PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 4, 2005
CONTACT: 308-238-0375

World Leaders Converge on Dunning

Dunning, NE - To help forge connections between Nebraska and the world, Third District Congressional Candidate Scott Kleeb will host a three-day gathering of international leaders at the McGinn Ranch near Dunning, Oct. 27 through Oct. 29. It is the third year that Kleeb, an international relations expert, has invited top government ministers and policy experts to Nebraska to learn about rural America by participating in the fall branding at the McGinn Ranch.

"In the age of globalization, Nebraska needs connections to other countries that are as strong as the connections we have with our neighboring states here at home," Kleeb said. "These connections open up new avenues for trade and business. They also contribute to greater national security, because they build up the mutual understanding and respect that lies at the heart of strong international relations."

Those visiting Dunning this year include: Joaquin Jácome, Minister of Trade and Industry from Panama; Vincent Pérez, the Secretary of Energy from the Philippines; Rui Chenggang, an anchor and director of China's national television network; and Marvin Dames, chief superintendent of police for the Royal Bahamas Police Force. They are all in the United States to participate in the Yale World Fellows Program, a prestigious international leadership seminar at Yale University. Kleeb served as an Associate World Fellow in 2002, while completing his graduate studies at Yale.

Kleeb said he looks forward to discussing the latest developments in trade, energy policy and drug enforcement with this diverse group of experts. "Our solutions to the current energy crisis, or to the cross border flow of illegal drugs, have to take into account the policies of other nations," Kleeb said. "China's energy policy alone has huge ramifications for the world energy market."

Kleeb has worked as a ranch hand on the McGinn Ranch for years and said he also looks forward to showing his guests the ins and outs of a Sandhills ranching operation.

"In 2004, Nebraska exported $2.3 billion in goods to the world, with processed foods and agricultural products leading the way," Kleeb said. "When these folks come out to the Sandhills, one of the things they are going to see is that we have some of the best people, working some of the best land, producing some of the best beef in the world. And, of course, we want them to remember that.