Category: Sister City Connections

Trinity Valley School Hosts Students from Toluca, Mexico 2012

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Ten high school students from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey Multicultural Program will spend three weeks in Fort Worth hosted by Trinity Valley High School Nov. 19 – Dec. 7th.  TVS is one of several Ambassador Schools this year hosting student delegations from Fort Worth’s Sister Cities. Trinity Valley’s Director of Global Initiatives, Dr. Michael Roemer, has planned an enriched program.  The exchange begins with a traditional Thanksgiving celebration with host families. The last two weeks will include classes in Environmental Science and various club activities such as the World Cultures and Sustainability Club meetings. “Hosting this exchange at Trinity Valley School helps our students learn the value of diversity and to seek commonalities that tie us together,” said Dr. Roemer.  Trinity Valley School’s Global Initiatives program is committed to educating K-12 students to become aware of and engaged with the world. The Toluca students will also take part in educational programs at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and BNSF Railways.  Cultural tours are planned to the Stockyards, Cowboys Stadium, the Amon Carter Museum and Kimbell Art Museum.  Opportunities for the students to enjoy a true western experience on horseback are also planned. The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience for the students that will inspire global understanding, as well as, an opportunity to share their cultural heritage and traditions. The experience will also provide opportunities for the Toluca students to learn about the U.S. educational system and develop new friendships through a home hosted experience with Fort Worth families. The Toluca students must complete an international exchange as part of their graduation credits and chose to visit Fort Worth.   Sister Cities will facilitate this exchange through the Ambassador School Program conducted with various high schools for a 2 to 3 week period. The participating Fort Worth schools support the requirements of the students through academic, entrepreneurial and institutional visits.

2012-10-10 11:00

Trinity Valley School Hosts Students from Toluca, Mexico 2012

Ten high school students from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey Multicultural Program will spend three weeks in Fort Worth hosted by Trinity Valley High School Nov. 19 – Dec. 7th.  TVS is one of several Ambassador Schools this year hosting student delegations from Fort Worth’s Sister Cities. Trinity Valley’s Director of Global Initiatives, Dr. Michael Roemer, has planned an enriched program.  The exchange begins with a traditional Thanksgiving celebration with host families. The last two weeks will include classes in Environmental Science and various club activities such as the World Cultures and Sustainability Club meetings. “Hosting this exchange at Trinity Valley School helps our students learn the value of diversity and to seek commonalities that tie us together,” said Dr. Roemer.  Trinity Valley School’s Global Initiatives program is committed to educating K-12 students to become aware of and engaged with the world. The Toluca students will also take part in educational programs at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and BNSF Railways.  Cultural tours are planned to the Stockyards, Cowboys Stadium, the Amon Carter Museum and Kimbell Art Museum.  Opportunities for the students to enjoy a true western experience on horseback are also planned. The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience for the students that will inspire global understanding, as well as, an opportunity to share their cultural heritage and traditions. The experience will also provide opportunities for the Toluca students to learn about the U.S. educational system and develop new friendships through a home hosted experience with Fort Worth families. The Toluca students must complete an international exchange as part of their graduation credits and chose to visit Fort Worth.   Sister Cities will facilitate this exchange through the Ambassador School Program conducted with various high schools for a 2 to 3 week period. The participating Fort Worth schools support the requirements of the students through academic, entrepreneurial and institutional visits.

Sister Cities Sends Young Professionals to Japan on Business Exchange

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX — Delegates depart October 2—12 for mentorship program Fort Worth Sister Cities  will be sending eight delegates to Nagaoka, Japan next month as part of the Young Professionals Japanese  Business Mentorship Program.  The selected delegates will work for ten days alongside their counterparts in Nagaoka while being home hosted to gain a cultural perspective. The participants include:
  • Marguerite Allen, City of Fort Worth, Economic Development Dept.
  • Hannah Behrens, HGC Real Estate Services
  • Monica Germinario, Refugee One
  • Will Northern, Northern Realty Group
  • Dr. Michael Roemer, Trinity Valley School
  • Anette Soto, U. S. Dept. of Transportation
  • Deborah Sutton, Northwestern Mutual
  • Tracy Williams, TCU Neely School of Business
“These eight delegates will represent Fort Worth both professionally and diplomatically. We are delighted to have them participating in this project and are eager to have them bring back information to share with our business community,” said  Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. The purpose of the program is to build a sustainable business model with Japan while learning how to work in an international environment.  The delegates will gain international work        experience, expanded business networks, Japanese protocol training  and a perspective on   global marketplaces.

