News

July 6, 2020: ACSI Announces New Officers; Board Member

 Posted by on July 6, 2020  News  Comments Off on July 6, 2020: ACSI Announces New Officers; Board Member
Jul 062020
 

ACSI’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce its new Officers and Executive Committee for 2020-2022. Naomi Kwang (Barnes & Thornburg) has been nominated and confirmed as Board Chair with Andrea Richter-Garry (Indiana Economic Development Corporation) as Board Vice Chair. Brian Gildea (Centerpoint Energy) and Shen Liu Macheel (LHP) will both serve a second term as Board Treasurer and Secretary, respectively, with Harrison Ding (MLS/HiElites) rounding out the Committee as Past Chair.

The ACSI Board also confirmed the addition of Dr. Wendy Leutert (Indiana University) to it’s Board of Directors. Dr. Leutert currently serves as the GLP-Ming Z. Mei Chair of Chinese Economics and Trade at IU’s Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies and was recently named a China Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

June 1, 2020: ACSI Board Member Publishes Book on Operations Management in China

 Posted by on July 6, 2020  News  Comments Off on June 1, 2020: ACSI Board Member Publishes Book on Operations Management in China
Jul 062020
 

Successful operations and supply chain managers understand manufacturing in China. Dr. Craig Seidelson‘s book takes readers inside Chinese organizations and shows how factories are built, labor is managed, goods are sourced, quality is controlled, and logistics are handled. Through this immersion experience, readers are able to see the opportunities and pitfalls manufacturing in China.

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May 5, 2020: Local Outdoor Wholesaler & Chinese Exporter Donate 100,000+ PPEs to Indiana

 Posted by on May 5, 2020  News  Comments Off on May 5, 2020: Local Outdoor Wholesaler & Chinese Exporter Donate 100,000+ PPEs to Indiana
May 052020
 

Westfield Outdoors, a wholesaler of outdoor furniture and equipment, and China-based exporter Zhejiang Hengfeng Top Leisure have recently donated 100,000 surgical masks and 5,000 isolation suits to the state of Indiana for coronavirus relief efforts.

“The many healthcare workers in Indiana who risk their own lives to combat COVID-19 and save Hoosier lives are the true heroes,” said Charlie Cai, CEO of Westfield Outdoors. “As a Hoosier and Indiana-based company, we want to do our part in protecting our doctors, nurses, and medical professionals.”

Indiana-based Westfield Outdoors provides top-quality outdoor gear in the North American market with private labels as well as Timber Ridge, Portal, Glacier Ridge, Elevate and Old Bahama Bay which are sold at retailers including Costco, Walmart, Target, Bass Pro Shops, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Zhejiang-based Hengfeng is one of the largest exporters of outdoor leisure products and partnered with Westfield Outdoors to source the PPE donation.

“Indiana is a sister-state to Zhejiang and it’s important to care for your sisters and brothers from afar,” said Ben Yang, CEO of Zhejiang Hengfeng Top Leisure. “We’re happy to contribute this care package and pray for the health and safety of all Hoosiers.”
Last September, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb visited Hangzhou & Zhejiang as part of his first state visit to China. During his visit, Governor Holcomb renewed Indiana’s sister-state agreement with Zhejiang Province, toured Hengfeng’s production facility and met with executives from Zimmer Biomet China and Alibaba Group.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have wonderful partners like Ben and Charlie whose kindness and generosity know no boundaries,” said Colin Renk, executive director of the America China Society of Indiana.

Apr. 21, 2020: Non-Profit Coalition Launches Fund, donates 18,000 Masks for COVID-19 Relief Efforts

 Posted by on April 21, 2020  News  Comments Off on Apr. 21, 2020: Non-Profit Coalition Launches Fund, donates 18,000 Masks for COVID-19 Relief Efforts
Apr 212020
 

 

 

 

The COVID-19 Emergency Fund, managed and planned by a coalition of seven local Chinese-American non-profits, has raised $12,985 to supply frontline medical workers with PPEs throughout central Indiana.

