Japanese Professionals Acquire Global Business Skills

Fukui/Findlay Business Seminar participants collaborating at a session at Millstream Career and Technology Center.

The University of Findlay, in partnership with Findlay government officials, regional economic development leaders and corporations, and Findlay City Schools, recently hosted a business seminar for visiting Japanese professionals interested in learning more about global networking.
The Fukui/Findlay Business Seminar was an extension of the educational partnership developed 11 years prior between Japan’s Fukui Prefecture and the University of Findlay. Eight participated in the November program, where they:

• Developed presentation skills in English;
• Visited Marathon Petroleum Corporation to learn more about diversity practices;
• Visited several companies within the region to learn more about efficiency, internet technology, artificial intelligence and other innovative business practices. The businesses included OneEnergy, Tour de Force, McLane, CentraComm and Cooper Tire and Rubber Company.
• Practiced social networking skills by attending receptions at the homes of regional leaders, including the Carrothers Home, where UF President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., resides; and
• Met with business leaders from Japan and the area who head Japanese-owned companies located here.

UF faculty and staff from the College of Business, Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) Program, the Japanese Program and Buford Center for Diversity and Service assisted in hosting the seminar.
“The Findlay companies who participated had no vested interest in the companies represented in the seminar participants. They welcomed and hosted the visitors out of hospitality, and we are very grateful for their cooperation,” said Hiroaki Kawamura, Ph.D., associate professor of Japanese and director of Area of Modern Languages, who assists with organizing events and visits with Fukui Prefecture professionals and others in Japan and Vietnam.
According to Kawamura, many of the participants said the seminar was demanding, but the numbers presentations and meetings with other professionals helped them developed confidence. Participants also said they acquired new ideas from visiting companies and attending University of Findlay classes.