Engler served as Michigan governor from 1991 to 2003.

Press Release

INDIANAPOLIS (October 30, 2009) – The Japan-America Society of Indiana’s (JASI) Annual Dinner will be held on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. The keynote speaker will be the Honorable John Engler, President & CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers and former three-term Governor of the State of Michigan.

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest industry trade group in America, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. The Indiana Manufacturers Association is a supporting partner of the JASI Annual Dinner.

Special Guest Speakers will also include The Honorable George Hisaeda, Consul General of Japan at Chicago, and Rick Schostek, Vice President of Honda Manufacturing of Indiana.

"The Japan-America Society of Indiana is committed to enhancing the long-term competitiveness of manufacturers through its promotion of economic partnerships and cultural understanding," said National Association of Manufacturers President John Engler.

"After the deepest drop in industrial production in decades, there are some early signs that manufacturers in Indiana and across America are beginning the long, slow road to recovery. Looking ahead, our nation needs a more global view and strategies to promote free trade if we want to create jobs and get America back on track."

“Considering the challenges that many businesses are facing, the Japan-America Society of Indiana believes it important to present a speaker with a national-level perspective who can provide experienced observations and insight on the current state of affairs.

With his commitment to free trade and his leadership in representing the interests of manufacturers throughout the country, Governor Engler can effectively speak to the interests of our members and guests,” said Pawel Fludzinski, President of the Society’s Board of Directors and Global Brand Development Leader, Eli Lilly and Company.

“With executives attending from all over the country, the Japan-America Society of Indiana’s Annual Dinner has become one of the largest events in the Midwest region bringing together Japanese and American business and community leaders,” said Theresa Kulczak, Executive Director, Japan-America Society of Indiana.

“It’s the “who’s who” event in the Japan-Indiana relationship.
The incredibly dynamic Japanese dance group from New York City, “Yosakoi Dance Project”, will perform their high-energy fusion of both new and traditional Japanese dance in the “Ganbaranakucha” spirit of the evening.

Thanks to the generous support of Delta Airlines, guests at the dinner will have a chance to win a set of four (4) roundtrip tickets to Japan on Delta.

As a means of encouraging businesses and creating a mood of optimism, the theme of the dinner is “Ganbaranakucha!” which is a form of the widely used word “Ganbaru.” “Ganbaranakucha!” conveys the persevering nature of the Japanese spirit in a bright and positive way. The word has many meanings depending on the context and some interpretations include:

-Even though we’ve given it our best, there’s a new challenge and we’ll continue to push forward!

-Take another breath, make a new resolve and keep going.

-Carry on and make the best of it!

The Patrons’ Reception will take place 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. , with the General Reception from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. and the Dinner and Program from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Sponsors include: Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Indiana, Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, AISIN, Barnes & Thornburg, Duke Energy Indiana, Eli Lilly and Company, Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Subaru of Indiana Automotive, and Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing.

Detailed information and Online Registration for the Annual Dinner are available on the JASI Website at www.japanindiana.org

About the Japan-America Society of Indiana
The Japan-America Society of Indiana (JASI) is a not-for-profit cultural and educational organization whose mission is to serve as a bridge of friendship and cooperation between the people of Indiana and Japan. The Society is supported by a diverse membership of businesses, economic development agencies, educational institutions, families and individuals. Founded in 1988, membership in the Society includes over 1500 individual and corporate representatives located throughout the state. The organization cooperates with the Consulate General of Japan, the State of Indiana, communities, businesses, and cultural and educational institutions to promote interaction, cultural understanding, and economic partnerships.

Japan-America Society of Indiana