Mayor Brown Hails Buffalo Sister Cities

Mayor Byron W. Brown and the Presidents of Buffalo’s Sister Cities gathered in Niagara Square to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Buffalo – Dortmund and welcome the return of international banners to downtown.  “We see the city’s international ties as a means to further interest in development here.  Our Sister Cities offer another avenue for Buffalo to further its image and welcome opportunity,” said Mayor Brown. 

Representatives from eleven current Sister Cities and several others involved with international affairs were in attendance, many of whom can now see their native countries flag flying in Niagara Square.

 “We have reinstalled the banners which represent our international links.  They fly as a reminder of Buffalo’s ties to the international community,” said Mayor Brown.

The City of Buffalo is a member of Sister Cities International (SCI), which is headquartered in Washington, DC and will be celebrating its 52nd anniversary in September 2008.  As honorary chair of Buffalo’s Sister Cities, Mayor Brown is responsible for official correspondence, conveying greetings and being host to traveling delegations in his office when called upon.  The Mayor sees Buffalo’s Sister Cities as a source of economic development for the city and will help the coalition promote Buffalo as an International City of Good Neighbors. 

Sister City exchange benefits include a wide range of academic/athletic, economic development/business, and cultural/artistic opportunities.  “We continue to work with our Sister City committees, honorary consuls and others interested in international affairs as we seek all avenues to make Buffalo a city of hope and opportunity again,” said Mayor Brown.  “We must support and tap into the wealth of international resources available to us through our many linkages and ties to the world-wide community.”

The Mayor meets quarterly with the Sister City presidents and Honorary Consuls.  In addition, he has named David Granville as Mayor’s Liaison to Sister Cities to ensure that efficient lines of communication are maintained between the administration and representatives of the international community.

Kanazawa, Japan; Lille, France; Drohobych, Ukraine; Dortmund, Germany; Torremaggiore, Italy; Tver, Russia; Juba, Sudan; St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica; Gothernberg, Sweden and Rzeszow, Poland are among cities currently enjoying international linkages and exchanges through the City of Buffalo’s membership in Sister Cities International.  There are over 100 local companies doing business with these countries