2012-09-17 04:34

Sister Cities Sends Young Professionals to Japan on Business Exchange

Fort Worth, TX — Delegates depart October 2—12 for mentorship program Fort Worth Sister Cities  will be sending eight delegates to Nagaoka, Japan next month as part of the Young Professionals Japanese  Business Mentorship Program.  The selected delegates will work for ten days alongside their counterparts in Nagaoka while being home hosted to gain a cultural perspective. The participants include:

  • Marguerite Allen, City of Fort Worth, Economic Development Dept.
  • Hannah Behrens, HGC Real Estate Services
  • Monica Germinario, Refugee One
  • Will Northern, Northern Realty Group
  • Dr. Michael Roemer, Trinity Valley School
  • Anette Soto, U. S. Dept. of Transportation
  • Deborah Sutton, Northwestern Mutual
  • Tracy Williams, TCU Neely School of Business
“These eight delegates will represent Fort Worth both professionally and diplomatically. We are delighted to have them participating in this project and are eager to have them bring back information to share with our business community,” said  Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. The purpose of the program is to build a sustainable business model with Japan while learning how to work in an international environment.  The delegates will gain international work        experience, expanded business networks, Japanese protocol training  and a perspective on   global marketplaces.

Arlington Heights High School Hosting Students from Bandung, Indonesia

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Twelve high school students and two teachers from Bandung, Indonesia will spend two weeks in Fort Worth hosted by Arlington Heights High School as part of the Sister Cities Ambassador School Program October 20th – November 2nd. The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience that will further promote global understanding, provide an opportunity to share cultural heritage and traditions, learn about the U.S. educational system and develop new international friendships while gaining a personal experience of living with a Fort Worth host family. As part of a reciprocal exchange, Bandung is inviting high school students from Arlington Heights and all area Fort Worth students to their city in June 2013 to further enrich this international program. The Bandung students have also been invited by the Indonesian Consulate in Houston for a weekend to tour NASA and to participate in their local Indonesian Festival where they will perform a cultural dance. They will also tour Austin and the State Capitol.  They will conclude their stay with a full knowledge of Texas history led by Arlington Heights German teacher Cody Cox for this weekend trip to Houston and Austin.

2012-09-17 10:16

Arlington Heights High School Hosting Students from Bandung, Indonesia

Twelve high school students and two teachers from Bandung, Indonesia will spend two weeks in Fort Worth hosted by Arlington Heights High School as part of the Sister Cities Ambassador School Program October 20th – November 2nd. The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience that will further promote global understanding, provide an opportunity to share cultural heritage and traditions, learn about the U.S. educational system and develop new international friendships while gaining a personal experience of living with a Fort Worth host family. As part of a reciprocal exchange, Bandung is inviting high school students from Arlington Heights and all area Fort Worth students to their city in June 2013 to further enrich this international program. The Bandung students have also been invited by the Indonesian Consulate in Houston for a weekend to tour NASA and to participate in their local Indonesian Festival where they will perform a cultural dance. They will also tour Austin and the State Capitol.  They will conclude their stay with a full knowledge of Texas history led by Arlington Heights German teacher Cody Cox for this weekend trip to Houston and Austin.

Mayor Betsy Price to Host Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars!

