Sister Cities Commission

AGENDA Sister Cities Commission Meeting 5:15 PM - Monday, January 5, 2026 City Hall Council Chambers Page 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 2.1. 2026 Sister Cities Commission Appointments  Tony Beranek re-appointed to a three-year term  Lorie Jewell first appointment to a three-year term  Two appointments remains to be filled 3. ELECTION OF OFFICERS 3.1. Election of 2026 Officers:  Chair (Jayne Maday-Hulke 2025)  Vice-Chair (Dick Seeboth 2025; fulfilled two consecutive terms)  Secretary (Ellie Sveine 2025) 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4.1. Approve the December 1, 2025 Sister Cities Commission meeting minutes. 3-4 SCC minutes 12-01-2025 5. FINANCIAL REPORT 5.1. Approve the financial report for the date ending December 31, 2025. 5-6 Summary of Expenses: General Fund  Host family appreciation in the amount of $100 Special Fund  Jayne Maday-Hulke for farewell gifts for Samuel in the amount of $78.75  Concordia Lanes for Samuel's farewell reception in the amount of $494.48 SISTER CITIES 12.31.25 SISTER CITIES 12.31.2025 General 5.2. Approve the financial report for the date ending December 31, 2025. Summary of Expenses: General Fund  Host family appreciation in the amount of $100 Special Fund  Jayne Maday-Hulke for farewell gifts for Samuel in the amount of $78.75  Concordia Lanes for Samuel's farewell reception in the amount of $494.48 Page 1 of 23 6. HANS JOOHS CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM 6.1. Five (5) applications have been submitted. 7 - 22 Blomberg, Samuel Doerr, Thomas Houg, Abigail Johnson, Alexa Sullivan, Amber 6.2. Schedule sub-committee meeting to select a date to hold Hans Joohs Cultural Exchange interviews. Interviews will take place in the City Hall Council Chambers. 7. OLD BUSINESS 7.1. Committee Preferences for 2026 (hard copies will be available during the 23 meeting) Committee Preferences 2026 7.2. Continue or discontinue the German Language Camp in 2026 8. NEW BUSINESS 8.1. Possibility to collaborate with Brown County Historical Society-Museum on their summer programs (Ellie Sveine) 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS 9.1. Following the meeting, the Recognition Award reception will be held at the Kegel Klub. 9.2. The next meeting will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. 10. ADJOURNMENT If someone would like an item discussed at an upcoming Sister Cities Commission meeting, please send an email to lisap@newulmmn.gov so the item can be added to the Agenda. The SCC meets the first Monday of the month. In order for an item to be added to the Agenda, please submit the information five (5) days prior to the meeting. Page 2 of 23 Minutes of the Sister Cities Commission Monday, December 1, 2025 5:15 pm Roll call Members present: Jayne Mayday-Hulke, Ellie Sveine, Larry Mack, Dick Seeboth, Ron Wendinger, John Vorwerk, Brian Filzen, and Kathleen Backer Absent: Tony Beranek, Carolyn Marti-Smith Meeting Called to Order Jayne Mayday-Hulke called the meeting to order at 5:15. Membership Jayne thanked Brian Filzen and Dick Seeboth for their years of service on the commission. Election of Officers It was decided to hold off on elections until next meeting when all members can be present. Approval of Minutes from November 3rd, 2025 Dick Seeboth made a motion to accept the minutes, second by Larry Mack. Motion carried. Financial Report ending October 31, 2025 John Vorwerk made a motion to accept the report as given in the agenda, second by Ellie Sveine. Motion carried. Hans Joohs Cultural Exchange Program The commission members were very pleased with our incoming and outgoing interns this year. We all felt that Samuel was very well received, and that he was very involved with the community and his work community. Martha worked through some issues and also had a very positive exchange. There have been no applications submitted for next year. The deadline for applications is