Menu
Log in


Log in

JASA Annual Celebration Dinner & Business Forum

Celebrate with us as we reflect on our society's year and look forward to growth in the years to come.



REGISTRATION NOW OPEN for JASA 35th Anniversary Celebration Dinner & Business Forum!

毎年、アラバマ日米協会(JASA)は、アラバマ州内外の会員やゲストが集まり、交流し、食事を楽しむ特別なレセプションとディナーを開催しております。このイベントでは、アラバマ商務省による日本企業の表彰やサミュエル・ウルマン賞の授賞式に加え、ゲストスピーカーによる講演も行い、日本とアラバマの長きにわたる友好関係を祝います。さらに、翌朝にはビジネスフォーラムを開催し、ゲストスピーカーがアラバマ州でのビジネスに関する貴重な情報や最新の動向を共有いたします。皆様のご参加を心よりお待ちしております。

We are excited to announce JASA 35th Anniversary Annual Celebration Dinner & Business Forum, where we will gather to celebrate and strengthen the Japan-Alabama relationship. We are honored to have Camille P. Dawson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, as our keynote speaker for the Annual Celebration Dinner on November 7. She will provide valuable insights into Japan’s role in global affairs from the U.S. State Department’s perspective.

The Business Forum, taking place the following morning on November 8, will feature Hiro Kagohashi, Executive Vice President of Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, and Mark Moore, General Manager of Topre America Corporation. They will share their perspectives on conducting Japanese business in Alabama from both Japanese and local viewpoints. Additionally, David Sides, International Trade Manager at the Alabama Department of Commerce, will provide an overview of the current and future Japan-Alabama business relationship.

Additionally, we will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Japanese Consulate in Atlanta, with Consul General Mio Maeda offering greetings on behalf of the Consulate and Japan.

JASA CELEBRATION DINNER

Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024

Location: Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

4000 Grand Ave, Birmingham, AL 35226

Time: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Dinner Ticket:

JASA Member:

Individual Ticket: $150 / Table: $1,200 (up to 8 seats)

Non-Member:

Individual Ticket: $175 / Table: $1,400 (up to 8 seats)


JASA BUSINESS FORUM

Date: Friday, November 8, 2024

Location: Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

4000 Grand Ave, Birmingham, AL 35226

Time: 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Forum Ticket:

JASA Member:

Individual Ticket: $65 / Table: $500 (up to 8 seats)

Non-Member:

Individual Ticket: $75 / Table: $600 (up to 8 seats)


SPECIAL EVENT: GOLF AT ROSS BRIDGE

After JASA Business Forum, golf at Ross Bridge will be available, with tee-off times starting at 12:00 PM! Named one of North America's best golf resorts by GOLF Magazine and favored by Golf Digest, it features a stunning course with lakes, waterfalls, and a rich history.

Individual Ticket for both JASA Member and Non-Member: $275 (including cart, box lunch, and range balls)


REGISTER TODAY!

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES




About the Annual Celebration Dinner...

Each year, the Japan-America Society of Alabama hosts a special reception and fundraiser to allow our members and guests from all over Alabama to gather, network, and dine with a special program to celebrate the JASA community. We recognize New and Expanding Japanese Companies across the state, hear from JASA leadership about our community's mission and goals, and honor the recipient of the Samuel Ullman Award. 

Additionally, we’ve introduced a Business Forum in the morning following the Annual Dinner, offering attendees valuable business insights and updates from a keynote speaker.


Our Program...

Reception and Seated Dinner

Dine and connect with Japanese and American industry and community leaders while enjoying the vibrant JASA network. Begin your evening with our cocktail reception, featuring drinks and lively conversation before dinner.




New and Expanding Companies

We will recognize the Alabama Department of Commerce’s 2023 new and expanding Japanese companies, highlighting the significant economic impact of Japan on our state and showing our appreciation for those who have chosen to make Alabama their home.




The Samuel Ullman Award

JASA established the Samuel Ullman Award in 1992 to honor individuals who have greatly advanced the Japan-Alabama relationship. This year's award recipient will be recognized during our celebration. For more details, visit the Samuel Ullman Museum.


Thank you for your participation in JASA 2023 Celebration Dinner & Business Forum!

The night’s program started by honoring the achievements of six Expanding Japanese companies—Cullman Casting, Topre America, North American Lighting, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Toray Composite Materials, and Daikin America— who have helped to create jobs and breathe life into communities all around our great state of Alabama. Their investment is worthy of celebration.

Following that was a presentation of the Samuel Ullman Award to Mr. Robert Black and Mrs. Linda T. Roberson. Mr. Black spoke about his efforts in creating the North Alabama Japanese garden and how the involvement of people in his community was integral and meaningful. Mrs. Roberson’s speech focused on her call to teaching and the exploration of the different cultures that make us who we are. She also expanded on the importance of education and how meaningful of an experience it was to expose students to a culture that she was learning so much about herself.

A special appreciation goes to our keynote speaker, Mr. Greg "Boomer" Wells, who entertained us with his experiences from his time playing in the NPB league. Mr. Wells has lived an interesting life as a pro athlete and as an Alabama native in Japan. He recounted humorous stories, demonstrating the differences and similarities between American and Japanese culture through his experiences.

JASA also wants to say a big thank you to everyone who stayed overnight or came early to participate in the JASA 2023 Business Forum the following morning after our Annual Celebration Dinner! We were happy to provide the opportunity for our guests to network and learn the recent business updates over a hearty Japanese breakfast.

The presentations delivered by two industry leaders were highly informative and helpful to anyone wanting to do business here in our state.

Mr. Kevin Taylor, Deputy Director of Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) spoke about new and ongoing government programs and incentives that companies could take advantage of for their workforce development. He also spoke in detail about the EV and robotics centers that are expanding in Alabama.

Ms. Kristen Holder, Executive Director of Central Six Alabama Works! discussed her organization's role and that of other government programs in executing workforce development, particularly focusing on younger potential workers. She also delved into the educational aspect of workforce development.

We would love to once again thank both of them for their time and effort in talking with us, and those in attendance.

We also extend our sincere thanks to the generous sponsors of this year's events. Their dedication to our community is truly appreciated, and without their contribution, JASA could not undertake our mission of outreach and support for our community.

Last but not least we also want to thank anyone who has volunteered with us for this event or any other throughout the year. Big or small, any amount of time or effort that you have spent with us, is tremendously impactful to our success.


JASA 2023 Annual Celebration Dinner and Business Forum was featured on Made in Alabama!

MADE IN ALABAMA: Long-standing Alabama-Japan bonds on full display at celebration





Congratulations to 6 Expanding Japanese Companies in Alabama!

  • Cullman Casting (Cullman, Cullman County)
  • Topre America Corp. (Cullman, Cullman County)
  • North American Lighting (Muscle Shoals, Colbert County)
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama (Huntsville, Madison County)
  • Toray Composite Materials (Decatur, Morgan County)
  • Daikin America (Decatur, Morgan County)

Congratulations to 2023 Samuel Ullman Award Recipients!

  • Mr. Robert Black, North Alabama Japanese Garden
  • Mrs. Linda T. Roberson, Birmingham City Schools-Retired



2023 Celebration Dinner and Business Forum Photo Gallery


Contact Us

+1 (205) 703-0960

officemanager@jasaweb.org

Address

2081 Columbiana Rd #10

Vestavia Hills, AL 35216

Copyright (c) 2019 Japan-America Society of Alabama

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software