"One Billion Opportunities"

By John S. Shegerian

Wow! How did this happen? One day I am a businessman in the Central Valley of California, the next thing I know I am invited by Governor Schwarzenegger to join his trade mission to China. What does this all mean? And how do I make the most of this exciting and promising journey?

For the record, I am initially proud of two facts. After reviewing the list of executives that are joining the Governor on the trip, I seem to be the only invited delegate and exhibitor from the Central Valley of California. For certain, I am the only Armenian American on this trip. Representing those two communities dear to my heart make me very proud--and also somewhat nervous. I feel a burden -- a burden to deliver the goods.

Is China the big scary economic monster that is going to swallow us business people-or can we make friends and do business with our neighbors in the East?

I do, of course, have some specific business goals. My meetings there will be with over 50 business and political officials, and I am interested to see how these meetings go in terms of style, speed and sincerity. I also want to see for myself the environmental and human rights violations that have been alleged in China with regard to the inappropriate disposal of electronic waste. Seeing is believing, and I want to see these issues up front before offering solutions to fix them.

Lastly, I want to be a beacon of hope to our Chinese friends. I can demonstrate to them that they can set up environmentally responsible recycling facilities that will handle China's electronic waste crisis.

On a universal and more personal note, I must mention that I have never been a professional reporter--so please be gentle in your critiques. I am simply an interested observer. Hopefully, I can be a window into modern China for the Central Valley. I am going to tell it like it is; the good, the bad and most importantly the amazing possibilities that exist for us all as a State and Country. I look forward to lifting the veil and removing some of the mystery!

No matter that our Governor is at a 37% approval rating and his propositions were defeated. By organizing this trip and bringing some of the top business people from California to meet with some of China's best and brightest-he is leading by example -- an example that we can all follow if we so wish. And I am honored to be joining him there. I am also honored to be sharing my experiences with a billion friends, with each one of you.

Yes, I will also speak to the many business and cultural differences, and to the historic crossroads that we are at right now.

John S. Shegerian left for his mission to China on Saturday and will report via a daily blog for the Fresno Bee on-line. John is President and CEO of Electronic Recyclers International™ (ERI), the largest recycler of electronic waste in the State of California. With headquarters in Fresno and San Diego, ERI is licensed to de-manufacture, recycle and crush the cathode ray tubes found in computer monitors, televisions and other types of video equipment. Shegerian speaks regularly to the media regarding electronic waste and presents before also serves as an Ambassador of Education at the California State University at Fresno.

"A Stranger in a Promised Land"
By John S. Shegerian

I have flown over 100,000 miles in 2005. My destinations have included many wonderful U.S. cities, Vancouver, Mexico, London, Greece and other parts of Europe. But today is much different, and I know it. I awoke at 5am with Elton John's classic "Rocket Man" running through my brain.

Each time I travel to Europe it is like a time warp backwards. Fly to Europe, historically relevant and beautiful, like going back in time. My instincts feel the exact opposite for China. Fly to China, also historically relevant, but see the future. My future? Probably. But absolutely the future of commerce for my children, grandchildren, California and the US. Europe equals the past. China is the future. Actually, China is the NOW. And I know it. It's why I'm going!

While waiting to connect to my Beijing flight in San Francisco I say my final farewells to my family via cell phone. Then it begins, cursory worries concerning avian flu are there, but they can't take away from my overall excitement of accompanying the California Governor on this trade mission.

After an uneventful flight, I was unexpectedly greeted by a man holding up a sign with my name on it. He informed me that his name is Charles and that he was sent by my hotel to make sure that I arrived safely. What a good start! Charles was very friendly, spoke broken but understandable English and was very polite and helpful.

The most shocking and many ways best part so far was the Beijing airport itself. I went through customs, got my baggage, exchanged my dollars and was in a cab in 15 minutes! It was the best and most efficient international airport experience of my life.

My cabbie spoke no English. It gave me a chance to soak it all in on my drive to the hotel. Tall high-rise condos with western names such as "Central Park" dot the skyline. The outside air smells like a burning fire existed somewhere. People, cars and bicyclists abound. Smoking is allowed indoors and outdoors.

