.WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Lyn Bedell, Westchester County Department of Communications. (EDITED) March 28, 2005:  County Executive Andy Spano is working with the two leading executives of Lenovo, the world's third largest computer company, attempting to convince them to open their U.S. headquarters in Westchester

Executive Spano has also facilitated Pace University in White Plains in concluding formal exchange agreements with two Chinese universities.

Mr. Spano and his entourage are expected to return to White Plains Wednesday or Thursday according to the Department of Communications.

Tomorrow's meeting with the chairman and vice chairman of Lenovo, the first Chinese-born multi-national company, is also of major significance. Lenovo, which has become the world's third largest PC company, following its acquisition of IBM's personal computer business, plans to establish a global headquarters in the U.S. and Spano is lobbying for a Westchester location.

Setting the Pace.

One of the trip’s other primary goals was to help Pace set up partnerships and/or joint degree programs with several universities. The county paved way for the arrangements in a Spano-led networking trip to China two years ago and was recently instrumental in assisting the school in obtaining official certification to offer educational programs to Chinese students.

Five days into the trip, results are already being seen on the Pace initiative.

Pace University President David Caputo signed formal agreements with the presidents of both Yangtze University in Jingzhou and Northwest University in Xi’an. The agreements call for establishing cooperative relations, faculty and student exchange programs, and joint academic and cultural programs. Details still have to be worked out, and additional universities may also be involved, but Pace hopes to offer business and technology courses in China by 2006.

Tech Companies Courted.

The delegation also met with several technology-related companies currently doing business with U.S. firms and discussed their expectations for further American involvement and trade. Spano and Carrera also talked about the possibilities Westchester can offer and discussed construction projects that might have mutual benefit.

Spano also met with the mayor of Westchester’s sister city, Jingzhou, to discuss possible joint projects such as having a Westchester firm manage a waste water treatment plant and using U.S. technology for wood manufacturing. These options came about through previous networking with Chinese officials who traveled to Westchester to interview various engineering companies. Officials also talked about getting Westchester-based companies involved in the redevelopment of Jingzhou’s historic district.

So far, the delegation has visited five cities and met with dozens of municipal and foreign affairs officials. Members have met with the presidents and faculty representatives of six universities, toured a waste water treatment plant and met with local businesses that do business with American companies.

The County Posse.