FirstPathway Weblog

While in Ningbo for the Zhejiang Investment & Trade Symposium Bob Kraft and Dan Wycklendt were honored to receive a private tour of the province from friend and Senor Ambassador of Ningbo to the United States, Bangjie He. Their tour included a boat ride down the Fenghua River, a site visit to the future home of Milwaukee’s gift to Ningbo (its sister city), and many other historic local sites. During their visit Kraft and Wycklendt were also honored  guests at a private dinner hosted by the Yinzhou District Municipal Government. The two were also treated to an overnight stay at “Gold Beach” hosted by Xiangshan Municipal Government. We would like to thank all our friends in Ningbo for making our stay both memorable and enjoyable.

The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) China Business Council was honored to host the distinguished and admired Ambassador of China to the United States, Zhou Wenzhong, and the Consul General of China in Chicago, Huang Ping, during its annual Chinese New Year Reception on Monday, February 9. Over 75 invited guests and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year with delicious Jiăozi, stimulating speeches and striking Chinese calligraphy scrolls.

Among the speakers was Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong, who spoke highly of his visit to Milwaukee. It was obvious that this event symbolized the not only the meeting of East and west but the solidification of China’s connection to SE Wisconsin.

MMAC China Business Council Co-Chairs Ulice Payne and First Pathway Partners’ Bob Kraft, were honored to present the Ambassador with Milwaukee keepsakes. During the event local business leaders were also given to opportunity to speak with the Ambassador. When asked about his conversations with the Ambassador FPP’s VP of Compliance, Dan Wycklendt said that he had never met a man so noble and humble.

While in Milwaukee the Ambassador and the Consul General also enjoyed a Bucks/Rockets game hosted by the MMAC China Council. The game featured Chinese Native, Western Conference All star, Yao Ming.