Delegation from Rouen France visits Cleveland City Hall
November 26, 2012
During World War I in 1918 surgeons George W. Crile, Frank E. Bunts and William E. Lower found themselves together in a US Army Hospital in the city of Rouen in the Normandy region of France. They witnessed the benefits of specialists working cooperatively and came up with ideas for a group medical practice. Three years later in 1921, the 3 surgeons and Dr. John Phillips incorporated the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and opened their medical practice, laboratory and research office at East 93rd St. and Euclid Avenue.
In 2008, the Cleveland-Rouen connection was re-established. The Northern Ohio Chapter of the French-American Chamber of Commerce (FACC) and the Lubrizol Corporation led an effort to connect Cleveland and Rouen as Sister Cities. Sister Cities International was created by President Eisenhower in 1956 to encourage prosperity and peace through cultural, educational, information and trade exchanges.
Cleveland Rouen Sister Cities plaque in City Hall
Larry Miller and Mr. Stéphane Bordier point to the Sister Cities plaque
The Jackson Administration, through the Office of Government Affairs and Chief Valarie McCall, has worked to restore and revitalize Cleveland's involvement with its Sister Cities. Cultural and educational exchange opportunities are sought but the business component is emphasized.
Valarie McCall, Chief of Government Affairs of the City of Cleveland, welcomed the delegation from Rouen and explained how Cleveland was built on and by immigrants.
Valarie McCall
Just as the Cleveland Clinic founders recognized the need for working together, cities like Cleveland need to exchange ideas and business with others, like Rouen, to survive in the global economy. Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and a delegation visited Rouen in 2008 and in 2009, Rouen's Mayor Valerie Fourneyron visited Cleveland with a dozen officials from Rouen's universities and economic development agencies.
Larry Miller, President of the French American Chamber of Commerce in Northern Ohio, welcomed the delegation from Rouen France at the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall. Miller lived and worked in Rouen for two years and has been President of the FACC since 2006. He helped organize a 'A Little Taste of Normandy' French Culinary and Nutrition Week that took place November 26-29, 2012.
FACC President Larry Miller
The week included a nutrition presentation to healthcare professionals at the Cleveland Clinic, cooking demonstrations by award-winning French chefs at the Tri-C Hospitality Management Center just off Public Square and various opportunities to sample and learn about Rouen food and cooking techniques.
In this video clip, Larry Miller told how the Northeast Ohio and Normandy regions both take food and health care seriously.
Delegation from Rouen France in Cleveland City Hall with FACC President Larry Miller and Cleveland Chief Valarie McCall
Introducing the delegation from Rouen
Mr. Richard Turco, Director of Economic Development, City of Rouen France spoke in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.
Mr. Richard Turco, Director of Economic Development, Rouen
Mr. Dominique Moulard, Chairman, Chamber of Crafts, City of Rouen France spoke and Larry Miller translated.
Mr. Dominique Moulard, Chairman, Chamber of Crafts, Rouen
Mr. Stéphane Bordier, Chairman, Director of Economic Development, Chamber of Crafts, City of Rouen France spoke next.
Mr. Stéphane Bordier, Chairman, Director of Economic Development, Chamber of Crafts, Rouen
Chief Valarie McCall with Mr. Richard Turco
Larry Miller, Mr. Stéphane Bordier, Valarie McCall and Mr. Dominique Moulard
Mr. Dominique Moulard, Valarie McCall and Mr. Richard Turco