The coalition, which also solicited donated supplies, has already purchased and provided more than 18,000 face masks, 3,500 disposable gloves, 1,000 face shields, and additional medical supplies to 38 organizations including: Ascension St. Vincent, Columbus Regional Health, Community Health Network, Eskenazi Health, Hendricks Regional Hospital, IU Health, Methodist Hospital, Rosewalk Assisted Living, Whitestown Fire Department, and Zionsville Police Department.

“It is our social responsibility to give back to our community and to help out any way we can,” said Yuhua Hui, president of Children’s Eyes on the Globe. “We, the Chinese-American community, think of Indiana as our home.”

The Fund’s coalition partners include: America China Society of Indiana, Asian American Today, Children’s Eyes on the Globe, Chinese American Bridge, Indianapolis Chinese Community Center, Inc. (ICCCI), Indianapolis Chinese Performing Arts, Inc. and the Indianapolis-Hangzhou Sister City Committee.

“Through our connections back in China, we were able to procure much needed medical supplies and get them into the hands of frontline medical workers in Indiana,” said Quanbo Xiong, president of ICCCI.

Jan. 15, 2020: Phase One of U.S.-China Trade Agreement Signed

 Posted by on January 15, 2020  News  Comments Off on Jan. 15, 2020: Phase One of U.S.-China Trade Agreement Signed
Jan 152020
 

At a ceremony in Washington D.C., President Trump and Vice Premier Liu He signed the Phase One trade agreement between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. In front of an audience of more than 200 government and business leaders, President Trump lauded the deal as a “sea change for international trade” which will bring a “more stable peace throughout the world”.

Details of Phase One Agreement

China will import more than $200 billion of American goods over two years including:

$50 billion on agricultural goods
$75 billion on manufacturing goods
$50 billion on energy purchases
$40+ billion on services mostly in the financial sector

Additionally, the deal includes provisions that address intellectual property enforcement, forced technology transfer, and currency devaluation standards and restrictions.

Tariffs Remain… for now

According to President Trump, U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods will continue throughout the Phase One agreement citing the need for negotiating leverage. The President expects all tariffs to be removed under a Phase Two deal, which will be negotiated soon.

Stay connected with us as more details are announced!

Oct. 22, 2019: ACSI Hosts 2019 China Business Conference & Annual Gala

 Posted by on November 5, 2019  News  Comments Off on Oct. 22, 2019: ACSI Hosts 2019 China Business Conference & Annual Gala
Nov 052019
 

On October 22nd, ACSI hosted its fourth China Business Conference and Annual Gala at the Hilton in downtown Indianapolis. With more than 310 business and government leaders from the United States and China registered, the half-day event focused on the evolving business dynamics between the U.S. and China, how Indiana businesses can mitigate risk to develop successful strategies, and ended with a celebratory dinner with entertainment.

The Business Conference began with an Indiana-China Business Update by Weilin Long (China Director, Indiana Economic Development Corporation), a US-China Economic Briefing by Kingsley Lam (Vice President, J.P. Morgan Chase), and a Political Overview by Russell Menyhart (Partner, Taft Stettinius & Hollister). Welcoming a special delegation from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Dr. Yao Zhizhong (Deputy Director, CASS) gave some thoughts on the Chinese perspective of the Trade War followed by an Intellectual Property Strategies presentation by Lee Li (Partner, Faegre Baker Daniels), and Trade & Tariffs Briefing by Christine Sohar Henter (Partner, Barnes & Thornburg).

Following a networking reception break, the Gala started with a special string quartet performance by Chinese students studying at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. The Gala continued with opening remarks by ACSI Chairman Mr. Harrison Ding followed by remarks by Indiana Secretary of Commerce Mr. Jim Schellinger and Chinese Consul General Mr. Zhao Jian.  The Gala concluded with an award ceremony with Jingu N.A. Corp. winning ACSI’s “Friend of Indiana” Award and Dr. Joe Xu winning the Chen Legacy Award.

