New Consul General Looks to Strengthen Ties with New Glarus
From student exchanges and agriculture to cultural traditions and a first taste of Spotted Cow, Switzerland's new Consul General in Chicago says New Glarus is much more than a historic settlement. He sees it as a living bridge between two countries.
When Beat Schmid accepted his appointment as Switzerland's new Consul General in Chicago, he knew he was heading somewhere entirely new.
The veteran Swiss diplomat had spent much of his career serving in Asia and had never visited the American Midwest before arriving earlier this year. Now, one of his priorities is getting to know one of the region's most recognizable Swiss communities: New Glarus.
"I had actually never been to the American Midwest before taking up this assignment," Schmid said. "One of the main attractions of this posting was the opportunity to experience something completely new."
As consul general, Schmid represents Switzerland throughout an 11-state Midwest region. His office works to strengthen diplomatic, economic, educational and cultural relationships between Switzerland and the United States while promoting Swiss business, tourism, innovation and exchanges with state and local governments. The office also serves as an important link with Swiss-American organizations and communities that continue to celebrate their Swiss roots.
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