International Friendship Commission

The Commission shall have the responsibility to plan, coordinate and facilitate all visits between citizens of this community and the citizens of other similar cities from other countries; to encourage positive relations between this city and other similar cities from other countries; and, to develop any necessary programs to encourage and promote such activities.  The Commission shall have the authority to create and submit to the City Council for approval in the same manner as other City departments an annual budget for its activities; to generate revenues and expend funds in the same manner as other City departments; and, to employ a director whose employment, salary and duties shall be subject to the approval of the City Council. In addition, the Commission shall have the responsibility to promptly report all receipts and expenditures and submit any invoices evidencing these transactions to the City Administrator and to be guided by the City Administrator in all matters involving the receipt and expenditure of its funds.

The Winterset Friendship Exchange Commission works to increase the visibility of the friendship exchange program with Minami Alps Japan. The commission is also working to promote expanded commerce opportunities with not only our Sister City Minami Alps, but other foreign partners as well, including Hebei Province in China.