St. Louis and Stuttgart, Germany have enjoyed close ties for decades, with their sister cities’ relationship marking 65 years this year. The global relationship is one based on the exchange of cultural and educational information, says Susanne Evens, president of the nonprofit St. Louis-Stuttgart Sister Cities Committee.
This can look like exchanges for high school students, as exist between Lindbergh High School and Stuttgart High School, Evens explains. Or the programs between Circus Harmony of St. Louis and Circus Circuli of Stuttgart.
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“In the long run, it opens up people’s minds on how other countries are doing exchanges, education, arts,” Evens says. “It’s not only about high school and cultural exchanges. It helps both economies too to do these relationships.”
Why It Matters: International relationships require time and effort to develop, but can yield strong business ties once they’re established. Evens explains commerce becomes easier when there’s an intermediary or organization familiar with both cultures. Having grown up near Stuttgart before becoming a long-time resident of St. Louis, Evens can act as a conduit when a German company shows interest in locating here, or vice versa.
“I know the business culture in Germany and I know the business culture here in the United States. We make them feel welcome,” Evens says. “And the same thing when people contact me: Hey, we want to go to Stuttgart. What do you suggest?”
St. Louis now has 16 such Sister Cities relationships with communities across the world and is eyeing more within Africa. It’s something Evens is a staunch advocate for: “You can learn, how is it done in other cities? How do they attract business, how do they attract tourism?”
What’s Next: The St. Louis-Stuttgart Sister Cities Committee will celebrate the 65th anniversary of the two cities’ ties with a gala November 14, which will include a delegation from Stuttgart. Evens says that visit also includes tours of Energizer Park and Busch Stadium and a meeting with Mayor Cara Spencer. While Evens is proud of her work leading the committee for the past 20 years, she says she is both sad and relieved to be stepping down as president. Bob Case takes up the mantle next. Reflects Evens: “What I love about the Sister Cities, is you learn about all these other cultures, and you learn in the end, we’re all the same.”