Once we arrived at my hotel, and before I could even get out of my cab, a well dressed young lady approached me and asked if I was Mr. Shegerian. I said yes, and she asked me to follow her to my room. No waiting. No front desk. No questions. She checked me in, in my room!! And my baggage arrived before I signed my final paperwork. I have never been checked into any hotel like this before.

My e-mail was up within five minutes in my small but well-appointed room. My regular Treo cell phone works seamlessly. I am beginning to feel really comfortable here.

After passing on the offer of some traditional room service items (I'm not quite ready yet for the "double boiled white fungus and peas in syrup" or the "double boiled snow frogs with lotus seed"), it was time to go for a walk outside.

As I walked the streets of downtown Beijing to fill my lungs and stretch my legs, I had an overwhelming feeling of aloneness amongst the throngs of humanity that exists everywhere. I realized a modern version of how it must have felt for so many immigrants who came through Ellis Island at the turn of the century in search of the American dream.

It's definitely going to be an interesting trip. Outside of my business meetings I sense that I'll be free to be myself, but trapped within myself. Language, class, cultural and financial barriers are already staring at me as hard and long as the natives do.

I am just another stranger in a promised land.

"A Pain in the Glass"
By John S. Shegerian

Four hours of a jet lagged dead man's sleep is plenty. Its 5 a.m. and time to welcome my first morning in Beijing. After an hour and a half of sweating at the hotel's beautiful gym, I was ready to get down to the business at hand.

A bit of background about that business -- Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) are enemies of the environment because of all the lead and other toxins they contain. Approximately four to eight pounds of lead are present in each television set or computer monitor. The lead is what protects us from the harmful rays that are created by these otherwise ordinary items, while the TV or computer is functional and operating. But once it needs to be discarded, destroyed or recycled, the lead in the CRT becomes poisonous and hazardous to our general environment.

California was the first state to boldly ban CRTs from its landfills and create a financial mechanism for recycling these materials. California's program, called SB/20, has been a runaway success.

What does this history lesson have to do with China? Today I am going to a glass recycling facility in Tianjin, China's third biggest city after Beijing and Shanghai. The owners of this facility have toured our Fresno recycling facility, and have invited me to do business with them. By partnering with the Chinese, both countries can hopefully move toward an effective and environmentally friendly solution to the CRT problem.

The question is whether to take the train or a car. I chose the car option to feel safer and more flexible. I then learned that many people "perish" each day on the highway that I was going to be traveling on today. I still took the car option only now more worried about "perishing" rather than what I would talk about with these businessmen.

At 9:15 my phone rang. I proceeded down to the lobby. Three youthful executives greeted me and we proceeded to their VW Passat for what could be my final ride. The three hour ride felt like 20 minutes. The conversation was so interesting and lively. The subjects ranged from George Bush, 9/11, the NBA and Britney Spears.

This much I now know: In addition to being respectful, hospitable, and sincere, the Chinese people want to learn as much about US culture and practices as they can. They are wonderfully inquisitive people who are also willing to share their knowledge about Chinese culture, business and history if approached appropriately on these subjects. Our Chinese counterparts also understand the United States much better than we understand China.

On to the factory. The meetings were a one hour formal event. The tour lasted about 30 minutes. Things had gone well enough that we took photos together in front of their facility. I was informed that the day was a huge success and that they were very excited about the possibilities of our long-term relationship. As was I.

I passed my first test.

Back at the hotel, I caught up with my emails. And caught the news for 10 minutes. Six meetings tomorrow. Over 1000 dignitaries (and it is a power list) that are coming to meet with us on Wednesday at the trade mission with Governor Schwarzenegger, who, along with his wife Maria Shriver, have been receiving a hero's welcome here, mobbed by thousands of Chinese admirers.

It's really funny how things sometimes turn out. I started out the day assuming that because of six hours of driving travel that my day was going to be a royal pain in the glass!! But it turned out to be one of the most interesting and fruitful business days of 2005. Maybe of my life!

"Super Tuesday"
By John S. Shegerian

I am told that some professional writers have trouble meeting deadlines or coming up with stories. Not this guy. In China there are so many great stories. Where does one even begin?

