Celebrating German ties

Delegation from Hessen, Germany visits Wisconsin to mark 50-year anniversary of sister-state relationship

MADISON, WI. OCT. 6, 2026 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is welcoming a delegation from the German state of Hessen this week to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of its sister state partnership with Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin–Hessen Sister-State relationship, the first-ever sister-state relationship established between an American state and a German state, was established in 1976 and signed by Wisconsin Governor Patrick Lucey and Hessen Minister President Albert Osswald. The relationship reflects strong historical, cultural, educational, and economic ties between Wisconsin and Hessen. These connections include strong partnerships in international trade and foreign direct investment, educational partnerships, research agreements, and cultural exchange.

In 1994, the Hessen-Wisconsin Society was founded to support and expand the sister-state relationship. In Germany, the Freundschaftsverein Hessen Wisconsin plays a similar role.

The two states also signed a memorandum of understanding in 2025 with the goal of extending trade, entrepreneurship, and innovation collaborations between Wisconsin and Hessen.

The relationship has led to business development, cultural exchanges, sister-city relationships, and relationships between counties and universities.

“Over the past fifty years, our sister-state relationship has flourished in ways that no one could have possibly imagined,” said John W. Miller, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s leading economic development organization. “Together, we have strengthened economic ties and expanded educational exchanges. We have fostered mutual cultural understanding and created lasting friendships that span generations and continents.”

The Hessen delegation includes Professor Kristina Sinemus, Minister of Digitalisation and Innovation, Armin Schwarz, Minister for Culture and Opportunities, as well as members of the Hessian State Parliament, and other business and industry representatives.

Earlier this year, Secretary Miller and Deputy Secretary Sam Rikkers were in Hessen, Germany to kick off the anniversary celebrations, which included a reception at the Hessen state office building, a program at the annual Hessentag festival, a 90-kilometer bike ride, and other events.

Over five decades, the sister-state relationship has provided opportunities for government officials, businesses, universities, students, and civic organizations to build lasting connections.

Earlier this month, the state helped EMD Electronics, the North American electronics business of the Merck Group, celebrate the opening of a new 38,000-square-foot research and development facility in Sheboygan Falls. WEDC supported the $200 million project by providing up to $4.5 million in performance-based tax credits.

The Merck Group is headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany, which is in the southern part of Hessen.

During the State of Hessen’s visit to Wisconsin they will meet with industry partner Rockwell Automation, visit UW-Madison and Blackhawk Technical College, and participate in a formal reception to mark the 50-year occasion.

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