the last word
Publisher’s Note
if
I were asked, what do I love
about Houston? My answer
would be, without question,
its extraordinary diversity. As
a native Houstonian, I’ve had
the privilege of observing de-
cades of Houston’s transfor-
mation into an exceptional
metropolis of immigrants
from all nationalities, cul-
tures and communities. And I’ve watched and
admired Houston’s forward-thinking leadership
who have dealt with challenging social and cul-
tural issues by taking bold stances ending with
positive results.
The City of Houston has become an economic
engine helping to drive the U.S. economy in
several areas attracting international business-
es, professionals, students, and families to make
Houston their home. Nations from around the
globe, federations and republics alike, are post-
ing their consulates and diplomats here. Hous-
ton now boasts having the third largest Consular
Corp in the Nation and growing.
The conference was a total success and the most
diverse in the State of Texas! This event, which
we covered, made me aware of how diverse
Houston is. Every ethnicity from the regions
mentioned for HITDC mission were represent-
ed at the conference. We are planning to be seen
on that scene next year! It served as a great key
global platform for some of today’s rising stars in
International affairs.
I’m extremely passionate about the growth of
Houston’s international communities and look
forward to covering it!
And as always, thank you for your readership!
Val
We can only imagine the possibility for enor-
mous growth that the City of Houston could
experience due to its extraordinary diversity.
Which brings to mind the Houston Global Trade
Conference & Expo presented by the Houston
International Trade Development Council, Inc.
(HITDC) a nonprofit organization dedicated to
assisting small and medium enterprises develop
48 iF Magazine | October 2018
economically in developing countries of Africa,
Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America.
Val Thompson
Publisher & CEO
[email protected]