Korean delegates tour Grant County

Delegates, county officials exchange gifts

EPHRATA - Grant County officials met with Gunpo, Korea delegates during a sister city tour at the Grant County Courthouse Tuesday afternoon.

The meeting opened with the Sagebrush Flats, an Ephrata High School musical group, singing the National Anthem.

"It is exciting to not only meet you here today, but to facilitate your trip throughout our county allowing you to see some of the great assets, the businesses and the people of our area," Grant County Commissioner LeRoy Allison said.

He said on Sunday the Gunpo delegates visited southern Grant County making stops in Mattawa, Desert Aire, the cultural center at Wanapum Dam and a fish hatchery at Priest Rapids Dam.

Allison said the delegates visited the Port of Royal Slope and enjoyed a dinner at Grant County Commissioner Cindy Carter's house Monday.

On Tuesday the delegates toured the Microsoft facility in Quincy and a windmill production facility at the Port of Ephrata, he said.

On Wednesday, the delegates are scheduled to visit Moses Lake businesses, Big Bend Community College and agricultural facilities in Warden.

"It is important that you witness the self determination and dedication that business owners here exhibit which is similar to what some of us witnessed when we visited Korea over the last several years," Allison said. "The pride in owning and producing valuable products for a growing world is unmistakable."

He said Grant County is growing and business investments have reached more than $1.5 billion over the last couple years.

"Grant County is growing, Korea is growing and we are very happy to be able to continue our sister government relationship into a very prosperous future for both of our government entities," Allison said.

He said the sister city relationship began in 2003.

"We are pleased to see the breadth of interests represented on your delegation and are excited about the possibilities of increased learning opportunity connections in the near future," he said.

Gunpo Mayor Jae-young Ro said the entities have promoted their relationship through several visits and a youth exchange program.

"Most of all I would like to (continue) development with Grant County by focusing on economy," he said.

Ro invited Grant County officials to visit Gunpo in April.

The Grant County Board of Commissioners and City of Gunpo representatives presented each other with gifts.

Commissioners gave Gunpo delegates framed photos of the courthouse and books depicting Grant County agriculture and businesses.

"Something to remember us by," Allison said.

Ro was presented with a belt featuring a customized belt buckle featuring a semi-precious stone found locally.

Allison said the Grant County centennial is in 2008 and the theme is western so some of the gifts have a western theme.

Other delegates were presented with bolo ties and other jewelry.

The Gunpo delegates presented Grant County officials with an art piece featuring cranes symbolizing long life, detailed cups symbolizing good health and fork, knife and spoon sets.