CEPEX launched the brand new vocational training project with Northwest Technical Institute (NWTI), Springdale, Arkansas on April 8, 2024. This initiative has supported by Japan Foundation in New York under the Japan – U.S. Global Partnerships Small Grant.

The kick-off seminar titled “ Japan -America Joint Vocational Training Program for all Returns Market” began with Opening Remarks by President of NWTI, Mr. Jim Rollings, followed by introductory presentations by our Chairman of the Board, Mr. Yukio Tada on “From Market in to Market Return”. The key note presentation was made by Mr. Yoshihiro Sasaki, CEPEX Ohio Representative, concurrently President & CEO of R-CUBES, Groveport, Ohio on “New Responsible Recycle and Reverse Logistics”.

This initiative has promoted for collaboration with private sector, government authorities and educational institutions, on how to address workforce needs for rapidly growing return market issues in the post COVID-19 era. The supplemental presentation were made by two video messages from Mr. Seiichiro Tanigaki, General Manager, Asuene Inc and from Ms. Nim Chen, Director of Return Center of R-CUBES.

Panel Discussion was made by MC Mr. Joe Rollings, Director, Northwest Arkansas Council (NWAC), with Concluding Remarks by Ron Maloney, Director, NWAC

Before the kick-off seminar, CEPEX organized a series of advisory conference and Workshop with NWTI and NWAC at Fayetteville, AR.

Also CEPEX organized a follow-up workshop with Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), and Office of Skills Development (OSD) at Arkansas State Government in Little Rock, AR. Mr. Clint O’Neal, Executive Director of AEDC welcomed our joint program proposal for the next step.