Your special proclamation is well deserved
By Valerie Weber

From: Assemblywoman Valerie Weber[VWeber@asm.state.nv.us]
To: Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei
Tue, 3 May 2005 12:48:54 -0700

Hi Dr Lei:

I attached a copy of a short biography for you.

Both resolutions will be mailed to you along with remarks made in the Senate regarding a long time friendship between Nevada and Taiwan. I am so pleased to have presented this to the Director General, Mr Mark Liao
and his Consular Officer, Ms Jenny Kuo. I have enclosed a document with remarks I made on the floor of our house.

Your continued work with the WBTI [Washington Business and Technology Institute (華盛頓工商技術研究院)] is to be commended; I was so pleased I was present on April 24, 2005, when the Clark County Commission recognized you and your work in a special proclamation (presented by Commissioner Lynette McDonald to Dr. Tony Lei on the Induction Ball of AARCN-CC at April 24, 2004 in Las Vegas). It is well deserved.

Thank you for our friendship and continued mutual economic interests in the state of Nevada.

Regards,

Valerie E Weber
Nevada Assemblywoman
Clark County District 5
Serving SW Las Vegas

---------------------------------------------
Valerie E Weber -Biography

Originally from California, Valerie moved to Nevada in 1990 after transferring with her former company, United Blood Services (UBS). She served there as the Technical Director for 10 years. Her undergraduate degree in biological science and specialty in the field of transfusion medicine earned her several medical journal authorships.

She is a 1998 graduate of the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Las Vegas program, participated in the Leadership Las Vegas Youth Program, served as a Board member of Habitat for Humanity, working with families that qualified in building their own homes and just completed a four-year term as a member of the Board of Displaced Homemakers, appointed by Governor Guinn in 2000, examining programs and training that reenter women back into the workplace.

Valerie is the owner of Collaborating Solutions, an organizational development (OD) company in Las Vegas, Nevada, creating solid solutions for business improvement. Her greatest strengths are tackling complex problems, determining “root causes” and “blind spots” by offering solutions to improve people and the bottom line. She is accredited in Dr Daniel Goleman’s 360-competency assessment instrument in Emotional Intelligence (ECI).

One of Valerie’s proudest accomplishments was earning her Master’s degree in Organizational Management in 2001. Valerie believes strongly that people in any organization long for positive, constructive feedback and coaching on individual performance and continued development for organizational success.

She currently serves in the Assembly of the Nevada State Legislature representing her constituents in southwest Las Vegas. Valerie has lived in Las Vegas for 15 years and considers it the greatest place on earth to live, work and play.
Revised 031405

---------------------------------------------
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 25
Presented by Valerie E Weber
Clark County District 5
April 28, 2005

Taiwan and its people hold a special place in my heart.

I was invited like so many (at least 20 over the years) from both of our houses in the Legislature and from the Executive branch to visit Taiwan. In October 2003, I was part of an eight member delegation lead by our colleague from District 41.

Before our plane left for those long hours in the air, we were met at the San Francisco Airport by our hosts from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in SF who made our arrangements.
Our seven day journey included meeting with high ranking officials in the Executive Yuan including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Mainland Affairs. We met with the Vice-President, (Mrs) Miss Annette Lu (who is Harvard educated). We heard an address by President Chen at the annual Double 10 celebration along with viewing its fabulous pageantry; we even visited the Legislative Yuan and watched a debate on the floor.

On the cultural side, we toured Taipei, Taiwan’s capital city on this miracle green island of 23M citizens; we were treated to a plane trip to Haulien, known for its gorgeous marble and visited the breathtaking Taroko Gorge, one of their many national parks.

Our hosts in Taipei, including Charlyne Chen from the NV Economic Development office located in the Taipai World Trade Center arranged for us to meet with businessmen and women to discuss various issues business issues, to tour a state-of-the-art software park, and to explore the Taipai World Trade Center; it was non stop, action packed and we ate until we couldn’t breathe! The entire trip was first class.

In summary, I am grateful for these new friends I made while visiting Taiwan, Republic of China and their love of democracy, prosperity and peace. Some day I hope to return to see continuation of their economic development and see other beautiful parts of the island including a tour of the gorgeous Penghu Islands on the west side of Taiwan.
I urge my colleagues’ support of this resolution.

Mr Speaker, may I present to our house at this time to receive these resolutions our very special guests, the new incoming Director General, Mr Mark Liao and Consular Officer, Ms Jenny Kuo. Please accept these resolutions in appreciation of our thanks and for a long continuing friendship. Please feel welcomed in our house.

