Greater Lafayette mayors: What happens globally matters locally

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LAFAYETTE, Ind. − The mayors of Lafayette and West Lafayette issued proclamations prior to a global leadership summit Tuesday advancing the economic, health and security interests of the two Tippecanoe County cities.

Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski and West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis issued separate proclamations declaring Tuesday, August 30, 2022, as U.S. Heartland Global Leadership Day, coinciding with U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s 2022 Heartland Summit hosted in-person and virtually Tuesday across three Heartland cities: Minnetonka, Minnesota; West Lafayette, and Wichita, Kansas.

West Lafayette John Dennis in his West Lafayette office Thursday, June 16, 2022.
West Lafayette John Dennis in his West Lafayette office Thursday, June 16, 2022.

“It is impressive to see leaders like Mayor Roswarski and Mayor Dennis speak out in celebration of U.S. Heartland Global Leadership Day, but I am not surprised,” said Liz Schrayer, president and CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, in a press release.

Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski shares some words at the Habitat for Humanity Restore Build House Blessing, June 28, 2022, in Lafayette, Ind.
Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski shares some words at the Habitat for Humanity Restore Build House Blessing, June 28, 2022, in Lafayette, Ind.

“Mayor Roswarski and Mayor Dennis," Schrayer continued, "clearly understand that what happens globally matters locally here in Lafayette and West Lafayette and across the Heartland and that America’s investments in diplomacy and development are critical to advancing the health, economic, and security interests of our local communities. Citizens across the region can be proud of the rich history in making the world a better, safer place, and the contribution of America’s Heartland states.”

The proclamations from Roswarski and Dennis, nearly identical, celebrated connections Lafayette has with sister cities worldwide, such as Shandong, China, and Ōta, Gumma, Japan. The mayors also highlighted enrollment at Indiana universities, including Purdue, which include more than 28,000 international students each year, adding $921 million to Indiana's economy.

Roswarski and Dennis joined 35 mayors and governors in 11 states celebrating U.S. Heartland Global Leadership Day, as organized by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Greater Lafayette mayors: What happens globally matters locally