【時報訊】就在密蘇里州各政要及兩黨民意代表積極與中國聯系，推動促成聖路易林白機場中國空港計劃之際，聖路易大學城72選區州議員Maria Chappelle-Nadal更進一步加入聖路易地區商業成長協會(RCGA)，將與聖路易華埠一起努力，提供任何必要之支持和協助，讓中國空港計劃得以實現。
聖路易時報發行人同時也是聖路易國際機構董事之謝秀雲女士表示，聖路易華人社區在經濟上和人口上都有所成長，為社區增加許多就業機會，中國空港計劃將是中國與聖路易多項合作項目之一。
中國空港計劃將使用聖路易現有之基礎結構，讓聖路易成為中國對美國進出口貿易門戶。
州議員Maria表示，密州對中國農產品出口及農產加工品出口是她下一任議員任期之問政重點。8月5日將是Maria競選州議員連任初選日，上一屆Maria州議員以64%得票率勝出，本屆預估她將以更大的幅度領先對手。
Maria州議員所代表的72選區是聖路易華人商圈密集地區，許多支持她的華裔選民在美國及中國都有經貿投資和商業聯系，而密州與中國亦將以出口貿易為主軸，建立更緊密的關係。
州議員Maria於本周宣佈加入聖路易地區商業成長協會(Regional Chamber and Growth Association RCGA)，將在中國空港計劃中扮演更積極的角色，聖路易百利企業總裁蔡國雄先生指出，RCGA對中國空港計劃至為重要，與Maria州議員一起，聖路易華美社區將和RCGA共同推動這項計劃並提供必要的支持與協助。民意代表Maria州議員並將這項華裔聲反應予RCGA及密州政府當局。
72選區包括大學城、Pagedale及Wellston三區，其中Wellston區是全國性之經濟發展區，享用商業稅務優待，圍繞72選區之重要機構包括密蘇里大學，華盛頓大學，Emerging科技中心，Donald Danforth科學中心及密州職業發展中心等。
Maria Chappelle-Nadal Joins RCGA to Assist in Expanding Area Business Interests
Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-72) joined the Regional Chamber and Growth Association today showing support for the expansion of St. Louis' business community.
"I am thrilled to be a part of such a fine organization. The reputation of the St. Louis RCGA is that of a hands-on active business support service, which strengthens the regions business-sector and local economy. As a member, I hope to learn as much as possible about the needs and potential of the St. Louis region. And as such, it is my intent to share with the business community just how the 72nd district plans to deliver a willing and capable partnership."
Maria is committed to job growth and business expansion in St. Louis. Her position on the House Committee on Ways and Means and as ranking Democrat on Senior Advocacy Committee have uniquely poised her to see the effects of investments by the state in job training, business incubators and tax credit programs.
While the 72nd district is known as one of the most diverse when it comes to constituents, currently there is a buzz, especially in the Chinese-American community, in a partnership between Missouri and China. The exportation of Missouri agricultural products to China will be a major focus of Maria's this next term.
The 72nd legislative district has the highest concentration of Chinese-Americans in the state. Some of Maria's constituents currently have businesses in both the states and China. The growth of the export market is planned to be a direct connection between the governments of China and the state of Missouri.
George Tsai, owner of Baily International and Deli Food Manufacturing Inc. in St. Louis said, "The RCGA plays a very important role for this project. Together with Maria, the Chinese American community will work with the RCGA, and offer any help and support to make the St. Louis air cargo hub happen. I am very excited to see Maria join the RCGA to help her district and the Chinese community."
Sandy Tsai, publisher of the St. Louis Chinese American News and board member of the International Institute of St. Louis pointed out, "The Chinese American community is growing in business and population. We bring more business and job opportunities to this community. The air hub will be just one of many ventures for St. Louis with China."
The plan will utilize and grow pre-existing St. Louis infrastructures allowing the region to become a gateway for other markets wanting to be a part of the export chain.
With the joining of the RCGA, Maria Chappelle-Nadal will become a partner with the St. Louis business community bringing unique experience and knowledge to the expansion of the Missouri agricultural export market.
There are certain to be future shocks to the regional economy due to the housing and credit problems. It is the strength of our transportation and warehousing industries along with St. Louis' central location making the region an opportune site for foreign market expansion. This will hopefully lead to greater market diversity through the growth of these cornerstone economies.
"Our ability to reach so many other markets will hopefully show that businesses can reduce energy costs and be more efficient in delivering their goods by locating warehouses and satellite offices in St. Louis. My district's location near major interstates, railways and the airport, open up prime real-estate to transport goods and provide services. And with an available workforce to hire from that is also supported by a strong public transit system - which includes light-rail and buses - businesses can't loose."
Maria has a Democratic primary opponent August 5th. However, she won her last election with 64% of the vote and informal polling indicates she will increase her margin of victory this year.
Maria's District includes University City, Pagedale and Wellston. Wellston is one of a handful of national Empowerment Zones, opening up tax credits for businesses who operate there.
The University of Missouri-St. Louis, Washington University in St. Louis, the Center for Emerging Technologies, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and the Missouri Career Center surround the 72nd legislative district.
|
