China & Washington...which is the "LittLe enGinE that cOULd"??

China Imports $6 Billion A Year From Washington State

"China's status as the United States' number one importer has heavy hitters like Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mayor Michael Bloomberg passing through Beijing jockeying for a piece of the China market, But there's one little welterweight that's making a big hit. Call Washington state the little engine that could. After a hard-fought campaign of cold calls and constant visits, China is eating Washington up, from its apples, to its salmon and its candy.
In the last decade, Washington state's exports to China increased over 300 percent. Last year, the state exported nearly $6 billion worth of products to China, second only to California."   (from ABC World News )

Well...not quite sure I like the sound of "little engine that could". Washington State is a heavy hitter in exports which means its often only viewed as a little engine by its own nation. I guess since I am now paying my bills through employment in the WA hay export industry I could be called bias in my opinion. However, I grew up in Yakima County...anyone ever heard of WA apples, what about hops..those things they make beer out of...over 75% of all US hops come from Yakima County alone. Oh yes and let's not forget that hay industry...the largest hay exporter in the world resides right in lil ol Kittitas County, not to mention numerous other hay exporters from the same county. Guess this "little engine" has a bit more steam than others were aware.

Like I say, folks are only ignorant if you allow them to be. ;)

Grillin 'N Chillin: Preston Winery Pasco, WA

Join the Washington Cattle Feeders Association for an evening of grilled beef from Washington Beef, Tyson Fresh Meats, and Painted Hills Natural Beef. Also enjoy fine wine from Preston Premium Wines or a selection of popular beers

Saturday, September 26 Time: 3:00 to 7:00 P.M
Location: Preston Premium Wines
Winery Address: 502 E. Vineyard Drive, Pasco, WA 99301

Musical Guests: Highland Drive Band

Price Per Person: $40.00 Presale or $45.00 at the door

Tickets may be purchased:
· Online at www.bffairrodeo.com
· At Preston Premium Wines
· Mail coupon to WCFA, PO Box 1256, Quincy, WA 98848
· Email your request to ed@wafeeders.org
· Contact Ed at (509) 398-6253