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PHOENIX SISTER CITIES

PHOENIX, AZ · EIN 510169319 · Form 990 · FY2021 · NTEE Q200 · International Affairs · Small ($100K-$1M) · phoenixsistercities.org
revenue
$360K
expenses
$326K
net assets
$200K
employees
4
volunteers
1,368
program ratio
85%
mission · from form 990

TO CREATE PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE RESIDENTS OF PHOENIX AND ITS SISTER CITIES

profile · synthesized from sources

Phoenix Sister Cities fosters relationships between the people of Phoenix, Arizona, and its international sister cities. The organization promotes cross-cultural understanding, municipal and technical cooperation, and business opportunities through various exchange programs and activities. It also serves as the official Office of Protocol for the City of Phoenix.

named programs · 7 · from sources

what they call their work

Chinese Week
A community event designed to increase community outreach and participation, transcending cultures.
Evening in Prague
A community event designed to increase community outreach and participation, transcending cultures.
French Week
A community event designed to increase community outreach and participation, transcending cultures.
Girl’s Day
A community event designed to increase community outreach and participation, transcending cultures.
Global Links Business Outlook Luncheon
A community event designed to increase community outreach and participation, transcending cultures, likely focusing on business and economic ties.
International Young Artist Competition
Provides youth with an opportunity to engage with international art and culture.
Youth Ambassador Exchange Program
Offers youth the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of multiple cultures through exchanges.
activities · 12 groups

