On July 26, 2018, the Washington State China Relations Council convened the Corporate Executive Briefing Series with a presentation from Jerry Hendin on crisis communications in the Chinese market. Mr. Hendin has over 40 years’ experience working with companies to protect their reputations in times of crisis and was formerly vice president of Communications for Boeing, and prior to that, president and chief executive officer of Edelman Public Relations. Mr. Hendin’s wealth of professional experience contributed to an engaging discussion of international crisis communications for US companies operating in China.

Mr. Hendin outlined the specificities of China’s regulatory and media environment, noting the significance of social media within the Chinese public. He further analyzed the impact that social media can have on US-based brands operating in China, observing that “75% of people in China actively create content on social media compared with 25% of people in the US.” In this challenging media environment, Mr. Hendin advises that US-based companies designate a spokesperson on the ground in China who has both the authority to represent the company and the local knowledge to communicate effectively during time of crisis, which is key in preventing communicative mishaps.

As a part of his highly interactive presentation style, Mr. Hendin distributed a crisis communications exercise which engaged attendees to provide input and share from their business experiences. While working through this hypothetical crisis communications scenario, attendees discussed the various facets of navigating the challenges of public relations during a crisis. In conclusion, Mr. Hendin articulated three main takeaways for any company: conduct an internal risk audit, create a crisis communications plan, and train executives.

Summary author: Mengyao Liu

On July 16, 2018, the WSCRC President Mercy Kuo and Robert Hamilton, Trade Policy Advisor at the Office of the WA State Governor, met with this year’s delegation of the US Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program. Discussion focused on the US-China trade relationship and regional economic cooperation. The delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Republic of Ghana; Israel Television News Company; Ministry of Economy, Slovak Republic; American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh; Stockholm Chamber of Commerce; Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The conversation covered a wide range of topics, including forecasted trends in US-China trade relations from the vantage point of Washington State. In addressing questions concerning economic tension between the US and China, Robert Hamilton drew from his extensive professional experience as the Trade Policy Advisor at the Office of the WA State Governor and at the US Department of Commerce. He shared unique insight on how Washington State is expected to weather current trade disputes and providing an international perspective on an issue largely perceived to be bilateral.

WSCRC President Mercy Kuo discussed WSCRC’s work in promoting stronger trade, educational, and cultural relations between the state of Washington and China. She emphasized the importance of cooperation and partnership for Washington State and Chinese companies, as well as the positive impacts these relationships have on the global and local economies. The delegates expressed interest in building international relationships through efforts and entities based on WSCRC’s model in their home countries

WSCRC extends special thanks to the Washington State Department of Commerce as venue host and the World Affairs Council of Seattle for facilitating the meeting.

Summary Author: Mengyao Liu

On July 12, 2018, the Washington State China Relations Council launched the US-China Women’s Leadership Forum, led by WSCRC board members Holly Yang, Sharon Sidoine and Annamarie Larson as Forum chair and vice-chairs, respectively. Approximately 50 attendees represented business and government professions. The Forum topic – Washington Women: Successful Leadership on the Front Lines of US-China Business Relations – provided a platform for senior-level women leaders to exchange ideas and thought leadership with each other and attendees. Introducing the purpose of the WSCRC Women’s Leadership Forum, WSCRC board member Holly Yang detailed WSCRC’s aim to facilitate executive-level exchange, networking opportunities, and professional mentorship opportunities.

Port of Seattle Commissioner Courtney Gregoire shared engaging and informative opening remarks, discussing longstanding trade relations between Washington State and China. She noted that “strong relationships” and “mutual benefits” are necessary components to maintaining that connection, particularly in times of uncertainty. After discussing her own experiences working internationally between the United States and China, she encouraged attendees to explore avenues for growing US-China partnerships on the local and state level.

Panel speakers – Holly Yang, Senior Vice President & Partner, Kidder Mathews; Jing DiPiero, Founder/CEO, DPR Consulting; Allison Clark, Managing Director of Business Development, WA State Department of Commerce; and Kendee Yamaguchi, Executive Director, Snohomish County Executive Office – discussed how their leadership roles in commercial real estate, healthcare technology, business development, and public service actively shape the US-China relationship from Washington State.

Facilitated by WSCRC board member Annamarie Larson, attorney at K&L
Gates, the Q&A session addressed long-term trends in the US-China business relationship, as well as the experiences of WA state businesses working in China and with Chinese partners. In answering an audience question about the role of women in leadership, the panel encouraged professional women to help each other achieve their goals and emphasized the importance of having a seat at the table in decision-making.  PACCAR Director of Sales Operations Sharon Sidoine concluded the program and invited attendees to mingle over refreshments.

WSCRC extends special thanks to WSCRC board members Yuping Wang of Davis Wright Tremaine as venue host and Sharon Sidoine of PACCAR for furnishing refreshments.

Summary Author: Mengyao Liu