The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is expanding
the region's economic worldview, with a first-time, Chamber-led trip to Beijing
and Shanghai this summer.
The Tourism and
Trade Mission Tour mixes business and pleasure in a single trip.
"It’s for both
tourism and business purposes. Last year Chamber President Steve Stevens went
on this trip with the American Chamber of Commerce Executives and it was a
great experience for him. That's why we decided to offer it," said Kelly
Jones, Northern Kentucky Chamber coordinator of business development and international
trade.
The trip will be
Sept. 11-19 and is open to both Chamber members and non-members. The tour's
business portion will include a trip to the 2010 World Expo business and culture event, and
networking with Chinese business with help from the Kentucky Economic Development Office in
Beijing. The Tourism portion will include visits to the Great Wall of
China, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and a boat cruise.
Those taking the
business tour can participate in some of the tourism events. The business tour
is limited to 25 businesses, while the tourism portion has a flexible number of
spots, Jones said.
"We're
investing so much time customizing each trip for the businesses that we had to
limit it," Jones said. Business owners will be able to meet up with
potential partners in China, one of the world's emerging economic powers.
"This could be
an untapped market for some companies, and this is a great way to make
connections," Jones said.
The all-inclusive
trip, including Four- and Five-Star accommodations, is $1,999 per person for
chamber members and $2,199 per person for non-members. Find out more here. Interested? There will be a free, pre
tour briefing at Oriental Work in Fort Mitchell on Feb. 18
Writer: Feoshia
Henderson
Source: Kelly
Jones, Northern Kentucky Chamber coordinator of business development and
international trade