The International Council’s “Cornerstone” Program:
The US Department of State International
Visitor Leadership Program
The International Council
is designated by the US Department of State as the exclusive host organization
for the International Visitor
Leadership Program in the seven counties of the Tampa Bay Region
– Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota
counties.
Annually, the International Council
matches hundreds of international visitors, including policy officials,
influential media leaders and business and non-governmental organization
professionals with their Tampa Bay Regional counterparts.
Throughout its history, the ICTBR
has brought more than 1,200 official visitors to the Tampa Bay Region,
introducing them to the area’s broad array of excellent resources,
including, among others, the following topics and programs:
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The International Council Brings
the World to Your Doorstep…
The US government brings in thousands
upon thousands of emerging leaders from around the world every year,
to learn about America and our cultural, educational and business resources.
They know that today's "emerging leaders" are tomorrow's top
leaders in every field of endeavor.
Among the thousands of official visitors brought to the US under the IVLP since its inception, more than 200 current and former Heads of State and 1,500 Cabinet-level ministers, and business and opinion leaders in their fields of endeavor have seen first-hand how we in the United States live, work and play.
The International Council
of the Tampa Bay Region is the official host organization for these
State Department visitors.
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Here’s how it works:
o The Federal government identifies these emerging leaders, and then pays their way here, providing transportation, lodging, and meals.
o They bring them first to Washington, DC to give them the "grand tour" and acquaint them with the workings of our Federal government.
o Then they send them to other areas in the United States, to experience "up close and personal" our way of doing things.
o They send individuals and groups as small as three and as large as 25 to learn about specific areas of interest, from Port Security, Journalism in a Free Society, Water Management, Entrepreneurship, Women as Leaders, and virtually every subject you can conceive of.
Importantly, the government agencies want the international visitors
to see our cultural and educational resources, and to meet Americans
in social settings, to learn what we are really like, to see that we
live in harmony regardless of differences in religion or politics. They
want to create for us the opportunity for individual Americans to serve
as "citizen diplomats" and to develop personal friendships
with people all over the world.
The US State Department also sends
professional and fully-qualified interpreters to accompany official
visitors to our region, so that even those visitors who do not understand
English, or who have less-than-expert understanding of our language,
can absorb the full experience of meeting with and getting to know their
counterparts in our area.
The Federal government goes to great effort to identify, screen and then to invite top emerging leaders from other countries to the U.S. and to pay their expenses while they're here. These government agencies send the visitors to places that have host organizations capable of arranging the full gamut of activities and experiences that our government wishes to provide these foreign visitors.
What is an International Council “Emerging Global Leaders” Program?
A
"program" for emerging international leaders is a labor-intensive
exercise that requires the combined skills of project management, event
planning, logistics, sales and marketing, government client relations,
cultural knowledge and sensitivity, hospitality management and public
diplomacy. Doing it best is an intricate choreography of balancing
substantive issues, different objectives, diverse cultures and community
resources. “Programming” is as much an art as a science and
“flexible response” is the operating principle.
Each program, whether with 2 visitors
or 25, demands a full understanding of the expectations of three distinct
“clients” of the International Council of the Tampa Bay Region,
each with individual agendas: The US Department of State and its Embassies
overseas; National Programming Agencies; and the international visitors
themselves. Moreover, while programs are organized under a single topic
or subject area, large groups are typically comprised of many different
nationalities, cultures, and professional status, experience and objectives.
The International Council averages
50 programs per year for around 200 global emerging leaders, or approximately
one program a week! Many times, we host more than one group in a given
week, while planning and preparations for the next group are ongoing.
Typically, a program organized by the International Council looks like
this:
o 4-6 day duration
o 2-25 individuals per program
o 2-4 week notification and preparation
o Professional agenda and logistics (including approximate travel times and directions)
o Coordination with hospitality and transportation professionals
o Up to four business appointments per day
o 5 lunches and 5 dinners
o Hospitality and social gatherings (at least once per program)
o Cultural activities (including history, arts and cultural events)
Programming includes professional meetings and hospitality, allowing our visitors to experience how Americans work, live and play. It is vitally important that international visitors see our cultural and educational resources, and to meet Americans in social settings, to learn what we are really like, to see that we live in harmony regardless of political, social or religious differences. Informal, “home hospitality” gatherings – whether at a baseball game, a museum, at the beach, or at a backyard BBQ – are the best ways in which our cultural values are conveyed and exchanged, and where long-lasting friendships are formed.
2008/09 International Council
of the Tampa Bay Region Programs
August - September - October - November - December
January
January 17-22
"Armenia: University Administration in the United States"
6 Visitors from 1 Country
University presidents, administrators and education policy officials from Armenia visited the Tampa Bay Region to meet their counterparts to: discuss the financial structures and academic programs of their institutions; learn about scholarship programs, entrance requirements and other methods used to insure or increase the level of academic qualifications of the student body; examine how overall quality assurance is maintained in U.S. higher education and visit organizations that accredit institutions to learn the process an institution must take to become accredited, and how individual programs become accredited; and visit a secondary school to learn about how high school students are prepared for and apply to higher education institutions. Highlights of their program included visits with: The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (Tampa); a tour of Northeast High School, hosted by Principal Kevin Hendrick (St. Petersburg); Dr. Carl Kuttler and the staff of St. Petersburg College; the Pinellas Technical Education Centers (PTEC – St. Petersburg); and the Sanford-Brown Institute (Tampa). The Visitors were hosted by Mayor Rick Baker at a special luncheon to view the inauguration of President Barack Obama, organized by the Carter G. Woodson African-American Museum and the International Association of Firefighters Local 747. International Council Trustee William Hough and Mrs. Hazel Hough hosted the visitors for a private tour of the Museum of Fine Arts, conducted by the Museum curator, including a special exhibit featuring the Renaissance era woodcuts of German artist Albrecht Durer. Mr. and Mrs. Hough also hosted the group at a Museum luncheon. The Armenian visitors were also hosted after Sunday services at the St. Hagop Armenian Church.
January 27-31, 2009
"Regional Project for South America: US Political System: Transition to a New Administration"
13 Visitors from 10 Countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, México, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela)
This regional program was designed to introduce the US system of Federalism to the group, and to allow them to observe the US transition to a new presidential administration. In addition, the program offered these visitors – elected officials, political scientists and NGO leaders – an opportunity to examine the role of political parties, the nomination process, primaries, the campaign process, the media, special interest groups and campaign finance laws in the U. S. electoral system. Highlights of their visit included: Beth Herendeen, Marketing Director for the City of St. Petersburg, chaired a panel of city employees on the conduct of elections and media issues; St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker spoke to the group about the local, state and national electoral process, as well as issues affecting city government. Gary Springer, President of the International Council, led the group in a discussion of the new administration’s approach to trade issues in the Western Hemisphere. The group also met with former Governor Bob Martinez of Holland & Knight to discuss the political process for the state as well as national elections. The Sirata Beach Resort hosted the group for an "evening at the Beach", which included emerging leaders from around the Tampa Bay Region. Trustee Robert Miller of welcomed the group to a reception and networking session at his company, Raymond James Financial, which included a number of emerging leaders from his firm.
February
February 14-17
Hungary: Role of the Free Press in a Democratic Society
4 Roma Visitors from 1 Country
The Roma are the largest minority community
in Hungary, a community which is growing rapidly. Despite their numbers,
however, the community experiences both social and professional discrimination,
including in the media. The primary focus of the group’s visit is
to learn about the role of the free press in a democratic society.
Within that focus the program concentrated on exposing the group to
concepts and ideas of minority participation in U.S. media affairs.
The Roma Hungarian journalists ended their US program in the Tampa Bay
Region, which included the International Council’s traditional media
programs with the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, La Gaceta weekly
newspaper, WMNF – Community Radio, Department of Journalism and Media
Studies at USF – St. Petersburg, among others.
