expectations811

South Carolina-Canada Energy RoundTable

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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Time well spent earlier this week at the South Carolina-Canada Energy RoundTable that focused on emerging energy technologies sponsored by the S.C. Department of Commerc e in Partnership with the Consulate General Of Canada in Atlanta. Very informative panel discussions, moderated by #AshMille r, #ErveinaGosalc i #CristinaParede s. Clarke Thompso n Neita A. Wies e and Consul General Rosaline Kwan and SC Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey, III.

German-American Business Summit

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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Time Well Spent at the German-American Business Summit hosted by the College of Charleston School of Business & School of Languages, Cultures and World Affairs. Two Excellent Panel Discussions moderated by #NathanKin g #KingStrategicConsultin g, and #ElizabethGibbe s, Honorary Consul Germany, and featuring Andrew Hs u, #NathanBoth a, #AimeeAria s, #FabianGrim m, #LeeMurra y, #StephanieRhode s, Megan Anderso n, #MitchBelsle y, Daniel Schlegel, and #SamuelSchwarze r. #MorganKoerne r did an outstanding job.

Charleston Sister Cities International Attends SCI Presidential 2025 Inaugural Gala Hosted By German Ambassador Andreas Michaelis and The German Embassy

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 19:17:15 GMT

I want to thank the German Embassy Washington , and German Ambassador Andreas Michaelis, and his wife Heike for hosting the Sister Cities International 2025 Presidential Inaugural Gala held at the German Ambassador's Residence, D.C., that I attended representing Charleston Sister Cities International , along with my guest, Robert Broadbent, Womble Bond Dickinson US LLP .

As we enter 2025, we celebrate the history of strong bilateral US- German Relations via Sister City Partnership since President Dwight D. Eisenhower founded Sister Cities International (SCI) in 1956 to promote Global Peace & Prosperity through Diplomatic, Educational, Cultural, and Trade Exchanges and Initiatives. Since it's founding, SCI has been uniquely tied to the Presidency, with many U.S. Presidents serving as SCI's Honorary Chairman.

With honored guests spanning the globe, that included the Washington D.C., Ambassadorial, Diplomatic, Business and Community Leaders, the evening reflected the spirit of international friendship and citizen diplomacy.

South Carolina Ireland Trade Commission

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

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I was honored by the invitation to attend the Ceremonial Bill Signing and Formalization by Governor Henry McMaster of the South Carolina Ireland Trade Commission last Wednesday, which seeks to advance bilateral Trade and Investment opportunities between South Carolina and the Republic of Ireland.

Thank you, Lt. Governor Pamela Evette , Samuel Smith, South Carolina State Senator Mike Reichenbach , and to the South Carolina Ireland Trade Commission for such an excellent afternoon at the State House. Time well spent!

Representing the Republic of Ireland in formalizing the Trade Commission were Embassy & Consulates of Ireland USA , Atlanta, Consult General Frank Groome, and Vice Consul Nicole Sheils, whom Charleston Sister Cities International looks forward to collaborating with as we continue to deepen our ties between the City of Charleston, SC Government Region and the Republic of Ireland.

Clearly, Charleston Sister Cities International and our Partners, are so excited and pleased to see the South Carolina Ireland Trade Commission launched! In 2021, Councilman Kevin Shealy - Charleston City Council and I were invited to the Embassy of Ireland, Washington DC Residence, Washington, for coffee with Ambassador Daniel Mulhall and Economic Counselor Harry Lester to discuss establishing a Port Sister City partnership, and to hand deliver an invitation to Ambassador and Mrs. Mulhall, by our Republic of Ireland- Charleston Sister Cities International Committee to Charleston for a November 2021 Reception in their honor welcoming and introducing them to Charleston, hosted by The Hotel Bennett t.

Additionally, we hand delivered an invitation by the SCbio Committee to Ambassador Mulhall to speak at the 2022 SCbio Annual Conference resulting in the IDA Ireland attending and exhibiting.

Post Courier: Papua New Guinea Sends Delegation To Charleston

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Air Canada's Charleston-Toronto Inaugural non-stop Flight Reception

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

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As President & CEO of Charleston Sister Cities International (CSCI)/ Neita A. Wiese , I was recently invited to attend Air Canada 's Charleston-Toronto Inaugural non-stop Flight Reception on March 19th.

It was such a pleasure to meet Graziella Cabrera, Senior Manager Air Canada and her colleagues. Congratulations to Elliott Summey , Executive Director/CEO, Charleston International Airport and Aviation Authority, and Helen Turner Hill, Chief Executive Officer, Explore Charleston and Chairman of the Charleston International Airport and Aviation Authority for this timely achievement.

