Remember yesterday when I talked about walking on the sidewalk on the left side instead of the right side as I am accustomed to? Well, I discovered today the escalators are the opposite of what I’m used to also!
Today we got quite a surprise! Last year we met with two clients of a bank that a relationship had been established with prior to my administration. One of those clients visited Muncie twice since our introduction and trip in June 2008. We met again with the other client today and discovered they had visited on their own last July! What wonderful news. They had pictures to share to prove they were there and were excited to discuss the sites we had shared with them last June. They thought Cornerstone Center of the Arts was the mayor’s office because it looked so stately and had taken a photo of it. I shared with them they had the wrong building but that we were proudly hosting the Governor’s Arts Awards there.
Thank goodness Larry is bilingual. He is such an asset in our meetings. I have found many Japanese businessmen can understand English if spoken slowly but struggle speaking English. Oftentimes Terry and I speak too quickly and Larry has to translate for us. You should try speaking in one or two sentences and then pausing for translation. I struggle remembering what I said!
We met with Keihin officials at the Tokyo office today to thank them for their investment in Muncie and to show our appreciation. We also discussed establishing a sister-city state. Last year we visited Governor Fukuda in the Tochegi Prefecture (which is the sister state to Indiana) to show our appreciation of Japanese investment in Muncie. We are investigating a city in the Tochigi Prefecture that is home of a Keihin Research and Development facility.
This year I have tried to send thank you e-mails to all those we’ve met instead of sending letters once I return like I did last year. It is not as formal but I am able to follow-up more promptly to thank them for their hospitality.
Last night we were hosted by the parent company of the contact we met with several weeks ago from Ohio. We had dinner at a traditional Japanese restaurant which was a delightful experience.
Everyone here is so gracious. Larry tells me my “status” as mayor allows me to receive more favorable reception than others might. I told my husband on the phone this evening that I am treated like royalty when I am in Japan. We all know that doesn’t happen in the states!!
I’m trying to keep up on e-mails while I am here so it’s not so overwhelming when I return to the office on Monday. Tomorrow we have a three hour train ride one way so I hope to be able to read the materials I brought with me. Always trying to keep up!!
Muncie-thank you for giving me this opportunity!
#1 by anne myers at April 22nd, 2009
Madam Mayor, This ISj fabulous!!!!!, and i thank you for consideration to do so. Allowing the citizens to know of your incredible venture taken, for ALL back home in Muncie town!!! is simply awesome!!! I know you must realise how important it is ,to taking the time, from this frantic pace of events on your schedule there …to do this, while on these economic trips ..but asking to consider to continue to INSPIRE and inform your city and peoples, on your return… ..even if it can not be every day. as it is BACK to the reality of Government, and the administrative duties, your schedule is at home, clearly is daunting … but maybe weekly/ bi weekly updates of the various issues concerning the administration and your citizens….can’t be….anything but an asset. Fearless IS what we need in Muncie. Your passion is evident….
#2 by A Peep at April 22nd, 2009
Way to go Mayor! It makes me proud to read these posts about your travels. Thank you for representing us in Japan