August 29, 2008
Dear Fellow Nebraskans:
I recently previewed plans for a new event scheduled to take place in under two weeks here in Nebraska. The goal for this event is to bring the world to Nebraska by hosting what we’re calling a reverse trade mission.
This event is aimed at bringing international business leaders to our state to demonstrate firsthand what Nebraska has to offer in terms of economic development potential.
More than 125 guests from eight nations will be joining us to discuss the advantages Nebraska offers businesses looking for new places to expand. It will provide the opportunity for Nebraska companies to meet with potential customers and explore new partnership opportunities.
International trade and investment are crucial to our state’s economy. The concept of the reverse trade mission is to provide an opportunity for our international partners to observe Nebraska’s business potential up close and in person.
We’ve heard from international business contacts in Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. Each of these countries is expected to have a delegation represented.
Starting Wednesday, Sept. 10 and running through Saturday, Sept. 13, guests will meet Nebraska business and economic development professionals through as series of panel discussions, dinners and one-on-one meetings. However, the highlight of this event is the opportunity for visitors to tour several of Nebraska’s growing industries.
More than 20 businesses and education partners are scheduled to host participants on this reverse trade mission as they tour industries ranging from agriculture and food processing companies to those in the renewable energy sector, distribution-oriented companies, those in the information technology field, finance and insurance companies, and those focused on research and biotechnology projects.
In addition to highlighting many of the companies doing business in Nebraska who are known throughout the world, these tours will showcase some of the University of Nebraska’s outstanding research facilities and emerging technologies available for license.
As we prepare for this event, I particularly want to thank those who’ve volunteered to host one of the tours connected with the reverse trade mission. The opportunity for international visitors to see for themselves the work and research being done in our state is what will make this event a personable and memorable experience.
The reverse trade mission is being sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the Nebraska Diplomats and the University of Nebraska. We are also grateful for the additional support coming from nearly two dozen Nebraska businesses and organizations.
More than 350 businesses in Nebraska are foreign-owned. They employ more than 19,000 workers. My goal is that this event will give Nebraska an edge as we look to expand those numbers in the years to come. By devoting quality time showcasing the endless possibilities in our state, we will be promoting Nebraska as an excellent place to do business.
