the first word
Publisher ’ s Note if there is an international language — and I ’ m not sure there isn ’ t , I ’ m not an educator or claim to know all about languages — however , for the sake of getting my message through , if so , the three most important words would be diplomacy , diplomacy and diplomacy .
“ WE MUST EMBRACE OUR IN- TERNATIONAL ALLIANCES AND SECURITY PARTNERSHIPS . HIS- TORY IS CLEAR : NATIONS WITH STRONG ALLIES THRIVE AND THOSE WITHOUT THEM WITH- ER ”
Retired General James Mattis
With that said , Houston is blessed with some of the most intelligent and brightest diplomats you ’ ll find anywhere in the world ! That shouldn ’ t be a surprise because most of Houston ’ s Consular Corps heads of post will tell you our city is one of the most desirable posts on the planet !
Our consulates , heads of post and staff do a fabulous job day in and out bringing business , money and new Americans to our great city as well as exposing new opportunities to our citizenship in their home countries . Hats off to our Houston Consular Corps !
While our hats are off , I ’ d like to mention our great team of directors , graphic artist , photographers , writers and editors who are driving iF Magazine to heights I ’ m very excited about . Have I mentioned how they all came together and pulled off a very successful kickoff mixer at Post Oak Grill ? I didn ’ t need to because many of you were there ! And if you weren ’ t , then you missed a packed house filled with people you ’ d really like to meet ( photos in Seen on the Scene section ). That ’ s ok , I ’ ll see you at our next event .
As always , thank you for your readership !
Val Thompson Publisher & CEO ValVal @ IFMagazine . net iF Magazine | www . iFMagazine . net 7