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX— Celebrity dancers announced As Honorary Chair of Fort Worth Sister Cities, Mayor Betsy Price will again host the annual Mayor’s International Dinner Nov. 1st at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel to raise funds for educational, cultural and business opportunities for the citizens of Fort Worth. The dancers are rehearsing, the chef is cooking and early voting has started for the Best Dancers at this year’s event. The winning couple will be selected by audience votes at the dinner and online  prior to the event at www.fwsistercities.org. This year’s line up of local celebrity dancers include: Swing—Councilman Dennis & Cindy Shingleton, Greg & Jeanine Ricks and Kyle Arnold & Andrea Ballard Waltz—Bob & Sally Parmelee, Charlie & Beverly Powell, Marshall & Annette Searcy, and Capt. Rob & Lori Bennett. Tango—Joe Berry & Janee Harrell, Clint Riley & Kelly Campbell, Travis & Catharine DeVault, and JaMarcus Perdue & Stephanie Flesher. Disco—St. Rep. Kelly & Robin Hancock, Steve & Rebecca Montgomery, Mayor Ken & Ashley Shetter, and Fred Slabach & Melany Neilson. New this year are the “Stompin’ Studs” dancing with Mayor Price. This group of community leaders will perform to a wild and energetic song but will not compete for votes. They include: Bob Jameson, David Goodroe, Glen Hahn, Greg Kalina, Carlo Capua, Andy Taft, Robert Sturns, David Parker, Matt Graves, T. D. Smyers, Chris Edwards, Chief Jeff Halstead, Lee Rogers, and Henry Borbolla. “This is going to be an event you do not want to miss. These guys are well-known in Fort Worth but you don’t usually see them perform a dance routine for a crowd of 500 people,“ said Michael Guyton, this year’s Dinner Chair and Vice President of ONCOR. For information about sponsorship opportunities and to purchase individual tickets at $150 each contact Sister Cities at 817.632-7100 or email Eva.

2012-09-12 09:17

Mayor Betsy Price to Host Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars!

Fort Worth, TX— Celebrity dancers announced As Honorary Chair of Fort Worth Sister Cities, Mayor Betsy Price will again host the annual Mayor’s International Dinner Nov. 1st at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel to raise funds for educational, cultural and business opportunities for the citizens of Fort Worth. The dancers are rehearsing, the chef is cooking and early voting has started for the Best Dancers at this year’s event. The winning couple will be selected by audience votes at the dinner and online  prior to the event at www.fwsistercities.org. This year’s line up of local celebrity dancers include: Swing—Councilman Dennis & Cindy Shingleton, Greg & Jeanine Ricks and Kyle Arnold & Andrea Ballard Waltz—Bob & Sally Parmelee, Charlie & Beverly Powell, Marshall & Annette Searcy, and Capt. Rob & Lori Bennett. Tango—Joe Berry & Janee Harrell, Clint Riley & Kelly Campbell, Travis & Catharine DeVault, and JaMarcus Perdue & Stephanie Flesher. Disco—St. Rep. Kelly & Robin Hancock, Steve & Rebecca Montgomery, Mayor Ken & Ashley Shetter, and Fred Slabach & Melany Neilson. New this year are the “Stompin’ Studs” dancing with Mayor Price. This group of community leaders will perform to a wild and energetic song but will not compete for votes. They include: Bob Jameson, David Goodroe, Glen Hahn, Greg Kalina, Carlo Capua, Andy Taft, Robert Sturns, David Parker, Matt Graves, T. D. Smyers, Chris Edwards, Chief Jeff Halstead, Lee Rogers, and Henry Borbolla. “This is going to be an event you do not want to miss. These guys are well-known in Fort Worth but you don’t usually see them perform a dance routine for a crowd of 500 people,“ said Michael Guyton, this year’s Dinner Chair and Vice President of ONCOR. For information about sponsorship opportunities and to purchase individual tickets at $150 each contact Sister Cities at 817.632-7100 or email Eva.

Fort Worth Awarded International Friendly City

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX — Chinese Sister City Makes Recommendation Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price was recently notified that the City of Fort Worth will receive the award as the 2012 International Friendly City at the China Friendship Cities Conference in Chengdu, China next month. Guiyang, China, Fort Worth’s newest sister city, made the nomination after only 12 months of on-going youth and adult programs and exchanges since signing the official  city agreement in October 2011. “On behalf of the City Council and citizens of Fort Worth, I want to thank Guiyang for this nomination.  We are delighted that our newest sister city feels that Fort Worth    deserves this honor. Friendliness is strongly valued in our city, and we are humbled by this recognition. Thank you, City of Guiyang, for your friendship and kindness,” said Mayor Price. The conference, where the award will be presented, is hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China International Friendship Cities Association.  Topics at the conference will include development strategies in cities, emergency relief, aging populations and economic initiatives. Sister Cities International will send a delegation of board members to the conference and Tom Lisk, Chairman of the Board, will accept the award on behalf of Mayor Price and the citizens of Fort Worth. In 2010, a delegation of Sister Cities board members, representatives from the Fort Worth Chamber, City of Fort Worth and local business leaders visited China to determine which city to invite as Fort Worth’s 8th sister city.  Upon a recommendation from the group, the Fort Worth city council unanimously selected Guiyang, China.

