Culture Center of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO)

The Culture Center of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office of Seattle is tucked in a business park that includes a mortgage brokerage and an escrow company. Its influence, however, is global. The center is one of 17 worldwide that the government of Taiwan established as resources for Chinese culture and language, and as local resources for Republic of China nationals. The center serves six states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and Alaska. The offices, which were first establised in Seattle's International District in 1994, now consist of one multipurpose auditorium  that serves 130 people, one classroom for 20 people, a computer room, a library and three offices. The center co-sponsors cultural events, has a library of books and cultural costumes, offers classes to help new immigrants, and hosts training and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs.