Update: Sister City program fosters international relationships


Ilmenau Logo



(Update: September 30, 2019 - Blue Ash)

View the slideshow of the Sister City visit here and above. 

(September 16, 2019 - Blue Ash) 

Fourteen delegates and citizens from Blue Ash’s Sister City, Ilmenau, Germany, will be traveling to the City of Blue Ash for an educational, cultural experience that will foster international relationships.

From September 18 through September 25, the group will explore local government, businesses, services, and amenities through immersive activities and events. They will learn from city leaders in one-on-one sessions, tour Blue Ash-area businesses, visit Sycamore Schools, participate in Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, tour the American Sign Museum, and even travel to the Dayton area for the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

The Sister City program gives government, business, and educational leaders a unique perspective on different ways to provide service to citizens and allows for a distinctive cultural exchange.

The exchange typically occurs annually with alternating visits to Blue Ash and Ilmenau every other year. While no exchange occurred in 2018, Blue Ash was represented at the “Year of Germany in the U.S.” event held in Indianapolis in October of 2018.

Ilmenau, Germany is a community 20 square miles in size with a population of 36,000. Ilmenau is located in the German state of Thuringia (in the middle of Germany) and has a 40-member Council representing nine political parties. The City of Blue Ash and Ilmenau are celebrating the 17th year of their twinning as Sister Cities. 

The Blue Ash Sister City Program is supported by The City of Blue Ash, Cincinnati Concession Company, Fretboard Brewing Company, Dinsmore and Shohl, and MKSK.