Governor Polis Welcomes Delegation from Yamagata Japan, Colorado’s First Sister-State; Reception Open to Press at 6:30 PM MT

DENVER - Governor Jared Polis welcomed a delegation from Yamagata, Japan, Colorado's first Sister-State. Governor Polis met with his counterpart, Governor Mieko Yoshimura, Governor of the Yamagata Prefecture since 2009. They both signed a joint proclamation celebrating Forty Years of Colorado and Yamagata Friendship Day.

Both Governors will be giving remarks on the importance of this relationship tonight at 6:30 PM, at the Governor's Residence at Boettcher Mansion, 400 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80203. Remarks will be given in the Palm Room. Press must RSVP to Ally Sullivan at [email protected]

"We are excited to welcome our partners from Japan to share how our two regions have grown since this important partnership began 40 years ago. In the last four decades, Yamagata and Colorado have seen incredible growth, innovation and creativity, and strength in our cultures, our economies and our people. It feels fitting that as we celebrate 40 years of partnership, that we also are both celebrating our 150th birthdays. Thank you to Governor Yoshimura for your work to strengthen this shared connection. We look forward to the next 40 years of this Sister-State agreement and I encourage our next Governor to build on the strength of this connection," said Governor Polis.

Colorado and Yamagata established the sister-state relationship in 1986 under Governor Roy Romer. It has since earned the support of governor after governor because each generation has found new value in this important partnership.

Colorado's growth: When Colorado and Yamagata established this relationship in 1986, the state was home to about 3.2 million people. Today, nearly six million people call Colorado home. People have come from across the country and around the world for the high quality of life, love of the outdoors and the opportunity to build a good life in a strong, advanced economy.

Changing economy: Over the past 40 years, Colorado has grown into one of the best places to live, work and do business. From an economy rooted largely in agriculture, mining, oil and gas, Colorado has also built leading sectors in aerospace, renewable energy, information technology and advanced manufacturing. Colorado is also on the cutting edge of quantum technology, bringing together startups, universities, national laboratories and established companies to win the future and create the jobs of today and tomorrow.

Global connections: Denver International Airport opened in the mid-1990s and helped open Colorado's door to the world. Today, it is a major U.S. hub with 35 international nonstop flights, connecting Coloradans to communities around the globe and bringing the world to Colorado. The direct flight to Tokyo gives businesses, students, researchers and travelers an important bridge between Colorado and Japan.

Opportunities for future collaboration: Over the next 40 years, Colorado sees opportunities to expand tourism exchange, connect companies working in advanced manufacturing and clean energy, strengthen ties among our universities and research institutions and create more opportunities for student exchange. These partnerships can open the door to greater prosperity, stronger cultural understanding and new opportunities for people in both Colorado and Yamagata. ###