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SPRING EDITION 2011 | Inspiring our Community to Understand Global Issues and Cultures in an Ever Changing World
MIC and Minnesota Carrying the Torch for Citizen Diplomacy 2011 is the 50th anniversary of the National Council for International Visitors (NCIV), which coordinates visits from more than 5,000 emerging leaders to the U.S., under the auspices of the U.S. State Department. MIC’s first board chair, the late Gladys Brooks, was instrumental in the founding of NCIV and each year Minnesota hosts 400 international visitors for professional appointments and home hospitality through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The U.S. House and Senate recently passed resolutions recognizing NCIV’s 50 th anniversary, commending the achievements of the thousands of citizen diplomats who have participated in the IVLP during those fifty years and naming Wedneaday, February 16 as Citizen Diplomacy Day. Minnesota has two reasons to be proud about the passing of these resolutions: • Our state had the most congressional support which is a testament to the nonpartisan nature of this program • MIC’s president, Carol Engebretson Byrne, who chaired the Advocacy Committee for these resolutions, has been recognized by NCIV with Excellence in Advocacy Award which will be presented to her at the National Meeting on February 17 by Congressman Keith Ellison. The National Council for International Visitors (NCIV) is funded by the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State under the authority of the Fulbright-Hayes Act.
Congratulations to Medtronic Medtronic, Inc. has been given the inaugural National Council for International Visitors Citizen Diplomat Corporate Award. The award will be presented to Jean-Luc Butel, Executive Vice President and Group President of International, Medtronic, Inc. at the NCIV 50th Anniversary Gala in Washington, D.C. on February 16. Medtronic has been a valued MIC corporate member and partner for 12 years, providing diverse support from serving on our board of directors to hosting ambassadors and MIC events at their headquarters, to working on a collaborative basis with NCIV nationally on health diplomacy issues.
Congratulations to Minnesota’s I V L P “ G o l d S t a r ” R e t u r n s t o Emerging Leaders Minnesota As part of NCIV’s 50th Anniversary goal of building strong, multigenerational leadership, twelve students (ages 16 – 24) from across the country have been identified to go to the 2011 NCIV National Meeting in February. The purpose of the NCIV Citizen Diplomacy Program for Emerging Leaders is to instill in the next generation of leaders a better understanding of and appreciation for citizen diplomacy and the role it plays in shaping foreign affairs. Minnesota’s representatives for this program will be Ian Byrne, a senior English major at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities; and Anna Hewitt, a senior Special Education and Leadership Major at the University of Minnesota - Duluth.
INTERNATIONAL INSIGHT
Dr. Susan Alpert, Senior Vice President, Global Regulatory Affairs, Medtronic, Inc. For the past five years, Dr. Susan Alpert has been involved with the Minnesota International Center (MIC) as an active board member and chair of our development committee. Susan recently spoke about how MIC helps her do her job better. Susan’s interest in the international arena began in high school when she spent a year abroad on a work study program. This experience opened her eyes to a broader world. She feels that “person-to-person” interaction gives her a valuable professional edge. “Learning about the world – no matter what role we have in our companies – gives us an advantage as we work in the global market. We in Minnesota want our products to move in commerce all over the world and to have an impact on the lives of people everywhere. To do this successfully, we need to know what they need and how we can meet those needs. MIC’s International Visitor Leadership Program gives us the
Minnesota’s Door to The World
This February, MIC will enjoy the privilege of welcoming back to Minnesota a distinguished leader from Uzbekistan who, along with nearly 17 other IVLP alumni from around the world, has been invited to participate in the “IVLP Gold Stars Tour: Alumni Connecting the World.” Ms. Nargis Ziyavatidnova visited Minnesota in 2002 as a member of a delegation from Uzbekistan examining best practices in nonprofit management. Inspired by her visit to the U.S. and particularly by a meeting with the PACER Center in Bloomington, MN, Ms. Ziyavatidnova returned to Uzbekistan and opened the Specialized Educational Center of Termez, Uzbekistan. She also founded Imkor (hope), an NGO which promotes greater educational opportunities for disabled children on health diplomacy issues.
opportunity to interact with people who work in the same areas as we do but in very different circumstances. We can learn what is important in their lives, their markets and their countries. This knowledge helps us see how we can do business or travel in these countries successfully. In addition, it helps us understand how Americansareseeninthesecountries and that is invaluable as one does business around the world. Participating in MIC programming, however, is not all business. Along with professional development comes personal enrichment. “I really enjoy the learning that goes along with experiencing other cultures and comparing experiences with people whose work is like mine but who are based in different countries. I have been very lucky that my roles in industry have enabled me to continue to travel and interact with people from many different places. When I can’t travel, MIC helps me continue the learning I began so long ago.”
