【华人头条美国卡罗莱纳快讯】
Birthday Celebration Honoring Marshall and Nickel for Their Years of Public Service
共庆马歇尔与尼克尔生日并致谢长期公共服务
【华人头条美国卡罗莱纳快讯】中文版:
11月23日，感恩节前，美中经济文化协会（CAECA）在北卡罗来纳州凯瑞Prestonwood Country Club举办庆祝活动，为两位长期支持美中交流与社区发展的政界友人——北卡州务卿伊莱恩·马歇尔（Elaine Marshall）与前国会议员威利·尼克尔（Wiley Nickel）举行生日庆祝会。现场汇聚州政府官员、地方市长、高校学者以及商界代表，气氛温暖而热烈，充分展现北卡社区多元包容、友谊长存的风貌。
活动由轻松温暖的开场致辞拉开序幕。主办方强调，这次聚会不分身份和职位，更像是一群多年并肩合作的朋友在深秋的一次再会。伊莱恩·马歇尔自 1997 年起担任州务卿，其丰富的经验和长期公共服务的奉献精神使她深受尊敬；威利·尼克尔在结束国会任期后继续投身公共事务，目前正参加北卡最大县，韦克县（Wake County， NC）检察官竞选。两位寿星多年来都持续关注并支持美中经济文化协会的活动，是社区熟悉而亲切的朋友。
在寿星致辞中，伊莱恩·马歇尔与威利·尼克尔对大家的支持表达感谢。马歇尔表示，不同社区之间若能拥有更多交流机会，能够减少隔阂、增进理解。尼克尔则提到，多文化沟通与合作让社区更加开放、包容，也更具吸引力。
活动中，国会议员黛博拉·罗斯（Deborah Ross）提到，在联邦政策趋向不够友好的时期，北卡仍面临挑战，但本地社区始终保持团结，尤其在疫情期间与华裔居民并肩同行。她强调继续推动州和县建立友好、包容的环境，并支持多元社区的贡献。
美中经济文化协会创会董事长卫高荣先生分享了他与马歇尔长达三十余年的友谊，回忆当年两家人在教会相识的经历。他同时提到疫情期间社区的互助精神，以及马歇尔与尼克尔在困难时期对华裔社区的坚定支持。他还分享了来自中国辽宁省送来的生日问候，强调马歇尔在“姐妹州”关系中的象征意义。
美中经文协会董事长牛志文博士在致辞中介绍了协会在促进美中合作、推动本地经济与文化交流中的工作，并谈及制造业在北卡发展的机遇与挑战。
活动中，主办方向两位寿星表达感谢，肯定他们长期在推动北卡经济发展、文化交流与社区合作方面作出的贡献。来宾们起立合唱《生日快乐》，随后与寿星合影，并在午宴中继续交流，现场洋溢着愉悦与友谊。
国会议员黛博拉·罗斯女士；众议院民主党副领袖、北卡罗来纳州州议员辛西娅·鲍尔；北卡罗来纳州众议员 Maria Cervania；国会议员瓦莱丽·福希的代表、活动经理爱玛·拉森为莫里斯维尔市长 T·J·考利；凯瑞市大区议员 Lori Bush；凯瑞市大区议员卡丽莎·约翰逊；凯瑞市议员米歇尔·克雷格；埃佩克斯市议员穆淑云；北卡罗来纳州立大学副教务长兼学术战略与创新高级副教务长陈航博士；杜克大学研究生院副院长李艳博士；杜克大学电气与计算机工程系主任李海博士，以及她的丈夫，杜克大学电气与计算机工程教授陈怡然博士；杜克医院中风科主任冯武威博士；杜克大学中国研究教授刘康博士；北卡州立大学供应链讲师唐沃恩·法弗等参加生日派对。
生日聚会由CAECA秘书长唐敏女士主持。
多位州与地方官员发言，包括联邦及州级民选官员、市长、市议员，以及多所大学的教授和行政负责人。他们从公共服务、社区关系与地方发展等角度肯定两位寿星的贡献，并强调北卡将继续支持多文化交流与多元社区建设。
杜克大学、北卡州立大学等高校的教授们的到场祝贺，涵盖工程、医学、亚洲研究等领域，反映了学界对两位公共服务者的高度认可。
中国主营冷藏设施企业代表李新田，李新勇，杜媛媛参加会议并发言时表示“七年前投资美国工厂被视为战略上的成功之举。” 他们强调美国当前急需制造企业与投资，以应对经济形势。其职责是吸引企业在美设厂，为市场提供供应。
主办方在最后表示，将在接下来的节日季继续推动文化交流与社区合作，使北卡社区在支持与友谊中不断成长。
饮水思源，主办方感谢Amy & Tony Wang 提供的Membership。
主办方还感谢CAECA 李勐会长开车從Charlotte 来回七小时，全塲忙着照相，服务嘉宾们；CAECA 副秘書長Jane Zheng 郑洁帮助准备了鲜花和特别定制了蛋糕，这是这个生日party很重要的一部分，她更是前台，后台招呼这些民选议员们，如Congresswoman Deborah Ross 的联系等；今年刚從北大本科毕业，正在芝加哥大学讀MBA的高材生朱笑萱为嘉宾准备讲话提示及麥克风。
此次聚会不仅是一场生日庆祝，也是北卡多元与团结精神的一次真实呈现。
[English Version]
North Carolina Leaders from Government, Business and Academia Gather to Celebrate the Birthdays of NC Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and Former Congressman Wiley Nickel
(Honoring Marshall and Nickel for Their Years of Public Service)
[Chinese Headline News Media US Station & North/South Carolina Station] — On November 23, ahead of Thanksgiving, the Chinese American Economic and Cultural Association (CAECA) hosted a warm gathering at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, North Carolina, celebrating the birthdays of two longtime supporters of U.S.–China exchange and community development—North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and former U.S. Congressman Wiley Nickel.
