* As we’ve already discussed, the governor can’t make this trip because of his fractured leg. From a press release…
Senior members of the Pritzker Administration will lead a 5-day trade mission to Japan for the annual U.S. Midwest Japan Association Conference, marking the first international trade mission for the administration.
The mission will take place in Tokyo from September 6 to 11 and will bring together leaders in business and government to highlight the strengths of the Illinois economy and opportunities for investment for foreign companies. The Illinois delegation will be led by Anne Caprara, Chief of Staff to Governor Pritzker; Dan Hynes, Deputy Governor for Budget and Economy; and Erin Guthrie, Acting Director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and the full delegation consists of over 30 business and economic development leaders from across the state.
“Our state has enjoyed a strong relationship with Japan for decades, and with this first overseas trip, this administration looks forward to building on those deep ties,” said Governor Pritzker. “With a diverse and growing economy, world-class education system, and our status as one of the world’s most vital transportation hubs, Illinois is a smart investment, and this administration will continue to spread that message far and wide.”
Illinois is the largest exporting state in the Midwest and the fifth largest exporting state in the country. Last year alone, bilateral trade between Illinois and Japan exceeded $12 billion. The state is home to the largest number of Japanese company locations in the Midwest, with over 46,000 Illinoisans currently employed by Japanese companies in Illinois. These companies include Koito Manufacturing, Kotobuki Company, the parent company of Beam Suntory and Hinckley and Schmitt, as well as Astellas Pharmaceutical.
Illinois was a founding member of the U.S. Midwest Japan Association and has operated a trade and investment office in Japan for over 30 years.
“Japan is an important economic partner for Illinois. I’m proud to join Governor Pritzker’s trade delegation to showcase great opportunities to attract foreign investment in our state and expand markets for Illinois companies,” said Mark Denzler, president & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “Manufacturers account for 93 percent of Illinois exports and rely on strong global relationships.”
“Japan is a crucial market for growing product startups,” said Haven Allen, CEO of mHUB. “I’m honored to be a part of this delegation to MWJA and look forward to building relationships to strengthen connectivity and investment between our regions.”
“The relationship between the Midwest Region of the United States and Japan is a critical one,” said Melissa Washington, Vice President of Governmental and External Affairs for ComEd. “Illinois is a great and inclusive place for all businesses across the globe. With ComEd’s highly reliable, and affordable energy infrastructure, we look to continuing to grow trade and business relations both domestic and abroad at this annual conference.”
“It’s an honor to be selected to represent Illinois’ tech community overseas,” said Mark Lawrence, CEO of SpotHero. “The Pritzker administration has been a strong champion for Chicago’s fast-growing technology sector, and I am humbled by the opportunity to share the innovative and important work happening in Chicago and throughout the state on an international stage.”
- depressed in politics - Thursday, Sep 5, 19 @ 3:02 pm:
my only surprise is that the Lt. Governor is not leading the delegation, if in name only. I know trade isn’t her lane, but it does feel odd that they aren’t utilizing her for ceremonial purposes at least. Perhaps she has commitments, but it could be the more typical answer that Lt. Gov’s are not REALLY part of an administration.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 5, 19 @ 3:02 pm:
Good thing Gov. Rauner had that list of all these companies in Japan and such “itching” to come to Illinois.
It’ll give this delegation a head start on who to talk to.
- DarkDante - Thursday, Sep 5, 19 @ 3:07 pm:
== Lt. Governor is not leading the delegation, ==
Juliana has been MIA for a lot ot the notable accomplishments for this administration so far. Makes me scratch my head.
- don the legend - Thursday, Sep 5, 19 @ 3:12 pm:
Four years running, Rauner told me Illinois was a terrible place for business. As long as Madigan was in charge, (Rauner said he wasn’t in charge)Illinois would stay a terrible place to do business.
