Atlanta
Atlanta is the State capital of Georgia. It is also its largest city and the principal trade and transportation centre of the southeastern United States. In 1996 the City hosted the summer Olympic Games.
Background to Twinning
Although Newcastle is officially twinned with Atlanta, the organisation and momentum behind the link was through the 'Friendship Force'. The first exchanges in 1977 were between 381 Americans and 381 people from the North East. Since then regular exchanges between Georgia and Newcastle have been organised by local members of the Friendship Force. A great many of these have developed into personal links. Following a return visit by President Jimmy Carter in 1987 the Lord Mayor (Derek Webster) visited Atlanta in 1988 and made initial contact with relevant business people. Further meetings were held in 1992 and an educational programme was developed with the first exchanges taking place between North Atlanta High School and the University of Northumbria Business School. The University of Northumbria has subsequently been designated as the European Centre of the University System of Georgia. This is part of a programme by the University System of Georgia to establish four centres of excellence in Europe, Africa, South America and Asia. Inward investment leads have also been generated.