The event brought together state officials, local mayors, university scholars, and business representatives, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere that highlighted the diversity and cohesion of the North Carolina community.
The celebration began with welcoming remarks. Organizers emphasized that the gathering was not about titles or positions, but a reunion of long-time friends who have worked together for many years.
Secretary Marshall, who has served since 1997, is widely respected for her experience and commitment to public service. Former Congressman Nickel continues to serve the public following his term in Congress and is currently running for District Attorney in Wake County, the largest county in the state. Both honorees have been long-time supporters of CAECA and familiar friends of the community.
During their remarks, both Marshall and Nickel expressed gratitude for the support they received. Marshall noted that increased communication among different communities helps reduce misunderstanding and strengthen mutual respect. Nickel added that multicultural engagement makes North Carolina a more open, inclusive, and attractive place to live.
Congresswoman Deborah Ross, speaking at the event, noted that North Carolina continues to face challenges during periods when federal policies may not be supportive. She highlighted the unity shown by the community—especially during the pandemic—and reaffirmed her commitment to fostering an inclusive environment at both state and county levels.
CAECA Founding Chairman John Wei shared stories from his more than 30-year friendship with Marshall, including memories of their families’ early connection through church. He also recalled the community’s mutual support during difficult times, including Marshall and Nickel’s assistance to the Chinese American community during the pandemic.
Wei conveyed birthday greetings sent from Liaoning Province in China, emphasizing Marshall’s symbolic role in the “sister state” relationship.
CAECA Chairman Dr. Steve Niu spoke about the association’s work in promoting U.S.–China cooperation, supporting local economic development, and facilitating cultural exchange. He also discussed opportunities and challenges faced by North Carolina’s manufacturing sector.
Organizers presented birthday wishes to the two honorees, recognizing their contributions to economic growth, cultural exchange, and community collaboration. Guests then joined in singing “Happy Birthday,” followed by group photos and a lunch gathering filled with friendly conversation.
Attendees included Congresswoman Deborah Ross; House Democratic Deputy Leader and NC State Representative Cynthia Ball; NC State Representative Maria Cervania; Emma Larsen, representing Congresswoman Valerie Foushee; Morrisville Mayor T.J. Cawley; Cary Councilwomen Lori Bush, Carissa Johnson, and Michelle Craig; Apex Councilwoman Sue Mu;
NC State University Senior Vice Provost for Academic Strategy and Innovation Dr. Helen Chen;
Duke University Associate Dean of Graduate School Affairs Yan Li;
Duke ECE Department Chair Dr. Hai “Helen” Li and Duke ECE Professor Dr. Yiran Chen;
Duke Stroke Center Director Dr. Wayne Feng;
Duke University Professor of Chinese Studies Kang Liu;
NC State Supply Chain Lecturer Donavon Farve, among others.
The celebration was hosted by CAECA Secretary-General Kristin Tang.
Professors and administrators from Duke University, NC State University, and other academic institutions also attended, representing fields such as engineering, medicine, and Asian studies, reflecting academia’s respect for the honorees’ long-standing public service.
Representatives from a Chinese cold-storage manufacturing group—Li Xintian, Li Xinyong, and Du Yuanyuan—spoke at the event, noting that their investment in U.S. manufacturing seven years ago has proven to be a successful strategic decision. They emphasized that the U.S. continues to need manufacturers and investment to support economic growth.
In closing, organizers said CAECA will continue promoting cultural dialogue and community collaboration throughout the holiday season, contributing to a more connected and supportive North Carolina.
This gathering served not only as a birthday celebration but also as a meaningful reflection of North Carolina’s diversity, unity, and spirit of friendship.
