Category: Awards

Mayor’s International Dinner a Big Success 2016

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities Recognizes Global Awards Recipients 

Finale pic with MayorMayor Betsy Price and Dinner Chairs Phil and Anne Moroneso lead the crowd of nearly 500 through an evening of international cuisine and entertainment as Sister Cities recognized and honored individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made significant contributions to citizen diplomacy, global understanding, world political stability, and international commerce.

md-2377
Jacques Marquis accepting the Global Citizens Award on behalf of the Cliburn

Awards were presented to:

THE GLOBAL CITIZENS AWARD

The Cliburn 

 

THE GLOBAL NEXUS AWARD

Alcon

alcon award
Bettina Maunz accepting the Global Nexus Award on behalf of Alcon

The Cliburn was given the Global Citizens Award because they are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth to the world creating a positive view of the U.S. through educational and cultural initiatives.

Alcon received the Global Nexus Award due to their positive connections around the world and for their long history with the City of Fort Worth’s international efforts through the Sister Cities organization since 1985.

md-2278The event was made possible by the Members Circle, a network of individuals, organizations, corporations and community leaders committed to expanding global relationships for peace and prosperity at home and abroad.  Funding and in-kind support from the City of Fort Worth (4% of FWSCI’s total budget) plays a key role in its mission, but most work is made possible through public support like that received through the Members Circle.

md-2325The dinner was held May 5 to celebrate over 30 years of service to the City of Fort Worth.  Entertainment was provided by the Mondo Drummers, Ballet Folklorico de Fort Worth, Steven Li from the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Youlan Ji from The Cliburn, Panther City Five band, and many community leaders and members of sister Cities performing various international songs and dances.

2016-05-11 02:20

Mayor’s International Dinner a Big Success 2016

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities Recognizes Global Awards Recipients 

Finale pic with MayorMayor Betsy Price and Dinner Chairs Phil and Anne Moroneso lead the crowd of nearly 500 through an evening of international cuisine and entertainment as Sister Cities recognized and honored individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made significant contributions to citizen diplomacy, global understanding, world political stability, and international commerce.

md-2377
Jacques Marquis accepting the Global Citizens Award on behalf of the Cliburn

Awards were presented to:

THE GLOBAL CITIZENS AWARD

The Cliburn 

 

THE GLOBAL NEXUS AWARD

Alcon

alcon award
Bettina Maunz accepting the Global Nexus Award on behalf of Alcon

The Cliburn was given the Global Citizens Award because they are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth to the world creating a positive view of the U.S. through educational and cultural initiatives.

Alcon received the Global Nexus Award due to their positive connections around the world and for their long history with the City of Fort Worth’s international efforts through the Sister Cities organization since 1985.

md-2278The event was made possible by the Members Circle, a network of individuals, organizations, corporations and community leaders committed to expanding global relationships for peace and prosperity at home and abroad.  Funding and in-kind support from the City of Fort Worth (4% of FWSCI’s total budget) plays a key role in its mission, but most work is made possible through public support like that received through the Members Circle.

md-2325The dinner was held May 5 to celebrate over 30 years of service to the City of Fort Worth.  Entertainment was provided by the Mondo Drummers, Ballet Folklorico de Fort Worth, Steven Li from the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Youlan Ji from The Cliburn, Panther City Five band, and many community leaders and members of sister Cities performing various international songs and dances.

Sister Cities Presents Annual Awards

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Volunteer Awards and Youth Scholarships Announced 

Volunteer awards and youth scholarships were presented at Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s annual holiday party recently.  Premier awards were presented to the Volunteer of the Year, Tara Forrest, and Youth Volunteer of the Year, Bogdana Oliynyk.

IMG_0184Ms. Forrest is a teacher at Fort Worth Country Day and has been involved with Sister Cities for many years.  She has led the Jr. International Leadership Academy for the past ten years and hosted students from Nagaoka, Japan.  She also served as the delegation leader to Japan for the prestigious Harashin scholars program in 2015.

IMG_0179Ms. Oliynyk has served in several leadership positions on the youth board and traveled to several sister cities including Guiyang, China and Bandung, Indonesia.  She was also chosen as the recipient of the Sister Cities International Youth Volunteer of the Year award which was presented in Minneapolis, MN at the national conference in July 2015.

