ChinaSF hosts China America Cup Team

President's Note: I attended this event to introduce myself as the new CEO and President of the San Joaquin Partnership. I have an on going relationship with the SF Center for Economic Development which is part of the SF Chamber of Commerce. Dennis Conaghan, Executive Director of SF Center for Economic Development have partnered in co-marketing through TeamCA. Obviously SF can not locate larger scale industrial or warehouse operation and referrals are part of the locational process when a local economic developer can not serve the client.

In my discussions with guest the topic of the Port of Stockton and other logistical advantages of San Joaquin County is a highlight of my introductory story. I have follow up with one or two of the new contacts that I met at this event plus several new Linked In requests have been sent to those who have an account.

ChinaSF & China's America Cup Team Reception

Making waves: Now, we're not even hinting at the possibility of dual loyalties here when we note that ChinaSF, the public-private agency that recruits Chinese companies to open branches locally, has been actively involved in China Team's entry in the 2013 America's Cup.

It's not entirely surprising, given the immense interest Chinese businesses have expressed in a home country team seriously competing for yachting's most watched competition and greatest prize.

"In China we are on the top of the biggest marketing wave in the world," said China Team CEO Thierry Barot in an America's Cup blog post.

"When you see what China did with the Olympics it gives you an idea as to how the country will support us," said Barot, adding that "the Team's been heartily welcomed by China SF." (sfg.ly/kdKSdB)

"We've not only supported the China team, but, with many of the Chinese companies ChinaSF works with, have actively promoted the race," said ChinaSF executive director Ginny Fang, who was present at China's official entry in Beijing in March.

Fang said ChinaSF has also been a "local conduit" for the team, hooking it up with local resources and posting job descriptions for local hires.

One of the things Barot said he is looking for is "more talent."

"We are looking for North American sailors of Chinese origin and the West Coast of the U.S. has the biggest Chinese community outside of China, so it's a great place for us to recruit from."

Team members are set to appear with Mayor Ed Lee at a welcoming press conference today at the Ferry Building, and Thursday evening at a cocktail reception thrown by ChinaSF at the Chinese Historical Society of America. (sfg.ly/j5HJwN)

We don't know if Larry Ellison will be present at either event. We doubt it.

Business development: Fang and other members of ChinaSF returned last week from their latest business trip to China, having met with government officials and executives of companies looking to expand here.

The companies included People's Insurance Company of China, the country's largest insurance provider; the Bank of Communications, its fifth largest bank; Founders Group, a high-tech and pharmaceuticals company; and a restaurant chain.

ChinaSF also signed a "memorandum of understanding" to explore a partnership between San Francisco and a "sustainable design district" in the city of Wuxi, which is becoming a center of alternative energy development.

No deals were announced, but an interesting one, I'm told, is in the offing.


Blogging: www.sfgate.com/ columns/bottomline. Facebook page: sfg.ly/doACKM. Tweeting: @andrewsross. E-mail: bottomline@sfchronicle.com.



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S.F. Bay a danger zone for America's Cup yachts - SFGate

AMERICA'S CUPJune 16, 2011|By Vittorio Tafur, Chronicle Staff Writer

Oracle Racing AC45's mishap Monday is an excellent example of the challenges facing America's Cup hopefuls.
Credit: Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle
As eight of the nine international teams set to compete in the 2013 America's Cup were introduced Wednesday at San Francisco's Ferry Building, it seemed like officials had almost decided to drag Oracle's busted catamaran onto the dais.

Oracle Racing CEO Russell Coutts pushed the 45-foot-long boat a little too hard in Monday's practice run, and thanks to the power of Internet video, the vessel's cartwheel and capsize was seen around the world. And then again, in a video presentation at the beginning of Wednesday's news conference.

What better way to highlight the added power and speed of the bigger catamarans than to show the danger of luckily uninjured crewmen being thrown into San Francisco Bay?

"Sailing?" the suddenly black video screen asked. "You may like it now."