GCIV UNDERTAKES IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN

After 42 years of stimulating citizen diplomacy in Georgia, the Georgia Council for International Visitors (GCIV) has designed and is now implementing a strategic plan.

Initiated by President William Rowland (Jones Day) and led by Board member Madeline Hamill (Hildebrand Hamill) the Plan sets strategic goals for the next three years. Board members participated in the three month long project and have articulated a number of objectives, strategies and initiatives to set the plan in action.

The uniqueness of GCIV has been identified as the pillars upon which the Plan will be implemented:

1. GCIV has established a professional reputation with the US State Department by delivering quality services under the International Visitor Program.
2. Its programs connect federal and state government, business leaders, academics and the local community on a non-partisan agenda.
3. The annual Consular Ball provides a forum for connecting Atlanta's distinguished consular corps with Atlanta's business and professional community.
4. It has a long history of connecting international VIPs to local professional, business, academic and government leaders.
5. The 42 year history of creating and implementing professional programming in the Georgia community.

The strategic elements are:

1. Strengthen relationships with Washington program agencies and connect with others as identified.
2. Create added value relationships with State of Georgia government, international based businesses and academic institutions.
3. Strengthen existing relationships with the Atlanta Consular Corps and build mutually beneficial alliances as appropriate.
4. Build cross-cultural understanding between Georgians and leading citizens from around the world.
5. Build a stable financial model.

Look for a continuation of the basic elements that have made GCIV an important part of Georgia's international community over the next months as well as some newer, more contemporary initiatives designed to strengthen the organization in its delivery of citizen diplomacy.