Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara is in Italy this week to strengthen ties with the city’s Sister City of Ferentino. Rockford participates in the Sister City program, which works to increase global cooperation, promote cultural understanding, and stimulate economic development.

Ferentino has been Rockford’s Sister City since 2006. The Mayor of Ferentino invited McNamara and other dignitaries to participate in the celebration of Saint Ambrogio. According to the City, no taxpayer money was spent on the trip, with funding come from Ferentino and the Sister City Organization.