And today, I had the pleasure of meeting Consulate General of Canada in Atlanta Rosaline Kwan, Featured Speaker, at the World Affairs Council of Charleston 's International Business Luncheon and her Team Members Ash Miller and Darren Croswell. Time Well Spent!

Charleston Sister Cities International / Neita A. Wiese is excited to collaborate with the Consulate General of Canada in Atlanta as we continue to deepen our bilateral ties and plan next steps as we explore establishing a strategic CSCI Sister City Partnership with Canada.

Germany's Leadership In Sustainability

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

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Time well spent at Charleston Southern University ’s "Germany's Leadership In Sustainability" Forum earlier this week.

South Carolina's commitment to Sustainability is evidenced by our German Manufacturing Partners, companies, and organizations such as BOSCH, Fraunhofer , Kion Group, and Mankiewicz Coatings , and the Branham Group Inc featuring the following as speakers:

Daniel Schlegel Christoph Faerber Fabian Grimm, Cynthia Davis, Markus Groeger, Jarrett Branham, and Dr. Marcel Schaefer.

Thank you to @Stephanie LeVan for including Charleston Sister Cities International , Silvia Judy JAS Worldwide , and Sean Wesley Holleran, First National Bank Small Business Finance as guests of Charleston Southern University at this exceptional event.

7 for 70

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT

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We have some exciting news! Sister Cities International is proud to announce 7 for 70, an initiative in partnership with the U.S. Department of State and the White House National Security Council. 7 for 70 commits to creating seven new Sister City relationships in the Pacific Islands by 2026 in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Sister Cities International!

The 7 for 70 will strengthen ties between the United States and Pacific Islands nations through new partnerships and promoting cultural understanding. Recently, we had the honor of meeting delegations from 18 Pacific Island countries to explore new partnerships.

A special thank you to the Second Gentleman for affirming the significance of this initiative and for your recognition of the importance of citizen diplomacy! The White House’s recent announcements at the U.S. Pacific Islands Forum Summit here. https://www.whitehouse.gov/.../fact-sheet-enhancing-the.../

To learn more about our 7 for 70 Initiative, check out our website and fill out the contact form linked here. https://sistercities.org/7-for-70/

Friends of the Pacific Reception

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT

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It was such a pleasure to attend the Friends of the Pacific Reception hosted by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Kevin Rudd last week at the Australian Residence in honor of the #UnitedStatesPacificIslandsForumLeadersSummit . What an honor to meet United States Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy as well.

Charleston Sister Cities International is pleased to aid U.S. efforts to strengthening engagement via economic development & commerce, education and cultural initiatives in this region.

South Carolina International Trade Conference

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT

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It was so nice to have British Deputy Consul General Colin Gray back again for the South Carolina International Trade Conference this week!

Thank you Colin for hosting such a wonderful international evening at the Hotel Bennett 's fabulous Gabrielle with guests ranging from Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom/Scotland and United States.

47th Annual Meeting of the French Colonial Historical Society

Fri, 13 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT

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What an honor to be included as a panelist today at the 47th Annual Meeting of the French Colonial Historical Society in partnership with the College of Charlesto n and the Huguenot Society of South Carolin a.

With Journalist Fritz Hamer, Alain Yvette Lerichomme, City of Flers, France and Hagood Morrison .

George Scribner's Art Exhibition

Thu, 05 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT

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Two weeks ago, while I was in Panama City, Panama I attended with my brother James Wiese , Disney Artist and Director George Scribner 's Art Exhibition commissioned by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) at the Historic Museo del Canal Interoceanico de Panam a with opening remarks by CEO Ricaurte Vasquez, Panama Canal Authority.

It was a wonderful evening viewing George's exceptional collection of painting of Panama and the Canal and seeing old family friends!

Charleston Sister Cities International is looking forward to welcoming George to Charleston, hopefully in the near future. Stay tuned!

Charleston Sister Cities International Presents CSCI 2021 Woman of the Year Award to Freetown, Sierra Leone Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 21:46:12 GMT

Pictured: Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, Mayor John J. Tecklenburg, and Neita Wiese at Freetown-Charleston Partnership Signing Ceremony July 2019.

Charleston, S.C. – Charleston Sister Cities International (CSCI) is honored to award Her Worship Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone, with the 2021 CSCI Woman of the Year Award in recognition of her leadership and accomplishments.

Charleston Mayor John J. Tecklenburg, who serves as Honorary Chair of Charleston Sister Cities International, together with CSCI President & CEO Neita A. Wiese and members of the Freetown-CSCI Committee, presented Mayor Aki-Sawyerr with the CSCI Woman of the Year Award in a virtual ceremony at 12 noon EDT on April 1, 2021 at Charleston City Hall.

