An Alabama delegation that included Governor Kay Ivey Chief of Staff Liz Filmore and leadership from the Alabama Department of Commerce participated this week in the 2026 Southeast U.S.-Japan Annual Joint Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee.
Now in its 48th year, the meeting offers Alabama a premier opportunity to strengthen its longstanding economic and cultural ties with Japan. The high-profile event brought together senior Japanese business and government leaders, regional executives, and policymakers for an outstanding program of speakers, discussions and networking opportunities.
“For more than 25 years, Japanese companies have been an important part of Alabama’s economic success,” Filmore said during an address at the conference. “Since 1999, beginning with Honda’s investment in our state, Japanese companies have invested more than $10 billion in Alabama and created more than 25,000 jobs.”
The annual meeting remains an important opportunity to strengthen the relationships that have made Japan one of Alabama’s most valued international economic partners, said Christina Stimpson, Commerce’s chief officer of global business.
“Our delegation brought together leaders from government, economic development, and industry, reflecting a shared commitment to building on decades of successful Japanese investment,” she said. “Daikin America’s continued engagement, including its participation in this year’s meeting, is a strong example of how these longstanding partnerships extend beyond the initial investment to foster meaningful relationships and continued economic growth.”
Dignitaries at the conference included Japanese Ambassador to the United States Shigeo Yamada, Consul General of Japan in Atlanta Kenichi Matsuda and U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty.
“We value the opportunity to deepen these connections and identify new avenues for collaboration that will benefit both Alabama and Japan for years to come,” Stimpson said.
More than 80 Japanese companies now operate in Alabama.
The state’s commitment to those companies does not end when the ribbons are cut. Last year, Alabama celebrated the opening of its new business development office in Tokyo. The office provides a direct connection between Alabama and Japan, supporting Japanese companies already operating in Alabama while helping identify new opportunities for trade, investment and collaboration.
Alabama’s delegation at SEUS-Japan also included Sean Blakeley, who leads that business development office, and Kevin Taylor, executive director of Alabama Industrial Development Training, the state’s premier workforce development office.
Courtesy of Made in Alabama
