Governor Cuomo and Vice President Biden Declare Rochester NY to Lead Prestigious National Integrated Photonics Manufacturing Institute

Alain Kaloyeros, Ph.D., Founding President and Chief Executive Officer, SUNY Polytechnic Institute; Professor of Nanoscience and Mary Ho, China Millennium Council President rejoice Vice President Joe Biden's declaration of Rochester New York named as the National Integrative Photonics Institute Hub. SUNY Poly CNSE utilizes a pioneering model integrating unique interdisciplinary study, world-class intellectual capital and unparalleled physical resources with unwavering support from New York's elected officials and groundbreaking corporate investment by the world's leading nanoelectronics companies-including placement of their research centers and programs on site at SUNY Poly CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex.

$110 Million Federal Grant – Among Largest Ever Given to a Public University – To Support High-Tech Business and Academic Consortium Headquartered in Rochester and Utilizing SUNY Polytechnic Albany Nanotech Campus

Total Investment to Exceed $600 Million – Including More Than $250 Million by New York State – To Create and Support Thousands of Advanced Research and Manufacturing Jobs across State and Nation

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo was joined today by Vice President Joe Biden to announce New York State has been selected by the Department of Defense to lead a prestigious, multi-state Integrated Photonics Institute for Manufacturing Innovation. The selection is part of a White House initiative to secure the United States’ global leadership in emerging technology research, development, and manufacturing. Photonics harnesses the power of light to move data at great speeds, and the research completed at the new Institute will integrate photonics components to revolutionize computer chips, making them more efficient smaller, and more reliable with a wide range of applications, including medical technology, defense, telecommunications, the Internet, and information technology.

A $110 million federal grant awarded to the SUNY Polytechnic-led “American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics” will support a high-tech consortium with business operations, a company incubator and accelerator, workforce training, and board of directors headquartered in Rochester. Total public and private investment in the Photonic Institute will exceed $600 million, including more than $250 million by New York State to equip, install, and make operational a state-of-the-art photonics prototyping hub. The institute’s work will create and support thousands of advanced research and manufacturing jobs including Upstate New York and the United States and lead to major advances within a wide range of practical applications.

“New York has always been a leader when it comes to thinking big about what tomorrow holds – and today in Rochester, we’re seeing an even brighter vision for what the future will be,” remarked Governor Cuomo. “This announcement is proof that the best is yet to come for New York’s high-tech industries. We’ve turned our economy around, we’re making the investments to keep it going, and this new Institute is another example of how Rochester is the vision for the economy of the future. I thank President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Ash Carter for recognizing New York’s potential and joining us to make this announcement possible.”

Establishing this first-ever photonics consortium will create a New York-led national infrastructure that is widely accessible and financially self-sustaining. It is designed to scale into the future; ensuring innovation is based on new technology developed in the United States. ýAdditional operations will be headquartered at the SUNY Polytechnic Albany NanoTech Campus in addition to the business headquarters in Rochester, leading to the attraction of thousands of high tech jobs to the Rochester area and across Upstate.

SUNY Polytechnic Institute President and CEO Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros stated, “Under the pioneering vision of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the targeted investments in high-tech he continues to make across Upstate, when companies and governments look for leadership on innovation – they look to New York. Only Rochester and Albany have the talent and expertise to lead such a complex and promising national research consortium. With our partners across the country and with the support and guidance of Governor Cuomo and the Department of Defense, SUNY Poly will help usher in a new era of American dominance in the research, development, and manufacturing of advanced technologies.”

The Photonics Institute consists of more than 50 companies, 20 universities, 33 community colleges, and 16 non-profit organizations across 20 states including California and Massachusetts. Advanced photonics research will be centered at the SUNY Poly nanotechnology megaplex in Albany, SUNY Poly’s Canal Ponds and Smart Technology and Commercialization facilities in Rochester and Canandaigua, the University of Rochester, and the Rochester Institute of Technology. In addition to the Department of Defense, the Institute will work closely with government partners, including the Departments of Energy and Commerce, NASA, and the National Science Foundation.

Dr. Michael Liehr, AIM CEO and SUNY Poly Executive Vice President of Innovation and Technology and Vice President of Research said, “Today’s announcement is a testament to the outstanding team of industrial and academic leaders assembled by AIM Photonics and its plan to establish the U.S. as a global leader in this emerging technology. Being awarded the Integrated Photonics Institute for Manufacturing Innovation would not have been possible without the critical support of Governor Andrew Cuomo, whose pioneering leadership in establishing New York State’s globally recognized, high-tech R&D ecosystem has enabled historic economic growth. SUNY Poly is excited to be working with our partners on this initiative which will be truly transformational for both the industry and the nation.”

