It has been my pleasure and privilege to serve as your Chair for the past year. As Chair, I succeeded many talented and committed individuals. I am honored to have been included in their number.
The Japan-America Society is an important place. It is the place where we meet other people, both Japanese and American who share our interest in Japan. It is a place where we learn to understand each other and along the way, appreciate our similarities and respect our differences. Most importantly, it is a place where we build friendships – wonderful friendships - friendships that are often long-lasting.
Our Society will celebrate its eighty third year. This is a remarkable achievement and reflects the extensive trade and cultural ties between this region and Japan. While such a positive and sustained relationship is special, it is one we must never take for granted. By staying the course on our mission, the Society will, as it has done so effectively in the past, promote and enhance the relationship by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and information.
Jeff Demetrescu, our President for the past six years, left the Society in mid April. From any perspective, Jeff's contributions were significant. While his commitment to the Society was evident in so many respects, I will highlight only two - he leaves the organization in great financial shape; and his support of the transition effort and our new leader, Ed Reilly, was truly remarkable. Thank you Jeff !!
Ed Reilly will be a terrific leader. The importance he attaches to you, our members, is evident and very compelling. He is a collaborative leader and this will be seen in everything we do – our mission, strategy, programming – and most importantly, our relevance and vitality.
In conclusion, I extend thanks where mere words hardly suffice. Thank you to all of you who have volunteered your time for various events, and to those who have participated in our programs for the past year.
I know I speak for all our members in recognizing the contributions of our board, the Golf and Holiday Celebration Committees, and the Executive Committee. We are very fortunate to have so many dedicated individuals willing to donate their time, energy and thought to the Society.
Tomoko Miwa our Office Manager has made such a wonderful contribution. The Society is fortunate to have someone of her considerable talents. Kae Iwabuchi has been this year's coordinator of the Japan in the Schools, and has done a wonderful job providing support for this very important program.
Thank you for the privilege of serving.
As my last official act as Chair of the Board of Directors, I take great pleasure in introducing to you the next Chair of the Society, Andy Read, a partner with Deloitte & Touche. Andy, it's now in your hands.
Corporate Membership
(as of April 2005)
