Year: 2015

SISTER CITIES TO VISIT ITALY IN SEPTEMBER

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Reggio Emilia and Florence in the Fall

Participants traveling with Fort Worth Sister Cities have a unique opportunity to visit Fort Worth’s first sister city, Reggio Emilia, and then on to Florence, Italy August 28 – Sept. 6, 2015.  Join the tour and gain a personal experience of knowing the true culture and people of this unique part of Italy.  Excursions will include tours of both historical cities and many exciting activities including:

  • Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese & balsamic vinegar factories
  • Tricolore Youth Games closing ceremony
  • Recognition at city hall in Reggio and briefing from Consul General in Florence
  • Home hosted dinners to establish meaningful relationships
  • Visit the world famous Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio

Air and land packages for the trip are $4,200 while a land-only package is $3,035. Interested participants are asked to send a $500 non-refundable deposit to Fort Worth Sister Cities by May 20 to reserve a spot. Space is limited.

For more information click here or call Fort Worth Sister Cities at 817-632-7100.

Located in Northern Italy, Reggio Emilia is considered one of the most prosperous and livable cities in Italy.  Founded in the second century B.C., the preserved Roman roads are lined with architectural marvels and elegant cathedrals. It is the birthplace of the Italian flag and home of the world famous Max Mara Italian fashion line. Its early childhood program, Reggio Children, is a model throughout the world and its municipal theatre has been named one of the best opera houses in the world.

2015-05-06 03:57

SISTER CITIES TO VISIT ITALY IN SEPTEMBER

Fort Worth, Texas – Reggio Emilia and Florence in the Fall

Participants traveling with Fort Worth Sister Cities have a unique opportunity to visit Fort Worth’s first sister city, Reggio Emilia, and then on to Florence, Italy August 28 – Sept. 6, 2015.  Join the tour and gain a personal experience of knowing the true culture and people of this unique part of Italy.  Excursions will include tours of both historical cities and many exciting activities including:

  • Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese & balsamic vinegar factories
  • Tricolore Youth Games closing ceremony
  • Recognition at city hall in Reggio and briefing from Consul General in Florence
  • Home hosted dinners to establish meaningful relationships
  • Visit the world famous Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio

Air and land packages for the trip are $4,200 while a land-only package is $3,035. Interested participants are asked to send a $500 non-refundable deposit to Fort Worth Sister Cities by May 20 to reserve a spot. Space is limited.

For more information click here or call Fort Worth Sister Cities at 817-632-7100.

Located in Northern Italy, Reggio Emilia is considered one of the most prosperous and livable cities in Italy.  Founded in the second century B.C., the preserved Roman roads are lined with architectural marvels and elegant cathedrals. It is the birthplace of the Italian flag and home of the world famous Max Mara Italian fashion line. Its early childhood program, Reggio Children, is a model throughout the world and its municipal theatre has been named one of the best opera houses in the world.

JUDGE WILLIAM CHURCHILL OFFICIALLY REPRESENTS FORT WORTH AT ASIAN-AFRICAN CONFERENCE FESTIVAL IN BANDUNG, INDONESIA

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

The Honorable Judge William Churchill traveled to Bandung, Indonesia April 21 – 27, 2015 as the sole representative of Fort Worth and as the guest of the Mayor of Bandung, Ridwan Kamil, for the celebration and commemoration of the Asian-African Conference first held in Bandung in 1955.  Judge Churchill hand delivered a congratulatory letter and gift from Mayor Betsy Price on behalf of the citizens of Fort Worth.

Also known as the Bandung Conference, the Asian African Conference was a meeting of Asian and African states, most of which were newly independent at that time. The twenty-five countries that participated represented nearly one-quarter of the Earth’s land surface and a total population of 1.5 billion people. The conference was organized by Indonesia, Burma, Pakistan, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and India to promote Afro-Asian economic and cultural cooperation and to oppose colonialism by any nation.

To mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Conference in 2005, 106 countries’ heads of state and government attended a new Asian-African Summit in Bandung that yielded agreements forming a strategic partnership commitments between Asia and Africa, standing on three pillars: political solidarity, economic cooperation, and socio-cultural relations.  Conferences are now held every two years.

The 2015 conference was a significant event and Judge Churchill participated in various activities representing Fort Worth, including cultural exhibitions and performances, the Festival Parade, Festival of Nations, and discussions surrounding topics of cooperation.

Fort Worth has the distinction of being the first U.S. city to partner with a city in Indonesia. Bandung was signed as Fort Worth’s 5th official sister city in 1990. Since that time exchanges have included university-based nursing programs, educational and professional training programs in municipal waste water, security and waste management and several business connections initiated by Pier 1 Imports, Bell Helicopter and Lockheed Martin.

2015-05-04 02:20

JUDGE WILLIAM CHURCHILL OFFICIALLY REPRESENTS FORT WORTH AT ASIAN-AFRICAN CONFERENCE FESTIVAL IN BANDUNG, INDONESIA

The Honorable Judge William Churchill traveled to Bandung, Indonesia April 21 – 27, 2015 as the sole representative of Fort Worth and as the guest of the Mayor of Bandung, Ridwan Kamil, for the celebration and commemoration of the Asian-African Conference first held in Bandung in 1955.  Judge Churchill hand delivered a congratulatory letter and gift from Mayor Betsy Price on behalf of the citizens of Fort Worth.

Also known as the Bandung Conference, the Asian African Conference was a meeting of Asian and African states, most of which were newly independent at that time. The twenty-five countries that participated represented nearly one-quarter of the Earth’s land surface and a total population of 1.5 billion people. The conference was organized by Indonesia, Burma, Pakistan, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and India to promote Afro-Asian economic and cultural cooperation and to oppose colonialism by any nation.

To mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Conference in 2005, 106 countries’ heads of state and government attended a new Asian-African Summit in Bandung that yielded agreements forming a strategic partnership commitments between Asia and Africa, standing on three pillars: political solidarity, economic cooperation, and socio-cultural relations.  Conferences are now held every two years.

The 2015 conference was a significant event and Judge Churchill participated in various activities representing Fort Worth, including cultural exhibitions and performances, the Festival Parade, Festival of Nations, and discussions surrounding topics of cooperation.

Fort Worth has the distinction of being the first U.S. city to partner with a city in Indonesia. Bandung was signed as Fort Worth’s 5th official sister city in 1990. Since that time exchanges have included university-based nursing programs, educational and professional training programs in municipal waste water, security and waste management and several business connections initiated by Pier 1 Imports, Bell Helicopter and Lockheed Martin.

Youth Ambassadors Travel to Hungary and Italy

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Goodwill ambassadors travel to two Sister Cities

In March, 24 students and leaders are visiting two of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including Budapest, Hungary and Reggio Emilia, Italy.

“International exchanges give students possibly their first opportunity to travel abroad, which is almost always described as a life-changing experience. These exchanges improve their future prospects and give them a level of access and learning not available through tourism. Students learn how the culture works — out of the spotlight, away from tourist sites.  What an amazing way to gain a global perspective,” said Mae Ferguson, President/CEO of Sister Cities.

The youth of Fort Worth benefit from a global education.  They learn leadership, communications, teamwork and problem solving skills, as well as an understanding of other cultures. They receive training to become citizen diplomats representing the U.S. which enhances their college and career opportunities.

The Budapest group is planning to visit several cultural attractions including Hero’s Square and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, as well as several schools where they will be hosted and meet Hungarian students. The Reggio group will experience home stays, visit schools and share their culture with other students. They will also visit Florence and Venice.

2015-02-16 04:29

Youth Ambassadors Travel to Hungary and Italy

Goodwill ambassadors travel to two Sister Cities

In March, 24 students and leaders are visiting two of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including Budapest, Hungary and Reggio Emilia, Italy.