“Led by a dedicated board of directors and with the help of more than 2,000 volunteers a year, we want to recognize these individuals for their commitment to our vibrant city, its people and its bright future on the global stage,” said Michael Bennett, Chair of the Board.

IMG_0166Three prestigious youth scholarships were also presented including:

The Yamagata Emerging Leaders Scholar, in honor of Elaine Yamagata and the late Tadashi Yamagata, was presented to Selin Karsi who will travel to Trier, Germany in 2016.

The Fort Worth Japanese Society scholarship was presented to Alisha Sharp who will travel to Nagaoka and Tokyo, Japan.

IMG_0175Henry Chao and Zoe Nichols-Payne were recognized as this year’s Rotary International Scholars.  These two ninth grade students will develop and organize a service project to be conducted at a school in Guiyang, China in June 2016.

2015-12-16 01:49

Sister Cities Presents Annual Awards

Fort Worth, Texas – Volunteer Awards and Youth Scholarships Announced 

Volunteer awards and youth scholarships were presented at Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s annual holiday party recently.  Premier awards were presented to the Volunteer of the Year, Tara Forrest, and Youth Volunteer of the Year, Bogdana Oliynyk.

IMG_0184Ms. Forrest is a teacher at Fort Worth Country Day and has been involved with Sister Cities for many years.  She has led the Jr. International Leadership Academy for the past ten years and hosted students from Nagaoka, Japan.  She also served as the delegation leader to Japan for the prestigious Harashin scholars program in 2015.

IMG_0179Ms. Oliynyk has served in several leadership positions on the youth board and traveled to several sister cities including Guiyang, China and Bandung, Indonesia.  She was also chosen as the recipient of the Sister Cities International Youth Volunteer of the Year award which was presented in Minneapolis, MN at the national conference in July 2015.

“Led by a dedicated board of directors and with the help of more than 2,000 volunteers a year, we want to recognize these individuals for their commitment to our vibrant city, its people and its bright future on the global stage,” said Michael Bennett, Chair of the Board.

IMG_0166Three prestigious youth scholarships were also presented including:

The Yamagata Emerging Leaders Scholar, in honor of Elaine Yamagata and the late Tadashi Yamagata, was presented to Selin Karsi who will travel to Trier, Germany in 2016.

The Fort Worth Japanese Society scholarship was presented to Alisha Sharp who will travel to Nagaoka and Tokyo, Japan.

IMG_0175Henry Chao and Zoe Nichols-Payne were recognized as this year’s Rotary International Scholars.  These two ninth grade students will develop and organize a service project to be conducted at a school in Guiyang, China in June 2016.

Sister Cities Elects New Leadership

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
FORT WORTH, TX – Membership celebrates 30 Years of Service to Fort Worth
Mayor Price
Honorary Board Chair Mayor Betsy Price
Newly elected officers at Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 30th annual meeting were Board Chair, Michael Bennett, Bennett Benner Partners; Chair- Elect Johnny Campbell, Sundance Square; Secretary, Lu Pham, Dowell Pham Harrison LLP; and Treasurer, Walter Stucker, UBS Financial Services. Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price serves as Honorary Chair.

New board members include: Michael Crain, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; Ashley Freer, Balcom Agency; Sheryl Harris, PhD, Tarrant County College; Drew Herring, Broadway Baptist Church; and Walter Stucker, UBS Financial Services.

Michael Bennett
Chairman of the Board Michael Bennett

“The annual meeting is a time to review accomplishments and recognize those responsible for our successes,” said Johnny Campbell, Chair-Elect of the Board. A few of the year’s accomplishments were highlighted by President and CEO Mae Ferguson who said, “This year we celebrated our 30th anniversary. We sent delegations to Italy, Germany, Vietnam and Mexico.  We coordinated youth exchanges to seven cities for nearly 200 students, welcomed 165 students and educators here, and made a $2.3 million economic impact on the City of Fort Worth.”

Ann Rice
2015 Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership recipient Ann Rice

Sister Cities also presented two awards at the annual meeting. The Bank of Texas was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement presented by the DFW International Airport and Ann Rice was awarded the prestigious Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership.

Other elected officers include: Ann Rice; Greg Irwin, BBVA Compass Bank; Michael Hyatt, UBS Financial Services; Staussa Ervin, PhD, TCC; Travis DeVault, BNSF Railways, Richard Casarez, ONCOR; James Meintjes, JP Morgan Chase and Mary Jo Polidore, DFW International Airport. City chairs included: Paul Geisel, PhD, Greg Jackson, Michael Crain, Michael Roemer, PhD; Veronica and Tom Law; and Anette Soto.