2012-08-31 10:01

Fort Worth Awarded International Friendly City

Fort Worth, TX — Chinese Sister City Makes Recommendation Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price was recently notified that the City of Fort Worth will receive the award as the 2012 International Friendly City at the China Friendship Cities Conference in Chengdu, China next month. Guiyang, China, Fort Worth’s newest sister city, made the nomination after only 12 months of on-going youth and adult programs and exchanges since signing the official  city agreement in October 2011. “On behalf of the City Council and citizens of Fort Worth, I want to thank Guiyang for this nomination.  We are delighted that our newest sister city feels that Fort Worth    deserves this honor. Friendliness is strongly valued in our city, and we are humbled by this recognition. Thank you, City of Guiyang, for your friendship and kindness,” said Mayor Price. The conference, where the award will be presented, is hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China International Friendship Cities Association.  Topics at the conference will include development strategies in cities, emergency relief, aging populations and economic initiatives. Sister Cities International will send a delegation of board members to the conference and Tom Lisk, Chairman of the Board, will accept the award on behalf of Mayor Price and the citizens of Fort Worth. In 2010, a delegation of Sister Cities board members, representatives from the Fort Worth Chamber, City of Fort Worth and local business leaders visited China to determine which city to invite as Fort Worth’s 8th sister city.  Upon a recommendation from the group, the Fort Worth city council unanimously selected Guiyang, China.

Ambassador Middle Schools Bring 35 Japanese Students to Fort Worth

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
FORT WORTH, TX— Sister Cities Partnering With 3 Fort Worth Schools Fort Worth Sister Cities International announced the Ambassador Middle Schools for 2012 earlier this year.  They include Daggett Montessori, Fort Worth Academy and Trinity Valley School.  These schools will host 35 students and teachers in September on this annual international exchange initiative. Fort Worth Sister Cities established the Ambassador Middle School program in 1991 partnering with local public and private schools to promote international education. The goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to provide Fort Worth teachers with creative teaching tools in order to prepare students as future leaders.  Through participation in the program, students gain critical skills and experiences necessary to succeed in a global society. “The Fort Worth ISD is proud to partner with Sister Cities on this program, as well as many other  international initiatives.  We want to give our students the best opportunity possible to be successful,” said Superintendent Walter Dansby. While at the Ambassador Schools the Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and be home hosted by families from the participating schools.  Through this unique experience they will learn about our language and culture, as well as educational system, and develop new friendships.

2012-08-30 03:04

Ambassador Middle Schools Bring 35 Japanese Students to Fort Worth

FORT WORTH, TX— Sister Cities Partnering With 3 Fort Worth Schools Fort Worth Sister Cities International announced the Ambassador Middle Schools for 2012 earlier this year.  They include Daggett Montessori, Fort Worth Academy and Trinity Valley School.  These schools will host 35 students and teachers in September on this annual international exchange initiative. Fort Worth Sister Cities established the Ambassador Middle School program in 1991 partnering with local public and private schools to promote international education. The goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to provide Fort Worth teachers with creative teaching tools in order to prepare students as future leaders.  Through participation in the program, students gain critical skills and experiences necessary to succeed in a global society. “The Fort Worth ISD is proud to partner with Sister Cities on this program, as well as many other  international initiatives.  We want to give our students the best opportunity possible to be successful,” said Superintendent Walter Dansby. While at the Ambassador Schools the Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and be home hosted by families from the participating schools.  Through this unique experience they will learn about our language and culture, as well as educational system, and develop new friendships.

