The Greater Gainesville International Center (GGIC) recently won an award at the 70th annual Sister Cities International Homecoming for its partnership with São José do Rio Preto, Brazil.
The two cities began their partnership in 2024 and have led delegations back and forth since then. GGIC and São José do Rio Preto won the Innovation in Business, Trade and Professional Exchange award for cities between 100,000 and 300,000 in population.
Former Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe leads the GGIC as executive director and participated in the delegation to Brazil in March 2024, along with UF professor Welson Tremura, who grew up in São José do Rio Preto, City Commissioner Bryan Eastman, Oṣubi Craig of the University of Florida Center for Arts, Migration and Entrepreneurship and Lisa Dias of the UF International Center.
“This award belongs to everyone who has given their time and expertise to build this partnership,” Poe said in a press release. “The relationship between Gainesville and São José do Rio Preto exists because of the dedication of our volunteers, our local government partners, and our friends in Brazil, and this recognition reflects their work as much as GGIC’s.”
According to the release, the GGIC has assisted the city’s mayors to develop a comprehensive set of goals and a work plan to advance economic development, cultural exchange and sports diplomacy.
The GGIC said it considers the award the beginning of a productive partnership between Gainesville and São José do Rio Preto.