Canadian Delegation Visit to Detroit

On Wednesday, December 15^th IVC Detroit welcomed three delegates from Canada, invited to the United States under the auspices of the Department of State participating in an International Visitor Leadership Program focusing on “Securing North America”, for a 4-day visit to Detroit.

The participants included: Mr. Gary Logan, Special Assistant to the Office of the Honorable Geoff Regan, Member of the parliament; Mr. David MacKenzie, Community Relations and Military Affairs Advisor to the Government of Nova Scotia; and Mr. Jason F. Mullen, Regional Program Officer for the Atlantic Region of the Canada Border Services Agency. The three delegates were accompanied by Mr. Sheridan Bell, Department of State Language Officer. The focus of the delegate’s program was an increased public understanding of and support for U.S. measures to secure the border and prevent illegal activities, to meet with civic and business leaders from border regions to discuss border security, trade, and cross border crime.

The delegates started their visit to Detroit with a briefing with the Department of Homeland Security focused on inter-agency and international cooperation to combat drug trafficking. The briefing encompassed a site visit to sections of the Detroit Port of Entry. Following the briefing, the participants met with Mr. Abraham Azzam, Director of the Michigan Office of National Drug Control Policy’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, which enhances and coordinates drug control efforts among local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. A meeting with Ms. Melissa Roy, Detroit Regional Chamber gave visitors an opportunity to meet with the organization’s policy group and discuss necessary balance between security and a free flow of goods across the border in order to create a well-functioning and seamless border. The delegates also had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Roy Norton, Consul General of Canada, Mr. George Costaris, Manager of Political/Economic Relations and Public Affairs, and Ms. Mary Lynn Becker, Public Affairs Office at the office of the Consulate General of Canada in Detroit. Visitors discussed the Consulate General’s mission and regional cooperation to further enhance the relationship between the two countries in the areas of trade and security.

Participants had the unique opportunity to speak with Honorable Rashida Tlaib, State Representative 12^th District of the Michigan House of Representatives about the Detroit River International Crossing Project. The delegates concluded their program with a meeting with Mr. James Buford, Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, Wayne County Michigan; Mr. Fred Berry, Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management & Special Assignment to Robert Ficano, CEO, Wayne County Michigan; and Ms. Ellena Gatzaros, Legal Counsel, 400 Monroe Associates and IVC Detroit Board Member. The discussion of the meeting centered on Wayne County’s Homeland Security programs, and coordination with other governmental agencies.

While in Detroit, the delegates also enjoyed a visit to the Henry Ford Museum and gracious dinner hospitality from Mr. & Mrs. Steve and Joyce Uzelac, long time IVC Detroit members and hosts.

Spotlight on IVLP Programming: Canada

On Wednesday, December 15^th IVC Detroit will welcome three delegates from Canada, invited to the United States under the auspices of the Department of State participating in an International Visitor Leadership Program focused on “Securing North America”, for a 4-day visit to Detroit.

The U.S. and Canada share a 3.987 mile border and the deepest trade relationship of any two nations in the world. The goal of the delegate’s program is to increase public understanding of and support for U.S. measures to secure the border and prevent illegal activities, to meet with civic and business leaders, as well as municipal and tourism officials from border regions, and to visit with print an broadcast journalists covering border security and civil liberties, trade, and cross border crime.

IVC Detroit preparations for visitor programs include arranging professional meetings with metro Detroit professional counterparts, cultural activities and dinner hospitality with an IVC Detroit member.  The program in Detroit will allow the delegates the opportunity to learn more about the U.S.-Canada border and customs, discuss trade and border security, and explore regional partnerships related to border issues. While in Detroit the delegates will have the opportunity to meet with the Department of Homeland Security, the Michigan High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, the Detroit Regional Chamber, the Consulate General of Canada in Detroit, and the Wayne County Department of Homeland Security.

Delegates include a Special Assistant to the Office of the Honorable Geoff Regan, Member of the Parliament, a Community Relations and Military Affairs Advisor to the Government of Nova Scotia, and a Regional Program Officer for the Atlantic Region of the Canada Border Services Agency.

To receive more information about the program please contact:  IVC Detroit at (248) 375-7300.

Mexican Bicentennial Celebration

                                                            IVC Detroit joined Mexican Consul of Detroit Vicente Sanchez Ventura and the Mexican community at El Barzon on Monday evening December 6^th in celebration of Mexico’s Bicentennial of Independence and 100^th Anniversary of the Revolution during 2010 and Las Posadas.

 El Barzon was decorated in it’s Christmas best with glistening green & red lights. The mood was warm & welcoming on a very cold night. Guests dined on Mexican & Italian cuisine prepared by award winning Chef Norberto Garita. Young professionals along with more veteran IVC members enjoyed the margaritas and house made guacamole before feasting on the delicious buffet dinner. IVC Global Diplomats included Scott Brills, Beverly Cornell, Steven Rybicki, Ellena Gatzaros & husband Christos Moisides, Rona Lum, Dr. Saleh Muslah, Connie Hogan, Fay Said.  Fouad Ashkar of DTE Energy, Julie Oldani, Lourdes Andaya, Judge Cynthia Hathaway & DeWayne Hayes along with Dr. Yvan Silva brought many friends to celebrate with IVC Detroit. Christmas vendors featured silver jewelry, holiday stationery & papers, Christmas cookies & chocolate bark. Proceeds benefit IVC Detroit -a 5o1c.3 non profit organization. Guests enjoyed celebrating with Ed & Marilyn Bartley, Yolanda & Charlie Turner, Sophia Ellis, Dr. Fern Espino & Tom Short, Jim Wolfe, Allen & Gwen Hicks, Jonathan Swift, Jackie Collins, & Tom St. Charles, Sisters Rose & Monica from Madonna University, Bev & Tony Fritz, Cindy & Frank Brady and purchasing items from the Christmas vendors. On behalf of the Mexican Consulate in Detroit, Consul Sanchez Ventura and Consul Jacqueline Moran presented certificates of Appreciation to Chef Norberto and to IVC Detroit Executive Director Julie Oldani. Set up & arrangements for the IVC Detroit Christmas Booth and event were arranged by Regan Watson & Imke Baumann. Prizes for the Christmas drawing were won by Jim Wolfe, DeWayne Hayes & George Johnson.