Annual Japan-America Grassroots Summit

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth to Host Welcoming for

Annual Japan-America Grassroots Summit

North Texas has been selected as the venue for the 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit, an annual gathering of Japanese and American citizens which aims to strengthen the peaceful relationships between the two countries by fostering friendships at the grassroots level. The Summit, held alternately in Japan and the U.S., honors one of the first friendships between a Japanese and an American, a unique bond begun in 1841 and continuing through their descendants to the present day. The 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit will take place in North Texas from Tuesday, August 28, to Monday, September 3.  Opening in Fort Worth and closing in Dallas, the week-long Summit will span the scope of the Texas cowboy heritage as well as the region’s cultural and sports achievements. Residents of fifteen North Texas cities will open their homes and hearts to the Japanese visitors for a three-night local homestay program.  The 15 North Texas host cities are:
Arlington
Dallas 
Denton           
Fort Worth
Gainesville
Glen Rose
Irving
 
McKinney
Muenster & Lindsay
Parker
Plano
Richardson
Southlake
Waxahachie
The Summit honors the life-long friendship between Captain William H. Whitfield, an American whaler, and John Manjiro Nakahama, a Japanese fisherman and the first Japanese citizen to be educated in America.  Manjiro’s knowledge of America faciliated the opening of Japan to trade with the western world following the arrival of Commodore Matthew C. Perry in 1853.  Manjiro taught English, navigation, ship-building and American ideas, such as democracy, to young Japanese samurais who led Japan to modernize and join the developed world. “The friendship between these two men is unique in that it has continued for more than 170 years between their descendants,” said Hiroko Todoroki, CIE Secretary General. “The purpose of the annual Grassroots Summit is to encourage new friendships between Japanese and Americans that will last a lifetme and beyond. Members of the Whitfield and Nakahama families play a pivotal role in each Summit, and serve as a reminder of the enormous potential of grassroots exchange.” The 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit is being presented by the JASDFW and the CIE in cooperation with the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston, the host cities, and community organizations.  Sponsors are   7-Eleven, Inc.; Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc.; and Gulf States Toyota, Inc.  Additional support is provided by The Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art, Dallas GiveCamp, and Suzuki Graphic Design Studio. “North Texas is honored to be chosen as the host for the 22nd Grassroots Summit,” said John M. Stich, Honorary Consul General of Japan at Dallas and Vice-Chairman of the Steering Committee of the 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit in North Texas. “We anticipate there will be approximately 150-200 Japanese visitors coming to North Texas. We look forward to introducing our Japanese guests to real Texas hospitality and to the many attractions in North Texas.”

2012-07-24 09:08

Annual Japan-America Grassroots Summit

Fort Worth to Host Welcoming for

Annual Japan-America Grassroots Summit

North Texas has been selected as the venue for the 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit, an annual gathering of Japanese and American citizens which aims to strengthen the peaceful relationships between the two countries by fostering friendships at the grassroots level. The Summit, held alternately in Japan and the U.S., honors one of the first friendships between a Japanese and an American, a unique bond begun in 1841 and continuing through their descendants to the present day. The 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit will take place in North Texas from Tuesday, August 28, to Monday, September 3.  Opening in Fort Worth and closing in Dallas, the week-long Summit will span the scope of the Texas cowboy heritage as well as the region’s cultural and sports achievements. Residents of fifteen North Texas cities will open their homes and hearts to the Japanese visitors for a three-night local homestay program.  The 15 North Texas host cities are:
Arlington
Dallas 
Denton           
Fort Worth
Gainesville
Glen Rose
Irving
 
