NYSE Euronext Joins as Sponsor of USA National Pavilion at 2010 Shanghai World Expo

By: Ray Pellecchia

File Under: NYSE Euronext

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Internal Memorandum

Date: 16 July, 2009

To: [Colleague's name redacted]

From: Ray Pellecchia

Re: NYSE Euronext Joins as Sponsor of the USA National Pavilion at 2010 Shanghai World Expo

I think it's great that you've got us signed on as the exclusive sponsor among equities and derivatives exchanges for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. Just wanted to express my congratulations, and best wishes for a successful program.

Oh, and wanted to humbly offer my help, too. May I suggest that the Exclusive Exchange Sponsor could use an Official Exclusive Blogger? Reading the press release gave me a number of ideas to maximize the effectiveness of our participation. To cite just a few possibilities:

The USA National Pavilion organizers today announced that NYSE Euronext (NYX) will be an exclusive sponsor of the USA National Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. The announcement comes on the eve of the official groundbreaking ceremonies for the USA Pavilion in Shanghai.

Groundbreaking? I've got a shovel or two at home, and an old pickax I could clean up, even a pair of really big scissors if there's going to be a ribbon cutting. Would be happy to bring any or all of that stuff with me. Just forward the plane ticket via interoffice mail. Also, could the company cover the extra luggage fee?

The 2010 Shanghai World Expo will be held from May 1 through October 31, 2010 with a projected 70 million attendees, 95% of whom are expected to come from Mainland China. This will be China's first role as host of a world expo, and already over 190 nations have committed to participate.

I've already cleared my schedule, May through October. My boss is so resourceful, he said he wouldn't miss me a bit. He's great.

And 70 million visitors? I could bring some flyers about subscribing to the blog. As you may know, the company has put me on a "pay per eyeball in lieu of salary" arrangement, so I'd welcome the opportunity to, um, maximize the visibility of our strategic message, if you catch my drift.

At over 60,000 square feet, the USA National Pavilion will be one of the largest pavilions at the Expo. It will showcase American culture, values, and businesses in China's most dynamic city, while at the same time celebrating the friendship and cooperation between the U.S. and China. The Official groundbreaking ceremonies for the USA National Pavilion are scheduled to take place in Shanghai on Friday, July 17, 2009.

I can't imagine anything that embodies our culture and values more than this blog, with its transparency, open conversation, and did I mention superlative writing style, which I'd be happy to demonstrate live if you could spare just a few of those 60,000 square feet for a card table and folding chair so I can set up my laptop and people could "See the Official Exclusive Blogger at Work."

Alternative: use the same space instead for a "Dunk the Official Exclusive Blogger" carnival booth. That's how much I'm willing to do for this company.

In accordance with U.S. legal requirements, the USA Pavilion is being operated through a non-profit organization. The entity, Shanghai Expo 2010 Inc., is co-chaired by Ellen R. Eliasoph and Nick S. Winslow. The U.S. Department of State is prohibited by U.S. federal law from spending appropriated funds in international expositions. Therefore, U.S. private sector participation is essential to raise the necessary funds to design, build and operate the USA National Pavilion.

I'm totally down with the private-sector thing, and would be happy to forgo my daily mid-morning coffee run for a week, OK make it two, to make a contribution. Again, just consistent with my commitment.

Would be happy to discuss further any or all of these ideas. Anxiously await your response. Or just the plane ticket in the interoffice mail. Thank you for your consideration.