Sep. 30, 2019: Gov. Holcomb Concludes First Economic Development Trip to China

 Posted by on October 3, 2019  News  Comments Off on Sep. 30, 2019: Gov. Holcomb Concludes First Economic Development Trip to China
Oct 032019
 

Governor Eric J. Holcomb concluded his inaugural economic development trip to China today after meeting with government officials and business leaders in Shanghai, China’s most populous city.

“Our time in China was incredibly productive and inspired further ideas for partnerships and collaboration,” Gov. Holcomb said. “I’m more than optimistic about the potential for future business investments as well as cultural and academic exchanges between Indiana and China. We were warmly received everywhere we traveled, underscoring the point that this was the perfect time for our visit to broaden and deepen our relations.”

The delegation hosted a Friends of Indiana luncheon in Shanghai with U.S. Consul General Sean Stein and leadership of Indiana-based Faegre Baker Daniels, which has an office in Shanghai. During the event, Gov. Holcomb and Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger addressed approximately 80 attendees representing U.S. and Chinese economic partners and prospective companies, highlighting the state’s largest business sectors, commitment to innovation and competitive business climate.

The Governor also met with U.S. Consul General Stein to learn more about Shanghai’s business climate, how Indiana can continue to support its 21 Chinese business establishments, and new areas of potential economic growth between Indiana and China.

Gov. Holcomb and the delegation met with Shanghai Party Secretary Li Qiang to highlight Indiana’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with Shanghai business leaders and government officials. As a global financial, innovation and technology, and transport hub, Shanghai is China’s biggest city by gross domestic product, according to CEIC Data.

This concludes the delegation’s trip to China, following visits to Beijing and Zhejiang Province last week. While in China, the Governor was joined by Naomi Kwang, attorney and president of the America China Society of Indiana (ACSI); Colin Renk, executive director of ACSI; Harrison Ding, chairman of ACSI; as well as Weilin Long, director of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s office in Hangzhou, China.

Sep. 27, 2019: Indiana Renews Sister-State Agreement with Zhejiang Province

 Posted by on October 3, 2019  News  Comments Off on Sep. 27, 2019: Indiana Renews Sister-State Agreement with Zhejiang Province
Oct 032019
 

Governor Eric J. Holcomb and the Indiana delegation joined provincial officials from China’s Zhejiang Province this week to renew the Indiana-Zhejiang sister-state relationship, celebrating the economic, cultural and educational connections shared between the two states. In Hangzhou, the provincial capital city, the delegation also met with Indiana and Chinese businesses with operations in Zhejiang Province, establishing new connections and strengthening partnerships across the region.

“Now in the fourth decade of our sister-state relationship with Zhejiang Province, this visit is the perfect opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to growing together,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Our 32-year-old partnership has blossomed into a transpacific friendship that’s fueling business, academic, government and cultural exchanges on both sides of the Pacific. We look forward to what the future brings both our states in the decades ahead.”

Indiana has shared a sister-state relationship with Zhejiang Province since 1987, when the agreement was first signed by former Indiana Governor Robert D. Orr. In 2017, Gov. Holcomb joined officials of Zhejiang Province in Indianapolis to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the partnership, and this week, the Governor again affirmed Indiana’s commitment to Zhejiang, renewing the sister-state agreement with Zhejiang Party Secretary Che Jun.

In Hangzhou, the delegation also met with Zhejiang Governor Yuan Jiajun to further emphasize Indiana’s commitment to strengthening the mutually-beneficial partnership between Indiana and Zhejiang Province. Since its inception, the Indiana-Zhejiang sister state has increased economic ties and cultural and educational exchanges between Indiana and China, and, last year, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation established a business development office in Hangzhou to further support and strengthen the many opportunities for collaboration.

The Indiana delegation met with representatives of the region’s economy during a business roundtable with Gov. Yuan and the Zhejiang Department of Commerce. Gov. Holcomb offered remarks highlighting Indiana’s pro-growth business environment and promoting future investment opportunities, and Secretary Schellinger provided an overview of Next Level initiatives currently underway to enhance connectivity, talent and quality of place across the state for years to come.

