Phone: Fax: The U. Eisenhower proposed a people-to-people, citizen diplomacy initiative. Originally a part of the National League of Cities, Sister Cities International became a separate, nonprofit corporation in , due to the tremendous growth and popularity of the U. Sister Cities International creates and strengthens these sister city partnerships in an effort to increase global cooperation, promote cultural understanding, and stimulate economic development. Sister Cities International leads the movement for local community development and volunteer action, by motivating and empowering private citizens, municipal officials, and business leaders to conduct long-term programs of mutual benefit.
Multiple communities in the Rockford Area have sister cities around the globe. In addition, other relationships exist with communities and entities in Sweden. Schwieberdingen is a town of about 10, inhabitants located in Southwest Germany.
Adult and youth exchanges have taken place in both directions. Brovary, Ukraine The relationship between Rockford and Brovary arose from a meeting with a visiting soccer team from Kiev. The Kiev contingent suggested a sister city arrangement with Brovary, a Kiev suburb of 99, Rockford and Brovary maintain a strong relationship.
Rockford residents send food and medicine, and area doctors visit to donate their services. Rockford residents visited Changzhou in to explore a friendship agreement to foster trade opportunities for both cities. Although more than 2, years old, Changzhou is a modern industrial city of more than three million, just a two-hour drive from Shanghai.
The Chinese delegation toured Bergstrom Inc. Rockford delegations have visited Changzhou to explore business exchange relationships. The agreement was signed in Borgholm in July and in Rockford in August Several exchanges have occurred, and various groups are working on exchanges in art, education, business and religion.