Now I read this: “Japan is an important economic partner for Illinois. I’m proud to join Governor Pritzker’s trade delegation to showcase great opportunities to attract foreign investment in our state and expand markets for Illinois companies,” said Mark Denzler, president & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “Manufacturers account for 93 percent of Illinois exports and rely on strong global relationships.”
I’m confused. LP, can you help me understand?
- Upward - Thursday, Sep 5, 19 @ 3:20 pm:
Despite his many successes stabilizing the state this year at the Capitol, I am veryhopeful that economic development will be JB’s legacy. He really does know how to make money and create jobs all at the same time. Glad to see this effort start to take shape. Let’s hope that Mayor Lightfoot can solve Chicago’s budget issues quickly over the next budget cycles and help JB promote Chicago, create jobs and grow Illinois’ population.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 5, 19 @ 3:24 pm:
===Juliana has been MIA for a lot ot the notable accomplishments for this administration so far. Makes me scratch my head.===
Put her on the milk carton…
- DuPage Bard - Thursday, Sep 5, 19 @ 3:29 pm:
Strange there isn’t really a figure head attending with the delegation? Juliana, Freirichs, Mendoza someone?
I get the actual policy nuts and bolts team is there, plus some very good partners in our tech, manufacturing, hopefully agriculture group but you should also have someone to do the glad handing with the elected officials from the host country.
- Henry Francis - Thursday, Sep 5, 19 @ 4:07 pm:
Where are the Intersect folks? Who is going to tweet pictures of sushi?
- Lucky Pierre - Thursday, Sep 5, 19 @ 4:26 pm:
Economic Development will be JB’s legacy?
Why did every business group in Illinois endorse his opponent and what has he done so far to give you that idea?
So far he wants to raise taxes and increase labor costs so they are higher than our neighboring states and he will not reform workers comp so our businesses can be more competitive.
How does this lead to economic development?
- Lucky Pierre - Thursday, Sep 5, 19 @ 4:40 pm:
I’m confused. LP, can you help me understand?
Happy to Don
Despite all of our natural advantages Illinois ranks as the 39th bets state in America for business.
We are ahead of economic juggernauts
Connecticut
Alabama
Louisiana
Rhode Island
Mississippi
New Mexico
Hawaii
Vermont
Maine
West Virginia
Alaska
https://www.forbes.com/best-states-for-business/list/#tab:overall
- B-non - Thursday, Sep 5, 19 @ 5:06 pm:
#LGontheMove not so much.
- Real - Thursday, Sep 5, 19 @ 5:20 pm:
If you guys were to follow Julianna Stratton on facebook you will know that she is doing State business almost daily.
- FedUp - Thursday, Sep 5, 19 @ 5:25 pm:
I’m curious if they have to stick to hotel fee schedule and per diem allowed under the Governor’s Travel Board. Good luck dining on $32 a day in Tokyo.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 5, 19 @ 5:41 pm:
===Despite all of our natural advantages Illinois ranks as the 39th bets state in America for business.===
Good thing we have a new governor after the failed Rauner Administration couldn’t make it better.
Whew.
- Suzzz - Thursday, Sep 5, 19 @ 5:53 pm:
Pretty sure Gov. Pritzker has signed more pro-business reforms in 6 months than Rauner did in 4 years. Actually, I think they were listed somewhere… Launched effort to bring high speed broadband internet to every corner of the state. Elevated innovation economy with new business incubators and extension of the research and development tax credit for businesses. Created a business apprenticeship tax credit, encouraging new job creation and workforce development. Extended the film industry tax credit, creating and supporting thousands of entertainment industry jobs in Illinois. Created a minority business loan fund. Created new high paying tech jobs and construction jobs with a data center tax incentive program. Brought relief for 300,000 small businesses through phase out of corporate franchise tax. Created incentives for job creation on new construction and renovations in underserved communities. Established annual reporting on corporate board diversity for public companies to encourage greater representation. Refocused community college workforce development programs to concentrate on high growth industries