James Thompson Becomes First American Businessman to Receive Hong Kong's Gold Bauhinia Star

 Publication:Press Release Written By GMO

 Date Of Issue:07/15/2003

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
Date: July 15, 2003
Contact: Denise Faulkner – Tel: 212-809-0110, Email: dfaulkner@crownrelo.com

JAMES THOMPSON BECOMES FIRST AMERICAN BUSINESSMAN TO RECEIVE HONG KONG'S GOLD BAUHINIA STAR

SHATIN, Hong Kong – The Hong Government announced this week that James Thompson, Chairman of the Crown Worldwide Group and Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, will receive the prestigious Gold Bauhinia Star.

Mr. Thompson was chosen for his distinguished contributions in fostering close economic and business ties between the United States and Hong Kong and for his continued efforts in promoting investment in Hong Kong. Mr. Thompson is the only American in the awards history to be recognized with the Gold Bauhinia Star. Recipients will receive their award at a reception in October.

“I am extremely proud that the Hong Kong Government would view me as a justifiable recipient for the Gold Bauhinia Star honor,” said Mr. Thompson. “What I do for Hong Kong relates to my great appreciation of this fantastic city and all that it has done for me and my company over the past three decades. This is the freest, most business-friendly city in the world and I’m very happy to be a part of this community.”

Mr. Thompson is an American national who has lived in Hong Kong for 25 years. In 1965, he founded the Crown Worldwide Group in Japan. He moved the worldwide headquarters to Hong Kong in 1975. Today the company is a leader in international relocations, records management and logistics servicing over 7,000 multinational companies around the world. Mr. Thompson has served as Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong since 2001.

“Jim is an outstanding ambassador of good will and an ardent supporter of Hong Kong’s role as a bastion of free trade and center for international business and finance,” said Frank Martin, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. “The Chamber is delighted with this recognition of his achievements.”

The Honors Award Selection Committee of the Hong Kong Government has been awarding Bauhinia Stars since 1997. They are presented to people who have rendered distinguished service to their community or to their respective fields. The Gold Bauhinia Star is awarded to people who have made contributions of a very high degree of merit. The Bauhinia is an indigenous flower and serves as the symbol for the Hong Kong national flag and its currency.

The Crown Worldwide Group has over 100 offices in 42 countries. The Crown Relocations division specializes in employee relocation services for multinational corporations. The company is also a leader in the management and storage of business records and provides other specialized transportation, logistics, and warehousing services for expanding international businesses. The Group provides services to over 2,000 major multinational corporations around the globe. Crown's website is www.crownworldwide.com.
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