December 31, 2025. Brian Filzen will reach out to Martha Balge to possibly do a phone interview on KNUJ to advertise the program and get the word out that applications are open at this time. Jayne stated that she will contact MLC and the high schools to make sure they are aware of the exchange program. We ask that Lisa send out reminders to past applicants that were not chosen to apply again, if they so choose. We will also have Lisa send out thank you letters to Schell’s Brewery, Jensen Motors, and the host families. Lisa will purchase Chamber dollars for the host families in appreciation for hosting Samuel. Dick Seeboth thanked Jayne for purchasing the gifts given to Samuel. Old Business The Recognition Award committee met before the meeting. The committee is recommending that Ken and Vicki Rolloff be the award recipients this year. Larry Mack offered a motion to except Ken and Vicki as this year’s Page 3 of 23 recipients, second made by Ellie Sveine. Motion carried. John will get the plaque made. A date for the recognition dinner will be set after talking with Ken and Vicki. New Business There was discussion about continuing the German Language Camp for next year. Jayne Mayday-Hulke will ask Carolyn Marti-Smith to talk with Peter Engeldinger to see if he would be interested in teaching the camp this summer, if he is interested will go forward with the camp, if not we would not have a camp next year. This will be decided at our next meeting. Other brainstorming ideas were brought forward by Mayor Backer. Ellie Sveine said she would check with the Program Director at the museum to see if we might partner with them in their day camp offerings. She will bring back information to the group at the next meeting. Committee preferences for 2026 will be selected at our next meeting, please look through the committee responsibilities and be ready to sign up at our January meeting. Adjournment The next Meeting will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 5:15 pm at City Hall Council Chambers. A motion to adjourn made by John Vowerk, second by Dick Seeboth. Meeting adjourned. Minutes submitted by Ellie Sveine. Page 4 of 23  Sister Cities Commission Special Projects Fund For the Month Ended December 31, 2025 Beginning Balance: 1/1/2025 8,166.23 Revenue: Interest 118.83 Other Contributions/Sales 526.00 644.83 Expenses: Other (1,245.69) (1,245.69) Ending Balance: 12/31/2025 7,565.37 Detailed Revenue and Expenses Revenue: July Brat Stand tips $54.00 September Brat Stand tips (August) $51.00 Brat Stand earnings (July) $161.50 October Brat Stand earnings (August) $259.50 TOTAL REVENUE $526.00 Expenses: April Recognition Award Reception -$192.26 Recognition Award Plaque -$73.50 July Brat Stand Canopy Expense -$53.91 September Car Rental - Hans Joohs S. Knoops -$125.00 October Reimburse Kiosk photo expenses -$21.32 Magnet Vehicle Parade Sign -$40.00 Welcome Reception - S. Knoops -$166.47 December Farewell Gifts - S. Knoops -$78.75 Farewell Reception - S. Knoops -$494.48 TOTAL EXPENSE -$1,245.69 Page 5 of 23  Sister Cities Commission General Fund For the Month Ended December 31, 2025 Revenues: Budget 0.00 Revenues: 1,650.00 Budget remaining 1,650.00 Percent of budget remaining 0% Expenses: Budget 3,570.00 Expenses (4,157.01) Budget remaining (587.01) Percent of budget remaining -16% Total Budget Remaining 12/31/2025 1,062.99 Detailed Revenue and Expenses Revenue: September Stipend reimbursement from Schell's Brewery - S. Knoops $1,650.00 TOTAL REVENUE $1,650.00 Expenses: January 2025 Sister Cities International Membership -$440.00 March Flight to Germany - M. Balge -$1,817.01 Travel Stipend - M. Balge -$150.00 September Stipend Inbound - S. Knoops -$550.00 October Stipend Inbound - S. Knoops -$550.00 November Stipend Inbound - S. Knoops -$550.00 December Inbound Host Family 2025 Appreciation -$100.00 TOTAL EXPENSE -$4,157.01 Page 6 of 23  cgEBUse, Application for Out- Bound Hans Joohs 4l' killII y Exchange Program 