Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Hanoi Sales Trip

In the words of TSS President, Richard Lasser:

I just got back from Hanoi, Vietnam, where I was privileged to meet with the staffs of some great international schools. Our first stop was the brand, spanking new Concordia International School, which will open next fall in 28,000 square feet of a shiny, new high-rise tower in the north end of this bustling city. A city which runs on the perpetual energy of its enterprising 20-30 somethings, who buzz around the crowded streets on motor scooters, weaving in and out of the unpredictable traffic in a kind of motorized dance. Led by the ever-smiling Steve Winkelman, and ably assisted by Meg Brainard and her staff, Concordia will serve 200 elementary school children of foreign workers in this fast-growing city. After two years, they’ll move to their own campus and continue to grow. Perhaps to the size of the well-established United Nations International School, (UNIS) where we met with business manager David King, and his procurement specialist Mrs. Van. David’s quite a guy. Prior to coming to UNIS, he was instrumental in helping Cambodia’s fledgling government set accounting standards that will serve the country and its population for generations. Talk about leaving a legacy! UNIS is opening a new wing, and Teachers’ School Supply hopes to help outfit it as only we can do. My last meeting was with Mrs. Hang, Procurement Executive at the lovely Hanoi International School, whose motto is “making a world of difference.” And it’s obvious they are. Enjoy the photos of my trip to this fascinating city, which is the wild, wild west, firmly rooted in the east. Hope you can make it there someday.

Richard A. Lasser
President