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CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
 Dear
Florida Business Leader:
I am pleased to announce that Governor Jeb Bush and the State of
Florida will have the coveted once-in-a 14-year honor and privilege of
officially hosting the Annual Joint Meeting of the Southeast
U.S.-Japan and Japan-U.S. Southeast Associations this year. This
prestigious event will return to Orlando at Rosen Shingle Creek Resort
and Golf Club October 22-24, 2006, and the theme of this year’s 30th
Annual Joint Meeting is “Building on Three Decades of Success.”
The relationship between the Southeast United States and Japan has
grown steadily since the first meeting took place between the business
and government leaders of Japan and our region three decades ago.
Since that time, more than 1,000 Japanese firms have invested in the
Southeast, and Florida now claims Japan as its second largest trading
partner (with bilateral trade valued at $5.3 billion) and as its fifth
largest foreign direct investor in the state with some 175+ Japanese
Businesses here. The relationship between the Southeast U.S. and Japan
is stronger than ever, truly building on these past three decades of
successful partnership.
This year's program will include remarks and presentations by top
business and government leaders, representing the most significant
aspects of the economic relationship as well as ties of tourism,
education, culture and friendship between the Southeast United States
and Japan. Additionally, the respective governors of each of the
member states, Japan’s Ambassador to the U.S., the Chairman of the
Tokyo Stock Exchange, the Japanese Consuls General of Miami, Atlanta
and New Orleans, and other top Japanese business leaders and special
guest speakers are expected to participate. The meeting will provide
exciting networking opportunities for all of the 600-700 participating
delegates to renew old friendships and establish new ones, including a
golf tournament, sightseeing tours, receptions, meals and
entertainment. Conference participation is limited to only some 140
Florida Delegates, providing an exclusive opportunity to establish
business relationships with leading Japanese corporations.
The Southeast U.S./Japan Association and the Japan-U.S. Southeast
Association have been hard at work preparing what will be a memorable
and productive event. With the participation and support of delegates
like you, Florida’s official hosting of this event will provide
significant benefits for our state. Enclosed are sponsorship materials
for your consideration; I invite you to mark your calendar now and
strongly encourage your support and participation.
I look forward to seeing you in Orlando and encourage you to register
now as space is limited.
Sincerely,
Thomas F. Petway, III
Chairman
30th Annual Joint Meeting of
Southeast US/Japan & Japan-U.S. Southeast Associations |