February 14-18
Italy: Business and Economic News Media in the US
1 Visitor from 1 Country
The visitor, the managing editor of one of Italy’s largest daily newspapers and multimedia outlets, was invited to the US to explore the coverage of economic news and the business cycle in a multi-media (including television and web-based applications) press environment, including how the change in medium affects presentation of information and content. In addition, the editor sought to examine the effects of the transition of print journalism to an online medium focusing on media operations whose primary target is the Italian-American community. While in the Tampa Bay Region, this visitor met with La Gaceta (the only tri-lingual – English, Spanish and Italian – weekly newspaper in the US); the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, USF’s Department of Journalism and Media Studies. L’Unione Italiana in Ybor City, and Melrose Elementary’s Center for Media and Mass Communication.
February, 17-21
Tajikistan and Uzbekistan - Investigative Journalism
4 Visitors from 2 Countries
These senior journalists came to the Tampa Bay Region to discuss the role of journalists in strengthening the quality of journalism around the world and in broadening the news coverage of global issues in the United States; to learn about ethics in journalism including the legal liabilities of and protections for journalists, as well as investigative journalism techniques;
to meet with representatives of organizations that conduct investigative research and reporting on public policy issues in the United States and around the world; and to explore the depth of political coverage in the United States and the responsibility of the media to provide the public with accurate, up-to-the minute information and analysis. The International Council prepared its traditional media program for the visitors, and included sessions with Pinellas 18 – Public Access Television, and with Nielsen Media Research (Oldsmar), the St. Petersburg Times, and the Tampa Tribune/WFLA-TV.
February 17-21
NEA/North Africa – Investigative Journalism Program
6 visitors from 6 Countries (Cameroon, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal)
This group of African journalists came to the US to examine the role of a free and independent media in setting the agenda for public debate; to introduce participants to the role of responsible investigative journalism in a democracy; and to enhance the understanding of the basic responsibilities of print and broadcast media in developing journalistic standards, practices, values and ethics that define investigative journalism. In addition to the International Council’s traditional media leaders program, Trustee Cathy Unruh hosted the group for professional meetings and a luncheon at WEDU – TV. The group also met with the Poynter Institute, the Tampa Tribune/WFLA-TV, and with the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
March
West Bank – Security, Crime and Counter Terrorism Issues
10 visitors from 1 Territory
This group of West Bank visitors came to the U.S. to examine Security, Crime and Counter Terrorism Issues. While in the Tampa Bay Region, the visitors focused on areas of Law Enforcement Operations, U.S. Federalism, Law enforcement personnel issues, and oversight of law enforcement. The International Council prepared a program that included visits with Mr. Tom Iovino with Pinellas County Communications/Emergency Management, Mr. Billy Young at the National Forensic Science and Technology Center, Mr. J.C. Brock at the Allstate Center to tour the National Terrorism Preparedness Institute and Community Policing Program, and Brigadier General Robert Holmes with the United States Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base.
March 24-28
North Africa and the Near East –Young Business And Economic Leaders: Enhancing Leadership Potential
13 visitors from 10 Countries (Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Palestinian Territories)
This group of visitors came to the U.S. from North Africa and the Near East as Young Business and Economic Leaders to explore Enhancing Leadership Potential. They came to learn about the social, political, and economic origins of federalism in the U.S., identifying the skills and training necessary for enhancing leadership, as well as offering networking opportunities for sharing innovative entrepreneurial and managerial strategies. The International Council put together a program that included Ms. Cathy Unruh of WEDU to discuss public/private sector partnerships, and how business and government partner in the non-profit sector. They met with Brigadier General Robert H. Holmes of The United States Air Force to discuss regional issues and outlook. Finally, the group met with Ms. Margaret Cooley, M.A. and Jennifer Hall, Ph.D, and participated in an "End of Program" exercise to learn about the accomplishments of their program in the United States.
March 25-29
Malaysia – Human Trafficking Program
5 visitors from 1 Country
These Government officials from Malaysia came to The United States under the State Department’s "Trafficking in Persons Program." The visitors came to the Tampa Bay Region to learn about Anti-trafficking policies and activities at the federal, state, and local levels, cooperation among law enforcement agencies at the various government levels, as well as efforts to identify and aid victims of trafficking and the role of Non-Government Organizations in areas of victims’ services. The Malaysian visitors met with Supervising Attorney of Immigration at Gulfcoast Legal Services, Ms. Kathlyn M. Mackovjak, Esq, Deputy Chief Dewey Williams regarding the Clearwater Area Task Force on Human Trafficking, and Mr. Billy Young of the National Forensic Science Technology Center.
March 28 – April 1
Hungary: Hungarian Journalist – Mr. Gabor Borokai
1 visitor from 1 Country
The visitor, Editor in Chief and Managing Director of Heti Valasz (Hungarian Weekly), came to the United States to focus on the changing business of journalism in the United States, to explore various management models for news outlets, including funding revenue and editorial responsibilities, to look at the role of journalism education in the United States, and to examine various major news topics pertinent to current events. While in the Tampa Bay Region, The International Council had Mr. Borokai meet with Mr. Patrick Manteiga of La Gaceta Newspaper (the Nation’s only tri-lingual newspaper), Mr. Bill Mitchell of The Poynter Institute, as well as Mr. Jim Booth of the St. Petersburg Times.
March 31 – April 2
Iraq – Print Media in the US
13 visitors from 1 Country
These Iraqi journalists came to the Tampa Bay Region to learn about the rights and responsibilities of a free press in a democratic society, observe operational practices, and to gain insight into the social, economic and political structure of the U.S. The International Council put together a program which included participation in a roundtable discussion with Dr. Robert Dardenne and his students at the University of South Florida, as well as meetings with Bill Mitchell of The Poynter Institute, and Mr. Jim Booth and Susan Taylor Martin of the St. Petersburg Times.
March 31 – April 3
Regional Program – Western Hemisphere – International Crime Issues I
15 visitors from 10 Countries (Argentina, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Venezuela)
This group of distinguished guests from the Western Hemisphere came to learn about International Crime Issues. The core of the program was devoted to promoting a greater understanding of U.S. objectives in the global war against terrorism, to examine issues related to criminal activities that are of major concern to the U.S. and Latin American bilateral relationship, and to foster greater cooperation between governments and law enforcement agencies of the U.S. and Latin America. While in the Tampa Bay Region, The International Council had them meet with Mr. Gary Milano and Mr. Sam Lima of the Department of Homeland Security at Tampa International Airport, Lt William A. Scott of the United States Coast Guard, and Mr. Kevin Lothridge of the National Forensic Science Technology Center.
April
April 22 – April 25
South Africa and Uganda – Science Journalism Education
3 Visitors from 3 Countries (Namibia, South Africa, Uganda)
This group of distinguished visitors came to the Tampa Bay Region from South Africa and Uganda to learn about Science Journalism Education. The main goals focused on how to create science journalism curricula, the difference or correlation between science journalism and science curriculum, as well as a broad overview of science journalism curricula, including health environmental topics. The program commenced with an introduction to The Poynter Institute with Mr. Rick Edmonds, Media Business Analyst for Poynter. The group then went to The University of South Florida to meet with Dr. Robert Dardenne, Associate Professor in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies. Mr. Craig Pittman of The St. Petersburg Times, and Ms. Amy Rettig of The Nielsen Company also met with our visitors during their stay in The Tampa Bay Region.
