Northeast Indiana to Host Annual Japan-Northeast Indiana Summit Dec. 8

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County is partnering with the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership and the Japanese American Society of Indiana (JASI) to host the 2020 Japan-Northeast Indiana Summit on Tuesday, Dec. 8.

This summit has become an annual event through the Partnership to lay the foundation and begin to build a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between Japan and Northeast Indiana.

“Each year, this event includes updates between Indiana and Japanese relations while spotlighting the efforts of Japanese partnerships in Northeast Indiana,” Sarah Delgadillo, Director of Global Citizenship for Grow Wabash County, said. “This year’s speakers bring a fresh perspective of current events and future predictions. We look forward to continuing to support Japanese companies in Northeast Indiana.”

Consul-General of Japan in Chicago Kenichi Okada and Mr. Kiyoaki Kiyo Aburaki, managing director for Japan at BowerGroupAsia, will join the summit virtually this year to talk about the growing relationship between Japan and Northeast Indiana and the many factors at play that impact this relationship.

“I am delighted that Japan continues to shine a very bright light on Northeast Indiana and the entire state,” Consul-General Okada said. “More than 340 Japanese business facilities across Indiana now provide 70,000 high-skilled, high-paying jobs for a 28% jump in the last 5 years.  Together let’s seize new opportunities to boost our partnership to the next level.”

Wabash City Schools Superintendent Jason Callahan will be one of the summit’s featured speakers to speak on the topic of preparing a globalized workforce. Wabash City Schools has made great strides in the region, offering an expanded course selection that now includes the Japanese language and student exchange opportunities.

The 2020 Japan-Northeast Indiana Summit will begin virtually at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, December 8. Admission to this summit is free of charge, but registration is required in order to receive the credentials to access the Zoom session. Registration can be done through the Partnership website at www.neindiana.com/japan-northeast-indiana-summit