When Lenovo Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Yang Yuanqing invited his friend Jim Goodnight to speak at Lenovo’s expansion announcement on Tuesday, the co-founder and chief executive officer of SAS agreed.

The two have become close since China-based Lenovo acquired IBM’s largely Raleigh-based PC division in December 2004, Lenovo executives say. The deal closed in May 2005, and over time the two also have done business together. Goodnight noted at Lenovo’s press conference about building PCs in the Triad that he was glad to note SAS is a customer of the world’s No. 2 PC manufacturer.

As one would expect, Goodnight in his remarks included many kind words about Lenovo.

What wasn’t expected was a stirring defense of America and North Carolina as places to do business.

“Today, Lenovo will tell you how the company is tapping into this energy in a new way, and in doing so, doubling down on its commitment to the U.S. economy,” Goodnight said, citing the diversity of thinking in the U.S.

“I welcome this positive decision and invite other global leaders and businesses of all sizes to do the same.”

In these days of constant political mudslinging, finger pointing and blame-dodging about causes of a rotten economy, Goodnight stood tall for American workers, entrepreneurs and leaders.

SAS, profitable from its humble beginnings more than 30 years ago and built from scratch by NCSU colleagues Goodnight and John Sall, certainly symbolizes the “can do” spirit of this country. But SAS as a company embodies much more than profit, building a corporate culture of giving and sharing that annually leads to its listing as a best place to work.

To build what they have at SAS, Goodnight pointed out many ingredients were required – especially talented people, whom he always says are his company’s greatest asset. While many of the firm’s workers come from scores of countries, SAS at its heart is a North Carolina-based, U.S.-based success story that now does business and operates offices across the globe. 

Goodnight wasn’t belittling any other country or people. Rather, he was stressing that America is still a darn good country with millions and millions of smart, hard-working people striving to make better lives for themselves, their children – and their fellow people.

The Skinny was so struck by Goodnight’s remarks that a request was made to Pamela Meeks, senior director of external communications at SAS, for permission to reprint his speech.

An appropriate headline would be:

“Made in the USA and N.C. – and Proud of It.”

The Text of Goodnight’s Speech

“Lenovo invited me to share my perspective on what today’s news means to the U.S. economy and our local economy here in North Carolina.

“In a few words, I think this is a big deal.

“For almost 40 years, SAS has invested with confidence in the U.S. and the people of North Carolina. This is a bet that has paid off: We are now a recognized global leader in business analytics software with more than 13,000 people working in 400 offices around the world.

“And we are proud to call North Carolina our home base.

“Our sustained investment in the U.S. and North Carolina has been a wise choice, and we are glad to see other industry leaders, like Lenovo, doing the same.

“Lenovo is writing a success story here, just as SAS has.

“I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with Lenovo’s leaders and believe the company recognizes the benefits of investing in the U.S.,  one of the world’s most skilled and productive work forces, and a business climate that fosters innovation and promotes growth.

“These are qualities that every American values.

“They are engrained in our country’s heritage.

“This pioneering spirit and commitment to growth is why Lenovo – a unique global enterprise with growing respect – continues to increase its business presence in the U.S.A. This is exciting to see.

“I’m very confident that Lenovo’s bet on U.S. economy and people of North Carolina will be returned many times over.

“At SAS, we pride ourselves in thinking globally, but acting locally. That is the nature of our business.

“The real power of different perspectives, from different people, is they multiply creativity exponentially.

“The U.S. is a rich source of this energy.

“We are a diverse nation, and we think differently.

“This is the engine that has driven many of the world’s greatest innovations in medicine, science, entertainment and technology to name just a few industries.

“Today, Lenovo will tell you how the company is tapping into this energy in a new way, and in doing so, doubling down on its commitment to the U.S. economy.

“I welcome this positive decision and invite other global leaders and businesses of all sizes to do the same.

“You will find great talent to achieve all of your aspirations.

“You will find great talent to innovate, whether it’s in new products, manufacturing excellence, software development or any other field.

“I know this will be a wise choice for any enterprise, just as it has been for SAS.”

[SAS ARCHIVE: Check out a decade of SAS stories as reported in WRAL Tech Wire.]