A woman I met in the airport the other day had warned me that the hotel where I'm staying was being put on terrorist alert by the American Embassy. I had no idea why this was until today. At about 10:00 this morning I was finishing some paperwork at my desk in my room when the phone rang. It was an organizer of this trade mission who asked me if I was wearing a suit at that moment. I said yes. He told me to hustle down to the second floor. And there he was. George Bush himself. W's dad, working the crowd and making me proud to be an American. "W" arrives later this week with Secretary of State Rice and other US leaders.

Back to my hotel room, getting my game face on for my daily meetings, I glanced at the newspaper. The cover story of the "South China Morning Post" talks about "Americans on Alert". In this article, (which I was devouring) it stated that the warning issued by US authorities last week "was retracted after mainland's" Public Security Ministry dismissed it as "false information recently fabricated by certain foreigners". Certain foreigners!! I met that "certain foreigner" and she had me worried for 48 hours. Thanks lady!

I looked out the window and noticed something was amiss. On Sunday when I arrived at my 21st floor hotel room I noticed that there was a 30 or so story building that is under construction just across the way. There were none of the typical construction barriers on any floor. Just concrete slabs on each level. A worker could take just one misstep, slip or fall . . . and the price would be eternal. The building codes in China are certainly different. I asked a few denizens what their thoughts were on this glaring issue. One succinct person summed it up by saying that "losing one life during construction is sad, but missing construction deadlines is a real tragedy in China". So China needs some better building and safety codes.

Today was vastly different. The concrete landing on each floor was surrounded by green tarps. On every floor. A construction worker couldn't throw himself off the building now if he tried to. The President, Governator and all the world's media had descended upon Beijing in the last 48 hours and visible changes had been made. Merely a coincidence? You decide. I think not.

Which leads to the issue of changes in China. This might sound obvious, but change in China comes in two forms. The obvious -- and the subtle. Some changes are both. China remains a country of vast contrasts and is continually reinventing itself, mostly with great intentions for its own betterment.

I had six meetings today. All were very interesting. But there are common themes that I take away from each new meeting or relationship. Typically, US business executives are told to slow down in their negotiating tactics. The Chinese are supposed to value relationship building and careful deliberations before negotiating a deal with a new person. Ironically for me I was faced with the reverse circumstances today.

A group of young executives who represented a state owned corporation met with me for three hours earlier today. They told me how pleased they were with our meetings, and asked me to sign a three page legal letter of intent to cement our deal. I was flattered how interested they were and taken aback by their forwardness. I told them that my Chinese counsel, who I had not even consulted with yet had to review their document and make comments. And that it would be at least a week until I could sign it. They were very disappointed, but understood. So much for cautious and deliberate. This group of executives meant business. And NOW!!

Another common trend is that Chinese women over the age of 25 are now in executive and management positions at corporations that represent the entire rainbow of industries in China. Many of these women have received graduate degrees in the US. Mainly MBA's and PhD's. Some of them even worked for a couple of years in the US before returning back to China. Again, these professional women, just like their Chinese male counterparts, understand the US much more than American business executives understand China.

On the subject of Chinese women professionals, I must discuss the issue of modern Chinese families. The one family one child rule still exists in China. And is practiced by most. Actually, many professional women are forsaking or postponing motherhood for their careers. Sound familiar? You bet. And it doesn't take a genius to know what other family trends are evolving. Just look in the mirror of our great but flawed country. Of note, the Chinese divorce rates are quickly rising. Not to our levels, but recent statistics show that in Shanghai there is approximately a 23% divorce rate among couples. Not a promising trend.

One more banquet in my honor, and I am off to bed with a full belly.

Earlier today we were debriefed as to who was coming to tomorrow's trade mission meetings. They include the business and political leaders of both the US and China. I am way out of my league. But very honored to be here during these historic and defining periods in Chinese and US trade relations.

In China each day represents a new learning experience. I am grateful just for the simple and subtle lessons that evolve from my observations.

"Showtime!"
By John S. Shegerian

I have the privilege of turning 43 with our Governor in China. At face value, it is a great way to spend the passing of another year. But without my family with me it will not be the same experience. Although most of my adult life I have been looking forward to exploring China's historical points of interest such as The Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and The Forbidden City, I have decided not to visit any of them on this journey. I will wait until my wife and children can join me here at a later date.

