International Focus Magazine Vol. 2, #7 | Page 7

the first word Publisher’s Note J uly offers a world of excitement for Houston’s mainstream and international communities. In our July issue you will discover our passion for the mission of covering all things international, which includes business, culture and lifestyles. iF Magazine’s July cover page is one I’ve been waiting for, The Honorable Philip Berquist, Honorary Consul of Croatia. I wasn’t the only one, our staff was impressed and delighted to do the story. Our contributing reporter, So- nia Guimbellot, and photographer, Vicky Pink, were in awe of the beauty and power of some of the scenes the consul shared with us on Croa- tia. After viewing some spectacular pictures of scenes of water falls and landscapes, I found myself wanting to visit Croatia. I’m not just writing about how impressive the pictures of Croatia were — although I could — but I’m also writing about how extremely polite the Consul of Croatia proved to be and a delight Val to interview. I can speak for our team in saying that we totally enjoyed the experience. OK, “It’s summer time and the living is easy!” Well not quite for us, although speaking for the team again, the line between work and play can be blurred. That’s why starting July we plan to double our efforts, cover more exciting inter- national events. Have I mentioned a mission to Cuba? That’s right, iF Magazine will join Hous- ton City Council Member Larry Green on an educational mission to Cuba this month! Get- ting back to our cover page, I’d love to travel to Croatia and cover the capitol city Zegreb as well. Also, I’m excited to announce we’ve celebrated our one year anniversary! We’ve been chal- lenged to publish articles about interesting peo- ple and events. And we’ve been texted from all angles for a full year now, we have passed each test with flying colors! What a year it has been!. And as always, thank you for your readership. Val Thompson Publisher & CEO [email protected] iF Magazine | www.iFMagazine.net 7