Date: 9/14/2007
Lexington, S.C. – September 14, 2007 – S.C. District 87 Representative Nikki Haley was one of three state legislators joining Gov. Mark Sanford and a delegation of Palmetto business leaders at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Dalian, China this month. South Carolina was the only state in the nation invited to attend this annual gathering of CEOs, political dignitaries and top investors from around the globe, offering what Rep. Haley called “a rare opportunity for us to expand economic development prospects here in Lexington County and across our state.”

“Making life better in Lexington and throughout South Carolina means creating new business opportunities and learning how to strengthen the job-creating potential of our existing companies,” Rep. Haley said. “Building new relationships and finding new ways to stay competitive in a rapidly-changing world are critical steps toward ensuring the future prosperity of our local communities.”

While in China, Rep. Haley met with dozens of global business leaders – many of whom are looking to invest in North America or expand their operations here. She also attended seminars focusing on issues such as workforce development, technology infrastructure, the environmental impact of globalization and “investment psychology,” or the reasons top CEOs and investors choose to locate jobs and capital in one location versus another.

“Our region and our state have benefited by being competitive in the international arena,” Rep. Haley said. “That’s something we should be proud of, but it’s also something we must build on in order to create a better quality of life for our state and our region.”

Also joining Rep. Haley on the trip was Marty Brown, CEO of Lexington-based Colite International and fellow South Carolina CEO’s Derek Close (Springs Creative), Guerry Green (Screen Tight) and Mikee Johnson (Cox Lumber), among other in-state business leaders.

“Nikki is an invaluable pro-business asset for our state and our community,” Brown said. “Her commitment to growing our local economy is an example for elected officials everywhere.”

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