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Spring Edition 2011
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Tuesday, March 1
International Business Roundtable on Latin America The latest International Roundtable presented by Dorsey & Whitney, KPMG and MIC will take place on Tuesday, March 1. The program will focus on doing business in Latin America, current trends and potential areas for growth. Keynote speaker: Erik Brand, publisher, Latin America Advisor Panelists: Cheryl A. Reinitz, Vice President of Tax and Treasurer, H. B. Fuller; Jose Leiman, Managing Director, KPMG International Corporate Services Practice; Juan Basombrio, partner, Dorsey & Whitney LLP
When: Tuesday, March 1 registration and breakfast 7:30 - 8:00 A; program: 8:00 – 10:00 A Where: Dorsey & Whitney LLP, 50 S 6th Street, Suite 1500, Minneapolis Cost: FREE, but advance registration is requested
Moderator: Robert Scarlett, Senior Associate, Grupo Avance, LLC & President, Medical Equipment Exporters, Inc.
Monday, April 4
The Art of Diplomacy in the Age of Terror For MIC members ONLY
On Monday, April 4, please join the William Mitchell College of Law’s National Security Forum and the Minnesota International Center in welcoming His Excellency Ryan Crocker, former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, to Minneapolis for the presentation “The Art of Diplomacy in the Age of Terror”. Ambassador Crocker will share his perspectives on how diplomacy has changed since 9/11. Ryan Crocker served as U.S. Ambassador to Iraq between March of 2007 and February of 2009. In 2002, Ambassador Crocker was sent to Afghanistan to reopen the American Embassy in Kabul. He has also represented the U.S. as Ambassador to Pakistan, Syria, Kuwait and Lebanon, and since joining the Foreign Service in 1971, has had assignments in Iran, Qatar, Iraq and Egypt, as well as Washington D.C. He has served as the International Affairs Advisor at the National War College, and counts among his many honors and distinctions the Presidential Distinguished Service Award, the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Civilian Service, and the American Foreign Service Association Rivkin Award. Co-sponsors: Rosenbaum Symposium, William Mitchell College of Law When: Monday, April 4; 11:30 A - 1:00 P Where: Ceremonial Courtroom, 15th Floor, Federal Courthouse, 300 S 4th Street, Minneapolis Cost: Admission is free to MIC members, but tickets are extremely limited, and available on a first come, first served basis. Advance registration is ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED. TO RSVP: Contact Tricia at mic@umn.edu or 612.625.0620
Thursday, March 10
The British Consul General and Ambassador Walter Mondale in Conversation MIC Corporate Members are especially encouraged to attend
Consul General Robert Chatterton Dickson, the new British Consul General in Chicago, and Ambassador Walter Mondale will discuss a variety of subjects such as national security, Britain’s prosperity initiative, the British view of events in the Middle East and the economic situation in Great Britain and Europe. Before assuming the post of British Consul General in Chicago, Mr. Chatterton Dickson was Joint Head of the Counter Terrorism Department at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London. As Joint Head he shared the leadership of a team of over 80 staff responsible for the FCO contribution to counter terrorism policy and operations. Previous diplomatic experiences have included British Ambassador to the Republic of Macedonia, working on Iraq, NATO and UN peacekeeping in London, and postings to the British Embassies in Manila and Washington.
