EducationNews.org

Building Bridges is a special about connecting business and educational leaders in America and China. It is a must see for anyone that is attempting to come to grips with the fast paced, hyper-competitive, transformational, knowledge based global economy.
The second segment to be aired later in the week ( all segments will be available via the Internet at: ) focus is on education. Tom Watkins, ( tdwatkins@aol.com) a former Michigan State superintendent of schools and a "China expert" and no strangers to readers of Ed News is featured through out this special. He has been building business and educational connections with China since 1989. Google "Tom Watkins China" and you will see a sample of his writing on the subject. The 21st century will be driven by change, talent the US and China. This special will give you a look at our collective future.

If the current and two former Michigan Governors, and top governmental, business, political, labor and educational leaders told you to pay attention, that what you are about to hear and see is going to impact our state, our communities, families and your children and grandchildren - would you? Well, you'd better.

On Sunday, Dec. 16 at 11 p.m. following the finale of "Survivor: China," WWJ-TV (Channel x) will premiere a three-part series that examines Michigan's economy and future and their potential connections with China in "Building Bridges: From the Great Lakes to the Great Wall." (Part two airs Tuesday, Dec. 18 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The series wraps up on Wednesday, Dec. 19 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.)

This show, in which I assisted as a consultant for WWJ-TV, is a wake-up call to everyone in Michigan. It tells us that the world we once had is now gone. There are 1.3 billion new consumers/capitalists that are going to challenge and engage us at every turn - in business, education, innovation and creativity.

This TV special, "Building Bridges," is shot in stunning high-definition and hosted by Carol Cain, Community Affairs and Editorial Director of WWJ-TV. It leads us on a journey to see how the Chinese have built one of the most explosive economies on the planet and how the economic growth in China could help position Michigan for future growth.

Rick Wagoner, CEO of General Motors, said it this way: "Twenty years from now, the only markets that will really matter will be the U.S. and China." If it were not for the profits being made in China, GM would be in much tougher financial shape than it is today. While the U.S. auto market is stagnate, the growth of sales in China is growing by leaps and bounds. This should not surprise anyone who understands that the ability to own a private car is a phenomenon that is less than 20 years old in this country that is home to one-fifth of the world's humanity!

Ms. Cain interviewed a number of experts to offer the most comprehensive, eye-opening report on those who are building bridges and attempting to develop opportunities for Michigan residents. She and WWJ TV award-winning videographer, Paul Pytlowany, captured the sights and sounds of China from the majestic city of Shanghai teeming with its 20 million residents, to the sunrise over the Great Wall of China and the scenic beauty of the habitat of perhaps one of the most beloved animals in the world, the Giant Panda.

"Building Bridges" features exclusive interviews with virtually every local business leader and decision-maker who will play a part in Michigan's economic expansion. From government officials to business CEO's, automotive executives to union leaders, Ms. Cain leads a very balanced discussion on this important topic.

A number of experts were tapped to offer the most comprehensive, eye-opening report to date on this issue. Ms. Cain traveled extensively throughout China and Michigan to see first-hand how bold pioneers in business and education are laying the groundwork for future prosperity in Michigan. A partial list of her guests includes: Jennifer Granholm, Governor of Michigan; John Engler and Jim Blanchard, former Governors of Michigan; Phil Spender, Ford China COO; Audie Wong, Amway China; Zhou Wenzhong, Chinese Ambassador to the United States; Mary Sue Coleman, University of Michigan President; Kenneth Lieberthal, University of Michigan China Expert; C. Peter Theut, Partner, Butzel Long, Global Business Advisory Council; Karolo Chen, CEO of Motown Travel; Mark Brewer, Michigan Democratic Party Chairman; Mark Gaffney, Michigan AFL-CIO President; Lou Dobbs, CNN anchor; and two students from a local high school who are traveling in China.

Globalization Is Here to Stay!

Jim Epolito, President and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, gives this advice: "There is a need to change the mindset of all Michigan companies, regardless of size. In today's economy, where goods and services move across time zones and international borders seamlessly, ALL business is global, regardless if you want it to be or not."

Building solid relationships, or "guanxi," are critical to long term success in China. Two local political leaders, L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County Executive, and Robert Ficano, Wayne County Executive, are working overtime to build the relationships that will pay dividends back here in the Southeast Michigan region. Both of them and their staffs have made numerous, grueling transcontinental flights in an effort to develop the guanxi and "bring home the bacon" or in this case the jobs, for their constituents.

Patterson has both long and short term strategies to help prepare his county for the transformational global wave that has been heading our way for some time. He understands that our children will not be competing against the children in the school district or state next door - they will be competing against the children of the world. He has called for, and the Oakland schools have embraced, the teaching of Mandarin Chinese (the most spoken language on the planet) in all schools in Oakland County. His call has been heard in China by educators and business leaders alike as a visionary educational effort and one that will make Oakland County and all of Southeast Michigan an economic magnet for Chinese investment.

Ficano has been to China three times in the past few years, crisscrossing the country telling them that Wayne County - and Michigan - are open for their investment and business. Ficano has been successful in luring Century Automotive, a division of Beijing-based Tempo Group, to open a research and development facility that will create 200 new high-paying jobs in Canton Township.

Clearly this special cannot, and did not, capture the 5,000 years of history, culture and economic vitality of this vast land of China in two hours. It does show how Michigan leaders, understanding that a China economic wave has been unleashed, are seeking ways to make its rise work for Michigan citizens and companies.

"This issue is vital to everyone in Michigan," said Trey Fabacher, Vice President and General Manager of WWJ-TV and WKBD-TV. "In just a few short years, there won't be a business or family not affected in some way by economic changes outside the USA. Carol Cain has used her extensive relationships and experience as a journalist to produce a truly riveting and informative special series." As part of a new community initiative called "Eye on the Future," WWJ-TV will provide programming and initiatives that offer a spotlight on how Michigan can move forward in this ever-changing world.

Clearly, the 21st century will be driven by leadership, innovation, talent, creativity, knowledge, change and China. Watch this special, "Building Bridges: From the Great Lakes to the Great Wall" with your entire family - it will help you understand that change and China are coming our way.