April 30 – May 5
Multi-Regional Project – Combating International Crime
12 Visitors from 8 Countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Kuwait, Maldives, Pakistan, Qatar, West Bank)
Our distinguished guests came to The Tampa Bay Region to learn about Combating International Crime. The main goals of this project were to provide an understanding of the U.S. criminal justice system, examine the roles, responsibilities, and cooperative efforts of key law enforcement institutions, identify major international crime issues that affect relationships among the U.S., South and Central Asia, and the Near East and North Africa. In order for these goals to be met, the group departed to the United States Coast Guard Sector Saint Petersburg and spoke with LT William A. Scott. Mr. J.C. Brock of the Allstate Center spoke to the visitors concerning the National Terrorism Preparedness Institute (NTPI) which provides extensive support to our Nation’s War on Terror and is headquartered in Saint Petersburg. This group was also able to meet with Lt. Col. Robert Cooke, J-5 CCC of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) at Tampa’s Macdill Airforce Base, as well as Mr. Billy Young of the National Forensic Science Technology Center.
May
May 2 – May 5
Regional Project for Europe – U.S. – European Security Issues
18 Visitors from 17 Countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, European Union, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Lithuania, Montenegro, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom)
This group of distinguished visitors came to us to discuss U.S. – European Security Issues. The main goals of this program were to expose participants to U.S. security and defense policy-making and perspectives, discuss European security architecture, explore implications for partnerships in U.S. and European security policy worldwide, and to examine specific security issues. These goals were accomplished through meetings at the National Forensic Science Technology Center with Mr. Billy Young, Lt. Col. Robert Cooke, J-5 CCC at U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), as well as a cultural activity at the Tampa Bay Rays baseball game with special guests, including Ambassador Sembler.
May 6 – May 9
Regional Project for the Western Hemisphere – Administration Justice and the Rule of Law I
12 Visitors from 8 Countries (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela)
This group of visitors came to the U.S. to discuss Administration Justice and the Rule of Law. The goals of this program were to examine the underlying principles of the U.S. judicial and legal systems and the culture of lawfulness in the United States, to deepen the understanding of the civil, criminal, military and juvenile justice systems, and to explore the academic and professional sides of the field. While in the Tampa Bay area, the visitors were able to accomplish some of these goals by visiting with The Honorable E.J. Salcines, the Senior Judge with the Second District Court of Appeal in Tampa, Fl. They met with the State Attorney’s Office, and participated in a Luncheon Roundtable with Mark Ober, State Attorney; Honorable William Fuente, Judge of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit; Ada Carmona, State of Florida Attorney’s Office Thirteenth Judicial Circuit; Julianna Holt, Public Defender of Hillsborough County; Sheila A. Jacoby, Chief, Pretrial Services Officer; Angela Ramirez, Assistant Director of International Programs, Stetson University College of Law; and Eduardo Toro Font, Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office.
May 14 – 17
Iraq – Television Broadcast Journalism
7 Visitors from Iraq
These Iraqi journalists came to The United States to explore a free and independent media, to understand broadcast operations and programming, and to learn about the rights and responsibilities of the free press in a democratic society. While in the Tampa Bay area, these journalists were able to accomplish these goals by meeting with Mr. Bill Mitchell and Mr. Paul Pohlman of The Poynter Institute, Mr. Don North, News Director of WFLA-TV Channel 8, and Mr. Eric Hulsizer, Station Manager of Pinellas County Communications. The group was also able to enjoy a night at Tropicana Field to experience a professional baseball game, with The Tampa Bay Rays facing The Cleveland Indians.
May 21 – May 28
Russia – Advancing Financial Sector Transparency And Combating Money Laundering And The Financing of Terrorism
5 Visitors from Russia
These Russian visitors came to the Tampa Bay Region to examine the legal and regulatory framework at the federal and state levels for combating financial crime, with special focus on combating money laundering and financing terrorism, as well as to examine how financial regulators at the federal and state levels act to combat money laundering, financing of terrorism, and other major forms of financial crimes. While in the Tampa Bay area, the group was able to meet with Dr. Carl Kuttler, Jr, Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation, and have lunch with Dr. Kuttler at Cheddars Restaurant. They met with Mr. Robert Miller, President, Chairman of the Board of Raymond James International Holdings, Inc, as well as Ms. Linda L. Busby, Anti-Money Laundering Officer for Raymond James Financial. They met with The Honorable Elizabeth A. Jenkins, United States Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Courthouse, and Mr. Robert Mazur, President of Chase & Associates, Inc., Forensic Investigative Services.
June
June 9 – June 11
China- Journalism in the Digital Age
4 Visitors from China
This group of Chinese visitors came to the Tampa Bay Region to examine the best practices in broadcast, online, and print journalism, including production, news-gathering, and reporting practices and guidelines, with focus on media outlets specializing in financial/economic, sports, culture and lifestyle, and general news. To achieve these objectives, the International Council organized a program that included a tour of the Poynter Institute and a meeting with Mr. Bill Mitchell, leader of the News Transformation and International Programs at Poynter. The group then went to the St. Petersburg Times and met with Jim Booth, a senior editor of the Times. This was followed by a meeting with Amy Rettig, director of communications and client relations of the Nielsen Company, a global information and media company. The group also met with Mr. Don North, News Director of WFLA-TV to discuss media convergence, as well as Ms. Jackie McConnell of Tampa Bay Business Journal. Mr. Eric Man and the Suncoast Association of Chinese-Americans hosted the visitors for dinner during their stay. The group was also treated to a professional Major League Baseball game, as well as a visit to the Salvador Dali Museum.
June 10 – June 14
Iraq - Combating International Crime
3 Visitors from Iraq
While in the Tampa Bay Region, this group of Iraqi visitors tried to gain an understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and cooperative efforts of key law enforcement institutions at the international, federal, state, and local levels. The International Council program included visits to the National Terrorism Preparedness Institute, an organization that provides extensive support for our Nation’s War on Terror. The visit included a stop at MacDill Air Force Base where the group met with Special Operations Command and Central Command. The program also included visits to The National Forensic Science Technology Center, Critical Intervention Services, Stetson University College of Law with Professor Luz Nagle, and the Hillsborough County Emergency Management Center. The group enjoyed a visit to the Salvador Dali Museum, the only 3 star single-artist museum in the United States.
June 13 – June 17
Ethiopia – Emergency Management and Government Coordination
2 Visitors from Ethiopia
Our Ethiopian guests came to the Tampa Bay Region to learn about the role of state and local government in emergency response. The group focused on natural disaster response as well as community outreach for emergency preparedness. The program commenced with a visit to the Pinellas County Emergency Management Center. This was followed by a visit to the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, an organization that brings together governments to coordinate planning for the community’s 43 jurisdictions in the Tampa Bay region. The visit included stops at The American Red Cross, the Allstate Center, and United Way- Disaster Services.
June 13 – June 18
West Bank – Women’s Political Leadership Issues
3 Visitors from West Bank
This group of distinguished women from the West Bank came to the US to learn about various issues effecting women in politics. Their visit to the region began with a visit to Enterprise Village/Finance Park, a self-contained economic education program that provides hands-on learning experience for students. The group also met with Ms. Nancy Whitlock at the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Office where they received an overview of the voter system and a tour of the Election Service Center. Mayor Beverley Billiris welcomed the group to the Tarpon Springs City Hall to discuss local governance with City Manager Mr. Mark LeCouris. During their stay the group also met with Ms. Calvina Fay, CEO of the Drug Free America Foundation, Inc. to discuss nationwide drug prevention programs; visited the USF Small Business Development Center; and, visited Ms. Betty Castor, Executive Director of The Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions at USF. Given their interests in agriculture and agribusiness finance, the International Council arranged a session in Plant City with Farm Credit of Central Florida. Farm Credit executives then arranged on-site visits with micro-farms, including Sunshine Growers, Parkesdale Hydroponic Farm, and the Parkesdale Market, the largest family-operated strawberry and citrus market in Florida.
