“Pansy has been integral to almost all of our accomplishments in this region,” said USW Regional Vice-President Matt Weimer. “We will all miss her, but we wish her much happiness in the future.”
Lam was hired in 1981 as a part-time assistant. She has since helped coordinate major initiatives in the region, including the purchase and installation of the first instant noodle line in China that prompted construction of hundreds of similar lines throughout the country. She also was instrumental in working with USW, U.S. wheat farmers and the Guangdong Grain Bureau to develop the Sino America Baking School in Guangzhou that now graduates 500 bakers a year.
Weimar said Lu has more than 10 years of experience in the wheat trade and flour milling business in China and will bring hands-on knowledge to complement USW's trade servicing for grain traders and flour mills, along with assisting in the administration of USW Hong Kong Office and its market development activities.
“Shirley will be an excellent addition to our organization,” said USW Vice-President for Overseas Operations Vince Peterson. “Her experience is a great fit in USW’s work to provide information and advice to wheat importers, flour millers and bakers in China that is increasing demand for U.S. wheat there.”
Most recently, Lu worked at Zhaoqing Four Garderner Flour Co., Ltd., as the manager of the purchasing department, responsible for purchasing wheat, food additives, packing materials and milling equipment. She has also worked for Shenzhen Four Gardener Grain Co., Ltd., on wheat and flour import and export contracts. Lu has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Beijing International Studies University.
USW is the industry’s market development organization working in more than 100 countries. Its mission is to “develop, maintain, and expand international markets to enhance the profitability of U.S. wheat producers and their customers.” USW activities are made possible through producer checkoff dollars managed by 19 state wheat commissions and cost-share funding provided by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. USW maintains 17 offices strategically located around the world to help wheat buyers, millers, bakers, wheat food processors and government officials understand the quality, value and reliability of all six classes of U.S. wheat.