1/4 Au ECEIVE D l( O` jv DE212025 Applicant Information CITY OF NEW ULM, MN Samuel Blomberg CITY MANAGER Name Education Dates School August 2018 May 2022 Cathedral High School to August 2022 Graduation to May 2026 University of Minnesota Duluth to Employment Experience Dates Employer April 2020 2025 Hy- Vee to January August 2023 Windings Inc. May 2023 to May 2024& 2025 to August 2024& 2025 Emerson Relevant current personal information Professional memberships, registrations, licenses, special training, volunteer, unpaid work, etc.) University of Minnesota Duluth: Track and Field Leadership Council, Bible Study Lead, Athletes in Action New Ulm Cathedral: Volunteer for school/ church fundraising events What qualifies you for the Hans Joohs Exchange Program? As a native of New Ulm, I' ve had the opportunity to work for local companies, including Hy- Vee and Windings. These experiences have provided me with valuable insight into the New Ulm community. Moreover, growing up in New Ulm has led me to appreciate the tradition and culture of our city. Both have instilled in me a strong sense of pride in my hometown, something I hope to represent through the Hans Joohs Program. Page 7 of 23  Why are you interested in this particular opportunity? I have a firm connection to New Ulm' s culture, and I would be proud to represent my city. In addition, I am particularly eager to listen, learn, and understand the lifestyle in our sister cities. Specifically, I would love to engage in the language and heritage of Ulm and Neu- Ulm. Finally, I would be excited to encounter German engineering firsthand. What type of business or organization would you hope to have as your host employer in Germany? I would like to intern for an engineering company. I have experience in design engineering( Emerson), manufacturing engineering( Windings), and product management( Emerson). Please attach an up- to- date resume. Samuel Blomberg 12/ 22/ 2025 Signature Date Page 8 of 23 EDUCATION University of Minnesota Duluth I Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering 3. 7/ 4. 0 GPA Anticipated Graduation May 2026 University of Minnesota Duluth I Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering 4. 0/ 4. 0 GPA Anticipated Graduation May 2027 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Product Management Intern I Emerson I Eden Prairie, MN May 2025 - Aug 2025 Executed strategic market research and competitive analysis of budget- tier electromagnetic flowmeters, shaping roadmap for next- gen flowmeter development Created a materials compatibility sheet for a new lining material, facilitating cost reductions of 80% Crafted a 60- page training presentation for a software product rollout, enabling organizational education and enhancing product awareness Streamlined product shipment file management through automation, delivering a 90%- time reduction Design Engineering Intern I Emerson I Shakopee, MN May 2024- Aug 2024 Automated design validation testing in Excel, cutting data preparation times from over 30 minutes to seconds Spearheaded a project to measure tank level and flow rate from a single transmitter, providing a path to consolidate product offerings Formulated a novel method to detect a complete seal on a transmitter, reducing the risk of operational failures Applied Creo and fused deposition modeling( FDM) to create testing modules for new product development, streamlining prototyping processes and improving verification procedures Manufacturing Engineering Intern I Windings I New Ulm, MN May 2023- Aug 2023 Developed and tested methods for cooling electric motor stacks, reducing cooling times by over 30% Engineered two devices that prevented webbing issues in a fluidizing powder procedure, systematized a company- wide process for device operation Utilized stereolithography( SLA) and FDM to fabricate magnet wire insertion stands, condensing volume by 60% and minimizing cost over time Innovated tools in