June 21 – June 25
India – Role of the Media
5 Visitors from India
This group of Indian Journalists came to the Tampa Bay Region to learn about the role of the media in a democracy. The program commenced with a meeting with Rob Lorei at the WMNF Community Radio, a non commercial, listener supported community radio station. The group then went to WFLA to discuss media convergence between The Tampa Tribune and WFLA-TV. A stop at the Salvador Dali Museum was also in store where the group could see the most comprehensive collection of works by the late Spanish surrealist. BJ Sheffield and Bill Maxwell invited the delegation to join them and invited guests for a home hospitality dinner. The International Council created its traditional media program for these visitors, including professional meetings with: WEDU; La Gaceta, the Nation’s only tri-lingual newspaper, The Nielsen Company, The Poynter Institute, and Mr. Jim Booth of The St. Petersburg Times.
June 25 – July 1
Israel and West Bank – Vocational Technical Educational Program
3 Visitors from 1 Country and 1 Territory (Israel and West Bank)
While, in the Tampa Bay Region this group of Middle Eastern visitors focused on vocational education in the US. The program began with a visit to the Stanford Brown Institute, a career-oriented postsecondary school offering short-term career training programs in a variety of fields. The visitors then met with Dr. Bill Blake and Dr. Victor Hernandez for a discussion of USF’s Adult Career and Higher Educations traditional and on-line vocational/career education degrees/programs. In addition, the group also visited St. Petersburg College, Creative Clay Inc., the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, PTEC, and Gulf Coast Business Finance.
June 30 – July 1
Sweden – Crisis Management and Witness Protection Program
2 Visitors from Sweden
Our distinguished guests came to the Tampa Bay Region to learn about crisis management and the Witness Protection Program. The visitors started their visit with a meeting with Mr. Charles Crowther who provided an overview of The Emergency Administration and Management Program at St. Petersburg College. This was followed by a stop at the Pinellas County Emergency Management Center, responsible for countywide emergency planning, preparedness, and disaster response. Their Tampa Bay region agenda also included meetings with Ms. Mickie Valente at the United Way Tampa Bay – Disaster Services, as well as a meeting with Cpt. Al Greco and Sgt. Michael M. Conigliaro at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Operations Center.
July
July 22 – July 25
France – UNESCO
1 Visitor from France
The visitor, a Program Specialist, Section for Media Capacity Building at UNESCO, came to the United States to examine how media-related policies and legal frameworks are formulated and implemented, as well as to review different factors impacting the media environment including new technologies, and the effects of the financial and economic crisis on the media. While in the Tampa Bay region Ms. Jennings met with the Poynter Institute, the St. Petersburg Times, The Nielsen Company, WMNF 88.5 FM Community Radio, Bay News 9 en Espanol. Ms. Robyn Blumner and Mr. Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times joined the International Council at a dinner for Ms. Jennings at the Columbia Restaurant on the Pier.
August
August 5 – August 8
Azerbaijan – New Media
6 Visitors from Azerbaijan
This group of visitors came to the US from Azerbaijan to focus on how to adapt traditional media to the challenges of new media, receive specialized training for journalism and new media, and monitor national and global communication. The International Council prepared a program that included a stop at the Poynter Institute, a school dedicated to teaching and inspiring journalists and media leaders. This was followed by a meeting with Jim Booth, senior editor/news administration of the St. Petersburg Times. The visitors also had a chance to tour and observe Pinellas County Connection public access television. International Council Trustee Robert Miller welcomed the group to Raymond James, where they were accompanied by Yana Nazarova, an Azerbaijani who works for the firm. While in the area the group was also able to visit the Salvador Dali Museum, as well an evening sunset on the beach at the Hurricane Restaurant on Pass-a-Grille Beach.
August 16 – August 19
France – Media
1 Visitor from France
The visitor, the Executive Director of the Sciences Po School of Journalism, was invited to the US to explore the current state of US and international media, interact with media outlets that concentrate on particular ethnic or religious groups, and to experience American culture and society firsthand. While in the Tampa Bay Region this visitor met with La Gaceta (the only tri-lingual – English, Spanish, and Italian – weekly newspaper in the US), the Nielsen Company, the Poynter Institute, and the University of South Florida. Ms. Robyn Blumner and Mr. Damian Cristodero, of the St. Petersburg Times, hosted Ms. Chauveau for dinner at their home.
August 19 – August 22
Western Hemisphere – Journalism in a Democratic Society
13 Visitors from 10 Countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela)
This regional program of distinguished visitors from Latin America came to the Tampa Bay region to learn about journalism in a democratic society. The primary focus of their program was on media ethics and accuracy, investigative journalism, as well as new media. The group began their stay with a meeting with Ms. Rettig, at The Nielsen Company, as well as a meeting with Mr. North at WFLA. This was followed by a meeting with Ms. Holan at the St. Petersburg Times that focused on PolitiFact, a Pulitzer Prize winning project of the St. Petersburg Times that gained notoriety for their coverage of the 2008 Presidential Election. The visitors also got a chance to tour the Poynter Institute, a school dedicated to teaching and inspiring journalists and media leaders. Mr. James E. MacDougald, Chairman of the International Council hosted the group for "baseball diplomacy" at Tropicana Field for a Major League Baseball Game, as the Tampa Bay Rays faced the Texas Rangers.
September
September 9 – September 12
India – National Security and Defense Reporting
5 Visitors from India
This group of distinguished senior journalists from India came to the US better understand the US defense policy, especially toward South Asia, and particularly the expanding and evolving relationship with India, which encompasses joint exercises, peacekeeping operations training, and multi-billion dollar weapons sales. The group was able to meet with a representative of US Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base to discuss public affairs operations responsible for outreach to the media, business, and local and international communities. The International Council created its traditional media program for these visitors, including professional meetings with Mr. Duryea at the St. Petersburg Times, the Poynter Institute, WMNF radio, WFLA – TV 8, and a meeting with Dr. Luz Nagle at the Stetson University College of Law.
September 10 – September 12
Indonesia – Media Television
1 Visitor from Indonesia
The visitor, Operational Director of SBO TV Surabaya Media Television, came to the United States to visit and tour local television stations in the US including stations serving large metropolitan areas as well as more rural channels, become familiar with American TV channels and programming for young audiences, and to learn about the role of government regulations and legal aspects of broadcasting in the US. While in the Tampa Bay Region Ms. Rusliyanto met with Dr. Robert Dardenne at the USF St. Petersburg Department of Journalism and Media Studies, and toured Bright House Network’s "Bay News 9" broadcast studio with anchor Jen Holloway. International Council Trustee Cathy Unruh hosted Ms. Rusilanto at WEDU for the taping of her television show. International Council supporter Mr. Eric Kennedy hosted our visitor for home hospitality at Grattzi’s, and she also joined the Indian journalist delegation for dinner the next evening at Moon Under the Water.
September 20 – September 23
Lebanon – Roles of the Public Sector and Civil Society
8 Visitors from Lebanon
This program was designed to provide an understanding of the US political and elections process as a basis for approaching electoral reform, including the legislative process, the role of women, advocacy and lobbying, and voter education. The visitors will also expose them to election monitoring methods, including the role of independent electoral commissions, campaign media law, campaign financing, and logistics such as pre-printed electoral ballots or absentee voting. The group met with Mr. Farley from the St. Petersburg Times where they were introduced to the PolitiFact project, a Pulitzer Prize winner for National Reporting for their coverage of the 2008 Presidential election. International Council supporter Mr. Michael Ciftci organized a "Young Political Leaders Roundtable," a luncheon to discuss ways that political leaders formulate/present platforms that address constituency needs. Highlights of their visit to the Tampa Bay Region also included professional meetings with: Rob Lorei from WMNF Community Radio, the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections office, Pinellas County Connection Television, Mayor Beverley Billiris of Tarpon Springs, and Mayor Rick Baker of St. Petersburg. The group enjoyed home hospitality hosted by Mr. Nick Kotaiche, a Lebanese-American business executive in the Tampa Bay region.
