Kingston, Ontario – February 9, 2024 – A delegation from Kingston was invited by Scottsdale, Arizona Mayor David Ortega to commemorate the 30th anniversary of sister city relations. The visit celebrated the long-standing bond between the two cities and new opportunities for strategic collaboration.
“Our sister city relationship has historically been on fostering cultural exchange. As we commemorated this milestone, we focussed on exploring avenues for economic development and reinforcing the ties that bind our business and health communities. This visit signifies our commitment to innovation and growth, paving the way for a future of continued partnerships and mutual success,” says Donna Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer, Kingston Economic Development.
The delegation included the mayor and members of the Scottsdale Sister City Committee along with representatives from Kingston Economic Development, Providence Care and Southeastern Ontario Academic Medical Organization engaged in a series of events and activities highlighting the rich cultural exchange that has defined the Kingston-Scottsdale relationship.
“As sister cities, both Kingston and Scottsdale have a shared focus on health care innovation and research. This trip helped set the foundation for some exciting economic development opportunities as we work to establish Kingston as a leader in health care innovation,” says Mayor Paterson, City of Kingston.
Over the past 30 years, Kingston and Scottsdale have fostered a relationship built on mutual respect, cultural exchange and collaborative efforts to address common challenges. This visit was an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of this partnership while looking at opportunities to collaborate on opportunities to advance the health innovation sector.
“I’ve been inspired by the enthusiasm of the Scottsdale community and their commitment to collaboration to help forge the future of healthcare. I look forward to strengthening our strategic relationships with Kingston Economic Development and our sister-city to enhance innovation and medical care in our communities,” Stacey Wolfrom, Director of Operations, Southeastern Ontario Academic Medical Organization (SEAMO).
The delegation participated in the Parada del Sol with Sister Cities Association and had tours and meetings with Canada Arizona Business Council, Mayo Clinic, Cure Corridor, Choose Scottsdale Economic Development Office, Phoenix Economic Development Council and Arizona State University and businesses in the health innovation industry.
During the visit, Mayor Paterson of City of Kingston spoke on a panel focused on Sister City relations at the International Economic Development Council Leadership Summit in Phoenix, Arizona.
“What Scottsdale has demonstrated is that passionate people can make things happen. At Providence Care, we are passionate about growing our research department. I’ve seen in real time in Scottsdale how the cross-pollination of ideas can accelerate research and technology integration to improve patient care. I’m so excited about what’s ahead for research in Kingston, in part because of what we experienced in our Sister City, Scottsdale Arizona,” says Allison Philpot, Executive Director – Medical Affairs, Patient Flow & Research, Providence Care.
Both cities recognize the potential for significant advancements in the health innovation sector and are committed to leveraging their collective expertise and resources to drive progress. The delegation engaged in strategic discussions, site visits and collaborative sessions with key stakeholders in Scottsdale’s renowned health innovation ecosystem. Building off Scottsdale’s successful program, Kingston is looking to establish itself as the Cure Corridor North.
For more information or to become involved in the Scottsdale Sister City Committee, please contact Nour Mazloum at Kingston Economic Development.
Media Contact:
Nour Mazloum
Marketing & Communications Manager
Kingston Economic Development Corporation
613-329-9270
mazloum@investkingston.ca
