Governor Perdue Opens SEUS-Japan Conference
TOKYO, Japan – Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue today addressed about 600 delegates during opening ceremonies of the three-day SEUS-Japan conference, calling the legendary Yoshino cherry trees of Japan and their counterparts in the city of Macon, Ga., “a fitting symbol of the connections and partnership” between Japan and Georgia.
“We are proud that those Japanese trees thrive in Georgia soil. But plants aren’t the only things that thrive on southern soil,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “We value the personal connections and relationships that we have developed over the years, especially thanks to the outstanding help of organizations like SEUS-Japan.”
Governor Perdue also praised Georgia business assets, noting that the state’s talented workforce, outstanding logistics network, great quality of life and strategic location as the gateway to the American South, have helped attract 341 Japanese companies to the state. These companies employ more than 30,000 people and include prominent firms like Yanmar, YKK, Toyo Tire, Nichiha and Suzukaku, which have all recently located or expanded in Georgia.
Governor Perdue also paid tribute in his remarks to former Georgia Governor George Busbee, who created the SEUS-Japan Association in 1975 to establish ties of trade, investment, tourism, education, culture and friendship between seven southeastern U.S. states and Japan. On Sunday evening, Columbus-based Aflac continued its support of this conference by sponsoring the annual Georgia reception for the 8th consecutive year. The Governor George Busbee Award is presented each year at the reception, awarded to the person who has contributed the most towards building ever stronger relationships between Japan and our state.
Governor Perdue presented this year’s award to Yumiko Nakazono, the managing director of Georgia’s Japan office. Ms. Nakazono joined the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) in 1989 as a project manager in the Tokyo office. She was named to her present position of managing director in 1994, with oversight responsibilities for the entire department’s recruitment, trade and tourism promotion activities. Ms. Nakazono graduated from Kagoshima University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and American literature and linguistics.
The SEUS-Japan conference location rotates annually between Japan and one of the participating states and is attended by governors, senior government officials and top business leaders. Georgia last hosted the event in 2004. Other governors attending the SEUS-Japan Conference this year include Governor Bob Riley of Alabama and Governor Phil Bredesen of Tennessee.
Between attending sessions of the conference, whose theme this year is “Building on Three Decades of Success,” Governor Perdue, Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Ken Stewart and other members of the Georgia delegation will call on a number of Japanese businesses. This is Governor Perdue’s third visit to Japan since taking office in 2003. Governor Perdue’s delegation will next head to Korea to call on companies, including several Kia suppliers before returning to the U.S. on October 19.
Editor’s Note: The full text of Governor Perdue’s remarks
Governor Sonny Perdue (right) presents the Governor George Busbee Award to Yumiko Nakazono, Managing Director of the State of Georgia’s Tokyo Office. The award is annually presented to the individual who has contributed the most toward building stronger relationships between Japan and Georgia.