When: Thursday, March 10; registration and breakfast 7:30 – 8:00 A; program: 8:00 – 9:30 A Where: Dorsey & Whitney LLP, 50 S 6th Street, Suite 1500, Minneapolis Cost: FREE, but advance registration is requested
YOU CAN REGISTER FOR ALL MIC EVENTS AT WWW.MICGLOBE.ORG OR BY PHONE AT 612.625.4421
MIC Contributors & Corporate Members Premier ($50,000+) Delta Air Lines, Inc. Medtronic, Inc./Medtronic Foundation Millennium ($30,000+) 3M/3M Foundation General Mills, Inc./General Mills Foundation Senior Global ($20,000+) Best Buy Co., Inc./Best Buy Children’s Foundation Cargill Carlson Companies and The Curtis L. Carlson Family Foundation Global ($15,000+) Sit Investment Associates, Inc. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Executive ($10,000+) Education Minnesota Foundation The Mosaic Company
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Leadership Patron ($5,000+) Colwell Industries, Inc. Donaldson Co., Inc. Dorsey & Whitney LLP/Dorsey & Whitney Foundation Ecolab Inc./Ecolab Foundation Faegre & Benson LLP George Family Foundation Horton Holding, Inc. The Lakeland Companies Propel Event Transportation Management Target Corporation The Toro Company United Health Group U.S. Bank/Elavon Contributing Patron ($2,500+) David Winton Bell Foundation Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. KPMG LLP Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi Wanner Engineering
Associate Patron ($1,000+) ACIST Medical Systems Athwin Foundation Bellcomb Technologies, Inc. Bepex International LLC C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. Gray Plant Mooty Imation Medica Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS Polaris Industries St. Jude Medical Associate ($500+) Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) Global Language Institute Hamre, Schumann, Mueller & Larson, P.C. iCre8, Inc. TripleInk Sponsoring Hotels The Marquette Hotel Radisson Plaza Hotel www.micglobe.org
Spring Edition 2011
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Letter from the President I think you will agree that MIC has some diverse offerings for our members as we go forward in 2011. From the social (Culture through Cuisine, international visitor dinner hosting), to business (breakfast roundtables, the Doing Business with France symposium), to foreign policy discussions (Ambassador Ryan Crocker, British Consul General Chatterton Dickson and the new Great Decisions topics), we are trying to have something for every taste. We have already had two sold-out events this year … Tom Hanson’s Outlook for U.S. Foreign Policy in 2011 which was attended by more than 200 people, and Culture through
Cuisine: Russia, when 80 members and their guests enjoyed Russian cuisine and conversation with ten Russian international scholars from the University of Minnesota. Our Culture through Cuisine series, although a Members Only event, is also a low key way for current members to introduce their friends to MIC by bringing them along “to try us out”. What easier way is there than through good food and lively conversation? Now is also a great time to buy a gift membership for a friend or increase your own gift to MIC, because we have received a $10,000 Challenge Grant from a generous, anonymous MIC member. Each dollar of new and increased giving will be matched with $1 from the Challenge Grant Fund. Every NEW contribution of ANY AMOUNT
will be matched and we have until the end of our fiscal year, June 30, to meet the challenge. Don’t forget to save the date on your calendar for MIC’s Celebration of France gala benefit on Saturday, June 18. It’s going to be a spectacular affair with sensational food and wine (of course, it’s French!), and the unmatched Tour the World live and silent auctions; an opportunity for everyone to have a great time while raising funds for MIC. I look forward to seeing you there – and at all our other events in 2011.
Carol Engebretson Byrne President, Minnesota International Center
Year of France
2011
On Monday, February 7, the Consul General of France in Chicago, Graham Paul, came to Minnesota to share an official proclamation from Ambassador François Rivaseau designating 2011 L’Année de la France au Minnesota. Alliance Française of Minneapolis/St. Paul, the French American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and the Minnesota International Center will be collaborating throughout the Year of France. Check MIC’s website for a complete list of the France-related events occurring in Minnesota during 2011.
Tuesday, March 22
Culture through Cuisine: France For MIC Members and Guests ONLY
Join fellow MIC members at the Meritage restaurant in St. Paul to experience a special evening celebrating the culture and cuisine of France. If you have never been to Meritage, you are in for a real treat; and if you have, then you know what’s in store for you! February’s Culture through Cuisine took place at Moscow on the Hill where 80 people enjoyed an evening of great food and conversation. Although these events are designated for members , they are also “no pressure opportunities” for members to bring friends who might be interested in joining MIC.
