In the period of September 3 - 11, 2006, 10 local government officials from Municipalities of Teteven, Panagyurishte, Byala, Gotse Delchev, Knezha, Razlog, Sevlievo and Vratsa visited the State of Texas, USA. The study visit was organized within the Local Economic Development and Marketing of Bulgarian Local Governments Project administered by FLGR and ICMA, funded by the US Agency for International Development. The focus of from-to colleagues training was put on economic development at local level and US experience. Participants were mayors, deputy mayors and economic department directors from Bulgarian municipalities.

4 US municipalities were visited - San Antonio, Universal City, New Brownfield and San Marcos. Thanks to the excellent organization and full of interesting work meetings programme, Bulgarian participants were acquainted with the US local government models, role of mayors and municipal councils, municipal budget assembling, strategy designing on local and regional economic developing.

Special attention was devoted to debates in the field of local economic development and initiatives for attracting investments, business retaining, promotion and marketing of municipalities.

Violeta Bozhinova, Chief of Marketing and Investment Department, Municipality of Vratsa:

"It was very valuable and interesting opportunity to share experience on leading negotiations with potential investors and incentives provided by municipalities. We visited several industrial parks, one municipal airport and one professional training center. We met people with strong motivation to work for benefit of the local community, who plan long-term activities and join citizens for public discussion on significant for the community issues. We came back with even stronger desire to work for the economic development of our municipalities.

We thank the organizers, ICMA and FLGR, for providing this valuable opportunity."