The Georgia Council for International Visitors organized the first ever Atlanta Summit on Citizen Diplomacy, bringing together 200 community members for a day of cultural competency training, regional briefings, and conversations with members of Atlanta’s distinguished Consular Corps. Click here to read more about the summit.

GCIV began a new tradition of thanking top home hospitality hosts with the first Host the Hosts Dinner. Consul General of Japan Shoji Ogawa graciously opened his home to GCIV's top hosts for the 2006 fiscal year. Pictured in the front row are Steve and Andrea Thomas, Consul General Ogawa, Pam Lattimore, Shellie Stuart, Margaret Pumper, and Emily Bushey. In the back row are David Clyde, Jenni Heerink, Robert Lattimore, Beverly Clyde, and Ashley Mastin. The other top hosts included Vicki Van Der Hoek and Allen Freedman, Laura Gilmore, and Joe Beasley, who were not at the event.

First the hosts were picked up in limousines generously provided by D&A Transportation Services. After informal conversation and a toast with sake, the hosts were served a traditional seven-course Japanese meal in the official residence of the Japanese Consul. Mr. Ogawa thanked the hosts for all they do to foster positive international relations.

GCIV's membership is critical to the success of our organization, as it serves as an important indicator of community support for the U.S. Department of State and other agencies that rely on us to arrange programs for hundreds of international visitors each year. Becoming a member is easy - just visit our membership page to download an application.

The International Women Associates has begun their new season after a break during the summer months. IWA is a women's group that meets monthly in members' homes for friendship and cultural enrichment. There have already been two exciting meetings thus far, and the next is just around the corner.

The September meeting featured guest speaker Katherine Hutto, who spoke about her years as private secretary to Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan. Ms. Hutto is pictured here at the September meeting, in a photo courtesy of TDL Productions. The October meeting featured Camille Gaffron, Executive Director of Villa International. Ms. Gaffron told the group about Villa International's work to provide a home away from home to Atlanta's international visitors. The November meeting will feature Kay Summers of the High Museum, who will talk about the special exhibit on loan from the Louvre in Paris! Contact Emily Bushey to receive an invitation.

Publisher Phil Bolton, president of Agio Press Inc., was singled out for praise for his contributions to Georgia's international community as winner of the Governor's International Award during a black-tie gala Oct. 14. Phil was nominated for the award by the Georgia Council for International Visitors, whose own Atlanta Summit on Citizen Diplomacy was nominated for the international education award. Click here for the rest of the story.

Thursday, November 9th
IWA October Meeting
The International Women's Associates November meeting will feature Kay Summers of the High Museum, who will talk about the special exhibit on loan from the Louvre in Paris. Contact Emily Bushey at 404-965-4329 to receive an invitation.