Birdsall helps cultivate relationships on Governor’s Trade Mission to Japan

Lincoln, Neb. –­ Wendy Birdsall, President of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development along with Governor Pete Ricketts just returned from a successful mission to expand trade and grow opportunities for Nebraska businesses in Japan.

This trip is intended to expand the possibilities and extend those same opportunities to Japanese companies who may be looking to bring their products and services to the Nebraska.

International business plays an important role in Lincoln's economy.  Look no further than companies like Kawasaki, Yasufuku, Nippon Telephone and Telegraph (NTT) and E.F. Johnson Technologies to see what Japanese investment can mean for our community.  In Lincoln alone, Japanese companies employ almost 4,000 people.  For a complete list of all Japanese companies with a presence in Lincoln visit www.selectlincoln.org.

While in Japan, the Nebraska delegation participated in the Midwest US-Japan Association (MWJA) Conference.  Nine Midwestern states are involved in the MWJA, which provides opportunities for our business and agriculture leaders to grow their knowledge about bilateral trade.  The MWJA has been very beneficial for Nebraska's exporters, and Omaha will host the 50th anniversary conference in 2018.

“This was a tremendous opportunity to put Lincoln's brand on display for an international audience,” said Wendy Birdsall.  “This should open up many new opportunities for future investment.”

State of Nebraska officials deemed the trade mission a success with additional trade agreements in process and new contacts made.  Nebraska enjoys an enviable position of respect when it comes to opportunities for investment both here at home and in the international trade market.

This is the second trade mission Birdsall has accompanied the Governor on in partnership to grow business.  Just last year, they visited China and the Chamber’s organizations will continue to be supportive of efforts to expand opportunities in Lincoln and the state of Nebraska.