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr serves as the Honorary Chair of the Freetown, Sierra Leone-Charleston Sister City Partnership, which was established in 2019 at the suggestion of then International African American Museum (IAAM) CEO, Michael Boulware Moore, while he was visiting Freetown, Sierra Leone, due to the shared history, heritage, and culture between the two cities. Featured in the ETV series “Gullah Roots: Back to Sierra Leone,” Mayor Aki-Sayyerr spoke about how the Freetown and Charleston Sister City Partnership offers opportunities to deepen existing ties and create new opportunities that are beneficial to citizens of both communities.

Mayor Aki-Swayerr was elected in 2018 following two decades of Public Service. During that time, she campaigned against the practice of “blood diamonds” and successfully advocated to end the war in Sierra Leone. She co-founded the Sierra Leone War Trust to support disadvantaged children and young adults and continues to serve on the Board of Trustees. Recognizing her contributions to the successful Ebola response efforts, his Excellency the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone awarded her an Ebola Gold Medal in December 2015; in January 2016 she was made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom. "The International African American Museum is proud of Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s achievements and count her as a prized thought-partner and museum Ambassador" stated Brenda Tindal, Director of Education and Engagement, International African American Museum.

Currently, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr is working to transform and improve the lives of Freetonians and to make Freetown an international destination city. Her Transform Freetown strategic plan targets eleven sectors, ranging from tackling environmental degradation and climate change to helping reduce youth unemployment with a focus on empowering women and girls in areas of education and skills development. Melbourne Garber of Freetown and New York, who has worked with Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr describes her as “one of the most dynamic, progressive and inspirational Mayors that the City of Freetown has ever had and is definitely the right person needed to ‘Transform Freetown’ for the 21st century.”

Neita Wiese stated “The Freetown-Charleston Sister City Partnership is looking forward to collaborating on educational, commercial, cultural, and tourism exchanges and initiatives, as well as sharing resiliency best practices such as managing rising tides as both of our port cities are impacted by severe flooding.”

Mayor Tecklenburg said, “I am honored to help recognize Mayor Aki-Sawyerr for all of the work she is doing to improve the lives of the residents of Freetown, Sierra Leone. Her efforts to provide education and opportunity for all, especially for women and girls, are truly inspiring.”

Link to "Gullah Roots: Back to Sierra Leone" Documentary: https://www.netaonline.org/episode/gullah-roots

Doha-Charleston Sister Cities International Partnership Marks One Year Anniversary as it Looks Forward to Collaborative Efforts Commemorating Qatar-US 2021 Year of Culture

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Mayor of the City of Charleston and Charleston Sister Cities International (CSCI) Honorary Chairman, John Tecklenburg shakes hand of State of Qatar Ambassador Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani at Sister City Partnership Signing in Charleston City Hall as CSCI President and CEO Neita A. Wiese and Charleston City Councilman Kevin Shealy look on.

Charleston, South Carolina —A year after signing their official partnership with Doha, Qatar, Charleston Sister Cities International looks forward to collaborating on cultural exchanges and initiatives with Qatar in honor of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) announcing the Qatar-US 2021 Year of Culture signed by the United States and Qatar on September 14, 2020.

The Qatar-US 2021 Year of Culture is intended to enhance cultural exchange and exemplifies the renewed commitment of the two nations to foster mutual understanding and promote inter-cultural dialogue.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo praised the range and depth of the growing Qatar-US relationship saying, "The MoU emphasizes that our partnership has grown beyond just defense and economics into one of true friendship and community between our people and our two countries".

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said the signing of the MoU for the Qatar-US 2021 Year of Culture, along with an MoU with the United States Agency for International Development and Qatar's support for Fulbright scholarships, reflect the range and depth of ties between the two countries.

In response of the agreement, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums said "we celebrate culture, sports, business, education, music and much more. I look forward to working on building the existing strong relationship between our nations and explore new opportunities together".

In honor of the Qatar-US 2021 Year of Culture, Charleston Sister Cities International President & CEO and Sister Cities International designated Qatar Representative, Neita A. Wiese states, "We look forward to collaborating with the State of Qatar, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the US, the United States Embassy to Qatar and related Qatar cultural organizations—both in Qatar and the United States—to facilitate cultural exchanges between Doha, Qatar and Charleston, South Carolina in areas of art, education, tourism, and sports throughout 2021".

An official Sister City partnership was signed October 21, 2019 by the State of Qatar Ambassador to the United States, HE Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani and Charleston Sister Cities International Honorary Chair, Mayor John Tecklenburg.

A Charleston Sister Cities International Doha Committee delegation was slated to visit Doha, Qatar earlier this Spring, and due to COVID-19 has been postponed to 2021.

Charleston Named No. 1 Small City by Condé Nast for 10th Consecutive Year

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Charleston, SC — Charleston, South Carolina is named No. 1 Small City in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler in their 33rd Annual Reader's Choice Awards survey. This is the 10th year in a row that Charleston has been ranked first by Condé Nast readers.

