[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1072]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 2018 SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE COFFMAN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 25, 2018

  Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 2018 Sister 
Cities International Annual Conference. For 2018, the conference will 
take place in my hometown of Aurora, Colorado, from the 2nd to the 4th 
of August. This is both Aurora's and Colorado's first time hosting this 
important international conference. I look forward to participating in 
it as a guest and as a speaker.
  First established in 1984, the Sister Cities International Annual 
Conference joins together numerous government officials, national 
leaders, business leaders, and diplomats for dialogue on many important 
global issues. The focus of this year's conference is Cities Leading 
the Way. It will showcase how, ``in an era of unrest, cities across the 
globe are leading efforts to create smarter, healthier, more inclusive, 
and more innovative communities.''
  I am proud to attend this prestigious event and look forward to 
observing how its participants will offer ideas on how to resolve 
important global issues and promote cross-cultural dialogue at the 
highest level. Colorado is a world leader in a variety of fields, 
including agriculture, energy, medical research, natural resources, and 
tourism. There are numerous tours and guest speakers Colorado will 
provide to inform and assist the participants as they develop ideas and 
solutions. I am confident that all will look back upon the conclusion 
of the conference and recognize that Aurora was a wonderful place to 
meet.
  The Conference made the decision to award the 2018 event to Aurora 
thanks to the efforts of many, but I want to note particularly the 
leadership of my late friend and Aurora's biggest booster, Mayor 
Stephen Hogan. I know it would have meant a great deal to Mayor Hogan 
to have participated in and to have opened this conference. I am 
confident that Aurora's new Mayor, Bob LeGare, will ensure that it will 
be a great success. Finally, I wish to recognize the work of Sister 
Cities International led by Board Chair, Tim Quigley, and Aurora Sister 
Cities International led by Board Chair, Dr. Christopher Ward.

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