 “We have many things to look forward to next year. We’re going to Cuba in January and China in June; we’re welcoming new mayors from Italy and Germany; and we have nearly 100 students going to each of our sister cities on educational exchanges,” said Campbell. “We do this because we’re citizen diplomats. We care what the world thinks about the U.S.A. and we want to know more about the rest of the world.”

2015-09-23 12:05

Sister Cities Elects New Leadership

FORT WORTH, TX – Membership celebrates 30 Years of Service to Fort Worth

Mayor Price
Honorary Board Chair Mayor Betsy Price
Newly elected officers at Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 30th annual meeting were Board Chair, Michael Bennett, Bennett Benner Partners; Chair- Elect Johnny Campbell, Sundance Square; Secretary, Lu Pham, Dowell Pham Harrison LLP; and Treasurer, Walter Stucker, UBS Financial Services. Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price serves as Honorary Chair.

New board members include: Michael Crain, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; Ashley Freer, Balcom Agency; Sheryl Harris, PhD, Tarrant County College; Drew Herring, Broadway Baptist Church; and Walter Stucker, UBS Financial Services.

Michael Bennett
Chairman of the Board Michael Bennett

“The annual meeting is a time to review accomplishments and recognize those responsible for our successes,” said Johnny Campbell, Chair-Elect of the Board. A few of the year’s accomplishments were highlighted by President and CEO Mae Ferguson who said, “This year we celebrated our 30th anniversary. We sent delegations to Italy, Germany, Vietnam and Mexico.  We coordinated youth exchanges to seven cities for nearly 200 students, welcomed 165 students and educators here, and made a $2.3 million economic impact on the City of Fort Worth.”

Ann Rice
2015 Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership recipient Ann Rice

Sister Cities also presented two awards at the annual meeting. The Bank of Texas was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement presented by the DFW International Airport and Ann Rice was awarded the prestigious Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership.

Other elected officers include: Ann Rice; Greg Irwin, BBVA Compass Bank; Michael Hyatt, UBS Financial Services; Staussa Ervin, PhD, TCC; Travis DeVault, BNSF Railways, Richard Casarez, ONCOR; James Meintjes, JP Morgan Chase and Mary Jo Polidore, DFW International Airport. City chairs included: Paul Geisel, PhD, Greg Jackson, Michael Crain, Michael Roemer, PhD; Veronica and Tom Law; and Anette Soto.

 “We have many things to look forward to next year. We’re going to Cuba in January and China in June; we’re welcoming new mayors from Italy and Germany; and we have nearly 100 students going to each of our sister cities on educational exchanges,” said Campbell. “We do this because we’re citizen diplomats. We care what the world thinks about the U.S.A. and we want to know more about the rest of the world.”

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

TEAMS TO COMPETE IN FIRST GLOBAL RACE IN FORT WORTH

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Funds Raised Will Benefit Fort Worth Sister Cities International Youth Programs 

Join Honorary Chair, Mayor Betsy Price and Co-Chairs, Andrea Ballard and Andrea Puente for the Inaugural Amazingly Global Race Saturday, October 4 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in Sundance Square Plaza benefitting Fort Worth Sister Cities International.

Teams of four will walk, run and ride to eight stations throughout downtown attempting to complete various challenges ending back at Sundance Square Plaza for an awards ceremony at 1:00 p.m.  To participate teams raise a $1,000 entry fee which is due by Friday, October 3 at noon.

Each challenge station represents one of Fort Worth’s sister city partners from China, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Swaziland.   A few challenges include moving giant sushi onto a plate with chop sticks made from swimming pool noodles at the Japanese station and kayaking across the Danube (Trinity River) in Budapest, Hungary.  After teams accomplish the challenge at each station their passports are officially stamped before proceeding to the next station.

“Every city larger than Fort Worth has a sister cities program and none is more active or effective than ours.  In an increasingly smaller world, Sister Cities plays a huge role in  enhancing the image of our city abroad, helping to improve the lives of our citizens and provide global opportunities for all,” said Mayor Price.

The event is sponsored by the Bank of Texas and the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as DFW International Airport, Mrs. Renfro’s, the Fort Worth Star Telegram and INDULGE magazine along with a host of team sponsors and other supporters.  All funds raised will go towards supporting youth and education programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities.