The luxury and lifestyle travel magazine attributes Charleston's history, culture, food, and charm as deciding factors for the 715,000 voters this year. Voters chose from an extensive database of cities and considered multiple factors such as a city's art and culture, friendliness, restaurants, and shopping, among other criteria in their selection. Other cities to have made the list are neighboring Greenville, South Carolina at No. 6 and Savannah, Georgia at No. 8.

This notable achievement is a testament of Charleston's world-renowned hospitality and tourism, and a reflection of the welcoming spirit of the people of Charleston.

Photo courtesy of Lauren Petracca, Post and Courier

Charleston Sister Cities’ Trade Mission to Panama City

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

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This week, Charleston Sister Cities International (CSCI) in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Commerce (SCDOC) reported that their recent trade mission to Panama City, Panama was a success. As a result of the Trade Mission visit this past October, business opportunities ranging from biomedical to agricultural were identified and are in various stages of negotiations.

Economic development projects between Sister Cities are one of the most exciting ways for cities to connect. In addition to a positive impact on the local economy, these partnerships generate increased travel between cities and illuminate similarities and shared interests between residents. These dividends extend to benefit wider populations because they create stable ties and the potential for lasting peace.

In July, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg announced plans for the trade mission with its Sister City Panama City, Panama. The trade mission was organized in two tracks, one led by Neita A. Wiese, President & CEO, Charleston Sister Cities International; and the other by Anita Patel, Trade Program Manager, South Carolina Department of Commerce. Charleston Sister Cities International facilitated business meetings and events designed to provide an economic and logistics overview and to introduce Panamanian business and government leaders to trade mission participants.

Two of the South Carolina companies participating as part of the South Carolina Department of Commerce track returned from the trade mission with plans to do business in Panama. Mr. Chad Brubaker of Innovative Poultry Products said,

“The joint effort between the SCDOC and Charleston Sister Cities International Panama Trade Mission was a very productive experience for our company. The contacts and meetings were strategically scheduled which made the trip a business success.”

Arthur V. Martin, Ph.D, President of Global Infection Control Consultants LLC, remarked

“Everything organized by CSCI including a seminar by the Panama Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to a site visit of the Panama Canal was well worth the experience and add to what SCDOC organized to make what I call a total package.”

Both tracks of the trade mission attended presentations by the Republic of Panama’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, featuring an overview of Panama’s trade, logistics and infrastructure. They also toured Panama Pacifica, a vast high security logistics and distribution center that include a private commercial airport with key tenets such as Dell and DHL. Julius H. Hines, K&L Gates, LLP, provided a brief presentation of Charleston, it’s port, and distribution and logistics capabilities, stated,

“In addition to being a major crossroads of international shipping, Panama has a vibrant economy and culture, both of which offer great partnering opportunities for Charleston.”

CSCI track participants met the Ministry of Agriculture and the Panama Specialty Coffee Association. CSCI Board Member, CSCI track sponsor, and former South Carolina Sate Representative Harry B. “Chip” Limehouse discussed potential agricultural export and import opportunities between Panama, the Charleston metro area and the state of South Carolina.

On behalf of Panama City Mayor Jose Blandon, Vice Mayor Raisa Bandfield hosted an evening reception for all trade mission participants at the recently restored Casa Municipalidad in historic Casco Antiua. Guests included Panama business and government leaders, among them Alberto Aleman Zubieta, former administrator of the Panama Canal Authority and keynote speaker at the 2012 and 2013 South Carolina International Trade Conference. Staff with the United States Embassy and U.S. Commercial Services in Panama also attended.

Trade mission participants had a complimentary tour of the Panama Canal Miraflores Locks and visited the Panama Canal Pilots Association Building in Ancon. Panama Canal Administrator Jorge L. Quijano arranged for a private tour to the historic rotunda museum of the former Canal Zone Panama Canal Administration Building in Ancon. Now the headquarters of the Panama Canal Authority, the rotunda’s murals reflect the challenging construction of the Canal’s Gaillard Cut, which was led by South Carolina native son and U.S. Army Corps of Engineer David DuBose Gaillard. A tour and visit to the Panama Canal Pilots Association was attended by CSCI track sponsors K&L Gates, LLP and The Charleston Branch Pilots Association representing shared objectives between the two nations in international law and maritime commerce. Julius H. Hines K&L Gates stated,

“In addition to being a crossroads of international shipping, Panama has a vibrant economy and culture, both of which offer great partnering opportunities for Charleston.”

Economic Partnerships continue to be a vital avenue for cooperation between the geographically distant populations of Sister Cities and represent important opportunities to define the bonds which create a more peaceful world.