what they do

  • Economic Partnership Development 8 activities
    • Business and Trade Development
      The organization promotes business development between Phoenix and its sister cities through trade missions, business forums, and economic partnership agreements.
    • Establish and Maintain Sister City Relationships
      Phoenix Sister Cities establishes and maintains official sister city relationships with international cities to foster cultural, educational, and economic ties.
    • Official Delegations and Working Visits
      Phoenix Sister Cities conducts official delegations and working visits to sister cities to strengthen relationships, discuss plans, and facilitate various programs.
    • Organize Delegations and Official Visits
      Organizes and hosts official delegations and working visits between Phoenix and its sister cities to strengthen relationships and discuss future plans.
    • Promote Business and Economic Development
      Promotes business development and economic ties between Phoenix and its sister cities through trade missions, business forums, and economic partnership agreements.
    • Promote International Business Development
      Promotes business development and economic partnerships between Phoenix and its sister cities through trade missions, business forums, and agreements.
    • Promote international business and economic development
      Supports economic ties through trade missions, business forums, and commercial delegations, such as the 2016 business delegation to Hermosillo and ongoing business development initiatives with Calgary.
    • Promote international business and economic development
      Facilitates trade missions, business forums, and economic partnerships between Phoenix and sister cities, including a commercial delegation to Hermosillo and ongoing business development initiatives with Calgary.
  • Sister City Relationship Management 8 activities
    • Establish and Maintain Sister City Relationships
      Establishes and maintains official sister city relationships with international cities to foster cultural, educational, and economic ties.
    • Establish and Maintain Sister City Relationships
      Establishes and maintains official sister city relationships with international cities to foster cultural, educational, and economic ties.
    • Establish and maintain sister city relationships
      Establishes formal sister city partnerships with international cities including Chengdu (China), Calgary (Canada), Hermosillo (Mexico), Himeji (Japan), Catania (Italy), and Grenoble (France), and conducts reaffirmation ceremonies and high-level delegations to sustain these relationships.
    • Establish and maintain sister city relationships
      Establishes formal sister city partnerships with international cities including Chengdu (China), Calgary (Canada), Hermosillo (Mexico), Himeji (Japan), Catania (Italy), Grenoble (France), and Ennis (Ireland), and conducts ongoing relationship management through delegations, reaffirmations, and anniversary celebrations.
    • Facilitate International Delegations and Visits
      Facilitates visits and exchanges for municipal and citizen delegations, including organizing itineraries and hosting events to strengthen sister city ties.
    • Host commemorative and ceremonial events
      Organizes milestone celebrations such as the 40th-anniversary events for the Himeji sister city relationship, including a tree planting ceremony, anniversary dinner, and cultural performances.
    • Host international delegations and visits
      Arranges and hosts visits for international delegations from sister cities, including organized tours of cultural and natural sites, participation in local events, and meetings with municipal officials, such as the 12-day visit by representatives from Catania and working visits to Calgary.
    • Strengthen cultural ties through symbolic and civic rituals
      Conducts ceremonial activities such as tree planting at the Phoenix Japanese Friendship Garden and hosting anniversary dinners to reinforce sister city bonds and civic diplomacy.
  • International Disability Advocacy Conferences & Competitions 5 activities
    • Disability Awareness and Accessibility Initiatives
      The organization promotes disability awareness and accessibility through international competitions for writers with disabilities and participation in conferences on universal design and accessibility.
    • Facilitate accessibility and disability awareness exchanges
      Coordinates international exchanges focused on disability awareness, including sending delegations to Europe-wide accessibility conferences and promoting inclusive design through participation in international competitions and cross-border collaboration.
    • Recognize international achievements in disability and arts
      Administers international competitions and awards, such as honoring Catania writer Valeria Pace with an Honorable Mention Certificate in the Phoenix Disability Committee International Competition for Writers with Disabilities.
    • Support International Competitions and Awards
      Supports and participates in international competitions and awards, such as the International Young Artist Competition and competitions for writers with disabilities.
    • Support accessibility and disability inclusion through international exchange
      Sends joint delegations with the Disabilities Awareness Committee to international conferences, such as in Grenoble, to present on accessibility, universal design, and inclusion for individuals with visual impairments.
  • Youth Engagement & Cultural Preservation Programs 3 activities
    • Facilitate Youth and Education Exchange Programs
      Offers youth and education programs, including student and teacher exchanges, workshops, and competitions, to broaden knowledge of multiple cultures and promote international understanding.
    • Facilitate Youth and Student Exchange Programs
      Organizes and facilitates youth and student exchange programs, including ambassador exchanges, school shadowing experiences, and cultural immersion programs, to broaden knowledge of multiple cultures.
    • Youth and Education Exchange Programs
      The organization offers various youth and education programs, including student and teacher exchanges, youth ambassador programs, and international young artist competitions, to broaden cultural knowledge.
  • Youth Toy and Essential Goods Distribution 3 activities
    • Humanitarian and Community Support
      Phoenix Sister Cities engages in humanitarian efforts and community support initiatives, such as holiday toy drives, domestic violence shelter exchanges, and fundraising for international relief efforts.
    • Support Social and Humanitarian Initiatives
      Supports social and humanitarian initiatives, including holiday toy drives, exchange programs for domestic violence shelters, and fundraising for refugee programs.
    • Support Social and Humanitarian Initiatives
      Supports social and humanitarian causes, including organizing toy drives, facilitating exchange programs for domestic violence shelters, and raising funds for refugee programs.
  • Cultural Heritage Festivals & Celebrations 3 activities
    • Organize Cultural Events and Festivals
      Organizes and hosts various cultural events, festivals, and celebrations, such as Chinese Week, Canada Week, Bastille Day, Beaujolais Nouveau Day, and the Arizona Matsuri Festival, to promote cross-cultural understanding.
    • Organize cultural events and festivals
      Hosts and participates in large-scale cultural events such as Chinese Week, French Week, Evening in Prague, Canada Week, WorldFEST, Arizona Matsuri Festival, and virtual celebrations for Bastille Day and Beaujolais Nouveau Day to promote cross-cultural engagement.
    • Organize cultural events and festivals
      Hosts and participates in culturally themed events such as Chinese Week, French Week, Evening in Prague, Canada Week (including Great Canadian Picnic and Can-Am Golf Tournament), Arizona Matsuri Festival, and virtual celebrations for Bastille Day and Beaujolais Nouveau Day.
  • Youth Civic Leadership Development 2 activities
    • Deliver youth education and cultural workshops
      Conducts educational workshops for youth on topics such as speech and debate at Phoenix City Hall and supports youth cultural learning through programs like the Youth Ambassador Exchange and International Young Artist Competition.
    • Deliver youth education and leadership programs
      Conducts workshops and educational events for youth on topics such as speech and debate at Phoenix City Hall and supports international youth competitions and ambassador programs to broaden cultural understanding.
  • Youth and Community Cultural Exchange Programs 2 activities
    • Facilitate youth and student exchange programs
      Organizes cross-cultural student exchanges between Phoenix and sister cities, including programs with Calgary, Himeji, and Grenoble, and provides shadowing and cultural immersion opportunities for students from Brophy College Prep and Central High School.
    • Facilitate youth and student exchange programs
      Organizes cross-cultural student exchanges between Phoenix and sister cities, including structured programs with schools in Calgary, Grenoble (Lycée André Argouges), and Himeji, as well as shadowing experiences and cultural immersion activities for students.
  • Community Art Exhibitions & Festivals 2 activities
    • Support cultural and artistic exchanges
      Coordinates international artist exchanges, including sending muralist Lucretia Torva to Grenoble and hosting a Grenoble artist in Phoenix, and arranges for cultural performances such as Mariachi de Tempe at Chengdu’s Youth Music Festival.
    • Support cultural arts exchanges
      Coordinates international cultural arts exchanges, including sending Mariachi de Tempe to Chengdu’s Youth Music Festival, facilitating mural artist exchanges with Grenoble, and hosting performances by Japanese folk artists and Native Spirit dance duo.
  • Holiday Gift and Family Support Programs 1 activity
    • Conduct humanitarian and community support initiatives
      Organizes charitable activities such as the Holiday Toy Drive for De Colores shelter, Angel Tree distributions during the pandemic, and a $2,500 donation to the Red Cross of Catania raised through the 'March in March' walkathon.
  • Organized Cultural Exchange Trips 1 activity
    • Host international delegations and cultural visits
      Arranges comprehensive visits for international guests from sister cities, including delegations from Himeji and Catania, with tours of cultural and natural sites such as the Heard Museum, Grand Canyon, and Sedona.
  • Uncategorized 9 activities
    • Conduct humanitarian and community support initiatives
      Runs charitable programs including the Holiday Toy Drive for De Colores shelter, an Angel Tree program during the pandemic, and a $2,500 donation to the Red Cross of Catania for refugee support, often in partnership with sister city committees.
    • Cultural Exchange Events and Festivals
      Phoenix Sister Cities organizes and hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals, both locally and internationally, to promote cross-cultural understanding and celebrate diverse traditions.
    • Facilitate Cultural and Educational Workshops
      Conducts workshops and educational sessions, such as speech and debate workshops, to enhance skills and foster cultural exchange among students.
    • Host large-scale public engagement events
      Organizes major public events such as WorldFEST at the Arizona State Fair, featuring informational booths from multiple sister city committees, and annual wine tastings highlighting Sicilian wines from Catania.
    • Organize Cultural Events and Festivals
      Organizes and hosts various cultural events and festivals, both locally and internationally, to celebrate and share diverse cultures with the public.
    • Organize specialty cultural programming
      Hosts recurring events such as the annual Sicilian wine tasting organized by the Catania Committee to highlight regional culture and strengthen sister city ties.
    • Promote Arts and Culture
      Promotes artistic and cultural exchange through initiatives such as organizing mural artist exchanges, supporting international art competitions, and showcasing traditional performances.
    • Promote Cultural Awareness through Events
      Organizes specific events to promote cultural awareness, such as wine tasting events highlighting regional wines and providing items for international charity raffles.
    • Support youth with special needs through sister city programs
      Facilitates participation of severely burned youth from Calgary in Camp Courage, providing cross-border support and inclusion opportunities for vulnerable youth populations.
financials · form 990 · fy2021
revenue
Total revenue$360K
Contributions & grants$95K26%
Program service revenue$266K74%
Investment income$1000%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$326K
Program expenses85%
Admin / overhead15%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$67K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineOther
balance sheet
Total assets$231K
Cash$181K
Investments$0
Liabilities$31K
Net assets$200K
Liquid reserves6.7 mo
4 years on record · 2019–2021 · YoY revenue +84.7%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2021