McKinney
Muenster & Lindsay
Parker
Plano
Richardson
Southlake
Waxahachie
The Summit honors the life-long friendship between Captain William H. Whitfield, an American whaler, and John Manjiro Nakahama, a Japanese fisherman and the first Japanese citizen to be educated in America.  Manjiro’s knowledge of America faciliated the opening of Japan to trade with the western world following the arrival of Commodore Matthew C. Perry in 1853.  Manjiro taught English, navigation, ship-building and American ideas, such as democracy, to young Japanese samurais who led Japan to modernize and join the developed world. “The friendship between these two men is unique in that it has continued for more than 170 years between their descendants,” said Hiroko Todoroki, CIE Secretary General. “The purpose of the annual Grassroots Summit is to encourage new friendships between Japanese and Americans that will last a lifetme and beyond. Members of the Whitfield and Nakahama families play a pivotal role in each Summit, and serve as a reminder of the enormous potential of grassroots exchange.” The 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit is being presented by the JASDFW and the CIE in cooperation with the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston, the host cities, and community organizations.  Sponsors are   7-Eleven, Inc.; Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc.; and Gulf States Toyota, Inc.  Additional support is provided by The Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art, Dallas GiveCamp, and Suzuki Graphic Design Studio. “North Texas is honored to be chosen as the host for the 22nd Grassroots Summit,” said John M. Stich, Honorary Consul General of Japan at Dallas and Vice-Chairman of the Steering Committee of the 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit in North Texas. “We anticipate there will be approximately 150-200 Japanese visitors coming to North Texas. We look forward to introducing our Japanese guests to real Texas hospitality and to the many attractions in North Texas.”

The Future of Citizen Diplomacy

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
WRITTEN BY MARY D. KANE, GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | 12 JULY 2012
For 56 years, Sister Cities International has fostered and empowered a global citizen diplomacy network, spreading peace through people. This year we launched a new brand, complete with a new website, logo, and tagline: “Connect Globally. Thrive Locally.” The new brand effectively showcases not only the strength of the entire sister city network but also the impact of everyday citizens in bringing the world closer. Founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Sister Cities International serves as the national membership organization for individual sister cities, counties, and states across the United States. Our network creates and strengthens partnerships between U.S. and international communities, promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation—one individual, one community at a time. This network today unites tens of thousands of citizen diplomats, educators, political and business leaders, youth, and volunteers in approximately 600 U.S. cities who have partnerships with around 2,000 communities in 136 countries across six continents.
The success stories of Sister Cities International are endless. Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, widely considered a frontrunner for the Chinese presidency, was a member of a Sister States delegation to Iowa in 1985. He returned this year, almost three decades later, to visit his host family in Muscatine. He discussed economic opportunities in agriculture with Iowa officials and secured a purchase of $4.31 billion worth of soybeans in a meeting at the World Food Prize Center in Des Moines.Mayor Joe Riley of Charlotte, North Carolina in May commented his city’s sister partnership with Spoleto, Italy brings in $30 million annually to the local economy. And in August 2011, ECON Inc., a Lakeland, Florida engineering firm with 22 employees, received a five-year, $1 billion contract to build a theme park in Shanghai as a result of the relationship built through their local sister city program. Sister Cities International’s Africa Urban Poverty Alleviation Program includes 25 sister city partnerships representing 13 African countries and 16 U.S. states. These partnerships, consisting of community members and civic, municipal, and private organizations in both the U.S. and Africa, are completing projects in the areas of water, sanitation, and health in African cities. With administrative and technical support from Sister Cities International, the U.S. and African partners combine their technical expertise and experience to plan, implement and monitor their projects. These are just a few of examples from our recent history of strengthening partnerships. We are also seeing encouraging trends in our network: increasing number of business and economic development programs. In the coming months, Sister Cities International will be forming an advisory committee of elected officials to discuss the mutually beneficial opportunities in what the U.S. Department of State defines as “smart power” – the use of diplomacy and development to create conditions for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous world. We look forward to continuing to empower and strengthen this movement spearheaded by the everyday citizen. As the world’s premiere citizen diplomacy network, we invite you to explore our connections and start your own. When we connect globally, we thrive locally. Mary D. Kane is the President and CEO of Sister Cities International. Kane formerly served as the Secretary of State of Maryland and as an Assistant State’s attorney. Following her term in office, she served as an Executive Director at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Kane was also a senior advisor to the Business Civic Leadership Center, a nonprofit affiliate of the Chamber dedicated to improving business and society relations. This article was originally published in the July/August edition of the Diplomatic Courier.

