State officials, business leaders, woo Chinese ambassador about Lambert hub
St. Louis Beacon
February 2, 2010
by Jo Mannies
Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat, hosted him with a rare Missouri state dinner Monday night. Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, a Republican, is taking him to breakfast this morning.
The honoree in question is Zhou Wenzhong, China's ambassador to the United States and a popular man in these parts because of his interest in what area political and business leaders call the "Big Idea" -- transforming part of under-used Lambert Field International Airport into a Midwest cargo hub for Chinese products.
The lobbying effort has drawn in most of the state's major political figures from both parties. Below, the ambassador is greeted by U.S. Sen. (and former governor) Christopher "Kit" Bond, R-Mo.
The Regional Chamber and Growth Association detailed much of the ambassador's packed two-day schedule in a missive sent out Monday. His visit is hosted by the region's Midwest-China Hub Commission.