Indiana and Zhejiang Province already share many business ties. In Hangzhou, Gov. Holcomb and the delegation met with leadership of China-based Zhejiang HengFeng Top Leisure and its Indianapolis-based subsidiary, Westfield Outdoors. HengFeng is one of the largest exporters of outdoor leisure goods, producing more than 10,000 products, such as foldable chairs and beds, tents, fishing tackle and hunting gear, and garden furniture for customers worldwide. The company’s Indiana operation, Westfield Outdoors, was established in 2004 and supports R&D and U.S. sales for the products manufactured in Zhejiang and sold at popular retailers like Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Target, Walmart and Costco.

The Governor and Secretary also met with leadership of Zimmer Biomet China & Hong Kong to offer the state’s continued support on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. Zimmer Biomet, which is headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, and launched its China operations in 1994, employs 2,000 associates in China and 10,000 in the U.S., with nearly half of its U.S. employees located in Warsaw.

Additionally, the Indiana delegation visited the global headquarters of Alibaba Group, which offers a technology suite of e-commerce platforms, cloud computing, digital media and entertainment, and innovation services. The group met with executives to discuss opportunities for Alibaba to support Indiana companies on its online retail platforms as well as the company’s new strategic partnership with Salesforce, which operates its Salesforce Marketing Cloud operations in Indianapolis. With this partnership announced in July, Alibaba is now the exclusive provider of Salesforce to enterprise customers in mainland China and Hong Kong, while Salesforce is the exclusive enterprise CRM software suite sold by Alibaba.

Sep. 26. 2019: Gov. Holcomb Strengthens Global Connections in China’s Capital City

 Posted by on October 3, 2019  News  Comments Off on Sep. 26. 2019: Gov. Holcomb Strengthens Global Connections in China’s Capital City
Oct 032019
 

Governor Eric J. Holcomb, Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger and the Indiana delegation began the Governor’s first economic development trip to China this week, meeting with U.S. and Chinese government officials, university partners, business executives and Indiana business prospects in Beijing.

In Beijing, Gov. Holcomb, Secretary Schellinger and the delegation visited the headquarters of Shougang Group, the second-largest iron and steel enterprise in China, to meet with executive leadership of Shougang and its subsidiary, BeijingWest Industries (BWI). In 2017, BWI announced plans to locate its first U.S. production facility in Greenfield, Indiana, creating up to 441 new, high-wage jobs by the end of 2021. BWI recently celebrated the grand opening of its more than $80 million, 276,514-square-foot facility and is on pace to employ nearly 200 Hoosiers by the end of this year.

The Governor also met with U.S. and Chinese government officials, including Wang Qishan, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, and U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad, to express the importance of China to Indiana and its numerous contributions to the state’s economy, academic network and communities. Gov. Holcomb shared his appreciation for the close ties Indiana shares with its sister state, Zhejiang Province, and noted the state’s commitment to continuing to support mutually-beneficial exchanges and partnerships between Indiana and China.

The Governor and delegation hosted a business roundtable event in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce – Beijing, connecting with executives of U.S.- and Indiana-based companies operating in China, including Allison Transmission and Cook Group. Gov. Holcomb and Secretary Schellinger highlighted the state’s commitment to increasing global connectivity and international partnerships and their dedication to supporting Indiana companies both at home and across the world.

On Wednesday evening, Ambassador Branstad hosted a Friends of Indiana reception at his residence, gathering business executives, government officials, academic stakeholders and alumni of Indiana universities to create new connections and celebrate the Indiana-China relationship.

While in Beijing, the delegation met with Li Xiaolin, president of China People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), a nonpartisan organization focused on deepening international friendships and oversees sister-city and sister-state relationships. The group discussed the important role of the 32-year, Indiana-Zhejiang Province sister-state partnership and the 23 sister-city relationships Indiana communities share with communities across China.