Minot Renews Sister City Agreement with Skien, Norway.
DELEGATION FROM MINOT VISITS NORWAY TO MARK RENEWAL.
A longstanding bond between the cities of Minot, North Dakota and Skien, Norway was recently renewed – and delegations from the two “Sister Cities” met in Norway this May to further strengthen that connection.
The delegation includes representatives from the City of Minot, Minot State University, Minot Area Chamber EDC, and Norsk Høstfest.
The relationship between Minot and Skien dates back to 1981, when the Sister City Agreement was first signed. The relationship is based on the shared cultural heritage between the cities, as well as their similarities in size and character. The purpose of the agreement is to open doors in both communities for education, networking, business development, and cultural exchange.
“One of the goals of our Sister City Agreement with Skien is to develop mutually beneficial relationships between our cities· business communities;’ says Brekka Kramer, President/CEO of the Minot Area Chamber EDC. “I’m thrilled to have observed several Skien-based businesses up close this week, and I’m excited about what this we can learn and share from this relationship in the years ahead.”
The visit coincided with Syttende Mai, also known as Constitution Day in Norway. The Minot delegation was immersed in Norwegian culture by participating in a parade to mark the holiday.
A longstanding bond between the cities of Minot, North Dakota and Skien, Norway was recently renewed – and delegations from the two “Sister Cities” met in Norway this May to further strengthen that connection.
The delegation includes representatives from the City of Minot, Minot State University, Minot Area Chamber EDC, and Norsk Høstfest.
The relationship between Minot and Skien dates back to 1981, when the Sister City Agreement was first signed. The relationship is based on the shared cultural heritage between the cities, as well as their similarities in size and character. The purpose of the agreement is to open doors in both communities for education, networking, business development, and cultural exchange.
“One of the goals of our Sister City Agreement with Skien is to develop mutually beneficial relationships between our cities· business communities;’ says Brekka Kramer, President/CEO of the Minot Area Chamber EDC. “I’m thrilled to have observed several Skien-based businesses up close this week, and I’m excited about what this we can learn and share from this relationship in the years ahead.”
The visit coincided with Syttende Mai, also known as Constitution Day in Norway. The Minot delegation was immersed in Norwegian culture by participating in a parade to mark the holiday.
“I was impressed with the level of community spirit and commitment to their constituents when we held meetings with local elected leaders,” said Minot Mayor Tom Ross. “Their focus is much the same as ours in Minot working together with localpartners to improve the quality of life for their residents, collaborating with government agencies to promote their business districts, and preparing their communities for the challenges of the future.”
Leaders from Minot also visited the University of South-Eastern Norway – a school with an existing partnership with Minot State University.
“Several of our students from Minot have had the opportunity to experience life in Norway via our exchange agreement,” said Dr. Steve Shirley, President of Minot State University. “It was a pleasure to tour the campus of USN and see the wonderful work they’re doing to enrich the education experience for students abroad.”
Governor Doug Burgum shared a note of gratitude to the community of Skien to mark the occasion of the visit. “North Dakota has a rich Norwegian heritage,” Gov. Burgum wrote. “With nearly 30 percent of North Dakotans claiming Norwegian heritage, we are proud to have one of the largest populations of Norwegian-Americans in the United States. We value the contributions that our Norwegian friends, neighbors and ancestors have made to our state over the years, and we cherish the many cultural and economic ties that continue to connect us to Norway.”
“I’ve come to learn firsthand why Minot and Skien became Sister Cities years ago, and why that important relationship continues to blossom,’ continued Mayor Ross. “Both cities represent the ideals of what it means to be part of a community, and both Minot and Skien show great pride in taking care of their residents.”
