News Release
For Immediate Release
February 11, 2016
Contact: Kent Patton
Kent.Patton@Snoco.org
425-388-3883
425-330-1858 (mobile)
Snohomish County Prioritizes Economic Development
Executive Somers Meets with Japanese Business Delegation
Everett, Snohomish County—Yesterday, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers met with a delegation of business leaders from Japan examining potential investments in Snohomish County. After meeting Executive Somers, the delegation visited three sites in the county, looking at the feasibility and logistics of bringing business to the region.
“Snohomish County is a great place to do business in agriculture and related products,” said Executive Somers. “I am pleased to receive such distinguished leaders as my first international trade delegation. We talked about creating jobs locally and in Japan, while working to supply green products to markets worldwide,” said Somers.
The delegation included: Consul Naoki Hayasaka, representing the Japanese Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Fishery, and Forestry; Mr. Masahiro Azuma, President, Kiseitec; Mr. Kazuyuki Uchiya, Chairman, United Arrow, Inc.; and Mr. Kenji Ushimaru of Infra Innovations and the Japanese External Trade Organization. Also attending the meeting were: Kendee Yamaguchi, Snohomish County Director of Trade and Economic Development; and Linda Neunzig, Agricultural Coordinator, Snohomish County.
“The business opportunities in Snohomish County are distinct and provide great opportunities for globally-focused companies. Strengthening our bilateral relationship in this region is important given the many assets available. We see this visit as one of many steps in the continuation of our future work together,” said Kenji Ushimaru, representing the Japanese External Trade Organization.
Snohomish County is the third largest county in Washington by population. It has a diverse environment, including urban areas, high mountains, Puget Sound, rivers, and abundant forestland. It is the location for the world’s largest building by volume (Boeing) and home for the largest manufacturing plant in the region. Snohomish County government employs approximately 2,500 people and is responsible for such vital services as criminal justice, Paine Field, public works, human services, land use permitting and enforcement, and parks.