---------------------------------------------
BRIEF REMARKS REGARDING DIRECTORS GENERAL
FOR TAIWAN IN SAN FRANCISCO
APRIL 28, 2005
AS THE RESOLUTION INDICATED, DIRECTOR GENERAL MATTHEW LEE HAS EFFECTIVELY OVERSEEN THE OPERATIONS OF THE TAIPEI ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL OFFICE IN SAN FRANCISCO. I KNOW WE ARE ALL GRATEFUL FOR THE ENDURING BOND HE HAS FACILITATED BETWEEN THE STATE OF NEVADA AND THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON TAIWAN. WE WISH MR. LEE WELL AS HE BEGINS HIS NEW DUTIES AS REPRESENTATIVE OF THE TAIPEI MISSION TO LATVIA.

I ALSO WANT TO WELCOME MARK LIAO WHO WILL TAKE OVER AS DIRECTOR GENERAL AT THE SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE IN JUNE. MR. LIAO HAS A VERY DISTINGUISHED RESUME, AND I AM SURE HE WILL CONTINUE TO FOSTER THE EXCELLENT RELATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN BUILT BETWEEN NEVADA AND THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON TAIWAN. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH MR. LIAO AS WE CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON TAIWAN AND THE STATE OF NEVADA.
W54704

*********************************************
Second printing of the first edition (with correction of one typing mistake confirmed by Miss Cassandra Cheung) on June 10, 2005 [061005-7667]

My trip to HK is sort of like ‘Sex and the City’
By Cassandra Cheung*1

ON LOCATION: HK, summer of 2005

My trip to HK is sort of like ‘Sex and the City’ combined with ‘4 weddings & a funeral’.*2

I was born and raised in HK. March 2005 was a very intense month for me. However, God turn the disaster into my advantage. There are people to see and family matter to take care of. Finally I have time to accomplish them all.

Chee, my best friend who works for HK Times and Fuzi, my big brother’s college friend who married to an Italian jeweler, are my unofficial social directors in HK. Every morning I either had breakfast prepared by my aunt or had dim-sum with my uncle. The rest of the day, I got to explore the City with 2 trendy, independent, and professional women.

So, what to do and where to go when the HK weather was hot and drizzling thru out the day? A lot because the Smart Card can take you everywhere! To name a few as follows:

Admiralty Centre /Time Square, there is this one-of- a-kind Chinese restaurant that serves unique northern style cuisine. The décor is a mix of modern oriental with Euro furnishing. Food is excellent and there are 5 well-trained servers stand-by all time.

Luk Yu Tea House on Stanley Street off Theatre Lane, is the Who’s Who place where PLU (people-like-us) are often turned away because they do not take new customers. Fortunately, Billy (Chee’s former associate) is a regular and has his own table so we got to enjoy the old charm tea house 3 times in a role. We even made it our routine to browse around the closed by Shanghai Tang Tailor Shop where we could take a tea break served by Ah Ma (old-fashion servant) and glanced at the movie stars trying out their ready-made.

Then, the Secret Society Hideout where is for members only. My favorite is Chinese Tee Club in Central District. Overlooking those commercial buildings and having our high tea while we were served by professional butlers in a Casablanca surrounding. Imagine those multimillion dollars business deals were in the making at the moment…. So much for high tea, let’s talk about lunch in the very exclusive HK Jockey Club, Happy Valley. A family friend took me there for Chinese dim-sum along with his 83 years old mother who lives in a mansion on Jardin Hill. The food was excellent. I found out later that the Club had an award winning world famous chef.

The first time I met Chee’s boyfriend was at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club. The menu is a combination of traditional Chinese and 50’s American. After the doorman let us in, the manager asked us to show our membership card prior to be seated. Similar to all other private clubs, they are computer accessible in the dining room hallway. Down below is a cozy jazz club. Of course, we just had to drop by for some fine music.

Among all these private clubs, my least favorite was the Charter Club where Fuzi picked out for her college reunion. All dishes were tasteless and there was a long wait in between them. The dinner was a disappointment but the company was fun. Afterwards Marco, Fuzi’s husband, treated us saki in Lan Kwai Fong. None of us was driving that night so we emptied out several big bottles and laughed till the end of dawn inside the private room.

Since Fuzi is a fashion police and Chee is a high tea frantic, we spent days window shopping and had high tea in Causeway Bay, Cheung Chau, Soho, Repulse Bay, and Clear Water Bay.

One final note, those people that my late mother asked me to contact and I did. I also met up with a special long time friend, Frank. All IN all, you can say that this trip is mission accomplished.*3

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Miss Cassandra Cheung is the Second Secretary of the Asian Republicans of Clark County (ARCC). As a rising model of Chinese American, Cassandra is interested in business and community service.
*2. Cheung, Cassandra. 'My trip to HK is sort of like ‘Sex and the City’,' "An e-mail from Miss Cassandra Cheung to WBTI," Las Vegas, Nevada: Residence of Cassandra Cheung.
*3. Ibid.