Awards will be presented to the Grand Champion Team, Top Fundraising Team, Fastest Team, Top Fundraising Individual and Best Team Costumes.

See pictures of event…

2014-10-02 10:11

TEAMS TO COMPETE IN FIRST GLOBAL RACE IN FORT WORTH

Funds Raised Will Benefit Fort Worth Sister Cities International Youth Programs 

Join Honorary Chair, Mayor Betsy Price and Co-Chairs, Andrea Ballard and Andrea Puente for the Inaugural Amazingly Global Race Saturday, October 4 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in Sundance Square Plaza benefitting Fort Worth Sister Cities International.

Teams of four will walk, run and ride to eight stations throughout downtown attempting to complete various challenges ending back at Sundance Square Plaza for an awards ceremony at 1:00 p.m.  To participate teams raise a $1,000 entry fee which is due by Friday, October 3 at noon.

Each challenge station represents one of Fort Worth’s sister city partners from China, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Swaziland.   A few challenges include moving giant sushi onto a plate with chop sticks made from swimming pool noodles at the Japanese station and kayaking across the Danube (Trinity River) in Budapest, Hungary.  After teams accomplish the challenge at each station their passports are officially stamped before proceeding to the next station.

“Every city larger than Fort Worth has a sister cities program and none is more active or effective than ours.  In an increasingly smaller world, Sister Cities plays a huge role in  enhancing the image of our city abroad, helping to improve the lives of our citizens and provide global opportunities for all,” said Mayor Price.

The event is sponsored by the Bank of Texas and the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as DFW International Airport, Mrs. Renfro’s, the Fort Worth Star Telegram and INDULGE magazine along with a host of team sponsors and other supporters.  All funds raised will go towards supporting youth and education programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities.

Awards will be presented to the Grand Champion Team, Top Fundraising Team, Fastest Team, Top Fundraising Individual and Best Team Costumes.

See pictures of event…

FORT WORTH AND GUIYANG WIN 2014 YOUTH AWARD

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH AND GUIYANG WIN THE 2014 U.S. CHINA SISTER CITIES YOUTH AWARD

City of Fort Worth Councilman Dennis Shingleton accepting the award. Thank you Councilman!

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Fort Worth and Guiyang have won Sister Cities International’s 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Award in the “Youth” category. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards recognize the accomplishments of outstanding U.S.-China sister city programs and their contribution in building strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.  Fort Worth City Councilman Dennis Shingleton accepted the award on March 27th at the U.S./China Summit in Washington, D.C.

To read about the youth exchanges between Fort Worth and Guiyang, click here

and the award is shown here:  Fort Worth and Guiyang 2014 Youth Award

  Fort Worth’s diverse youth programs with Guiyang create sustainable and meaningful friendships. Since 2011 Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors have visited Guiyang each year. While in Guiyang students visited schools and were immersed in global volunteerism focused on various community service projects.  Fort Worth has also accepted two Chinese interns since 2011 to help manage international projects, marketing, business and international relations. A joint U.S. and Chinese judging panel selected Fort Worth and Guiyang as the winners from a competitive pool of U.S.-China sister city program applicants. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards are awarded in several categories including Best Overall, Longest Relationship, Community Involvement, Youth, Arts & Culture, Economic Development, Most Innovative, and Outstanding Individuals. Award winners will be honored at a special Awards Ceremony on March 27 during the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, in Washington, D.C. The Conference, jointly hosted by Sister Cities International and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, brought together hundreds of business leaders, government officials, and citizen diplomats from the U.S. and China. The Honorary Host Committee for this Conference included General Colin L. Powell, as well as several Governors, Members of Congress, and Mayors from around the country. Conference sessions provided exciting opportunities for U.S. and Chinese cities to learn about strengthening exchanges and business engagement through informative sessions from industry leaders. For more information on the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, please visit: www.sister-cities.org/USChina. ——————————————– Youth programs provide opportunities for students to develop relationships with students from other countries and gain essential skills to be successful in a global society.  “We had over 100 students apply this year.  It is a very competitive process and we have selected an outstanding class to represent Fort Worth and the U.S. next year,” said Eva Bonilla, Chair of the Programs and Exchanges committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities. The 2014 exchanges are scheduled for March and June/July 2014 to Italy, Hungary, Japan, Swaziland, South Africa and China. Visit our happenings page to find out what’s happening locally and abroad!    

