metro asian news
Posted March 1, 2010
Kia Plant Officially Opens in West Point
Governor Sonny Perdue joined with Mong-Koo Chung, Chairman of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, officiated the grand opening of Kia’s first North American manufacturing facility, located in West Point on February 26. The ceremony was attended by approximately 500 dignitaries from both Korea and the U.S. including company representatives, dealers, and local and state officials.
“Kia’s decision to locate its first US manufacturing operation here in Georgia will be a milestone both for this company and our state,” said Governor Perdue in a release statement. “Georgia’s strengths will provide Kia with a competitive advantage as it expands its manufacturing base to North America. In turn, Kia and its suppliers are providing high-quality jobs to Georgia workers who can take pride in seeing vehicles they helped build on highways around the country.”
Governor Perdue and Chairman Chung announced in March 2006 that Kia would create 2,500 jobs and invest $1 billion in a new facility in Georgia. Ground was broken on the 2,200-acre site in October of that year for the new Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia plant (KMMG), and production began as scheduled in November 2009. The first vehicle to be built at KMMG is the all-new Sorento CUV, which is now in showrooms around the U.S. and Canada. At full capacity, the plant will have the ability to produce 300,000 vehicles each year.
“Kia is proud to call West Point, Georgia home and we look forward to many years of growing together,” said Byung-Mo Ahn, Group President and CEO of KMMG and Kia Motors America (KMA). “Continued diligent work has helped elevate Kia to one of the fastest growing automobile brands around the globe. With the successful launch of the 2011 Kia Sorento CUV and establishment of our first manufacturing plant in the United States, the Kia brand is well positioned for further growth and to become a worldwide leader in quality and innovation.”
The Kia plant’s economic impact to Georgia is expected to be approximately $4 billion per year, according to a Georgia Institute of Technology study commissioned by Georgia Department of Economic Development. The study predicts the economic benefits brought about by the Kia location will mean 20,000 new jobs by 2012 in a nine-county region. More than 3,600 of these jobs have already been announced by suppliers who have located on or near the Kia site.
Filipino Hoops Night Hosted by Atlanta Hawks on Mar 5
“Filipino Hoops and Heritage Night” will be held by the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, March 5, 2010 during its game against the Golden State Warriors at the Philips Arena. Raymond Townsend, the first and only Filipino basketball player to ever play in the NBA, is teaming with the Atlanta Hawks to produce a unique celebration of Filipino culture and heritage, while promoting the game of basketball, one of the most popular sports in the Philippines and among Filipinos worldwide.
The theme of Filipino Hoops and Heritage Night is “Follow Your Dreams”, and will highlight an array of talented performers from the Filipino community. Special Philippine cultural, dance, and vocal performances will occur during pre-game festivities. In keeping with the theme, the evening will also feature 30-second “Follow Your Dream” video vignette played on the scoreboard video screen, featuring Filipino celebrities who have realized their dreams in several fields.
“It is my desire to bring the NBA to our Filipino communities to honor our rich heritage,” says Raymond Townsend. “I was fortunate enough to realize my dream of playing basketball in the NBA, and my hope is to support the youth in our community and encourage them to follow their dreams as well.” Townsend, whose mother Virginia Marie Rugnao hailed from Taal, Batangas in the Philippines , was a first round NBA draft pick in 1978, and played in the NBA from 1978-1982 for the Golden State Warriors and then the Indiana Pacers. Townsend also played college basketball at UCLA from 1974-1978, and was a member of the 1975 UCLA Basketball National Champions under legendary Coach John Wooden.
The evening will start with a meet and greet reception from 5:30pm – 6:30pm at the Philips Arena. The meet and greet will be attended by his Excellency Willy C. Gaa, Philippine Ambassador to the United States . Filipino cultural performers, celebrities, NBA basketball legends, and Raymond Townsend himself. Attendees will have the opportunity for autographs and photos throughout the reception. Pre-game entertainment begins at 6:45pm, followed by tip-off at 7:30pm.
Discount tickets are available in special Filipino Hoops and Heritage Night seating sections, for $25 (300 level Center Court), $55 (100 level behind Basket or 200 level Center Court), and $75 (100 level Center Court/Corners) by visiting www.filipinohoopsan dheritage. com. All tickets include a free collector’s edition Filipino Hoops and Heritage Night T-shirt. Additional T-shirts are available for purchase at the Philips Arena as well. The meet and greet is open to the first 100 FHHN attendees with lower level (100’s) tickets, on a first-come, first-served basis. Early ticket purchase is highly encouraged, as seats are limited.
A portion of the proceeds from the Atlanta Hawks and Filipino Hoops and Heritage Night will benefit the Filipino-American Association of Greater Atlanta, a non-profit organization, raising money for their “Relief for Haiti” as organized by the Asian American Community of Georgia.
For more information, visit www.atl-filam. org or www.filipinohoopsandheritage. com.
Chinese Community Center Hosts Grand 30th Lunar New Year Celebration
The Chinese Community Center hosted a successful banquet dinner to celebrate the Lunar New Year of Tiger on Feb 18 at Westin Atlanta Perimeter North Hotel. Over 400 guests attended the event graced by community leaders, senior governmental officials, and business leaders.
The evening’s celebration is also in conjunction with Chinese Community Center’s 30th Annual Lunar New Year celebration. CCC’s mission is to preserve Chinese and promote diverse culture, assist immigrants simulating into society, and to give back to the communities.
Guests were treated to a variety of performances including a soprano performance by Cinderella Liao, acrobatic acts, belly dancer, and modern dance. Cinderella Liao sang a popular Puccini opera number and received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Larry Tseng, Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta (TECO), speaking in Mandarin, “Time has really change. I was recently at Taipei International Airport and overheard an announcement calling on passengers boarding for a flight from Taipei to Beijing during the Chinese New Year rush. We have come so far and we’re seeing more changes along the way.” He was referring to the relationship between Taiwan and China.
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Lunar New Year of Tiger,” adds the Director General.
U.S. Department of Justice rejects Georgia’s voter verification system
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) rejects the Georgia law that requires citizens to show photo identification in order to vote. The decision by DOJ reinforces the need for the State of Georgia to demonstrate that the voter registration verification program they want to institute has neither a discriminatory purpose nor a discriminatory effect.
Georgia’s State Legislature enacted SB 86 in 2009, which was to go into effect on January 1, 2010. Since the state is required under federal law to meet the requirements of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, any laws or action instituted must be reviewed and approved by DOJ.
“Voting is a fundamental right in our democracy, and we applaud the U. S. Department of Justice for working to ensure access to full participation is not restricted,” said Mary G. Wilson, president of the League of Women Voters of the U.S. “Enforcement of the federal Voting Rights Act by DOJ will stop efforts to disenfranchise eligible voters from participating in the democratic process and protect citizens.”
“This decision shows that U.S. Department of Justice agrees that the state of Georgia has a problem with ensuring access and has jeopardized the voting rights of its citizens. The focus of Georgia’s Secretary of State should be on access and not suppression of voting,” said Tracey Nelson, Executive Director of LWVGA.
Habitat For Humanity and Georgia Asian Times Partner to Raise Funds For Chile
Habitat For Humanity and Georgia Asian Times has partner to help address shelter solutions for low income families affected by the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Chile on Feb 27, 2010. Habitat For Humanity Chile has provided more than 3,500 families with adequate housing since 1998 and has extensive training in working in disaster recovery.
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