Purdue President and former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels was recognized last week (Thursday) for strengthening the United States' relationship with Japan over the years.
Daniels was celebrated by the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. He received what's known as the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star Award.
Indiana is the only state with three Japanese automobile manufacturers and 280 Japanese companies in the state.
When Daniels was governor, he helped create thousands of jobs with 70 new Japanese investment projects and expansions in Indiana. He personally led five trade and investment missions from the state to Japan.
West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis said the award is well-deserved. He said it was Daniels' groundwork that prepared Greater Lafayette for further Japanese development.
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