Appliedinfo Hosts the First Shandong-USA Economic & Trade Conference

Trade Conference & Pioneer Award Luncheon Promote Stronger Ties Between Chinese Province and the US

SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY – The first Shandong-USA Economic & Trade Conference, held on December 2, 2005 at the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott, attracted over two hundred local corporations, private enterprises, government agencies and media correspondents. Sponsored by Appliedinfo Partners, Inc., the one-day conference brought seventy-five delegates from the government of Shandong province of China together with outstanding Chinese American entrepreneurs and professionals, as well as distinguished corporate representatives, to discuss the growing cultural and business partnership between the US and China, and to promote stronger relationships between New Jersey-based companies and Shandong province.  The Shandong delegates represented eight different cities and government agencies. 

The conference was kicked off with introductory remarks by Princeton University Economics Professor, Mr. Gregory Chow.  Professor Chow is an Economic Advisor to the Provincial Government of Shandong and Honorary Professor of Shandong University. New Jersey Legislature Assemblyman Gordon Johnson paid a visit to express his ongoing support towards US-China relations and strong advocacy for the Chinese American community.

The morning program continued with presentations of business opportunities by Jinan City, capital of Shandong, and by Qingdao City, co-host for the upcoming 2008 Beijing Olympics.  Mr. Luke Visconti, Partner & Co-Founder of Diversity Inc Magazine addressed the changing landscape of a multicultural America and how diversity management is critical to the success of many Fortune 500 American corporations.  Nancy Lewin, Executive Worldwide Director, Wound Care, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company presented an insightful look at how BandAid brand products are marketed globally.

The Pioneer Awards Luncheon featured distinguished honorees including Mr. David Wang, President of DBA Online; Professor Chow of Princeton University; Dr. George Xiao of Schering-Plough and Executive Council Member of Sino-American Pharmaceutical Professional Association; and Chengwen Wang, President of American Chinese Professional Association.

An Asian American Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mr. Alfred Teo, Chairman and CEO of Sigma Plastics Group, a multi-billion dollar industrial and consumer packaging company based in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. He was recognized for his humble and charitable spirit besides building an astoundingly successful enterprise over the past two decades.  Mr. Teo was introduced by Chairman of Sycamore Ventures Mr. Kilin To, a renowned Chinese American investor.

The keynote speech was delivered by Director Regional Economic Development of Port Authority New York New Jersey, Wilfred Chabrier.  Mr. Chabrier noted the dynamic evolution of the Port and how it plays a critical role in international trade, particularly with Shandong Province, in the greater New York area. 

Mr. John Lau, President of Appliedinfo Partners, Inc. and conference sponsor, concluded the awards ceremony with the moderation of cooperative signings between various Chinese American professional and trade organizations with Shandong government representatives.

One-on-one meetings were held in the afternoon between the Chinese delegation and American companies.  The Chinese delegation also showcased their city procurement projects and sought business partners from the participating companies and exhibitors.

The Shandong-USA Economic & Trade Conference was co-sponsored by DCH Auto Group, Bank of America, Sigma Plastics Group, Port Authority, ACPA, SAPA, NJCCPS and CAST.

For more information about the conference and for press interviews with our company, please contact Ms. Ada Wong at awong@appliedinfo.com or (732) 805-9297 ext. 142.

About Appliedinfo Partners, Inc.
Appliedinfo is a dynamic enterprise specializing in software and media technology, marketing communications and US-China business partnerships.  The company has consistently been recognized as one of the top diversity and woman-owned businesses in the United States.  Based in Somerset, New Jersey, Appliedinfo has been providing mission-critical services to Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and non-profit organizations since 1990.

Contact:
Mike DeFabrizio
732.507.7337