheckler noted. “Not a Chinese-American restaurant.”
The project is currently in the planning and design stage. Groundbreaking for construction is expected sometime next spring, perhaps sooner.
Matt Chan of Normandy Park, who is planning the multi-phase Waterview Crossing development on Pacific Ridge, accompanied Sheckler on his China trip last year and introduced him to business investors there.
Sponsored by the Chinese government, the Aug. 31-Sept. 3 summit – “New Industrial Revolution & Green Economy” – will include business talks on investment and cooperation, information and technology exchanges, and promotion of international economic cooperation in emerging industries.
Mayor Bob Sheckler during his previous visit to China in 2009
International political leaders, ministers and elected representatives of federal, state and provincial, and local governments, leaders of Fortune 500 companies and other industry-leading companies, representatives from industry and related international organizations, and top economists have been invited.
The invitation came from Wang Rulin, governor, Jilin Province of China, Dominique de Villepin, global chairman of the Asia-Pacific CEO Association Worldwide, and Zheng Xiongwei, global executive chairman of the association.
“As Des Moines continues to reach across the Pacific to Chinese investors who are interested in the potential for them in Des Moines,” Sheckler declared, “I feel confident that the majority of city council members will embrace these opportunities for future economic development.”
Story by Brenda Anders
Photos courtesy Gene Achziger
WOW! What an amazing display of diversity. Going to Highline Community College’s “GlobalFest 2010″ was like traveling around the world, no passport required! Students were eager to share information about their unique traditions, games and entertainment. There was delicious ethnic food and interesting displays of many countries. Many of the groups had artifacts and props on loan from local ethnic community organizations.
My favorite part was when the different groups performed. The story began with a journey to “Planet Highline.” We were led by four girls, each with their own ideas, to different countries within “Planet Highline.” It was funny, entertaining, and enlightening. There was so much talent on that stage! I left feeling inspired and connected to something bigger than myself.
You have one more chance to see some of these talented students in action next Thursday, May 20, 6-8pm. Culture Fest performances will be held at Wesley Terrace’s Auditorium and the general public is welcome to attend. Tickets are $8 and are available at the Des Moines Senior Activity Center, just east of the post office on 216th, or at the door.
For more information call 206-878-1642.
Here are photos courtesy Gene Achziger:
| May |
| 20 |
| 6:00 pm |
Highline Community College International Students and Local Seniors at WLB Advertiser Wesley Homes are sponsoring Culture Fest, on Thursday, May 20th.
It’ll be held from 6pm – 8pm at the Wesley Homes Des Moines Terrace auditorium, located at 816 South 216th Street.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Culture Fest, sponsored by Highline Community College International Students and Wesley Homes.
WHEN: Thursday, May 20th from 6pm – 8pm.
WHERE: Wesley Homes Des Moines Terrace auditorium, located at 816 South 216th Street.
TICKETS: Tickets are $8, and admission will include:
- International foods samplings
- Entertainment from around the world
- Culture booths from many countries
- Free shuttle from Des Moines Activity Center
INFO: Visitors are encouraged to “surprise us by wearing the costume of your heritage” but that’s not a requirement.
The Des Moines Activity Center is a sponsor, and all proceeds from this event benefit senior programs and services for the Des Moines and Normandy Park communities.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call (206) 878-1642.
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