September 23 – September 26
Chile – Evolving Role of the Media
1 Visitor from Chile
The visitor, a professor and researcher at the School of Journalism at the University Diego Portales, came to the United States to understand the principles of American journalism, the legal framework of press freedom as outlined in the First Amendment, and the evolving role of the media in the United States. While in the Tampa Bay Region, our visitor met with the Poynter Institute, the St. Petersburg Times, the Nielsen Company, WFLA, and USF Associate Professor Robert Dardenne.
September 25 – September 30
Russia – Innovative Developments in High School Education
12 Visitors from Russia
This group of Russian high school principals and administrators came to the Tampa Bay Region to learn about the history and current organization of the US educational system, including levels of management and minimum local and national standards. While in the area the group also focused on ways of preparing high school students for further education. The program began with a visit to Madeira Beach Fundamental School where the group was familiarized with the schools focus on an updated back-to-basics approach, joint parent/teacher commitment, and preparation for high school success. This was followed by a visit to Admiral Farragut Academy. While there, the group was given an overview of the school’s curriculum and a tour of the historic campus. The school hosted the visitors for a special luncheon program at the Academy Museum, where they were joined by families of the three Russian cadets attending the school. The group also visited St. Petersburg High School to gain an understanding of the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) program. A Russian senior in the IB program as well as a former graduate of the program (and current intern at the International Council) shared their experiences of the values and lessons acquired during their schooling there. During their stay the guests also had professional meetings with the Hillsborough County School Board, St. Petersburg College Collegiate High School, the pTEC program (vocational-technical education center), and the Gus A. Stavros Institute – Enterprise Village/Finance Park. The visitors also had a chance to experience the Gulf Coast’s amazing beaches as well as to visit Tarpon Springs, a historic Greek community made famous by its natural sponge and fishing industry.
September 26 – September 30
Bulgaria – Combating International Crime
3 Visitors from Bulgaria
These Bulgarian visitors came to the Tampa Bay Region to explore operational methods for detecting, investigating and prosecuting organized crime and public corruption at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as discover public and private US strategies for the implementation of legal and structural reforms to combat corruption. The visitors met with the US Coast Guard in St. Petersburg to discuss drug interdiction, search and rescue operations, and combating human trafficking. Executives at the National Forensic Science Technology Center – an organization that provides quality systems support, training and education to the forensic science community in the US – met with the group and demonstrated various forensic techniques in their state of the art crime lab. The group also met with Dr. Mary Pacheco, a forensic analyst at The Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crime Lab in Tampa, Professor Luz Nagle – a world-renowned expert on human trafficking – from Stetson University College of Law, and the National Terrorism Preparedness Institute at the Allstate Center. A Bulgarian cadet toured the group through Admiral Farragut Academy.
September 30 – October 3
Iraq and Lebanon – Combating Terrorism
9 Visitors from 2 Countries (Iraq and Lebanon)
While in the Tampa Bay Region, this group of Middle Eastern visitors came to inquire about the roles, responsibilities, and cooperative efforts of key law enforcement institutions at the international, federal, state and local levels. The program also focused on ways to foster greater international cooperation in combating transnational criminal and terrorism activities. The program began with a visit to MacDill Air Force Base Davis Conference Center, where they were briefed on topics such as international crime and regional relationships by CENTCOM and SOCOM. The group also met with Professor Luz Nagle, an international lawyer, former Colombian judge, and professor of international criminal law, at Stetson University College of Law. St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker met with and discussed an array of local governance topics at City Hall. While in the region the group also met with Hillsborough County Emergency Management, and The National Forensic Science Technology Center. Mr. James E. MacDougald, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Council, hosted the visitors for "Baseball Diplomacy" as the Tampa Bay Rays faced off against the Baltimore Orioles.
September 30 – October 4
EU Commission – US Foreign Policy
1 Visitor from the European Union
The visitor, a Desk Officer for Central Asia at the European Commission, came to the United States to receive an overview of US foreign policy formulation, especially regarding the Middle East/Afghanistan, as well as gain an understanding of how to further transatlantic cooperation on issues related to Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Political Islam. While in the Tampa Bay region, our visitor met with: the National Terrorism Preparedness Institute (St. Petersburg College), US Central Command, and "Operation Helping Hand", an organization which assists families of wounded veterans. Our visitor joined the Middle Eastern delegation in a suite at Tropicana Field, hosted by Chairman, Mr. James E. MacDougald, as they saw the Tampa Bay Rays play the Baltimore Orioles. Home hospitality was provided by Mr. Bill Maxwell and Ms. BJ Sheffield, where she joined African journalists in St. Petersburg as part of the Edward R. Murrow Program.
October
October 1 – October 7
Africa – Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists
17 Visitors from 13 Countries (Angola, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Guinea, Liberia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Uganda, Zimbabwe)
Our distinguished African visitors, members of the Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists – the State Department’s most prestigious journalism exchange program – came to the Tampa Bay Region to examine the rights and responsibilities of a free press in a democracy. The visitors wanted to observe the operational practices, standards, and institutions of the media in the United States. Their program is designed to gain insight into the social, economic and political structures of the US. The group started their program at the Marine Science Dock, at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg, where they were able to venture into the bay on the Marine Science research vessel, the Bellows. After a hosted lunch and an informal session on coastal and other environmental issues in Florida journalism, the group observed the first of several presentations during their stay. During their stay the group participated in several professional and educational roundtables, including:
- "The Risks of Responsible Reporting" – Dr. Deni Elliot
- "Social Media Mashup" – Dr. Monica Ancu and Dr. Paul Wang
- "Reporting on Africa" – Dr. Robert Dardenne
- "Power Reporting" – Dr. Tony Silvia and Ms. Deb Wolfe
- "Journalism Education: From Africa to America" – USF JMS Graduate students
- "Reporting in Africa" – African Journalists
In addition, the group’s professional agenda included a visit to the Sanderlin Center, a community, neighborhood news bureau, as well as St. Petersburg Times, one of the nation’s top newspapers. They visited the Poynter Institute and met with Paul Pohlman and Poynter faculty. The group also had professional meeting with Ms. Vidisha Priyanka and Tampa Tribune reporters and editors at the Tampa Tribune, as well as Mr. Richard Lobo and Ms. Marion Yongue at WEDU-PBS. While in the area the visitors were able to explore our great museums, such as the Salvador Dali Museum and The Museum of Fine Arts. ICTBR Chair James E. MacDougald hosted the group in a suite at Tropicana Field as the Tampa Bay Rays faced off against the New York Yankees, the last game of a season filled with "baseball diplomacy". Mr. Bill Maxwell and Ms. BJ Sheffield hosted a wonderful dinner for the guests at their home during the beginning of their stay. Trustee Cathy Unruh also hosted the visitors and invited guests for a reception and farewell dinner at her beachside home during the visitors’ final night in the area.
November
Events to be posted.
December
Events to be posted.
January
January 17-22
“Iraq: Young Business and Economic Leaders”
3 Visitors from 1 Country
The three Iraqi visitors were all advisors to the Iraqi government, primarily in the area of economic development and small business development. Their program included an examination of the role of educational institutions, businesses, the courts, civic and religious organizations, and youth groups in advancing young men and women as business leaders, with the objectives to identify the skills necessary for successful leadership and explore methods used to develop these skills, in critical thinking, decision-making, communication and organization skills, and professional development. One highlight of their visit was time spent with Dr. Gus Stravros, the founder and chair of the Stavros Center, which includes “Enterprise Village”, a hands-on business management experience for elementary and secondary schools. Dr. Stavros highlighted the approach taken to business education at Enterprise Village, and the importance of partnering with the business community in the success of the program.
