Pittsfield Permitting Officer Participates in Japan Program
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city's permitting coordinator Tory Hanna has been selected by Rotary International's Young Professionals program to be one of four from Western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut to participate in an international exchange program with Japan from mid-March to mid-April 2010."I am both pleased and proud that you have been selected by the Rotary to participate in an international exchange program," said Mayor James M. Ruberto in congratulating him. "I'm sure you will find it to be both a tremendous and rewarding experience. I know you will represent the city and the Rotary in a very professional manner."
The Group Study Exchange was created as a cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for business people and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40. The program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries. For four weeks, team members experience the host country's culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas.
During the four-week tour, the young men and women will participate in five full days of vocational visits, 15 to 20 club presentations, formal visits and social events, two to three days at the district conference, cultural and site tours and visits with host families. They will be in Kanagawa Prefecture in the central part of Japan and adjacent Metropolitan Tokyo.
Hanna said he'd like to thank the Pittsfield Rotary and local Rotary District 7890 for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"The support that Deanna Ruffer and Mayor Ruberto have given me over the past two years as the permitting coordinator has shown their commitment to the community and to my future ventures."
