[News Release] – Business leaders from the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation participated in the Los Angeles County Trade & Investment Mission to Shenzhen China and Hong Kong on Apr. 5 to 13. The trip was organized and led by LA County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.

The SCVEDC works to provide an integrated approach to attracting, retaining and expanding a diverse base of business and industry in the Santa Clarita Valley.

The delegation spent 3-1/2 days in Shenzhen and 1-1/2 days in Hong Kong.

The Santa Clarita Valley delegation consisted of Holly Schroeder from SCVEDC, Ken Wiseman from AMS Fulfillment, Randy Wrage from Spirit Holding, Craig Peters from CBRE, Steve Tannehill from the Small Business Development Center/College of the Canyons (COC) Economic Development Department, and Jia-Yi Cheng-Levine from COC’s International Student Program. Three representatives from the Antelope Valley also participated in the mission.

The delegation met with individual companies as well as organizations representing businesses who are interested in expanding into the US market. In addition, the delegation conducted an Investor Conference with over 40 attendees in conjunction with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT.) The delegation also participated in a meeting between Supervisor Antonovich and the Mayor of Shenzhen.

Company visits included:

• New World Development Group, a development company that recently purchased the Los Angeles Marriott and the Universal Sheraton

• Selen Science and Technology, a provider of contamination control and cleanroom technology and supplies

• Yulong Computers/Coolpad, China’s third largest manufacturer of cell phones

• Stechol Ceramic Craft Development, a producer of fine bone china

• BYD, a technology company that is manufacturing electric buses in the City of Lancaster

• Click Technologies, a manufacturer of computer peripherals and power supply

• Rehab Robotics, a medical device company

• Sugi International, a major manufacturer of footwear

In addition, the delegation met with organizations such as the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, and the Shenzhen Security and Protection Industry Association. Several high-tech industrial parks that include significant Research & Development operations and incubators were also visited.

The SCVEDC and members of the delegation will continue to work with these companies to pursue business partnerships and foreign direct investment opportunities. For more information about the SCVEDC, visit www.SCVEDC.org.