This week, our Executive Director, Jim Uszler, along with his wife Kathy, will travel to China on a trip organized in conjunction with the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. 

I guess you could say Jim will travel a long way to bring some benefits back to our Chamber members.

Maybe your business is large and searching for ways to expand internationally.  Or maybe you're simply wondering how our area may be impacted by these massive economies in the future.  Even if you're simply curious to get some insight into the Chinese business culture, this trip may provide some insight.

I wish Jim and Kathy a safe and fruitful trip, and would like to thank them for being receptive to the idea of combining their own travel plans with some "job responsibilities" along the way.

Jim's thoughts on this trip, and potential future trips, are below.

Michael Putz
Chairman - Mt. Prospect Chamber of Commerce

"Within a few years China will be the number one economy in the world. China is now the world's third largest economy and growing dramatically. India's economic dominance is also on the rise. Together these two countries will profoundly influence the pace and nature of global economic change.  With consideration of international trade, industrialization, foreign investment and capital flows, and the implications

of their broadening environmental footprints, the Mount Prospect Chamber will be offering members a close up look at one of these giants in 2011. We plan to offer low cost trips to China from either LA or New York City.

As we get ready to offer these trips in 2011, my wife and I will be traveling this month on a preview of the itinerary so we can tell you what to expect. This fantastic 9 day tour includes accommodations at 5 star hotels, transfers, all of your meals and admissions to the sights you will see. In addition, there will be opportunities to meet with Chinese authorities about doing business with China.

The price  for all this will be under $2000.....sounds incredible, doesn't it?

China has tackled poverty, inequality and governance issues and whether progress in these areas will be a key to rapid and stable growth remains to be seen. Yes there are issues with copyrights, internet, value of the yuan, etc. However, with it's immense population looking to consume more and more products, it appears to be a market ready for the alert businessman.

We'll tell you more when we return but it is a trip of a lifetime. Would you ever think that you would be visiting the Great Wall or Tiananmen Square with other chamber people? I never did. It is the most exciting economy on the planet and we hope to improve our local economy by making these tours available to our members at a very low cost. "