FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC (August 8, 2014) – The Honorable Norman Y. Mineta was awarded Sister Cities International’s 2014 Michael A. Guido Distinguished Leadership Award. The award was presented to him at a special ceremony on Saturday, August 2, during Sister Cities International’s 2014 Annual Conference in San Jose, California.
Hon. Mineta has been a long-time supporter of cultural and economic development exchanges through sister cities and sister states programs. “As a local, national and international leader, Hon. Mineta’s support has not only been exemplified in leadership roles but has also been demonstrated in his service on Sister Cities International’s Board of Directors,” said Sister Cities International President and CEO, Mary D. Kane.
Accepting his Award, Hon. Mineta said, “It is an honor to receive the 2014 Michael A. Guido Distinguished Leadership Award.” He added, “It is inspiring to see how this citizen diplomacy movement has grown and strengthened over the years.” In a distinguished public service career, Hon. Mineta has served as Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Commerce, Congressman (CA-13), and Mayor of San Jose, CA.
The Michael A. Guido Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional support to the sister city and citizen diplomacy movement, and have distinguished themselves as outstanding global leaders. Previous recipients include, Governor Terry Branstad, former Mayor Richard Daley, Representative Donald Payne of New Jersey, and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson.
Sister Cities International’s 58th Annual Conference, July 31-August 2, 2014, brought together elected and municipal officials, engaged citizens, diplomats, and business leaders in the exciting capital of Silicon Valley to discuss, “The Power of Digital Diplomacy”. Conference sessions provided attendees with opportunities to learn about strengthening their sister city programs through informative sessions led by experts and industry leaders.
For more information about the Award and the Conference, please contact Megha Swamy at [email protected] or call 202-347-8630.
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About Sister Cities International
Founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, Sister Cities International serves as the national membership organization for over 500 individual sister cities, counties, and states across the United States with relationships in 2,000 communities in 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, economic and sustainable development, and humanitarian assistance.
Facebook: Sister Cities International; Twitter: @SisterCitieslnt; Website: www.sistercities.org
MEDIA CONTACT
Megha Swamy
[email protected]
202-347-8637
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