SolidWorks, following AS9100 standards to streamline workflow in a cleanroom setting Collaborated with external sales representatives to propose solutions for mist collection in open- air grinders Service Manager, Customer Service Supervisor I Hy- Vee I New Ulm, MN Apri! 2020- January 2025 Supervised 10+ staff in daily operations, scheduling, and task delegation Managed high- value customer transactions: wire transfers, money orders, complex purchases ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE Collegiate track and field: Leadership Council, Team Scholar- Athlete of the Year, NSIC All- Academic Network New Ulm Youth Member, Boys State representative, KNUJ Best in Class SolidWorks Associate Degree, Welding Course Certificate of Completion Volunteer/ Coordinator at NUACS: orchestrated teams and communication networks for fundraising events SKILLS Software: MATLAB, SolidWorks, Creo, Power BI, Microsoft Office, Python, COMSOL Fabrication: FDM, SLA, Welding Compliance: ITAR, EAR, OMS Page 9 of 23  ctlxaasc k4, oti Application for Out- Bound Hans Joohs p_ b'!!! y Exchange Program D E E E D 2 1 US D -- Applicant Information CRY OF NEW ULM. MN llMar" e. s Doerr CITY MANAGER Name Education Dates School 0112o2S t' - lu f Co11et e VCe,Sen\ to 01 l' t0i to OS 110' 2S 4,1; seoocn L' i.ierav, Willi ' 4 to Employment Experience Dates Employer F Cel I Vo11 We") Ser.mts Oa VLO1S 3M Many to rtser+ tuANA- 05110V) to 0$ M ins Cory i'1,,,:tz? Pbe41.,, 0 6 I lin,\ to b6461 MoN+et 1a• W441 Chwch one ol+er nl-a.. kee cL e.t 1 cae - t). Relevant current personal information Professional memberships, registrations, licenses, special training, volunteer, unpaid work, etc) e years o. obone keg, lot. pvw4:., leoev 10.,, ceo 0.. ( oele ' won v64.41Lie s r; w-n. 1044 iv VAkermect ( oecr+ E MI. 0 What qualifies you for the Hans Joohs Exchange Program? I ort a} Kerlin 1,., kiwc ( c '- V be a Qosokor. N1y 09141or is Ca, ce55Uo" 44.1 al. tOlniSAMeSN kelk w d i ec %% a sipAi of I. pkr pvitI ( hrw% ah. Page 10 of 23  Why are you interested in this particular opportunity? 1\ o% a 1alpv, ow vow QeokAe one 4 0M \ale iw,w, use A, y t i 6-,Shire. I woulcI Ai Gvk TuZ •° etel 1 66( w OrA S \\ S ( VA " W 6r. AAco* O+A O YW` aJC . r41 culNAVE S64.1 end krow4\ o& atil• What type of business or organization would you hope to have as your host employer in Germany? Wou% erg app\- 1 rw- i m ktl* CA\ sW.\\s, eneA-4 4 Q , iazz crc " ccw(' o^` t ^ q or 1 ,\ a Vce. a 1P w1von\ \ ebeMee vo--+ \o wwke (, erw, ike. ti a bakc.c-, t Job VA Please attach an up- to- date resume. IltrvA441- A Ocruin 1' L I% I Zo2r> Signature Date Page 11 of 23  THOMAS DOERR EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts: Biblical Languages And Theology, Expected in 05/ 2029 Martin Luther College - New Ulm, MN High School Diploma: 05/ 2025 Wisconsin Lutheran High School - Milwaukee, WI Ranked in Top 5% of class PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY Friendly and hard-working language and theology student. Comfortable in working and engaging with people of all kinds of ages and backgrounds, from the young camper to the older church-goer, from the school jock to the man at the city bus stop. Skilled in strategic planning, creativity, teamwork, and adaptability. EXPERIENCE Assembly Line Worker, 09/ 2025 - Current 3m Manufacturing— New Ulm, MN Worked with team members to maximize time and reach high output levels Operated assembly machinery at a high rate and inspected parts for defects Church Musician, 06/ 2021 - Current Garden Homes Lutheran Church and Other Milwaukee Churches— Milwaukee, WI Planned and prepared music, including pre- service and post- service, to beautify worship Led services, including hymns and liturgy, with piano, trombone, and voice Summer Adult Leadership Team, 05/ 2025 - 08/ 2025 Camp Phillip— Wautoma, WI Had new set of responsibilities each week, including lifeguarding, counseling, leading Day Camps at outside churches, programming