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About Cottage Grove sentinel. (Cottage Grove, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (April 18, 2018)
COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL APRIL 18, 2018 3A Grovers return from China After 10 whirlwind days overseas, chamber of commerce director Travis Palmer talks China By Caitlyn May cmay@cgsentinel.com Travis Palmer was walking past a booth at a conference for chamber of commerce adminis- trators nearly two years ago and got an idea. "It was a company that spe- cialized in sending groups to China," he said, fresh back from the journey and still battling jet- lag. The initial informational meeting for the trip drew in 70 interested residents and two weeks ago, 37 boarded a plane for the trip overseas. The group traveled from Bei- jing to Shanghai visiting pop- ular tourist destinations on the way including the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven. "Everytime I thought I had a favorite thing we did, we would do something new and I would say, 'this could be my new fa- vorite,'" Palmer said. The chamber opted to spear- head the trip as both a tourist experience and a business op- portunity. "There was an option to meet with business owners in Chi- na, it's an outreach program for them," Palmer said. However, the meeting was cancelled. "I don't know if it was tim- ing but there was also a state holiday while we were there," Palmer said, noting that he was unsure if the current political climate contributed to the can- cellation. While the group did not get to meet with business leaders, it did make stops at jade and silk factories for the chance to pur- chase mementos and indulged in rickshaw and boat rides. The group also found itself the center of attention. "One of the more surprising things was just how nice and accepting the people were," Palmer said. "We had our pictures taken constantly. The locals never seemed to tire of their interest in tourists, they’d ask to take pictures with you and try to sneak pictures or ask for pictures directly." The chamber does not plan to make the trip to China next year, instead opting for a yet-to- be-announced destination but Palmer said China will remain on the list for future years. "China just got better and better and better," he said. Enter to win 4 tickets to COTTAGE THEATRE * Looking for something to do with the kids? Want to fi nd this week’s best shopping deals? Curious about the latest local developments? We have you covered with locally focused coverage of everything from jobs, politics and education to sports, shopping, dining, entertainment, comics and more. Expand your mind with the kid scoop page each week! Thirty-seven Cottage Grove residents made the trip to China earlier this month making stop at the Terracotta Warriors, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heav- en, Hutong Market, the Llama Temple, the Forbidden Palace, Tiananmen Square and Xi'an. Start your $35 Subscription* today, and start getting more out of every week in South Lane & Douglas Counties! S entinel C ottage G rove 541-942-3325 www.cgsentinel.com Use Code AprNew18 * New subscribers available through 04.27.18. *Offer good to new subscribers through 4.27.18. Mention this ad. This offer is not transferable and the offer is available those who have not subscribed in the last 31 days. Special introductory offers are limited to no more than two special subscriptions in a twelve month period and must be paid in advance to qualify for special rate. Once the above discounted period ends, you will be billed at the regular subscription rates. PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT Common Decency. Common Sense. Common Ground. TimLaue.com · 541-600-9722 Common Good. COUNTY COMMISSIONER PAID FOR & AUTHORIZED BY TIM LAUE FOR COMMISSIONER, LEE GIRE, TREASURER
