Press Room

Posted on: Fri, 07/07/2017 - 13:35

ONTARIO, CA – July 6, 2017 – San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Curt Hagman and Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) President Alan Wapner today welcomed Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Wen-Tsan, China Airlines Chairman Ho Nuan-Hsuan and Taoyuan Airport Corporation CEO Shiau Deng-Ke to Ontario Airport Headquarters for a Joint Statement Signing Ceremony at 6:00 PM PST.

In February, County Vice Chairman Hagman led an economic development delegation to Taoyuan City, Republic of China (Taiwan). As part of that trip, a sister city agreement was signed on February 24, 2017 between Taoyuan City and San Bernardino County, California, USA. This relationship led to further discussion to examine the potential of airport development between the two regions.

OIAA President Alan Wapner expressed sincere optimism in his assessment of the relationship between the two regions. “Today’s Joint Statement carries with it a tremendous opportunity for these two regions and their respective airports. As stated in our agreement, we wish to work together towards strengthening our friendship, promoting mutual welfare and prosperity, and further boosting the economic development of both airport regions. For Ontario International Airport this means opportunities to offer more destinations to our travelers and to attract international visitors to our region,” he said.

In response to the visit, San Bernardino County Vice Chairman Hagman stated, “Today’s ceremony will cement the foundation laid earlier this year by the Sister-City agreement between Taoyuan and San Bernardino County for new flights and new opportunities. For San Bernardino County this is a significant opportunity in our efforts to foster job growth and boost our footprint as a destination for international travel.”

Participants in the signing ceremony included Ontario Councilman and OIAA President Alan Wapner, San Bernardino County Supervisor and OIAA Commissioner Curt Hagman, Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Wen-Tsan, and Taoyuan Airport Corporation CEO Shiau Deng-Ke. They were joined by OIAA commissioners, Board of Supervisors, and local elected officials including members of the Ontario City Council.

Elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2014, Hagman played an important role in the return of Ontario International Airport to local control in 2015 and serves on the powerful five person OIAA that runs the Airport. As Vice-Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Hagman has a leadership role in the direction of San Bernardino County and has moved to emphasize jobs and economic growth as his top political priorities.

Prior to his election to the Board of Supervisors, Hagman served six years in the State Legislature. He was Councilman and Mayor of Chino Hills before being elected to the Legislature. Hagman is a longtime businessman and resident of Chino Hills along with his wife Grace, and children Jonathan and Elizabeth.