the last word
Publisher’s Note
if
IF I were asked, “What do I
love about Houston? As the
publisher of the International
Focus (iF) Magazine, my an-
swer would be, without ques-
tion, its diversity. As a native
Houstonian, I’ve had the priv-
ilege of observing decades of
Houston’s transformation into a remarkable me-
tropolis 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.
some of the world’s most coveted business
conferences and high-level sports events. The
citizens of Houston are extremely fortunate to
have this great leader as Mayor of the 4th largest
(soon to be 3rd) city in the nation!
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
posting their Consulates and Diplomats here.
Houston now boasts of having the third largest
Consular Corp in the Nation and growing. iF
Magazine has interviewed and put on its cover
many of its outstanding diplomats.
As we approach our third year of publication
in 2019, we can only imagine the possibility
for enormous growth that the City of Hous-
ton could experience due to its extraordinary
diversity! The International Focus Magazine, a
monthly publication, will promote and cover
all of Houston’s International communities.
Our focus is on international business, culture
and lifestyle as it relates to the greater Houston
area and we look forward to your readership. IF
Magazine has been a ground-breaker with a key
global platform for some of today’s rising stars
in International affairs, analysis and commentary.
As always, thank you for your readership!
Val Thompson
Publisher & CEO
[email protected]
Val
Which brings me to our cover page with the
Mayor of Houston, The Honorable Sylvester
Turner, who has been an exceptional leader for
the City of Houston for all things international.
He has hosted heads of state and their delega-
tions from around the globe. He has attracted
54 iF Magazine | January 2019