NEWSLETTER ARTICLES
June 1, 2010One Region, One Economy, One Voice - June 2010
I just returned last week from a 10-day trade and economic mission to Japan - the first as a region. Normally, we participate with the State of Indiana and will do so in the future, but we had a unique opportunity to travel as a region and chose to do so. Joining me on the trip were Todd Mosby, Gibson County Economic Development Corporation and Larry Taylor, Warrick County Department of Economic Development. We met with Japanese businesses who already have a presence in Southwest Indiana, as well as with several companies who are considering potential new investments in the region. The delegation also met with city and business officials from Tahara City - a friendship city to Princeton, Indiana.
We were excited by the quality of the meetings and the useful information that came as a result. Japan is the world's second largest economy and Indiana's largest reverse investment partner with more than 200 Japanese companies located throughout the state. As foreign-based companies look to localize supply chains, Southwest Indiana stands to benefit.
Here are some quotes from the joint news release describing the trip sent to local media:
"Demonstrating to Japanese how we work as one economic region greatly added to our credibility and opened their eyes to the investment possibilities," stated Todd Mosby. "The Japanese understand regions well, but their local form of government has no county equivalent."
The trip also served as a key marketing tool for North Warrick Industrial Park. "I couldn't have found a more effective way to promote Southwest Indiana's best industrial site than in face-to-face meetings with key Japanese business decision-makers," said Larry Taylor. "The quality of the meetings should lead to new investment in the future."
J. Gregory Wathen, APR
President & CEO
