Dear Members and Friends of NOCDC,

We had an enormously successful year in 2010 with 476 visitors from over 100 countries enjoying New Orleans' unique culture and hospitality.  We are looking forward to an equally powerful year in 2011, and want to thank you, our generous members and volunteers, for your continuing spirit, enthusiasm and support.   We also especially want to thank Susannah Coolidge and her staff, Ines Sigel, and Adnan Suleman, for their commitment and hard work. 
 

Meeting and learning from our international visitors rewards us as individuals and as a community.  New Orleans is home to companies with business partners all over the globe, along with a growing population of professionals and entrepreneurs.  When we embrace the challenges, advantages, strengths and expertise available in our increasingly global culture we can become a more prosperous and interesting city.  A vibrant international community stimulates dynamism and intellectual creativity, and can inspire innovation and a sound economy.  By continuing to develop New Orleans as an internationally interesting and relevant city, we can continue to attract dynamic people from all over the world who want to live, work, and raise their families here. 
 

By participating in the Council, each of you also helps to spread a better understanding of the United States around the world through the most profound yet simple experience of individual contact with another curious human being.  I hope that all of you have a chance this year to personally witness such pleasant and rewarding opportunities. 
 

Once again, and on behalf of the entire board and staff of the Council, thank you for all your support and volunteer time, and we look forward you your renewed participation this year.  

With Best Regards,

Machelle Lee Hall
 

Membership Renewals
 

NOCDC membership renewals will be sent out soon. Be sure to send in your renewal forms so that you can be included in the numerous NOCDC events scheduled for 2011.  
 

If you are not a member and would like to join the Council, please call the NOCDC at (504) 529-1509 or visit http://www.nocdc.com/getinvolved.html.

NOCDC to offer Arabic, French and German language classes.
 

NOCDC language classes will commence the week of February 7. Beginning Arabic, Intermediate Arabic, Beginning French Language and Culture, and Beginning German Language and Culture will be offered. Courses will last for 10 weeks and will be taught by experienced teachers with an emphasis on language skills and culture. Tuition ranges from $280 to $420 depending on the hours of instruction offered by the teacher. For a flyer /registration form, email office@nocdc.com or call (504) 529-1509.

What is Halal?
 

The NOCDC often hosts international visitors who follow a halal diet. For home hospitality, the NOCDC is asked by hosts what they can serve to those visitors. Technically speaking, any meat other than pork that is slaughtered by a Muslim, Christian or Jew in the name of God is generally considered to be halal. The animal is killed quickly without knowing its fate. Although there are differences in opinion amongst Muslims as to what else is halal or not, the safest bet is to buy meat from a certified halal meat shop and make sure to cook it without alcohol. Another popular option for hosts is to serve seafood (including shellfish) to those visitors who follow a halal diet.

Upcoming Projects:

Film Industry in the U.S. - A Project for Indonesia
January 19-22
3 Visitors

Judicial System - A Project for France
January 22-26
Ms. Airelle Niepce

NGOs and Civic Activism - A Multi-Regional Project
January 22-26
25 Visitors

Primary and Secondary Education - A Regional Project for Latin America
February 2-5
9 Visitors

Transparency and Good Governance - A Project for Francophone Africa
February 9-15
10 Visitors

Skills and Youth Development - A Project for South Africa
February 12-16
4 Visitors

Rebuilding after a Disaster - A Regional Project for South Asia
February 16-20
8 Visitors

Combating Trafficking in Persons - A Project for Uzbekistan
February 23-27
4 Visitors

Teaching English as a Second Language - A Multi-Regional Project
March 12-19
4 Visitors

U.S. Justice System - A Project for Francophone Africa
March 15-18
10 Visitors

Women as Political Leaders - A Regional Project for Africa
March 17-22
20 Visitors

Cultural Heritage Preservation - A Regional Project for South and Central Asia
April 11-15
9 Visitors

Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) - Mr. Peter Reichard, Projects Manager

Greater New Orleans, Inc. - Mr. Sal Figueroa, International Trade Consultant; Ms. Jenny Hunter, Vice President of Business Development

Levees.org - Ms. Sandy Rosenthal, Founder

Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism - Mr. Steven L. Windham, Director, Office of the Lieutenant Governor; Ms. Susan Smith, International Representative

Louisiana Economic Development (LED) - Mr. Larry Collins, Director of International Services

New Orleans Office of Inspector General, Ethics Review Board - Mr. Edouard Quatrevaux, Inspector General

Port of New Orleans - Mr. Robert Landry, Director of Marketing; Ms. Ana Menes, Marketing Manager; Ms. Janine Moreau, Marketing Manager 
 

Port of South Louisiana - Ms. Linda Prudhomme, Director of Business Development

U.S Attorney's Office Eastern District of Louisiana - Mr. Brian Klebba, Assistant U.S. Attorney; Mr. Gregory Kennedy, Assistant U.S. Attorney