"It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Las Vegas for the 28th Annual Convention of the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America. I hope that, during your time here, you will be able to experience some of the many attractions that our beautiful city has to offer. .....," wrote U. S. Senator John Ensign to Taiwan Benevolent Association of America.*2

The grand opening of the 28th Annual Convention of Taiwan Benevolent Association of America (TBAA) was held by its Chairperson Wendy Yu-ping Wu*3 at the Paris Hotel on July 30, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Concode C Room was full with participants from all around the world. Dr. Fu-Mei Chang, Overseas Chinese Affair Commission of the Republic of China; Mark W. P. Liao, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San; Francisco; Lagislators of ROC S. C. Ting, Y. Y. Wu, S. H. Chou, W. C. Shieh, J. L Lin, among others presented at the Conference. Justice of the Supreme Court of Nevada Michael Douglas and Nevada Asemblywoman Valerie Weber each dilivered a nice and significant welcome speech. Greeting Letters and Cetificates were presented by Matthew McBride (for U. S. Senator John Ensign), Judith Ray (for U. S. Congressman James Gibbons), Gerri Schroder (for U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley), Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian (for Las Vegas City Mayor and Council), Councilwoman Stephanie S. Smith (for the Noth Las Vegas City Mayor and Council).

A Welcome Party and Preliminary 28th Board Directors and Advisors Meeting were held on July 29, 2005 at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. To pay a special tribute to his great contribution to the 28th Convention and TBAA, Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei was nominated by Chairperson of TBAA as an Advisor of Taiwan Benevolent Association of America. The nomination was seconded and unanimously voted by all the presented Directors and Advisors. The Declaration of the 28th Conference of TBAA was written by five members. The five members are Kent Wang, De-yu Lang, Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei, Dr. Wayne J. Horng, and Leo Huang. They were all elected by the Board Directors and Advisors. The Declaration was passed through the Meeting. During the meeting, Miss Sue Phelps was elected as the Vice Chairperson of TBAA.

"It is a pleasure and privilege to welcome the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America and its international convention to Las Vegas and the Paris Hotel. .....Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help make your visit a more pleasant and productive experience. .....," wrote U. S. Congressman James Gibbons to TBAA.*4

The "Fomosa Night" was held at a grand ballroom in Paris Hotel on July 30, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lt. Governor delivered a welcome speech to the crowded attendents in the Hall. She wishes Navada be the great door opened for the international business and trade between the silver state and Asian countries. A Letter of Greeting was granted by her to TBAA.

President Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei presented the Certificates of Recognition from Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn and U. S. Congressman Jon Porter and Greeting Letters of U. S. Senator John Ensign and U. S. Congressman James Gibbons to the Chairperson of TBAA Wendy Yu-ping Wu.

"The State of Nevada congratulates you on your extensive assistance to the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America, and commends you for your dedicated service to the citizens of our Silver State," Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn granted a Certificate of Recognition to Wendy Wu dated May 23, 2005.*5

United States Congressman Jon C. Porter granted also a Certificate of Recognition to
recognize and honor Wendy Wu, "FOR YOUR DEDICATED SERVICE AND PROFOUND COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO THE TAIWAN BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA."*6

Dr. Lei presented also a Certificate of Recognition from U. S. Congressman Jon Porter to the President of Taiwan Benevolent Association of Las Vegas Sue Phelps. Sixteen original hard copeis of the RC 25 Resolution by Nevada Assembly and Senate were also presented by Dr. Tony Lei to each president of the 16 Chapters of TBAA through their Chaiperson Wendy Wu.

Proclamations from the Board Commissioners of Clark County of Nevada and the State of Nevada (through Assemblywoman Valerie Weber) were presented to Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) and Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei by both of the parties on July 30, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada.*7

Ms. Wendy Yu-ping Wu completed successfully her term as the Chairperson of TBAA in the evening of July 30, 2005. The Chairmanship was transfered by her to Mr. I-Ta Liang at the "Fomosa Night" in Las Vegas, Nevda. Liang is now the 28th Chairman of TBAA.

One of the earliest attendants of the convention this year was the Representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States David Tawei Lee(Embassador of the Republic of China) on July 28, 2005.

Mr. Lo-Yu Sun, Board Advisor of Taiwan Benevolent Association of America (TBAA), held and host a farewell lunch party for the 28th Annual Confernce of TBAA at the Harbor Palace Seafood Restaurant on August 1, 2005 in Las Vegas.*8

[***Welcome to the section of "Photos & Pictures"! We offered there with lots of photos and pictures about Taiwan Benevolent Association of America.]