January 26-30
“A Regional Project for Young European Leaders: Current Social, Political, and Economic Issues”
16 Visitors from 16 Countries (Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Kosovo, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, United Kingdom)
This group, part of an annual program of the US Department of State, came to the Tampa Bay Region to learn about the US political system and to see first-hand the activities of the Florida Presidential Primary, and to gain an understanding of interrelated U.S. foreign and domestic policy topics, including homeland security, trade and economic development, immigration and assimilation, and health and human services. The delegation spent time with a University of South Florida political analyst, and attended a political rally for Senator John McCain, at the invitation of AARP. Eckerd College hosted the delegation at a live broadcast by Dan Rather, where they participated in a Q&A session. Later that evening, they serendipitously encountered Gov. Mitt Romney at their hotel. The visitors also met with Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Deborah Clark and Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Kathy Dent during their visit. Former U.S. Congresswoman Katherine Harris met with the visitors at the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, where she spoke about the U.S. electoral process.
January 27-31
Sweden: “The U.S. Electoral Process”
2 Visitors from 1 Country
The two Swedish visitors arrived simultaneous with the European Union delegation (see above), and were able to join many of the same programs as that delegation. Their program focus, however was slightly different, and included: Activities of citizen action groups that interact with U.S. elected officials at all levels to influence political, social, and economic change; role of campaign strategists, lobbyists, and political consultants; media and “spin” strategies; role of foreign policy in campaign strategies; perspectives on foreign policy issues of interest to the United States and Europe with young Republican and Democratic political counterparts; and interests and voting patterns of ethnic minority groups and minority political leaders.
January 30 – February 2
Kazakhstan: “Human Rights Advocacy and Awareness”
4 Visitors from 1 Country
The Kazakh delegation spent time in Tampa Bay for a full program dedicated to acquainting participants with management, public relations and fundraising strategies of US non-profit organizations, and to demonstrate how US human rights organizations seek to affect policy and public opinion. Highlights included a dinner hosted by Dr. Carl Kuttler, President of St. Petersburg College who invited educational participants to return for a major conference in the US later in the year.
February
During the month of February – a traditionally quiet month for the IVLP in our region –, the International Council attended the annual conference of the National Council of International Visitors in Washington, DC, and took the opportunity to begin a new rollout of the ICTBR “brand”, and re-introduce the Tampa Bay Region – all seven counties – to the primary “clients” of the International Council: The US Department of State, the seven National Program Agencies (responsible for determining the agenda and destinations for IVLP visitors), the Foreign Service Institute, the US Small Business Administration, and other Federal agencies.
March
March 12-15
US Foreign Service Nationals
25 Visitors from 23 Countries
(Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, France, India, Jamaica, Madagascar, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Tajikistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Turkey)
For the first time in the ICTBR’s history, the organization brought the US Foreign Service Institute, the State Department’s graduate school for diplomats, to the Tampa Bay Region. FSI’s training program focused on Foreign Service Nationals, all local employees of US Embassies, from 23 countries around the world. These Foreign Service Nationals are, in many cases, responsible for the identification of emerging leaders in their countries, the “first line” of the International Visitor Leadership Program. They are also translators of domestic media intelligence, the basis of the US Foreign Broadcast Information Service, and work on trade missions, public affairs and other matters that make them key connections for the Tampa Bay Region in US embassies. The University of Tampa and President Ron Vaughn hosted the FSI group for a dinner at the university, where they were joined by college administrators, faculty and the Tampa Bay community.
March 16 – 19
People’s Republic of China – Role of the Media in a Free Society
1 Visitor from 1 Country
The visitor, the director of the news department at a large Chinese newspaper, visited the Poynter Institute for meetings with their Media Business Analyst, and their “High School Journalism” program, where she interacted with top reporters and high school writers. In addition, she spent time with the editor of La Gaceta, the US’ only weekly newspaper published in three languages, and the St. Petersburg Times.
March 22 – 26
Poland – Multi-Media Program
1 Visitor from 1 Country
The visitor, a senior television broadcast news editor, was hosted by WFLA-TV, where he was introduced to the first “convergence” media production center in the US – bringing together print, broadcast and Internet media into one space. He also visited the St. Petersburg Times and the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, where he met with the Institute’s “online” media resource expert.
March 27 – April 1
Kyrgyzstan - Military Base Program
4 Visitors from 1 Country
The Kyrgyz delegation came to the US to be introduced to issues surrounding U.S. military bases in the United States and abroad, to how local and regional governments interact with bases in their jurisdictions, and to explore how the U.S. military endeavors to interact with and support the communities that host the bases. While in the Tampa Bay Region, the delegation was hosted for brunch by ICTBR Trustee William Hough and Mrs. Hough, and had professional meetings with former Florida Gov. Bob Martinez, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, and the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.
April
April 13-16, 2008
1 Visitor from 1 Country
People’s Republic of China – American Broadcast Media
The visitor, a top editor and producer for China Central Television (CCTV), visited the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, the St. Petersburg Times, USF – St. Petersburg, the Tampa Tribune, WFLA – TV broadcast studio, La Gaceta, Pinellas 18 (public access) and WEDU – PBS studios during his visit to the Tampa Bay Region. His visit focused on broadcast production, talk show formats, coverage of China in the US news media, and multi-media news operations.
April 23 – 24
Latin America – US Foreign Service Nationals Training Session
12 FSNs from 12 Countries (Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Switzerland, Trinidad, Venezuela)
The US Department of State invited the International Council to make a Tampa Bay Region program capabilities presentation in Ft. Lauderdale to 12 FSNs from 12 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in anticipation of the USDOS’ focus on Western Hemisphere programming in the 2009 fiscal year.
May
May 3-7
West Bank – Security, Crime, and Counter-Terrorism Issues
7 Visitors from the Palestinian Authority
This was the first of four West Bank programs, organized by the State Department, all of which were sent to the Tampa Bay Region as a means to give the four separate groups a common experience in the US. This particular group was comprised of senior security officials from the Palestinian Authority. In addition to a variety of law enforcement security briefings, the group was hosted by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department and a private security company .
May 4 – 7, 2008
Multi-Regional Program – Leadership Development for Young Political Leaders
5 Visitors from 5 Countries (Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Bulgaria, India, Moldova)
Visitors learned about how American youth obtain skills to influence public policy at the local, state, national and international levels, as well as explored the role of colleges and universities, civic groups, and non-governmental organizations in promoting leadership among young political activists. The group met with the Poynter Institute and the St. Petersburg Times, the Greater Sun City Republican Club and the Southshore Democratic Club were luncheon guests of the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club (a non-partisan political club) for a wrap-up on the Florida Legislative session, and met with the Hillsborough County League of Women Voters.
May 9 – 13, 2008
Azerbaijan – Independence and Responsibility in Journalism
5 Visitors from 1 Country
In addition to the traditional media program hosted and organized by the ICTBR, these journalists visited the Center for Communication and Mass Media, an elementary school journalism magnet program at Melrose Elementary School, and USF – St. Petersburg’s Department of Journalism and Media Studies. They also visited with WMNF 88.5 FM to discuss marketing and fundraising strategies at this community radio station.
May 12 – 14
Poland – Broadcast Journalism in the US
1 Visitor from 1 Country
The visitor, a program director for public television in Poland, spent time with WEDU-PBS and at the Poynter Institute, as well as toured a number of cultural attractions in the Tampa Bay Region.
May 24 – 28
West Bank – Role of the Government Press Officer
7 Visitors from the Palestinian Authority
The second of four programs from the West Bank, this group of mid-level government public affairs officers were welcomed by St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker and officials from city government, and were hosted for dinner and a tour by Terra Construction. In addition to the traditional ICTBR media program, the visitors also met with Pinellas County Emergency Management communications officials, and toured the local facility. This was also the first group to enjoy the ICTBR’s “baseball diplomacy” initiative, and was hosted by Chairman James MacDougald in the owner’s suite at Tropicana Field for a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game.