“International exchanges give students possibly their first opportunity to travel abroad, which is almost always described as a life-changing experience. These exchanges improve their future prospects and give them a level of access and learning not available through tourism. Students learn how the culture works — out of the spotlight, away from tourist sites.  What an amazing way to gain a global perspective,” said Mae Ferguson, President/CEO of Sister Cities.

The youth of Fort Worth benefit from a global education.  They learn leadership, communications, teamwork and problem solving skills, as well as an understanding of other cultures. They receive training to become citizen diplomats representing the U.S. which enhances their college and career opportunities.

The Budapest group is planning to visit several cultural attractions including Hero’s Square and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, as well as several schools where they will be hosted and meet Hungarian students. The Reggio group will experience home stays, visit schools and share their culture with other students. They will also visit Florence and Venice.

U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN GRANGER WINS GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Sister Cities Announces First Global Awards Recipients 

Chaired by former Mayor Kenneth Barr, the selection committee of Fort Worth’s first Global Awards, bringing recognition to Fort Worth as an international city, were announced today.  The recipients include:

THE GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD

U.S. Congresswoman Kay Granger

THE GLOBAL CITIZENS AWARD

Black Ecumenical Leadership Alliance

THE GLOBAL NEXUS AWARD

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

The inaugural Global Awards honor individuals, businesses and organizations that have made significant contributions to global understanding, world political stability and international trade to solve health, economic, social or environmental challenges.

Congresswoman Kay Granger will be presented the Global Impact Award at the Mayor’s International Dinner April 16, 2015 in recognition of her efforts to support and promote Fort Worth abroad, her international impact through her work in Congress, and her commitment to public service.

“Congresswoman Granger has been a vocal advocate in revitalizing Fort Worth and helping to make it the first class city it is today,” said Jeff King, Chair of Sister Cities’ Mayor’s International Dinner where the awards will be presented.

The Black Ecumenical Leaders Alliance will receive the Global Citizenship Award.  This award is given to organizations that are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth creating a positive view of the U.S. through educational, humanitarian or cultural initiatives.

The Global Nexus Award will be presented to the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.  This award recognizes businesses that are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth to the world creating commerce and a healthier community for all.

“Fort Worth is an increasingly global community, and with that comes the responsibility to connect with international partners to exchange information, ideas and economic opportunity. No one is better at creating and nurturing international relationships than Fort Worth Sister Cities.”

– Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, Honorary Board Chair, Sister Cities Fort Worth

2015-02-12 11:31

U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN GRANGER WINS GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD

Sister Cities Announces First Global Awards Recipients 

Chaired by former Mayor Kenneth Barr, the selection committee of Fort Worth’s first Global Awards, bringing recognition to Fort Worth as an international city, were announced today.  The recipients include:

THE GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD

U.S. Congresswoman Kay Granger

THE GLOBAL CITIZENS AWARD

Black Ecumenical Leadership Alliance

THE GLOBAL NEXUS AWARD

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

The inaugural Global Awards honor individuals, businesses and organizations that have made significant contributions to global understanding, world political stability and international trade to solve health, economic, social or environmental challenges.

Congresswoman Kay Granger will be presented the Global Impact Award at the Mayor’s International Dinner April 16, 2015 in recognition of her efforts to support and promote Fort Worth abroad, her international impact through her work in Congress, and her commitment to public service.

“Congresswoman Granger has been a vocal advocate in revitalizing Fort Worth and helping to make it the first class city it is today,” said Jeff King, Chair of Sister Cities’ Mayor’s International Dinner where the awards will be presented.

The Black Ecumenical Leaders Alliance will receive the Global Citizenship Award.  This award is given to organizations that are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth creating a positive view of the U.S. through educational, humanitarian or cultural initiatives.

The Global Nexus Award will be presented to the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.  This award recognizes businesses that are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth to the world creating commerce and a healthier community for all.

“Fort Worth is an increasingly global community, and with that comes the responsibility to connect with international partners to exchange information, ideas and economic opportunity. No one is better at creating and nurturing international relationships than Fort Worth Sister Cities.”

– Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, Honorary Board Chair, Sister Cities Fort Worth

SISTER CITIES ELECTS NEW LEADERSHIP 2015

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Michael Bennett to lead international efforts New officers  of Fort Worth Sister Cities International elected at the recent annual meeting are Board Chair, Michael Bennett of Bennett Benner Partners; Chair-Elect Johnny Campbell, Sundance Square; Secretary, Eva Bonilla; and Treasurer, Mike Thomas, Inwood Bank. New board members include: Hannah Behrens, Gary Brinkley, Veronica Chavez Law, Michael Parker, Renee Permann, Michael Jacobsson, Greg Jackson, Lu Pham, and Anette Soto. Sister Cities also recognized individuals and businesses for outstanding service. The Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. Phil Moroneso was awarded the prestigious Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership and Kalkidan Alemu was awarded the Yamagata Emerging Leaders Scholarship. Youth Volunteer of the Year also went to Kalkidan Alemu and Volunteer of the Year to Officer Daniel Segura and Detective Manny Reyes. Other elected members include: Development Chair, Becky Renfro Borbolla; Government Relations, Michael Hyatt; Marketing, Kara Peterson; Program & Exchanges, Dr. Staussa Ervin; At-Large members Travis DeVault, James Meintjes and Mary Jo Polidore, Bandung Chair, Nancy Lopez; Budapest, Greg Jackson; Guiyang, Renee Permann; Mbabane, Rae Hyatt; Nagaoka, Ronda Stucker; Reggio Emilia, Mark & Robin Nurdin; and Toluca, Richard Casarez and Asusena Resendiz. “We have many things to look forward to in 2015. We’re going to Swaziland, Italy and Canada; we’re welcoming Trier, Germany’s new mayor to Fort Worth; partnering with the Chamber of Commerce on a trade mission from Toluca, Mexico; and we have over 200 students going to our sister cities on educational and sports exchanges,” said Michael Bennett. “We do this because we’re citizen diplomats connecting Fort Worth globally. We care what the world thinks about the U.S. and we want to know more about them.”

2015-01-12 08:48

SISTER CITIES ELECTS NEW LEADERSHIP 2015

Fort Worth, Texas – Michael Bennett to lead international efforts New officers  of Fort Worth Sister Cities International elected at the recent annual meeting are Board Chair, Michael Bennett of Bennett Benner Partners; Chair-Elect Johnny Campbell, Sundance Square; Secretary, Eva Bonilla; and Treasurer, Mike Thomas, Inwood Bank. New board members include: Hannah Behrens, Gary Brinkley, Veronica Chavez Law, Michael Parker, Renee Permann, Michael Jacobsson, Greg Jackson, Lu Pham, and Anette Soto. Sister Cities also recognized individuals and businesses for outstanding service. The Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. Phil Moroneso was awarded the prestigious Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership and Kalkidan Alemu was awarded the Yamagata Emerging Leaders Scholarship. Youth Volunteer of the Year also went to Kalkidan Alemu and Volunteer of the Year to Officer Daniel Segura and Detective Manny Reyes. Other elected members include: Development Chair, Becky Renfro Borbolla; Government Relations, Michael Hyatt; Marketing, Kara Peterson; Program & Exchanges, Dr. Staussa Ervin; At-Large members Travis DeVault, James Meintjes and Mary Jo Polidore, Bandung Chair, Nancy Lopez; Budapest, Greg Jackson; Guiyang, Renee Permann; Mbabane, Rae Hyatt; Nagaoka, Ronda Stucker; Reggio Emilia, Mark & Robin Nurdin; and Toluca, Richard Casarez and Asusena Resendiz. “We have many things to look forward to in 2015. We’re going to Swaziland, Italy and Canada; we’re welcoming Trier, Germany’s new mayor to Fort Worth; partnering with the Chamber of Commerce on a trade mission from Toluca, Mexico; and we have over 200 students going to our sister cities on educational and sports exchanges,” said Michael Bennett. “We do this because we’re citizen diplomats connecting Fort Worth globally. We care what the world thinks about the U.S. and we want to know more about them.”