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Michael Douglas is a distingueshed Justice of the Supreme Court of Nevada. Valerie Weber is a famous and achieved Assemblywoman of Nevada.
2. Ensign, John. 'Greeting from Office of Senator John Ensign,' "The 'Letter of Greeting to Taiwan Benevolent Association of America and Wendy Yu-ping Wu' sent by U. S. Senator John Ensign to President Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI)," (May 27, 2005), Las Vegas, Nevada: Office of Senator John Ensign.
*3. Douglas, Michael; Weber, Valerie; Moss, Cheryl; Chang, Tiffany. 'Wendy Wu has been appointed Assistant Fellow of Public Administration Institution of WBTI,' "A search of 'wendy yu-ping wu' on the Google.com," (August 3, 2005), U. S. A.: Google.com.
*4. Gibbons, James. 'Greeting from Office of Congressman James Gibbons,' "The 'Letter of Greeting to Taiwan Benevolent Association of America and Wendy Yu-ping Wu' sent by U. S. Congressman James Gibbons to President Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI)," (July 10, 2005), Washington, D. C.: Office of Congressman James Gibbons.
*5. Guinn, Kenny. 'Certificate of Recognition from Office of the Governor,' "The 'Certificate of Recognition to Wendy Yu-Ping Wu' sent by Nevada Governor Kenny C. Guinn to President Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI)," (May 24, 2005), Las Vegas, Nevada: Office of the Governor.
*6. Porter, Jon. 'Certificate of Recognition from Office of Congressman Jon Porter,' "The 'Certificate of Recognition to Taiwan Benevolent Association of America and Wendy Yu-ping Wu' sent by U. S. Congressman Jon C. Porter to President Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI)," (June 29, 2005), Las Vegas, Nevada: Office of Congressman Jon Porter.
*7. Denton, Mark; Walsh, Jessie; Moss, Cheryl; and Chang, Tiffany. 'Our mutual cooperation and development between the officials and people will bring us a peaceful, happy, and healthy community,' "Newsbrief of WBTI," (February 7, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: WBTI.
*8. PAI of WBTI, 'An invitation e-mail to U. S. Senator John Ensign,' "A search of 'U. S. Senator John Ensign' on Google.com," (August 4, 2005), U. S. A.: Google.com.

-- Jul. 15, 2005
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal

Maximum Exposure
The girls of 'Zumanity' have turned to Playboy to help promote the show
By MIKE WEATHERFORD
REVIEW-JOURNAL

Three of the "Zumanity" women featured in Playboy have become friends. From left, Vanessa Convery, Wassa Coulibaly and Elena Gatilova.
Photo by Ralph Fountain.
A Playboy photo shoot can be unnerving. But the cast members of "Zumanity" have more than a little experience with public nudity.

"I'm a classical ballerina. I have to say it wasn't an easy transition," Vanessa Convery says. "I remember our very first day of rehearsal. Debra Brown (the show's original choreographer), says, 'OK everybody, let's take our tops off and do the orgy scene.' ''

"You can imagine, stunned faces. Everybody was like, 'She's got to be kidding. She's got to be joking.' But maybe it was the best way for us to all get comfortable, to get to know each other."

Convery restages her topless "milk bath" sequence with Ugo Mazinwosu for an eight-page "Zumanity" photo spread in the latest Playboy (which has an August cover date, but is already on sale). She is one of 10 female cast members baring all for the magazine feature Cirque pursued to help brand "Zumanity," the erotic cabaret revue subtitled "Another Side of Cirque du Soleil." (The women will be signing copies of the magazine from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. today in the "Zumanity" souvenir store at New York-New York, and from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday in the Playboy Concept Boutique in the Forum Shops at Caesars.)

The photos were taken in the "Zumanity" theater this past summer by veteran lensman Stephen Wayda. Cirque began negotiating for the piece after Hugh Hefner attended the show's official debut in September 2003. The layout is true to the exotic, international aesthetic of "Zumanity" and so marks a change of pace from Playboy's Midwestern girl-next-door fantasies.

The photos are also a reminder of the show's unusual reverse creation. Instead of auditioning for specific roles, many performers were cast with no predetermined purpose. "Because there are 50 different characters, they were chosen for the way they look and what they can do ... They are 50 gorgeous people," says artistic director Ria Martens.

All Cirque shows are drawn from different nationalities, but in the others "you don't see that, because you have those big group acts where they all kind of dress the same," Martens notes. "Zumanity" costume designer Thierry Mugler "brought out the best of the personality. A specific thing that they already had."

Among those featured in Playboy, Wassa Coulibaly was born in Senegal and performed with an African dance troupe before auditioning for "Zumanity" in Los Angeles. Elena Gatilova was a Ukrainian gymnast who now stars in one of the show's wittiest sequences, doing a striptease on top of a TV set in a futile attempt to divert the men's attention from a football game.