June
June 8 – 11
Panama – Investigative Journalism
3 Visitors from 1 country
These television broadcast journalists enjoyed the traditional ICTBR media program, which was focused for them on broadcast and print investigative journalism. In addition, the visitors met with WTVT – Fox 13’s investigative reporter, the University of Tampa’s Communications School, and BayNews 9 en Espanol.
June 10 – 14
Regional Project - Press and Foreign Policy Program
8 Visitors from 6 Countries (Egypt, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia Tunisia, Yemen)
These senior journalists from the Middle East and North Africa were hosted by ICTBR Trustee Cathy Unruh at WEDU – PBS for her broadcast and a discussion with public television executives at the station. The group also enjoyed the traditional ICTBR media program.
July
July 5 – 9
People’s Republic of China – International Affairs, Government and Media
2 Visitors from 1 Country
These journalists, one a senior foreign editor for China’s largest news service, and the other a director of public diplomacy studies and journalism in Beijing, visited prior to the Beijing Olympics. The focus of this program was journalism, foreign policy, politics, and the interaction of government and media in the US. Our visitors enjoyed a typical ICTBR media program, with a special session at the Stetson College of Law and at the University of Tampa.
July 8-11
Italy – Emergency Management Program
1 Visitor from 1 Country
Our visitor was the director of the city of Rome’s emergency preparedness and management system. The Tampa Bay Region was selected based on the International Council’s presentation of the area’s substantial expertise and resources related to emergency preparedness and emergency management. Our visitor’s meetings included: the St. Petersburg Fire Department and Police Department; St. Petersburg College’s Southeastern Public Safety Institute; SPC’s National Terrorism Preparedness Institute; the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council; USF’s Institute for Safety Security Research Technology; the USF College of Public Health Global Center for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Action; and the Pinellas County Emergency Management Center. Trustee Mel Sembler, former US Ambassador to Italy, hosted our guest for a luncheon, as did Dr. Carl Kuttler, President of St. Petersburg College and the chair of the ICTBR Board of Advisors.
July 9-12
West Bank – Public Administration and Local Government Issues
5 visitors from the Palestinian Authority
This third of four programs from the West Bank brought Palestinian mayors from West Bank municipalities, with a goal of gaining insights into strategies that would enable them to generate and sustain economic, social, and political development. While visiting with city officials and private businesses in the Tampa Bay Region, the group of mayors also explored ways in which municipal governments can work with state and federal government to solve problems of towns and cities, with a special focus on urban revitalization and economic development.
July 13-16
People’s Republic of China – Urban Horticulture Application and New Species Research
2 Visitors and 1 Country
Both Chinese professional horticulturalists came to the US to observe plant collection, display, and management at botanic gardens and arboretums, to gain an academic perspective on urban planning horticulture research; including plant breeding and conservation, and to discuss urban horticulture project planning and implementation, including large events and projects on the city and municipal levels. They came to Tampa Bay to benefit from the area’s tremendous agricultural and horticultural resources, both public and private. Pinellas County’s Weedon Island Preserve and St. Petersburg’s Boyd Hill Nature Park and Sunken Gardens were highlights of the public program, while they traveled to Plant City to visit the University of Florida IFAS -Plant City Campus Teaching Garden, a university program designed for students to receive hands-on experience with landscape design, landscape installation, and management. The visitors were also hosted for a full day with Central Florida Landscaping, the landscape design firm that recently created a new “jungle”-themed area at Busch Gardens, an area theme park, and which frequently works on both commercial developments and private sub-divisions and homes.
July 15-19
France – Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement in the US
1 Visitor from 1 Country
The visitor, a French prosecutor, visited with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department, the Orient Road County Jail, the Federal Bureau of investigation, the Hillsborough State’s Attorney, an investigative journalist with the St. Petersburg Times, and the City of Clearwater Police Department. He also toured the St. Petersburg College Allstate Center’s Southeastern Public Safety Institute. Our distinguished visitor was also a guest of the Tampa Bay Rays at a game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
July 16 – 20
Multi-regional Program – Accountability in Government and Business
19 Visitors from 18 Countries
(Bangladesh, Burma, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Egypt, Hungary, Jordan, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Montenegro, Morocco, Peoples Republic of China, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Slovak Republic, Sudan, Turkey, West Bank, Zimbabwe)
A mix of government officials, business executives and journalists met with the Poynter Institute of Media Studies, the USF – St. Petersburg College of Business “Social Responsibility and Corporate Reporting Program”, ICTBR Trustee Cathy Unruh at WEDU – PBS, the State of Florida’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, St. Petersburg College’s Applied Ethics Institute, Clearwater’s City Auditor, and the St. Petersburg Times. Terra Construction hosted the group for a gala dinner, and ICTBR Chair James MacDougald hosted the group for some “baseball diplomacy” at the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, Tropicana Field.
July 16 – 19
Argentina – Journalism and International Crimes Issues
4 Visitors from 1 Country
This program followed the typical ICTBR media program format, with a focus on examining the role of journalism in fighting criminal activities that are of major concern to the United States/Latin American bilateral relationship, including drug trafficking, terrorism, trafficking in persons, money laundering and illegal immigration.
July 23 – 27
Tunisia – Media Studies Curriculum Development for Higher Education
6 visitors from 1 Country
This program followed the ICTBR media program format, with an emphasis on education strategies and curriculum development and on meeting with individuals in the education sector who are knowledgeable in the field of media studies and to learn how media studies in incorporated in academics. A USF international affairs professor, a native of Tunisia, joined the group for a lunch in Tampa.
July 26 – 30
Syria – New Media in the United States
4 Visitors from 1 Country
With a focus on “new media”, this program followed the ICTBR media program format, and included a meeting with the Nielsen Media Research company in Oldsmar, and a visit with WUSF, a public broadcast station. Specifically, the program looked at technology’s effects on society and journalism, including: digital media’s cultural and religious impacts; the role of journalists in a new media age; new media as a vehicle for youth voices and a mechanism for social change; strategies for digital media management; and, impacts of blogging.
July 31 – August 4
Uganda – Biotechnology (Food) Development in the US
2 Visitors from 1 Country
Senior professionals from the Uganda science and technology foundation and the Ministry of Finance came to the Tampa Bay Region to explore the area’s extensive resources in bio-science and bio-technology, intellectual property rights protection, national biotechnology policy and citrus and produce research and production. The visitors met with the University of Florida Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Florida Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, with the Florida Citrus Mutual, the Young-Rainey STAR Center, Pinellas County Economic Development and with the USF Tampa Bay Technology Incubator. The visitors were also guests of the ICTBR at a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game.
August
August 23 – 27
West Bank – Senior Public Affairs Officers II
7 visitors from the Palestinian Authority
The fourth and final group from the Palestinian Authority was senior government public affairs officers. This group spent time with the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, the St. Petersburg Times, Pinellas 18, and the Pinellas County Emergency Management Center. Bill Maxwell, columnist for the St. Petersburg Times, and B.J. Sheffield hosted the group for dinner and conversation.
August 30 – September 6
Western Hemisphere Regional Project - The Electoral Process in the United States
14 Visitors from 11 Countries (Aruba – Netherlands Antilles, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Uruguay, Venezuela)
This project brought together young political leaders, academics, educators, political scientists and journalists from around Latin America and the Caribbean to gain insights into the US political process, the current Presidential and local elections, as well as voting machine technology. The group visited with the Southshore Democratic Club and the Sun City Center Republican Club, La Gaceta newspaper, the St. Petersburg Times, AARP, the League of Women Voters, St. Petersburg College, and the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections. ICTBR Chairman James MacDougald and the group proudly helped their Venezuelan colleague hoist the Venezuelan flag from the owner’s suite at a Tampa Bay Rays v. New York Yankees baseball game. The group was acknowledged by Venezuelan players Bobby Abreu (Yankees) and Dioner Navarro (Rays) as the flag appeared on the stadium Jumbotron television.