State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said, “Headquartering a multi-state photonics center in the city of Rochester is a once-in-a-generation win for New York State and a testament to SUNY’s capacity to advance cutting-edge technologies and foster innovation. We look forward to partnering with our colleagues in higher education, government, and the private sector on this initiative, which will ensure that our students and faculty remain at the forefront of innovation in New York and across the country.”

Senator Charles E. Schumer said, “A new tech era officially begins in Rochester today. By combining the academic and research resources of the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, and SUNY Polytechnic Institute, with the hundreds of New York photonics companies; Rochester is now well-positioned to lead the way in this cutting-edge industry.”

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter reiterated, “I’ve never fought harder and couldn’t be more proud to bring this manufacturing institute to Rochester. The innovations and jobs this institute will create will be a game changer for Rochester and the entire state. I’d like to thank the University of Rochester, RIT, Majority Leader Joe Morelle, Governor Cuomo, and industry leaders that partnered with me for more than three years to make this day a reality. This is a huge win that will shape our region’s economy for decades to come.”

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren stated, “I was sitting in Vice President Biden’s office a year ago when he told me he would do everything possible to work with the President to help Rochester. Since then he has fully honored that commitment as evidenced by today’s photonics announcement. An announcement that would not have been possible without significant support from Governor Cuomo, who is also fully committed to seeing Rochester succeed. I am truly thankful to serve with people that are passionate about making Rochester a city with ample job opportunities, safe neighborhoods and quality schools for every one of its residents.”

Joel Seligman, President and CEO of the University of Rochester commented, “I want to thank Governor Cuomo for his extraordinary leadership, support and for helping convene the winning consortium. Today’s announcement is the culmination of several years of effort and advocacy, but would not have been possible without the Governor’s commitment. By establishing the headquarters in Rochester, we will be the global epicenter of photonics, ensure U.S. competitiveness and security, and help rebuild our region’s economy by building on our historic strengths and assets in optics and imaging.”

Rochester Institute of Technology President Dr. Bill Destler stated,“We applaud President Obama and Vice President Biden for recognizing the strategic importance of this industry, and choosing the New York state proposal to advance it. The Rochester region, with one of the largest photonics manufacturing hubs in the nation, plus academic centers with renowned work in microsystems, imaging science and packaging, is uniquely positioned to make great contributions in this field. We thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Congresswoman Slaughter for their advocacy and leadership on behalf of our application, and we thank Gov. Cuomo for the very significant commitment of state funding that no doubt played a key role in helping us win this proposal.”

Adapted from NYS State of Opportunity Jul 27, 2015

The Multicultural Edge of the Rising Super Consumer

Ken Sato, Business and Social Entrepreneur Owns and Operates Small World Foods and Mary Ho, China Millennium Council President at the iconic Wegmans Food Markets Headquarters located in Upstate Rochester New York, participate in the New York State Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council

Multicultural consumers are transforming mainstream U.S. marketplace business economy. Propelled by twin engines of population growth and expanding buying power, they are at the leading edge of converging demographic and social trends, redefining the increasingly diverse consumer marketplace. By understanding the cultural landscape that drives multicultural consumer behavior today, marketers and advertisers can anticipate future business market trends and forge long-term relationships with the most robust and fastest growing segment of the U.S. consumer economy.

THE NEW MAINSTREAM

  • African-Americans, Asian American Pacific Islanders, Latino Americans et al comprise 38% of the U.S. population with U.S. Census projections forecasting multicultural populations will become the numeric majority by 2044
  • 92% of the total growth in the U.S. population from 2000-2014 came from multicultural consumers
  • U.S. multicultural buying power is currently $3.4 trillion

MULTICULTURAL BUYING AND SUPER CONSUMERS

  • Super consumers represent top 10% of a category’s household consumers and drive minimally 30% of sales, 40% of growth and 50% of profits
  • Super geos are geographic regions and metropolitan areas with very high concentrations of Super Consumers of categories

CULTURALLY DRIVEN BEHAVIORS

  • 82% of multicultural heavy consumers actively use a smartphone vs 70% of non-multicultural counterparts
  • Multicultural heavy consumers are 32% more likely to be the stop segment of mobile users averaging 73 website visits per month and more likely to use an average of 46 apps per month

Adapted from Nielsen, An Uncommon Sense of the Consumer™ www.nielsen.com

 

 

U.S. Dept. of Labor Deputy Secretary Christopher Lu Keynote Speaker at National ACE Conference & Awards Ceremony

China Millennium Council President Mary Ho, U.S. Dept of Labor Deputy Secretary Christopher Lu and Asian Chamber of Commerce Houston President Linda Toyota at the 2015 National ACE Conference & Awards Ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington D.C. emphasized the Value of Collaborations of Unite Learn & Prosper.

