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Japan/America News

Chairman's Message 2010

31-Dec-09 10:04 | anonymous member
Dear JASK Members,
 
New RLB.pngWhile 2009 was a challenging year for many businesses and organizations, JASK seized the opportunity to increase our services to members. 
 
Programs
 
Over the past three years, our programming and attendance have increased significantly. In 2007, about 750 folks attended the 13 programs we hosted.  In 2008, we increased our programs to 20 and were thrilled to see 2,600 people at these programs.  With so much interest in Japan throughout Kentucky, we pushed ahead yet again in 2009.  We are pleased to report that nearly 6,000 people attended 31 JASK programs in 2009. 
 
In expanding our programs so dramatically, our primary aim has been to provide something for everyone.  Our diverse membership enjoys successful business programs but it also enjoys cultural programs.  Some of our leading programs in 2009 were:
 
Our JAPAN! Summer Festival has been an especial success.  Our first attempt at a bazaar-style Japanese cultural festival was in 2008.  We were surprised to see 800 Kentuckians come to Jacobson Park in Lexington for the first Summer Festival, twice the number we anticipated.  In 2009, building on what we learned and with the guidance of an active volunteer planning committee, the Summer Festival drew 2,200 people.  With your support we expect this festival to grow every year and become a treasure of cultural exchange for all Kentuckians.  

Other popular programs include our Shinnenkai in January, which draws nearly 200 guests every year; our Business Summit in May, where members "think big" about prospects for the Japan/Kentucky trade relationship; and the Golf Classic in October, our only fundraiser, where teams compete in a scramble tournament for prizes.  Four times each year members connect at our 6:01 Club business networking programs and we also hold periodic seminars to keep our business knowledge sharp.  
 
Since some of our members live as far as four hours away, while continuing our Lexington area programs, we also created programs in Bowling Green, Louisville and Northern Kentucky.  
 
2010 Calendar
 
To help you plan the new year, we have drawn up a calendar already for 2010.  We invite each of you now to pull out your calendar and choose three or four of the listed events to attend.  We will add many more programs to this list throughout the year.  We welcome your suggestions for new programs - most of our programs ideas come not from staff but from members.

Website
 
And, while you are looking at our online calendar, please take a look at our redesigned website.  Led by Hiro Adachi, our public relations committee has worked very hard to update it and make it more modern and user friendly.  I hope you enjoy our new look. 
 
Plans for 2010
 
In 2009 we all felt the pinch of a flagging economy.  At JASK, we were pained to see some of our members struggle with difficult business decisions.  However, we all pressed ahead.  In 2009, you supported JASK with remarkable enthusiasm and we find our Society stronger and our prospects brighter, perhaps, than ever before.   
 
Plans for the Next 20 Years  
 
JASK has grown steadily for over twenty years because each of you understands the value that the Japan/Kentucky connection brings to our lives through friendships, new cultural learning, and even business opportunities.  As we consider our next twenty years and beyond, we expect our Society to flourish as each of you gives her or his best to building our Japan/Kentucky friendship.  
 
On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff at JASK, we look forward to working with you to achieve even greater success for the Japan/America Society of Kentucky. 
 
Wishing you the very best in 2010, 

Robert L. Brown, Chair
Japan/America Society of Kentucky
1600 World Trade Center
333 West Vine Street
Lexington, KY  40507
T:  502-587-3716
E: rlb@gdm.com
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Special Thanks to our 2010 Website Sponsors
Lexington Relocation© Japan/America Society of Kentucky
1600 World Trade Center
333 West Vine Street
Lexington, KY  40507
(859) 224-7001
info@jask.org