2014-03-27 07:45

FORT WORTH AND GUIYANG WIN 2014 YOUTH AWARD

FORT WORTH AND GUIYANG WIN THE 2014 U.S. CHINA SISTER CITIES YOUTH AWARD

City of Fort Worth Councilman Dennis Shingleton accepting the award. Thank you Councilman!

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Fort Worth and Guiyang have won Sister Cities International’s 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Award in the “Youth” category. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards recognize the accomplishments of outstanding U.S.-China sister city programs and their contribution in building strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.  Fort Worth City Councilman Dennis Shingleton accepted the award on March 27th at the U.S./China Summit in Washington, D.C.

To read about the youth exchanges between Fort Worth and Guiyang, click here

and the award is shown here:  Fort Worth and Guiyang 2014 Youth Award

  Fort Worth’s diverse youth programs with Guiyang create sustainable and meaningful friendships. Since 2011 Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors have visited Guiyang each year. While in Guiyang students visited schools and were immersed in global volunteerism focused on various community service projects.  Fort Worth has also accepted two Chinese interns since 2011 to help manage international projects, marketing, business and international relations. A joint U.S. and Chinese judging panel selected Fort Worth and Guiyang as the winners from a competitive pool of U.S.-China sister city program applicants. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards are awarded in several categories including Best Overall, Longest Relationship, Community Involvement, Youth, Arts & Culture, Economic Development, Most Innovative, and Outstanding Individuals. Award winners will be honored at a special Awards Ceremony on March 27 during the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, in Washington, D.C. The Conference, jointly hosted by Sister Cities International and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, brought together hundreds of business leaders, government officials, and citizen diplomats from the U.S. and China. The Honorary Host Committee for this Conference included General Colin L. Powell, as well as several Governors, Members of Congress, and Mayors from around the country. Conference sessions provided exciting opportunities for U.S. and Chinese cities to learn about strengthening exchanges and business engagement through informative sessions from industry leaders. For more information on the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, please visit: www.sister-cities.org/USChina. ——————————————– Youth programs provide opportunities for students to develop relationships with students from other countries and gain essential skills to be successful in a global society.  “We had over 100 students apply this year.  It is a very competitive process and we have selected an outstanding class to represent Fort Worth and the U.S. next year,” said Eva Bonilla, Chair of the Programs and Exchanges committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities. The 2014 exchanges are scheduled for March and June/July 2014 to Italy, Hungary, Japan, Swaziland, South Africa and China. Visit our happenings page to find out what’s happening locally and abroad!    

SISTER CITIES ELECTS LEADERSHIP 2013

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Volunteer of the Year, Rose Knoop and Board Leadership Award winner, Dr. Staussa Ervin

Membership Celebrates 2013 at Annual Meeting

Newly elected officers at the annual meeting and holiday party last night were Board Chair, Ann Rice; Chair-Elect Michael Bennett, Bennett Benner Pettit; Secretary, Eva Bonilla; and Treasurer, Mike Thomas, Inwood Bank. New board members include: Johnny Campbell,  Greg Kalina, David Parker, Paxton Motheral, Nancy Lopez, Tracy Williams, Asusena Resendiz, Ronda Stucker, David Johnson and Andrea Puente.

Chairwoman Ann Rice and Nagaoka Chair Tom Brents

“The annual meeting is a time to review accomplishments and recognize those responsible for our success,” said Ann Rice Chairwoman of the Board. “This year we signed a five-year contract with the City of Fort Worth, celebrated 25 years as partners with Trier, Germany and Nagaoka, Japan and coordinated youth exchanges to our sister cities for nearly 100 students.”

Sister Cities also recognized individuals and businesses for outstanding service. The Fort Worth Japanese Society was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. Dr. Staussa Ervin was awarded the prestigious Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership and Janet Diaz was awarded the Yamagata Emerging Leaders Scholarship. Youth Volunteer of the Year went to Sarika Sabnis and Volunteer of the Year to Rose Knoop.

