County's China trade missions spur Discovery channel profile
Detroit - Wayne County's far-reaching travels to recruit investment and attract attention to our region are part of an important documentary on China scheduled for broadcast on the highly popular Discovery channel.
A team of business and public officials on June 25 screened a segment of the program, which is narrated and produced by former "Nightline" host Ted Koppel. The Discovery program - "The People's Republic of Capitalism " - peers into the life and times of modern China. The powerful series includes interviews with Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, who had been in China during the show's taping in 2007.
Jay LaMonica, producer of the "Koppel on Discovery" series, introduced the program to the Wayne County group at Detroit Chamber offices. Mr. LaMonica has worked with Ted Koppel for 30 years. The Discovery series has earned several awards, including a profile of Iran. The four-hour China profile will air July 9-12.
"We are thrilled in the interest shown by Ted Koppel and his team," the county executive said.
The Koppel screening in Detroit looked at how the automobile and the auto industry are impacting modern China. Interviews with Chinese industrialists, American auto executives and everyday Chinese citizens are included in the documentary. Mr. Ficano has made China a centerpiece of his efforts to recruit overseas investment and to open the door to American firms. His work is cited as a benchmark in broader statewide efforts to bring new jobs and investment to our region.
The Discovery profile looked at the growth and emergence of the Chinese city of Chongqing, coined the Detroit of the vast Asian country because of its focus on building its industrial and automotive base. Wayne County has opened a trade office in Chongqing to assist investors on both sides and to establish goodwill. Mr. Ficano's visits have produced millions in new investments, with further investments under consideration. One large Chinese automotive supplier has opened a research center in Canton, for example.
Mr. Ficano plans another trade mission to China in November 2008. The trips are privately funded and open to those eager to learn or develop trade ties to China.
For further details about Wayne County trade missions to China, please call (313) 224-0267
Event Photos (Click to enlarge)
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Detroit - Wayne County's far-reaching travels to recruit investment and attract attention to our region are part of an important documentary on China scheduled for broadcast on the highly popular Discovery channel.
Westland - Who's going to be the next Michael Phelps? That was the question posed by Kevin Kelley, Wayne County's seniors/veterans director. 
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Trenton - Wayne County and the city of Trenton are hosting this year's annual Downriver Senior Olympics, a celebration of health and vitality for athletes over age 50.
For horse owner Henry Mast, the only thing more surprising than being the first winner at Pinnacle Race Course on Friday afternoon was that he couldn't find a parking spot at the track before the race.
