BROWARD COUNTY, FL - The Interim President and CEO
of Sister Cities International, Dr. Ricki Garrett, will be a featured speaker at the 8th Annual
Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE) taking place this week
October 4-5 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale | Broward County Convention Center
in Fort Lauderdale. Broward County Commissioner Mark D. Bogen will introduce
Garrett who will provide welcome remarks during opening ceremonies between
8:30-9:45AM on Thursday, October 5. On September 19, 2023, the Broward County Commission approved Broward County's membership with Sister Cities International - the nonprofit organization founded in 1956 by former President Dwight D. Eisenhower to promote economic development, education, culture and resilience programs and exchange.
"Broward County's participation with Sister Cities
International provides an opportunity for the County to export the best of what
we have to offer while we build and strengthen relationships across borders,"
said Commissioner Bogen. "The County Commission understands the potential of
this organization to additionally cultivate international economic development
opportunities that will reverberate positively across South Florida. And for
that reason, on September 19, the Board unanimously approved Broward County's
membership," added Commissioner Bogen.
"We celebrate our partnership with Sister Cities
International as it provides even more prospects for collaboration," said
Sandy-Michael E. McDonald, Director of the Broward County Office of Economic
and Small Business Development. "At FITCE, attendees will learn about how they
can get involved while exploring business, trade and community development
opportunities with this internationally recognized organization," said
McDonald.
For a complete list of attending dignitaries, notable speakers, visit the FITCE website. Find additional event activities and agenda here. General admission is free. On-site registration will be available at the event. For more information about FITCE 2023, call 954-357-6400.
About the Office of Economic and Small Business Development
(OESBD)
The Office of Economic and Small Business Development is
responsible for promoting economic development and supporting Broward County's
small businesses. Areas of focus include workforce development, business
expansion and retention, small business growth, business development and
outreach, international trade and export readiness, entrepreneurial
development, and promoting Broward County as a film destination. Services are
delivered by the agency and through partnerships with federal, state, local and
private sector organizations. The office promotes equal access to Broward
County's procurement opportunities for small business enterprises in local and
federal small business programs and helps position small businesses and
aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of opportunities and grow their
businesses beyond Broward. Like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X
(formerly known as Twitter). Call 954-357-6400 for more information or visit
Broward.org/EconDev.
About Sister Cities International
Founded as a Presidential Initiative by Dwight D. Eisenhower
in 1956, Sister Cities International serves as the national membership
organization for 465 U.S. communities with more than 1,800 partnerships in more
than 138 countries on six continents. The Sister City network unites tens of
thousands of citizen diplomats and volunteers who work tirelessly to promote
the organization's mission of creating world peace and understanding through
programs and projects focusing on arts and culture, youth and education,
business and trade and community development.
October 3, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: Monique S. Headley, MSOL
Public Information Officer/Community Relations and Outreach
Manager
954-357-6400