Robert McMillan will speak at the Garden City Community Church on Sunday, May 17 at 9:15 a.m., on China's history, culture, and place in the Global Economy.

As part of the Sunday morning forum series at the Garden City Community Church, Robert McMillan, in a Power Point presentation, wil take a tour through China with startling photographs of the history and culture of China, and explore world trade issues as they relate to the future of the Chinese economy.

Robert R. McMillan has been a long-time resident of Garden City and member of the Garden City Community Church. He is currently of Counsel to the Mineola law firm of Bee Ready Fishbein Hatter & Donovan, LLP. After running for the United States Senate in 1988, he was named by President George Bush to the Board of the Panama Canal Commission and confirmed by the United States Senate for the post on November 19, 1989. On October 27, 1993, Mr. McMillan was elected Chairman of the Commission's Board of Directors - the first person who was not an official of the Department of Defense to serve as Chairman.

He also served as an Assistant to Richard M. Nixon, as Counsel to U.S. Senator Kenneth B. Keating, and in a wide range of assignments as a Corporate Officer of Avon Products, Inc, including responsibility for the Asia Pacific Profit Center where he opened Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and New Zealand. He also participated in the acquisition of the largest cosmetic company in the Philippines and the opening of China for Avon.

Mr. McMillan also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Medical Association for six years - the first non-physician to serve on that Board. In 1987, Mr. McMillan founded the Long Island Housing Partnership, Inc. and served as Chairman until 2001. The Partnership is the first suburban coalition of organizations to build and facilitate the construction of affordable housing. From 1998 to the present he has served on the Board of the US-Panama Business Council.

The Garden City Community Church is part of the United Church of Christ and is an Open & Affirming congregation. Worship services are on Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. with church school for children and a crib room for infants and toddlers during the later service. The Church is located at the corner of Stewart Avenue and Whitehall Boulevard. in Garden City. For more information, call 746-1700 or visit our website at www.gardencitycommunitychurch.org .