2025 11 18 City Council Regular Session Packet

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NEWS RELEASE 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For Release 
For Immediate Release 
November 3, 2025 
Contact: Lindsey Ferguson, Executive Director 
McMinn County Economic Development Authority 
(423) 745-1506 
lindsey@MakeItInMcMinn.org 
 
 
McMinn County EDA and City of Athens Officials Join Global Leaders at 47th SEUS-Japan Conference 
in Tokyo 
 
McMinn County, TN — Representatives from the McMinn County Economic Development Authority and the 
City of Athens recently returned from Tokyo, Japan, where they participated in the prestigious 47th Annual 
Southeast U.S./Japan (SEUS-Japan) Conference. The delegation joined Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, 
Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, and other state leaders committed to strengthening international economic 
ties. 
 
The SEUS-Japan Conference is a distinguished gathering of global business and government leaders, 
celebrating the enduring economic and cultural partnership between Japan and the southeastern United 
States. This year’s event provided a valuable platform to honor decades of collaboration, showcase regional 
successes, and forge new connections across the seven SEUS member states and Japan. 
 
During the conference, McMinn County EDA and City of Athens officials met with representatives from DENSO 
Corporation, a key employer in the region and a cornerstone of the Japan-McMinn County relationship. As the 
largest employer in McMinn County, DENSO’s continued investment and presence underscore the importance 
of international partnerships in driving local economic growth and innovation. 
 
“The relationship between Tennessee and Japan is one of mutual respect, shared values, and economic 
opportunity,” said Lindsey Ferguson of the McMinn County EDA. “Our longstanding partnership with DENSO is 
a prime example of how global collaboration can bring lasting benefits to our community.” 
 
The conference also offered opportunities to deepen existing relationships and explore new avenues for 
cooperation in areas such as advanced manufacturing, workforce development, and cultural exchange. 
McMinn County EDA remains committed to fostering international partnerships that support local prosperity 
and global engagement. 
 
The McMinn County Economic Development Authority’s mission is to facilitate the creation and retention of 
quality jobs for the citizens of McMinn County and increase capital investment through a targeted marketing plan 
and regional partnerships. In addition to its core economic development initiatives, the Authority also operates a 
dedicated Tourism Department, which promotes McMinn County as a vibrant destination for visitors and supports 
the growth of the local tourism economy. 
 
For more information on the McMinn County Economic Development Authority, please contact Lindsey 
Ferguson, Executive Director, at (423) 745- 1506 or by email at  Lindsey@MakeItInMcMinn.org. Visit us online 
at www.MakeItInMcMinn.org. 
 
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