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A resolution recognizing the 48th Annual Joint Meeting of the Southeast U.S./Japan Association and the Japan-U.S. Southeast Association hosted in Nashville in October 2026.
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WHEREAS, the Southeast U.S./Japan Association was established in 1976 to promote trade, investment, understanding and friendship between Japan and member states from the southeastern United States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
WHERAS, the Southeast U.S./Japan Association was founded on the concept of strength in numbers, bringing the states together as allies to attract Japanese investment; and
WHEREAS, the Association hosts an annual joint meeting of the Southeast U.S./Japan association and its counterpart the Japan-U.S. Southeast Association rotating between Japan and the seven U.S. member states; and
WHEREAS, this year, the Annual Joint Meeting will be hosted in Nashville between October 25 and 27, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the meeting will bring together top business leaders and government officials for discussions on emerging technology, supply chain resilience, and the Southeast’s role in the automotive and clean energy sectors; and
WHEREAS, former Governor Bill Haslam will serve as chairman of the meeting, alongside Japanese Joint co-chairmen Bridgestone Corporation Global CEO, Yasuhiro Morita and former Bridgestone Corporation Global CEO Masaaki Tsuya; and
WHEREAS, Japan is Tennessee’s top partner in foreign direct investment, a testament to the success of the Southeast U.S./Japan Association; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize the 48th Annual Joint Meeting of the Southeast U.S./Japan Association for its work in promoting trade and investment between Japan and the Southeast U.S.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing the 48th Annual Joint Meeting of the Southeast U.S./Japan Association and the Japan-U.S. Southeast Association hosted in Nashville in October 2026.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.