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* Press release…
Gov. Bruce Rauner stressed the need to further strengthen the U.S.-Japan relationship at today’s launch of the 49th Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference. The conference, which continues through Tuesday, unites business, education and government leaders in an effort to further trade and investment opportunities between the Midwest states and Japan.
“Japanese companies have been instrumental in creating jobs and driving economic development through the entire state of Illinois,” the governor said. “From Chicago to Shelbyville and Lawrenceville, from Marion to Mattoon, Japanese companies have made a tremendous impact on the economic growth of these towns. I am deeply grateful for the jobs and opportunities provided to the people of Illinois.”
The day began with a private breakfast with U.S. Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty. Shortly following, the governor met Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzō Abe before the MWJA Conference opening ceremony. This is the second time the governor has attended the conference.
Japan continues to be a high priority for federal direct investment. The governor and members of Illinois’ delegation spent part of the afternoon meeting with the clothing, manufacturer and retail company, Uniqlo. Uniqlo’s Chicago store is one of 630 Japanese businesses throughout Illinois.
“It is not that often that we gather together, but when we do, like for this conference, we unite with an unprecedented strength on economic growth,” Gov. Rauner said while addressing governors in attendance. “We need to send the message that our growth is interdependent.”
The governor said that while Midwest cooperation is necessary for expansion, Illinois is working to maintain its lead by continually working in close contact with Japan regarding foreign investment opportunities. The Illinois foreign trade office in Japan is a testament to Illinois’ commitment to the marketplace, as it’s one of the oldest state trade and investment offices in Japan, dating back 32 years.
So he spent part of his day with a… clothing retailer?
OK, maybe I’m just missing the great importance of this trip so far. Hopefully he’ll be meeting with the folks at Toyota about snagging their new manufacturing plant.
* Anyway, from the attachments…
* The Question: Caption?
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:50 am
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“There is a House in Illinois
Run by Mike Madigan
And it’s been the ruin of many a rich boy
So he flew to the Rising Sun”
–sung to the tune of, well, you know…
Comment by South of Sherman Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:53 am
“As my Swedish immigrant grandfather use to say… “
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:55 am
“It’s a funny joke, I guess it got lost in translation”
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:55 am
“I ask myself often… when I think of Japan… what DID Bill Murray say to Scarlett Johansen… amirite?”
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:57 am
Scott Walker’s wingman.
Comment by walker Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:57 am
“I hope you choose to come to Illinois. I have the best team in America assembled to not only embarrass me but to embarrass you too”
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:58 am
Interesting slip with “federal direct investment” instead of “foreign direct investment.” Caption: Any of you guys want to work for me?
Comment by Incomplete Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:58 am
“Evelyn wanted to be here tonight but the state couldn’t afford the liability insurance to fly her over… “
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:59 am
Yes, I know, Illinois sucks. Nope, nothing more. Just that.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:59 am
“And yes, I say constantly that Illinois is the worst state in America, but that’s just to either leverage an unpopular agenda or hurt Illinois’ most vulnerable. So, I hope you keep that context in mind… “
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:00 pm
Rauner Defends His Support for Muslim Internment Camps
Comment by Thomas Paine Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:01 pm
Governing is all Japanese to me.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:03 pm
As the leader of Illinois i just want to say how horrible it is here for business, you don’t want to come here.
Comment by Ghost Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:05 pm
Rauner: “It’s great to have Japanese ‘bidness’ supportin’ Illinois’ growin’ and devise economy. I look forward to kickin’ tails together.”
Translator: “Is this guy speaking English?!?!”
Comment by Get a Job!! Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:06 pm
Was that press release writing originally in Japanese and in-artfully translated into English?
“through the entire state”?
“Shortly following”?
“we unite with an unprecedented strength on economic growth”?
“a high priority for federal direct investment”? (It should be foreign direct investment)
Or can this odd diction just be chalked up to the Guv too focused on not dropping his g’s and mentioning Madigan every 5 minutes?
Comment by Henry Francis Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:06 pm
“I came over in my trash can plane, using my $0.18 compass, and this suit and tie I got from the concierge at the Holiday Inn. I’m a normal, Illinois guy, just like you. And… speaking of Normal… Illinois… “
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:08 pm
“I’m here today, mostly, because Diana wanted to take her own brand ‘international’… “
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:11 pm
“Frankly, I’m here for the Hot Saki and the Cold Cash… “
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:11 pm
Some people are constantly saying how the days of Illinois being a competitive state are over. Well I’m here to tell you nothing is over (exclamation point). Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Comment by Henry Francis Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:14 pm
I’m here to check out your tax rates. Illinois voters are likely to exile me next year, and I’m looking for a break. What can you do for me?
Comment by Truthteller Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:14 pm
“I’m am even prepared to go on a Japanese game show and try to win your bidness… “
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:15 pm
” When my grandfather first immigrated to Illinois from Japan…..”
Comment by SOIL M Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:15 pm
“It only takes 60 votes to accept a veto in Japan? We need more of your values in Illinois.”
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:15 pm
“Kristina Rasmussen wanted to be here tonight but I told her I thought her passport expired… “
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:17 pm
He’s just biding his time, taking advantage of his governorship, until it is time to drop his big bucks bombs.
Comment by Winnin' Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:18 pm
As a white male…
Comment by SAP Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:18 pm
“My business expertise is well-known. I’m an expert in both closing the business and then liquefying the assets for maximized profits. But, what I’d like to happen is Japanese businesses to come to Illinois, hire Illinoisans and make a product, all things… foreign… to me… “
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:22 pm
I can make it to the 50th Annual meeting, but not sure I’ll be at the 51st.
