[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 145 (Friday, October 7, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
        TAIWAN BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION: 17TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE

                                 ______


                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 1994

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, from Friday, October 21, through Sunday, 
October 23, 1994, the Taiwan Benevolent Association of New Jersey will 
hold its 17th Annual Conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New 
Brunswick, NJ. The theme of this year's conference is ``New 
Opportunities, Challenges and Prospects.'' This event will be attended 
by more than 300 community leaders. On Saturday, October 22, I will 
have the honor of being the featured speaker at this conference.
  The panel discussion of Saturday's conference will present many 
timely and challenging ideas for both Taiwan and for Taiwanese-
Americans, who are extremely concerned with promoting strong United 
States-Taiwan relations, the betterment of their community and an 
improved quality of life for their children. The first panel will be 
looking at the question of where Taiwan is heading in this transitional 
period of history. Economic issues will be addressed in the second 
panel, as we confront the future of business in the Republic of China 
in the global marketplace. Finally, the third panel will address 
cultural issues, including a look at Taiwan's march toward 
democratization and the ongoing battle to maintain the rich Chinese 
cultural heritage in changing times.
  Mr. Speaker, currently there are approximately 300,000 immigrants 
residing in all regions of the United States. The main purpose of the 
Taiwan Benevolent Association of America are to assist the immigrant 
from Taiwan in adjusting to life in the United States, and to promote 
broader understanding between the people of Taiwan and America through 
cultural, educational, economic and scientific programs. Membership in 
the Association is open to any ethnic Chinese who was born in, resided 
in, studied or worked in Taiwan, without regard to provincial origin. 
The Association is concerned with the destiny of the Taiwanese 
homeland, but does not involve itself in homestead politics. Founded in 
1978, the TBAA now has 20,000 members with 12 branches nationwide, in 
Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York, New England, 
Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, Houston and 
Michigan, with more chapters planned. The TBAA sponsors conferences, 
seminars and discussion groups on a variety of topics, and presents 
annual awards to people in all walks of life. Many current and former 
members of the House and the Senate have been recognized by the TBAA.
  Mr. Speaker, the Taiwanese community is part of a long tradition of 
immigrant groups coming to the United States and establishing 
themselves in their new country while maintaining a strong sense of 
devotion to their homeland. I am proud to recognize the achievements of 
the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America, and I look forward to 
joining them in New Brunswick on October 22.

                          ____________________