Cary to Host 2nd Forum on Citizen-to-Citizen Diplomacy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2009
Wei to be featured speaker
CARY, NC – Building on the success of last year’s visit by Mary Jean Eisenhower, the Town of Cary is proud to feature local business executive John Wei as this year’s main speaker at the 2nd annual Citizen Diplomacy forum, which will be held on Friday, November 13, at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Cary Town Hall, 316 N. Academy Street in downtown Cary. Specifically focusing on the business and international community, the free event will raise awareness of the diverse global interests in Cary, promote greater participation in international dialogue and exchange, and strengthen the Citizen Diplomacy movement locally, nationally and internationally.
John Wei overcame great personal and physical challenges to become a successful role model for other immigrants. Born and raised in Taiwan, John’s family struggled to make ends meet, and at age 20, he was severely injured in a sudden chemical explosion. Undaunted, he came to America and graduated from the Pennsylvania State University, then moved south to begin his 30+ years as a computer programmer at various companies. He worked in State government for a decade and also founded his own real estate company. When Taiwanese officials came to North Carolina, Wei was asked to help facilitate the visit, and helped North Carolina and Taiwan become Sister States. He also assisted the Town of Cary establish a Sister City relationship with Hsinchu City, Taiwan. Wei is affectionately known as the "Old Guardian," the "Chinese Mayor,” and the "Messenger of the Chinese Community."
“We’re honored to welcome John Wei to the forum, and everyone is invited to join us for the opportunity to meet such an inspiring citizen diplomat,” said Kris Carmichael, Supervisor of the Town of Cary’s Page Walker Arts & History Center and staff liaison to the Town Council’s Sister Cities Commission.
Joining the Town of Cary in sponsoring the event are the Cary Sister Cities Association, the Cary Community Foundation, Triangle Area Chinese-American Society, Eisenhower Fellows, International Affairs Council, Taiwanese American Association-NC, Chinese American Academic and Professional Association in Southeastern US and the Taiwanese Economic Cultural Office.
For more, visit www.townofcary.org.
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PRIMARY CONTACTS:
Kris Carmichael, Sister Cities Commission Liaison, (919) 460-4971
Deanna Boone, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 462-3908
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 460-4951
November 10, 2009
Wei to be featured speaker
CARY, NC – Building on the success of last year’s visit by Mary Jean Eisenhower, the Town of Cary is proud to feature local business executive John Wei as this year’s main speaker at the 2nd annual Citizen Diplomacy forum, which will be held on Friday, November 13, at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Cary Town Hall, 316 N. Academy Street in downtown Cary. Specifically focusing on the business and international community, the free event will raise awareness of the diverse global interests in Cary, promote greater participation in international dialogue and exchange, and strengthen the Citizen Diplomacy movement locally, nationally and internationally.
John Wei overcame great personal and physical challenges to become a successful role model for other immigrants. Born and raised in Taiwan, John’s family struggled to make ends meet, and at age 20, he was severely injured in a sudden chemical explosion. Undaunted, he came to America and graduated from the Pennsylvania State University, then moved south to begin his 30+ years as a computer programmer at various companies. He worked in State government for a decade and also founded his own real estate company. When Taiwanese officials came to North Carolina, Wei was asked to help facilitate the visit, and helped North Carolina and Taiwan become Sister States. He also assisted the Town of Cary establish a Sister City relationship with Hsinchu City, Taiwan. Wei is affectionately known as the "Old Guardian," the "Chinese Mayor,” and the "Messenger of the Chinese Community."
“We’re honored to welcome John Wei to the forum, and everyone is invited to join us for the opportunity to meet such an inspiring citizen diplomat,” said Kris Carmichael, Supervisor of the Town of Cary’s Page Walker Arts & History Center and staff liaison to the Town Council’s Sister Cities Commission.
Joining the Town of Cary in sponsoring the event are the Cary Sister Cities Association, the Cary Community Foundation, Triangle Area Chinese-American Society, Eisenhower Fellows, International Affairs Council, Taiwanese American Association-NC, Chinese American Academic and Professional Association in Southeastern US and the Taiwanese Economic Cultural Office.
For more, visit www.townofcary.org.
###
PRIMARY CONTACTS:
Kris Carmichael, Sister Cities Commission Liaison, (919) 460-4971
Deanna Boone, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 462-3908
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 460-4951