Gatilova confesses that at first she didn't get the joke -- she didn't even speak much English. Now, says Coulibaly, "More and more we just get closer. We feel like we're home, we're family. We do things together."

"We live here almost," Gatilova says.

Convery was a principal dancer with Les Ballet Jazz de Montreal and New York's Feld Ballet, but "Zumanity" inspired her to come up with the milk bath idea on her own.

"I wanted to reach out to the audience members. I wanted them to feel something," she says. "I wanted them to come to the show and leave with a smile on their faces and say, 'You know what? That was very kinky. That was very sexy. I want to try that.' "

"I think women are such beautiful, sensual creatures. I think women are always looking to have fun," she adds. "They want to make love, but they want to have fun as well. If I can inspire a woman to maybe come a little bit out of her shell, then I feel like I really did my job tonight."

The milk bath sequence is one of the standout sequences of "Zumanity" that survived from its earliest days. The backward creation process had its merits, but also fueled backstage chaos in the formative days. Creative turnover was evident in the early product, where a few moments of brilliance were surrounded by a lot of dead-end streets.

Enter Martens, the new artistic director who brought the focus of her dance background to the show a full year after it opened. "It was a show that needed to come together as a whole," says the Belgian director. "There were strong points that were already there, but the things around them needed to be developed more. ... The artists had to take the next step."

Martens began studying in her teenage years with Lynn Simonson's Jazz Dance Theatre. "Because I came from their background -- they're such strong individual artists and dancers more than in any other (Cirque) show -- I knew where they were coming from. What I needed from them I could go and get because I speak their language."

Now, "I feel like the show has a really good base, that artists are challenged in one way or the other and we can grow from there," she says. "It always is a work-in-progress and there is continuous change."

"Under the recommendation of President Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei, Taiwan Benevolent Association of America and Ms. Wendy Yu-ping Wu have received Greeting Letters from U. S. Senator John Ensign and U. S. Congressman James Gobbons and Certificates of Recognition from Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn and U. S. Congressman Jon Porter. She was appointed Assistant Fellow of Public Administration Institution (PAI) and Chairperson of Interstate Business Cooperation and Development Council by Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) on May 11, 2005." The announcement was made on Thursday, July 14, 2005, by Dr. John Wang, Spokesperson for WBTI in Las Vegas, Nevada, U. S. A.

The following are the statements of the Greeting Letter and Certificates of Recognition:

[[[[[JOHN ENSIGN, Nevada
United States Senate
Washington,DC 20510-2805
July 29, 2005

Dear Friends:

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Las Vegas for the 28th Annual Convention of the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America. I hope that, during your time here, you will be able to experience some of the many attractions that our beautiful city has to offer.

As you focus your attention on this year's theme, the Future Development of TBAA, I commend you on your dedication to promoting understanding between the people of Taiwan and the United States through educational, cultural, economic, and scientific programs. Your contributions to the betterment of the communities in which you live have had a significant positive impact on the quality of life for the families who reside in those communities. I especially congratulate Wendy Wu*2 on the knowledge, expertise, and professionalism that she has exemplified during her tenure as TBAA Chairperson.

Enjoy your time in southern Nevada, and please accept my best wishes for a successful and memorable conference.]]]]]

[[[[[Congress of the
United States
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515-2802

July 29, 2005

Taiwan Benevolent Association of America
Paris Hotel
Las Vegas, Nevada

Dear Friends:

It is a pleasure and privilege to welcome the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America and its international convention to Las Vegas and the Paris Hotel.

I hope that this is an extremely successful meeting in which you are representing the thousands of Nevada citizens who are of Taiwan descent and the more than 300,000 active members of your organization nationalwide.

The Taiwanese people and their descendants have help to uphold the traditions and spirit of democracy and in so doing have help to shape our national character. You have also helped to provide a greater understanding between the people of Taiwan and the American people, fostering greater cultural, educational, economic and scientific relations.

Las Vegas, with its growing Taiwanese community, is an ideal site for your convention, and I trust that it will be productive and fruitful. While you are here, I hope that you will avail yourselves of the numerous cultural and recreational opportunities Nevada has to offer.

Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help make your visit a more pleasant and productive experience.

Sincerely,

Jim Gibbons
Member of Congress]]]]]

[[[[[Office of the Governor

Certificate of Recognition

Awarded to

Wendy Yu-Ping Wu
Chairperson of the
Taiwan Benevolent Association of America

The State of Nevada congratulates you on your extensive assistance to the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America, and commends you for your dedicated service to the citizens of our Silver State.

