RESOLUTION NO. 050080

Honoring Marshall V. Miller for his work to develop international trade in Kansas City.

WHEREAS, the Emperor of Japan, His Majesty Akihito, has announced that the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon has been awarded to Marshall V. Miller of Kansas City, Missouri; and

WHEREAS, the Order of the Sacred Treasure was established in 1888 during the reign of the Meiji Emperor, and is conferred upon people who have given distinguished service between their nation and Japan; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Miller received the award, one of two conferred in 2004, from Consul General Takao Shibata on December 20, 2004, in ceremonies at the official residence of the Consul General of Japan for his significant contributions towards deepening friendship and understanding between the people of Japan and the United States; and

WHEREAS, Marshall V. Miller is president of Miller & Company P.C., a Kansas City law firm that specializes in international trade law. Mr. Miller received the Award because he has represented numerous Japanese companies nationwide for over thirty years that have established business and manufacturing enterprises in the United States. He is globally recognized for his involvement in the development of the U.S. Foreign Trade Zones program that secures investment and employment for international companies doing business in the United States. Mr. Miller is a founder, past president and general counsel to the National Association of Foreign Trade Zones; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Miller has been an early supporter and developer of international trade in Kansas City. He helped organize the Kansas City Foreign-Trade Zone program and the first trade missions to Europe and Asia, establish the Missouri and Kansas trade offices in Europe and Asia, and create the international arrivals area at KCI Airport. Mr. Miller assisted in the formation of the Kurashiki, Japan Sister City program, encouraged many Japanese firms to establish Kansas City facilities, and established and served as legal counsel to the Japanese Consulate General of Japan; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby honor Marshall V. Miller for his work in developing international trade in Kansas City; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Marshall V. Miller with the congratulations of the Mayor and Council for his being honored by the Emperor of Japan, His Majesty Akihito, and awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure.

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