Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop is reflecting on his first overseas trip as mayor — a trip to Germany to visit Columbus sister city of Löhne, to stop by the headquarters of two German-based companies with Columbus operations and to attend the Hannover Messe trade show.
Lienhoop said the trip did not directly grow out of increased funding to the economic development board. The board has been sending representatives to the trade show for years and previous Mayor Fred Armstrong also traveled to Germany.
Lienhoop said he believes the visits to German-based Columbus companies, Claas and Lindal are important, especially as companies consider expansions in their American operations.
The trip, which also included Jason Hester, head of the Columbus Economic Development Board, concluded last week.