FACILITATING PROSPEROUS RELATIONSHIPS WITH JAPAN JAST is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation, funded by membership contributions, corporate sponsorships and grants from philanthropic foundations to create mutual economic benefit by facilitating a prosperous bilateral relationship between Tennessee and Japan. JAST has as its Mission to deliver high value outreach initiatives that sustain and grow relationships, ignite commerce and secure a vibrant bilateral economic future for Tennessee and Japan while ensuring organizational capacity and sound fiscal management. JAST's Corporate and Individual Members: 1. Recognize and Promote Japan’s Investments in Tennessee: Japan is the state's leading source - by far - of foreign direct investment, employing more than 50,000 residents, AND a dynamic partner for future growth in our communities. 2. Bring Economic Gains & Prosperity to Our Communities: Japanese firms make significant contributions to local economies, bringing higher than average wages and benefits, value-added, R&D, exports and imports and greater productivity overall. 3. Respect Cultures: Sharing knowledge and insights about history, culture and common interests strengthens two-way communication and trust. 4. Expand Tennessee's Japan-Connected Business Networks: Meeting experts and business executives from throughout the U.S. and Japan by attending regional and local events and programs strengthens existing and future business connections. 5. Build and Renew Key Relationships: Collective and individual investments yield returns in the form of a vibrant bilateral relationship built on trust and loyalty and repeat business and referrals to business colleagues and suppliers.