May 23, 2005 (Date)
Kenny C. Guinn, Governor]]]]]

[[[[ Congressman Jon C. Porter
United States Congress
Washington, DC 20515-2803
July 30, 2005

United States Congressman
Jon C. Porter
Recognizes and Honors
Wendy Wu
FOR YOUR DEDICATED SERVICE AND PROFOUND COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO THE TAIWAN BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

July 30, 2005
Jon C. Porter
United States Congressman ]]]]]

"On behalf of Taiwan Benevolent Association of America, it's my great honor to receive the Certificate of Recognition from U. S. Congressman Jon Porter. As a faculty member of Public Administration Institution and Chairperson of the Interstate Business Cooperation and Development Council of Washington Business and Technology Institute, it's my pleasure to put some of my effort and wisdom to the community service and humane spirit of the Institute for the people and communities of Nevada," said Ms. Wendy Yu-ping Wu in San Jose, California after she was informed by President Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei about the greetings letter through the phone call and WBTI website at http://communitylink.reviewjournal.com/lvrj/wbti by Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Very soon, Ms. Wendy Wu is going to complete her term as President of the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America (TBAA) on July 30, 2005. Out of the excellent experience, knowledge, enthusiasm, and professionalism of Ms. Wu, she has elevated the TBAA to a new height in terms of its fame, quality and significance among many American Chinese and Asian American institutions in this country.

Now, TBAA is scheduled to hold its profound 28th Annual Conference throughout the July 29-31, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In light of Ms. Wendy Wu's efforts and unselfish spirit in promoting cross-culture understanding and mutual respect for diversified interests rising from a variety of the communities, she has already become a real dynamic force and role model in the common pursuit of improving quality of life for our society.

As the largest civic organization representing U.S. immigrants from Taiwan, the TBAA currently has approximately 15 chapters and 30,000 active members nationwide. Their members are concerned about the new developments in Cross-Strait Relations, the U. S. China Relationship and the Asian Economy. They are increasingly focused on working with mainstream American society on these and other issues. Your participation would greatly inspire them as they move forward to achieve their goal.

"It's our honor to have Greeting Letter from U. S. Senator John Ensign and Certificates of Recognition from Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn and U. S. Congressman Joh Porter to Taiwan Benevolent Association of America and Ms. Wendy Yu-ping Wu in welcomimg the people from all around the world to Las Vegas to participate the 28th Annual Convention of the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America on July 29-31, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. We're also pleased to have Ms. Wendy Yu-ping Wu's interest in offering her caliber whose integrity, knowledge, and experience may bring to Washington Business and Technology Institute an interstate perspective," points out President Dr. Tony Lei of WBTI. "Throughout Ms. Wendy Wu's distinguished endeavor, she has accomplished a great deal of business and community service practices and earned a good reputation as a conscientious and dedicated professional. Taiwan Benevolent Association of America and Wendy deserve the significant Greeting Letters from U. S. Senator John Ensign and U. S. Congressman James Gibbons and Certificates of Recognition from Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn and U. S. Congressman Jon Porter."

The following is an example of our invitation letter that we sent to U. S. Senator John Ensign, Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn, U. S. Congressmen James Gibbons and Jon Porter.

> Dear U. S. Senator Honorable John Ensign,

> Dr. Tony T. Lei, Advisor of Taiwan Benevolent Association of Las Vegas [President of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI)], Mrs. Wendy Wu, Chairperson of Taiwan Benevolent Association of America (TBAA), Miss Sue Phelps, President of Taiwan Benevolent Association of Las Vegas, Mr. Lo-Yu Sun, Board Advisor of TBAA, and Ms. Hui-Ching Chen, Director of Secretary Division of TBAA request the honor of your presence as a Kenote Speaker (for short speech) and/or as a grantor of Greetings Letter at the Opening Ceremony of 28th Annual Convention of Taiwan Benevolent Association of America (TBAA)

> on Saturday, the Thirty of July, 2005
> at the Paris Hotel and Casino
> 3655, Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
> from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
>
> Participants: About 500 people.
> Attire: Business
>
> RSVP: Please e-mail Dr. Tony Lei at tojulei@yahoo.com. Or please call Judy for RSVP at 255-9058 on or before
> Friday, May 20, 2005.
>

Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal

Activist proposes Mexican Chamber of Commerce
By JULIET V. CASEY
REVIEW-JOURNAL

Fernando Romero, a home loan consultant and community activist, on Tuesday shared his vision for a Mexican Chamber of Commerce with about 35 Mexican business owners and community activist.

"Mexico is within close proximity to us with 170 chambers of commerce throughout that republic," Romero said. "We hope to work with Mexico to bring more business to Nevada. We don't want to be exclusively for Mexican-owned business, but for anyone who wants to join us and network with us."

Ethnic Data Services, a company that identifies Hispanic registered voters, homeowners and business owners for political campaigns, tallied at least 2,200 Hispanic-owned businesses in Las Vegas.

