Posted December 07, 2007 10:23

First Order of Business

News from Brazil...
After participating in Governor Crist's highly enlightening and successul trade mission to Brazil last month, I'm happy to bring you a summary report, including a brief overview of our regional presence attending in Sào Paolo and some commentary on why this mission was so significant.
Article Here

I'm assisted in this task by fellow attendee Carlo Barbieri of the Oxford Group, who offers a more numbers-driven look at Sào Paolo and the reasons why Brazil makes such an excellent trading partner for our state.
Article Here

...and Closer to Home
I was recently appointed to Chairman of the World Trade Centers Association of Florida, and to the Stakeholders Council for Enterprise Florida. Both appointments are very exciting for me as they will afford me the opportunity to make a difference on a statewide level.
Press Release Here

Tom Watkins Returns!
After taking last month off, Tom Watkins returns with another installment of his monthly China Syndrome column, this time inviting us all to size up our education system against China and other world players.

Home Page: ICE for the Holidays?
Hopefully you won't need more luck than Lucky Mata. An eye-opening update to the immigration saga on the Home page.

Lots Going On--Miscellaneous Announcements
Inter-American Development Bank Seminars
Air Cargo Americas
CEO Forum '07
Virtual Office in Tampa
Palm Beach Film & TV's Student Competition

Fa-La-La-La-Language

This month, we conclude the year with a look at the role and power of Language.
I start off by worrying about how short-sighted American monoculturalism can only hamper our nation's stature on the global stage. (Article Here)

This theme is echoed by Edwin Arrieta, who also proposes how language curricula can and should change the future.
(Article Here)

Gyneth McAllister explores the depth of cultural differences that extend well beyond language, and make international business communications challenging. (Article Here)

And for those looking to reach out across the great divide of languages, the World Trade Center Palm Beach offers this excellent translation resource:
Download PDF Here and
request form here

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

On behalf of myself and World Trade Center Palm Beach, I'd like to wish all of my readers a holiday season be filled with joy, and may the coming new year bring us all much prosperity and contentment.

Citizens of the World will be taking a slight break for the holidays, and will instead publish a combined January/February issue.

Thank you all for your interest and support throughout our first year.

-Al Zucaro

Reprinted with permission.
December 2007 International Newsletter Courtesy of Al Zucaro ©2007 Al Zucaro.