Bob, Catrina & Eva Bonilla and Harvey Yamagata

Other elected officers include: Past Chair/Nominating, Brad Mahon, Murphy Mahon Keffler & Farrier; Development Chair, Becky Renfro Borbolla, Renfro Foods; Government Relations, Michael Hyatt, UBS Financial Services; Marketing Chair, Kara Peterson, Alcon Laboratories; Program & Exchanges Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin, TCC; At-Large members Travis DeVault, BNSF Railways, James Meintjes, JP Morgan Chase and Mary Jo Polidore, DFW International Airport; Bandung Chair, Nancy Lopez; Budapest Chair, Mary Alyce Zimmerman; Guiyang Chair, Albon Head, Jackson Walker, LLP; Mbabane Chair, Tracy Williams, TCU Neely School of Business; Nagaoka Chair, Ronda Stucker; Reggio Emilia Chairs, Mark & Robin Nurdin, Bank of Texas; and   Toluca Chairs, Richard Casarez, ONCOR and Asusena Resendiz, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Pro Tempore Zim & Mary Alyce Zimmerman

“We have many things to look forward to next year. We’re going to Hungary & Austria in June; we’re moving into City Hall; welcoming Toluca, Mexico’s new mayor to Fort Worth; arranging a trade mission from Trier, Germany; and we have nearly 100 students going to our sister cities on educational exchanges,” said Ms. Rice. “We do this because we’re citizen diplomats. We care what the world thinks about the U.S. and we want to know more about the rest of the world.

For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, President/CEO at 817/632-7104.

 

2013-12-05 12:06

SISTER CITIES ELECTS LEADERSHIP 2013

Volunteer of the Year, Rose Knoop and Board Leadership Award winner, Dr. Staussa Ervin

Membership Celebrates 2013 at Annual Meeting

Newly elected officers at the annual meeting and holiday party last night were Board Chair, Ann Rice; Chair-Elect Michael Bennett, Bennett Benner Pettit; Secretary, Eva Bonilla; and Treasurer, Mike Thomas, Inwood Bank. New board members include: Johnny Campbell,  Greg Kalina, David Parker, Paxton Motheral, Nancy Lopez, Tracy Williams, Asusena Resendiz, Ronda Stucker, David Johnson and Andrea Puente.

Chairwoman Ann Rice and Nagaoka Chair Tom Brents

“The annual meeting is a time to review accomplishments and recognize those responsible for our success,” said Ann Rice Chairwoman of the Board. “This year we signed a five-year contract with the City of Fort Worth, celebrated 25 years as partners with Trier, Germany and Nagaoka, Japan and coordinated youth exchanges to our sister cities for nearly 100 students.”

Sister Cities also recognized individuals and businesses for outstanding service. The Fort Worth Japanese Society was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. Dr. Staussa Ervin was awarded the prestigious Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership and Janet Diaz was awarded the Yamagata Emerging Leaders Scholarship. Youth Volunteer of the Year went to Sarika Sabnis and Volunteer of the Year to Rose Knoop.

Bob, Catrina & Eva Bonilla and Harvey Yamagata

Other elected officers include: Past Chair/Nominating, Brad Mahon, Murphy Mahon Keffler & Farrier; Development Chair, Becky Renfro Borbolla, Renfro Foods; Government Relations, Michael Hyatt, UBS Financial Services; Marketing Chair, Kara Peterson, Alcon Laboratories; Program & Exchanges Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin, TCC; At-Large members Travis DeVault, BNSF Railways, James Meintjes, JP Morgan Chase and Mary Jo Polidore, DFW International Airport; Bandung Chair, Nancy Lopez; Budapest Chair, Mary Alyce Zimmerman; Guiyang Chair, Albon Head, Jackson Walker, LLP; Mbabane Chair, Tracy Williams, TCU Neely School of Business; Nagaoka Chair, Ronda Stucker; Reggio Emilia Chairs, Mark & Robin Nurdin, Bank of Texas; and   Toluca Chairs, Richard Casarez, ONCOR and Asusena Resendiz, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Pro Tempore Zim & Mary Alyce Zimmerman

“We have many things to look forward to next year. We’re going to Hungary & Austria in June; we’re moving into City Hall; welcoming Toluca, Mexico’s new mayor to Fort Worth; arranging a trade mission from Trier, Germany; and we have nearly 100 students going to our sister cities on educational exchanges,” said Ms. Rice. “We do this because we’re citizen diplomats. We care what the world thinks about the U.S. and we want to know more about the rest of the world.

For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, President/CEO at 817/632-7104.

