Peoria Area World Affairs Council

Cuba's Revolution
Time for a Policy Change?

Thursday, April 17, 2014
Illinois Valley Yacht Club (IVY Club)
Peoria Heights, IL

There is so much rich history in Cuba, some of it intertwined in U.S. history. Understanding the diplomatic intricacies and hostilities that mark the U.S.-Cuban relationship may require a translator that has nothing to do with the language. Dr. Perez has studied Cuba extensively, conducted research on location, and has led numerous groups to Cuba. She'll share her insights and analyses of the state of Cuba's revolution and the potential for change in U.S. policies toward this island nation.

The Impact of the Transatlantic Trade and
Investment Partnership on Central Illinois
The EU in the US Discussion Series

Thursday, May 1, 2014
Robert Michel Student Center
Bradley University

Relations between the European Union and the United States have become even more important as these allies face challenges from the Middle East, Asia and Russia. Business ties and moves to further open their economies to each other are adding even greater depth to EU-US relations. Join Diplomats from EU Member States and Illinois and US Department of Commerce officials for a candid discussion of transatlantic relations and the potential impact of the proposed trade and investment agreement on Central Illinois.

EU Member States participating:
Madam Ioanna Efthymiadou, Consul General, Consulate General of Greece
Mr. Simeon Stoilov, Consul General, Consulate General of Bulgaria
Mr. Paul Graham, Consul General, Consulate General of France
Mr. Klaas van der Tempel, Consul General, Consulate General of The Netherlands
Mr. Robert Rusiecki, Deputy Consul General, Consulate General of the Republic of Poland
Mr. Ramin Navai, Deputy Consul General, British Consulate-General
Madam Jelena Grčić Polić, Consul General, Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia

Schedule of Events:
11:00 am              Check-in

11:30 am              Luncheon Reservation required

12:30 pm              Panel Discussion with Diplomats
                               Moderator: David Cleeton, Chair of the Department of Economics, ISU
                               Free and open to the public

2:00 pm Coffee Break and Check in for Seminar

2:30 pm Business Seminar Registration required

"Rising Europe: The Growing Economies and Opportunities of the Former Eastern Bloc"
Marianne Drain, Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of Commerce

"A Shared Path to Prosperity: An Illinois Perspective on Trade and Investment with Europe"
Daniel Goff, Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

4:30 pm Adjournment

Pre-registration is required for the luncheon and seminar. Pre-registration for the panel discussion is requested for planning purposes. Download the registration form or register online at ArtsPartners.

This event is sponsored by the Delegation of the European Union in the United States, the World Affairs Councils of America, and the Peoria Area World Affairs Council, in partnership with the Institute of International Studies and the SBDC International Trade Center at Bradley University, the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, and the European Union Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

May Membership Meeting

Thursday, May 14, 2014 at 5:30 pm
ICC North Campus is the terrific new location for the monthly meeting. Join us in Poplar Hall, Room 129 at 5:30 pm on the first Thursday of the month.

Everyone is welcome to join us and learn more about your organization and how you can become more involved! View the agenda here.

Travel with the World Affairs Councils!

Find your destination with the Philadelphia World Affairs Council! Each trip features first-class accommodations and outstanding sites. In addition, each trip includes an expert who offers insight along the way. For example, join Angela Weck in June for a terrific cruise along the waterways of Russia! Find all the details at the WAC Philadelphia site.

For more information or assistance, please contact Angela Weck, Peoria Area World Affairs Council, pawac@fsmail.bradley.edu or (309) 677-2454.