BUSINESS INVESTMENT BETWEEN MINNESOTA AND FRANCE
When: Tuesday, March 22; 6:30 – 8:30 P Where: Meritage, 410 St. Peter Street, St. Paul (near the Landmark Center) Cost: $45 per person, includes tax and gratuity on food only. Menu under construction. A cash bar will be available for wine, cocktails and other beverages. Advance registration REQUIRED
Saturday, June 18
Celebration of France Gala Benefit Honorary Chairs: Betty and Whitney MacMillan Guest Of Honor: His Excellency François Rivasseau Minister Counselor, Chargé d’Affaires, When: Saturday, June 18; 4:30 – 8:30 P Where: Cargill Administrative (Lake) Office, 15615 McGinty Road, Wayzata
USINESS WITH NG B BUSINESS SYMPOSIUM FRANCE I O D
MAY 12, 2011 RADISSON PLAZA DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS CONFIRMED SPEAKERS
Christian Pierret President of Cercle Jefferson Graham Paul Consul General of France in Chicago Hubert Joly President/CEO, Carlson Companies Ken Powell President/CEO, General Mills Pierre-Antoine Gailly President, UCIFFE and Paris Chamber of Commerce SPONSORED BY
Cost: Tickets start at $200 per person, which includes French dinner with beverages and entertainment Patron/Underwriter opportunities are available at $500, $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000
Minnesota’s Door to The World
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Communiqué SPRING EDITION 2011
www.micglobe.org | 612.625.4421
Inspiring our Community to Understand Global Issues and Cultures in an Ever Changing World
2011 Great Decisions Topics
New Schools Host World Cultures Days
“Critical thinking by voters is key to the life of a vibrant democracy … Critical thinking is dependent upon factual information” Rebuilding Haiti
~ Noel Lateef, president and CEO Foreign Policy Association
US National Security Horn of Africa Responding to the Financial Crisis Germany Ascendant Sanctions and Nonproliferation The Caucasus
Diana Muradova, born and raised in Armenia, is sharing stories and ar tifacts from her hometown with students at Cedar Ridge Elementary in Eden Prairie.
Global Governance For more information about the Great Decisions program or to locate a group near you, visit MIC’s website or call Carol at 612.625.9618. Find MIC on Facebook Become a fan of MIC on Facebook and receive special offers and updates.
Connect with MIC via LinkedIn Join MIC’s LinkedIn group and connect with other members.
Several new elementary and junior high schools across the metro area and in Greater Minnesota will have welcomed MIC’s World Cultures Day during the 2010-2011 academic year. “We’re thrilled to bring our program into more schools despite our limited capacity. This year’s additions are possible only due to the cyclical nature of the World Cultures Day master schedule. Some schools host the event every other year; thus allowing new schools to join,” says George Hornik, MIC classroom program manager. “We’re especially happy to see Sibley East and Belle Plaine junior highs in Southwestern Minnesota host their first World Cultures Days. For program information, visit www.micglobe.org/ourworld.
DETAILS AND LINKS FOR ALL EVENTS AVAILABLE ON MIC’S WEBSITE WWW.MICGLOBE.ORG Cosponsored Programs Effects of the Iraq War Friday, March 4; 7:00 P A panel discussion will explore the effects of the Iraq War on both countries, discussing the geopolitical effects of the war, the effect on women in Iraq, the person and human effect on those directly involved in the war, and other ongoing aspects of the war. Where: Regis Center for Art, University of Minnesota, 405 21st Avenue S, Minneapolis Cost: FREE but donations accepted; no registration required Oxfam America Hunger Banquet Friday, March 4; 6:00 - 8:00 P A Sisters on the Planet Event March 2011 marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, a global holiday celebrating the role of women in society. Learn how women are feeding the world, and lend your voice in support of their 4 | M I N N ES OTA INTERNATIONAL CENTER
efforts during an interactive meal where you’ll hear their personal stories. Where: UMN Continuing Education and Conference Center, 1890 Buford Avenue, St. Paul 23rd Annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5 Striving for Peace, Courage to Act Online registration is now open for the 23rd Annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum to be held at Luther College. Register early and get the best workshop selections.
Member Discounts Shen Yun Chinese Dance Wednesday, March 16 Where: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, St. Paul Cost: Receive 10% off by using the code SYMN2011 at the Ordway Center Box Office, by phone (651.224.4222) or online
TARGET® World Music and Dance Series Tuesday, April 5: BeijingDance When: Ordway Extra 6:30 – 7:00 P; performance 7:30 P Where: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, St. Paul Cost: $25 (including fees and one beverage voucher). When purchasing, enter promo code “MIC” online or when calling 651.224.4222, request the “MIC” discount French Lessons with Alliance Française As an MIC member, you can register for French lessons at a special AF member rate. To register, call 612.332.0436 and identify yourself as an MIC member. Cultural Proficiency Workshops Save 10% on workshops exploring American Indian, Somali, Latino, Hmong and Ethiopian cultures, taught by representatives of each culture. To receive discount, contact Tiffany Rivera-Prescott at 651.789.2513.
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