Ruby Chow Annual Dinner

May 28, 2008

*As Written*

Good Evening, and thank you Cheryl (Chow) for the kind introduction.

I�m honored to be here, and let me offer everybody a belated Happy New Year.

Happy New Year!

This is the Year of the Rat� � and I say that with the utmost respect!

People lucky enough to be born in the Year of the Rat will enjoy the opportunity to be leaders, pioneers, and even conquerors!

Speaking of leaders and pioneers, I was thinking about Ruby Chow, and thinking how you, Ruby, are truly the very salt of Seattle and King County.

You have been a leader, a pioneer, and a conqueror so long that a whole generation of Washingtonians has come and gone.

Before I was born, Ruby was already well known in Seattle, and she and her husband, Ping, opened their first restaurant here when I was two-years old.

Ruby has been a civic activist and public official at least as long as anyone can remember.

A lot of people honor Ruby for what she has done for Asian-Americans in Washington, and rightly so. But I don�t want to forget what she has done for women of all backgrounds with her determination and example.

Ruby has done what women do best � she has built bridges...

There are those who say our great former Governor, Gary Locke, owes part of his remarkable success to Ruby and the trails she blazed.

Governor Locke is just one of many outstanding Chinese Americans and Asian Americans this state is blessed with.

Another is Ruby�s own daughter, Cheryl, who has done so much for public education as a member of the Seattle School Board.

We are lucky to have such a diverse state, filled with people from a tremendous variety of cultures and backgrounds.

Our Chinese community is certainly one of the strongest and most prominent in the state. And the vibrant Chinatown here in Seattle is one of the most culturally rich neighborhoods anywhere.

And by the way, I was pleased to attend the unveiling in February of the China Gate that provides a wonderful entrance to old Chinatown. It honors the Chinese-Americans who helped build this city and this state too, and serves as a reminder to all Washingtonians that Chinese-Americans have a rich history and tradition here.

You know, it is very interesting to me that -- more and more -- Washington looks Westward to Asia for our very prosperity -- and how fortunate we are to have so many Washingtonians that have roots in that part of the world.

Yes, times are a little tough right now for Washington families, with the high price of gas consuming more of their income, and grocery bills higher than what we�re used to.

But times would be a whole lot tougher � as they are in other parts of the country � if it weren�t for our Washington exports to China � our largest trading partner � but also to Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.

I�ve promoted Washington products in all of those countries � from agricultural products to machinery to educational opportunities. I�ve even put on aprons and handed out free Washington cherries and French fries.

And I now know as well as you that personal relationships, personal connections, mean a whole lot when it comes to doing business.

And business just keeps getting better and better, as we discover on both sides of the Pacific Ocean just how much we have to offer each other, and just how much we have in common.

I have worked hard in the past 3 � years to strengthen our ties to Asia, and I intend to keep working hard.
One third of our jobs depend directly or indirectly on international trade. Washington state farms grow more than we can consume in the U.S.

We offer highly valued and desired goods, services and university level education. And these goods, services and educational opportunities can help meet the enormous needs of China, and indeed, all of Asia.

I want to thank this community for all the help and support as we continue to make Washington a great place to work and raise a family�

�An education system that delivers � affordable health care, especially for our children � and a place that welcomes and nurtures business innovation, large and small.

I want you to know I�ll keep working hard � across the aisle, across the state, and across the oceans.

Thank you again for tonight�s wonderful event. I am honored to be a part of your community�s special celebration.