Press Release
In terms of making the global economy a local issue, the Elkhorn Valley Economic Development Council’s decision to be a sponsor of a new trade office in Japan is a highly appropriate move.
The Norfolk-based economic development organization, headed by R.J. Baker, is one of several sponsors — along with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and the University of Nebraska Medical Center — for Nebraska’s first international trade office.
Based in Tokyo, the office — which will be known as the Nebraska Center — will allow Nebraska to work more closely with Japanese companies on business investment and economic development efforts both in Nebraska and abroad.
As Gov. Dave Heineman said recently, “In Japan and across the Pacific Rim, we must work to establish and broaden our reputation as a valuable trading partner, and this office will serve as a hub of business activity for Nebraska.”
The office’s priorities will include the recruitment and expansion of Japanese-owned companies in Nebraska, agricultural market share expansion and cultivation of long-term partnerships for economic growth.
If one thinks that it’s a stretch for Nebraska to be a more active player in Japan and the Pacific Rim, it’s time for a bit of global education.
Did you know, for example, that the corporate owner of Henningsen Foods of Norfolk is based in Japan? That’s true for Overhead Door Co., too, and its operations in Norfolk and elsewhere.
Add to that Linweld of Norfolk and Lincoln,as well as Helena Chemical, which has offices in Albion, Bassett, Osmond, Brunswick and Petersburg. There’s also Agrex, Inc., and its operations in the Norfolk area.
Also consider the fact that Japan is the third largest export market for Nebraska products and the largest overseas trading partner for the state. In 2004, exports totaled more than $193 million with processed foods and chemical manufacturers making up 80 percent of those sales.
So this isn’t a case of thinking that, someday, Japan business interests may play a part in the Northeast Nebraska economy. They already do. It’s only smart business to maintain excellent working relationships with the companies that do business here, as well as seek ties to new companies that may be looking to expand.
- Story Courtesy of the Norfolk Daily News