Outdoor Sports, and programming the Team Challenge Course Invented and implemented group activities as well as campfire programs and skits with fellow staff Oversaw and gave feedback to Junior Staff VOLUNTEER WORK Served as church' s Sunday School leader for a year, creating and implementing own curriculum. Served on Camp Phillip Junior Staff for 3 summers. There, responsibilities included acting as assistant counselor and leading and creating devotions and other activities. Page 12 of 23  auk., ZX ti111) i' l • _ y Application for Out-Bound Hans Joohs Exchange P tl t Applicant Information RECEIVE 0^ C ? " 2025 Abigail Houg Name CITY OF NEW ULM, MN Education Dates School Sept. 2019 to May 2023 New Ulm High August 2023 to Current university of Minnesota Duluth to Employment Experience Dates Employer Jan 2021 to May 2024 Perkins August 2023 Current to Katherin A. Martin Library July 2025 to Current Lyric 3 Cinemas Relevant current personal information Professional memberships, registrations, licenses, special training, volunteer, unpaid work, etc) This past summer( May 2025 - August 2025) I interned at the Brown County Historical Society where I worked with the curator to create an exhibit in the museum' s garage. What qualifies you for the Hans Joohs Exchange Program? At University I am currently working towards a minor in German Studies along with my B. A. in Public History. And I am a New Ulm local being born and raised here. My grandma was also born and raised here. Being from New Ulm and descended from German immigrants I have a strong interest in German culture, which partly inspired my German minor Page 13 of 23 Why are you interested in this particular opportunity? As I am studying German at college I have a great interest in being able to immerse myself in the language in order to better my own language skills. What type of business or organization would you hope to have as your host employer in Germany? Since I am studying public history I would really like to work in a museum or some sort of cultural heritage center. The main focus of public history is the interaction of local history with the public so I would love to work somewhere that facilitates this. Please attach an up- to- date resume. Abigail Houg 12/ 21/ 25 Signature Date Page 14 of 23  el deo 1. fp) 1p, i*, 4 Application for Out- Bound Hans Joohs Exchange Program Applicant Information RECEIVE 0 DEC , Oci LX p . 1 elfuivc OVA- CliY OF NEW ULM, MN Name CRY MANAGER Education Dates School O a' l P % 8.0a(o f,nro- s° S4.4a Un' I4i kk o to tvecit go- eS- it(` 3! i s ac (hAiUUs aft... jail 1 / to a. AT 4 $ oL Nliarst- aDo a-oat lucl,.) Ulm Anblti, I• itt Sal to Ai. Employment Experience Dates Employer a09-3 to CoraV\A' fibr Stt S4- A6(10s 1410Lta wvw , x02-5" to Namber ao2S - 1kL extAt-wre, Covvili Auliv, k- aoal to vtil 01 023 - 0 zrin2SI4M-- Sktke. Ofn., lerS (), brAAr Relevant current personal information Professional memberships, registrations, licenses, special training, volunteer, unpaid work, etc.) Sklalet. tILIOnaA A So 160rr-A (.ca«, tifOL( Vler beie- IS MSU eythvi fr ) l + 14DnorS 2cro wv\ r- dn- Ck& kbAGLAJ. 1100) 11\ trat v sh A thotf S° v,,rra ? pu.- skY Ab( ko( Asti cr '` crlrlunct 11 yol. 64 5t- aS ' uhleo( 6` 0 I nklxr. 4s- Pkrawhd. " NS World - OA W:Ir.,S l C mi, e . ou4n krov...,' tLL gu ^-""" of Colo,/ } V, trco What qualifies you for the Hans Joohs Exchange Program? I- T a.YV1 Ylitt / VUOd 4.. 111 Gl QLr.., t Flaw!, R. StipI/ j tV 4 4 ' M / 00 abotA4- ok at l.( ln rtd d pt r,cc114W d. S igould bK; l a( ,. A a. bL , Actike,( 4- 0 o i tr-4- 1V. 4 U l v" t KJ- lom4r- ki, . ben w1. 4 e,,, onneukftrii() iN A,... 