 

Michael S. Hyatt Receives Chairman’s Award

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Longtime Fort Worth Sister Cities member Michael S. Hyatt was presented the Sister Cities International Chairman’s Award at the national conference held in San Antonio  July 10—14.  This award is presented to an individual at the discretion of the Chairman of the Board of the national organization.  When asked why Mr. Hyatt was honored, Board Chair Tom Lisk of Richmond, Virginia said this:

“It was my honor to present the Chairman’s Award to a past Chair of Sister Cities International, Mike Hyatt, in recognition for all that Mike has done to advance Sister Cities, locally, nationally and internationally since he completed his term as Chairman in 2010.  Mike easily could have stepped away after his successful two year term as Chairman leaving it to others to carry the torch.  Instead, he has continued to be very active with his local program in Fort Worth and has continued to be a leader at the national level, including serving as a trusted advisor and mentor to me as the current Chair.  Also, Mike’s early and very generous support of the SCI Inaugural Gala in Washington, D.C. was critical to the success of our largest fundraising event in many years.  So, it was with great appreciation and deep respect that I was honored to give to Mike Hyatt the Chairman’s Award in recognition of his devotion of time, talent and treasure to Sister Cities International.”

Hyatt has been a member of Fort Worth Sister Cities for thirteen years serving as Chairman of the Board, Treasurer,  Government Relations Chair and Nagaoka, Japan Chair, as well as many other leadership positions.  In addition to his work with Sister Cities, Mike also serves on the Fort Worth Zoo board of directors as Treasurer and on the Oklahoma State University Foundation board.

2013-07-29 12:17

Michael S. Hyatt Receives Chairman’s Award

Longtime Fort Worth Sister Cities member Michael S. Hyatt was presented the Sister Cities International Chairman’s Award at the national conference held in San Antonio  July 10—14.  This award is presented to an individual at the discretion of the Chairman of the Board of the national organization.  When asked why Mr. Hyatt was honored, Board Chair Tom Lisk of Richmond, Virginia said this:

“It was my honor to present the Chairman’s Award to a past Chair of Sister Cities International, Mike Hyatt, in recognition for all that Mike has done to advance Sister Cities, locally, nationally and internationally since he completed his term as Chairman in 2010.  Mike easily could have stepped away after his successful two year term as Chairman leaving it to others to carry the torch.  Instead, he has continued to be very active with his local program in Fort Worth and has continued to be a leader at the national level, including serving as a trusted advisor and mentor to me as the current Chair.  Also, Mike’s early and very generous support of the SCI Inaugural Gala in Washington, D.C. was critical to the success of our largest fundraising event in many years.  So, it was with great appreciation and deep respect that I was honored to give to Mike Hyatt the Chairman’s Award in recognition of his devotion of time, talent and treasure to Sister Cities International.”

Hyatt has been a member of Fort Worth Sister Cities for thirteen years serving as Chairman of the Board, Treasurer,  Government Relations Chair and Nagaoka, Japan Chair, as well as many other leadership positions.  In addition to his work with Sister Cities, Mike also serves on the Fort Worth Zoo board of directors as Treasurer and on the Oklahoma State University Foundation board.

Fort Worth Receives National Recognition for Health Center Project in Swaziland

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth has won the Humanitarian Assistance Award for our Health & Social Center project with Mbabane, Swaziland.  Below is the message from Mary D. Kane, President and CEO of Sister Cities International.  See the list of award winners here:  SCI Annual Awards Press Release
May 29, 2013
 
Mae Ferguson
Fort Worth Sister Cities International
610 Grove Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102
 
Dear Ms. Ferguson:
 
Congratulations!  It is our pleasure to inform you that the City of Fort Worth has won the 2012 Sister Cities International Innovation: Humanitarian Assistance Award for a city with population more than 500,001.  This award is in recognition of the outstanding exchange work done by your organization in advancing the goals and mission of the sister cities movement.
 
Please note that award winners will be recognized at the Sister Cities International 57th Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas July 11-13. The Lou Wozar Annual Awards ceremony and dinner will be held on July 13.
 
To register for the Annual Conference, please visit https://www.sister-cities.org/annual-conference.  As an Annual Award winner, we would also like to extend a discount offer for the Annual Conference registration. Use the promotional code “AAW75” and save $75 on your full conference registration.
 
Also, please find attached a copy of a press release announcing your win. We encourage you to distribute it your local media contacts.
 