who runs it

paid leadership · 2
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
RITA MARKO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 0 $184K
RICK GERRARD VICE PRESIDENT 0 $175K
board members · 23
  • ADAM HAWKINS — COMMITTEE CHAIR
  • AKRAM ROSHEIDAT — COMMITTEE CHAIR
  • AMILYN PIERCE — COMMISSION MEMB
  • BOB ALBERT — COMMITTEE CHAIR
  • BRIAN FOSTER — Chair Emeritus
  • BRUCE MEYERSON — Secretary
  • CAMILLE KING — COMMITTEE CHAIR
  • CHIKO SWINEY — CHAIR
  • CHRISTOPHER CURTIN — COMMISSION MEMB
  • DIANNA NOLI HILL — COMMITTEE CHAIR
  • EDNA SITELMAN — COMMITTEE CHAIR
  • EMILIO GAYNOR — COMMISSION MEMB
  • FRANCESCA MILLER — COMMISSION MEMB
  • JACOB HEINRICH — COMISSION MEMB
  • JACQUELINE PALMENBERG — Treasurer
  • JENNIFER DOAN-RICHARDSON — COMMISSION MEMB
  • JOE KIERNAN — COMMITTEE CHAIR
  • KARL OBERGH — COMMISSION MEMB
  • LIN LING LEE — COMMISSION MEMB
  • LINDA BRADY — COMMISSION MEMB
  • LOUIE LUJAN — COMMISSION MEMB
  • MARTY WEEMS — COMMISSION MEMB
  • MARY JANE TRUNZO — COMMITTEE CHAIR
relationships · 57

