2016 Sister Cities Commission Report To: Mayor Rick Mueller - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

2016 Sister Cities Commission Report To: Mayor Rick Mueller Members of the City Council City Manager Chuck Potucek Assistant City Manager Mary Jacobs

Our Sister Cities Cananea, Sonora, Radebeul, Saxony, Mexico Germany Sierra Vista and Cananea Sierra Vista and Radebeul have been Sister Cities have been Sister Cities since April 1989 since May 1998

Vision Statement To focus community interest and build better understanding for the citizens of Sierra Vista, learning about the people and cultures of Radebeul, Germany, and Cananea, Mexico, through mutual visits and cultural, education and goodwill exchange programs.

Sierra Vista Sister Cities Commission Gwen Calhoun Council Liaison Susanne Himstedt-Gilbert Chair Vice-Chair Randi Buros Treasurer Matthew Lentz Member Member John McBee Member Three vacant seats Victoria Yarbrough Staff Liaison Meetings are every third Monday of the month at 5:30 pm at Oscar Yrun Community Center

Activities 2016 - Collection of adult and children's clothing and delivery to Cananea - Collection of school supplies for Cananea (crayons, paper) - Participation in Cultural Heritage Celebration (Diversity Fair), West End Fair, All-Commission Meet-and-Greet, Christmas Around the World - Student Exchange

Humanitarian Outreach - Medical Supplies - Jackets - School Supplies - Heaters

Student Exchange - The Commission organized and managed (for all 16 kids and chaperons): - Transportation, health insurance, hosting, etc. in Germany - All communication between Radebeul/Cananea/Sierra Vista - Communication between the high school (principal, club), the city and all involved organizations (Park Ranger, Ft Huachuca, Brown Canyon Ranch, etc.) and Mexico - Managed chaperones ** All activities offered for the kids are free of charge for them! Cost for the Commission is about $3300

Fund Raising - Oktoberfest (September in Veteran’s Park) - Two day event that the Commission plans and staffs - Volunteers helping (kids from high school club, friends, family) - Selling brats and potato salad - Made about $6800 last year - Community Donations - German American Club and Kiwanis

2017 Goals - 501(c)3 to increase fund raising options – Williams Melo, PLC advising Articles of Incorporation and bylaws – Establish entity with Arizona Corp. Commission – Open business bank account – Establish nonprofit status with IRS - Hosting State Sister Cities Conference 6-8 October – Supporting City Council to ensure a successful event for all – Working invites, special guests, agenda points, event locations - Adult exchange between the countries - Work with Arts and Humanities Commission on the Young Artist and Authors Showcase - Further economic ties and exchanges with Cananea

Questions __________________ Thank you for your support of the The Sister Cities Commission