BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Several leaders from the city of Battle Creek will be travelling to Japan this week in order to participate in a business networking program organized by the Japan Foundation, which is dedicated to cultivating friendship and cultural exchange programs between Japan and the rest of the world.
The purpose of the program is to educate local leaders about Japan and facilitate business and people-to-people networking.
According to an official press release, Mayor Mark Behnke, City Manager Rebecca Fleury, and Battle Creek Unlimited President and CEO Joe Sobieralski accepted an invitation from the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit to apply for and, ultimately, be accepted to the Grassroots Exchange Network-Japan (GEN-J) Invitation Program.
Battle Creek representatives will be joined by a group of leaders from Georgia and Tennessee. Additionally, Rob Minard, Chief of Staff to Michigan House of Representatives Speaker Lee Chatfield, will also be attending.
During the trip, leaders will visit the DENSO headquarters in Nagoya. The DENSO plant in Battle Creek is the largest facility in the Fort Custer Industrial Park, and produces air conditioning products for automakers.
Leaders will also visit the Japan External Trade Organization, Japan Business Federation, and Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They will also participate in a tea ceremony and visit attractions including Inuyama Castle, a national treasure and one of the oldest original castles remaining in Japan.
“I am honored to represent the city during this program,” Mayor Behnke said. “What a wonderful opportunity to explore the business and culture of Japan, to enhance our connections to that country, and inform our relationships with our Japanese neighbors here in Battle Creek.”
The Japan Foundation will be funding most of the experience.
The news of the trip comes following the recent display of gifts from Japan by Kalamazoo leaders.
