Background and Just Starting Out

Well, I’ve never written a blog before, but I thought this would be a good opportunity to do so and share some of my experiences during my upcoming travels to China and India.

I’m traveling to China and India as part of a fellowship program with the Aspen Institute -- the Aspen Institute Rodel Fellowship in Public Leadership. (link here) I am honored and privileged to have been selected for this two year Fellowship, which began in December 2005, as it is truly a tremendous experience.

There are nineteen of us traveling and all are elected to different levels of government around the country. They include some pretty neat people, many of whom will continue to rise in leadership positions both at the federal and state level.

Go to this link to see a list of my Rodel class:
www.aspeninstitute.org/site/c.huLWJeMRKpH/b.1041157/k.585C/Rodel_Fellows_Inaugural_Class.htm

There is a lot of talk about China and India being two of the fastest growing economies in the world. I hope to share some of my personal observations because there’s nothing more credible to drive home the need to reflect or focus on a particular issue than personal experience.

For several years, I have taken an active interest in promoting Minnesota’s connections with these two important world economies. First, it was promoting Mandarin language opportunities in Minnesota schools and more recently I initiated the creation of an India Center at the University of Minnesota.

We start in Beijing, China for three and a half days and then go on to India. Before leaving Minnesota I met with several University of Minnesota professors and leaders as well as business people who are enthusiastic about the proposed India Center, current Minnesota connections and future opportunities. So, while in India I will have additional personal meetings, learning about their health care system, economy and culture.

So, over the next two weeks I’ll make some journal entries when I am able to get internet access.