by Futang Wang, Special to PN
Naperville City Mayor Scott Wehrli officially met with Director General Dennis Yen-Feng Lei, Deputy Director Daniel Huang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Chicago, Director Ian Tsai of the Taiwanese Culture Center, and a group of Naperville Taiwanese community leaders on March 11. Naperville Development Partnership president Monica Conners attended the meeting as well.
In the opening remarks, Scott emphasized that Naperville was the 4th largest population, and 2nd largest local tax city in Illinois. In the last few decades, Naperville has been ranked by various sources as the best place to live in the U.S. Naperville covers four school districts which are considered the top notch schools in Illinois and also in the U.S.
Its living environment is well recognized, for example consider the Riverwalk in downtown Naperville. It is also consistently ranked as the safe place to live.
Naperville is also known as valuing the diversity of its residents. About 20 percent of the residents are Asian Americans that have made great contributions to the local community in all aspects.
Naperville has a strategic location in the I-88 technology corridor for all kinds of high tech industries. Scott further stated that Naperville has tremendous business opportunities. He has spent much of his efforts to expand this area with prosperous outcomes in the last two years.
Dennis indicated that the shared value of democracy and human rights between Taiwan and the U.S. has led the trade between the two to grow steadily. The heavy investment of $165 billion dollars from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company showcases the growing economic partnership.
Top Taiwanese universities have signed the MOU with Northwestern University, University of Chicago and University of Illinois Systems to enhance the academic exchanges.
Dennis stated that he would look forward to supporting more investments in his regions and seeking to promote the relationship with Naperville. He welcomed Scott to officially visit Taiwan to see the advanced industries, friendly people, democratic society and diverse culture.
The eight Taiwanese community leaders briefly introduced themselves. They’ve lived in Naperville for more than 20 years on average. Their backgrounds range from educator, high tech, business owner, food industry, and religious organization. Each of them has made successful contributions to the local community as well as to promote the cultural exchange between Naperville and Taiwan.
Scott gave a tour to the group to the City Council meeting room and mayor’s office.
Scott concluded, “We enjoyed a great discussion about opportunities for business growth in both Naperville and Taiwan. I look forward to finding more ways to keep our local economy thriving!”
