Updated: 09/20/2014 11:32 PM Created: 09/20/2014 10:48 PM WNYT.com By: Steve Flamisch

GREAT BARRINGTON Gov. Deval Patrick met with supporters in Western Massachusetts on Saturday, hours after flying back from a week-long trade mission to Western Europe.

"We just got off the plane a few hours ago, and hustled right out to God's country here in the Berkshires," Patrick said in a one-on-one interview with NewsChannel 13.

During his overseas trip, the governor toured a wind form off the coast of Denmark, courting investors for a similar project in Massachusetts.

He then traveled to the United Kingdom, meeting with British government officials and leaders in the fast-growing life sciences industry.

And the governor wrapped-up in France, announcing that a Paris-based nano-medicine company will open its first U.S. office in the Bay State.

"It's all about jobs," Patrick said. "You know, this is a global economy. If you want to be in the global economy, and not just talk about it, you've got to get out there."

But critics have said Patrick, a Democrat, is padding his resume for a presidential run or a new job. After visiting one country in his first term, he has traveled to 15 countries in his second and final term.

"He says hes taking these trips to help the economy of Massachusetts, but personally, I think hes doing it for Deval Patrick," Republican state committee member Mike Case told NewsChannel 13.

"Hes not running for re-election, so hes got to find something to do after he leaves office," said Case, whose area includes Berkshire County.

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Mass. governor returns from European trade mission