Barbecue ribs and buck dancing help convince Chinese to trade with Tenn.

Tennessee business people entertained Chinese business executives in Leiper's Fork, Tenn., to "connect at the heart before they can connect on a business deal," Aubrey Preston, a musician and wealthy business mogul said to Josh Adams of The Tennessean. A hoedown, barbecue ribs and corn pudding combined to make a memorable visit for 10 Chinese business executives and government officials. In 2008, Chinese consumers bought more than $1.3 billion worth of Tennessee goods and services, making China the third largest importer of Tennessee goods (behind Mexico and Canada). (Photo by The Tennessean.)



Uncle Lester, a "Leiper's Fork legend in his silver-sequined shoes," got the dancing started. Within minutes, the wood floor bounced rhythmically as dancers pounded out the steps, reported Adams. "We can take them to the governor's conference and to Nissan and that's it. But they will never forget this for the rest of their life," said Li Weaver who works for Tennessee's department of Economic and Community Development. (Read more)