U.S. Department of Labor Deputy Secretary Christopher Lu stated emphatically the Value of Collaborations during his keynote opening remarks at the Asian Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship 2015 National ACE Conference & Awards Ceremony held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. Honorable Christopher Lu serves as the Chief Operating Officer of a 17,000 employee organization that strives to create greater opportunities for all Americans. Earlier Lu served as the White House Cabinet Secretary and Assistant to the President. As one of the highest ranking Asian Americans in the Obama Administration, Lu was also the Co-Chair of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

National ACE brings together the leadership and insights of business owners, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders and government officials from across the country. Unite Learn & Prosper theme showcased the issue of invisibility among the AAPI community in all industry sectors including higher education, business and workforce labor areas. Establishing a pipeline with fair access to opportunities critical to ensure inclusion and success of AAPI community. Latest findings on the Asian American Pacific Islanders AAPI business and consumer communities were shared by Nielsen, CNBC and ACE leadership team. Highlights included remarks by Honorable Maria Contreras-Sweet, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration; Ken Niumatalolo, Head Football Coach at the U.S. Naval Academy; and Dominic Chu, Markets Reporter for CNBC and Cornell University School of Hotel Administration graduate.

Sach Takayasu, CEO & President of National ACE, Mary Ho, China Millennium Council President, Ken Niumatalolo, Head Football Coach U.S. Naval Academy, Linda Toyota, President Asian Chamber of Commerce Houston and Betty Lo, Vice President of Community Alliances & Consumer Engagement at Nielsen.

U.S. and China Establish Reciprocal Visa Validity Agreements to Strengthen Economic, Educational and Cultural Collaborations

China's leading retail business conglomerate the BHG Beijing Hualian Hypermarket Delegation Visits Wegman's Iconic American Flagship Pittsford Store and are welcomed by Mary Ho, President of the China Millennium Council, H. Oliver Hamlin IV, Greater Rochester Asian American Pacific Islander Leadership Delegate and Larry Damore, Senior Vice President of Wegmans Food Markets headquartered in Upstate Rochester, New York.

U.S. President Obama traveled to China and met with China President Xi Jinping to effect a reciprocal visa validity arrangement to broaden and fortify economic and people-to-people ties. Both countries mutually agreed to increase the validity of short-term tourist and business visas issued to each other’s citizens from one to ten years – the longest validity possible under U.S. law – and increase the validity of student and exchange visas from one to five years.  The U.S began issuing visas in accordance with the new reciprocal agreement on November 12, 2014. The visa accord will enhance trade, investment, and business ties by facilitating travel and ease access to both economies.  Extended validity visas for students and exchange visitors will foster the bonds between U.S. and China and facilitate travel for outstanding students from around the world who attend U.S. institutions of higher education.  As a result of this arrangement, the U.S. hopes to welcome a growing share of eligible Chinese travelers, inject billions in the U.S. economy and create demand to support hundreds of thousands of additional U.S. jobs.

Welcoming a Growing Share of Chinese Travelers

  • China is the fastest-growing outbound tourism market in the world, and in 2013, 1.8 million Chinese travelers visited the U.S., contributing $21.1 billion to the U.S. economy and supporting more than 109,000 American jobs
  • Chinese travelers consistently rank the United States as their most-desired travel destination, yet less than 2 percent of total Chinese travelers come to the U.S.
  • Chinese travelers cite ease of visa policies as the second most important factor in deciding where to travel, behind only cost
  • A competitive visa policy will help U.S. meet projections that suggest as many as 7.3 million Chinese travelers will come to the U.S. by 2021, contributing nearly $85 billion a year to the economy and supporting up to 440,000 U.S. jobs

Strengthening Bonds Between Chinese and American Students

  • 28 percent of all foreign students and exchange visitors in the U.S. originate from China
  • Chinese students in the U.S. spent $8 billion in 2013, an increase of nearly 24 percent over the previous year
  • Visa accord will allow American and Chinese students to more easily travel back and forth, making foreign study a more attractive option, increasing opportunities for people-to-people ties, and boosting mutual understanding

Extending Visa Validity to Increase the Number of Chinese Travelers Coming to the U.S. and Support American Jobs. In order to support America’s most important and largest services export – tourism.  Chinese travelers persistently rank the U.S. as their top desired travel destination, but only slightly more than 1.8 percent of total outbound travelers go to the U.S.  Chinese travelers cite ease of visa policies as the second most important factor in deciding where to travel, behind only cost.  A competitive visa policy is needed to secure the U.S. as the chosen destination for millions of Chinese travelers

Global growth of outbound travel from China represents an unprecedented opportunity to foster job creation across the country.  China is the fastest growing outbound tourism market in the world, and Chinese visitors have accounted for 20 percent of the growth in overseas travel to the U.S. since 2008.  In 2013, 1.8 million Chinese travelers visited the U.S., contributing $21.1 billion to the American economy and supporting more than 109,000 U.S. jobs.  As incomes in China continue to rise, the number of Chinese citizens able to afford international travel and tourism is projected to more than double over the next few years, reaching the hundreds of millions.  Close to 7.3 million Chinese are projected to travel to the U.S. by 2021, contributing nearly $85 billion a year to the economy and supporting 440,000 jobs.

