Italian News

Angelo Vasta has proposed that Cedarburg Wisconsin and Corciano Italy become sister cities. Please read below the excerpt from the past Cedarburg council meeting.

Economic Development Coordinator Skalecki said she is appearing at this meeting in support of Council recognition of a Sister City relationship between Cedarburg and Corciano, Italy. She said that she looked into such a relationship at Mayor Myers’ request, working with Cedarburg resident Angelo Vasta. Mr. Vasta is president of the Umbria Group USA, moving to the United States from Corciano 17 years ago and moving to Cedarburg three years ago. Mr. Vasta said his family’s business works with U.S. universities to provide housing and travel accommodations to supplement and enhance their study abroad programs and also develops cultural programs for small groups and individuals. Since moving to Cedarburg, Mr. Vasta said that he has seen a lot of similarities between Cedarburg and Corciano. For example, Corciano is the oldest community in Italy and Cedarburg is one of the oldest communities in the State. Both communities are also very committed to arts and architecture.
Mr. Vasta said he met with Mayor Myers several months ago and proposed a Sister City relationship between the two communities. He has also spoken to the Mayor of Corciano, who is in favor of the idea. Mr. Vasta said that such a relationship could be a wonderful thing for Cedarburg and he is looking for the Council’s blessing.

Council Member Reimer asked if there would be any costs to the City. Mr. Vasta said he doesn’t see any costs other than the approximate cost of $360 to join the Sister Cities International program. He said that he hopes to get donations, sponsors, and grants to fund events and programs.

Matt Schultz, of the advertising firm Grace Under Pressure, said that he has been working with Mr. Vasta to find ways to make this relationship work. He said he will be reaching out to counterparts in Italy to stimulate awareness and interest between the two communities and to form an alliance.

Mr. Schultz said a lot of opportunities exist for tourism and educational exchanges that can be executed without a lot of cost to the City. Mayor Myers said he is asking the Council to make this arrangement formal. He said it will be up to the residents of Cedarburg to make the relationship work and be beneficial. Mayor Myers said that he sees a limited governmental role in this relationship. He said it will be a tool to reinforce the economic viability of the downtown.

Council Member Radtke said the ad hoc Downtown Master Plan Committee discussed this idea and thought it was a good one. Council Member Filter asked if more formal action will be taken at a later date. Mayor Myers said a formal resolution will be adopted by the Council at a later date and will be
done simultaneously with Corciano.

Mr. Vasta said he will be in Italy for a few weeks in June. He said that it would be wonderful for City Officials to meet with the Mayor of Corciano either in Italy or when she is in Chicago in July for an expo on the best towns in Italy.

Motion made by Council Member Filter, seconded by Council Member Radtke, to grant conceptual approval of a Sister City Relationship between the City of Cedarburg and the City of Corciano, Italy. Motion carried without a negative vote with Council Member Kinzel excused.