Again, congratulations and please extend our best wishes to the members of your organization. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Mary D. Kane
President and CEO
Sister Cities International  

2013-05-31 10:07

Fort Worth Receives National Recognition for Health Center Project in Swaziland

Fort Worth has won the Humanitarian Assistance Award for our Health & Social Center project with Mbabane, Swaziland.  Below is the message from Mary D. Kane, President and CEO of Sister Cities International.  See the list of award winners here:  SCI Annual Awards Press Release

May 29, 2013
 
Mae Ferguson
Fort Worth Sister Cities International
610 Grove Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102
 
Dear Ms. Ferguson:
 
Congratulations!  It is our pleasure to inform you that the City of Fort Worth has won the 2012 Sister Cities International Innovation: Humanitarian Assistance Award for a city with population more than 500,001.  This award is in recognition of the outstanding exchange work done by your organization in advancing the goals and mission of the sister cities movement.
 
Please note that award winners will be recognized at the Sister Cities International 57th Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas July 11-13. The Lou Wozar Annual Awards ceremony and dinner will be held on July 13.
 
To register for the Annual Conference, please visit https://www.sister-cities.org/annual-conference.  As an Annual Award winner, we would also like to extend a discount offer for the Annual Conference registration. Use the promotional code “AAW75” and save $75 on your full conference registration.
 
Also, please find attached a copy of a press release announcing your win. We encourage you to distribute it your local media contacts.
 
Again, congratulations and please extend our best wishes to the members of your organization. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Mary D. Kane
President and CEO
Sister Cities International  

Local Students to Serve as Fort Worth Ambassadors

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Students selected to visit 7 Sister Cities 74  students recently completed a vigorous selection process and have been invited to represent the City of  Fort Worth as Ambassadors to seven of eight  of Fort Worth’s sister cities. Youth Ambassador exchanges open the door to the future for students giving them the opportunity to explore history and experience languages, food, culture and arts of the country they visit.  Students live with host families to fully appreciate and develop an    understanding of the culture and its traditions. Exchanges range from 9 to 15 days. The selection process includes written essays, teacher recommendations, report cards and in-person interviews conducted by the teachers who lead the delegations abroad. Students make friends around the world while developing essential skills to be successful in a global society.  “We had nearly 80 students apply this year for international exchanges.  It is a very competitive process and we feel we have an outstanding class to represent Fort Worth abroad next year,” said Eva Bonilla, Chair of the Programs and Exchanges committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities. The 2013 exchanges are scheduled for March and June to Reggio Emilia & Florence Italy; Budapest, Hungary & Vienna, Austria; Trier, Cologne & Frankfurt, Germany; Nagaoka & Tokyo, Japan; and Mbabane, Swaziland & Johannesburg, South Africa.  A group will also  travel to Guiyang, Beijing and Xian, China in July. This year’s Ambassadors represent students from FWISD, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, and several private schools.  Scholarship assistance of nearly $85,000 is awarded annually insuring a diverse group of students representing Fort Worth.

2012-11-15 05:44

Local Students to Serve as Fort Worth Ambassadors

Fort Worth, Texas – Students selected to visit 7 Sister Cities 74  students recently completed a vigorous selection process and have been invited to represent the City of  Fort Worth as Ambassadors to seven of eight  of Fort Worth’s sister cities. Youth Ambassador exchanges open the door to the future for students giving them the opportunity to explore history and experience languages, food, culture and arts of the country they visit.  Students live with host families to fully appreciate and develop an    understanding of the culture and its traditions. Exchanges range from 9 to 15 days. The selection process includes written essays, teacher recommendations, report cards and in-person interviews conducted by the teachers who lead the delegations abroad. Students make friends around the world while developing essential skills to be successful in a global society.  “We had nearly 80 students apply this year for international exchanges.  It is a very competitive process and we feel we have an outstanding class to represent Fort Worth abroad next year,” said Eva Bonilla, Chair of the Programs and Exchanges committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities. The 2013 exchanges are scheduled for March and June to Reggio Emilia & Florence Italy; Budapest, Hungary & Vienna, Austria; Trier, Cologne & Frankfurt, Germany; Nagaoka & Tokyo, Japan; and Mbabane, Swaziland & Johannesburg, South Africa.  A group will also  travel to Guiyang, Beijing and Xian, China in July. This year’s Ambassadors represent students from FWISD, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, and several private schools.  Scholarship assistance of nearly $85,000 is awarded annually insuring a diverse group of students representing Fort Worth.