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Fergus Falls preparing for visit from Chinese delegation
Published Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Chinese government and educational officials are set to arrive in Fergus Falls Wednesday evening as part of an ongoing effort to develop the Regional Treatment Center (RTC).
The 10-member delegation hails from Hunan Province in southeast China, where members of the Campus Redevelopment Group (CRG) have traveled for months.
The goal is to partner seven Minnesota and North Dakota universities with at least seven Chinese universities in turning the RTC into an international business college.
Wednesday’s events will begin before the delegation arrives, with tours of the RTC for local visitors, including North Dakota Speaker of the House Jeff Delzer (R-Underwood) and representatives from Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s office.
“And those (tours) are also available for members of the public,” said Chamber Director Lisa Workman. “It’s important for people to see what we’re talking about.”
Tours are scheduled from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the RTC.
Chinese officials are expected to arrive Wednesday evening, with a welcome banquet planned for 6:30 p.m. at the Bigwood Event Center.
On Thursday, members of the delegation will tour not only the RTC but local educational institutions including MSCTC-Fergus Falls, Concordia College and North Dakota State University, Workman said. The day may also include a tour of the Lake Region Healthcare campus.
The trip is also designed to give Chinese officials insight into the kind of community their students could live in. For that reason, planners say they hope to show the delegation a handful of local lakes.
“That’s one of the drawing factors to our area — the lakes,” Workman said, explaining the importance of showcasing Fergus Falls in general. “It’s not just going to school, it’s your experience during your non-studying hours.”
The visit from the Chinese delegation “is one very important step in the journey of redevelopment of the RTC,” said Harold Stanislawski, director of the Fergus Falls Economic Improvement Commission.
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by onlyme (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This will be a big and exciting two days for Fergus Falls and I hope everything goes fine!
Posted by gumball (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh, it look like everyone is getting behind it. I don't quite understand the picture of the guy roto-tilling his garden though. Maybe the delegation will be driving by his place and checking the garden.
Posted by airbear (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you look, the RTC is in the background of the picture of the man tilling. They must be getting the grounds ready for the tour as well.
Posted by werty (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you link to the photos from the DJ homepage you can see the caption for the photo is:
Don Westra was among the community members who turned out to tidy the plant beds on the RTC campus last week.
Posted by chipmunk (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Perhaps someone should hide that garden tiller, as the name on the tiller is “earthquake” . The Chinese may be inscrutable , but they understand that word.
Posted by Vampire (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 8:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Chipmunk, only you would notice that.
Posted by 1125thmp (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I put up an entry asking the simple questions of who exactly are the business concerns lined up to use the RTC? Specifically are the Chinese interests government or business backed. Also, the individuals arriving for the tour are they PRC Ministry of Education? If the RTC is developed, who has responsibility over its cirriculum and accreditation, the MN Dept of Education or the PRC Ministry of Education?
Posted by 1125thmp (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 8:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm also interested in knowing if incentives are being given or solicited by the parties involved? JobZ or City, State economic assistance to be applied to helping this proposed RTC conversion occur?
Posted by FergusFamily (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 7:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This sounds like a great opportunity for Fergus Falls. I'm sure there are a lot of business details that are in the works - this visit probably has a lot to do with that. I heard that on Thursday they will be in the F/M area visiting with the partnering colleges. For now, let's show we are a supportive community - interested in growth and prosperity.
Posted by olson736 (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 7:47 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by 1125thmp (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'll be supportive once the details are ascertained as to what growth transpires and to whom the properity will go.
Posted by Brandon (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 10:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I took a walk through the RTC grounds today. I can tell they spiffed the place up for the visit. They mowed the lawn and everything, lol. The garden looks pretty good; could be better.
Posted by olson736 (anonymous) on May 29, 2008 at 12:09 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
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