Sister Cities = Big Business in LA

Earlier this week I was in LA at the invitation of City Councilman Tom LaBonge, the President and driving force behind the LA sister cities program. As part of my visit, I had the opportunity to speak to the attendees of the Los Angeles Trade Week Kickoff Breakfast. Below you’ll find my remarks on sister cites and economic development:

Good morning. Thank you, Tom for your introduction, energy, and leadership of the LA Sister Cities program. LA is one of our flagship programs.

I also want to acknowledge Stelle Fuers who’s one of this morning’s organizers. She’s been a terrific supporter and voice for the sister cities movement across Southern California. Thank you, Stelle. I’ve seen many of my Sister Cities friends from Bakersfield, Long Beach, and others.

First of all, congratulations Los Angeles! For 50 years your community has been part of this global citizen diplomacy movement. Connecting people across the globe.

In our DC office, we liken sister cities to marriage – two communities are linked forever – In LA, I know anyone married for 50 years is an accomplishment so, we are really recognizing something unique for LA today. Bravo.

Some of you may still be wondering why the World Trade Week is focusing on Sister Cities. I’m not sure how this is possible after Dr. Sample’s terrific remarks. Your perception might be that this is a cultural and educational thing – exchanges between students or music groups. While, yes, this is a big part of our work – over the past 5-10 years, sister cities have not only established successful models in international development and economic development, but U.S. cities have realized that their sister cities program gives them a competitive advantage – making economic development a vital intersection between the business sector, local government, and its citizens.

Whether its promoting tourism, drawing businesses to open up shop LA, expanding your market by taking your goods/services abroad, or building port-to-port relationships – trade and commerce are absolutely a part of sister city network.

In this current economic environment, it’s a time for an outstretched hand and corporations need every leg up. This is where sister cities comes in – we are a connecting point. Don’t try to figure out how to work in India by yourself. Work through LA’s pre-established sister city relationships in Mumbai. You have 25 Sister Cities to draw from in LA and nearly 100 partnerships in the region in every corner of the world.

We are working on 6 continents in 135 countries. Our network is a reflection of where business growth can and will be in the upcoming years – we are seeing more activity and sister cities in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. All areas where U.S. companies are looking for in-roads. All areas of economic potential.

Sister Cities International is a global network connecting the U.S. to the world. I hope you’ll join us in advancing our mission by becoming active in the LA sister cities program with your business. Thank you for the invitation to be a part of your event this morning and, again, congratulations to the LA Sister Cities program on a remarkable 50 years.

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