REAp director pitches Adams County as stop for Japanese prime minister’s space-industry visit

Kip Sherotus, executive director of the Regional Economic Advancement Partnership (REAp), told Adams County commissioners he has a long-standing connection to the recently re-elected prime minister of Japan and is pursuing a one-day stop in Colorado to showcase the state’s space industry.

Sherotus outlined a proposed itinerary that would include downtown meetings with satellite and space firms, a meet-and-greet at the Japanese consulate, a photo opportunity at Sakura Square and a tour of Spaceport to emphasize rocket testing and propulsion capabilities. "It's not an if, it's a how and when," Sherotus said of arranging the visit.

Claudine Lacassio, executive director of the Japan America Society of Colorado, said the society is prepared to mobilize quickly on short notice and has been lining up venues and protocol support. "If this were to occur, I have a feeling we'd probably get very little notice," Lacassio said, urging partners to be ready.

Commissioners and staff welcomed the proposal and asked county departments to coordinate calendars and planning so county representatives could attend in person if notified. Commissioners also urged including local cultural and historical context in briefing materials to ensure a broader community dimension beyond aerospace.

Sherotus also used the appearance to update the board on REAp’s local outreach — STEM field trips for eastern Adams County students, enterprise-zone outreach in Strawburg and a July REAp meeting that will highlight county revitalization authority work. He told commissioners REAp has Lockheed Martin on standby as a sponsor for a potential dinner and said he would send urgent emails to the board if the visit moved forward.

The board did not take a formal vote but directed staff to stay engaged so county agencies can respond quickly if Sherotus confirms a visit.