FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 7, 2014
MEDIA CONTACT
Anita Gallagher, Office of Mayor Marilyn Strickland,
anita.gallagher@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5166
Mayor Marilyn Strickland Establishes Commission on International Relations
Tacoma, Wash. -- Mayor Marilyn Strickland has convened a new Commission on International Relations. This group has been tasked with developing a unified agenda and strategy for international relations that will promote education, the arts, tourism and economic development in Tacoma. It is comprised of individuals representing organizations and businesses that work with or serve foreign markets, and have been chosen by Strickland.
Members of the Commission on International Relations include:
- Connie Bacon, Commissioner, Port of Tacoma
- Bennish Brown, Travel Tacoma
- Brian Ebersole, Sister Cities Council
- Michael Fowler, World Trade Center Tacoma
- Josh Garcia, Tacoma Public Schools
- Marcia Garrett, World Affairs Council
- Eric Hahn, General Plastics
- Blaine Johnson, Small Business Owner
- Clare Petrich, Commissioner, Port of Tacoma, and Sister Cities Council
- Louise Tieman, World Trade Center Tacoma
- Mary Trimarco, Washington State Department of Commerce
- Jim Tsang, Innova Architects
- Derek Young, Exit 133
- Clay Zhang, Gladstone Properties
“I convened the Commission on International Relations because I saw potential for more coordination between the various groups and businesses that have a stake in international relations,” said Strickland. “This Commission will work together to identify opportunities for raising Tacoma’s profile as an international port city with the ultimate goal of attracting more investment into our city.”
“Not a single member of the Mayor’s new Commission wants Tacoma to continue being the world’s best kept secret,” said Port Commissioner and Sister Cities Council Co-Vice Chair Clare Petrich. “We are North America’s third largest trade gateway, and we have extraordinary sights for tourists from all over the world to visit. It’s time to toot Tacoma’s global horn.”
The Commission on International Relations had its first meeting on Oct. 2, 2014.
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