American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is named title sponsor

Columbus skyline

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 7, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and JobsOhio announced today that elected officials and business leaders from Japan and other Midwestern U.S. states will be elected this September as part of the 54th Annual Convention . Congress will meet in Ohio to promote economic cooperation annual Midwest USA-Japan Conference (MWJA). The conference is held jointly by the Midwest USA and Japan and Japan and Midwest USA associations. Honda, Ohio's largest Japanese employer, will be the title sponsor. The conference will bring together groups from across the Midwest and Japan, including elected officials and businesses, to promote economic cooperation between Midwestern states and Japan.

The host country rotates annually between the USA and Japan and offers the ten US member states the opportunity to host the conference every 20 years. More than 300 senior officials and business leaders are expected to provide Ohio with the opportunity to promote investment opportunities that will further solidify the U.S.-Japan partnership for a successful future.

“Ohio looks forward to hosting the prestigious MWJA conference here in the heart of the Midwest,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “From Honda to Bridgestone, there is a long history of successful collaboration between Ohio and Japan that has created a business environment that benefits the global economy. As host of this year's conference, Ohio has a unique opportunity to showcase our innovative business landscape and our world-class talent ecosystem that is powering the workforce of the future.”

The 2024 conference theme, “Building an Ecosystem for Innovation, Growth and Sustainability,” symbolizes Ohio and Japan’s commitment to sustainable business practices that contribute to growth now and in the future. In terms of job creation, Japan is one of the largest international investors in Ohio, with more than 65,000 Ohioans employed at 435 Japanese facilities.

“Japanese companies are critical to the health of Ohio’s economic infrastructure,” said Japanese Consul General in Detroit Yusuke Shindo. “The MWJA conference provides an opportunity to promote trade and investment in the regions served by the Consulate in Detroit, which includes Ohio.”
Since 2013, Ohio has won more than 130 economic development projects with Japanese companies with the help of JobsOhio, the state's economic development corporation. The projects are implemented in collaboration with JobsOhio network partners across the state.

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“I had the privilege of visiting Japan, one of Ohio's top international investors, to expand existing relationships and develop new partnerships while attending the 2019 MWJA Conference,” said JP Nauseef, President and CEO of JobsOhio. “We look forward to strengthening these relationships by welcoming our friends from Japan and throughout the Midwest to Ohio, which offers diverse industry talent and tailored business support.” In 2023, JobsOhio supported $221 million in Japanese capital investment Dollars that will serve as a growth catalyst in engineering, advanced manufacturing and protective coatings.”

The ambassadors will promote a variety of Ohio communities for business investment, including the 16 major metropolitan areas, while highlighting the competitive advantages that Japanese companies can expect as they develop or expand their operations within the state. As the seventh-largest economy in the U.S., Ohio offers businesses a wealth of construction-ready sites, a robust logistics infrastructure and one of the strongest workforces in the country through the SiteOhio Authenticated Sites program.

“The choice of Ohio to host this year’s MWJA conference truly underscores the importance of the strong economic ties and enduring friendships we have with Japan,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “Since my first economic development mission with Governor DeWine in 2019, we have worked hard to nurture this friendship and create meaningful opportunities for mutual prosperity. We look forward to showcasing the incredible opportunities Ohio offers to Japanese businesses and investors and celebrating the cultural exchanges that have enriched both our societies.”

The conference will take place September 8-10, 2024 at the newly expanded Hilton Downtown Columbus. Further information about the MWJA conference can be found online. Registration begins May 13th.

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About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio's private nonprofit economic development agency, promotes business growth and workforce development by attracting, retaining and expanding companies in ten competitive industries. With a team of experienced professionals, JobsOhio leverages an extensive network to drive talent production in specific industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. By working with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO, JobsOhio provides world-class customer service to give businesses a competitive advantage. Find out more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dan Tierney, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine
614-644-0957
[email protected]

Matt Englehart, JobsOhio
614-300-1152
[email protected]

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CONTACT: Matt Englehart JobsOhio 614-300-1152 [email protected]