August 30 – September 3, 2008
Poland - Member of Parliament, Law and Justice Party
1 Visitor from 1 Country
The program in the Tampa Bay Region was designed to provide the participant with an enhanced understanding of how various federal and local bodies in the U.S. collaborate in preventing and responding to security threats. It illustrated the roles and responsibilities of the military, the intelligence community, emergency management agencies, and law enforcement bureaus in providing homeland security for Americans. The visitor was welcomed by St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, who talked about municipal-level coordination with state and Federal agencies on security matters.
September
September 20 – 24
Netherlands – New Media in the US
1 Visitor from 1 Country
As editor of a state of the art media outlet in the Netherlands, this visitor met with the regular ICTBR media program, and focused his interest on: How American newspapers and magazines use the web to tell their stories; what are their best practices and is production organized; and are news websites financially viable. In addition, our visitor spoke with area universities on the topics of how universities identify and implement research priorities in the field of new media; training techniques for new journalists; and how educational institutions use new media as educational instruments. ICTBR chair James MacDougald and ICTBR staff hosted home hospitality for the visitor.
September 30 – October 4
Argentina – Rule of Law and Human Trafficking Issues
1 Visitor from 1 Country
A partner in a major Argentine law firm, this visitor program was focused on: Examining anti-trafficking policies and programs at the Federal, state, and local levels; learning about federal, state, and local government efforts to arrest and prosecute human traffickers; and, understanding anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts at the federal, state, and local levels are coordinated, and cooperate internationally. This ICTBR arranged meetings with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department Community Police officer, Bay Area Legal Services (Wimauma), Beth-El Ministries (Wimauma), World Relief (New Port Richey), City of St. Petersburg City Attorney, the City Auditor of Clearwater, and the Hispanic Outreach Center (Clearwater), and the Greater Clearwater Task Force on Human Trafficking (Clearwater).
October
October 9-13, 2008
Thailand – Members of the Thai Election Commission (Voluntary Visitor Program)
2 Visitors from 1 country
This program, which included the Thai election commissioner and a former Supreme Court justice, was focused on providing the visitors with insights into the American political process, political parties and grassroots organizations. The visitors met with the Southshore Democratic Club and the Sun City Center Republican Club, WMNF community radio, the McCain campaign office, the deputy mayor of St. Petersburg, AARP, and the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections.
October 11-15, 2008
Mexico – Administration of Justice and Rule of Law
4 Visitors from 1 Country
This project was focused on introducing participants to the U.S. judicial and legal systems and allowing them to explore the philosophical and practical aspects of the rule of law in the United States. Visitors met with federal, state and municipal court officials, law professors, and law enforcement officials, including the National Editor of the St. Petersburg Times, the Associate Dean of International and Cooperative Programs at Stetson College of Law, the Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Office, the Hillsborough Country State’s Attorney, and a US Magistrate Judge in Tampa. The judges attended a half-day “moot court” session at Stetson College of Law.
October 15-19, 2008
India – Urdu Sect – Journalism in the United States
8 Visitors from 1 Country
This program, a “fee for service” project, brought eight senior Muslim journalists from Northwestern India to learn about media in a free society, press relations with local, state and Federal governments, and the role of media in shaping foreign policy. This program followed the typical ICTBR media program format, with special home hospitality provide by Dr. and Mrs. Husain Nagamia, chief of cardiology at Tampa General Hospital, who welcomed the visitors to his home for a “high tea” and discussion of Muslim society in the United States.
October 15-19, 2008
Moldova – Regional Media in the US
4 Visitors
from 1 Country
These media visitors came to Tampa Bay to learn about the role of media in a democratic and decentralized society, accountability and oversight in journalism, government-media relations, and general economic and financial reporting. Following the typical ICTBR media program, the visitors met with WFLA-TV, WMNF community radio, the City of St. Petersburg Marketing and Communications Director, the Poynter Institute, the St. Petersburg Times, and La Gaceta.
October 29 – November 2, 2008
Regional and Multi-Regional Programs - Breast Cancer Awareness and Treatment
23 visitors from 20 countries (Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, West Bank, Albania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Macedonia (FYROM), Kosovo, Serbia, Peoples Republic of China, Philippines, Russia, Sweden, and Turkey)
This program, a worldwide US Department of State initiative to build capacity for breast cancer awareness and treatment, was the first time the State Department brought two of the groups together in one place to close their program. The visitors – all physicians, health care professionals, non-profit executives – came here to learn new techniques and approaches to raising awareness about Breast Cancer – screening, detection, treatment and research. The International Council prepared a wide-ranging series of activities, in collaboration with Tampa Bay-wide community resources, including: the Moffitt Cancer Research Center, St. Anthony’s Breast Cancer Center, Susan G. Komen Foundation “Walk for the Cure”, a special seminar with the COO of the Komen Foundation on breast cancer awareness raising techniques, a “Camp dinner”, with over 1,900 participants in the “Walk for the Cure”, and the City of St. Petersburg International Relations Committee, which provided cultural activities for the guests. Trustee Rick Elias and his company, Transitions Optical, sponsored a gala dinner honoring the visitors and promoting breast cancer awareness, attended by over 100 supporters and friends of the International Council. Chair James MacDougald and Russ Bond, general manager of the Renaissance Vinoy Hotel, hosted a welcome reception for the visitors, and Mayor Rick Baker of St. Petersburg and Trustees of the International Council personally welcomed the group to the city. In addition to a professional program, St. Anthony’s “Susan Sheppard McGillicuddy Breast Center” hosted the visitors for breakfast at the Vinoy Hotel.
November
November 2-5, 2008
I-VOTE Program – Argentina, Kenya and Serbia
3 Visitors from 3 Countries
These three emerging leaders were part of a nationwide program that included 100 of their peers from around the world. They were here to learn about the US electoral process during the actual election week. The International Council prepared a full election program for this distinguished group, which included meetings with: WFLA-TV, the McCain and Obama campaign staffs, an election night “watch party” hosted by the St. Petersburg Chamber “young professionals” organization, and the Obama victory celebration in Tampa. The visitors were hosted for dinner by Chair James MacDougald, and spent nearly two hours talking with voters, election observers and election officials at a local polling place.
November 8-12, 2008
Italy - Deputy Chief Editor, Corriere del Mezzogiorno – Puglia Edition
1 Visitor from 1 Country
This media visitor is an influential political commentator in Italy, and his newspaper, the Puglia edition of Corriere del Mezzogiorno, is widely circulated in the intellectual and business communities in the Italian Puglia region. He is one of a group of experts managing a European Union school program aimed at introducing students to journalism and the media world in general. The International Council prepared its typical media program, which included USF Department of Journalism and Media Studies, the Poynter Institute, the Nielsen Media Research company, the St. Petersburg Times, WFLA-TV and the Tampa Tribune, WMNF community radio, and La Gaceta.
December
December 9-14, 2008
European Union – Section Head, Council of the European Union
1 Visitor from the European Union
This high-ranking security policy visitor came to the Tampa Bay Region to discuss emerging trends in security policy issues between the United Sates and the European Union, and to explore public-private cooperation on defense and security issues, highlighting government, defense industry, and academic alliances for research and development. Highlights from the International Council’s typical security issues programming included meetings with: St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker; former Governor Bob Martinez and former Congressman Jim Davis of Holland & Knight; the Southeastern Public Safety Institute (SEPSI) and the National Terrorism Preparedness Institute at St. Petersburg College; and senior military officers and staff. Trustee Michael Talmadge of Echelon hosted the visitor for home hospitality, joined by International Council Development Committee member Alan Astor of UBS.