Strengthening Ties: Formation of New Yantai Committee
Omaha Sister Cities is pleased to announce the formation of a new Yantai Committee, aimed at revitalizing and expanding Omaha’s longstanding relationship with Yantai, China. This initiative marks an exciting step forward in renewing cultural, educational, and economic exchanges between our two cities.
The Yantai–Omaha sister city partnership, established in 2004, has historically fostered strong connections in areas such as student exchange, business engagement, and municipal cooperation. With growing interest in reactivating these ties, the formation of this new committee will help formalize leadership, coordinate future activities, and engage the broader community in meaningful international outreach.
Initial planning discussions have been led by new co-chairs, Betty Chin and Xiaoming Yang and stakeholders with ties to both Omaha and Yantai. The committee will be responsible for identifying collaborative opportunities—ranging from virtual exchanges and educational programming to future delegations and cultural events—and supporting the development of sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships.
New committee members include: Betty K. Chin (Co-chair), CPM, BSN, BSED. Co-President: 2023-Current. Nebraska World Affairs Council, Xiaoming Yang Ph.D. (Co-chair) (Professor of business at University of Nebraska Omaha with focus on entrepreneurship and innovation) , Larry Uebner (banker and former OSCA president), Ed Morse JD (Creighton University law professor), Bruce Grogan (Director of Office of Global Engagement at University of Nebraska Medical Center), Maorong Jiang Ph.D. (Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Creighton University and its director of the Asian World Center), Vasili Sakkas (banker), Gloria Liu (Mandarin instructor at Creighton University), Ken Wise Ph.D. (retired professor of political science from Creighton University) and Jim Suttle, previous Omaha Mayor.
Community members with interest or experience in Chinese culture, education, business, or international relations are encouraged to get involved. Additional details about meeting dates, leadership roles, and planned activities will be shared in the coming weeks.
For more information or to express interest in participating, please contact Laura Willey at executivedirector@omahasistercities.com.
