Economic Relations

Business and Professional Programs

In an ever-expanding global marketplace, cultural enlightenment and exposure is crucial for any business. Fort Worth Sister Cities provides businesses unique, international opportunities that no other local organization can.

Sister Cities’ partnerships play a crucial role in economic and community development through increased tourism, reliable business contacts, cross-cultural expertise, legitimacy and improved community and company images.  Sister Cities’ programs provide significant economic benefits to the City of Fort Worth including:

  • Annual economic impact of nearly $2.5 million
  • 500 visitors annually for cultural and educational exchanges
  • 15,000 days spent in Fort Worth by visitors each year due to exchanges
  • Approximately $80,000 awarded in educational scholarships annually

The activities of Sister Cities create significant and far reaching impacts in Fort Worth and throughout the world as corporate leaders are introduced to economic opportunities in this globalized market.  Volunteers, city officials and staff work countless hours building relationships with our sister cities and plans are underway to secure new relationships in Canada and Latin America. Professional exchanges provide opportunities for trading “best practices” with our sister cities in fields of medicine, engineering, city management, education and more.

Partners

Our global economic development initiatives are all-inclusive. Our partners include The City of Fort Worth Economic Development Dept., the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, the Black Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, as well as prominent international businesses such as Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Alcon Laboratories, Bell Helicopter, Hillwood, BNSF Railway, American Airlines, and many others.  Our partners in higher learning such as Texas Christian University, UNT Health Science Center, University of Texas, Texas Wesleyan University and Tarrant County College exemplify our commitment to developing international business knowledge and expertise.  We create lasting relationships throughout the world to connect area business leaders with our global partners.

Past Economic Initiatives

In 2007, Sister Cities worked with the City of Fort Worth and area Chambers of Commerce to carry out a successful trade mission to Toluca, Mexico. In addition, the Toluca Trade Office in Fort Worth was opened charged with further developing economic relations between the two cities. Similar efforts are being investigated with other sister cities.

As part of our economic relations initiative, the selection of future sister cities include an economic development criteria.  The selection of our newest sister city in China was made with this in mind.  After a three-year process, the City Council unanimously approved the selection of Guiyang, China as Fort Worth’s eighth sister city.  That official agreement will be signed in Fort Worth in 2011 and in Guiyang in 2012.

Corporate Membership Benefits

Membership in Fort Worth Sister Cities is an exciting way for local businesses to expand their cultural and civic horizons.  At various levels of corporate membership, businesses receive recognition in publications throughout the year, invitations to VIP dinners and events, recognition at special events including the Mayor’s International Dinner, individual membership in Sister Cities, and youth memberships in our youth group.  Contact Mae Ferguson for more information. (817) 632-7104