INDIANAPOLIS – Barnes & Thornburg partner Pete Morse was among a group of invitees on Indiana Gov. Mike Pence’s historic trade mission trip to Japan from Sept. 5-14. The trade mission, which focused on jobs and economic development, marked the first overseas trip since Gov. Pence was elected to office.
“Gov. Pence emphasized throughout the mission that it was important to him that his very first trip be to Japan, which has a long history of both business and cultural exchange with the State of Indiana,” Morse said. “I was honored to be invited.”
Indiana can boast some of the earliest Japanese investment in the United States. It is a relationship that has evolved into a model of partnership over the intervening decades. Indiana is home to approximately 250 Japanese companies that are responsible for nearly 45,000 Hoosier jobs. In addition, Indiana is the only state in the country to have a factory presence by Japan's "Big Three" automakers -- with Subaru, Toyota, and Honda, along with a network of other automaker suppliers (Japanese and otherwise).
Barnes & Thornburg has been on the forefront of that Japanese investment as well, actually helping secure the first wave of Japanese incorporations within the state and representing more than 200 Japanese companies since that time. Indeed, helping to fill out the team of its vibrant Japanese and Global Services Practice Groups, Barnes & Thornburg employs a number of individuals who were born, lived and/or taught in Japan. The firm also boasts the Honorary Consul General to Japan among its ranks.
During the Governor's visit to Japan, Gov. Pence (along with Morse and various members of the Governor's staff) met with several of the firm's Japanese corporate clients. The Governor's visit also coincided with the 27th Annual Japan-America Midwest Conference, and governors and other elected officials from across the region attended various workshops and seminars. That said, Morse was quick to note that the bonds between Japan and Indiana are unique.
"Other states are hoping that someday they can enjoy even a fraction of the relationship with Japan that Indiana already possesses,” Morse said. “With great foresight from prior administrations and an unwavering commitment by Gov. Pence and his team, Indiana is light years ahead of any other state in the depth and breadth of its relationship."
Morse noted that the relationship extends beyond just business. "Sure, Indiana is fortunate to have successful economic relationships with so many Japanese companies; and the firm is likewise fortunate to have been in a position to assist a good number of those companies over the years. But it's more than that -- Hoosiers can claim countless personal friendships that have arisen from the collaboration, a real symbiosis between the people of Japan and the people of Indiana."
According to Morse, that mutual regard and cultural collaboration was on display at the recent "Japan Pavilion" at last year’s Indiana State Fair, which broke records for attendance and provided an excellent opportunity for exchange. But Morse added that this mutual regard was demonstrated in the most heartfelt fashion when people from across Indiana came together en masse in the wake of the disastrous earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011, delivering through the Japan-America Society of Indiana what is thought to be the largest per capita gift in the nation.
Morse observed that same friendship and mutual regard had been on display during the Governor's meetings. "The Governor has been able to make what actually is a very easy and very compelling business case supporting Japanese investment past, present and future -- citing a balanced budget; an economy and tax rates far more favorable than neighboring states; a skilled, dedicated workforce; and a logistics and networking platform for Japanese businesses that are second to none,” Morse said. “But the Governor also has been able to connect in a very sincere, personal way -- citing the similarities between the people of Japan and Indiana, in traits like hard work, determination, humility, devotion to family, and pride in achievement."
During the 10-day mission, the Governor called on numerous corporate leaders to thank those who already had invested in Indiana and encourage those who were considering future investment. He also held formal "Friends of Indiana" receptions in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Tochigi (the Japan prefecture that shares "sister state" status with Indiana). Gov. Pence's visits were uniformly well received. At one particular event, Gov. Pence joined the chairman of Shigeru (a longtime firm client) in planting a tree in the shade of another tree that had been planted by the same chairman with former Indiana Gov. Robert Orr many years ago when the company launched its first Indiana factory.
Morse, who had been invited to participate in similar trade missions by Gov. Daniels' administration, was pleased to have been included on Gov. Pence's first visit. "I suppose the goals are similar between the missions -- embracing and thanking longstanding friends, and hoping to forge new friendships. I'm just grateful that Gov. Pence has continued the tradition of these mission trips pioneered by prior administrations -- especially when one considers how important Japanese integration has been to enriching the cultural diversity and economies of so many communities across the state. And to his great credit, Gov. Pence put his own mark on this tradition -- making very personal connections that I'm sure he and Japanese leaders won't soon forget."
Morse had the occasion to meet up with fellow Barnes & Thornburg attorneys Kendall Millard, Larry Mackey, and staff member Hide Niiyama, who were in Japan working with various firm clients on other matters. Millard and Niiyama, both members of the firm’s Global Services and Japan Practice Groups, were also in attendance at some of the Governor’s public receptions.
With more than 600 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from its offices in Atlanta, Delaware, Chicago, Indiana, Los Angeles, Michigan, Minneapolis, Ohio, and Washington, D.C.