But some at the meeting at a downtown Mexican restaurant questioned whether Romero's move to start a separate chamber is really about helping Mexican-owned businesses or about a conflict he might have had as a member of the existing Latin Chamber of Commerce.

Romero said the Latin Chamber, on whose board he served for more than a decade, hasn't been effective in reaching out to Mexican businesses and doesn't have their specific interest in mind.

Romero also defended his idea against the competing concept of Alan Torres, president of Durango Association of Nevada, who wants a chamber that functions as a limited liability corporation, rather than a nonprofit.

Romero's idea also has met with criticism from the Latin Chamber of Commerce, a 25-year-old institution that bills its mission as one to "develop, advance and promote Hispanic business and to enhance economic, political, social, educational and cultural interests of Hispanics in Nevada."

"I think it's a very wrong thing to do," said Otto Merida, executive director of the Latin Chamber of Commerce in Las Vegas. "Why do we want to divide the Hispanic community by targeting just Mexicans? The connotation is that we're not a united community moving together on issues related to social and economic concerns."

But Romero doesn't believe his idea will be divisive.

"This isn't to slam any of the other ethnic chambers," he said. "We want to fill a void."

"Under the recommendation of President Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei, Taiwan Benevolent Association of America and Ms. Wendy Yu-ping Wu have received Greeting Letter from U. S. Senator John Ensign and Certificates of Recognition from Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn and U. S. Congressman Jon Porter dated July 30, 2005. She was appointed Assistant Fellow of Public Administration Institution (PAI) and Chairperson of Interstate Business Cooperation and Development Council by Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) on May 11, 2005." The announcement was made on Saturday, July 4, 2005, by Dr. John Wang, Spokesperson for WBTI in Las Vegas, Nevada, U. S. A.*2

The following are the statements of the Greeting Letter and Certificates of Recognition:

[[[[[JOHN ENSIGN, Nevada
United States Senate
Washington,DC 20510-2805
July 29, 2005

Dear Friends:

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Las Vegas for the 28th Annual Convention of the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America. I hope that, during your time here, you will be able to experience some of the many attractions that our beautiful city has to offer.

As you focus your attention on this year's theme, the Future Development of TBAA, I commend you on your dedication to promoting understanding between the people of Taiwan and the United States through educational, cultural, economic, and scientific programs. Your contributions to the betterment of the communities in which you live have had a significant positive impact on the quality of life for the families who reside in those communities. I especially congratulate Wendy Wu*2 on the knowledge, expertise, and professionalism that she has exemplified during her tenure as TBAA Chairperson.

Enjoy your time in southern Nevada, and please accept my best wishes for a successful and memorable conference.]]]]]*3

[[[[[Office of the Governor

Certificate of Recognition

Awarded to

Wendy Yu-Ping Wu
Chairperson of the
Taiwan Benevolent Association of America

The State of Nevada congratulates you on your extensive assistance to the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America, and commends you for your dedicated service to the citizens of our Silver State.

May 23, 2005 (Date)
Kenny C. Guinn, Governor]]]]]*4

[[[[ Congressman Jon C. Porter
United States Congress
Washington, DC 20515-2803
July 30, 2005

United States Congressman
Jon C. Porter
Recognizes and Honors
Wendy Wu
FOR YOUR DEDICATED SERVICE AND PROFOUND COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO THE TAIWAN BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

July 30, 2005
Jon C. Porter
United States Congressman ]]]]]*5

"On behalf of Taiwan Benevolent Association of America, it's my great honor to receive the Certificate of Recognition from U. S. Congressman Jon Porter. As a faculty member of Public Administration Institution and Chairperson of the Interstate Business Cooperation and Development Council of Washington Business and Technology Institute,*6 it's my pleasure to put some of my effort and wisdom to the community service and humane spirit of the Institute for the people and communities of Nevada," said Ms. Wendy Yu-ping Wu in San Jose, California after she was informed by President Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei about the greetings letter through the phone call and WBTI website at http://communitylink.reviewjournal.com/lvrj/wbti by Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Very soon, Ms. Wendy Wu is going to complete her term as President of the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America (TBAA) on July 30, 2005. Out of the excellent experience, knowledge, enthusiasm, and professionalism of Ms. Wu, she has elevated the TBAA to a new height in terms of its fame, quality and significance among many American Chinese and Asian American institutions in this country.

Now, TBAA is scheduled to hold its profound 28th Annual Conference throughout the July 29-31, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In light of Ms. Wendy Wu's efforts and unselfish spirit in promoting cross-culture understanding and mutual respect for diversified interests rising from a variety of the communities, she has already become a real dynamic force and role model in the common pursuit of improving quality of life for our society.

