A delegation of 23 Tomball city leaders visited the city's sister city, Telgte, in Germany earlier this month as part of an annual trip to continue friendships among the cities.

"President Eisenhower developed the sister city concept to try to instill friendships and communication throughout the world, instead of war," said Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce President Bruce Hillegeist, who was part of the trip.

Other city leaders on the Sept. 6—Sept. 11 trip included Mayor Gretchen Fagan, City Manager George Shackelford, Tomball ISD and city council representatives and organizers of Tomball's German Fest.

While in Telgte, city leaders toured various businesses, including manufacturing companies, and spoke with city officials on topics such as history and the city's economy.

"We were wined and dined and the hospitality was wonderful," Hillegeist said.

Telgte city leaders visit Tomball once a year as well. The sister city relationship and annual visits started in 1999. In addition, Tomball hosts exchange students from Telgte and offers internships to students from there.

Tomball and Telgte are similar in geography and landscape, Hillegeist said.

"Our similarities are uncanny," Hillegeist said. "It's obvious that when German's came from Germany to Texas, the landscape is similar and that's probably why they stayed."