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Sister Cities executive highlights international programs, launches city cycling partnership
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Summary
Kate Helwig, Executive Director of Sister Cities Newport News, described the nonprofit's membership and programs and announced a May 1'20 city cycling partnership with a German sister city to promote cycling and climate protection.
Kate Helwig, Executive Director of Sister Cities Newport News, told the City Council that the nonprofit manages the city's official international partnerships and executes community programs aimed at education and engagement.
Helwig said Sister Cities has more than 300 members and about 1,400 Facebook followers and that volunteers allow the organization to produce events that reach thousands of residents. She cited local international firms Cannon and Liebherr as examples of the city's global ties and said Sister Cities is exploring new partnerships in Malawi and Australia.
As one program aligned with city strategic initiatives, Helwig said Newport News will participate in a coordinated European city-cycling campaign from May 1 through May 20 with its German sister city, Griswold, to promote cycling, climate protection and quality of life. "I'm proud to say that Newport News is the first US city participating in city cycling," Helwig said.
Helwig framed the organization's work as supporting several of the city's strategic goals, including strengthening education, fostering arts and culture, cultivating welcoming communities and encouraging active transportation such as sidewalks, shared paths and bicycle lanes.
Helwig thanked the council for its leadership and support of the volunteer team that runs Sister Cities events and programs.
