Whitmer brings 18 on Japan, Singapore trip

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer brought 18 people to Japan and Singapore on the 12,000-mile round trip.

She announced the trip over the weekend. 

“Singapore is one of the most dynamic economies in the world, a global hub for finance, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy,” Whitmer said in a news release. “By making this first-of-its-kind visit, we are opening the door for new trade opportunities, building connections with business leaders, and showing that Michigan is a reliable and innovative partner for the future. At the same time, we will deepen our decades-long relationship with Japan, reinforcing our partnerships in key shared industries. Whether tariffs shift or global markets fluctuate, Michigan remains open for business and eager to collaborate.”

She brought:

1. Quentin Messer Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation

2. Zach Pohl, Whitmer’s chief of staff

3. Ben Marchionna, MEDC chief innovation office

4. Brian Connors, MEDC director of greater Asia investment

5. Amanda Eisbrenner, business development advisor at MEDC

6. John Clark, senior Japanese business advisor, MEDC

7. David Coulter, Oakland County executive

8. Mark Behnke, Battle Creek mayor

9. Shin Sasaki, president AISIN Technical Center and FT Techno of America

10. Joe Rohatynski, AISIN vice president

11. Robert Townsend, vice president of corporate communications at DENSO International America

12. Joe Sobieralski, president and CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited

13. Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage

14. Nick Sitarski, vice president of integrated vehicle systems at Toyota Motor North America

15. Robert Corder, vice president of attraction at Battle Creek Unlimited

16. Alan M. Weber, managing vice president of business development at the Detroit Regional Partnership

17. Kelly Sexton, associate vice president for research at the University of Michigan

18. Michael Abdallah, business development manager of Oakland County

Of these 18 people, five work for the state economic development agency, which Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel recently said should stop receiving taxpayer money until it deals with allegations of embezzlement.

Michigan Japan Delegation Bios JETRO Seminar by mcclallen

Business and academic partners, and Michigan governors going back multiple administrations have attended international trade missions, Otie McKinley, media and communications manager at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, told CapCon in an email. 

“It is not uncommon that a delegate of this size participates in the Governor’s international trade mission, particularly with Japan, a valuable and strategic trade and investment partner for Michigan. Attendees from academia, private business, infrastructure entities, among others often attend to participate in business attraction and FDI discussions. It is important to note that the majority of attendees are responsible for all of their financial responsibilities.”

CapCon will seek spending records and the trip itinerary.

Whitmer has jetted around the world in the past two years, on junkets funded by the Michigan Economic Development Foundation and ostensibly aimed at attracting foreign business to the state:

• Japan 2023: $285,709

• Spain 2024: $69,203

• Taiwan 2024: $141,597

• Australia 2025: $219,622

• United Arab Emirates 2025: $175,000

• United Kingdom and Ireland 2025: $204,444

[Editor’s note: This story has been updated to note that the travel was funded by the Michigan Economic Development Foundation, not the MEDC.]