As the largest civic organization representing U.S. immigrants from Taiwan, the TBAA currently has approximately 15 chapters and 30,000 active members nationwide. Their members are concerned about the new developments in Cross-Strait Relations, the U. S. China Relationship and the Asian Economy. They are increasingly focused on working with mainstream American society on these and other issues. Your participation would greatly inspire them as they move forward to achieve their goal.*7

"It's our honor to have Greeting Letter from U. S. Senator John Ensign and Certificates of Recognition from Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn and U. S. Congressman Joh Porter to Taiwan Benevolent Association of America and Ms. Wendy Yu-ping Wu in welcomimg the people from all around the world to Las Vegas to participate the 28th Annual Convention of the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America on July 29-31, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. We're also pleased to have Ms. Wendy Yu-ping Wu's interest in offering her caliber whose integrity, knowledge, and experience may bring to Washington Business and Technology Institute an interstate perspective," points out President Dr. Tony Lei of
WBTI. "Throughout Ms. Wendy Wu's distinguished endeavor, she has accomplished a great deal of business and community service practices and earned a good reputation as a conscientious and dedicated professional. Taiwan Benevolent Association of America and Wendy deserve the significant Greeting Letter from U. S. Senator John Ensign and Certificates of Recognition from Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn and U. S. Congressman Jon Porter."*8

The following is an example of our inviation letter that we sent to U. S. Senator John Ensign, Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn, and U. S. Congressman Jon Porter:

> Dear U. S. Senator Honorable John Ensign,*9

> Dr. Tony T. Lei, Advisor of Taiwan Benevolent Association of Las Vegas [President of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI)], Mrs. Wendy Wu, Chairperson of Taiwan Benevolent Association of America (TBAA), Miss Sue Phelps, President of Taiwan Benevolent Association of Las Vegas, Mr. Lo-Yu Sun, Board Advisor of TBAA, and Ms. Hui-Ching Chen, Director of Secretary Division of TBAA request the honor of your presence as a Kenote Speaker (for short speech) and/or as a grantor of Greetings Letter at the Opening Ceremony of 28th Annual Convention of Taiwan Benevolent Association of America (TBAA)

> on Saturday, the Thirty of July, 2005
> at the Paris Hotel and Casino
> 3655, Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
> from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
>
> Participants: About 500 people.
> Attire: Business
>
> RSVP: Please e-mail Dr. Tony Lei at tojulei@yahoo.com. Or please call Judy for RSVP at 255-9058 on or before
> Friday, May 20, 2005.
>
---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Michael Douglas is a distingueshed Justice of the Supreme Court of Nevada, while Jessie Walsh is an achieved District Judge of Nevada. Valerie Weber is a known Assemblywoman of Nevada, while Cheryl Moss is the first Asian American elected in Nevada history as a District Court Judge.
*2. Douglas, Michael; Weber, Valerie; Moss, Cheryl; Chang, Tiffany. 'Wendy Wu has been appointed Assistant Fellow of Public Administration Institution of WBTI,' "A search of 'wendy yu-ping wu' on the Google.com," ( June 27, 2005), U. S. A.: Google.com.
3. Ensign, John. 'Greeting from Office of Senator John Ensign,' "The 'Letter of Greeting to Taiwan Benevolent Association of America and Wendy Yu-ping Wu' sent by U. S. Senator John Ensign to President Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI)," (May 27, 2005), Las Vegas, Nevada: Office of Senator John Ensign.
*4. Guinn, Kenny. 'Certificate of Recognition from Office of the Governor,' "The 'Certificate of Recognition to Wendy Yu-Ping Wu' sent by Nevada Governor Kenny C. Guinn to President Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI)," (May 24, 2005), Las Vegas, Nevada: Office of the Governor.
*5. Porter, Jon. 'Certificate of Recognition from Office of Congressman Jon Porter,' "The 'Certificate of Recognition to Taiwan Benevolent Association of America and Wendy Yu-ping Wu' sent by U. S. Congressman Jon C. Porter to President Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI)," (June 29, 2005), Las Vegas, Nevada: Office of Congressman Jon Porter.
*6. Douglas. Ibid.
*7. Denton, Mark; Walsh, Jessie; Moss, Cheryl; and Chang, Tiffany. 'Our mutual cooperation and development between the officials and people will bring us a peaceful, happy, and healthy community,' "Newsbrief of WBTI," (February 7, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: WBTI.
*8. Chang, Tiffany. 'Nancy Becker has been appointed Fellow of Public Administration Institution of Washington Business and Technology Institute,' "A search of 'Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nevada Nancy Becker' on the Google.com," (June 28, 2005), U. S. A.: Google.com.
*9. PAI of WBTI, 'An invitation e-mail to U. S. Senator John Ensign,' "A search of 'U. S. Senator John Ensign' on Google.com," (July 4, 2005), U. S. A.: Google.com.