Madison-Obihiro Sister Cities, Inc.

Hosted 9 delegations since December 2003. More than 60 people have traveled from Obihiro for 4 to 7-day cultural, professional, and civic
exchanges, 4 of whom returned to Madison for a second visit.

Enjoyed 5 community festivals (including Celebrate Madison! events and International Day at Kennedy School). Co-sponsored a booth with Obihiro-Madison Koryu Association at Madison's Food for Thought Festival in 2005.Chef Tatsue Nagaya shared Obihiro's culture by preparing their local specialty dish, butadon.

Trained 34 individuals (who traveled to Madison in 2004, '05, '06, and '07)
on our community-based, consumer-centered system of mental health delivery. Beginning in 2006, study groups were expanded to included 4 mental health consumers, in addition to psychiatrists, psychologists,
social workers, nurses, and occupational therapists.

Three representatives from Madison-Obihiro Sister Cities, Inc. traveled to Obihiro on a 10-day mental health study exchange in 2006. While there,
they toured facilities, met with professionals and consumers, and presented forums on community-based, consumer-centered mental health programs to more than 100 health professionals.

Participated in 2 agricultural exchange visits, with 9 individuals from Obihiro and the Tokachi area visiting Madison.

Secured a grant from Madison South Rotary Foundation for youth programs; created a video and pen pal program and began a student exchange.

Hosted an informal tea, a formal Sister City Signing Ceremony, and a luncheon program at Olbrich Botanical Center and Gardens on October 25, 2006. More than 80 individuals attended the signing ceremony, including
17 people from Obihiro.

In Summer 2007, 2 Madison area students (one middle schooler and one
high school student) traveled to Obihiro on exchange. They had a great time
learning about the region, the people, and the culture.