In the autumn of 2006, a significant step towards international cooperation was initiated when Taras Fedak, Deputy Head of the Lviv Regional State Administration; Andriy Shulsky, Head of the Industry and Infrastructure Development Department of the Lviv Regional State Administration; and Yuriy Vegara, Director of LLC “Galateya”, underwent an internship in energy conservation in Oregon, USA. Their interactions with David Olson, Director of the Department of Cable Communications of Portland, laid the groundwork for a profound cross-cultural exchange.
David Olson’s subsequent visits to Ukraine, where he undertook studies in the Ukrainian language, further cemented these growing ties. Back in Portland, Olson engaged with key figures in the Ukrainian-American community, including Igor Levkiv, President of the Ukrainian-American Cultural Association of Oregon and Southwest Washington and Director of the School of Ukrainian Studies, along with other prominent local Ukrainian and American individuals and business leaders.
The culmination of these efforts was the arrival of a second delegation from Lviv in February 2008. The delegation, comprising Taras Fedak, Mykola Odukha, Deputy Mayor of Lviv; Andriy Shulsky; Yuriy Vegara; Demyan Malyarchuk, Director of “Pogar International” and a regional council deputy; and Roman Zavyisky from the Ukrainian Catholic University of Lviv, were warmly received by the Ukrainian community of Oregon.
Their visit was packed with significant meetings, starting with a briefing at Portland’s Water Supply Bureau, followed by insights into city development strategies with Reese Hudson of the Portland Development Commission, and a productive meeting with Portland Mayor Tom Potter, exploring potential sister city relationships and other collaborative avenues.
A key highlight was the delegation’s visit to the Portland School of Ukrainian Studies, where they interacted with students and faculty, further fostering cultural and educational ties. The visit also included meetings with local business leaders and an insightful tour of the Freightliner truck manufacturing facility.
The delegates explored potential business collaborations, delving into eco-friendly construction technologies, and innovations in the food products sector at the Oregon Innovation Food Center. The visit concluded with a meeting at the Portland branch of the Ukrainian Federal Credit Union, discussing future prospects for cultural, educational, and business exchanges between Lviv and Portland.
This visit marks a significant milestone in strengthening the ties between Lviv and Portland, showcasing the potential for fruitful collaborations in various fields. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of international cooperation and the vibrant Ukrainian community in Portland and Southwest Washington.