United States Heartland China Association (USHCA) is a 501(c)3 bipartisan organization committed to building stronger ties between USHCA Region (20 states located in the USA between the Great Lakes to the Gulf) and the People's Republic of China. Our focus will be on Trust Building efforts connecting government officials; business leaders; educational and community interests with like minded institutions between the Heartland Region and the People's Republic of China.Our MissionTo build better, mutually beneficial relationships between the US Heartland Region and the People's Republic of China by bringing together leaders to foster educational ties for exchange programs that bring together students from both nations, and to promote trade and cultural cooperation. Our efforts seek relationships and partnerships that represent the best our region has to offer and, in turn, we seek the same from the People's Republic of China. We exclude no one; mutual integrity is our commitment.Our HistoryThe original organization was founded in 2003 as the Midwest China Association by U.S. Senator Adlai Stevenson (IL); John Rogers, lawyer and professor; and Governor Bob Holden (MO), former Chairman of the Midwest Governors Association. Its region covered 12 Midwestern states originally. In 2018, it expanded to serve the 20 states from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico and changed its name to the United States Heartland China Association. Even though the American Heartland region is our focus, we work with communities throughout the United States where our programs can create value.