Bucks, business leaders head to China
The Business Journal of Milwaukee - by Mark Kass
The Milwaukee Bucks and contingent of area business executives left Sunday for China, hoping to further spread the word about Milwaukee in the Asian country.
The Bucks are scheduled to play two exhibition games this week against the Golden State Warriors as part of the 2008 NBA China games: Wednesday in Guangzhou and Friday in Beijing. The group is expected to return Sunday, Oct. 19.
The business leaders were hoping to use the Bucks’ trip as a marketing event for the region.
“It is part of the marquee value of having NBA basketball in this city,” said Tim Sheehy, president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce. “China is now our third-largest export market. At over $1 billion, the economic activity creates jobs here at home.”
Among the business leaders on the trip were Tim Sullivan, president of Bucyrus International Inc.; Dave Baumgarten, executive vice president of regional banking for Associated Banc-Corp; Bill Bertha, president of U.S. Bank’s Wisconsin division; Julie Lee, a partner at Foley & Lardner; and Julia Taylor, president of The Greater Milwaukee Committee.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Common Council President Willie Hines also made the trip.
Several business leaders, including Sheehy, have made trips to China in recent years in an effort to build Milwaukee’s relationship with Chinese firms.
“The branding for Milwaukee and the region in China through the Bucks participation in the NBA China games is great for companies like Bucyrus International,” Sullivan said. “The opportunity to be in China with the Bucks presents a unique platform for building relationships with our customers there.”
Watch for coverage and photos from the trip on The Business Journal’s Web site throughout the week and in our Oct. 17 issue.
Related Industry News |
Latest News |
Most Viewed Stories |
Most Emailed Stories |