Today is Showtime! I will be meeting the Governor and his wife today at my booth and I inadvertently arose at 1am, when I misread my clock. And I have stayed up ever since. Three hours of sleep really is the pits. Then again it is my birthday, so I will just get to enjoy more of today than usual.

Showtime! As I witnessed from watching a basketball game, to the Chinese, this means Houston NBA player Yao Ming. He is their Michael Jordan. When an NBA player scores a basket on Chinese television, it is shown only once. When Yao scores, it is shown three times. From what appears to be different camera angles. He is a national hero and that is fun to see. He seems to give the Chinese a sense of hope.

And hope can be wonderful thing. It springs eternal here in China. It is also seen in their emphasis on education. Education means a great deal to the Chinese. For example, my consultant and Chinese business facilitator is a great guy named Jing. He came to the U.S. twenty years ago after finishing his undergraduate studies at Beijing University. With no money or contacts, he decided to further his studies while he worked. Today, Jing has three masters degrees and a PhD. This is not a misprint! How did he do it? Correspondence courses? Not a chance. All of Jing's graduate degrees were earned from the world class Columbia University in New York City. Among the Chinese, Jing is not an anomaly.

Many more meetings today. I have come to realize that the Chinese way of business means booking the whole day with meetings and meals. No down time is allowed. More meetings mean more business in China. The pace is sometimes torrid.

After my morning meetings I set up our booth for the trade mission. Between 12 and 3 pm about fifty interested dignitaries stopped by our booth to introduce themselves to me. The array of Chinese power brokers that I met during this period was promising.

At 3 pm Governor Schwarzenegger would be meeting with me at the end of the fashion show. The meeting would be in front of my trade booth, and all the local and foreign media would be present. Not a bad birthday present! I waited in anticipation while meeting with, for over an hour, a Chinese born, American school mergers and acquisition attorney. She pitched her services. I listened intently.

5 pm was Showtime! The bright lights were turned on. The crowd of over 800 people was a mixture of U.S delegates, Chinese business people and socialites. Press and media from around the world occupied elevated stages throughout the room. The excitement and anticipation was infectious. Arnold and Maria made their grand entrance appearing to break out of a "made in California" crate.

The crowd lit up and cheered them on. The Governor made a few brief remarks and then the fashion show proceeded. Before I knew it, 6:30 was upon us and the Governor concluded by exiting the stage and walking towards my booth. And me. All the media was in tow. The Governator put out his huge hand as Maria asked me what our company did. My mind went in one direction and my body went in another. Arnold kept shaking my hand as Maria and I chatted from about 8 inches nose to nose. They both were charmingly disarming. And genuinely interested. I concluded my remarks to them while trying to ignore the bright lights of the video monitors that were filming and the flashes from the still cameras. I finished with these words. "Thank you Mr. Governor for your vision and leadership in making California the number one e-waste recycling state in the nation and maybe the entire world". I had practiced these words to myself for the last hour. The Governor thanked me. Then I looked at Maria and said, "your husband is the Environmental Governor that many others will now follow on this e-waste recycling issue." She was very pleased with my comments. And so was I.

Here was our own Governor, just 8 days after his most devastating political loss and setback in China carefully building political, cultural and economic bridges for California. I know both California and the U.S. will benefit from the trade mission for decades to come.

After all the bright lights had been extinguished it was time to head back to my room. Going into my 20th hour, I was just worn out. On my desk when I returned was a beautiful birthday cake, with a handwritten note from the General Manager from the hotel. How did she know? I was too tired to care. All that I could think about was that China takes a backseat to no other country when it comes to caring service, hospitality, and drive to make their country a strong economic force in the world. I lifted my self-imposed sugar ban so that I could eat some birthday cake. Six big bites of cake later, I decided to order dinner. After quickly eating it was time for bed. I turned on the news. Big mistake. The announcer on television was in the red alert mode. Avian flu had spread from birds to people in mainland China. People were now getting infected and dying! The first rule of a true hypochondriac is not to be in a foreign country when a new deadly disease breaks out. I did a great job of breaking that rule.