2012-07-20 04:16

The Future of Citizen Diplomacy

WRITTEN BY MARY D. KANE, GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | 12 JULY 2012

For 56 years, Sister Cities International has fostered and empowered a global citizen diplomacy network, spreading peace through people. This year we launched a new brand, complete with a new website, logo, and tagline: “Connect Globally. Thrive Locally.” The new brand effectively showcases not only the strength of the entire sister city network but also the impact of everyday citizens in bringing the world closer. Founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Sister Cities International serves as the national membership organization for individual sister cities, counties, and states across the United States. Our network creates and strengthens partnerships between U.S. and international communities, promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation—one individual, one community at a time. This network today unites tens of thousands of citizen diplomats, educators, political and business leaders, youth, and volunteers in approximately 600 U.S. cities who have partnerships with around 2,000 communities in 136 countries across six continents.
The success stories of Sister Cities International are endless. Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, widely considered a frontrunner for the Chinese presidency, was a member of a Sister States delegation to Iowa in 1985. He returned this year, almost three decades later, to visit his host family in Muscatine. He discussed economic opportunities in agriculture with Iowa officials and secured a purchase of $4.31 billion worth of soybeans in a meeting at the World Food Prize Center in Des Moines.Mayor Joe Riley of Charlotte, North Carolina in May commented his city’s sister partnership with Spoleto, Italy brings in $30 million annually to the local economy. And in August 2011, ECON Inc., a Lakeland, Florida engineering firm with 22 employees, received a five-year, $1 billion contract to build a theme park in Shanghai as a result of the relationship built through their local sister city program. Sister Cities International’s Africa Urban Poverty Alleviation Program includes 25 sister city partnerships representing 13 African countries and 16 U.S. states. These partnerships, consisting of community members and civic, municipal, and private organizations in both the U.S. and Africa, are completing projects in the areas of water, sanitation, and health in African cities. With administrative and technical support from Sister Cities International, the U.S. and African partners combine their technical expertise and experience to plan, implement and monitor their projects. These are just a few of examples from our recent history of strengthening partnerships. We are also seeing encouraging trends in our network: increasing number of business and economic development programs. In the coming months, Sister Cities International will be forming an advisory committee of elected officials to discuss the mutually beneficial opportunities in what the U.S. Department of State defines as “smart power” – the use of diplomacy and development to create conditions for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous world. We look forward to continuing to empower and strengthen this movement spearheaded by the everyday citizen. As the world’s premiere citizen diplomacy network, we invite you to explore our connections and start your own. When we connect globally, we thrive locally. Mary D. Kane is the President and CEO of Sister Cities International. Kane formerly served as the Secretary of State of Maryland and as an Assistant State’s attorney. Following her term in office, she served as an Executive Director at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Kane was also a senior advisor to the Business Civic Leadership Center, a nonprofit affiliate of the Chamber dedicated to improving business and society relations. This article was originally published in the July/August edition of the Diplomatic Courier.

Spirit Airlines Launches Direct Route To Toluca, Mexico

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

New direct flight between DFW and Toluca

Spirit Airlines launched its inaugural flight between DFW International Airport and Toluca, Mexico on June 21, 2012.  The Airport celebrated the inaugural flight when the Toluca flight arrived at DFW on June 22nd with a community breakfast.  Toluca Chair Doug Harman spoke on the importance of this connection and members of Sister Cities and the Hispanic Women’s Network were in attendance, along with other community leaders. “Forth Worth has had a special relationship with Toluca since 1998 when we signed our Sister City partnership.  This direct route will not only make it easier for citizens of both cities to continue this special relationship but will make it easier to develop economic relations.  We welcome our friends from Toluca to visit anytime and often.” – City Councilman Salvador Espino “Toluca is an important governmental and business center, and having the new direct flight is an important step in creating new opportunities between the Fort Worth-Dallas region and the Toluca-Mexico City region.” – Doug Harman, Fort Worth Sister Cities Toluca Chair Effective June 21st, flight 161 leaves DFW at 11:20 p.m. arriving Toluca (TLC) at 1:45 a.m.+1 – Daily Effective June 22nd, flight 162 leaves TLC at 3:20 a.m. arriving DFW at 6:00 a.m. – Daily            

