Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski and City Council Members will host Matsumoto, Japan, leaders as part of the 60th anniversary celebration of their Sister City relationship. A delegation of 33 people from Matsumoto will visit and tour Salt Lake City July 22–26 and even participate in the Days of 47 Parade.
Matsumoto, like Salt Lake City, is located in a valley surrounded by mountains. The Japanese city is located in the middle of the country and has a rich history that includes a 400-year-old castle.
“I am pleased to welcome our friends from Matsumoto, Japan,” says Mayor Biskupski. “As Salt Lake City’s first and oldest Sister City, I look forward to continued opportunities in education and business and learning from each other the best practices that keep both Matsumoto and Salt Lake City thriving.”
Delegation members (a mix of returning and first-time visitors) will have an opportunity visit with City leaders, community members and see some of the great assets of our Capital City. The delegation’s SLC visit itinerary includes:
- Meet-and-greet with Mayor Jackie Biskupski
- City tour and Olympic Park excursion (arranged by our partners at Visit Salt Lake and Destination Services Corporation)
- Participate alongside Mayor Biskupski in Days of 47 Parade
- Japanese American Citizens League picnic
- Ceremonial tree planting
- 60th Anniversary banquet with music, remarks and gift exchange (details below)
Among the Matsumoto delegation are the Mayor of Matsumoto, President of the Matsumoto City Council, President of the Matsumoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry, members of the Sister Cities committee and prominent Matsumoto business leaders.
“It is our great honor to celebrate the 60 years of the long lasting friendship with Salt Lake City,” says Matsumoto Mayor Akira Sugenoya. “I’m feeling ‘This is the place.’ This is the place of great emphasis on education. This is the place rich in beautiful nature. This is a place of safe neighborhoods, and this is the city of good spirits.”
Salt Lake City now enjoys eight active Sister City relationships. The Sister Cities initiative was created to foster international partnerships through promoting cultural exchange programs, humanitarian aid assistance, dignitary visits, in addition to economic development and student-exchange programs.
What: Matsumoto-Salt Lake City Sister Cities 60th Anniversary Celebration
When: 6-9 p.m., Monday, July 23, 2018
Where: Little America Hotel, Ballroom C, 500 S. Main Street, Salt Lake City
About Sister Cities International: Founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, Sister Cities International serves as the national membership organization for sister city programs in nearly 500 communities, with relationships in more than 2,000 communities in more than 140 countries. This sister city network unites tens of thousands of citizen diplomats and volunteers who work tirelessly to promote peace and understanding through programs and projects focusing on arts and culture, youth and education, business and trade, and community development.
About Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development: Formed in 2016, under the leadership of Mayor Jackie Biskupski, Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development is focused on building Salt Lake City as a vibrant, beautiful, prosperous, diverse, and authentic place – a place that is economically accessible to everyone. Known as the “Crossroads of the West,” Salt Lake City is strategically located for businesses to succeed. SLCDED works to streamline processes, provide excellent customer service, and offer an array of resources and services to recruit and retain businesses in the City, and ensure they have the tools to thrive.