Comment by phocion Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:27 pm
” Idunno, I just had a yen to come here … … is this thing on? “
Comment by Dave Dahl Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:33 pm
Gov: “Hey…when does the guy with the fancy knives cut the shrimp on the hibachi and throw one in my mouth?”
Comment by Downers Grove Guy Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:33 pm
Translated from the Japanese, the banner reads, “Warm welcome to the 49th most popular Governor”
Comment by not so simple Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:39 pm
Uniqglo has one Illinois store on North Michigan
Avenue.
It’s manufacturing plants are in China, Phillipines, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Bangladesh.
Uniqglo workers in China have struck its plants due to unsafe working conditions and abusive practices.
A shiny Mag Mile store built by unseen, abusive Third-World sweat shop labor practices — no wonder Rauner wanted to meet with them first.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:40 pm
“if, by the will of the people, I am elected to a second term, I can guarantee to people Of the great Land of the Rising Sun, that Illinois will be rid of collective bargaining and those pesky unions. Sayonara.”….”now, about that new Toyota plant…ya’ see, me and some of the boys got this little slush fund nobody knows about. EDGE .”
Comment by blue dog dem Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:45 pm
“You know, we’re gonna do what Truman did. We’re gonna shut things down for awhile over here. Crisis creates opportunity.”
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:50 pm
Jeez, what is it with the Unions…Amirite?
Comment by Jocko Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 1:47 pm
“Right you are, Ken!”
Comment by Shark Sandwich Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 2:21 pm
“As much as I love Illinois and I’m trying to sell Illinois to you all… I couldn’t be happier to be away from Illinois than I am right now… “
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 2:24 pm
Wanna watch me drift in my Eurovan?
Comment by City Zen Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 2:24 pm
“So I’m meetin’ Madigan for the very first time in my life, bein’ just a regular guy in a Carharrt, and I ask,”Speaker Madigan, what’s your take on trade opportunities between Japan and Illinois….”
Comment by igotgotgotgotnotime Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 2:46 pm
“I mean it — no one leaves until I get my Hello Kitty swag bag back.”
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 3:22 pm
==and I ask,”Speaker Madigan, what’s your take on trade opportunities between Japan and Illinois….” ==
And he said, “My take on everything is one word: ‘Take.’”
Comment by Whatever Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 3:28 pm
You’re wondering who I am (secret secret I’ve got a secret)
Machine or Madigan (secret secret I’ve got a secret)
I’m hiding in Japan (secret secret I’ve got a secret)
Away from John Tillman
Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 3:37 pm
Today, ay, ay, ay is the happiest day, ay, ay, ay of my life, ife, ife, ife. Can you, ou, ou, ou cut the echo, ho, ho, ho?
Comment by zatoichi Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 4:02 pm
“If you’d just ignore the over 3 years of bad-mouthing and tarnishing the image of Illinois, that would be helpful, so let’s pretend I actually love Illinois. Close your eyes… think… ‘Bruce loves illinois’… That’s it… “
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 4:04 pm
“When Godzilla did the hammer-and-shake thing on Tokyo, did he get reelected?”
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 4:05 pm
“…..and then he said Bruce I do two things, manage power and make money managing power..I almost threw up into my egg drop soup…”
Comment by GOP Extremist Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 4:08 pm
Which Japanese Auto Maker Is Coming To Illinois Next? I’ll Make Sure Its Non- Union.. Promise..
Comment by Shake Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 4:22 pm
“Whoops. When the sign said ‘Join Meeting,’ I thought I was gonna be talkin’ about medical marijuana. Which Illinois has by the toke, okay?”
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 4:32 pm
“As sure as the Mitsubishi factory is a key part of Bloomington, I’m sure glad to be with youse guys today.”
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 5:02 pm
“Even though I’ve banged the ol’ noggin on several doorways since I got here, I’m thrilled outa my Carharrt to be with you folks today.”
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 5:06 pm
“I met with Prime Minister Abe a little while ago, and I said, ‘Hey! You’ve got the same name as Illinois’ favorite son.”
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 5:07 pm
“When they told me I had to wear a suit and necktie today, I thought, ‘Shucks, maybe a flannel shirt would be a novelty here.’ But I plumb forgot to pack it.”
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 5:10 pm
So I am governor of a really horrible State. The have the highest income and property taxes in the US. The unions control the government. The workman comp costs is astronomical. So I am looking to pull my money out of Illinois and put it some place else. I want to invest my billions some place other than Illinois. You got any suggestions?
Comment by Huh? Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 6:21 pm
Mitsubishi
Comment by Seymourkid Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 6:49 pm
“I wasn’t lucky enough to have a Japanese grandparent. My grandparents were simple immigrants from Sweden. But when I was growin’ up, we did have a Japanese gardener. He was almost like a grandfather to me”
Comment by 47 Chief Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 7:20 pm
“Buy low, sell high. And we’re about as low as you can go in IL.”
Comment by justacitizen Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 9:32 pm
diana’s lucky jeans,come with padded pockets already sowed up
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Sep 12, 17 @ 6:02 am
Did I tell you about the Swedish fish sushi gramps used to make
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Sep 12, 17 @ 6:05 am
Your all cub fans, and want me to do Harry caray
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Sep 12, 17 @ 6:08 am
I’m into social justice like Godzilla is into urban renewal
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Sep 12, 17 @ 6:10 am
I sent my staff to the beach in Fukushima to soak up the rays
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Sep 12, 17 @ 6:21 am
You won’t like me when I’m angry, I go nuclear on you
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Sep 12, 17 @ 6:41 am
We don’t need another car company, we got the Japanese Beatle
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Sep 12, 17 @ 9:19 am