metro asian news
Posted July 1, 2009
Clear Lanes Shut Down at Hartsfield-Jackson
The operator of paid security lanes at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, has shut down because its parent company failed to come to terms with a major creditor. New York-based Verified Identity Pass Inc., the operator of registered travel service CLEAR, said the paid security lanes at its member airports would cease operations because the company “has been unable to negotiate an agreement with its senior creditor to continue operations,” according to a statement posted on the company’s Web site, www.flyclear.com.
Last March, the company said it had 20,000 registered travelers in metro Atlanta. As of last year, the company had more than 200,000 CLEAR members, who paid up to $199 for an annual membership for access to designated security lanes at participating airports nationwide.
Members provided biometric data, which was encoded on a card, for the promise of a speedier and convenient trip through airport security. The service targeted business travelers who routinely travel by air.
The company was founded by Court TV founder Steve Brill. CLEAR lanes opened at the airport about the same time as an expansion of the main security lanes at Hartsfield-Jackson. The new additions included lanes designed specifically for experienced travelers.
Airport officials have said the added lanes have kept security wait times below 10 minutes on average, which might have made CLEAR lanes less advantageous to consumers.
Chinese Electronics Corporation To Open Sales Office in Gwinnett
Ningbo Self Electronics Corporation USA, a specialized supplier of optoelectronic products such as full series LED lamps, LED displays, LED dot matrixes and LED clusters has announce the expansion of its sales operations in Gwinnett, Metro Atlanta, and the State of Georgia.
The company selected Gwinnett and the State of Georgia because of both its proximity to major US clients like Home Depot and WalMart and its ready access to the US market. President of SELF USA, David Lee, said in a news release, “The Gwinnett and Metro Atlanta region enable us to provide better customer service to existing clients while offering convenient access to over 80% of the US market in 2 just days via road transport. And with the world’s busiest airport, Atlanta International, it also serves as our international gateway to the North and South American markets, respectively.”
Gwinnett County is currently engaged on a business recruitment mission to Asia. While on this mission, Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charles Bannister commented on Ningbo’s expansion, “Once again, Gwinnett’s efforts to build international ties with Asian business have proven beneficial for our community. We welcome Ningbo Self Electronics to our community of international companies already doing business in Gwinnett, and we look forward to their continued growth in the region!”
For more information Ningbo Self Electronics, visit www.self.cn/en.
Gwinnett County And Gangnam Gu, South Korea Formalize Sister Community Agreement in Asia
Nearly two years of groundwork paid off this week as Gwinnett County and the Gangnam-Gu district of Seoul, South Korea, signed a formal pact to become sister communities. The move will usher in an era of close ties between the two regions, with formation of special committees designed to identify and develop business opportunities beginning soon.
The June 29th signing ceremony was held in the Gangnam government offices, attended by the Gwinnett delegation currently on business recruitment to Asia.
Gangnam District Mayor, Maeng Jung-ju, hosted the delegation as Gwinnett Commission Chairman Charles Bannister and he signed the agreement, making the partnership between the two communities official.
“I hope that today's sister city signing ceremony will serve as a milestone for the peoples of both competitive and attractive cities and to stimulate exchange between the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and the Gangnam-Gu Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the revitalization of each other's economies within this worldwide economic recession,” said Mr. Maeng, according to a release on Gwinnett Chamber's website.
The signing ceremony also included a formal exchange of gifts and a presentation by Chairman Bannister to Mayor Maeng. The Chairman told the Mayor he had already recognized areas where best practices could readily be applied. “From our business meetings in Gangnam over the last two days, I already see that we can learn from your use of technology to keep residents up to date. And, I believe we can share information on some of Gwinnett’s quality of life achievements such as our award-winning Park system,” Bannister said.
The next step for the two communities is to establish business development committees, which will begin almost immediately upon the delegation’s return to the States. The committees will serve to foster this international community agreement, identifying opportunities for business development and trade while learning best practices for enhanced quality of life and education.
The sister-community relationship, publicly introduced in February 2008 and formalized State-side in March 2009, is just one of many accomplishments achieved during the Gwinnett delegation’s mission currently being executed in Asia.
