FRANKFORT, KY – Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear today spoke to corporations from across the commonwealth at a luncheon hosted by the Japan/America Society of Kentucky (JASK) and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. Gov. Beshear was lieutenant governor in 1987 when Toyota announced its plan to build a manufacturing facility in Georgetown, Ky., now employing 7,000 workers.
In his remarks, the governor emphasized the growth of Japanese firms in Kentucky from the 1980’s to today. Starting with just a handful of companies like Hitachi and Toyota in the mid-eighties, Kentucky is now home to 153 Japanese companies employing more than 39,500.
“Today, more Kentuckians work for a Japanese company than for German, British, Chinese, Canadian and all other foreign companies combined,” said Gov. Beshear. “However, now is not a time to rest in our productive relationship with Japan but to take care that we continue to grow together. Particularly as we face trying fiscal circumstances, economic and cultural cooperation between the world’s two largest economies is important globally as well as locally.”
The relationship between Japan and Kentucky has also impacted Kentucky both socially and culturally. Since 1988, the Japan/America Society of Kentucky has brought corporations and individuals from the two nations together for programs ranging from golf tournaments to classes about how to make sushi. Approximately 240 Kentucky companies are members of JASK.
“Kentucky is still learning about Japan,” said Matt Krebs, Executive Director of JASK. “We see new friendships, new business connections, new jobs created and new cooperation budding every day because of Japan’s impact on Kentucky. This luncheon is designed to remind Kentuckians that many great days of cooperation ahead.”
After the governor’s remarks, three Kentuckians, each closely connected to Japan’s economic activity in the State, led a panel discussion about how to ensure that our productive relationship continues to flourish. Panelists included: J.R. Wilhite: Commissioner of New Business Development, Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, Dr. P.P. Karan: Professor of Geography, University of Kentucky, and Jim Wiseman: VP of External Affairs, Toyota.
1987: Governor Beshear joined by then-Governor Martha Layne Collins, Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda (left), Eiji Toyoda (right), and Carroll Knicely to officially announce the location of the Georgetown Toyota plant.
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Manufacturing
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