1, 1 1 t. afh vt k. - n ropt Page 15 of 23  Why are you interested in this particular opportunity? Strew- , S V%L 0 hot" Gu 1U. co 1. st ) ltry i A. p v ti Vic. c 0- n Mal 604, bete- aNut anAtre9Act ie• T SAintry t ( x. a- eLm • 1ote vtra <. fnuJMM, GAbfboa do Qre'' f o` '~ u arS i 441 - gIVG W L. t 0-1141y , aQ Q o • klitAt eac9lart, o. VA. is \ c o nt ck OvwrN tQ. V What type of business or organization would you hope to have as your host employer in Germany? vuovad 0.k oL OU.Altn, I lo uJolkA-, - cnni. WA1 hove- ire tra.pwc. Skwl b 1 civy% ak g, te• Orikln zelkilf•- 0- S5 OLtAl a. WOLL, wwost c• Please attach an up- to-date resume. Si a Date Page 16 of 23 EDUCATION PROFILE Minnesota State University, Efficient and quality- driven college student seeking a Mankato creative position with field work experience for future 2021 - Current career path. B. A. Creative Writing B. A. Art WORK EXPERIENCE Graphic Design Certificate Music Industry Minor WEBSITE EDITOR/ ART DESIGNER All Around This World University of Seoul September 2025 - Current July 2025 Provided creative direction for a complete rebrand Study Abroad Assisted with website support and copywriting GRAPHIC DESIGNER/ BOOKKEEPER ACTIVITIES Foresee Studios Editor- in- Chief- The Heartland May 2023 - Current Review Communicated with clients on ongoing projects President Sigma Tau Delta Worked in areas including website building, branding, Published author social media, event documentation, and photo editing Volunteer - Athena Project PUBLISHING INTERN Staff member - multiple literary The Creative Company journals June 2025 December 2025 Staff writer/ featured artist Edited complete book series ( starting from manuscript) MNSU Honors Beacon Communicated with authors, graphic designers, and Student editor - Riverwhale Review other teammembers Saxophone player Concert Band Assisted with proofreading manuscripts SERVER SKILLS Rush Adobe Suite August 2023 - November 2023 Microsoft Suite Assisted with serving and hosting duties Wordpress Fulfilled patron requests Figma LIBRARY STUDENT LEAD WORKER Proofreading Minnesota State University Quickbooks August 2021 - May 2023 Photo editing Managed patron needs and requests Social Media management Collaborated with coworkers on ongoing projects Page 17 of 23  1pel t Application for Out-Bound Hans Joohs 04 Exchange Program fG -- ECEIVE Applicant Information D= 2 0 PlYl\(3ei( \ L. Sv\ C\\ 101Y\ Cmr OF NEW ULM, MN Name CITY MANAGER Education Dates School WV. Q\ 1 A% to M 2LZ Neiw ' I' M 1A1h S()( 11Z1 aN(. 2w1. L to IAN (VA" MoykestA Stunt, U 6 ' ajOkpiLat to Employment Experience Dates Employer Tjv' t iOU. to pteScei( 1\- 1\" 14Wrck Vd kvibinl Lmi( or01t'Ortf int. mot),\ 207A— to 0(."- weir 7W A/ %\\ NgstrfAt1Jn tUtAtt11' Yll- NSFWS) 1U1 nV Q on to MG M\nx\ Q Vh\ J. MOr1lh tg Relevantv current personal information Professional memberships, registrations, licenses, special training, volunteer, unpaid work, etc.) q Gerh iPc,\ tch( taror If1 S`cAte. oe M o1d 4.,dYWin cnnd ' P(TV VMV CeuNhcoi' n a m nyov VSFVvS. 1 halt c( ln11n d Io two Qvblt n onS Pistil d n rYwl itSv2 4 Do&_ wdit[ : I( 1 tt yru- I twwAnl ok LoA 1 fi folt1 \ o\ Y1A'( 1a1M t CAr& Qtr. cM .% n In Y\ osgtrok S. What qualifies you for the Hans Joohs Exchange Program? carlrllrltot VW eXehantle. Ave. 1 n mi gS1ton t iCw V1m I) 91‘ u 1 aw, lthit% of vuothetA litot ltral\,eir-. \ LIM hitAsovit th' C=,kw,- AarUt b prtiv‘ W tt1 rtutut rptt), Ntw vh+n qs & tuna QrI( Qvtt \ VAA-. / Ara - Ion i t A vw. kik ' at Y1 11) Kittecnt- ° Tn. 1 own If11op1v1 00tsible , 1eavrt e ovu.A YIAvt. ahroa+ JI of 04 vtCvI01/1S Srv(hry 4. tfitrlenc. t n %, Cos\ i, VIA Iten/ At, \ hem. imipwa tom timri.r, agvlstrion wili% , Page 18 of 23  Why are you interested in this particular opportunity? AYY1 ` IflttrtAltcX u o9iovtvntt, A Yattowct oY1t0ll- a- Va exikottnct WARlt- s C'"\vo oj\v1 ok\ l% vwtY1 vwAA' 0\tRa1Z an 4 locks x1r14- \ hA t t'ttivAnt Qt6 on For 'cnotA a 1tGy wnr\ tc ate\ tQ c\ AMA • t btY Q. t Wi% 1 etpemtrut r avtd evyrkniX w tC tv \\ re-teJK smiliVALA tAl S , oM Wr G 1`cvrrA 1Mr awn ar+A orenor lvtvur.ryt. proAtkt, nini(vllti J What type of business or organization would you hope to have as your host employer in Germany? Ilan ` Q\ N` 1\/ 0116 hocr. Yn woerw ‘. N rtn e1 r C'dunKxvolhstn I