Well, I have made it to 43. And was beginning to think that 44 was quickly becoming an elusive goal.

"Shanghai Surprise!"
By John S. Shegerian

Up at 3 am. A new day. And I felt great. Thirty emails later, I fetched the newspaper to glance at the headlines.

Another big mistake.

The headlines were enough to force me back under the sheets. The South China Morning Post headline read "Mainland boy tests positive for H5N1". Those tricky Chinese journalists... nobody has ever called Avian flu H5N1 before. But I knew what they were saying. The China Daily headline read "Nation confirms first-ever cases of human infection". People were infected. And dying. My favorite headline was on the cover of the International Herald Tribune. It read "China to try to vaccinate all poultry." It went on to say that China's agricultural ministry said late Tuesday that they would try to vaccinate all of the nation's chickens and other poultry against bird flu. There are approximately 4.2 billion chickens and 1 billion ducks, geese and turkeys in China. So let me understand this, in the U.S. we can't produce enough flu vaccine to vaccinate a portion of our population, but China somehow has figured out how to produce enough vaccine for 5.2 billion birds. Now I am sure that the world has gone crazy!

Personally, I think that we should get the company who is producing the vaccines for the birds to produce flu vaccines for the United States. And one more thing. Who is being charged with accomplishing this huge task in China? Most likely it is going to be some poor government official who recently made a mistake and is going to be punished with administering this program. A quick breakfast and then it is time to catch my plane for Shanghai.

The ride to the airport is a breeze, on a morning that feels like winter is in the air. Another smooth experience at Beijing airport and soon after I arrive in Shanghai. My business host is waiting to pick me up. Our ride to the hotel is a 1992 red Cadillac Brougham. "Old School Hip" is hot in Shanghai and all over China. And I am loving it. My host Mr. Mi said that his Cadillac is not a common car in China. The windows are tinted but my view in crystal clear. What a surprise! Shanghai is like New York City on steroids. Skyscrapers abound around me. And I have never seen so many construction cranes in my life in any one city.

Governor Schwarzenegger was back in true form. Swarmed by screaming Shanghai fans and surrounded by crowds of photographers, the Governor was treated more like a huge movie star than a political figure. He instinctively uses this to his advantage. For example, George Bush, his Dad, John Major and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty have all been in China this week while we have been here. Governor Schwarzenegger's photos and media coverage have thoroughly eclipsed all of the media messages of the previously mentioned political figures combined. Simply put, Arnold rocks in China! Californians should proud because Arnold has tirelessly promoted all things Californian this entire week. From grapes, high tech, wine, motion pictures, and recycling to tourism. Our Governor has expertly educated the Chinese media along with its politicians and business leaders. And they truly love him here!

Maria and Arnold walked the red carpet at the Shanghai Museum for the premier of "Harry Potter and the Gobllet of Fire". His final remarks were punctuated with his trademark promise, "You will have the 2007 Special Olympics in Shanghai-for that, I'll be back."

Shanghai has exceeded my expectations in each and every possible way.

The Hyatt Hotel that I am currently in is the most spectacular hotel that I have ever set foot in. The attention to detail is meticulous. My room is on the 80th floor. During the day, you can see as far as your eyes will allow. At night it is a feast of lights for your eyes to behold. And the cranes look like Christmas trees, lit up and moving in a dance while construction proceeds 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Against the city's nighttime skyline, the bright sparks flying off of the welder's torches are absolutely mesmerizing. And my mind just wanders. How and why did Shanghai become such a world-class city? In 1992, unrest in Beijing swung the balance of economic power in China towards Shanghai. An initiative was begun to create a financial district that could eventually even eclipse Hong Kong. An enterprise zone was created on this former swampland. Tax incentives and other economic enticements were offered to both domestic and foreign investors. The big idea of the Shanghai leaders was to create a world-class skyline as a giant billboard for the city. Sort of a "field of dreams", build it and they will come approach to city planning. And it has worked!! The Hyatt Hotel where I am writing this from is the tallest (88 story) hotel in the world. The longest underwater pedestrian tunnel is here, as is the fastest train. During the last 10 years over 2,000 high-rise buildings have been completed or are in some stage of production in Shanghai. And in 3 years the world financial center will be the world's tallest building at 104 stories. It is currently being constructed about 500 yards away from where I am sitting right now.

