USA Volleyball vs. Japan

Green Bay, Wis.
May 31, 2007

Green Bay, WI - The Packer Country Visitor and Convention Bureau, Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Green Bay will welcome the Consul General of Japan, Mr. Kenji Shinoda and Mrs. Kenji Shinoda on Friday, June 1 for an official visit to the World Volleyball League match between Team USA and the Japanese National Team at the Resch Center starting at 7 p.m. Consul General Shinoda will meet with area leaders to discuss international business on Friday afternoon. Mayor Jim Schmitt will present the key to the City of Green Bay at 4 p.m. City Hall.

Japan is the fourth largest export destination for Wisconsin products, making the Consul General's visit to Green Bay important not only from a goodwill perspective, but a business one as well. "Japan is an important export destination for many Brown County companies who do business internationally, particularly in the manufacturing area," said Paul Jadin, president of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. "We are honored to host the Consul General and to have the opportunity to discuss business with him."

The Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting an invitation-only business session with the Consul General on Friday afternoon. Attendees, which include Enzymatic Therapy, American Foods Group and Coating Excellence, will have an opportunity to meet Consul General Shinoda and exchange international trade ideas.

Background Info
The Consulate General office, which is located in downtown Chicago, is responsible for Japan's relationship with the
10-state area of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. This geographic region is five times larger than Japan and is home to 27,000 Japanese nationals. The Consulate’s office exists to foster mutual understanding regarding economic and other developments so that policymakers can better bring Japan and the Midwest closer together.

The office proactively works to advance new economic and cultural cooperation. A strong foundation already exists. More than 1,125 Japanese business facilities, which employ nearly 100,000 individuals, proudly call the Midwest home. http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/CGCorner/profile.html

Press Opportunities

• 4:00 PM: Presentation of the Key to the City of Green Bay by Mayor James Schmitt City Hall - Mayor’s Office.
• 6:30 PM: World League Volleyball Event Opening Ceremonies. Welcome Greeting (Consul General Shinoda/County Executive Tom Hinz) Resch Center.
• 7:00 PM: World League Volleyball Match - Team USA vs. Japan, Resch Center.

Story Contacts

• Packer Country Visitor & Convention Bureau – Brad Toll, 405-1138 or Brenda Krainik, 405-1176.
  
• Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce – Lori Kaye Lodes, 437-8704

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Packer Country Visitor & Convention Bureau is the regional destination marketing organization committed to improving the visitor experience and increasing the economic impact of tourism to its communities. For more information call 888-867-3342 or visit us online at www.packercountry.com.