Ballard Serious About International Ties

(posted Nov 19)

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard is serious about leading Indianapolis into a global market. It is Ballard's intention that forging international ties will become part of his legacy as mayor. "We will become a much more international city in the next four years."

To demonstrate his intent, the Mayor proclaimed November 18 as Consular Corp Day in Indianapolis. He honored 13 dignitaries from different countries at the Allison Mansion. Among the 13 were representatives from Japan, Italy, Denmark, and Germany.

Mayor Ballard said the city has been behind in establishing international ties in the form of Sister City relationships. The city currently has four sister cities, Cologne, Germany; Monza, Italy; Piran, Slovenia and Taipei, Taiwan.

He explained sister city relationships have been proven to be beneficial in the areas of business, education and cultural exchanges. He plans an "aggressive" approach to increase the number of sister cities to eight during his administration. Ballard plans his first international visit to China and Japan within a few weeks.

"Indianapolis is way behind our Midwestern counterparts in developing these relationships, both in the numbers and in the length of time they have been in place. The problem therefore, is one of perception. If we don't open our door to these relationships, we will be quickly regarded as late to the game."

He wants Indianapolis to be able to provide the solutions that prevent foreign countries from doing business in the US. He believes the future standard of living will be contingent upon the city's ability to garner the global market. His solution also includes the ability to provide a skilled work force and to promote the City's transportation logistics.

He said that the city has been working to understand its own residents' cultural diversity, demonstrated this fall with the first Chinese Festival. Chinese citizens have resided in the city for a long time, but "they have never had a festival all of their own."

"In some circles I've been criticized" for wanting to create a Chinatown. However, a "Chinatown already exist in the hearts and minds" of the Chinese people.

Paul Roland, former Honorary Vice Consul of Indianapolis for the Republic of Italy, said he was personally involved with helping Lilly find a location in Florence to build a European distribution center. Roland does not have an office in Indianapolis, but instead reports to the Italian Consulate located in Detroit that oversees Indiana.

Sven Schumacher, Indianapolis-Cologne Sister City Partnership Committee Chairman, came to America 23 years ago as a social worker. Schumacher is the chief executive officer of the Foundation for Lutheran Child and Family Services. Part of his responsibilities are to assist German citizens with notary issues and public diplomacy. Cologne became a sister city to Indianapolis 20 years ago.

Algeania Freeman, president of Martin University, said it is important for students to be able to interact with diverse cultures since the world is moving towards a global market. She said the university received a $1.2 million grant from the Department of Education for international studies. The university plans to take students on two international trips related to science and technology. The university is part of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program.

David Kosene, president of International School, said the private school has been open for 15 years, serving pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. He said the school teaches with a global point of view, not only in its curriculum, but by integrating the students in a holistic development.