Off to my meetings. Shanghai governmental officials want me to build an e-waste recycling facility in their great city. And numerous Chinese venture capitalists want to financially support our projects in China. Five meetings and nine hours later I am done for the day, but longing for more. The Chinese business leaders that we have met with are impressed with our business model and pressing me to make a deal. As I crawl between my sheets all I could think about was that I couldn't have dreamed of such a successful stop on our tour of China. And how thankful I am for our Shanghai Surprise!

"Hong Kong Hustle!"
By John S. Shegerian

Ni Hao! Pronounced "knee how!" Those are two simple words that mean "hello" in Chinese.

When presented sincerely to the Chinese, those two words can serve as the window into the heart and soul of a denizen. It's really so simple. Take the time to learn a few important greetings, show your hosts that you care about their culture and history, and they will reciprocate beyond your imagination.

Everywhere I have traveled in China, I have greeted the locals with "Ni Hao." And have been met with a smile and warmth that can melt an igloo in Alaska. Another great phrase is Xia Xia, pronounced "Shea Shea", it means thank you. When used often and with sincerity, it is a great tool to prove all westerners are not as rude as we can sometimes be. Hong Kong is the last stop on this weeklong journey through China. Truth be known, I have been to Hong Kong before in the mid 1990's, but not since 1995. So just like my arrival in Beijing and Shanghai, I am excited like a child before Christmas. How has Hong Kong evolved in the last 10 years? The answers were about to unfold.

Upon landing at the new Hong Kong Airport, again I am amazed how easy China has made the Customs process. The Hong Kong Airport is vast in size, yet immaculate and very efficient. The shops in the Airport are just a precursor for what is yet to come. Hong Kong is all about shopping and money. There are beautiful branded stores in the Airport, on the streets and in the Subway system. Below ground, one can move from building to building while shopping and never coming up for fresh air. Hong Kong truly gives new meaning to the phrase "shop 'til you drop."

On the subject of shopping, I must mention the Chinese love a good brand. From Ipods to Izods, the rising Chinese middle class enjoys buying and using branded goods. Chinese youth wear Levis while sipping cappuccinos at Starbucks. The wealthy Chinese drive Audis, BMW's and Mercedes. In fact, Hong Kong has more Rolls Royces per capita than anywhere else in the entire world. Today, Louis Vuitton opened their Chinese flagship store in Beijing. And they weren't the first to do so. Armani, Channel, Givenchy and Bentley all have flagship retail shops in China.

On a geographical note, Hong Kong is a peninsula attached to mainland China with more than 235 islands. Almost 7 million people now inhabit this region known as a center for trade, tourism and finance. If you think the U.S. is money obsessed, wait till you see Hong Kong. The Urban Legend is that if you close your eyes and take a deep breath through your nose you can smell money in the air. If you can't smell it, you can certainly sense the energy of the "Hong Kong Hustle." Everyone seems to be in a forward motion, hustling to their next destination. It is a city of energy and excitement. And that is very intoxicating during the day or night.

At night, Hong Kong's busy nightlife rises from its daytime slumber. When the lights come on, the city's reflection twinkles on the water. The Hong Kong hustle moves to its sidewalks, nightclubs, and busy restaurants. From the best of the East to the best of the West, you can find every cuisine in Hong Kong.

It was at one of our final luncheons that Governor Schwarzenegger teamed up with Hong Kong hero Jackie Chan to launch a television campaign in China to promote intellectual property rights. The 30-second spot showed the two actors dressed in black riding side- by-side motorcycles while dodging exploding cars. At the spot's conclusion Chan and Schwarzenegger ask the public to help stop piracy. This public service announcement will be seen by millions of viewers in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. The Governor concluded his remarks at the luncheon by saying that "the fact that Hong Kong is willing to put this PSA on TV shows me that Hong Kong is serious about fighting Piracy".

