During this past year as chairman of AmCham-China, I witnessed first hand that AmCham-China’s leadership on important issues is crucial for positioning American business to win in China. We are facing unprecedented challenges with protectionism, market access and IPR as well as incredible opportunities in clean energy, aviation, consumer products and many other sectors.

As I promised when running for chair last year, we made significant progress in strengthening member involvement and leadership through our working groups; creating new public-private partnerships with the launch of the Energy Cooperation Program; improving the Chamber’s focus on SMEs; and enhancing our attention to Corporate Responsibility. During this year’s two Doorknocks, we broke new ground by helping introduce new competitiveness legislation in the US Congress and making a breakthrough on reducing processing times for SAO-related visas. We can still do more.

That is why I respectfully seek your support to re-elect me as chairman for 2010. If re-elected as chair for 2010, I will keep striving to help US companies succeed in China. I will do this by creating a positive environment that unleashes the unique and vibrant efforts of AmCham-China’s outstanding volunteer board members, committee and forum chairs and other active members who inspire and lead the organization. I will also continue to ensure our members are backed by the most professional, capable and member-focused AmCham-China staff. And I will work diligently to further enhance AmCham-China’s already influential role in Beijing and Washington.

Thank you for your support. We will succeed together.