2012-06-21 12:00

Spirit Airlines Launches Direct Route To Toluca, Mexico

New direct flight between DFW and Toluca

Spirit Airlines launched its inaugural flight between DFW International Airport and Toluca, Mexico on June 21, 2012.  The Airport celebrated the inaugural flight when the Toluca flight arrived at DFW on June 22nd with a community breakfast.  Toluca Chair Doug Harman spoke on the importance of this connection and members of Sister Cities and the Hispanic Women’s Network were in attendance, along with other community leaders. “Forth Worth has had a special relationship with Toluca since 1998 when we signed our Sister City partnership.  This direct route will not only make it easier for citizens of both cities to continue this special relationship but will make it easier to develop economic relations.  We welcome our friends from Toluca to visit anytime and often.” – City Councilman Salvador Espino “Toluca is an important governmental and business center, and having the new direct flight is an important step in creating new opportunities between the Fort Worth-Dallas region and the Toluca-Mexico City region.” – Doug Harman, Fort Worth Sister Cities Toluca Chair Effective June 21st, flight 161 leaves DFW at 11:20 p.m. arriving Toluca (TLC) at 1:45 a.m.+1 – Daily Effective June 22nd, flight 162 leaves TLC at 3:20 a.m. arriving DFW at 6:00 a.m. – Daily            

Fort Worth Representatives On Chinese Business Mission

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Two to Represent Fort Worth at U.S./China Investment & Trade Conference

Steve Boecking, Vice President of Hillwood Properties who oversees the 9,600 acre    Foreign-Trade Zone at Alliance, and Mae Ferguson, President/CEO of Fort Worth Sister Cities International, leave this week for the U.S./China Cities Economic and Investment Conference in Nanjing, China.  Boecking is representing the Fort Worth Chamber of  Commerce and Ferguson the City of Fort Worth. More than 40 U.S. and Chinese cities will attend the conference focusing on bilateral  investment especially Chinese investment in the U.S.  Both Boecking and Ferguson will join discussions on why the North Texas region is an attractive place to do business and live. In 2010, a Fort Worth delegation of Sister Cities board members, representatives from the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, City of Fort Worth and local business leaders   visited China to determine which city to invite to become Fort Worth’s sister city.  The Fort Worth city council unanimously selected Guiyang, China,  Fort Worth’s eighth sister city and the 124th U.S. city to form a sister city partnership in China. “Since becoming sister cities with Guiyang Fort Worth has been focused on developing economic relations and this is a perfect opportunity to make that happen.  We want to be at the table and  encourage our new friends to invest here.  This will bring an          economic impact to the area, as well as provide a rich cultural education,” said Ferguson. DFW Airport and the City of Dallas are sending a delegation as well.  Mayor Mike      Rawlings will lead the group along with Robert Hsueh, Chairman of  the DFW Airport board and Jeff Fegan, DFW Airport CEO.  Both groups hope to encourage direct flights from China to DFW.  

2012-06-19 01:00

Fort Worth Representatives On Chinese Business Mission

Two to Represent Fort Worth at U.S./China Investment & Trade Conference

Steve Boecking, Vice President of Hillwood Properties who oversees the 9,600 acre    Foreign-Trade Zone at Alliance, and Mae Ferguson, President/CEO of Fort Worth Sister Cities International, leave this week for the U.S./China Cities Economic and Investment Conference in Nanjing, China.  Boecking is representing the Fort Worth Chamber of  Commerce and Ferguson the City of Fort Worth. More than 40 U.S. and Chinese cities will attend the conference focusing on bilateral  investment especially Chinese investment in the U.S.  Both Boecking and Ferguson will join discussions on why the North Texas region is an attractive place to do business and live. In 2010, a Fort Worth delegation of Sister Cities board members, representatives from the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, City of Fort Worth and local business leaders   visited China to determine which city to invite to become Fort Worth’s sister city.  The Fort Worth city council unanimously selected Guiyang, China,  Fort Worth’s eighth sister city and the 124th U.S. city to form a sister city partnership in China. “Since becoming sister cities with Guiyang Fort Worth has been focused on developing economic relations and this is a perfect opportunity to make that happen.  We want to be at the table and  encourage our new friends to invest here.  This will bring an          economic impact to the area, as well as provide a rich cultural education,” said Ferguson. DFW Airport and the City of Dallas are sending a delegation as well.  Mayor Mike      Rawlings will lead the group along with Robert Hsueh, Chairman of  the DFW Airport board and Jeff Fegan, DFW Airport CEO.  Both groups hope to encourage direct flights from China to DFW.