While we were in Hong Kong at luncheons or business meetings, it is important to note that Maria Shriver was doing other types of Mission Work. Here in Hong Kong, she visited Harmony House, which is a battered Women and Children's Shelter. She did the same acts of kindness and leadership in Shanghai at an orphanage and in Beijing at an Abused Women's Counseling Center. Our First Lady of California, Maria Shriver, made me proud of the great changes that people in her position can effectuate for others in need.

Xia, Xia Arnold and Maria! It has been a great journey. And you both have brought Honor, Respect and Grace to our Country and the State of California.

"No Place Like Home"
By John S. Shegerian

It is my last morning in Hong Kong. I am up at 4 am in anticipation of a very important breakfast meeting with American and Chinese venture capitalists. My view of the Hong Kong Bay and the skyline is spectacular. I'm going to miss this place. If only I had a couple of more days. To borrow a line from our esteemed Governor, "I'll be back." And now I know it.

Off to my 6 a.m. breakfast meeting at The Peninsula Hotel. It is their flagship property in the entire chain. And it is gorgeous. A splendid mixture of historic grandeur and modern comforts make it a delightful landmark. My meeting with yet another accomplished female investment banker with a PhD and her American partner goes even better than my optimistic expectations. Future plans are made for them to visit our facilities in California and for my return to China in January. Nothing beats finishing a series of weeklong meetings than a promising and hopeful final business encounter.

Back to my hotel, some last minute calls and emails and off to Hong Kong's new airport for the flight back home. The cab ride is even more eye opening than the day before. The vast amount of high-rises that heavily dot the beautiful Hong Kong landscape is impressive. The signs that lead to Disneyland are new reminders of Hong Kong's growth and our western influence.

This city has really grown up over the last 10 years. Physically, the tall buildings make a photogenic partner with the beautiful mountain landscape nestled behind them. "Manhattan marries the Sierra Nevada Mountains" is what Hong Kong looks like to me. It is a beautiful and hopeful horizon, just like most of my weeklong memories. This hopeful horizon has me thinking of my favorite headline of this week. On the cover of "The International Herald Tribune" it read "To people in China, horizon looks rosy." It went on to describe that the Pew Research Center, which is an independent opinion research organization based in Washington, has announced that China has emerged as "the world leader in hope for the future." The Pew Center survey which coincidentally was released earlier this week stated that many Chinese people feel they have made substantial progress in the past five years, think they will be much better off in another five years and are satisfied with the state of China today. The survey was conducted earlier this year in the major mainland Chinese cities. In sum, the Chinese are ranked first for their "optimism" out of 17 countries in which the global attitudes survey was conducted. Just as the Chinese feel optimistic, this Californian feels very optimistic for our extraordinary state. I am both elated and honored to have spent the past week exploring China with our trade delegation and Governor. Thank you Governor Schwarzenegger, your vision and leadership will create everlasting economic benefits in our beautiful state of California.

My optimism for our corporate prospects in China is overflowing. We have an opportunity in 2006 to finish our joint venture deals, and begin building recycling facilities in Beijing and Shanghai. I see promise when I dream about the almost unlimited opportunities that we have in China in the years to come. A feeling of Chinese destiny overwhelms me today.

As do my thoughts of going home. I will land in San Francisco at 8:30 a.m., transfer at 10:30 a.m., arrive back in Fresno on Saturday at 11:38 a.m. Can't wait. My three favorite people on earth Tammy (my wife), Cortney (my daughter) and Tyler (my son), will be at the Fresno Airport to meet me. Then we will proceed to our typical Saturday lunch. In the Central Valley of California, being Armenian means one thing on Saturdays: Keyma or Kebab for lunch. Geographically, it does not matter the exact location, all are great: Asbarez, George's or Masis. Armenian food on a Saturday morning tastes like home. I'm also looking forward to getting back to cheering on the Fresno State Bulldog Football Team.

So those are my immediate plans. Family, Keyma and Fresno State Football. It is a simple, but joyful existence here in Fresno. As the lights are dimmed and the music stops on my historic trip to China, I realize once again that Dorothy and E.T. had it right all along. No matter how wonderful your travels may have been, there is truly no place like home.