United States Senator Jay Rockefeller for West Virginia
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Offices : Beckley • Charleston • Fairmont • Martinsburg • Washington, DC E-mail Senator Rockefeller

Press Room: Press Releases

June 29, 2001

One Week Trip to Mark Senator's 4th "Project Harvest" Trade Mission

WASHINGTON D.C. – Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and several West Virginia business leaders are expected to travel to Japan tomorrow, Saturday, June 30th to meet with over 30 businesses and investors about development and investment opportunities for Japanese companies in West Virginia. This is Rockefeller’s fourth Project Harvest trade mission to Asia since 1995 to promote West Virginia as an ideal site for overseas expansion.

"These trade missions give me the opportunity to promote all that West Virginia has to offer. Companies are often looking to expand or set up in the United States, and once they have become familiar with West Virginian’s work ethic and loyalty, they are more inclined to settle here," Rockefeller said. "I believe that keeping in regular contact with these businesses and investors is one of the best ways to create long-term economic development opportunities in our state."

Rockefeller will be traveling to four major cities in five days to meet with companies that represent the aerospace, automotive parts manufacturers, wood products, and chemical and plastics industries. During his visit, Rockefeller will also issue personal invitations from both himself and Governor Wise inviting investment groups to come to West Virginia. Beginning in September, Rockefeller and Wise will host representatives from the Japanese business community where they will tour the state to pursue investment opportunities.

"I want West Virginia to be at the top of the list when foreign businesses are considering investment overseas," Rockefeller added.

As part of his overall economic strategy, Rockefeller has led Project Harvest trade missions since 1995. His three previous trips in 1995, 1997, and again in 1999, have proven to be extremely productive. Rockefeller successfully introduced West Virginia businesses to Japan, Taiwan, and China which have produced many investment and expansion opportunities. In addition to Toyota in Putnam County, Rockefeller also brought international companies Wheeling-Nisshin Steel to the northern panhandle, NGK Sparkplugs to Pocatalico, Sino Swearingen Aircraft and Tiger Aircraft to Martinsburg, and Okuno to Wayne County. All together, these companies have brought more than 2200 jobs to West Virginia.