Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A delegation of economic development officials from Illinois will be in Japan this weekend for an annual conference.
The 55th annual joint meeting of the Midwest-U.S. Japan Association, and the Japan-Midwest U.S. Association, is scheduled for Sunday through Tuesday in Tokyo. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity says in a news release representatives from nine other states and Japan will be in attendance for a meeting “to strengthen investment and trade ties and explore new opportunities for collaboration.”
“As Governor, I’ve remained committed to strengthening Illinois’ economic relationship with Japan, from securing business expansions on trade missions to highlighting our state’s unmatched workforce, infrastructure and location,” said Governor JB Pritzker, in a news release. “I look forward to Team Illinois’ return to Japan as they continue this collaborative work and grow our relationships with international businesses.”
Pritzker himself, however, will not be in attendance, even though he has gone in the past. WTAX News asked Pritzker’s office why.
“Team Illinois will have a strong presence at the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association’s Annual Conference in Japan to strengthen the state’s economic relationship with key trading partners and international businesses,” said a spokesperson, via e-mail. “Gov. Pritzker and his team are supporting their efforts but will remain in the U.S. as the Trump Administration threatens the state with unprecedented overreach.”
Those representing Illinois on the trip include:
- Kristin Richards, Director, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- Cas Peters, Chief Business Development Officer, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- Margo Markopoulos, Deputy Director, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Trade and Investment
- Motoshi Yamada, Managing Director, State of Illinois Asia-Pacific Office
- Christy George, President and CEO, Illinois EDC
- Paulina San Milan, SVP Business Development, Illinois EDC
- Preeti Chalsani, SVP Chief Quantum Officer, Illinois EDC
- Robin Ficke, SVP Research, Illinois EDC
- Kaitlyn McDermott, VP of Operations, Illinois EDC
- Masashi Mizobuchi, Consul General, Consulate General of Japan in Chicago
- Norihiko Ishiguro, Chairman & CEO, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
- Laura Appenzeller, Executive Director, University of Illinois Research Park
- Patrick Hoban, CEO, Bloomington Normal Economic Development Corporation
- Peter Tokar III, President & CEO, Quad Cities Chamber
The Illinois DCEO says the state has had an office in Japan for economic development purposes since 1983.