who they work with

  • Accent Concerts Partner — Partnered to arrange for Mariachi de Tempe to participate in Chengdu’s annual Youth Music Festival.
  • Alliance Française of Greater Phoenix Partner — Janine Bobin, Grenoble Committee Chair for Phoenix Sister Cities, is also President and Executive Director of Alliance Française of Greater Phoenix.
  • Arizona American Italian Club Partner — Encourages individuals to join the club to learn more about Italian culture.
  • Arizona Chinese Mandarin and Culture Academy Partner — Wen Chyi Chiu, Taipei Committee Chair for Phoenix Sister Cities, is the current Principal of Arizona Chinese Mandarin and Culture Academy.
  • Arizona State University Partner — Emilio Gaynor, a Board Member for Phoenix Sister Cities, serves as a consultant to Arizona State University to expand the competitiveness of the West Valley of Greater Phoenix in high tech and entrepreneurship.
  • ArtLink Partner — Oscar De las salas, a Commission Member for Phoenix Sister Cities, is a board member with ArtLink.
  • Associazione Catania & Sister Cities Partner — Vice-President Salvo Vazzana and his wife Gina visited Phoenix to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the sister-city relationship.
  • BRH2 Plastics Factory Partner — Enterprise developed by a combination of Phoenix and Hermosillo investment, manufacturing plastic parts for companies like Ford Motor Company.
  • Boon, Inc. Partner — Arizona-based company that receives plastic parts and products manufactured by BRH2 Plastics Factory.
  • Calgary Partner — Sister City in Canada
  • Camp Courage Partner — Facilitates the annual participation of severely burned Calgary youth in Camp Courage.
  • Casa Esperanza Partner — Domestic violence shelter in Hermosillo included in an exchange program.
  • Catania Partner — Sister City in Italy
  • Central High School Partner — Participated in a cross-cultural student exchange program with Lycée André Argouges in Grenoble.
  • Chengdu Partner — Sister City in China
  • Chicanos Por La Causa Partner — Emilio Gaynor, Phoenix – Hermosillo Sister Cities Committee Chair, runs regional business development at this organization.
  • Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. Partner — Emilio Gaynor, a Board Member for Phoenix Sister Cities, previously served as Senior Vice President at Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. for 9 years.
  • Chinese Linguistic School of Phoenix Partner — Sally Chen, a Commission Member for Phoenix Sister Cities, has served on the Board of Chinese Linguistic School of Phoenix since 2014 as Bylaw Director, Chairwoman, and Advisor.
  • City of Calgary Partner — Signed a sister cities agreement with Phoenix in 1997.
  • City of Hermosillo Partner — Partner city with Phoenix, established in 1976, and signatory to the Global Cities Economic Partnership agreement.
  • De Colores Partner — Domestic & Sexual Violence Shelter in Central Phoenix that benefits from the Holiday Toy Drive and exchange programs.
  • Ennis Partner — Sister City in Ireland
  • Ennis, Ireland Partner — Sister city partner focused on cultural exchange, particularly in music and community engagement.
  • FOUND:RE Partner — Provided special room rates for the municipal delegation.
  • Ford Motor Company Stamping and Assembly Plant Partner — Receives plastic parts and products manufactured by BRH2 Plastics Factory in Hermosillo.
  • Freeport-McMoRan Partner — Sandy Casement, a Commission Member for Phoenix Sister Cities, is a Government Relations Advisor at Freeport-McMoRan.
  • Friends of Phoenix Public Art Partner — Oscar De las salas, a Commission Member for Phoenix Sister Cities, is a board member with Friends of Phoenix Public Art.
  • Gensler Phoenix Partner — Oscar De las salas, a Commission Member for Phoenix Sister Cities, serves as Design Manager, Business Development lead, and Client Relationships Manager in the Gensler Phoenix office.
  • Global Federation of Chinese Business Woman Arizona Chapter Partner — Wen Chyi Chiu, Taipei Committee Chair for Phoenix Sister Cities, is the Founding Executive Board Member and President for Global Federation of Chinese Business Woman Arizona Chapter.
  • Global Ties Arizona Partner — Emilio Gaynor, a Board Member for Phoenix Sister Cities, is a board member of Global Ties Arizona.
+ 27 more