NAVVYM pctrwS Conaucl 6 etX 0! t cpts,A; vvnWri i\ ri\ v" Vtftit yshOgi, tti\Oc\ tA \ AXMAk y1 61 bbA 1 10Y) vrvl o c N Ati an Fe\ d tt C 1t kwAk m \ one ON b4A-ClA rl MN), t Please attach an up- to- date resume. CIA44hei' 6 41A11 — Signature Date 2- - 20 Page 19 of 23 Amber Sullivan Summary Aspiring wildlife biologist with a strong academic foundation and deep interest in international travel and collaboration. Seeking to participate in the Hans Joohs Cultural Exchange Program to gain hands- on work experience while also expanding foreign language skills and exploring personal heritage connected to Ulm and Neu Ulm, Germany. Brings curiosity, adaptability, and analytical thinking to professional environments as well as a genuine commitment to cross- cultural understanding. Eager to meaningfully contribute to host organizations while learning about community life, traditions, and shared heritage through immersive living and work experiences. Education Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, MN Bachelor of Science in Biology ( Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Emphasis), Marine Aquarist Certificate Honors: Cum Laude Graduated: May 2025 Activities and Organizations: Housing and Residential Life, First Year Experience, Letters of Love, The Wildlife Society, and Undergraduate Research, and more. Experience Microbiology Lab Technician Minnesota Valley Testing Laboratories Inc., June 2022 - Present Conduct routine laboratory tests and analysis for Listeria, Salmonella, Mold and Yeast, L. Mono, and more ensuring accurate results in compliance with laboratory protocols and safety standards. Prepare and process samples for testing by accurately weighing, labeling, and documenting specimens in accordance with quality assurance procedures. Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including calibrating balances and monitoring equipment functionality for optimal performance. Perform sterilization, cleaning, and maintenance of glassware and laboratory tools to uphold a sterile and contamination- free environment. Assist in maintaining inventory and proper storage of reagents, culture media, and lab supplies to ensure efficient workflow. Page 20 of 23  Record and analyze experimental data, preparing detailed reports for supervisors and contributing to process improvement initiatives. Invasive Species Strike Team Intern ( Seasonal) Student Conservation Association and AmeriCorp, USFWS Morris Wetland Management District and Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge, May 2025 - October 2025 Conducted manual, mechanical, and chemical control of invasive plant species using best management practices ( BMPs) Applied herbicides as a certified pesticide applicator in the state of Minnesota Utilized tools such as backpack sprayers, brush cutters, UTVs, ATVs, Trailers, ArcGIS field maps, Pro and Quick Capture. Implemented targeted treatments for species such as Wild Parsnip, Leafy Spurge, Crown Vetch, and many more. Experience with herbicide mixing, calibration, and application. Basic Knowledge of plant identification and Midwest invasive species ecology. Navigated terrain physically and through GPS systems to treatment sites. Certifications and Qualifications State Pesticide Applicator License ( Core A and J) UTV/ ATV Operation Certification ( USFWS) Defensive Driving Certification ( USFWS) Homemaker/Dietary Aide Oak Hills Living Center, July 2020- November 2022 Prepared and served nutritious meals and snacks in accordance with dietary restrictions, resident preferences, and health guidelines. Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen, dining areas, and equipment to comply with health and safety regulations. Collaborated with dietitians and healthcare staff to meet individualized dietary needs and monitor resident satisfaction. Resident Assistant Housing and Residence Life, MSUM, Aug 2023- May 2024 Provided mentorship, guidance, and support to a diverse group of residents while fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. Planned and executed educational, social, and wellness programs to enhance community engagement and student development. Enforced campus policies and managed conflict resolution while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism. Page 21 of 23 Desk Manager Housing and Residence Life, MSUM, Aug 2024- May 2025 Supervised daily operations of two residence hall desks, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and organized environment for students and visitors. Trained, scheduled, and managed a team of resident assistants, learning community mentors, and office assistants, promoting excellent customer service and adherence to university policies. Managed key distribution, monitored access to residence halls, and enforced security protocols to ensure resident safety. Publications: When is it safe to go home? Post- predation assessment of risk and safety when personal information conflicts with social cues," Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, Springer Nature, May 2024. Ocean Literacy of Youth in the Prairie Region of the Midwest, USA" Current: The Journal of Marine Education, vol. 40, no. 3, Ubiquity Press, 2025, Skills: Intermediate Spanish Speaking: Took two years of high-school level spanish. Traveled abroad to Costa Rica for two weeks for a college course in Tropical Conservation Biology. Laboratory Techniques: Microbial testing, sample processing, sterilization, and quality control Research & Analysis: Data recording, reporting, and process improvement in microbiology and geospatial ecology. Invasive Species Removal: Both manual and chemical removal and treatment for species like Wild Parsnip, Crown Vetch, Bird' s Foot Trefoil, Sumac, etc. Pesticide Handling and Use: Experience mixing, measuring, calibrating, and using pesticides on federally managed land and right of ways. ATV/ UTV Driving Experience: Experience and USFWS training on driving, maintaining, and trailering UTVs and ATVs for use on WPAs and Wildlife Refuges. Marine Husbandry: Aquatic species care, tank maintenance, and water quality monitoring Mentorship & Leadership: Guiding first-year students and managing residence life operations. Geospatial Analysis: GIS software proficiency, spatial data collection, and environmental research. Project management: Supervising research projects, managing job operations, and leading teams. Page 22 of 23  New Ulm Sister Cities Commission 2026 In-house Pool of Committee Preferences In the blanks below, please rate by numbers 1 to 3 (1 – most preferred, 3 – least preferred) your preferences for service on Sister Cities Commission committees. A brief description of each committee is provided. No more than two (2) members serve on a committee to avoid having a quorum. Chair and Vice-Chair attend all sub-committee meetings. As much as possible, preferences will be honored. ______ Advertising and Promotion Committee: Communicates to and through various media regarding Sister Cities activities. Maintains and distributes Sister Cities brochures as needed. (The brochure was thoroughly upgraded in 2004-05.) Organizes fundraising activities. Raises Sister Cities profile in parades and other civic events. ______ Hans Joohs Exchange Committee: Publicizes work exchange program. Recruits and assists candidates from the New Ulm area to live and work for up to twelve weeks in Ulm/Neu-Ulm, Germany. Arranges employment, housing and hospitality for guest exchanges in New Ulm. Communicates with German counterparts in Ulm/Neu-Ulm but German language not required. ______ Recognition Committee: Annually identifies an individual, business or organization in the community that has supported Sister Cities activities. Organizes reception for presentation of the award. Name: _________________________________________ Phone Number: _________________________________ Email address: __________________________________ Page 23 of 23