Tuesday, May 17, 2016, 5:30-6:30pm The Vault, Downtown GR Motto for 2016: "Build a bridge.... connect with people around the world."

August 25, 2016 joint fundraiser and evening of celebrations as two of our sister cities observe milestone anniversaries. Winner of the first GRSCI International Women’s Day Essay Award announced on March 29, Focus of year 2016: joint projects, professional exchanges and fund development.

Perugia, Italy

Winners of the annual Angela Ryan scholarships announced (over 20 scholarships since the inception of this program). Perugia Committee represented at Study Abroad Fair at GVSU. Each year, scholarships are awarded to students from the University of Perugia through an exchange program with GVSU. Since 2010, the Perugia committee has sponsored or co- sponsored a Perugian artist at ArtPrize (also in 2016). In Nov, committee members represent Grand Rapids at the annual Sister City Market held in Perugia (for almost 15 years). Last year a partnership with St. Cecilia Music Center sent three music students to the music school in Perugia. A reciprocal trip to Grand Rapids will occur sometime in

Omihachiman, Japan

Sponsors monthly J-Chat sessions. Arranges homestays and activities for a number of special parties. Recruits individuals with interest in Japan to attend bi- annual Goodwill Mission from Michigan to Shiga, Japan. Supports the Michigan-Shiga Sister State Program. Provides presentations on Japanese culture and history to interested groups (recent examples include Meijer Gardens and the Women's City Club). Will host an evening event to celebrate the 30-year relationship between Grand Rapids and Omihachiman.

Ga District, Ghana

The Ga Committee is working on shipping a 40’ container of medical supplies with Rays of Hope, which works on humanitarian aid for third world countries. A member of Parliament (Congressman) from Ga West District and another representative were visiting Grand Rapids and met Mayor Bliss and the City Commission on March 29, Follow-up conversations are expected.

Bielsko-Biala, Poland

For the first time, two artists from Grand Valley State University (a professor and a student) will travel to the Polish sister city in June A Pen Pal Program started through the Cook Library in Grandville in The Committee will again host an artist from Bielsko- Biała during ArtPrize The music of Bielsko-Biała’s local jazz artists has been introduced yearly at GR JazzFest. Collaboration between the Economic Development Department of the sister cities is ongoing. Cultural trips to Chicago and Hamtramck are planned.

Zapopan, Mexico

A memorable visit occurred in April 2016 when Mayor Rosalynn Bliss visited Zapopan to re- establish our relationship. The committee will continue to reach within the community to seek individuals with strong connections and who are value-driven to commit to the mission of the organization. The committee has plans for a fundraiser to be held for Cinco de Mayo with extended community involvement.