Two weeks upon returning from a trade mission to China, Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon is still feeling good about the progress made, the discussions had, and the relationships built during the weeklong trip that took place in October. 

In a discussion with Politics in Minnesota published yesterday, the Lieutenant Governor shared her thoughts on important outcomes that came out of the China visit.

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Following two speeches  and time for lunch, the Governor’s Job Summit continued on with a series of seven afternoon breakout sessions. As with the morning sessions, the afternoon sessions focused on vital economic issues.

Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon led a panel on infrastructure for the 21st century, where panelists talked about the need for expanded broadband access and continued investment in transportation infrastructure. Panelists and attendees agreed technology is key to make sure our state stays ahead of the curve and is equipped to handle all of its infrastructure projects more efficiently and intelligently.

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Right off the heels of Governor Dayton’s trade mission to South Korea, this week Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon departed for another economic development mission, this one to China and hosted by the National Lieutenant Governor’s Association (NLGA).

Joined by five other lieutenant governors from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa and Nebraska, Lieutenant Governor Prettner Solon is first attending the Canton Trade Fair in Ghangzhou. She will also have meetings in both Shanghai and Beijing with Chinese leaders in foreign affairs, aviation and education before the mission ends on Oct. 20.

On Oct. 14, the first day of the trip, the lieutenant governors were unexpectedly greeted by Wen Jiabao, the second-in-command to Chinese President Hu Jintao. Wen Jiabao joined Lieutenant Governor Prettner Solon and the other lieutenant governors for some of their scheduled meetings of the day, getting the trade mission off to a productive start. 

For more details about Lieutenant Governor’s Trade Mission to China, check out the full news release.

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This Wednesday, Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon will join lieutenant governors from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa and Nebraska on an economic development mission to China.

The National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) will host the mission October 14 – 20, 2011.  Delegates will attend the Canton Trade Fair in Ghangzhou then travel on to meetings in both Shanghai and Beijing.  From 2000 – 2010, China was the largest contributor to United States export growth of any major trading partner.  In that period, exports to China grew 468% while exports to the rest of the world grew at an average of 55%.

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Summit will examine how to better utilize the talent of older Minnesotans; Recommendations will be used to bolster effectiveness of Senior LinkAge Line’s upcoming civic engagement service

St. Paul — Today, Lt. Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon convened a statewide summit with leading organizations on aging and volunteerism to explore how adults, 50 years and older, can be a vital part of addressing critical statewide issues through volunteering and community engagement.  The organizations involved, including AARP, Twin Cities Public Television, Hamline University, and Minnesota Senior Corps Volunteer Programs are on the front lines when it comes to building the capacity of Minnesota to address the challenges it faces now and in future.  
 
The network of leaders in volunteerism from across Minnesota came together to explore ways of eliminating existing barriers for older adult participation in volunteer and civic engagement roles, and worked to determine concrete next steps to develop a coordinated statewide network to harness the skills and talents of this growing population. 

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Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon was re-elected to serve on the leadership committee of the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA). Prettner Solon will serve as the at large member from the Midwest on the NLGA Executive Committee. 
 
“As a NLGA leader, Lieutenant Governor Prettner Solon will work with her peers across the nation to find and foster multi-state and regional solutions to problems," said NLGA Chair Nebraska Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy.  "Through NLGA, the nation's lieutenant governors discuss shared concerns and seek to influence national dialogue."
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Minnesota Lt. Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon was today awarded the 2011 Public Leadership in Energy and Environmental Stewardship award, a nationwide recognition of her work on energy and the environment.  Prettner Solon is the first-ever recipient of this newly established, annual award presented by General Electric in partnership with the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA).    
 
Presenting the award, Paul Doucette of GE said: “Lt. Governor Prettner Solon has an impressive list of legislative accomplishments advancing clean energy, renewable energy and conservation. Just last month, the Lt. Governor spoke to a ‘Focus the Nation’ event regarding her continuing work to shepherd progress on clean energy legislation and standards passed during her chairmanship in the legislature.”
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