For more information, visit Gwinnett Chamber's website: www.gwinnettchamber.org
Hisense Corporation USA Expansion in Gwinnett Create High-wage Jobs
Hisense Corporation USA – a division of China’s largest manufacturer and distributor of flat-panel screens, Hisense Company Ltd. has announce the expansion of its North American headquarters operation in Gwinnett. The expansion will bring $800K in capital investment for Gwinnett and Georgia and create 35-40 new high-wage jobs for research & development and its call center over the next three to five years.
The expansion was announced during Gwinnett’s business recruitment mission to China and is being finalized at a formal ceremony in Qingdao. Attendees include Chinese company representatives, Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charles Bannister, Gwinnett Chamber President Jim Maran and Chamber Vice President Nick Masino.
Hisense Company Ltd. is the largest flat panel screen manufacturer and distributor located in China’s Shandong Province. Hisense is the only company in Georgia fully-owned by a Chinese government (the city of Qingdao), and with this expansion, will become a permanent property owner in Gwinnett, having previously leased their space since 2001 in the community after moving from California.
Steven Cohen, Director of Hisense Corporation USA, said of this expansion, “Gwinnett County offers much in the way of international business growth. With a strong workforce from which to recruit, a business friendly environment and close proximity to the world’s busiest airport, it was a perfect fit for Hisense and that’s why we chose to remain and expand in this progressive community.”
For further information on Hisense Corporation USA, visit their website at www.hisense-usa.com.
Asian Americans Enter Local Election Race
Garry Guan, an Asian entrepreneur formally announced his candidacy for the Georgia 5th Senate District seat currently held by incumbent Curt Thompson.
Guan who originally from Harbin, China believes “the timing is right for him to enter the race.”
Georgia Senate 5th District represents parts of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. The 5th District election is scheduled for November 2, 2010.
Alex Wan is another Asian American who formally announced his candidacy for the Atlanta City Council (District 6) seat.
Wan is seeking the Atlanta City Council seat covering part of Midtown, Morningside/Lenox Park, Virginia Highland, Ansley Park, Druid Hills, and Candler Park neighborhoods.
He had previously ran for State House District 57 seat in 2004, which he managed to pulled 38 percent of the vote against popular incumbent Rep. Pat Gardner.
This is the first time for an Asian American to compete in both seats. It marks the emergence of Asian American voice in the growing communities in Georgia.
Georgia Chamber Congressional Luncheon
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Congressional Luncheon will be held on August 18th at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry.
This year’s event will feature a panel discussion with Congressmen John Barrow, Sanford Bishop, Nathan Deal and Lynn Westmoreland and a special salute to Georgia’s military.
For tickets and more information, visit www.gachamber.com/cl
GAT Asian Expo and Diversity Job Fair Scheduled For Sept 5
Georgia Asian Times is hosting the 2nd annual Asian Expo and Diversity Job Fair on Saturday, September 5 at Mercer University Atlanta Administration and Convention Center.
“Asian Expo is designed to showcase products and services targeting Asian American consumers. It is also an opportunity for corporations, small business, and entrepreneurs to interact and to expand their networking,” said Yom Razak, Account Manager at Georgia Asian Times.
Corporations and organizations that are actively recruiting and hiring are expected to participate at the Diversity Job Fair.
The event is free and open to public from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday.
“The venue is very accessible from I-85 and conveniently located near Buford Highway. The event is scheduled for Saturday to allow working professionals and busy individuals to attend.”
Various non-profit organizations and government agencies are also participating at this year’s Asian Expo to promote their services and outreach.
Space are limited and bookings for the exhibition booths are currently being accepted by GAT staffs.
Filipino American Community Celebrates 111th Anniversary of Independence
Filipino American community celebrated “Kalayaan” at The Mansion on Peachtree in Buckhead on June 12.
Over 200 community leaders attended the formal gala event hosted by Phillipines Honorary Consul General Raoul “Ray” Donato and the Filipino American Community of Georgia.
Former Libertarian candidate Bob Barr who was the guest of honor presented a welcoming remark at the gala. Consul General of Argentina, Columbia, and Japan were also in attendance.
Guests were treated to a variety of dance and cultural performances.
Didi O’Connor was presented the Community Service Award by Consul General Ray Donato for her exemplary community service and volunteerism in the community.
“Didi has been a true ambassador for the Filipino community. She is very visible on behalf of our community and represented us well,” said Consul General Donato.