Sister City Alliance Re-affirmed

By Robert Clark
Dean of the Schroeder Family School of Business Administration
University of Evansville

Recognizing the importance of relationships in the world of business, particularly in Asia, the University of Evansville's Tri-State Trade Mission delegation moved on from Malaysia to Japan over the weekend. Incorporating the Sister City visit within the context of the region’s Trade Mission not only makes this a unique endeavor, but also highlights the emphasis we as a community place upon our cultural ties as part of our commercial environment.

The delegation, lead by Mayor Weinzapfel spent the weekend with leaders in Tochigi, Japan – Evansville’s sister city. The depths of the relationships developed since the sister city relationship was established in 1999 were evident in the enthusiasm of the Tochigi city representatives in relating their experiences in Evansville and in hosting other Evansville and regional representatives in Tochigi. One delegate even shared the original copy of the Evansville Courier & Press front page story celebrating the visit of the delegation to Evansville in 1999.

Evansville Mayor Weinzapfel and Tochigi Mayor Higano reaffirmed the sister city designation by signing a proclamation, and exchanged formal gifts commemorating the relationship. Mayor Weinzapfel presented Tochigi with an original, wooden, three-dimensional column carving with symbols of both cities created by Evansville artist Amy Musia. Mayor Higano presented Evansville with a framed limited edition wood block print of the famous historical warehouses of Tochigi. Kim Humphrey, vice president of International Banking at Old National Bank provided translation of the presentations.

The delegation was warmly received by Tochigi representatives and shared in special cultural activities including a rare invitation to view a historical art form of archery. Following these special ceremonies and a formal seven-course banquet, the delegation left the next morning via a Japanese bullet train to Tokyo. The efficiency of Japan’s public transportation is impressive arriving on time – all the time – while traveling at speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour. The bullet trains are a particularly impressive form of transportation between regions of this densely populated country.

The importance of developing relationships to business activity was emphasized in an informative discussion with U.S. Embassy Minister-Counselor for Commercial Affairs John Peters. Minister Peters told the group that Indiana and the Midwest was well known in Japan and that the development of relationships, such as the sister city program were important for expanding business opportunities. Minister Peters suggested that the delegation focus on developing and executing a plan for a sustained relationship with the region, noting that in addition to suppliers to Japanese firms, the region’s potential for growth in tourism and educational opportunities was significant. He commented on the Japanese interest in regional tourism assets and events: to include recognition of the West Side’s Nut Club Fall Festival, the importance of the Lincoln connections between Indiana and Kentucky and sporting activities such as the Indy 500 and horse racing at the Kentucky Derby and Ellis Park.