Increasing business travel will support the U.S. President’s goal of increasing exports. Increasing visa validity for U.S. citizens traveling to China makes it easier to respond to market and commercial opportunities in China, helping to boost U.S. exports, foster increased trade ties, and improve commercial linkages between U.S. and Chinese firms.  In the near term, extending visa validity for Chinese business travelers will also help meet the President’s Select USA goal of boosting inward investment into the United States as the U.S. travel and tourism industry commits to making upfront investments in new hotels and other infrastructure in anticipation of a rise in Chinese inbound travel.

National Asian Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship ACE Leadership Delegation Convene with Congressional Leaders at The White House

Krystal Ka'ai, Executive Director of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, Representative (D-CA 27th District) and Mary Ho, China Millennium Council President Discuss Business, Healthcare and Immigration Concerns Impacting the Asian American Pacific Islander Communities nation-wide.

The National Asian Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship ACE Leadership Delegates assembled for their inaugural roundtable meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., undaunted by the recent federal government furlough, and successfully engaged dialogues with U.S. congressional leaders and White House officials. ACE serves as the national voice representing the multitude interests of the Asian American Pacific Islander business community, champion advocate and resource for the regional and local chambers of commerce, business associations and professional organizations in the U.S.

Mary Ho, China Millennium Council President and Bill Imada, Chairman of the National Asian Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship ACE and Chief Collaboration Officer of IW Group Inc., Convene with U.S. Congressional Leaders in Washington, D.C.

Ambassador Cui Tiankai Honors U.S. Joint-Venture Innovation Leaders for Modern China

China Millennium Council President Mary Ho and Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai Reminisce Earlier Autumnal Visit to Upstate Rochester New York including Pumpkin Highlights at Wegmans Food Markets in Pittsford and the Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies CIMS at Rochester Institute of Technology

China President Xi Jinping’s newly appointed U.S Ambassador Cui Tiankai conveyed celebratory congratulations for the 40th anniversary of the earliest exchanges between China and the U.S. dating back to 1973, opening doors for long-term investments, advancing partnerships and promoting mutual good will. Notably, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and former U.S. Secretary of State, Dr. Henry Kissinger and U.S Trade Representative Ambassador Carla Hills shared their intriguing perspectives and modern insights.

Dr. Henry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State and Mary Ho, President of the China Millennium Council Enjoy Their Camaraderie at the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the first exchange between China and U.S. in 1973 arranged by the National Committee on United States - China Relations

Two leading China – U.S. joint-venture industry leaders were recognized and given tribute who included Alcoa CEO and Chairman Klaus Kleinfeld and IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond, whose modern stewardships in China will through their innovative technologies continue to enrich China’s modern growth and development.

Alcoa is the largest foreign investor in China’s aluminum industry and was named Top Green Company in China. Since 1993, Alcoa Bohai Aluminum Industries Company is China’s largest multinational company in the aluminum industry and invested more than $800 million. Alcoa’s founder Charles Martin Hall in 1928, founded the Harvard-Yenching Institute and supports scholarly studies between western and Asian countries, in particular China.

Mary Ho. China Millennium Council President and Klaus Kleinfeld, CEO and Chairman of Alcoa Inc., the Largest Foreign Investor in China's Aluminum Industry Discuss Sustainabiity and Best Practices for China

IMAX is expanding the modern movie-going experience in China and fostering collaboration with China’s film studios, bringing depth to the cultural cinematic interchange. Early on in 2001, IMAX engaged the Chinese movie-goer experience by providing a unique cultural exchange media platform and playing a key leadership role into the development of a large theatre network. IMAX also in conjunction with Chinese film studios brings the best of Chinese cinema within the country and throughout vast audiences globally.

Another renowned U.S. joint-venture pioneer, Walmart China opened its doors in 1996 and introduced to the Chinese the largest retail consumer store ranging from farm-fresh groceries to the emerging e-commerce retail business for their Chinese customers. Presently Walmart operates 396 stores in China and created more than 100,000 direct job opportunities with a vital sourcing presence in China and critical partnerships with 20,000 suppliers throughout China and internationally. Dedicated to serving their local communities, Walmart was awarded as one of the Top 10 Oustanding Corporate Social Responsibility Cases  of Chinese Enterprises by Business Value, a leading business journal in China.

Maggie Sans, Walmart Vice President of International Corporate Affairs and Mary Ho, China Millennium Council President Contemplate Chinese Customers' Preference Shopping On-Line Versus a Tactile Atelier Experience