Indy Chamber Executive Joins State of Indiana’s Trade Delegation to Japan, Plans to Cultivate Interest in Indianapolis Investment

Indy Chamber News Archives

INDIANAPOLIS (September 5, 2013) - The executive director for the Indy Chamber's economic development division is joining Governor Mike Pence and state business leaders during the State of Indiana's trade mission to Japan September 5-14.

"The goal of every economic development trade mission is to develop and foster relationships with our international counterparts," said Brian Gildea, Executive Director of Develop Indy, a business unit of the Indy Chamber. "For the city of Indianapolis, this groundwork helps future generations of leaders reap the rewards through new company investment and jobs. With several key meetings planned during our trip, it's exciting to think that Indianapolis may see increased foreign investment from Japanese companies down the road."

Japanese companies have invested more than $1.6 billion in setting up operations in Indiana while creating more than 5,700 new jobs in recent history alone. Indiana counts Japan as its largest Asian trading partner. It is Indiana's fifth-largest export country in the world, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Trade Database.

"Like many cities across the state, Indianapolis continues to see increased foreign direct investment from around the globe," said Gildea. "Our talented workforce and strong business climate makes Indianapolis attractive to this type of international investment, and that is what makes these trade missions integral to our overall strategic economic development plan."

A highlight of the Japan trade mission is the Midwest Conference which will feature several Japanese companies, U.S. and Japanese governors, and other dignitaries during three days of learning sessions dedicated to Japanese-Midwest U.S. relationships.

For updates on the trade mission, follow @IndyChamber on Twitter, follow #GlobalIndy, or read blog updates from Gildea on the Develop Indy website.

About the Indy Chamber

The Indy Chamber is the voice of progress and improvement for the Indianapolis region's business community. With membership of nearly 3,000 businesses representing 230,000 employees in the Indianapolis region, the Indy Chamber is leading the effort to strengthen the business climate, improve the state of education, revitalize neighborhoods and enhance the region's workforce. In 2012, the Indy Chamber merged with Indy Partnership, Develop Indy, and Business Ownership Initiative. For more information about the Indy Chamber, visit www.indychamber.com.

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Media Contact:
Ashley Elrod
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